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On Islam & Democracy\n<\/b>
\n\u2022 Large majorities cite the equal importance of democracy and Islam to the quality of life and progress of the Muslim world. They see no contradiction between democratic values and religious principles.<\/p>\n
Since Muslims behave or tend to associate with each other (and expand) with a Pan-religious mindset, it probably makes sense to have a global poll that could understand the thoughts and aspirations of many amongst them. Most of the Muslims point to the several \u201churts and insults\u201d to their religious brethren that sometimes makes some members act in an extremist mould.<\/p>\n
A Gallup Poll of the Muslim World surveyed a representative sample of 90 percent of the world\u2019s 1.3 billion Muslims, the most comprehensive study ever done. The findings are explored in the new book \u201cWho Speaks for Islam?\u201d by John Esposito, Islamic studies professor at Georgetown University; and Dalia Mogahed, executive director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies in Washington.<\/p>\n
This was an ambitious six-year project that involved hour-long, face-to-face interviews with residents in nearly 40 nations, Gallup has looked the perspectives of Muslim men and women \u2013 urban and rural, educated and illiterate, young and old.<\/p>\n
Below are some interesting findings listed under major categories.<\/p>\n
On Islam & Democracy
\n<\/b>
\n\u2022 Large majorities cite the equal importance of democracy and Islam to the quality of life and progress of the Muslim world. They see no contradiction between democratic values and religious principles.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Political freedoms are among the things they admire most about the West.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Substantial majorities in nearly all nations say that if drafting a new constitution, they would guarantee freedom of speech.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Most want neither theocracy nor secular democracy but a third model in which religious principles and democratic values coexist. They want their own democratic model that draws on Islamic law as a source.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Significant majorities say religious leaders should play no direct role in drafting a constitution, writing legislation, determining foreign policy, or deciding how women dress in public. <\/p>\n
Islam & Women\u2019s Rights<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 Majorities in most countries believe that women should have the same legal rights as men: They should have the right to vote, to hold any job outside the home that they qualify for, and to hold leadership positions at the cabinet and national council levels<\/p>\n
\u2022 Majorities of men in virtually every country (including 62 percent in Saudi Arabia, 73 percent in Iran, and 81 percent in Indonesia) agree that women should be able to work at any job they qualify for.<\/p>\n
\u2022 In Saudi Arabia, where women cannot vote, 58 percent of men say women should be able to vote.<\/p>\n
\u2022 While Muslim women favor gender parity, they do not endorse wholesale adoption of Western values.<\/p>\n
Radicalism & Islam<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 Among the Muslims surveyed, 7 percent condoned the 9\/11 attacks. The study terms these the \u201cpolitically radicalized.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u2022 When asked why they supported the attacks, the radicals gave political rather than religious reasons. They have a sense of political frustration and feel humiliated and threatened by the West. Those who opposed the attacks often gave religious reasons for doing so.<\/p>\n
\u2022 The radicals, on average, are not the down-and-out people in society. They are more educated than moderates, and two-thirds of radicals have average or above-average income. Forty-seven percent supervise others at work. They are more optimistic about their own lives than are moderates (52 percent to 45 percent).<\/p>\n
\u2022 Radicals are no more religious than the general population and do not attend mosque more frequently.<\/p>\n
\u2022 What distinguishes them is not their perception of Western culture or freedoms, but their perception of US policies. Even radicals say they support democracy. But 63 percent of radicals do not believe that the United States will allow people in the region to fashion their own political future without direct US influence.<\/p>\n
Islam & the West<\/b><\/p>\n
\u2022 When asked what they most admire about the West, Muslims pointed to (1) technology, (2) a value system of hard work, self-responsibility, rule of law, and cooperation, and (3) fair political systems, with respect for human rights, democracy, and gender equality.<\/p>\n
\u2022 What they dislike the most about the West includes: denigration of Islam and Muslims, promiscuity, and ethical and moral corruption.<\/p>\n
\u2022 What they admire least about their own Muslim societies includes: lack of unity, economic and political corruption, and extremism.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Most Muslims agree on what the West should do first to improve relations: demonstrate more respect, show more understanding of Islam as a religion, and not denigrate what it stands for. The issues that drive radicals are also important to mainstream Muslims, but they differ in their priorities and the degree of politicization and alienation. Moderate Muslims next hope for Western policies that support economic development. Radicals are more focused on the West discriminating less against Muslims and refraining from interference in the internal affairs of Muslim countries.<\/p>\n
\u2022 As for the actions that Muslims themselves could take to improve relations, those surveyed recommended: respect the West\u2019s optimism and values of freedom of speech and religion, reduce and control extremism and terrorism, and \u201cmodernize.\u201d<\/p>\n
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On Islam & Democracy