How has Islam impacted the US?

Answer 1

Islam has impacted the US in many ways. Some believe the impacts to be largely negative and are concerned that the US will lose its identity.

One impact is the large numbers of converts to Islam, said to be over 500 people daily.

Islam, a name given by Allah to this religion (Quran 5:4), is an Arabic word which literally means obedience and peace. ISLAM is derived from the Arabic root "SALEMA": peace, purity, submission and obedience. So 'Islam' would mean the path of those who are obedient to Allah and who establish peace with Him and His creatures. Its follower are called Muslims. Islam is not a new religion. It is, in essence, the same message and guidance which Allah revealed to all prophets before Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. Allah says in the Qur'ân: "Say, `We believe in ALLAH and that which has been revealed to us, and that which was revealed to Abraham and Ishmael and Isaac and Jacob and the tribes, and in that which was given to Moses and Jesus and other Prophets from their Lord. We make no distinction between any of them and to HIM we submit." (Qur'ân 3-85)

THE MESSAGE OF ISLAM ISLAM -- A UNIQUE RELIGION Of the great world faiths, Islam is unique in several respects. It is the only one that does not rely on any myth or mystery. It is based upon the certainty of proven and acknowledged fact. Muhammad, the Prophet of Islam, peace be on him, was a historical figure, and lived his life in the full light of day. The revelation vouchsafed to him, over a period of twenty-two years, has been fully safeguarded, in the Holy Quran according to the Divine promise set out in the Quran itself: "Surely, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and We will, most surely, safeguard it" (15:10).

This comprises several aspects: First, the text of the revelation should have been preserved in its purity and entirety for all time. Considering that the revelation contained in the Quran was vouchsafed to the Prophet over a period of twenty-two years, first in Mecca, then in Medina; that this period was marked by persecution, disturbance, and fighting; that the Prophet himself was not literate; and that there was no sure method of preserving a record of the revelation except through human memory; it is a truly miraculous fact that the text of the Quran has been preserved intact, down to the last vowel point. Even Western scholars, who do not accept the Quran as Divine revelation, affirm that it is word for word that which Muhammad gave out to the world as Divine revelation. Second, the language in which the revelation was sent should have continued to be in use as a living language. Classical Arabic, the language of the Quran, is today understood and used as a means of communication over much vaster areas of the earth and by many hundred times more people than was the case in the time of the Prophet. These two factors, so essential for the safeguarding of the guidance contained in the revelation, could not have been assured by the Prophet in advance. Third, but more was needed. Life is dynamic, and the pattern of human life is subject to constant change. Besides, history testifies that the passage of time brings about a decline in spiritual and moral values. It was inevitable, therefore, that over the centuries there should have been a falling off in the true appreciation of Divine guidance set forth in Divine revelation, as applicable to current conditions and situations. The complete safeguarding of the Divine revelation thus necessitated a constant process of spiritual revival and rebirth. In the nature of things this must also come about through revelation. It was announced by the Prophet that to meet this need God would continue to raise from among the Muslims, at the beginning of each century, those who would be inspired to revive the faith by drawing attention to the guidance contained in the Quran apposite to current conditions. History has confirmed the truth of this assurance conveyed by the Prophet.