Educating Muslim American Citizens

• In Event: Religion and Education in Pluralistic Contexts

Abstract

This is considered the first study of how American Islamic secondary schools in various parts of the United States seek to develop positive character and civic engagement in their students.
This study is relevant because of much-publicized tensions over the situation of Muslim minorities. In this context, the findings of the study have been highly encouraging and consistent with the experience of other second-generation immigrants to the United States over the past two centuries. The participants reported that they consider themselves fully American and have every intention of making positive contributions to political and cultural life.
The findings of this study are consistent with the conclusion that Islamic schools can provide an important transition to and anchoring in American life.

Author

• Munirah Alaboudi, Boston University