Saints and Misfits

Muslim American culture is a rich and diverse tapestry that encompasses the beliefs, practices, traditions, and experiences of Muslim individuals living throughout the United States. It is a multifaceted culture shaped by both religious teachings and the influences of American society. Islam, the faith followed by Muslims, plays a central role in Muslim American culture, and its core beliefs and principles guide the values and actions of Muslim Americans. These beliefs revolve around the concept of monotheism, the oneness of Allah, and the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad as found in the Qur’an, the central religious text of Islam. The five pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith, prayer, fasting, giving to charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca, provide a foundation for Muslim American religious practices. Saints and Misfits explores these pillars through Janna’s participation in Islamic Quiz Bowl and through the character of Uncle Amu, who runs a website that answers questions from Muslim Americans who are trying to interpret their faith practices.

Muslim American culture is marked by great diversity, with individuals hailing from various ethnic, cultural, and linguistic backgrounds. Muslims in America come from diverse countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Somalia, and many others, bringing with them their unique cultural traditions, customs, and languages.