Includes bibliographical references (p. [202]-207) and index.

Part I: Muslim beliefs and practices (or, what it's like to grow up Muslim in California): 1. Starting with the basics: what do Muslims eat? -- 2. Definitions and the declaration of faith -- 3. How many times a day do you pray? -- 4. Fasting: the ultimate internal conflict -- 5. Holidays: from turkey dinner to baklava -- 6. Donating to charity -- 7. A Muslim pilgrim's progress -- 8. Everyday rules of behavior for Muslims -- 9. Fashion sense (or, what Muslims wear) -- 10. Relationships between men and women (or, can I go to the school dance?) -- Part II. When did Islam start and how did it develop?: 11. Muhammad and his mission -- 12. How Muslims view the world: God, angels, and Adam and Eve -- 13. The basis of Islam: the Qur'an, the Sunnah, and the Shariah -- 14. From sand dunes to Spain: the spread of Islam -- Part III. Modern Muslim demographics: 15. Who's who: Sunni, Shi'a, Sufi, and more -- 16. Muslims: Who we are and where we live -- Notes -- Bibliography -- Index.

A comprehensive introduction to one of the world's major religions and its everyday context in Muslim life in America.