Pew Survey: American Muslims "Mainstream but Devout"

American Muslims "Mainstream but Devout"

Faraz Khan
Photo: Imam Hamad Chebli at ISCJ

American Muslims on university campuses are a conglomerate of different ethnicities and cultures. They represent different lands of origin such as Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe. Most Muslim students come from stable families with an emphasis on religious values and a good education.

Muslim organizations and clubs on campus give importance to having a good relationship with God and one's neighbors. Therefore, programs organized by student organizations such as Fast-a-thon, to fast a day to provide food for others, food drives, walk-a-thons, blood drives and peace rallies are all part of a conscience effort to integrate with mainstream culture on core human values. The devotion to serve one's community comes from Islamic religious teachings that accentuate desiring good for other. For example, "One cannot be a believer in God unless he loves for his brother what he loves for himself" is an often quoted saying of Prophet Muhammad. (peace be upon him).

Muslim students are very active and visible on campus. One will often come across common everyday folks who love to chat about football, basketball, popular TV shows, facebook, fashion, along with praying in a silent corner, wearing modest attire and a talking often invoking the name of God. Many students find religion during their college years and student organizations play a pivotal role in educating people about Islam. Muslim students participate in many programs and educational seminars with members of other faiths and organizations to learn and educate others about civic obligations and community service. Not surprisingly, Muslim Americans' interactions and positive energy has led to a recent Pew Forum survey description of "mainstream but devout".