A question for Muslims living in the west... What is it like living in a western country as a Muslim??
598633
I feel like people are always judging me.  Most of the people don't understand Islam, or they hate it, because they don't know anything about it exept lies that they hear from friends and family, well some do understand Islam, and are not told lies, but that's a very few of them.  Most people can't even tell where i'm from, and they can't tell my religion until I tell them, and when I do they're just like "ohhhh, cool", but a few days later they act differently around me, and ask me many questions about Islam, which is great, but when I answer them, they always ask why?, what's allah, why don't you belive in God and instead believe in allah????  Most people just don't understand it,and just like to judge Islam, by what happend on 9-11, and I had one person even ask me if Bin Ladin was my cousin...which is pretty funny because it's such a dumb question.  I  just think that there are a few conflicts, but I didn't have that many problems with being Muslim in the US.\n\nWhat about you?
113560
I notice that Muslims in the West are more naive and believing. Many of them are either extremely religious or liberal. Many of them would study the history of Islam, and the Life of the Prophet Muhammad, amongst many Islamic resources, as they progress, or before they convert.\nThey focus less on the rituals (like which foot goes into the bathroom, which side is better to sleep on etc, more on theoratical and scholarly side.)\nHowever, Muslims in Asia are in both extremes. Extremely religious, or extremely non-religious. Many of the non-religious people don't even know their own religion at all, they're only born Muslim.\nMany are rather moderate and practice their religion so personally you'd never know they were really muslims, even if the women in the family wore headscarfs.\nMany are nice, ordinary people.\n\nHowever, they focus more on the "physical", the rituals, less on the history, mostly by route memorization of specific texts and verses picked here and there rather than knowing the full meaning and verse, sentence, paragraph or origin of the text. This could be because they were born Muslim and many have read the Qu'ran by memorization only.\n\nThis isn't counting the extreme-thought Muslims who are holier-than-thou with their attitudes but still sleep around and drink alcohol - like my Saudi friend.
680557
I'm not Muslim and I agree with your sentiment 100%. There is a two-tier structure to Muslims and tolerance. \n\nIn nations in which Muslims are a minority, they act much much different than in nations in which they are the majority.In a way, this mirrors Mohammed's attitude when he was starting out in Mecca and his behavior once he ruled in Medina. In Mecca before the "flight" Mohammed was very tolerant talking about love, peace, etc. Once he went to Medina and had his foothold, then we saw the real face of Islam.\n\nThe hope of Muslims in the west is that they show the "good" side of Islam and get enough converts to reach critical mass. Once that happens, then they can bring down the hammer of Allah.
536927
Islam (the muslim faith) is a hot topic for discussion right now. \n\nAs a western Christian I find some of the traditions and beliefs of muslims to be incompatable with my own, yet that has not stopped me from getting to know some wonderful muslims that have taught me much about unconditional friendship. \n\nI've also discovered that the Islam that is practiced by certain feared groups appears to be a little different from that practiced by the muslims that I have known. But then Christianity seems to be interpreted and practiced in many different forms too - otherwise there wouldn't be so many different types of Christian churches. Go figure. Religion is certainly interesting. :)
375513
For me, living in the US as a muslim, I think it's pretty easy. In all my 15 years of living here, I honestly haven't met one person who discriminates, hates, or just doesn't like me because I am muslim. It's just the media and a couple of uninformed people that try to scare you about us muslims. Yes, there are some bad people out there that do bad things and call themselves muslims, but every religion has it's goods and bads. Take christianity for example, priests molesting children, Jews bombing Palestinians, Muslims flying planes into buildings, theres just good and bad in EVERY religion. Oh boy, I've gone off topic again, haven't I?
1187914
Yes. Sad but yes. I lived in the middle east  and because  of my sexuality i had to  come back to the States.I was tired of feeling that i couldn't come out to society there.In my opinion,  Islam is a very strict religion, so that is why  the society there intend to take it more difficult than others.
1033227
It depends on what you are looking for. \n\nIt is funny you mentioned Egypt as I am an American who just moved to Egypt. I love it here and prefer living here then in America. \n\nAnd your religion will also play a major part in the answer here. As a Muslim I do prefer Egypt as I am excepted here, were in America they say I am equal, but to me if felt more like they just tolerated me. I think people would of been more ok with me if I was gay or maybe a stripper, they seem to be more excepted in American then non-Christians.
232147
AM SORRY FOR THIS ANSWER BUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE NO CHANCE OF DOING THAT IN A MUSLIM COUNTRY. AND I WOULD NOT TELL TO MANY PEOPLE OF YOUR INTENTIONS.\nI HOPE YOU BE SAFE AND FIND A WAY TO LEAVE THE COUNTRY YOU ARE IN.
239160
u cant say something like that about a group of people. some may hate westeners and some may be jealous but not all of them fit into 1 of these catagories. im not muslim but it is still offensive to see stereotypes like that on the internet. what if some said do westeners hate the east or are they just jealous. its a stupid and uneducated remark to classify some one by their race, religion... im sure other people feel the same way!
757300
why westernized arabic?? \ni'm really interested to know what do u like about them?\ni have nothing against westerns or arabs (i'm an arab) but i'm just wondering why\n\nlet me guess, ur an arab but u dont like veiled girls???
349600
Ok... Some pratical challenges facing muslims living in western countries.....\nProblems with how the banking system complys with Sariah law. How can muslims take a mortgage when lending money at interest is forbiden.\n\nHow to find a halal job. Can you work in a supermarket that sells alcohol.  Does your company support the war on Iraq, how can you square that with your beliefs.  Can a women wear her hijab to work? etc
339613
You can achieve your desire to study in the west, Europe or continental America and still continue your life as usual.\nHowever the Niqaab ( face covering) would be a problem, especially with what ishappenig with the US and Iraq and all of the ani-Muslim (Anti_Islamic) rhetoric in the news.\nAs skertrevir said, you can easily contine with your head sarf.\nMany Muslim Girls and women do so and face minimum difficulties.\nMay God Bless you in yoru quest for Knowlege and to improve your life. Ameen
972341
I haven't replied to your other question but please email me.\nI am English and married to a Muslim man.\nJanie x
573768
don't know if it's true, but islam is at home in uk, like in my country France. they are everywhere home this people soI wouldn't be surprised !
578285
I do not agree that that are, or that a Muslim life style is so much different to a Western Lifestyle. In order to back up this questions you would need to provide examples of people that you believe are doing this.
1136270
I am Muslim here ....trying  not to be angered by so many ignorant comments  here....
917925
I think it's weird too. I think they move because they know that the west is a better place to live, more money, better healthcare, better education, and tolerant of religious diversity.\n\nBut some of them, when they arrive, they complain about how immoral it is and how it conflicts with their religious ideals and corrupts their children. \n\nIt's all part of the same package, if you don't want to be 'tainted' by our immorality or have your children growing up in our culture, you shouldn't move here. If you move to another country you should be respectful of their culture. If you don't agree with it don't go.