--- title: "Religion Weekly Update, Sept. 4, 2026" description: "Religion & Public Life A weekly digest of the Center’s latest research on religion and public life in the U.S. and around the world · Subscribe ↗ Media mentions California Legislature passes SB 1387, advancing recognition of Jewish identity as ethnicity Sept. 1 – The Jerusalem Post Muslims push back as Texas Republicans sharpen attacks on sharia […]" date: "2026-09-03" authors: - name: "Rebecca Leppert" url: "https://www.pewresearch.org/newsletter/religion-weekly/25-years-after-9-11-a-portrait-of-muslim-americans/" --- # Religion Weekly Update, Sept. 4, 2026 --- September 3, 2026 ## Religion & Public Life *A weekly digest of the Center's latest research on religion and public life in the U.S. and around the world · [**Subscribe ↗**](https://pewresearch.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=434f5d1199912232d416897e4&id=3e953b9b70)* --- [ ](https://www.pewresearch.org/?p=378115) ## [25 years after 9/11, a portrait of Muslim Americans](https://www.pewresearch.org/?p=378115) Next Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Muslim Americans shared in the nation’s grief and fear that day and carried the additional burden of being singled out for suspicion. Twenty-five years later, some Americans still see Islam and Muslims through the lens of 9/11. By some measures, Americans' views of Muslims have become more negative than they were immediately after 9/11, according to [a new Pew Research Center data essay](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/03/25-years-after-9-11-a-portrait-of-muslim-americans/). In March 2002, just six months after the al-Qaida attacks, 25% of U.S. adults said Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence. Today, 51% of U.S. adults think this. Yet Muslims are a growing, vibrant part of America’s religious tapestry. There are about 5.5 million Muslims of all ages in the country today, up from 2.4 million in 2007. Read more in our data essay about [public perceptions of Islam and Muslims](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/03/25-years-after-9-11-a-portrait-of-muslim-americans/#public-perceptions-about-islam-and-muslims), the [post-9/11 experiences of Muslim Americans](https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2026/09/03/25-years-after-9-11-a-portrait-of-muslim-americans/#the-experiences-of-muslim-americans), and more. #### Media mentions [California Legislature passes SB 1387, advancing recognition of Jewish identity as ethnicity](https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/article-907262) Sept. 1 - The Jerusalem Post [Muslims push back as Texas Republicans sharpen attacks on sharia law](https://www.texastribune.org/2026/08/31/texas-sharia-muslims-islam-republican-party/) Aug. 31 - The Texas Tribune #### In the news [More than 40% of Ohio school districts have active LifeWise Academy chapters, with more on the way](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/09/03/more-than-40-of-ohio-school-districts-have-active-lifewise-academy-chapters-with-more-on-the-way/) Sept. 3 - Ohio Capital Journal [Why religion and education will be in the spotlight next term](https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/09/why-religion-and-education-will-be-in-the-spotlight-next-term/) Sept. 2 - SCOTUSblog [Raphael Warnock has done it. Adam Hamilton wants to follow as a pastor-U.S. senator](https://apnews.com/article/kansas-megachurch-pastor-senate-adam-hamilton-5fae30f196215aa8dd4ccaa760ae2d6c) Sept. 2 - The Associated Press [He captivated millions on TV. Now Archbishop Fulton Sheen is one step closer to sainthood](https://apnews.com/article/fulton-sheen-catholic-peoria-illinois-beatification-da364dcb0ca25cd49c637bd3be85197b) Sept. 2 - The Associated Press [The living care for ancestors and wandering spirits at Malaysia’s Hungry Ghost Festival](https://apnews.com/article/hungry-ghost-festival-malaysia-da7ce2b920a522e518ef8aeab81abc00) Sept. 1 - The Associated Press [Vance offers olive branch to pro-Israel Republicans in closed-door speech](https://www.politico.com/news/2026/09/01/jd-vance-republican-jewish-coalition-01058782) Sept. 1 - Politico [John Galliano show at Met Gala canceled due to backlash over past antisemitic remarks](https://www.nbcnews.com/pop-culture/pop-culture-news/john-galliano-show-met-gala-canceled-due-backlash-antisemitic-remarks-rcna595314) Aug. 31 - NBC News [Defendants in Minnesota church protest case challenge charges in flurry of motions](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/us/politics/minnesota-church-protest-immigration.html) Aug. 31 - The New York Times * [Teen charged with murder after livestreaming San Diego mosque shooting](https://www.nytimes.com/2026/08/31/us/san-diego-mosque-shooting-livestream-murder-charge.html) Aug. 31 - The New York Times * [Senate candidate El-Sayed apologizes to those hurt by comments after synagogue attack](https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2026/08/29/el-sayed-apologizes-to-those-hurt-by-comments-after-synagogue-attack/91529218007/) Aug. 29 - The Detroit News *