Islamophobia in America: Challenges to Muslim Scholarship and Activism

Dr. Martin Nguyen is a professor of Religious Studies at Fairfield University in Connecticut. He is a scholar of Muslim theology and Islamic studies. He discusses the roots of U.S. Islamophobia and its impact on the American impression of the Middle East and the war in Iran. Since the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the hostage crisis, Americans have had negative reactions to the theocratic regime. September 11 further fueled Islamophobia, targeting Muslim individuals and communities. Dr. Nguyen’s book Modern Muslim Theology seeks to show how the Islamic tradition can help contemporary Muslims negotiate their relationships with God, with one another, and with the rest of creation. He belongs to a group of scholars interested in constructive Muslim thought and engaged scholarship, including public speaking, organizing, and empowering Muslim communities. He hopes people will educate themselves about the richness and diversity of Muslim people and recommends the following two books: Islam: A Short Guide to the Faith and Memories of Muhammad: Why the Prophet Matters.

Dr. Martin Nguyen’s books include Modern Muslim Theology: Engaging God and the World with Faith and Imagination