So, in 10 years of impassioned discussions, has any progress been made?
In August, the Abu Dhabi Gallup Center issued a report examining Muslim Americans’ political and social engagement. Its findings were interesting.
First, it asked the question: Are Muslim Americans loyal to the United States.
The answer, according to almost all Muslim Americans surveyed is “yes.” But only 59 percent of Protestants and 56 percent of Catholics agreed, a large share of them having doubts about the loyalty of Muslims in America.
So, there appears still to be skepticism toward Muslims in our country. Can Muslims do anything to correct this?
Perhaps to demonstrate their loyalty, some would suggest, American Muslims should speak out against terrorism. After all, they have more of an obligation to do so than anyone else, don’t they?
People are on both sides of the fence on this. Not everyone agrees that Muslim Americans have a greater obligation. In fact, according to the survey, Protestant, Catholic and Jewish Americans are evenly divided on the issue.
What is more surprising is that Muslim Americans themselves are also split. Of those surveyed, half feel they do have a greater responsibility to condemn terrorism, while the other half feel their obligation does not extend beyond anyone else’s.
It is true that every major Muslim organization in American has denounced terrorism. Regardless, up to two-thirds of those surveyed believe that Muslims in general have been too silent on the issue. One possible reason: Muslims in America, compared with other religious groups, have limited influence on the political stage. They have not found their collective voice.
Asked, “Which national Muslim American organization, if any, do you feel most represents your interests?” the majority indicated that none did. Not one of the best-known organizations, including the Council on American-Islamic Relations, the Islamic Society of North America and the Muslim Public Affairs Council, was said to represent the views of more than 12 percent of Muslims in America. With no effective representation, Muslims often seem politically quiet.
The study would suggest that Muslim Americans are loyal to their country, though politically ineffectual.
It also commented on how Muslims have integrated into American society.
The study evaluated the amount of tolerance demonstrated by various religious groups. The most tolerant ones fostered a “live-and-let-live attitude” and treated those of different faiths with respect. They made an effort to become integrated, pursuing greater understanding of others’ beliefs and religious traditions.
Muslim Americans ranked among the highest in tolerance and integration. Protestant, Catholic and Jewish Americans rated highly as well. There was no significant difference between the groups surveyed.
Readers may find this in conflict with their own perceptions. Statistical studies and Gallup polls aside, for many, the truth lies in personal interaction and first-hand experiences with Muslim Americans.
And here is where Muslim Americans face a challenge. More so than other groups, they are likely to be first-generation immigrants. And, as such, many are likely to encounter cultural barriers that slow their integration.
Clearly, more work is needed. Yet, Muslims in America are among the most optimistic.
Contemplating the next five years, Americans in general rate their lives at a 7 in a 0-to-10 scale, where 10 is a best life scenario. Muslim Americans, on the other hand, rate theirs at 8.4.
So, despite the challenges, the future looks bright in the eyes of Muslims in America.
Dean Hosni, an underwriting professional in the insurance industry, is a member of The Olympian’s Diversity Panel. He can be reached at dean.hosni@comcast.net.
