black muslims: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Historical, Sociological, Journalistic
Quick answer
What does “black muslims” mean?
A term historically used to refer to African Americans who practice Islam, particularly associated with groups like the Nation of Islam which combined Islamic religious practice with Black nationalism and empowerment.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A term historically used to refer to African Americans who practice Islam, particularly associated with groups like the Nation of Islam which combined Islamic religious practice with Black nationalism and empowerment.
The term can refer more broadly to Muslims of African descent, particularly in the United States, whose practice of Islam is often intertwined with the historical and cultural experiences of the African diaspora, racial identity, and social justice movements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is far more prevalent in American English due to its specific historical and social context in the US. In British English, the equivalent referent would more commonly be "Black British Muslims," but this lacks the specific historical association with movements like the Nation of Islam.
Connotations
In American English: Strong historical connotations linked to the Civil Rights Movement, Malcolm X, and specific theological/political doctrines. In British English: More likely to be interpreted literally as Muslims who are Black, with less automatic connection to the American historical movement.
Frequency
High frequency in American academic/historical texts; low frequency in everyday British English.
Grammar
How to Use “black muslims” in a Sentence
[The/These/Many] Black MuslimsBlack Muslims [in the US/of that era]join/become/identify as Black MuslimsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “black muslims” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was influenced by and later joined the Black Muslims.
American English
- Many converted and identified as Black Muslims during the movement's peak.
adverb
British English
- He spoke Black Muslim-ally, highlighting themes of justice and self-determination.
American English
- The organisation was run Black Muslim-ly, emphasising discipline and economic independence.
adjective
British English
- The Black Muslim community in London has different origins.
American English
- She comes from a prominent Black Muslim family in Chicago.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used.
Academic
Common in sociology, religious studies, American history, and African American studies texts discussing 20th-century religious and social movements.
Everyday
Used with specific historical or cultural reference; not a common casual term.
Technical
Used as a specific demographic or historical identifier in scholarly work.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “black muslims”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “black muslims”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “black muslims”
- Using lowercase ('black muslims') diminishes its status as a proper historical term.
- Using it as a generic term for all Black Muslims globally, ignoring its US-centric historical roots.
- Confusing 'Black Muslims' (broad/capitalized) with 'the Nation of Islam' (specific organization).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes—the term originally referred almost exclusively to members of the Nation of Islam. Today, 'Nation of Islam' refers to the specific organization, while 'Black Muslims' can be used more broadly, though with caution, for African American Muslims.
It can be if used without context. Many prefer 'African American Muslim' as it centers their religious identity first. The historical term 'Black Muslim' (capitalized) is acceptable in academic/discussions of that specific movement.
It depends. Historically, the Nation of Islam had unique teachings. Today, many African American Muslims are Sunni or Shia and follow mainstream Islamic practices, while others may remain within modern iterations of the NOI.
Because the specific socio-historical context that produced the 'Black Muslim' identity in the US—slavery, segregation, and the Civil Rights Movement—is unique. The UK's Black Muslim communities (e.g., of Caribbean or African heritage) have different histories.
A term historically used to refer to African Americans who practice Islam, particularly associated with groups like the Nation of Islam which combined Islamic religious practice with Black nationalism and empowerment.
Black muslims is usually formal, historical, sociological, journalistic in register.
Black muslims: in British English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈmʌz.lɪmz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌblæk ˈmʌz.ləmz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “From the Black Muslim tradition”
- “A Black Muslim upbringing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: **Black** empowerment + **Muslim** faith = A specific historical identity group in America.
Conceptual Metaphor
FAITH AS A SHIELD (against racial oppression); IDENTITY AS A SYNTHESIS (of racial and religious consciousness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'Black Muslims' most precisely and historically used?