Answering to Allah: Relational Unity among American Muslim Families

Abstract

Twenty-five practicing American Muslim families (N = 56 individuals) living in the United States were qualitatively interviewed in depth (19 Sunni families, six Shia families). The sample included multiple races and ethnicities representing numerous nations of origin. Data were coded and analyzed employing a systematic, team-based approach. Thematic findings are presented under the headings of three domains, as follows: Domain 1 (Life Strengths) included the themes (a) Active religion and (b) Sanctifying trials. Domain 2 (Marital Strengths) included the themes (a) Marital unity, (b) Resolving marital conflict, and (c) Forgiving. Domain 3 (Parenting Strengths) included the themes (a) Parental instruction, and (b) Resolving parent-child conflict. Participant data are featured and implications are discussed.

Keywords:

• family
• Islamic families
• Muslim families
• marriage
• parenting
• qualitative research
• religion
• religiosity
• relationships
• spirituality