About this Book

 THE collection of papers in this volume documents

the study of Islam in American Universities. Over

the last few decades the United States has seen

significant growth in the study of Islam and Islamic

societies in institutions of higher learning fueled

primarily by events including economic relations

of the U.S. with Muslim countries, migration of

Muslims into the country, conversion of Americans

to Islam, U.S. interests in Arab oil resources,

involvement of Muslims in the American public

square, and the tragic events of 9/11.

Although there is increasing recognition that the

study of Islam and the role of Muslims is strategically

essential in a climate of global integration,

multiculturalism, and political turmoil, nevertheless,

the state of Islamic Studies in America is far

from satisfactory. The issue needs to be addressed,

particularly as the need for intelligent debate and

understanding is continuously stifled by what

some have termed an “Islam industry” run primarily

by fly-by journalists, think tank pundits, and

cut-and-paste “experts.”