“The American Muslim community has an internal variety little imagined by most casual obeservers. Readers of this work are treated to a clear exposition of the various institutions and alliances, both national and regional, serving Los Angeles's Muslims. Based on field research...yet suffused with understanding and empathy for both his religios tradition and his coreligionists, GhaneaBassiri's discussion of divergence of practice from beliefs about practice is particularly worthwhile. A clear picture is offered of the different aims and associations of Arabs, African Americans, Persians, and Pakistanis.... Recommended for those interested in American Islam, the transformation of American religious communities, and immigrant and African American studies.”–
“...[T]he author exhibits true intellectual integrity when he cautions readers not to assume that his findings, based on the study of a particular city, represent the big picture. The movements that the author does cover...are discussed in a well balanced and scholarly mannner. The most important contribution of the work...is the author's treatment of gender issues in chapter four. His approach in dealing with the controversial issue quite correctly focused upon the study of hadith as a source of societal norms regarding women in traditional Muslim societies.”–
“....the book contains several interesting nuggets of information that make it worth reading.”–
“This is a welcome addition to texts on Islam in America.”–
Review
"A well-crafted survey of Muslims in Los Angeles, showing the tensions within this community as its members relate to the larger social world. GhaneaBassiri's research offers insight into the differing visions, styles, and identities emerging among Muslims, and especially between African Americans and recent immigrants." - Wade Clark Roof J.F. Rowny Professor of Religion and Society University of California, Santa Barbara
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