News Article Generates Controversy in American Muslim Community

August 1, 1999

Source: Star Tribune

On August 1, 1999, the Star Tribune published an article written by Daniel Pipes, director of the Middle East Forum, on the situation of Islam in America. Pipes separates the American Muslim community - "immigrants and native-born converts alike" - into two categories: integrationists and chauvinists. The integrationists have no problem being patriotic Americans while holding fast to their Muslim beliefs. Many of these integrationists "present Islam as the fulfillment of American values and see Muslims as a very positive force to improve America." The chauvinists are interested in making the United States a Muslim country. They believe that "Islamic civilization is superior to anything American, they promote Islam as the solution to all of the country's ills." Pipes, stating that Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States, emphasizes that whichever side prevails in the predominate American Muslim population will have great significance for the United States and for the world of Islam.

See also: Islam, Civic