Scripture People: Salafi Muslims in Evangelical Christians' America

Salafism, an Islamic movement, has been misunderstood as Radical Islam or Islamic fundamentalism. Scripture People is the first book-length study of the American Salafi movement and the challenges it has faced post-9/11. It explores how Salafis have adopted deeply rooted American forms of religious belonging and values, comparing them to American Evangelical Christianity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

On the fateful day of September 11, 2001, a profound shift occurred in the consciousness of many Americans, as they were introduced to an Islamic movement known as Salafism. This theological strand, which encompasses the organization Al Qaeda, has since been subjected to widespread criticism and derision, often being labeled as Radical Islam or Islamic fundamentalism. However, in his groundbreaking book, Scripture People, Matthew D. Taylor delves into the intricate dynamics of the American Salafi movement and the formidable challenges it has faced in the aftermath of 9/11. Through a meticulous exploration, Taylor sheds light on how these so-called "Radical Muslims" have seamlessly integrated into deeply entrenched American forms of religious belonging and values. Drawing upon his own Evangelical background and extensive studies, Taylor compares the Salafis with American Evangelical Christianity, highlighting the striking parallels, convergent identities, and even surprising friendships that have emerged between these two groups in America. By offering a comprehensive and nuanced account, Taylor's volume challenges prevailing narratives about Radical Islam by demonstrating how Salafi Muslims have adeptly adapted to American religious patterns in the twenty-first century. This insightful work serves as a valuable entry point for those seeking to understand the complex dynamics and disagreements within the American Muslim community.

Weight: 684g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009352765