Muslims and the Making of America

“There has never been an America without Muslims,” according to Hussain’s (Oil & Water) book, a vindication of Muslim Americans and their essential contributions to U.S. history and culture. Addressing errant assumptions that Muslims are new to America, foreign to America, or an “un-American” threat to the nation, Hussain contends that Muslims have in fact made America more American. Unpacking President Barack Obama’s Cairo speech, in which he claimed, “Islam has always been a part of America’s story,” Hussain offers readers a short history of Islam in America and looks at particular contributions that American Muslims have made to culture, music, and sports. Though not exhaustive, these examples clearly illustrate the book’s main point that America would not exist as it does today without the essential contributions made by its Muslim inhabitants. At a time when many non-Muslims in America feel ambivalent about or hostile toward Muslims, Hussain’s congenial, jovial tone is a welcome antidote to anti-Muslim sentiment and “us/them” diatribes. Rather than simply examining America through a Muslim lens, Hussain uses relevant historical references, personages, and anecdotes to illustrate that American Muslims are already part and parcel of their country’s history, culture, and identity. (Oct.)