AMERICAN MUSLIMS Meaning and
Definition
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American Muslims refers to individuals who adhere to the Islamic faith, predominantly inhabiting the United States. The term "American Muslims" recognizes their religious affiliation while also acknowledging their citizenship or residency in America. These individuals are an integral part of the diverse religious fabric in the country.
American Muslims encompass a wide range of practices, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds, reflecting the diversity within the global Muslim community. They follow the teachings and practices outlined in the Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad. Prayer, fasting during Ramadan, giving to charity (Zakat), and undertaking the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj) are central religious obligations for American Muslims.
Their socioeconomic, racial, and ethnic backgrounds are vast, representing various countries of origin. While some American Muslims are born into Muslim families in the United States, many have immigrated from different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. Consequently, American Muslims encompass a multitude of languages, traditions, and cultures.
As American citizens, American Muslims have equal rights and opportunities, which are protected by the U.S. Constitution. Their religious practices are safeguarded under the First Amendment, allowing them to freely observe their faith. American Muslims contribute to various sectors of society, including politics, education, arts, sciences, business, and philanthropy, enriching the multifaceted tapestry of American life.
Etymology of AMERICAN MUSLIMS
The word "American Muslims" is a compound term consisting of "American" and "Muslims".
1. American: The term "American" originates from the name of the country, the United States of America. It is derived from the Latin feminized version, "Americana", which was coined in reference to the geographical discovery and colonization of the Americas. The word "America" itself is derived from the Latin version of the name of Italian explorer Amerigo Vespucci, who first demonstrated that the newly discovered lands were a separate continent, not part of Asia.
2. Muslims: The term "Muslims" refers to the followers of Islam, one of the major world religions. It comes from the Arabic word "muslim" (مُسْلِم), which means "one who submits or surrenders to God".
