: Survey Says: American Muslims Are Liberal, Religious, Dislike Bush

If you consider Detroit-area Muslims representative of American Muslims overall, then a recent study of American Muslim attitudes might be of interest to you. According to the study, commissioned by the Institute for Policy Study and Understanding, Muslims generally agree on some basic principles: have a flexible approach to Islam, be involved in community affairs and politics, and get George Bush out of office. The survey reveals that the events of 9/11 shifted the public policy focus of Muslims from foreign policy in the Middle East to domestic issues such as civil rights and education. Over 80% of those surveyed favored universal health care, environmentalism, and affirmative action, and 93% felt that Muslims should be involved with non-Muslims in community service projects. “There is definitely a growing interest in the Muslims in America to become more involved in the political process,” said Jane Smith, a professor at Hartford Seminary’s Duncan Black Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations. “[The survey] tells the American public that mosque communities in America are not radicals,” says Ihsan Bagby, lead researcher on the project and an associate professor of Islamic studies at the University of Kentucky. “They are not a breeding ground for terrorists and extremists.” The organizers of the study selected 12 mosques with a diverse ethnic and demographic mix and found that the average Muslim was a married 34-year-old with children, a college degree and a salary of about $75,000 a year. About 68 percent of the eligible voters are registered to vote. “This is not a community that wants to be isolated.” said Bagby. “This is a community that wants to be part of the mainstream.”

Shahed Amanullah is editor-in-chief of altmuslim.com.