MIXED SITUATION OF ISLAM AND MUSLIMS IN EUROPE

MIXED SITUATION OF ISLAM IN EUROPE: ON THE RISE IN BRITAIN, RISING ISLAMOPHOBIA IN FRANCE AND TERRORIZED BY GREEK NEO-NAZIS  IN ATHENS

by Syarif Hidayat

         Islam is the fastest growing religion in the West. Nevertheless, the West has many stereotypes and misconceptions about Islam that are due to: the media, Prejudice, and Ignorance. Islam is often looked upon as a "extremist", "terrorist", or "fundamental" religion. Many people hate Islam and do not want to acknowledge its true teachings.

         In many cases, the media’s reports about Islam are incorrect due to ignorance. This is one of the reasons why the West often hates Islam.  In contrast to what many Westerners think of Islam, Islam is a peaceful religion, which does not promote any injustice or crime. Stereotypes about Islam are not new to Western culture. Problems can be traced back 1400 years. At that time, Islam and Christianity were involved in the Crusades in the 1100’s and in the Ottoman and Moorish control in Europe. Islam spread quickly to the West, and started to threaten the position of the Christian Church and the ruling class.