The role of American mosques in supporting Muslim communities

American mosques support Muslim communities by providing spiritual, social, and educational resources. They offer religious services, strengthen family bonds, promote community involvement, and advocate for the rights of Muslims in non-Muslim-majority countries. These functions are essential for fostering a sense of belonging and support.

For Muslim communities living in non-Muslim majority countries, especially in the U.S., the challenge of preserving faith and values amid societal influences becomes even more significant. As these communities are exposed to a range of external pressures—ranging from cultural norms to political dynamics—mosques often serve as focal points for strengthening family bonds and maintaining religious identity. In this way, they contribute not only to spiritual growth but also to social cohesion. They help families foster a sense of belonging to both their local and global communities, ensuring that Islamic values are passed on to the next generation.

Three Decades of US Mosque Survey

“All of the US Mosque Surveys (2000, 2010, and 2020) were conducted in collaboration with a larger study of American congregations called Faith Communities Today (FACT), which is a project of the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership (CCSP), a multi-faith coalition of numerous denominations and faith groups, headquartered at Hartford Seminary”. 

The Evolving Nature of U.S. Mosques and Islamic Traditions

American mosques are evolving, reflecting broader social and cultural shifts within the Muslim community. According to Ihsan Bagby’s report for the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, American mosques are becoming more diverse. 

Based on a new survey conducted every decade, the study finds that Sunni mosques in the U.S. are increasingly blending various Islamic traditions. This pluralistic approach reflects a return to early Islamic practices, including the revival of leadership roles that had diminished over time.

Hanafi and Shafi’i mosques are the most prevalent in the U.S., but Maliki mosques are expanding due to African migration and interest from American converts who appreciate its flexibility, according to Bagby. While traditional Islamic practice allows some blending of madhabs, state control in many Muslim-majority countries has reinforced stricter adherence. In the U.S., multiple factors have likely influenced how mosques operate.

Moreover, mosques are playing a pivotal role in interfaith engagement. The study highlights that many mosques actively build bridges with other faith communities, fostering dialogue and mutual understanding. In doing so, they support the broader social fabric of American society by promoting social justice, peace, and mutual respect among diverse religious groups. This commitment to interfaith dialogue and community-building showcases the mosques' role in advancing social cohesion and combating Islamophobia.

Religious Practice and Muslim Communities 

The interplay between religious, ethnic, and national identity has influenced discussions on the social identity of Muslims. These discussions encompass religious conservatism, national and international loyalties, and the concept of the Islamic Ummah. While Muslims are diverse, the term "Ummah" refers to a broader global community. There is a common perception that Muslims prioritize allegiance to this global Ummah over their nation. 

Hopkins and Kahani-Hopkins (2009) suggest that this reflects emerging "cultural units" within social groups, a phenomenon present across various communities. They highlight how an individual’s self-perception shapes group affiliation, leading to the formation of multiple identities, including a distinct British Muslim identity.

Religious practice plays a central role in shaping the identity of Muslim communities, influencing both individual lives and collective experiences. For many Muslims, religious observances such as prayer, fasting, and charity are intertwined with their sense of belonging to the broader global Ummah. At the same time, the intersection of faith, culture, and nationality creates a dynamic social identity, fostering multiple layers of belonging, such as the formation of a distinct British Muslim identity, as highlighted by scholars like Hopkins and Kahani-Hopkins.

Gender Inclusion and Leadership in U.S. Mosques

Women continue to be less involved than men in mosque life in the United States, but the pattern appears to be changing, according to a recent survey of American houses of worship.

Muslim women gathered for Friday prayer in U.S mosque 

According to a new study by Ihsan Bagby, an associate professor of Islamic studies, as part of the 2020 Faith Communities Today (FACT) study, the proportion of mosques with women making up more than a quarter of attendees at Friday Jumah prayer services increased between 2011 and 2020. In 2011, women represented over a quarter of attendees at only 14% of U.S. mosques, but by 2020, that figure had risen to 21%.

While men continue to make up the majority of mosque attendees, women's participation in mosque life has seen notable growth. According to a 2020 study, the percentage of mosques where women represent over a quarter of the attendees during Friday Jumah prayers increased from 14% in 2011 to 21% in 2020. 

Additionally, nearly 88% of mosques now allow women on their boards, a significant rise from previous years. This shift reflects a broader trend of challenging traditional gender roles, with many women seeking to take on more active and leadership roles within their communities.

The representation of women in mosque leadership has also grown, with the proportion of mosques having women on their boards increasing from 50% in 2000 to 67% in 2020. This rise indicates the evolving role of women in religious leadership. Various factors contribute to this increase in women's involvement, including their desire for community support, a deeper connection to their faith, and a drive to challenge traditional gender roles.

American mosques are essential in fostering community cohesion, supporting religious and cultural identity, and promoting social justice. Over the years, they have evolved to embrace diversity, both in terms of Islamic traditions and community engagement, with a growing emphasis on interfaith dialogue. Women's participation in mosque life has also seen significant growth, reflecting changing attitudes towards gender inclusion and leadership. As mosques continue to adapt to the dynamic needs of Muslim communities, they remain vital spaces for spiritual, social, and educational support.