When Islam Is Not a Religion: Inside America’s Fight for Religious Freedom

Religious liberties attorney Uddin pushes back forcefully on anti-Muslim sentiment in this reasoned, approachable book. Drawing from personal experience and reported incidents of discrimination, harassment, and violence against Muslims, Uddin sheds light on systematic patterns of bias against Muslims. She advocates for a constitutionally grounded approach to religious freedom as the primary civil right, arguing that the degradation of religious freedoms for Muslims strikes against the foundations of democracy. She starts with a masterful takedown of the claim from anti-Islam fearmongers that Islam is not a religion, and cites atheists Sam Harris and Bill Maher as key progressive figures espousing that Islam is “not a religion of peace.” Uddin provides an analysis of how contemporary American Muslim women face extra social consequences, particularly when trying to publicly practice their religion, and reviews prominent Supreme Court cases dealing with freedom of religion. Uddin’s thorough research, formidable intelligence, and eloquent prose are evident throughout, and she persuasively dismantles misconceptions about American Muslims, such as that they are more likely to become radicalized due to their religion. Her cogent arguments will be appreciated by readers willing to listen, as the work provides an accessible introduction to key Islamic concepts alongside a clarion call for the protection of everyone’s religious rights. Readers interested in the current political struggles of Muslim Americans or the legal issues surrounding religious liberties will find much to ponder in Uddin’s excellent work. (July)