Understanding Islam Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Understanding Islam According to the interactive, there are approximately 4.6 million Muslims in the United States out of 1.25 billion Muslims worldwide. Given those numbers, is the U.S.'s Islamic population greater than, less than, or about equal to what you thought it might be? Greater than I expected Less than I expected About equal to what I expected I have never considered the population size until now. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Understanding Islam In 2006, for the first time in U.S. history, a follower of the Muslim faith was elected to Congress. Does it surprise you to learn that this milestone was not reached until 2006? YES. I am surprised to learn that, before 2006, a Muslim had never been elected to Congress. NO. I am not surprised that, before 2006, a Muslim had never been elected to Congress. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

Understanding Islam In the 2008 presidential race, the candidates' religious affiliations have received a good deal of attention, particularly that of Mormon candidate Mitt Romney. Do you believe that so much attention should be paid to candidates' religions, given our country's position on the separation of church and state? YES. The religious beliefs of the candidates are relevant, because they reflect the values that the candidates consider important. NO. The personal religious beliefs held by candidates should not impact their candidacies for president. The U.S. must adhere to the separation of church and state, meaning that personal religious beliefs are irrelevant to someone's ability to govern. Copyright © Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.