The Christians that lived around the Arabian Peninsula during Muhammad's lifetime are shrouded in mystery. Some of the stories of the Prophet's interactions with them are based on legends and myths, while others are more authentic and plausible. But who exactly were these Christians? Why did Muhammad interact with them as he reportedly did? And what lessons can today's Christians and Muslims learn from these encounters? Scholar Craig Considine, one of the most powerful global voices speaking in admiration of the prophet of Islam, provides answers to these questions. Through a careful study of works by historians and theologians, he highlights an idea central to Muhammad's vision: an inclusive Ummah, or Muslim nation, rooted in citizenship rights, interfaith dialogue, and freedom of conscience, religion and speech. In this unprecedented sociological analysis of one of history's most influential human beings, Considine offers groundbreaking insight that could redefine Christian and Muslim relations.

This book explores the Pakistani diaspora in a transatlantic context, enquiring into the ways in which young first- and second-generation Pakistani Muslim and non-Muslim men resist hegemonic identity narratives and respond to their marginalised conditions. Drawing on rich documentary, ethnographic and interview material gathered in Boston and Dublin, Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora introduces the term 'Pakphobia', a dividing line that is set up to define the places that are safe and to distinguish 'us' and 'them' in a Pakistani diasporic context. With a multiple case study design, which accounts for the heterogeneity of Pakistani populations, the author explores the language of fear and how this fear has given rise to a 'politics of fear' whose aim is to distract and divide communities. A rich, cross-national study of one of the largest minority groups in the US and Western Europe, this book will appeal to sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and geographers with interests in race and ethnicity, migration and diasporic communities.

This book explores the Pakistani diaspora in a transatlantic context, enquiring into the ways in which young first- and second-generation Pakistani Muslim and non-Muslim men resist hegemonic identity narratives and respond to their marginalised conditions. Drawing on rich documentary, ethnographic and interview material gathered in Boston and Dublin, Islam, Race, and Pluralism in the Pakistani Diaspora introduces the term 'Pakphobia', a dividing line that is set up to define the places that are safe and to distinguish 'us' and 'them' in a Pakistani diasporic context. With a multiple case study design, which accounts for the heterogeneity of Pakistani populations, the author explores the language of fear and how this fear has given rise to a 'politics of fear' whose aim is to distract and divide communities. A rich, cross-national study of one of the largest minority groups in the US and Western Europe, this book will appeal to sociologists, anthropologists, political scientists, and geographers with interests in race and ethnicity, migration and diasporic communities.

This installment in the critically acclaimed Contemporary Debates series uses evidence-based documentation to provide a full and impartial examination of beliefs and claims made about Muslim individuals, families, and communities in the United States. Muslims in America: Examining the Facts provides an objective overview of the realities and experiences of Muslims in the United States, both historically and in the present day, and of their relationship with their fellow Americans. It surveys the history of American Muslims' settlement and integration into the United States; explores the dominant social, political, cultural, and economic characteristics of American Muslim families and communities; and studies the ways in which their experiences and beliefs intersect with various notions of American national identity. In the process, the book critically examines the more dominant social and political narratives and claims surrounding American Muslims and their religion of Islam, including false or malicious claims about their attitudes toward terrorism and other important issues. Muslims in America: Examining the Facts thus gives readers a clear and accurate understanding of the actual lives, actions, and beliefs of Muslim people in the United States. Provides evidence-based information about American Muslims and their historical and current roles in American life and culture Surveys and explains ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity among the US Muslim population Offers an in-depth analysis of the dynamics of Islamophobia and its impact on American Muslims Objectively examines claims that Muslims are "un-American" or potential threats to American national security and society

A valuable resource for readers interested in the role of Islam in contemporary U. S. politics and society, this first-of-its kind reference synthesizes Islamic teachings, the example of Prophet Muhammad, and the vision of the Founding Fathers. Islam is the most misunderstood and misrepresented religious tradition in the United States, depicted as an oppressive and violent political system and its followers as backward and "un-American." The stereotypes about Islam and Muslims in the U.S. calls for a new sociological understanding that confronts the menacing bigotry and racism rising in the U.S. today. Through an overview essay, chronology, and roughly 50 alphabetically arranged entries, this reference explores the intersection of Islam, Muslims, and American national identity. The primary focus is contemporary issues and developments relating to Islam in the U.S., but the entries also incorporate a fuller picture of Islam in general and Muslims worldwide. Included are entries on history, race and ethnicity, interfaith commonalities, politics, discrimination and hate, and national identity. The entries cite works for further reading, and the book closes with an annotated bibliography of the most important resources.