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Lecture by Dr. Jerald Dirks

All seven parts are found in this article, just scroll down to the next part to see a description for each part along with the video for it.

Part 1 of 7: Introduction

This part is an introduction to Early Islamic History in America. Muslims have been in America centuries before the mass immigration of the 1920s. In fact, Muslims have been in America before Columbus. This lecture covers Muslim history in America in great detail.

Part 2 of 7: Before Columbus

This part deals with early Islamic History in America. There is linguistic evidence on rock carvings of Muslims having been in America centuries before Columbus.  In fact, there was much contact between the people of Mali (west Africa) and the new world. Including contact between the Muslim world and the Native American Indians of the time.

Part 3 of 7: Columbus and Conquistadors

This part deals with Columbus and his Marisco’s (Muslims who converted to Catholicism in order to save their life). 

Many of the instruments used to navigate (like the Astrolabe) were from the Islamic world. Under the order of the Pope, the Inquisition in Spain was in full swing and Muslims had to escape. Many of them joined the early voyages to America with the conquistadors to save their life’s during 1492 from Isabella and Ferdinand.

Part 4 of 7: Slave Trade

This part deals with the African Slaves of America and their Muslim past.

Many of them (more then 30 percent) came from Islamic countries of West Africa.

Part 5 of 7: Early American Wars

This part deals with the early wars of this country, such as the Revolutionary War to secure Independence from Britain.

Muslims also played a role in the war of 1812, and even in the civil war.  Muslims were also there during the wild west.

Part 6 of 7: Founding of America

This part deals with the founding of America. Two of the founding fathers, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, owned a copy of the Quran (Koran). The freedoms outlined in the Constitution are very similar to the values of Islam. The Muslim country of Morocco was the first country to recognize America as an independent and free nation, and signed the Moroccan-American Treaty of Friendship (making this the first and longest treaty of America). The first Iftar dinner at the White House was held in 1805. Much evidence can still be seen in Washington acknowledging Islam for its contribution to American civilization.

Part 7 of 7: Summary and Conclusion

This part is a summary of the rule Muslims played in the history of America. Many names of counties, cities, towns and rivers in America are etymologically Arabic in origin. Although Muslims played a great role in America, the new immigrant of Muslims are having a difficult time raising their child in this country. Most of this is due to the fact that they tie their ethnic culture and tradition to Islam. When the second generation of children reject their parents culture for an American identity, they end up rejecting Islam also, because the parents of tied to two together.

 

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