Islam the Fastest-Growing Religion in America
Los Angeles Muslim Leader Links Faith’s Growth to Gaza Crisis, Warns Against “Israelization” of U.S. Politics
Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations Los Angeles (CAIR-LA), delivered a Friday sermon at the Chino Valley Islamic Center on May 9, 2025, declaring Islam the fastest-growing religion in both the world and the United States. Ayloush attributed the surge in conversions to global events, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza, and called on American Muslims to use their “privilege” to influence U.S. politics. His remarks, which included sharp criticism of Zionist political influence and a prayer for the defeat of “aggressor Zionists,” have drawn both support and controversy, according to a transcript and video published by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI).
Islam’s Growth and the Gaza Effect
In his sermon, Ayloush asserted that Islam has reached its highest numbers in history, with “two billion Muslims in the world” and “three thousand” mosques in the United States, including “about a hundred in Southern California”. He described witnessing “one or two people accepting Islam” at nearly every mosque he visited during Ramadan, crediting the resilience of Palestinians in Gaza as a source of inspiration for many new converts.
“During Ramadan, I visited 35 mosques, sometimes twice a night. By Allah, every mosque was packed. At every Friday service I attended, there were one or two people accepting Islam. When I asked these people: ‘What brought you to Islam?’ they said: ‘We watched the people of Gaza on the phone,’” Ayloush said in his sermon, as reported by MEMRI.
This narrative reflects a broader trend of increased interest in Islam during periods of global conflict, a phenomenon noted by several religious demographers. Pew Research Center’s most recent projections estimate that Islam is indeed among the fastest-growing religions globally, with the U.S. Muslim population expected to double by 2050. However, current national estimates range from 3.45 to 3.85 million adherents.
Political Engagement and “Privilege” in America
Ayloush used the pulpit to urge American Muslims to become more politically active, arguing that they possess a unique “privilege” in the U.S. to influence policy and public discourse. He contrasted the freedoms enjoyed in America, such as the right to criticize government officials and even religious figures, with the alleged taboo against criticizing Israel.
“Be active politically. In America, you have more power than any other Muslim community around the world. Learn how to use your privilege that Allah gave you to influence politics and policies in America, so our elected officials don’t get used… We are not going to allow them, we cannot allow them, to ‘Israelize’ and turn America into a fascist country, but that will require all of us pushing back,” Ayloush stated, according to MEMRI.
He warned against what he described as efforts by Zionist organizations and AIPAC to sway U.S. elected officials, drawing parallels to political lobbying in India and expressing concern over “bigotry against Islam and the warmongering that is happening”.
Controversial Rhetoric and Prayers
Ayloush’s sermon included a prayer for the defeat and humiliation of “aggressor Zionists,” language that has drawn scrutiny from watchdog organizations and critics. In his closing supplication, he said:
“Oh Allah, grant victory to our brothers in Gaza, make their feet firm, and unite their ranks. Allah, grant them victory over Your enemies. Oh Allah, destroy the unjust, criminal, aggressor Zionists. Oh Allah, heal our hearts through the defeat of the Zionists. Oh Allah, heal our hearts through their humiliation and defeat.”
Such rhetoric has been criticized by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) and other organizations, which have previously highlighted Ayloush’s history of controversial statements regarding Israel, Zionism, and American foreign policy. The ADL has documented instances where Ayloush compared Zionists to extremist groups and accused pro-Israel lobbies of manipulating U.S. politics.
CAIR-LA’s Role and Community Context
CAIR-LA is the largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization in Southern California. Its mission is to “enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.” The organization has been at the forefront of addressing Islamophobia and advocating for Muslim civil rights, particularly as discrimination complaints have reached record highs in California and across the United States.
According to CAIR’s 2025 Civil Rights Report, the organization received 8,658 complaints nationwide in 2024, a 7.4% increase from the previous year, with California leading the nation in anti-Muslim incidents. CAIR-LA Executive Director Hussam Ayloush stated, “The findings in this report reaffirm what our community has been experiencing firsthand- an alarming rise in Islamophobia and the suppression of political speech… These unconstitutional crackdowns threaten not only the civil rights of Muslims but also the very foundation of free expression in our country”.
Islamophobia, Political Speech, and Civil Rights
CAIR’s report highlights a shift in the targeting of Muslims, noting that in 2024, many complaints stemmed from individuals being punished for speaking out against Israel’s actions in Gaza and advocating for Palestinian rights. Employment discrimination became the most reported category, and law enforcement encounters surged by 71.5%, often linked to activism and protest.
Ayloush and CAIR-LA have positioned themselves as defenders of both religious freedom and political expression, arguing that American Muslims are targeted not only for their faith but also for their advocacy on issues of global justice.
Religion, Demographics, and Advocacy
Several demographic studies support the assertion that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in America, though the rate of growth varies by source. Pew Research Center projects that the Muslim population in the U.S. will continue to rise, driven by immigration and higher birth rates compared to other groups. However, experts caution that conversion rates and retention also play significant roles in shaping religious demographics.
The increase in mosque construction- Ayloush cited “about a hundred in Southern California and three thousand in America”-reflects population growth and the community’s desire for greater visibility and engagement. The Ramadan surge in mosque attendance and the reported conversions highlight the impact of global events on local religious dynamics.
The Intersection of Faith, Politics, and Identity
Ayloush’s sermon underscores the complex relationship between religious identity, political activism, and minority status in the United States. His call for American Muslims to leverage their rights and privileges for political influence reflects a broader trend of civic engagement within immigrant and minority communities.
At the same time, the sermon’s rhetoric, particularly regarding Zionism and Israel, has fueled debate about the boundaries of political speech, interfaith relations, and the responsibilities of community leaders. Critics warn that such language risks deepening divisions, while supporters argue it reflects the urgency of addressing perceived injustices.
Community Mobilization and National Discourse
As Islam continues to grow in the United States, leaders like Ayloush are likely to play increasingly prominent roles in shaping both community identity and public debate. The intersection of global crises, domestic civil rights challenges, and the evolving landscape of American religious life will continue to be focal points for advocacy and controversy.
CAIR-LA’s ongoing efforts to document and combat Islamophobia, defend political speech, and promote civic engagement will continue to influence both the Muslim community and broader American society. The organization’s 2025 Civil Rights Report calls for greater vigilance and solidarity in the face of rising discrimination and political repression.
“Now, more than ever, we must remain strong and politically engaged as we challenge hate and protect our communities,” Ayloush emphasized in the report.
Hussam Ayloush’s May 9, 2025, sermon at the Chino Valley Islamic Center encapsulates the challenges and aspirations of American Muslims at a time of rapid demographic change, heightened political activism, and persistent societal tensions. By linking the growth of Islam to global events and urging political engagement, Ayloush has sparked both inspiration and controversy, reflecting the complex realities facing Muslim communities in California and across the nation.
As debates over religious freedom, political advocacy, and interfaith relations continue, the voices of community leaders, civil rights organizations, and ordinary believers will remain central to shaping the future of American pluralism.