Quest for post-9/11 attitudes

A lot can be discovered in one year.

American University Islamic studies professor and former ambassador of Pakistan to the U.K., Dr. Akbar Ahmed, is taking a yearlong sabbatical to embark on a “Journey into America.” Accompanied by a group of his students whom he calls the “best ambassadors for the United States,” Ahmed and his team hope to “understand American identity” and how it relates to Islamic or Muslim culture.

“This question is central to understanding American foreign policy and its (America’s) policy domestically toward Muslims living in America,” Ahmed said. “There are 6 million Muslims living here by most counts, and it is important that we understand what they are thinking and what role they can play on the American and international stage.”

Ahmed’s current project is not his first. In 2006, Ahmed traveled and researched in eight Muslim countries for his renowned book “Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization.” The book documented a look into Muslim views of Western, particularly American, culture and thought.

His previous study opened the door to the idea for his current project. Through thousands of interviews and questionnaires, Ahmed said he found that, above all else, Muslims think American misperceptions of Islam threaten understanding between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Ahmed said no major studies looking into the issue have been conducted before, which is why he feels that his team’s research can make a great impact.

Recalling how Alexis de Tocqueville’s 19th century studies of American identity made an influential impact on America, Ahmed’s ultimate goal is for him and his team to help improve communication and understanding between those inside and outside the world of Islam. He feels that “Journey into America” will not only help communication and understanding in the United States, but abroad as well.

“Spreading knowledge and truth helps create bridges and understanding, and this study will help facilitate better communication between Muslims and non-Muslims domestically and internationally,” Ahmed said. “This will also help Americans and Muslims understand themselves better in order to help bring out the best qualities of their own societies and add to a more fruitful dialogue between the two.”

After traveling to 30 cities in six months, Ahmed hopes to release a new book in the fall of next near. Ahmed’s group also plans to have a documentary television series based on its travels. For those who can’t wait, the team’s journey can be followed in-progress on its blog at www.journeyintoamerica.wordpress.com.

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