The transforming experience of American Muslims: Islamic education and political maturation

The growth of the American Muslim community in the last three decades has been quite remarkable, and holds a promise of bright future for Islam in America. America has in many ways transformed the Muslims, and in turn stands to undergo profound transformation by their presence. American Muslims, I contend, could contribute profoundly to the restoration of the spiritual and moral core of modern civilization which has been fading away with the advancement of hardcore secularism. Indeed American Muslims are in a position to restore the spiritual and moral dimensions of modern life while continuing to be faithful to the true spirit of liberalism. I further contend that for American Muslims to undertake this historic mission they need first to build their moral and political strengths by paying closer attention to two interrelated processes: Islamic education and political maturation. This article, therefore, examines the progress made on these two fronts, and then outlines an overall strategy for future Islamic development.