FEATURE - MUSLIMS IN THE USA

More from Tukufu about Muslims in the United States of America

As far back as the 16th century, Muslims have been coming to the New World.

But Muslims did not become a significant presence in the United States until after they were enslaved and brought here by force.

Experts estimate that millions of enslaved Africans were Muslims.

But it was tough for slaves to keep their culture alive in this new world, and the practice of Islam in America almost disappeared.

The first big wave of Muslim immigration began in 1900.

Thirty-four years later, a Muslim community in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, built the first original mosque on U.S. soil. in 1930, the unorthodox offshoot called the Nation of Islam, was founded.

Over the years, the nation gained public prominence due to famous members like Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali.

After the passage of the Immigration Act in 1965, there was a massive influx of Muslims to the United States, and they weren't all from the Middle East.

Muslims came from Africa, Asia and even Latin America.

Today, there are more than 1500 Islamic centers and mosques around the country.

Figures vary, but experts estimate that between four and seven million Americans are Muslim.

Islam is expected to soon be the second largest religion in America. Since the attacks of 9/11, prejudice against Muslims has risen sharply.

Many Muslims have responded by becoming more active in the American political process, striving to educate their neighbors about their religion and history.