In many ways, US Muslims are in mainstream America

Indeed, Muslims are similar to other Americans in terms of faith. More than 70 percent say religion is very important in their lives, 61 percent pray every day, and 40 percent attend mosque once a week.

"They are reinforcing the religious character of American society even as they are diversifying it," Dr. Lugo adds.

One unusual development is that Muslims under 30 attend mosque more regularly than older generations, exactly the opposite of Christian youths.

As Islam has come under scrutiny post-9/11, young Muslims have sought to learn more about their faith and strengthen their sense of identity. One area of concern lies in youth views toward Islamic extremism. More than 75 percent of Muslim-Americans express concern about Islamic extremism around the world, and only 8 percent say that suicide bombing can ever be justified. Yet 15 percent of Muslim youths say it can sometimes be justified.

Farid Senzai, research director at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding in Clinton Township, Mich., says his work suggests some Muslim youths can be radicalized by peers or Internet sources outside mainstream Islam. But the survey finding doesn't mean American youths are "about to mount a suicide bombing," he adds. "It's more that they see what's happening abroad ... and feel that, in situations of occupation, it is a last resort against an asymmetrically stronger occupying force."

The survey also found that 61 percent of US Muslims say a way can be found to guarantee Israel's existence along with the rights and needs of Palestinians. Where Muslims part company with other Americans is in their dissatisfaction with US foreign policy and in their sense that the war on terror is not a sincere effort. Most surprising, perhaps, is that only 40 percent accept that a group of Arabs perpetrated the events of 9/11. Gallup and other Pew surveys have shown similar findings in other countries. "Muslims around the world are reluctant to believe Muslims could do such a thing," Dr. Kohut says.

The survey reveals that native-born African-Americans are the most alienated portion of the Muslim population. Dealing with racial and religious intolerance, they are less satisfied with American life and believe more than others that Muslims should remain distinct from society.

Despite positive views of their communities, most Muslims feel their lives have become more difficult since 9/11. Some 54 percent say the war on terror singles out Muslims. Prejudice, being viewed as terrorists, and ignorance about Islam top their list of problems. Men and women worry about treatment of women wearing the hijab. Forty-three percent of women always wear the head scarf, while 48 percent never wear one.

"There is a lot of fear that if a repeat of 9/11 occurred, the community wouldn't be able to sustain itself," Dr. Jamal says.

The survey, which also covers political and social values and comparisons with Muslims in other countries, can be found at pewforum.org/surveys/muslim-american.

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