The Muslim World
Because Islam originated in Mecca and Medina, these two cities are considered sacred and the rulers of modern-day Saudi Arabia are entrusted to be the protectors of these sacred sites. Jerusalem, called al-Quds or "the Holy", is held to be the third sacred city of Islam for its spiritual and historical significance: it is the city from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven in a dream (the mi'raj), and the site where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son.
Although Islam began in Arabia, there are Muslim communities throughout the world, from Mexico to the Philippines, with historically large populations in Africa, Southeastern Europe, and Central and Southern Asia. More Muslims actually live east of Saudi Arabia than in the Middle East, the largest predominantly Muslim country being Indonesia. Consequently, not all Muslims are Arabè but very many are Persian, African, European, and Asian.* All Muslims are encouraged to study Arabic, however, as the Quran is only rightly understood in that language of revelation. In North America, many Muslims are from recent or second-generation immigrant groups, but at least half of U.S. Muslims are African-American Muslims, who have either converted or 'reverted' over the generations to the orthodox Muslim identity of their African forebears.** Indeed, Islam is now the largest and fastest-growing religious group after Christianity in the United States. There are an estimated seven million Muslims in the U.S.
Islamic civilizations through the centuries have flourished with the highest levels of science and medicine, art and architecture, music and literature. Islamic philosophy and history have contributed invaluably to Western culture and learning. And even though Islamic powers have entered into war and conflict with non-Muslim states and communities throughout history, most notably during the Crusades, it is significant that Islam has also nurtured one of the greatest traditions of religious tolerance.
It is important to remember that any religion is at risk of being exploited by extremists among its followers. Muslims have no more propensity toward fanaticism or violence in the name of the faith they strive to follow than do Christians, Jews, or any others. As this nation becomes increasingly diverse, as Christians and Americans who value freedom, we must not succumb to the tendency to stereotype and scapegoat the other-especially another religion and all its followers-for the actions of some. We should learn as much as we can about those of other faiths to know when what one claims to do in the name of God, no God would rightfully condone.
* It is also important to recognize that not all Arabs are Muslims. Arab Christian communities have remained a vital presence in the Middle East since Christianity's origins.
** The vast majority of African American Muslims identify as Sunni Muslims and should be distinguished from the Nation of Islam, which though it shares some historical origins differs vastly in theology and community life and is generally considered non-orthodox by most Muslims.
