Praying to the West

"Omar Mouallem grew up in a Muslim household, but always questioned the role of Islam in his life. As an adult, he embraced atheism and used his journalism to criticize what he saw as the harms of organized religion. But none of that changed the way others saw him, and he began to wonder how compatible Islam truly is with the west. Now, as a father, he fears for the challenges his children will no doubt face. In Praying to the West, he explores the unknown history of Islam across the Americas, traveling to thirteen unique mosques in search of an answer to how this religion has survived and thrived so far from the place of its origin. From California to Quebec, and from Brazil to Canada's icy north, he meets the members of fascinating communities, all of whom provide different perspectives on what it means to be Muslim. Along this journey he comes to understand that Islam has played a fascinating role in how the Americas were shaped--from industrialization to the changing winds of politics. And he also discovers that there may be a place for Islam in his own life, particularly as a father, even if he will never be a true believer. Original, insightful, and beautifully written, Praying to the West reveals a secret history of home and belonging taking place in towns and cities across the Americas, and points to a better, more inclusive future for everyone."--