Women Muslims at the book discussion in the Islamic  Cultural Center in Yamoussoukro (Photo : Honoré Koffi/US Embassy)

Book on American Muslims Generates Energetic Debate in Ivorian Capital

Over thirty five leaders from Yamoussoukro’s religious communities gathered at the city’s Islamic Cultural Center to discuss the Nouveaux Horizons translation of Asma Hasan’s "American Muslims: the New Generation," during a visit to the city by the Director of the American Cultural Center and the Cultural Attache. The audience had a diversity of reactions to the author’s presentation of Muslim life in America. Some participants expressed solidarity with Asma Hasan’s belief that Allah cares only about what is in your heart and how you live your life and not what Hasan described as "cultural practices" – such as wearing a veil. Others strongly disagreed, stating that wearing the veil is a way to outwardly manifest what is in your heart, and an integral part of Muslim religious practice. Many participants praised Ms. Hasan’s efforts to educate Americans about Islam in a post 9/11 world.