Understanding
1. To be sure you are reading the data correctly, answer the following questions:
a. To which branch of Islam do most U.S. Muslims belong? Sunni
b. Which is the second most numerous group of U.S. Muslims?Other Muslims
Analyzing
2. Now think about what the data means.
a. Hypothesize about why there might be such a high proportion of “other” Muslims in the United States.The Muslim faith is not restricted to only two categories. There are many branches of Islam that fall under the “Other” category.
b. How does knowing that there are different branches within Islam affect your understanding of the faith? Of U.S. Muslims? This has helped me relate more to the religion. It helps me understand that Islam may not be so different than Christianity, with it’s many categories.
Understanding
1. To be sure you are reading the data correctly, answer the following questions:
a. The majority of American Muslims describe themselves as having a mediumlevel of religious commitment.
b. Within which commitment level is the percentage of foreign-born Muslims higher than the percentageof native-born Muslims?High
Analyzing
2. Now think about what the data means.
a.Hypothesize about why it is that in one branch there is a larger percentage of foreign-born Muslimsthan native-born Muslims.Those that are born and raised in a committed religious home are more likely to do the same throughout their life.
b.How does knowing that there are different degrees of religious commitment among Muslims affect your understanding of the faith? Of U.S. Muslims?This helps me relate to the Islamic religion. This information eliminates the stereotype of the extremely religious Muslim.
Learning this information has helped me learn and relate to Islamic religion. My preconceived idea of the religion was incorrect.
Understanding
1. To be sure you are reading the data correctly, answer the following questions:
a.How does the male/female ratio among U.S. Muslims compare to the male/female ratio in the larger U.S. population?There are more male Muslims than female, while there are more female Americans than males.
b. How does the age breakdown among U.S. Muslims differ from that of the general population.There are generally more younger Muslims than Americans, while there are more older Americans.
c. How does the education status of U.S. Muslims compare to that of the general population?There are typically more Muslims that graduate from high school; however, more Americans go on to college.
d. How do the household incomes of U.S. Muslims compare to those of the general population?The income of Muslims is generally the same as that of Americans, however, they make about 1% less in higher paying careers.
Analyzing
2. Now think about what the data means.
a.In what area do you see the biggest differences between the U.S. Muslim population and the larger U.S.population? Hypothesize: Why might that difference exist?There is a greatest difference in age, most likely due to the use of traditional non-birth control practices.
b.Write a sentence that summarizes the data comparing the U.S. Muslim population to the larger U.S.population.There are typically more younger, male Muslims, whom have an average education, and make generally the same amount of money as Americans.
c. How does knowing this information affect your understanding of American Muslims?After examining this information I have a greater understanding of Muslim lifestyle. Now I am aware of how similar they are to Americans.