Muslims and the Making of America is an accessible and engaging book that tells the story of Muslim contributions to American history and creativity. From early medieval intimations of an 'unknown land' across the Atlantic, through west African plantation slaves, to the contemporary accomplishments of athletes, musicians, and artists, Islam has been a force in the United States and Muslims have played a vital role in making America great.
~Jane McAuliffe, Director of National and International Outreach, United States Library of Congress
Informing the world about Islam’s place in America, this book could not come at a more opportune moment. Lucid, erudite and provocative, only Amir Hussain can make us see the multiple dimensions of the world’s second largest faith in America’s cultural icons, musical stars, political history, cultural values, and public life at large in his unique masterful style. A must-read for anyone wishing to observe Islam beyond sensational headlines in order to grasp the complex lives of Muslim Americans.
~Ebrahim Moosa, Professor of Islamic Studies and Religion, University of Notre Dame
A sparkling text. Amir Hussain arrives early to tell a story that has long needed telling.
~Jack Miles, Distinguished Professor of English and Religious Studies, University of California at Irvine
In recent times of rising Islamophobia, rampant misinformation about Islam, and political rhetoric against Muslims, books showcasing the positive aspects of Muslims in America are very welcome. Hussain’s book Muslims and the Making of America may be a very short read but it is a much needed one, packed with facts that destroy myths and remove stereotypes.
~Saadia Faruqi, New York Journal of Books
A welcome antidote to anti-Muslim sentiment and 'us/them' diatribes
~Publishers Weekly
Muslims and the Making of America is an extremely accessible book and one that should be required reading for Christian communities across the country. It’s a well-researched work with a bibliography that points to sources for further reading.
~J. Ryan Parker, Patheos
The writing is conversational, blending personal narrative and historical details, and the examples given are relatable ones. This is a useful and good choice for those who want to show that Muslims (and Islam) are part-and-parcel of American life.
~Muhammed Hassanali, Booklist
An extraordinary and much needed historical study and an impressive example of impeccable scholarship…
~The Midwest Book Review
It makes sense that a veteran academic in Islamic studies would engage in this genial and warm conversation. Hussain’s prose is personable, gentle, and melodious yet passionately dedicated to a dream of a complexly inclusive United States…It is a timely, contemporary exercise in bridge building.
~Shabana Mir, Los Angeles Review of Books
…Hussain has set out to prove that, far from being merely compatible with American values, Muslims have been at the center of the creation of American popular culture.
~James L. Fredericks, Commonweal
Accessible, engaging, and even entertaining
~Choice
As the threat of ethnic nationalism rises around the world, reading this book could help many Americans to reevaluate whether we want to be a nation of laws and morals and to cooperate with others for a better future.
~Vincent Biondo, Religious Studies Review
