Hey everyone!
I’m new to this place, but I was wondering if some people wouldn’t mind answering a few questions about Islam for me. I am taking a Middle Eastern Humanities course and for our final project to present to the class my group decided to interview Muslims and Non-Muslims to talk about some common misconceptions about Islam in the United States practically. But I am interested in hearing from some people who do not live in the United States as well. Fill free to answer or skip as many questions as you want. Thanks.


For Muslims:

1) How long have you practiced Islam?

2) Where do you live (country only)?

3) What was it like to be a Muslim during the terrorism attack on 9-11 in New York? What was your local Muslim community's reaction to the attacks?

4) How do you feel the media has portrayed Islam, before 9-11, right after 9-11
and today, 5 years later?

5) Do you think the reaction/violence around the world in response to the
cartoons of Prophet Muhammad was justified?

6) Do you feel like Islamic women (in your country or in general) are oppressed?

7) For those of you who practice Islam in the Middle East: How do you feel about Muslims practicing in the United States?

8) And for those of you who practice in the United States: What difficulties (if any) have you experienced being a Muslim in the United States?

9) Do you think the United States/or other countries should spend more time/effort on public awareness about Islam, the Middle East, Arabs, etc?

10) Have you or someone you know been persecuted because you are a Muslim?


For Non-Muslims:


1) How much do you know about Islam and the Middle East?

2) How do you feel the media has portrayed Islam, before 9-11, right after 9-11
and today, 5 years later?

3) Do you think the reaction/violence around the world in response to the
cartoons of Prophet Muhammad was justified?

4) Do you feel like Islamic women (in your country or in general) are oppressed?

5) Do you think the United States/or other countries should spend more time/effort on public awareness about Islam, the Middle East, Arabs, etc?

6) Do you feel that your community is sufficiently educated about Islam, or do they tend to be misled by stereotypes?


Thanks again for your help.

well its probably a little too late...but if anyone was still curious about a muslims point of view...


1) How long have you practiced Islam?

i converted in may 2003 when i was 12.

2) Where do you live (country only)?
USA

3) What was it like to be a Muslim during the terrorism attack on 9-11 in New York? What was your local Muslim community's reaction to the attacks?
i hadnt converted yet.

4) How do you feel the media has portrayed Islam, before 9-11, right after 9-11
and today, 5 years later?
before, i was pretty ignorant to islam. now, its portrayed terribly, for the most part. but its still the fastest growing religion today, all the hate the media has pushed on my people has actually provided a guiding light to islam.
5 years from now, i cant really say.

5) Do you think the reaction/violence around the world in response to the
cartoons of Prophet Muhammad was justified?
its in no way justified, but i saw it coming. no lie, just like there are still KKK out there, there are radical people doing crazy stuff in the name of their religion who actually dont know much about their religion. if they knew, they wouldnt have reacted with violence. and as a muslim, i know that what they did is wrong wrong wrong, but i also know about the ignornace thats out there among muslims.

6) Do you feel like Islamic women (in your country or in general) are oppressed?

i am not oppressed in any way, shape or form. i wear the scarf, i cover myself, etc. its so people deal with my mind, not my body. For muslim women, our beauty and bodies is our own personal possession. Its like a jewel. you only show it to those whom u trust and who are close to you, you dont flash it for the world to see, exposing it to danger or possible violation n damage.

7) For those of you who practice Islam in the Middle East: How do you feel about Muslims practicing in the United States?
n/a
8) And for those of you who practice in the United States: What difficulties (if any) have you experienced being a Muslim in the United States?
harassment, verbal abuse. and lots of personal stuggles as well.

9) Do you think the United States/or other countries should spend more time/effort on public awareness about Islam, the Middle East, Arabs, etc?

of course.

10) Have you or someone you know been persecuted because you are a Muslim?
all the time, same for most the muslims i know. we can go on for DAYS with crazy stories. but its all a test from God to keep out strength and faith.

Non-Muslim
1. I did a school paper on the Taliban and Islam and still know very little about both subjects. there is a lot of information.

2. I feel that since the 90's (and possibly before, but thats when i was born) islam has been portrayed in a negative light by the media.

3.n/a

4.I think that they were and still are to a certain degree although people are making strides in equality.

5. yes. ignorance is a direct link to violence.

6.i think that some people are more aware than others, but that no one, including myself, is fully aware of what it means to be muslim.

don't double post please, you already have this in one board you don't need to put it in another, we call that spamming and that's against the rules so just for the future post one place and one place only, trust me people will get to it

Anybody???
Well, I know its touchy, but is anyone willing to give it a shot? Or maybe just talk about their experiences, you don't have to answer the question at all. And you don't have to be American. I'd really appreciate any help.
Thanks.