Is Muslims Loyalty is Doubtful in Western Nations?

Hasan Yahya, Ph.D

In recent years there was a question about Muslims loyalty to the nations they live in, especially in Europe, [Germany, France, and Great Britain]which is closer to the Arab and Muslim countries, and North America [USA and Canada]. While research conducted in Great Britain, Germany and France shows that 75+ percent  of Muslims live in these countries consider themselves as part of the hosting society and its associations. The negative side of the research means that 25 percent still do not consider themselves in the social fabric of these nations. In other words, we have to accept the argument that governments policies in these countries are justified . Their justification is that the danger comes from the unreported quarter ( 25 percent) which present concerns toward security.  While security is highly respected, we do not want that practices of governments in terms of national security jeopardize the security of the 75 percent who are assimilated or semi-assimilated to the host countries.

While saying that Muslims identify themselves as British, or French, or German or Canadian, or US   citizens, practices should support that identity. Are they American first, then their origin nations, or their religion. If identity accompanied with the new nationality practices then we may say that the research findings are true. Otherwise, half of the 75 percent would identify themselves with the nation they live in, and the other half would be loyal more to their place of origin. Here we can notice the seeds of conflict.  I mean the perceptions of people classified as loyal to the origin country or the country of destination. Because their practices will spring from their perceptions.

In the Gallop Pull on Islamic studies (Dalia Mogahed] when they announce that 75 percent of Muslims live in Britain that their identity is their religion, then they are at odd with the British system. The most important factor for the host countries loyalty is to the arm forces, where the research shows that Muslims do not trust the nations army in Germany, Britain and France. This finding stands unfortunately against Muslim immigrants. The same can be said to the Muslims in the United States. Integration theories through the years was influential in changing original habits and perceptions among many minority groups in America, but was the least among Muslims in the nations. The argument is that the second and third generation of immigrants are assimilated to the host society norms and beliefs side by side with their own religious beliefs. But still some Muslims between 20 to 25 according to my research among Muslims are still fundamentalists and want America to be A Muslim country in the long run. Therefore, they isolate themselves from even the secular Muslim communities, and promote their own schools [which is normal for any minority group] but reduce their ability to be integrated with other citizens at workplace. The guiding lights can be noticed in the highly educated Muslim immigrants [who are products of  second and third generations] who were educated in public universities and schools accepted Jobs in the nation associations such education, health and services associations. But most uneducated were busy doing certain businesses have little share in the national economy. Those who are highly educated as medical doctors, nurses, police officers, and attorneys at law,  do not loose their religious identity, but consider themselves as citizens share the pains and hopes of the host society.  The hope for integration with the American society comes from those generations of educated persons.

To be a full citizen you have to abide with your auth when you become a citizen. In that auth every new citizen promised to respect the system and its associations including the army forces. Such auth then is broken if the trust comes to less than 20 percent loyalty to the arm forces of the nation.  In the Gallop Pull, 30 percent of Muslims in the Germany, France and Britain believe that Muslims actually [with complete loyalty]  belong to the countries they live in.  The negative side of the data, the 70 percent of Muslims believe that they do not belong to the nation they live in as citizens.

In conclusion, negative perceptions of some citizens in the study of Gallop Pull, [in Germany, France and Great Britain] still have grounds of suspicion toward Muslims live in these countries. To reach a full understanding is to respect the host society where Muslims live as citizens without threats to security or to convert others to one’s religion where freedom is guaranteed under the law. The idea that Islam is universal, does not mean that all the universe should follow Islam as some Muslims believe. It means that Islam is open to accept all persons regardless of their race, color, or ethnic background by their choice, not by coercion. When Muslims believe that is true, then we may say that Muslims began to integrate in the host society. Which I believe is far from achieving in short time. But the signs in that area are slowly progressing.   

Related posts:

1. Neo-Muslim Intellectuals in the West and their Contributions to Islamic Thought and the Formation of Western Islam: An Exploratory Investigation of the … Religious Identities in the Western World)
2. Muslim Nations Pathetically Lagging Behind in the Global Economic Growth
3. Perished Nations 1
4. What Is The Relationship Of Islamic Thought Upon Western Civilization?
5. MUSLIMS IN AMERICA: What Everyone Needs to Know. New book traces the Living Problems of Muslims in America and Their Solutions