Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam

The nearly seven million Muslims living in the United States represent an increasingly important part of American society. Yet relations between the U.S. and its Muslim community are strained. Brookings Nonresident Senior Fellow Akbar Ahmed conducted a cross-country study of the American Muslim community, recounted in his new book, Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam. The book examines questions of the acceptance of Muslims as truly “American,” and what being “American” means, as well as issues such as how Muslims in the United States relate to other religious communities. The book also explores the potential threat of increased “homegrown terrorism” like the attempted bombing of Times Square and the deadly shooting spree at Fort Hood.

On June 24, the Brookings Institution hosted a discussion on the findings of the book and the experience of being Muslim in America. Following the presentation, Imam Mohamed Magid, vice president of the Islamic Society of North America, discussed Ahmed’s book and the crucial issues he raises. Fellow Stephen Grand, director of the Project on U.S. Relations with the Islamic World, provided introductory remarks and moderated the discussion.

After the program, the speakers took audience questions.