Muslim Minorities in the United States

Abstract

Islam is the third-largest religion in the United States. While it plays a significant role in American culture, it is not widely accepted as a cultural or historical value of the nation. The Muslims who immigrated to the United States since sixteenth century can be traced back to various ethnic origins, including Arabs, Africans, and South Asians. Regarding religious sects, Islam encompasses Sunni, Shiite, and Sufi ties. The first wave of migration primarily included enslaved individuals. However, subsequent generations have found employment across many sectors of the labor market. The socioeconomic status of Muslims changes over time in line with the changing demographics of immigration flows. Muslims have actively participated in social, political, and civil rights activities during pivotal moments in the nation’s history. Unfortunately, they have experienced a growing prevalence of prejudice and the propagation of hateful rhetoric following the occurrences of September 11. As with many Western societies, Islamophobia is a significant issue in the United States. Muslims are overrepresented in the low-income demographic, and the unemployment rate in this group is higher than the national average. On the other side Islamic banking projects have emerged in the United States since the 1980s with the goal of providing financial services in accordance with Islamic law across various sectors. Islamic financial institutions can be divided into three distinct categories: financial entities, nonprofit entities, and profit wholesalers/consultants. These institutions focus mainly on providing financing for real estate and vehicle-related transactions. The sector, which is in its early stages and operates in a limited number of states, faces various challenges such as excessive regulatory requirements, unfavorable media coverage, and tax issues.