Being Muslim and American are not Opposites | ICF Islamic Confrence | Shaykh Amin Kholwadia

Shaykh Amin Kholwadia | General Talks and Lectures

A summary of Shaykh Amin Kholwadia’s session titled “Muslim or American?” at the Islamic Center of Frisco’s Annual Conference | Dallas, Texas | September 12, 2025

1. Islam + Identity

Islam never erased local cultures. It preserved what was good and added value.

Being Muslim and being American isn’t a contradiction. The Prophet ﷺ told people to keep the good from their traditions after accepting Islam.

Having U.S. citizenship doesn’t conflict with faith. What matters is how you live your values.

2. Balance with America

Criticizing U.S. foreign policy is fine—we should voice our opinions. But that doesn’t mean the whole country is corrupt or evil.

Calling America “shayṭān” while living here, carrying a passport, and benefiting from freedoms doesn’t add up.

The fact that we can hold open conferences and criticize policy without fear is something to appreciate.

3. Values to Learn From

Work ethic: Americans show resilience, discipline, and responsibility. Islam already teaches this, but we don’t practice it enough.

Knowledge: The U.S. pours money into education, research, and think tanks. That’s part of why they maintain power. Early Muslims led the world in knowledge because they invested in it. We don’t do that anymore.

Civic contribution: Muslims should be visible in solving community problems—whether drugs, alcohol, or social issues. We should be known for adding value.

4. Avoiding Fantasy Thinking

Thinking a caliphate will solve all problems is naïve. Islamic history had assassinations and conflicts too.

This dunya is about tests. Playing the victim card won’t help. Work ethic, knowledge, and responsibility will.

5. Action Points

Appreciate freedoms here but don’t stay silent on injustice.

Invest in academics—schools, scholarships, institutions.

Teach kids responsibility and resilience.

Be active in civic life—show up, volunteer, contribute.

Carry yourself with prophetic character—honesty, dignity, and service.

Being Muslim and American are not opposites. The real questions are:

Am I Muslim enough to live with integrity?

Am I American enough to contribute positively?

Lecture delivered by Shaykh Amin Kholwadia, director and founder of Darul Qasim College, on August 15th, 2025.

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