Muslim Slaves in Antebellum America

 
 
 
 
According to one scholar, "Muslims have been part of the American landscape since pre-Columbus times" (Slavery 1). In Antebellum America, it is estimated that some 10-20 percent of the slaves brought over from Africa were Muslims (Slavery 1). Viewers of the film Amistad are no doubt familiar with this fact, as the movie features Muslim slaves aboard the slave ship of the film's title trying to say their prayers while linked together on deck. This analysis will discuss the experiences of Muslim slaves in antebellum America.

American Muslim history is more diverse and longer than many Americans might realize. American Muslim history can be traced to the day the first slave ship landed on Virginia's coast in 1619 (Tweed 1). One of Malcolm X's most inspiring lines regarding Muslim slave history was "We didn't land on Plymouth Rock. Plymouth Rock landed on us" (Tweed 3). Muslim slaves were generally treated to the same abusive and inhumane experiences as other African slaves. A majority of Muslim slaves were coerced into converting to Christianity, but many retained their Muslim identity des


     
 
 
 
    

 

Related Essays

African American History .... without such contact with the Muslim states to .... African American slaves were not allowed any formal .... Themes of protest were frequent in antebellum literature and .... (3965 16 )

Economics of Slavery in the New World .... to the master's religion (Christian or Muslim as the .... encouraged; 20% of the plantation slaves received some .... use of manpower; much of antebellum South "tradition .... (3580 14 )



Category: History - M
 
 
 
Common Topics
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Click Here to Get Instant Access to over 32,000 Professionally Written Papers!!!
 
 
 
Join Now  
 
 
 
 
 
Saved Papers  
 
 
Save your essays here so you can locate them quickly!
 
 
 
Testimonials  
 
"Thank you for making such a high quality site! Your papers are the best I have seen around"
Debbie B.
 
"Your site was very helpful and gave me the details I needed in order to complete my essay!!!"
Mike F.
 
"This site is an excellent vehicle for quick referrences. Thanks a bunch!"
Carla T.
 
"Great site, I got a lot of new ideas I would have never thought of before."
Nate A.
 
"I love this site!!!"
Marie H.
 
 
 
 
Copyright © 2007 - 2012 Lots of Essays. All Rights Reserved. DMCA