The Impact of Al‐Islam on the African American Population

At the beginning of the 21st century, there seems to be a growing interest in the Islamic religion, or Al‐Islam, in the African American community. This interest is evidenced by the recognition that Al‐Islam is the fastest growing religion in the United States. In some cases, Muslims outnumber some of the traditional religions in America. In addition, of the 5 million Muslims in the United States, approximately 40% are African Americans. This article explores different aspects of Al‐Islam, including the beliefs and religious practice of Muslims; the historical relationship among Africa, African Americans, and Al‐Islam; and the current and future implications for African Americans.