Mumtaz Ahmad, Zahid Bukhari and Sulayman S. Nyang, eds. Observing the Observer

The State of Islamic Studies in American Universities. London: International Institute of Islamic Thought, 2012. Pp. 258. ISBN 978-1-56-564-580-6. Price not given

Abstract

Islam in America has come from a long way and as some of the founding fathers of America had envisioned, is now a permanent reality in the United States. However, the fact also remains that, despite Islam’s presence in America for centuries, it has yet to make a complete breakthrough in the nation. This article attempts to highlight the present state of Islam in America and calls for the integration of Islamic studies into the curriculums of American colleges and universities, in the hope that it will result in giving American students a better knowledge and understanding of the message of Islam. Along with book under review, it further seeks to appeal to the academic authorities of the American institutions of higher learning that Islam be recognized as a viable part of their academic curriculums, alongside other monotheistic faiths.