Some Muslims worry Facebook runs afoul of Muslims standards of modesty. Others see it as a home to offensive images like depictions of the Prophet Muhammad, and have personalized Facebook to fit their Islamic beliefs.

Shopping websites, magazines and blogs are catering to Muslim American women who want to look fashionable while dressing modestly and staying true to their faith.

"This is my hijab story. I'm afraid to tell it. Afraid of what people will think of me. You see, for me, wearing hijab wasn't all blooming roses and rainbows and inner peace. It was blood and tears and a nafs raging and rebelling. It was the hardest thing I ever did for Allah subhanahu wa ta'ala. I pray it was sincerely for His sake, that He may accept it from me, otherwise all this hardship will be in vain."

Europe's burqa debate and a steady stream of media images showing veiled women have led to a widespread impression that all Muslims are obsessed with covering the female body.

It might be a surprise, then, that many Muslim Americans are toasting Rima Fakih, who made history on Sunday (May 16) by becoming the first Muslim crowned Miss USA.

Fakih, who donned a gold bikini and a strapless white dress for the pageant, will return to Las Vegas in August when she represents America in the Miss Universe contest.

"There's recognition among Muslims that this is not a traditionally Islamic way for a woman to dress," said Shahed Amanullah, editor at AltMuslim.com, a news and commentary website. "But in its own weird way, its progress."

Many Muslims are critical of beauty pageants as lewd and degrading to women. At the same time, Fakih, 24, is being hailed as a symbol of Muslim-American integration who shatters the stereotype of the cloaked and dour Muslim woman.

Wasn’t it just a few weeks ago that controversial singer Erykah Badu was charged with disorderly conduct for stripping off her clothes in public, while filming her latest music video, “Window Seat,” in Dallas, Texas? Public nudity is a crime in most parts of the world, and penalties for violating city ordinances helps to keep the public safe from immoral behavior. Read More

At an Istanbul fashion show befitting Paris or Milan, Islamic clothing designers show off apparel for women that combines modesty with high fashion.