After the events of September 11, 2001, this population came more into the public eye than ever before. As a native American, I have noticed a certain stigma attached to the faith by several of my peers. Being shoved into the spotlight by a small group of believers has forced the Muslim culture to adapt in a country that associates the whole with the part. In this tense and almost fearful environment, one wonders if Muslims in America truly feel that they enjoy our nation’s promised freedom of religion. I visited the Darul Arqum Islamic Center in Ames and spoke to Sal Syed about the changes that the Muslim community has undergone in the past decade.