Muslim organisation calls for efforts to improve awareness as four-fifths of those polled admit to little knowledge of the faith
Haroon Siddique
The Guardian [UK]
2 August 2010
Three-quarters of non-Muslims believe Islam has provided a negative contribution to British society, according to a new poll, which has prompted calls for Muslims to help improve the perception of their faith.
The study for the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA) also found that 63% of people surveyed did not disagree with the statement “Muslims are terrorists” and 94% agreed that “Islam oppresses women”. It included qualitative as well as quantitative data. One respondent said: “”If I had my way I’d kick them all [Muslims] out of here.”
The results follow an online YouGov poll, published in June, that found 58% linked Islam with extremism and 69% believed it encouraged the repression of women.
Despite the widespread negative perceptions of Islam, iERA believes the fact that most opinions were formed in ignorance of the faith indicates that Muslims can positively influence them.
The article continues at The Guardian. H/T Blazing Cat Fur.
