British Muslims Feel, Well, British - Gallup poll

[EjazR]

Gallup.Com - The Queue by Lymari Morales: British Muslims Feel, Well, British

British Muslims don’t feel their fellow citizens believe them to be British.


As the Gallup researcher who focuses on European Muslim issues, I was struck by the conflicting message about Britain’s Muslim population in Prime Minister David Cameron’s speech in Munich last Saturday. The Prime Minister was eager to clear the “muddled thinking” about Muslims, religiosity, and violence as he told the crowd of dignitaries that “terrorism is not linked to any one religion or ethnic group.” For a couple of minutes, I was tempted to think Cameron was quoting from Gallup’s Coexist Index report about the lack of evidence between religion and acts of violence. But when he linked identity to sympathy for violence, the overall speech quickly became puzzling.


The Coexist Index report, released in 2009, paints a compelling British Muslim experience that’s timely and imperatively worth retelling. The key takeway from the report is that European Muslims, including those from the United Kingdom, embrace their countries but their countries don’t embrace them.


Many results underscore this main message, but I’ll highlight just three:

* British Muslims identify strongly not only with their religion but also with their country. In fact, they’re more likely than non-Muslim Britons to say they identify strongly with the United Kingdom.

* When asked about their ideal choice of neighborhood, British Muslims are more likely than non-Muslim Britons to want to live in areas with people of different backgrounds.

* Those who say religion is an important part of their life are as likely as those who don't to reject attacks on civilians.

One more thought that should help clear the "muddled thinking": British Muslims (7%) are far less likely than their fellow citizens (56%) to be “thriving” in life. This suggests that “achieving true cohesion” has more to do with jobs and economic opportunities for all rather than a perceived lack of allegiance to one’s country. These findings paint a very clear picture, British Muslims shouldn't have to choose between religious and national identity markers for the larger society to embrace them as an integral part of the United Kingdom.

 

[EjazR]

You can get the full report on Gallup coexistence Report 2009 here The Gallup Coexist Index 2009. Although focussing on UK , Germany and France, it also has a little info on countries around the world including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and even Israel.

Here is the press release

Muslims in the UK, France and Germany feel more loyalty toward the country they live in than the
general publics realise.
There is a gulf of difference in the importance of religion in everyday lives; faith is most important in
Asia and Africa – least in Europe.
A groundbreaking new report published today by Gallup and the Coexist Foundation shows that
European Muslims in the United Kingdom, France and Germany feel more loyalty toward the country in
which they live than the general public believes they do.
The report, The Gallup Coexist Index 2009: A Global Study of Interfaith Relations, is the first annual
report on the state of faith relations in countries around the world. It also shows that European Muslims
are striving to be more involved, with 96% of German Muslims saying that mastering the national
language is necessary for integration, 87% of French Muslims saying finding a job is important, and 84%
of British Muslims expressing the need to celebrate national holidays.
The Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies Dalia Mogahed says there needs to be a
renewed debate about the views of the majority of Muslims. Ms Mogahed, who was recently appointed
to President Obama’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, highlighted how
the report had broken down many of the myths about Muslim attitudes.
“This research shows that many of the assumptions about Muslims and integration are wide of the
mark. European Muslims want to be part of the wider community and contribute even more to society.”
Global research of religious tolerance conducted by Gallup demonstrates a clear gulf among countries
surveyed on their views of religion’s importance in their everyday lives; 13 of the top 27 countries polled
are in Asia and Africa; the bottom six countries are all in Europe.
The importance of religion in people’s daily lives was numerically highest in Bangladesh at 99%. The
lowest response was 20% in Norway. Outside Asia and Africa, Brazilians showed the highest response
(88%); among the European countries surveyed, Italians came in on top with 72%.
In the US, 33% of the public is classified as integrated, in Canada 31%, and in the UK only 20%. “This can
be explained by the historical importance of immigration in the development of Canada and the United
States as modern nations,” explained Ms Mogahed.
Of the European populations surveyed, the Dutch and French are most open to having a neighbour of
different faith, the Dutch and Norwegians are among the most likely to agree they always treat people
of other faiths with respect.
In Africa, Senegal, Sierra Leone and South Africa had the highest proportion of integrated respondents.
Sierra Leone’s response may seem surprising given that civil war raged for more than a decade, but
explained Ms Mogahed, “this conflict was fought more over economics than religion.” Niger, Chad and
Djibouti are the most isolated publics in the region. Mauritania is overwhelmingly Muslim, but many in
Mauritania believe most faiths enrich society.
Ms Mogahed added, “In many cases, national populations in which substantial percentages are
considered integrated have governments that actively promote religious tolerance, recognize multiple
religious traditions in official holidays and national celebrations, and enshrine religious freedom in the
constitution, like in Senegal.”
A high percentage of Afghanistan’s population (84%) is classified as isolated, yet 97% say religion plays
an important part in daily life; this suggests that civil strife along ethnic and sectarian lines is not enough
to create religious isolation.
Pakistan and India, with different religious compositions, have similar levels of integrated respondents;
22% and 21%, respectively.
In the context of the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which divides Jewish Israelis and Muslim and
Christian Palestinians, a high percentage of Israel’s population (71%) can be classified as isolated. Israelis
are also the least likely of Asian populations surveyed to say they always treat members of other faiths
with respect and the least likely to agree that most religious faiths make a positive contribution to
society.
Among Asian populations surveyed, Malaysians are most likely to agree most religions make a positive
contribution to society, while Indians are the most likely to agree that they always treat people of other
faiths with respect and that people of other religions always treat them with respect.
Other key findings:
• People in Sierra Leone are among the most likely to say they have learnt something from
someone of a different faith within the last year.
• Sierra Leoneans are among the most likely to agree that most religious faiths make a positive
contribution to society.
• The public in the United States is among the least likely to object to a person of a different faith
moving in next door.
• People in Burkina Faso, France, the US and Sierra Leone are among most likely to say they treat
people of other religious faiths with respect.

 

[desioptimist]

A small minority of muslims in UK is completely radicalized. There is a significant(and not so small) support for the cause they espouse( not necessarily the methods) by rest of muslims.
This had peaked during iraq war, and has come down a lot now.

 

[Time Assassin]

I DON'T FEEL BRITISH. And i don't want to be classified as one.

The ONLY reason why i am in this country is for my Education. But once i have completed my University, i will get out of here the 1st oppertunity i get.

Britain is sinking anyway, why should i stay on this boat. It can rot as far as im concerned.

When i will be making money i will invest it in Pakistan and not over here because i don't want this country to profit of me in anyway.

 

[REEVER]

Then why profit from it you need it no matter what way you look at it. It is and always be better than Pakistan.

Are there no Pakistani universitys or is it that they are all trash . What abot bejing I'm sure there's a university there you can go to but then again you will be censored.

have a nice day time Assassin"

 

[Time Assassin]

Then why profit from it you need it no matter what way you look at it. It is and always be better than Pakistan.

Are there no Pakistani universitys or is it that they are all trash . What abot bejing I'm sure there's a university there you can go to but then again you will be censored.

have a nice day time Assassin"

You idi*t don't make up stuff i haven't said. The reason why i am here is for my Education and why cos it's FREE. Understand, I am here for my OWN Gains, No more, No less.
Yes i will have to pay back the Loans Later but if i move to another country for a year and get a citizenship over there then i WOULDN'T have to pay back.
That is what I plan on doing.

Don't get me wrong i am grateful for the oppertunity i was given by Britain, but i DON'T WANT TO give something back. Because i know its a sinking ship. And after living here for so long i know this country is not where i want my future to be.

And yeah i will have a nice day.
You should try to have a nice day too without trolling on the web.

 

[EjazR]

@Time Assasin

Are you a UK citizen? IF not, then you are not British and this survey does not apply to you. So what you feel does not matter.

IF you are and still don't feel British, then you belong to the 20-22% of British Muslims who don't feel 'very strongly' or 'strongly' British. So you are not alone.
Even 50% of non-muslims Britishers feel the same way.

 

[Time Assassin]

@Time Assasin

Are you a UK citizen? IF not, then you are not British and this survey does not apply to you. So what you feel does not matter.

IF you are and still don't feel British, then you belong to the 20-22% of British Muslims who don't feel 'very strongly' or 'strongly' British. So you are not alone.

Even 50% of non-muslims Britishers feel the same way.

I was born in Britain in Sheffield. My Mum was born in Glasgow. My Dad comes from Karachi.

My Great Grandad served in WW1 for Britain.

Even after all that i wouldn't classify myself as British because i choose not too.

And i am glad i am not alone in the way i feel about Britain.

But i hate most British-Pakistanis, they are now drugged up, crazy people who think they are Gangsters.

 

[desioptimist]

@Time Assasin

Are you a UK citizen? IF not, then you are not British and this survey does not apply to you. So what you feel does not matter.

IF you are and still don't feel British, then you belong to the 20-22% of British Muslims who don't feel 'very strongly' or 'strongly' British. So you are not alone.
Even 50% of non-muslims Britishers feel the same way.

Sorry EjazR, bad luck those majority shown on poll are not represented in this forum.

 

[Time Assassin]

Sorry EjazR, bad luck those majority shown on poll are not represented in this forum.

You will find one. In this forum their are plenty of them. But it ain't me.

What about you then are you born in Britain or have moved here?

 

[desioptimist]

You will find one. In this forum their are plenty of them. But it ain't me.

What about you then are you born in Britain or have moved here?

I am not neither british citizen nor muslim. I dont need to be loyal to Britain. I will try to be ideal guest as a foreigner.

 

[Time Assassin]

I am not neither british citizen nor muslim. I dont need to be loyal to Britain. I will try to be ideal guest as a foreigner.

I'm guessing you have come here for education then?
Then you will have a good time here.
I hope this oppertunity gives you a chance to meet with 'good' British Pakistanis. Most Indians who come here for Education are suprised by how similiar cluture and believe they share with Pakistanis.

 

[ovarel]

they dont need to feel British..

 

[JayAtl]

I DON'T FEEL BRITISH. And i don't want to be classified as one.

The ONLY reason why i am in this country is for my Education. But once i have completed my University, i will get out of here the 1st oppertunity i get.

Britain is sinking anyway, why should i stay on this boat. It can rot as far as im concerned.

When i will be making money i will invest it in Pakistan and not over here because i don't want this country to profit of me in anyway.

One of the founding principles taught by any parent and or teacher to their kids is " integrity". You showed with the above comment that such a conversation is yet to have taken place with you. Added to that, you have espoused on how you are going to willfully cheat the govt on a loan offered by leaving UK in a year after completing your education. Well- you might get away with it for for few years but sooner than later in life you better impose a total ban on visiting UK ( forget parents and extended family or your future kids from enjoying the citizenship), else you will have to pay it back sooner or later.

Integrity - look it up.

 

[Time Assassin]

One of the founding principles taught by any parent and or teacher to their kids is " integrity". You showed with the above comment that such a conversation is yet to have taken place with you. Added to that, you have espoused on how you are going to willfully cheat the govt on a loan offered by leaving UK in a year after completing your education. Well- you might get away with it for for few years but sooner than later in life you better impose a total ban on visiting UK ( forget parents and extended family or your future kids from enjoying the citizenship), else you will have to pay it back sooner or later.

Integrity - look it up.

Don't you DARE bring my parents into this.

If you have Any Idea what my Dad has done for me and my family, you will apoligidse Straight away.

My Dad said to me stuff that inspired me so much that the next day i made a dog tag and wrote the date and time my Dad told me his story and sacrifice.

It is 23/03/2009 and 10.05 till 12-05.

i WEAR THAT Dog Tag everyday since that day to remind myself to make something of myself and help out my family.

Thanks to him i was probably saved. All my former childhood freinds take drugs and 3 people i knew have ended up dead cos of it. That could have been me.

I choose to leave Britain, Its my choice, you guys trying to make me see otherwise, you have better luck talking to a brick wall. Respect my choice, otherwise i won't respect yours.