The Relations Between Muslims and Non-Muslims in America: A Critical Study of problems and Prospects

Abstract

The study examines Muslim-non-Muslim relations in the United States, with particular reference to the role of traditional American culture. This study examines the real life and real situations between the Abrahamic monotheistic religion Islam versus the two other Abrahamic monotheistic religions Judaism, Christianity and the two other polytheistic religions Hinduism and Buddhism. It characterizes the religious, social, and cultural practices of Muslims and non-Muslims in the United States by sampling the five most influential of the 1,500 religions that exist in the United States. Although this study exercise not only succeeded in molding and shaping the unique entities of Judaism, Christianity, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam found in the United States, it also emphasized the need to reduce the rivalries that exist between them. This study mainly deals with cultural and social issues in the light of religious environment. Indeed, it presents the commonality of the five great religious traditions through a holistic understanding of Muslim-non-Muslim connections and sees the inherent differences among them not as a disaster but as an asset that encourages deep optimism for dissent but imposes no obligation. The study concludes that Muslim and non Muslim perspectives should not be excluded from theological and historical discussions. More importantly, it covers issues of religious, social and political reality. This work not only has a far-reaching impact on shaping the image and attitudes of other religious traditions but also inspires ongoing meaningful and fruitful Muslim-non Muslim social relations and Co-existence.