Ali Hanif is an African-American Muslim living in Oakland, California. On Fridays, his day off, he attends group prayers at the Islamic Cultural Centre of Northern California (CCNC). But Hanif says that he never volunteers his religion to strangers.
"Speaking freely about being Muslim and being identified as a Muslim because of dressing, attitude and name has become harder in recent years," he told IPS.
The father of two children, Hanif believes that since the attacks of Sep. 11, 2001 -- more than six years ago -- it has become more and more difficult to pray or read the Koran in public.
"It has never been easy, but these days it can be a security-related concern," he said. "There's a lot of stuff going on out here. There are a lot of crazy people out there. A lot of people have a lack of understanding of Islam."
"You know, we live in a European, Christian-dominated country. This country is set up for Christians. We Muslims pretty much have to make our own space in America."
clipped from: www.ipsnews.net