Number of American mosques grows by 25 percent, study
Regional-USA, Religion, 4/28/2001

A national Islamic advocacy group on Friday released a major study of the Muslim community in the United States indicating that the number of mosques grew by 25 percent in the past seven years and that mosques are becoming dynamic centers for social and political mobilization.

The report, called "The Mosque in America: A National Portrait," is the result of in-depth interviews with a randomized sample of representatives drawn from more than 1200 American mosques. This figure is not the total number of American mosques. Smaller or new mosques may have been missed. Friday prayers held in places such as businesses and hospitals were not included in the count.

During a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) outlined some major findings contained in the survey: "Mosques are not only centers for spirituality, they are now bases for political and social mobilization," says CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad.

Awad added that Muslims are having a positive impact on American society. He cited last year's American Muslim voter registration drive and increased turnout by Muslim voters.

"One of the most significant findings in this survey is that mosques are quite ethnically diverse," said Dr. Ihsan Bagby, the report's primary researcher. Bagby noted that 93 percent of all mosques are attended by more than one ethnic group.

There is tremendous growth both in the number of mosques and in the number of those who take part in mosque activities. On average, there are more than 1,625 Muslims associated in some way with the religious life of each mosque.

Report findings support conservative estimates of a total American Muslim population of 7 million.

Conversion rates are steady. On average nearly 30 percent of mosque participants are converts. The average mosque has 16 conversions per year.

The report shows that most mosques are involved in some outreach activities. During the past 12 months, a majority of mosques have visited a school or church to present Islam, contacted the media, contacted a political leader, or participated in an interfaith dialogue and almost 70 percent of mosques provide some type of assistance for the needy, while more than 20 percent of mosques have a full-time school.

More than 90 percent of respondents agree that Muslims should be involved in American institutions and should participate in the political process.

Previous Stories:
  American - Muslim association announces gains for Muslim community   (2/2/2001)
  Representatives of Arab, Muslim americans meet chair of commission on international religious freedom   (1/8/2001)
  Clinton asks for Muslims' prayers to help peace process   (1/11/2000)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search