Issues Surrounding Muslims In The West And How Do They Compare To Muslims Living In Muslim/Arab Countrie - Essay Example

Teacher’s ID Issues surrounding Muslims in the west and how do they compare to Muslims living in Muslim/Arab countries The teachings of Islam fall equally to all Muslims around the world whether living in Islamic countries or in the west. The religion guides its followers through the word of God ‘Quran’, teachings and life of its Prophet Muhammad ‘Hadees’ and belief on Prophets that came before Muhammad (Ernst 93-95). The religion that emerged from the Arabian Peninsula spread throughout the world, initially in the nearby countries through Islamic conquests and then in west by preachers and migrating Muslims (Siddiqui 8). The west also saw a rise in Islamic followers as people having African roots converted to Islam in large numbers. Further division among Muslims gave rise to several sects and conflicts between these sects created political, social and cultural differences among Muslims all around the globe. Throughout the history since its emergence the religion divided in to two major sects (Shia and Sunni) and then into several small sects within these two major divisions. These divisions are based, not on the basic beliefs but on secondary teachings and practices of Islam. Geographically, the Islamic countries are states that are controlled by either Sunni or Shia governments. It is important to note that both types of governments strive to promulgate their beliefs in their territories extensively so that conflicts rise within the two major sects resulting in wars based on beliefs and for resources. Similarly these governments due to corruption and conservative lifestyle were unable to provide better economic prospects to their citizens. Hence during these conflicts and due to economic hardships countless Muslims in search of a better life migrated to the west principally during the period of 1930’s to 2000. Another factor of Muslim presence in western states can be attributed to the colonial era where many Muslims from colonies controlled by the west were able to migrate to Western countries. The number of immigrants thus far has shrunk after the backlash of terrorist acts and stern immigration laws, these acts also hardened the life of a common Muslim living in western countries (Ernst 131-135). It is a historic fact that both worlds have had their conflicts that have resulted in wars and religious conquests. In modern day and age both parts of the worlds with different beliefs cannot be separated in economically, culturally and politically aspects (Ernst 7). Globalization has brought the world together and many cultural, economic and political aspects are shared between both worlds. For example, a product belonging to a multinational company is sold across the globe irrespective of the religion or ideology prevailing in the country. Similarly many countries with Islam as a majority religion have embraced democratic system of government and English laws. Although there are countries who follow and promulgate Islamic laws (Sariah) in their territories, such countries are seen by west as un-civilized and fundamentalists. (Ernst 2-4) Muslims across the world have faced hardships, not only in western countries but also in their own countries by oppressors and clashing ideologies of sects prevailing within the community. Since the emergence of Islam as the second biggest religion of the world, Christianity or the western world has seen it as a negative force. The anti-Muslim stereotypes are common in western countries with negative image shared in media and amongst people. As it would be unfair to declare all Muslims as extremists similarly the entire western world and its citizens cannot be labeled as anti-Islamic stereotypes. In the medieval period, Christians were against the idea of another prophet besides Jesus Christ and hence the Islamic teachings along with the character of Muhammad were considered negative by the church. The military activity by which Islam spread in neighboring countries, Africa and Asia were criticized by the church and there are schools of thoughts that still declare Islam as a religion that was spread by the power of sword rather then preaching. The life of Muhammad provides Christians the basis for criticism while for Muslim it provides a role model, which if followed can bring them glory and heaven after death. It was only later that the Church acknowledged the life of Prophet and Islamic teachings and adopted a more neutral view point. Nevertheless there are major issues that divide and develop hatred amongst both religions and territories. One of the major reasons given by Islamic extremists for animosity towards the western world is support for Israel and Zionists against Palestine along with increasing military presence of America in many Islamic countries (Ernst 11-27). The image of Islam as portrayed widely in the western world has created bias amongst general masses; the veiled women to westerners represents an oppressed women, permission to marry four women, jihad and other Sariah laws are all looked upon strangely by the western world (Ernst 142-144). In addition to that, teachings of Quran are also criticized for spreading feelings of aggression, violence and hatred among Muslims. Siddiqui (7) provides an argument against this notion by stating that a mere scripture cannot be held responsible for social behavior of Muslims around the world and cultural and political factors are required to be considered. Muslims themselves are divided in to many factions within their two major sects. Hence the Islamic authority on earth to be followed by Muslim does not come from one source. Similarly the interpretation of Islam carried out by clerics of different factions is different which makes beliefs and practices of Muslims focused on their own faction. Hence, it can be said that Muslims living in western part of the world and in Islamic / Arabian countries face a variety of issues (Ernst 57). In the western world after 9/11, there were instances where Muslims were subjected to hatred and many were attacked. Muslim mosques once seen as a religious place was viewed as a den of terrorists and veil for women was also subjected to scrutiny, for example France, Switzerland, Germany and Netherland have all either banned veils for women or are drafting legislations to do so. The laws of western world often clash with the laws promulgated by Islam, this phenomenon possess the most significant issue for Muslims. For example, Muslims pray five times a day, fast for a whole month, restrain from looking at modernly dressed women, laws of inheritance, criminal laws, family laws, not drink alcohol or eat pork, even their animals should be butchered in an Islamic way otherwise the food is not permitted for eating (Ernst 108-112). In a modern western country where most people believe in plural values, exclusivity for following strict Islamic laws by a practicing Muslim is becomes difficult. The identity and acts of minority with an extreme Islamic view sometimes corrupts the identity of the whole community. Islam and Muslims in the west have faced the same issue after the emergence of Al-Qaeda and terror attacks carried out in the world. Many Muslims living in western countries want a peaceful life and equal opportunities to grow although this has forced them to follow western values pertaining to politics and economics. The western Muslim is a confused member of the society and the newer generations are more inclined towards western lifestyle rather than the Islamic way of living. They either find themselves enriched with the western values or find themselves separated from the rest once they start following strict Islamic values. The bearded men although living for decades or wearing Islamic abodes are looked upon suspiciously by the rest as hardliners even if they are born in the same country having all the same rights as others. The effects left by western colonialism over Islamic countries distribute the population in two types. There are people living in third world and Arabian countries that believe in moderation in Islam and separation of Islam from politics along with democracy, technology and education. Hence, they want western practices and laws in place with economic freedom, viewing religion as a personal affair between God and the individual (Ernst 127-129). On the other hand Muslims who resent west want Sharia laws in place where all the laws are made and practiced in accordance to Quran and teachings of the prophet. A great example here is the country of Pakistan, divided on the basis of religious and cultural dichotomy from India in 1947 has struggled to adopt and implement Sariah laws. As a result hardliners in the country have adopted a violent approach which includes killing Muslims who do not conform to Islamic ways or oppose the implementation of Islamic laws. It is evident that although Muslims in west enjoy economic benefits, freedom of speech and equal opportunities by law, their adherence to Islamic laws has become an inevitable issue. Meanwhile, Muslims living in third world Islamic countries have oppressive rulers, less economic stability and few opportunities to provide a healthy lifestyle to their families. Consequently, the oil rich countries in the Middle East have a positive economic environment although the wealth is controlled by few monarchs, either following Sharia law partially or completely. These monarchs have provided economic benefits to their citizens although the civil rights and freedom of speech has always remained oppressed in such countries (Ernst 136 - 139). One can see the recent events in countries such as Syria, Libya and Egypt where oppressed population along with fundamental Islamic beliefs became the basis of revolutions fighting to topple their rulers. If analyzed closely two out of the three recent revolutions in the Middle East started due to oppressive rules or inability to accept opposing point of views. The same trend can be seen in Saudi Arabia, the birthplace and most Islamic country in the world which has strict control and Islamic laws. So much so that women are not allowed to travel alone or even drive by themselves. Muslims once witnessed unparalleled glory and the period of Muhammad and his companions (caliphate) spread the religion in widespread areas. However, varying interpretations, inability to promulgate peace in Islamic countries and factions working violently against each other within the same religion have confused the Muslims around the world. Majority of Muslims living in the third world country see extraordinary atrocities against them on a daily basis and would definitely prefer a move to western countries. On the other hand economically sound and old school Muslims living in west see their coming generations as un-Islamic and influenced by western lifestyle. They are forced to follow western laws and adopt a moderate or modern lifestyle in order to have an equal and acceptable place in society. The confusions created by different Islamic doctrines and preachers will not only become the basis of intensified divide between west and Islam but also a greater division within Islam escalating the conflicts between Shia and Sunni sects in their respective countries (Ernst 11-26). In order to bring Muslims in social mainstream, western countries need to create dialogue with literate Muslims, encourage their economic activities and respect their culture and religious beliefs. The marvels of technology has played a great role in bringing distant communities together, questioning and exploring unknown areas and understanding varying point of views. Muslims nowadays can clear their confusions related to Islamic doctrines over the internet by asking Islamic experts or ‘muftis’ about a particular problem. The belief that western values and system are most rational and should be universally accepted should be reconsidered as democracy itself has developed over time and that even western world gave women rights and abolished slavery in the 19th century. There is a need for greater tolerance and understanding between the west and Islam. Similarly west should discourage acts of violence and hate towards Muslim communities (Ernst 199-211). After a critical analysis of the literature, one can conclude that Islam is seen as a negative force in the west, as a result there are various issues faced by Muslims living in western countries. Comparatively, it is easier for a moderate or modern Muslim to have a fruitful life in west while hardliners may feel singled out and targeted on certain instances. In comparison to western Muslims, it has becoming extremely difficult for a moderate or modern Muslim to have a fulfilled life in Islamic countries specially ruled by monarchs where freedom to oppose and speech are oppressed and basic human rights have no meaning. Similarly in third world countries dominated by colonial influences, identity, system and laws breed more confusion where both sets of Muslims demand a government / rule based on their own doctrines i.e. democracy or caliphate. Works Cited Ernst, Carl W. Following Muhammad: Rethinking Islam in the Contemporary World. University of North Carolina, 2003. Print. Siddiqui, Mona. How to Read Quran. London: Granta Publications, 2007. Print. Read More