Sorry Canada (though in reality, it’s probably the best in the world). I’d like to even go more detailed and say NY-NJ Metropolitan area, the DC-MD-VA area, Chicago, Detroit and Los Angeles-San Diego area are the best areas within America for a Muslim to live. I think the countries that are exempt from this in the Muslim world would be Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia.
Edit: I know I’m going to take heat for saying Saudi Arabia is better to live than America, but I say this primarily my bias for the lack of ease of eating Halal food in America. Everyone who lives/visits Saudi Arabia always tell me how great the chicken and lamb is in Saudi. So meat is a factor for me where I live. I’m bias for the availability halal fried chicken. If I can make my daily salat, work and get some nice halal lamb and chicken, then I’m straight. If I can do this in Makkah, of course it’s better than the entire world. The Dajjal ain’t going to get me there!
Edit 2: For those who took me seriously about the meat thing, I apologize. It does play a factor but obviously it’s not number 1. I still think Saudi Arabia for me personally to practice Islam would be almost as good as America. America would still be the best option for me since I am an American.
Best place for Muslims to live? America
Muslim nations could learn a lot from the US.
By Merve Kavakci
Washington – This summer Muslims were murdered in Holland, Germany, and Belgium – four victims of hate crimes.
These murders are just the latest examples of Islamaphobia coming out of Europe. But Europe is not the only place intolerant of its Muslim citizens. Even in some Muslim countries, expression of religion is often perceived as a threat to the secular state.
One of the best places for a Muslim to live is the United States. In a lot of ways, conditions are better here than almost anywhere. As a Muslim not permitted to wear my head covering as a politician in my home country, Turkey, I know.
Think about it: In Turkey, where the vast majority of the population is Muslim, you will not find a lawyer with a beard or a student at a university wearing a head scarf, but you can find plenty in New York City. In Tunisia, you won’t see a religiously dressed physician at university hospitals – but you can in Alabama.
In the majority of Muslim countries the government is an intrusive enterprise with eyes and ears everywhere. The result is bleak. Countries reward only sycophants of the “divine” state. Muslims feel stifled by the encroachments of the establishment and lack of religious tolerance. If a man or a woman wanted to organize a protest against the government to gain the right to practice their religion more openly or be politically active against the status quo, may God help him to escape from the wrath of the state.
Many Muslim countries promote homogeneity while their citizens yearn for a right to diversity, which will give them the ability to practice their religious rituals freely.
In America, on the other hand, doors open to accommodate people’s religious beliefs. And that, along with citizenship rights and the opportunity to exercise the freedom to practice Islam day in and day out, is what makes the US so good for the millions of Muslims here.
American Muslim women can engage in any sport they choose wearing their religious garment – unlike in France and Italy where Islamic-approved swimsuits, and therefore Muslim women, are not welcome in the pools.
The White House and universities alike host iftars to celebrate Muslims’ holy month of fasting. Elementary school students can attend Friday prayers without having to worry about absentee records.
These small but significant examples of freedoms attest to the country’s sine qua non of inalienable citizenship rights: freedom of expression and freedom of religion.
That is not to say that the US is exempt from the mistreatment of Muslims. Racial profiling and workplace discriminations sometimes do occur. Yet the difference is when American Muslims face an unjust treatment, they have recourse where they can find justice.
Examples abound: The Justice Department sided with Muslim high school students in Texas who weren’t allowed to pray on school premises during lunch break in 2005, when they took their complaint to the federal government.
This year, a judge has ruled favorably in the pretrial lawsuit brought by six imams who were detained in 2006 for “flying while Muslim.” This would not happen in many Muslim countries since judiciary bodies are generally under the thumb of the regimes that promote coercive secularization.
Post-9/11, the US did mistreat some Muslims. But today, the Obama administration is making amends by probing alleged CIA torture and by closing the Guantánamo prison. There, after early abuses, officials accommodated detainees’ religious needs. So-called Muslim nation-states could learn from these steps in their treatment of devout citizens.
As President Obama tries to mend America’s relationship with the global Muslim community, he should promote “democratic” change from within, supporting any push from within countries for more heterogeneity.
Supporting the will of the “people” alone rather than the (semi) dictators, even when it is difficult, could make a huge difference.
Dr. Merve Kavakci is a lecturer of international affairs at George Washington University.
Related posts:
- In my opinion, the Best Muslims and the Worst Muslims live in America
- Muslim women seeking Islamic knowledge in the Muslim world vs. the non-Muslim world (Edit: See comments)
- Muslim World more Religious than the Rest of the World
- America will never win in Iraq or anywhere in the Muslim world
- Would we, as Muslims, live happily under an Islamic State?
59 Responses for "Sad but true for most of the Muslim world: Best place for Muslims to live? America"
Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are exempt? Why? Odd.
Saudi? Please, there is no freedom there.
However I was here to comment the same as your second point. If you want a country that is:
1. Democratic
2. Free market
3. Relatively safe for everyone
4. No restrictions on practicing Islam (or any other religion for that matter)
5. With warm friendly people
Look no further than Indonesia. The only issues I can find with Indonesia are:
1. Foreign interlopers (read Malaysian and Saudi “Harbis”)
2. Christian/Muslim relations in some remote areas
3. Mosquitoes
However, when I visit I really only see the mosquitoes as none of the rest of that is present in my Wife’s hometown of Makassar.
I would also hazard a guess that there are many small countries like the Maldives that are fantastic places for Muslims to live.
@Kearns
In Saudi:
- No restrictions in practicing Islam (even Sufis – There are mawlids in Saudi Arabia)
- It’s safe for Muslims. Sorry non-Muslims.
- Madinah people are friendly, but Makkah people are rough, but that’s how they roll for 1,000s of years.
- Halal food everywhere
@MR
No freedom of press
No freedom of religion
No freedom of movement for women
No say in government
There are restrictions on practicing Islam, just because they decided to allow some to practice some tasawuf, doesn’t equate to freedom. Try being Shi’a in Saudi.
And after all of that, you still aren’t free of terrorism or government over-scrutiny.
Thanks, but I’ll pass.
(Living there that is, I can’t wait to return for Umrah or Hajj)
@Kearns
- Internet for freedom of press (America has controlled media as well)
- Don’t really care for that.
- Women have freedom to shop. There are tons of malls. What more do they want? Hahaha, but seriously every sister I know that has been to Saudi or lives in Saudi is happy. No one complains. They only thing America complains is that they can’t drive. Man, they don’t even drive that much in America. And women do drive and many don’t make a big deal. It’s like driving 20 mph over the speed limit.
- You can do the fardh and sunnah with ease. Shia’s have Iran.
- 9/11?
I propose we stop calling countries with despotic anti-Islamic leaders, (such as Egypt, Syria and Tunisia) ‘Muslim Countries’ but ‘Muslim-Majority’ countries, this way non-Muslims will not think of Muslim countries as led by religious, practising Muslims who commit foul and disgusting things against their own people.
I think the UK rivals the US for Muslims in the world. The UK Muslims have achieved quite a lot compared to their European brethren. Even France with its 6+million Muslims, they haven’t had much progress in many basic areas. Although the UK climate is swinging towards the European flavoured right.
@Ahmadi – I think Muslim Countries is better than Islamic Countries, becuase you can have bad Muslims, but you can have bad Islamics, etc. Muslim just means who who submits to God and follows Islam and Muhammad (peace be upon him). Doesn’t mean they are Islamic. There are bad and good Muslims.
Hey MR, ever considered the ‘United Kingdom’??
The way Mexicans are treated here is the way desis are treated in arabia.
@Nihal – Mexicans are ballers See all the Mexican MLB stars, NFL stars, Governers, Senators, celebrities in America.
Bad comparison.
@MR just because you find the trade offs and restrictions acceptable doesn’t mean they are not there. And Shia have Iran? They too must perform hajj, and you can’t sub out Qom for that… As for women only need shopping? I can only hope that all of the women in your family ignore your blog, or you’re likely to get an earful. As for not caring for freedom of religion, that goes directly against performing the fardh and sunnah as it is our duty to protect the rights of the “people of the book” and allow them to practice their deen with no impediment. There is actually no “except saudi” rule as they might have you believe. 9/11? Not sure what that means, except of course it was perpetrated by mostly Saudis as is most local Saudi terrorism.
I stand by my assessment.
Also I find the Saudi style of Islamic governance where they feel the need to support a religious police to be reprehensible. Allah gave us freedom to choose our path, and the beauty of the best of Muslims is that they CHOOSE to be the best and not that they are forced to be so. To have a religious police to tell people what to do, how to do it, and when to do it insults our intelligence, our faith, our commitment, and even our Messenger (sal Allahu alayhi wa sallam) as our exemplar who never felt the need for such an institution.
@MR what Mexicans are you talking about? Or are you confusing “Mexican” with “Latino”?
@Kearns – no Mexicans.
Eva Longria – Celebrity, Bill Richardson – Governer, Mark Sanchez – NY Jets’ Rookie first round 2009 draft pick QB, Oscar de la Hoya – huge boxer, Jessica Alba – Celebrity, Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys QB ( hate that team !! argh) and the list goes on!
Okay I see your point now. I guess everyone has their relative choice. For some it’s better for others it isn’t. Shias can make hajj ( I think? ).
@MR although you may see “Mexican” and “Mexican American” (many of your examples 3rd generation or more) as the same, I doubt that your average Mexican immigrant to the US seems them the same way. Not sure how we got on this tangent, but Mexicans are treated very poorly over much of the US, which is a shame. If we focused more on treating Mexico as a partner and neighbor we’d all be better off for it. Canada’s success as a nation doesn’t lessen ours one bit, just as a strong and successful Mexico wouldn’t either (even though as countries below the Rio Grand go, Mexico is in the top 5 for sure, no matter how you slice it)
Canada it is folks!
and to be more specific TORONTO!!!!
This article is real nice and might make some of us feel good.
But here’s another article (from the same newspaper no less) that exposes another side of being Muslim in America.
It ain’t all peaches and cream.
I’m from Holland, who got murdered this summer?
This is a great place to live for muslims, compared to most countries.
@MR: don’t hate on the Cowboys! =). But yeah I understand the thing about halal food, I live in NC and alhamdulilah, halal meat is starting to be readily available at Muslim “marts” however if you want to eat out..that’s a whole other problem. I mean honestly…I can only handle so much “arab”, “greek”, or “desi” food, sometimes you just need some good ol’ fried chicken. The only thing is I’m still not too fond of Saudi, even with its benefits.
cleveland. #1
Look to the bigger picture and not just food. Examples:
Family law: marriage, divorce, child custody, etc
Finance: sharia compliant banks to buy house, car, etc.
Raising children: islamic environment for your children.
Islamic environment in general: mosques to pray all five prayers in, hearing the adhan, getting eid holidays, shorter hours to work in Ramadhan.
As far as living in the US:
Just look at the number of cases that CAIR has to deal with to get people’s rights. These types of cases would not even come up in Muslim countries. E.g. being denied a job interview because of wearing hijab.
AND these are just the cases that have come to the attention of CAIR. More incidents might occur without being reported.
Muslim countries are still better to live in than anywhere else even though they are not perfect.
Agree w/ the author that the US is relatively the best place for Muslims. Relatively, because while it’s not perfect it’s definitely better than Europe and sadly most Muslim majority nations.
Frankly, aside from the UK, I feel sorry for most of the Muslims in Europe. It’s sad that the Muslim countries are such economic blackholes that they have to go to Europe to make a living. It’s gonna get a lot worse there before it gets any better. At the end of the day Europe is based on ethnic/national state boundaries and I’m sorry but ain’t any Morroccan or Algerian gonna be accepted as truly being French or Dutch anymore than a Frenchman would be accepted as being Saudi or Pakistani. It just isn’t gonna happen…
That’s what sets the US apart and is it’s real strength. You have tons of hillbilly yokels here who are knee deep in xenophobic hatred and discrimination, but ultimately EVERYONE is an immigrant here and it’s a reality that nudges this country to keep evolving and changing what it means to be American.
Furthermore, the diversity here ensures that not only your own ethnic/religious group, but other non-majority ethnic groups will often come to your aid in times of distress because they know they could someday be next if discrimination and bias isn’t nipped in the bud. Examples abound of Latinos, Blacks and even Japanese Americans who have stood up for the rights of Muslims in recent years.
Frankly it’s pathetic that Muslims haven’t returned the favor proportionately ….we need to get out of this mode of being Muslim-specific w/ our attention and do a lot more than we’ve been doing to reach out to people who share similar interests. Too many Muslims using only the barometer of what white people think of Islam and Muslims to gauge our success and interests here…
@ Kearns: I agree w/ you 100%…
@ MR: Sorry bro, but Saudi Arabia is no where near an ideal and everyday life there is nothing like Umrah/Hajj. It’s great to have the amenities of halal food, etc. and take beards, hijabs or our cultural clothing for granted there…but it’s all a bubble and there’re major problems outside of it.
The internet does not provide freedom of press, because it’s heavilty censored.
There is no religious freedom even for Muslims, because a major component of religious freedom means being able to freely discuss all religious issues. Even your blog here would meet heavy censorship in Saudi………even attempting to discuss the situation of non-Muslims would be ridiculous because it’s abysmal.
The situation for women there goes way beyond being able to drive. They are practically non-entities and have virtually no freedom over their own lives. I just got back from Umrah this summer and it was truly embarrassing that I had to sign all documents everywhere and argue w/ the airport gaurds to allow my mother and sister to leave the airport on a different flight than me. How am I the “gaurdian” of the woman who TAUGHT me my religion?
Sorry my brother, but I really think Muslim men have no right to critique the treatment of women in these types of places. You are not subject to those rules that totally humiliate and dehumanize you. I can only imagine the feelings of women who have to live w/ that 24/7 365 and don’t have the luxury of leaving after Hajj/Umrah.. Is Halal fried chicken worth that?
Saying the Shi’a have Iran is irrelevant to the subject at hand. All Shi’a are not Iranian, so why would they have Iran? On the other hand Saudi is supposed to be a welcome refuge of sorts for all Muslims. Whatever our disagreements w/ them, the majority of Zaidi and Ja’afari Shi’a are Muslims and their schools of thought are within the acceptable parameters of Islam. They shouldn’t be treated the way they are…
I saw thousands of Iranian pilgrims on my Umrah and they deserve to be as welcomed as anyone else, let alone Saudi Shi’a who are citizens of the country. It was disheartening to have people tell me not to pray next to Shi’a Iranians at the Masjid e Nabi itself….and sad that a group of them were beyond happy and excited that I was talking to them in Farsi being friendly to them ( while it was obvious by my dress and Farsi accent that I was a Sunni Afghan Pashtun).
This Shi’a – Sunni hostility needs to end. We can disagree w/o being disagreeable and the fact that the Gaurdians of the holy cities promote this jahel behavior ain’t cool because the symbolic weight of that place sends the message to many Sunnis that behavior like that is a-ok…
I agree w/ you about the difference w/ attitudes in Mecca and Medinah though. Medinah folks are generally much more laid back, courteous and friendly…
@ Nihal: South Asians get treated badly in Saudi Arabia because they are way too nice and soft hearted. Ideally that should not be a bad thing and no doubt Khodawand is heapin’ out the Sawaab to the South Asian folks…but until other Muslims adopt the same adab, my advice to the South Asians would be to step up the attitude a notch.
Plenty of poor Afghan or Pashtun labourers and Hajjis in Saudi, but the Saudis dare not cop an attitude w/ us because they know we’ll dish it out the same as they do. Sad state of affairs, but it is what it is and one’s gotta stand up for themselves in these Jahili times…
While I’m no fan of Saudi-influenced Salafi Islam, I wouldn’t mind living in Saudi. It’s not about food though because there are more important things in making a Hijra than just getting halal KFC (We have that in the UK now too, as if we didn’t have enough halal fried chicken!). You get to live in a country where the 5 prayers are practiced strictly, there is less fitna when walking down the street as you don’t have naked images of people plastered all over the tv and billboards (Unless you get satellite), there is a Masjid on every corner, the list goes on.
If I lived in Saudi though I would like in the Hejaz though not in Nejd, there is a big difference between the two as is highlighted in the famous Hadith of the Prophet (SAWS) as well as the history of the region.
Though MR why not add the UAE to your list? I would understand some Muslims have this idea that the UAE has “sold out” but it’s the law that every house must be 500m from a Masjid, the government is officially Maliki, and even some of our greatest scholars like Hamza Yusuf went to UAE to study Islamic sciences. Not all the Emirates are like Dubai or Abu Dhabi some of the others are more traditional. You get a good mix of Islam and western society.
I agree w/ ZAI. When I went to SA for Umrah, I saw some of the serious shortcoming s of Saudi society. ZAI and Kearns stated them perfectly.
Though, I would like to point out that, at least in Mecca and Medina, people are generally more tolerant and open. Idk about other Saudi cities.
Nah MR – it’s all about the Wessst COAST!
Specifically – the BAY AREA
Zaytuna, Al-Maghrib, MAS, and TONS of more organizations all in the same place!
Sh. Hamza…Imam Suhaib Webb…Imam Zaid…
end of discussion.
Cool discussion.
‘If I can do this in Makkah, of course it’s better than the entire world. The Dajjal ain’t going to get me there’!
Correct me if I’m wrong but I’m pretty sure the Dajjal won’t be able to get you if you are going to be in Medinah. I’m pretty sure I’ve read its Medinah that he won’t be able to penetrate, i.e. he’ll camp outside it and then create earthquakes and all the hypocrites will rush out and join him leaving only the righteous behind.
Clarification please.
As for the best place to live as a Muslim, I think the UK isn’t too bad compared to France, Italy, and I’ll be damned, even Turkey, but I think compared to what I’ve read about America and what I’ve seen of the diaspora there, it really would take some beating. Nevertheless, the Muslim community here is not only the most comfortable in Europe (for now), but also IMHO the most successful. We’ve successfully penetrated into most spheres of representation, i.e. Sports (‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed, Amir Khan, Adil Rashid), Politics (Shahid Malik, Lord Nazir Ahmed), Business (James Caan, Sir Ghulam Noon).
However, I’m slightly surprised that no one has mentioned Morocco. I went on holiday there last year and found Islam deeply entrenched in peoples hearts despite the fact that Nightclubs abound, well endowed Berber women flaunt their own brand of fitna, (as well as tourist women), and Alcohol and good ‘ol Moroccan (hashish) is freely available.
They follow the Maliki madhab, (although my old man is convinced its Shafi) I think, and the one thing I found their that I never found in Pakistan (DEFINATELY not in Pakistan), was no matter who you said Salam too, they said it back without thinking twice. Now, you’re probably thinking ‘but thats how it should be’. Try it in Pakistan. Seriously, walk into a shop and say Salam, and you’ll be greeted with eyes convinced they’re looking at a ‘majnun’. Do it to someone running hurriedly past you in Morocco and that person will look back whilst running, wave and give the adequate response. Maybe not a biggie to a lot of you but seriously compared to how they behave in the only nation-state founded (supposedly) in the name of Islam, its depressing.
As for Shi’a – Sunni unity, first ask any Shi’a what he thinks about the first three Caliphs (may Allah be please with them), and then make a note of his/her Safavid-era influenced response. Then we can talk about Shi’a – Sunni unity and where Islam begins and Neo-platonism ends. I have no problem with Shi’as and count many as my friends, but I do have a problem with people blindly talking about Shi’a – Sunni unity without first knowing what the differences are and therefore being unable to realise the depth of the problem let alone ‘unity’.
Lastly, I’d always imagined food not being a problem in the US due to the fact that theres a lot of Kosher restaurants out there (?) ….
I don’t think there is a ‘best place’ for a Muslim to live. It depends on many factors. Mainly the type of Muslim you are. the Group/Sect you adhere too. As some already mentioned above, example is treatment of Shia’s in Saudi. So Saudi Arabia isn’t a great place for them, or Sufi’s either (although they are becoming slightly more moderate towards them). Neither is Iran a good place for Sunni’s. As for those ‘modern’ Muslims, Quran’ites (Submitters), those who don’t wear Hijab, listen to music, think Jews and Christians are too believers, then I suppose anywhere in the Western world, apart from a Muslim country with some strict Islamic laws, is suitable for them, as they easily settle in amongst the Non-Muslims, usually following their lifestyle.
In general, I think each countries have their pro’s and cons. America may be good, but it’s fair from being great. Then again, it’s not a Muslim Country, so it’s not expected to be such. What is sad, is the fact their isn’t a perfect place for Muslims to live in. One would imagine with the number of Muslim majority states there is in the world, at least one place would be perfect, but sadly that isn’t the case.
There are pros and cons everywhere, but being born and raised in the states…. I love it, America educated me, fed me, and brought me up. ALHAMDOLILLAH, Im a practicing muslim physician here in the USA. Sure, things arent perfect but it was not meant to be that way.
ALLAH swt “Alif-Laam-Meem. Do people think that they will be left alone because they say: ‘We believe,’ and will not be tested?” [Soorah al-Ankaboot (29): 1-3] Alhamdolillah we get rewarded for our trials and tribulations, I have spent time in many different countries and if there is one other place I would LIVE it would be SAUDI ARABIA either Jeddah, Makkah, or Madinah… I dont care about freedom of speech and all that jazz…… as long as I am going to the Haram or Masjid Nabawi I am Happier than anyone. All of these other things…. secondary. Yeah it is tough for women there coming from the west, but hey its all about sacrifice and priorities…..
if i want to contact MR in private, does he have an email address? i clearly havent provided my authentic address when posting this message. can somebody help me out ?
thanks.
if meat is part of your bias, i’d be careful. eye hope you dont have haert trouble in your family bro. we need your blog up and running and theres lil yungins having strokes nowadayz so i hope your diet isnt full of meat. that protein argument is crap. the sunnah argument overrides it all so moderation. if it sounds like im preacherman than just kno that i truly care for your health and that making these comments is out of love. we got soem serious non – hereditary medical issues in our community due to a stray from the sunnah. muslim diet is supposed to be as organic as ti gets. just open the quran. i wouldnt be surprised if whole foods and trader jizzoe have quranic verses referenced in their preamble…hahhaha now im taking it too far but that was a joke. later girl.
Ignorant;
At the top LEFT of this Site, it says CONTACT MR. Use that form to send him a message.
I updated my post for all those concerned about my meat bias. LOL.
Lol @ Al-Suyuufi.
The best place for a Muslim to live is in Jennah
@Zookeeper I’m with you!
@ A O B – The Bay Area IS Cali!!!
You name it – the Bay’s got it…SF, Oakland, Berkeley, San Jose, Fremont, San Ramon, …list goes on and on…
Zaytuna, al-Maghrib, MCA, MAS, Sabiqoon, Tablighi Jammat, sufis to salafis and all extremes of them, MSAs at Standford, Berkeley, and more…dhikrs mawlids, conferences…
It’s ALLL about the Bay Area, California!!!
BAY AREA, CA
CANADA!
@ DR AMREEKA i’m wif u ….
by the way, i’m from singapore. …..
Visited and lived in western countries before.
Can’t imagine my kids living where:
No censorship on public TV i.e topless/sex scenes is okay.
Adult publications playboy and such sold just about any book/magazines shops/roadside stalls.
Lack of halal food
Dwell among people who bombed/killed fellow Muslims.
Away from relatives, grandparents, uncles etc..
And a few others..
ard
Malaysia
Would love to experience living in the NY/NJ area, and the Bay area, for a few years. I’ve been hearing great things about the Muslim communities there mashallah.
I’ve lived in Vancouver BC and in Egypt and each has its pros and cons. Muslim parents just have to be a lot more hands-on and involved in the West, but I would say that’s good advice regardless of where you’re living! Obviously living in the West has a lot of benefits, like breathing clean air, eating clean food, not having to rely on personal connections or bribery to get something as simple as a driver’s license, etc. But in Egypt I can hear adhan 5 times a day, no matter where I am I can find a place to pray pretty easily (you can just walk into any store and ask if you can pray and they’ll usually have a prayer rug). But life in Cairo is exhausting and I couldn’t blame somebody who’s unable to handle it, especially if they have a heart condition or are easily affected by stress, etc.
I could not handle life in Saudi. I would take crowded, polluted, chaotic, exhausting Cairo any day of the week over repressive, intrusive, image-obsessed Saudi. (Egyptians are image-obsessed as well, but to a lesser degree, or in a different way maybe). I know so many people that grew up in Saudi…that lifestyle just isn’t for me.
The article itself wasn’t a scientific article, but rather an opinion article – especially one which in my view is highly biased. The Kavacki family has beef to grind with the Turkish government itself so that fact counts against the author of this article.
Aside from that, I’m not sure if Merve has lived all over the world to actually use a series of universal parameters to evaluate the quality of life for Muslims here or there.
When it comes to ciountries specifically mentioned, like I said in a comment on the same topic on FB, the fact is she’s comparing apples and oranges. USA’s muslim population is less than 3% of the whole, IF we’re using fairly liberal estimates. France on the other hand, has a Muslim population ranging between 7 to 10% (according to reasonably credible sources such as TWF 2008.) The social dynamics in both countries are also way different and that impacts heavily on the quality of life for Muslims in those respective countries.
Perhaps Merve would have been better off if she concentrated on simply comparing quality of life for Muslims amongst a few Western states.
When it comes to America and Canada specifically, I really don’t see how anyone who’s lived in both countries for substantial amounts of time can say that the USA is better. Canada blows way past the States when it comes to quality of life for Muslims:
– Zabeeha halal meat available publicly in big-box major grocery chain stores.
- Big F500 corps using Muslims muhajjabaat in their public advertising.
- Former Attorney-Generals (non-Muslim, white) themselves writing official reports recommending to the provincial and federal govts to allow Muslims to have their own faith-based laws in some areas of life.
- Public TV show(s) centered around Muslims and their daily life, helping non-Muslims understand Muslim culture better.
The above are just some of the distinctions I see between Canada and the States. Other advantages common to both countries including religious freedom, muslim voices in politics, business, and the media didnt need to be mentioned. Both countries have similar socio-culture dynamics, languages, demographics, and Muslim pop. percentages.
SORRY AMERICA, I’M REAL HAPPY FOR YOU AND I’MMA LET YOU FINISH ….. BUT CANADA HAS ONE OF THE BEST PLACES FOR MUSLIMS TO LIVE! IN ALL WEST!
lol, I hope the above poster isn’t referring to little mosque on the prairie as a show that helps people understand muslim culture better.
I actually am.
Unless you had something better that teh States has dished out.
The article’s credibility is somewhat diminished by the fact that her main point of reference for Muslim countries is her own Turkey, which is one of the worst of the Muslim countries to live in by some Islamic parameters (hijab etc).
I’m Canadian, and I do like it here, but one thing that is definitely noticeable amongst NA Muslims is that they are very self-congratulatory.
The world is Paradise for a disbeliever and hell for the believer.
I’ve been reading this blog for ages and mostly it’s great- however, since it really annoys me when ppl talk abou things they don’t know anything about, this post was just dowright annoying.
Of course you’re bias, it’s your birthright as an american, but seriously; Europe is a big place too; not all countries here are like Germany, France and the Netherlands. Are you really sure muslim’s didn’t get murdered in America this year? or by americans in other countries for being muslims? erm… well.
I live in the UK, but am not from here and I do think that within Europe it is very much possible to offer oneself and ones children a very islamic environment. (btw about the person who said there’s no censorship in tv; WHY do you have a tv then? ever tried watching arabic soap?? whooaaa. or bollywood for that matter)
There is no such a thing as a safe haven; but life is-to a very large extent-what you make of it. It’s not that black and white (and btw friend chicken is really unhealthy and you should stop eating it.lol)
wa salaam
a
Everyone is saying how Turkey is not a great place to live… but if I’m not mistaken, a conservative govt. currently holds sway, attempts have been made to increase religious rights, and there are still parts in Turkey where there is no alcohol.
my 2 cents..Malaysia. People say no one is implementing shariah. You haven’t seen malaysia
The reason for this is Christianity. EVERYONE thrives where Christianity is or was prevalent. This is the reason why communist and Islamic countries have the worst human rights record. Otherwise, should not the countries where Islam is be the best in the world? Like Saudi Arabia? The hub of Islam probably has the worst living conditions and total absence of human rights. Ever wonder why?
@Grateful Australian of course we don’t wonder why, none of what you said is true, so why would anyone wonder why the untrue is?
Aussie,
Why don’t you tell us about that “thriving” Australian Aborignial population there in Australia–or, hold on, why don’t you tell us about that culturally rich and diverse native Tasmanian population that “flourishes” under the Christian flag? Oh well, never mind–the hardworking Euro-Christian folk hunted those people into total extinction.
Why pick on that, I have never seen so many incorrect facts in such a short comment.
1. EVERYONE thrives where Christianity is or was prevalent.
Clearly the Palestinians who live where Christianity was prevalent would argue with that, and I’d say most of southern Africa currently would argue with the first part.
2. This is the reason why communist and Islamic countries have the worst human rights record.
Actually the worst human rights records currently are places like China, The US, Honduras, Peru, etc. etc. There are a few “Islamic” countries like Turkey that need to improve their human rights, but no Muslim looks to Turkey as an exemplar of anything (read the above post)
3. Otherwise, should not the countries where Islam is be the best in the world? Like Saudi Arabia?
Perhaps you missed the part where the Muslims above were deriding Saudi?
4. The hub of Islam probably has the worst living conditions and total absence of human rights.
So here we have “hub of Islam”, which goes to show that the commenter has no understanding of the decentralized nature of Islam. “worst living conditions”, and while I’m no fan of SA, for sure they have excellent living conditions. and “total absence of human rights” which is also clearly not true. They may have an issue here and there, but most human rights activist organizations place the US as far worse.
So that is 0 for 4, or perhaps 0 for 7 whichever way you count it…
Grateful Australian, I’m sorry to break it to you, but there is no country today where christianity is prevalent.
If “prevalent” means that over 95% of the population identifies as “Christian” then yes there are plenty of countries where Christianity is still prevalant.
@Farooq
China tend to be the next one…
@ Maverick @ Farooq
yes , that’s true. when facing muslims , even a non-church-goer can be a Christian.
what lies behind the religion clash is racial and culture clash.
religion is not the keypoint
i agree with the commentator abv. uae is better than saudi imo (well leaving makkah and madinah of course).. more freedom..mixture of west and east..i dont think any country in the world beats uae when it comes to tolerate other cultures and religion.
In my opinion, the best place for a muslim is SouthAfrica.
We are treated like equals here.
As for America, it is not the bastion of freedom it used to be, forget muslims, even non-muslims aare closely monitored in every aspect of their lives.
As for the whole guantanamo thing, its simply never gonna be closed, ther’e just trying to make it an under the table thing.
Assalam Alaikum, subhan-Allah, over here we are having all Islam-related conversation, but not even one person started with a salaam.
First of all, saudi arabia is and should be the best place to live. Why? Birth place of Islam, SAW’s birthplace, the two protected cities by the angels. A true form of Islamic tradition (ahadith). The whole city stops when the time of prayer is due. Al-madinah, a true believer’s hometown.
As you can see I can go on forever.
Second, why are you so concern with the Muslims sects? Isn’t it haram
? Then why even call yourself Sunni or Shia? You also segregated yourself from them by telling that you’re not one of them. When a person says that I’m a Muslim, I reply to him with a Salam. Once you ask or say that you’re a Sunni, salafi, hanafi, Shia, Wahabis, etc. you already abandoned prophet’s tradition, which was unity.
Saudis are strict followers of the prophet. They don’t follow shirk, such as Sufi and Shia sects. such as, these sects gets in trouble. Now, don’t tell me that they are Muslim because, in Iraq, one of the Shia sect has made Kabaa of their own, where is say “ya Ali”. (pure shirk)
then tell me really what is jahilia to me because I think from your opinion, I have to be one of them.
I think you’re forgetting that this earth belongs to Allah alone and we are allowed to live anywhere we desire, but if you’re looking for these “rights” then America should be your home.
Example- you’re going to the restaurant and you order food, but you only eat the desert and leave the main dish.
If you really are looking for these deserts and treats then stay in America . That’s all you’ll get. If you want your rights more than Allah’s laws than you should stay in a non-Muslim country. Besides, Allah says in the Quran,” I ONLY created human and demons to worship me.” these rights you’re talking about are plain desireful opinions. Some of us just want to know what Allah has to say and even if it is against what we like, we would love it.
These issues about caring for non-Muslims are banded, let me ask you something, are you paying for their schools? Are giving food to them? Are you making sure they are healthy? Of course not, it is not your problem. So why don’t you let Allah worry about. We all are his creation. Allah does takes care of everyone.
I hope this answers your question. Allah says in the Quran, if any believer makes friends with non-believer, he is consider to be one of them. (kafir) how many non-Muslim friends do you have? Read the Quran, I’m not making this up. If you want, I’ll find you all of these verses.
Prophet Nuh (Noah) asked Allah to save his family. His son never came into the boat and went on with his own idea to survive and he died. So Noah asked did you promise me that you will save my family? Allah said who doesn’t believe in my words, is not part of your family. Subhan Allah, blood relatives are nothing in the eyes of Allah.
The issue with your mom and sis couldn’t travel alone.
I hope this answers your question, a SAHABI almost DIVORCED his wife because she was out of the house without his permission.
Every 6 mins in America, a woman is raped. If she was traveling with her brother or father or husband, she would have been saved. So the law is unbearable in saudia?
When we all know that we are not perfect than why are judging a place
where it wouldn’t be any impurities? Everyone has problems so don’t blame them for being rude.
If the Islamic police are teaching me something I don’t know I will accept
it with honor. If they were teaching me something I know than that means I have not been a good follower now, huh?
It is a Muslims job to bring peace, glad tidings, and warning to all. If we don’t than we shouldn’t call ourselevs Muslims. We don’t deserve to be called “peace-makers”.
Salam means peace, Islam means to accept/submit to peace, and Muslims means peacer (peace makers). They all derive from one verb slm. And Salam (peace) is one Allah’s names/attributes. So in a way we are praying, worshipping, remembering, technically, living our lives for peace (Allah).
If you still don’t see what al medina and al Makkah has to offer than I guess I’m the stupid/ignorant (jahil). You can keep your rights, freedom on America. Just give me this land full of peace.
A believing men and women don’t want freedom. We already are free. Free from rituals and cultural traditions.
Remember, blessings comes from Allah not “rights” . It can and will be given to whom Allah desires insha Allah.
Allahumma adhukiba min ashaytaan
allahumma ighfirli wama qultu wa fa3ltu
I hope I didn’t upset anyone with my words. Please forgive me, my job was to warn and give glad tidings. I tried my best. Insha Allah everyone would be able to understand what I’m saying. To non-Muslims, I apologize if upset you and if you have questions about Islam, please ask.
I’ll try my best.
Salaam wa rahmat Allah
salaam
Ps- about halal food
In Quran, Food of ahl alkitab (Jews/christian) are lawful to us. Also their women. Islam so free, these sects changed the rules. They made these laws which never existed. Islam is an actual law of nature, which will be perfect and easily understood.
Please stop following these imam, sheikh, leaders. Find out what Allah has to say. You would be surprise how many things are allowed.
Thats why the first verse recited to prophet SAW was , READ in the name of lord who created, created from
clotts, READ your lord generous, who TAUGHT by the pen…….
Those emphases explain easily that we should read and learn more than hear and follow.
Allahumma ighfirli wama qultu
Salam
I would never want to leave in a muslim country or any where or be a muslim