CHALLENGES TO THE EXPANSION OF ISLAM IN NORTH AMERICA: SOCIETAL, LEGAL, CULTURAL, AND POLITICAL BARR

Abstract

Islam in North America has witnessed significant growth over the past decades, primarily driven by immigration, higher fertility rates among Muslim families, and religious conversions. In the United States, the Muslim population is estimated at approximately 3.45 million, representing 1.1% of the total population (Pew Research Center, 2023). Canada hosts about 1.3 million Muslims, accounting for 3.7% of the population according to the 2021 Statistics Canada Census.