I want to know the truth about Muslim countries.

[IsmailaGodHasHeard]

All I hear about Muslim countries is bad things. I want to know what is true and what is false. Issues I am interested in are religious freedoms, women's rights, honor killings and stuff like that. What is it really like to live in a Muslim country? I am sorry if this offends anyone. Thank you in advance.

 

[beenie]

This is a complicated question, Ismaila. At present, there are countries that are heavily populated by Muslims, but no real example of a Shariah-based country. Saudi Arabia is probably relatively close, but it too is riddled with corruption and greed. The very formation of a "kingdom" goes against the Shariah. Human rights, especially of women, are often poor as well...again, due to lack of education and corruption.

There is good and bad just like everywhere else, and every other society. You hear bad "stuff" because unfortunately, there are bad people doing bad things, and the media loves to report it. It would be nice if the extremists in the world would let everyone else live in peace...

 

[IsmailaGodHasHeard]

This is a complicated question, Ismaila. At present, there are countries that are heavily populated by Muslims, but no real example of a Shariah-based country. Saudi Arabia is probably relatively close, but it too is riddled with corruption and greed. The very formation of a "kingdom" goes against the Shariah. Human rights, especially of women, are often poor as well...again, due to lack of education and corruption.

There is good and bad just like everywhere else, and every other society. You hear bad "stuff" because unfortunately, there are bad people doing bad things, and the media loves to report it. It would be nice if the extremists in the world would let everyone else live in peace...

That sucks that all that stuff happens. God wants peace.

 

[A-ManESL]

I think you should take it on a country by country basis. In some countries you would find no religious freedom(Maldives, Saudi Arabia) and in some you would find a lot(Turkey, Malaysia).

 

[Bismillah]

Salaam alaikum,

Have you heard of the book Who Speaks for Islam? I think it would be very relevant to your questions. The link and from the publisher

What the data reveal and the authors illuminate may surprise you:
* Muslims and Americans are equally likely to reject attacks on civilians as morally unjustifiable.
* Large majorities of Muslims would guarantee free speech if it were up to them to write a new constitution AND they say religious leaders should have no direct role in drafting that constitution.
* Muslims around the world say that what they LEAST admire about the West is its perceived moral decay and breakdown of traditional values -- the same answers that Americans themselves give when asked this question.
* When asked about their dreams for the future, Muslims say they want better jobs and security, not conflict and violence.
* Muslims say the most important thing Westerners can do to improve relations with their societies is to change their negative views toward Muslims and respect Islam.

Amazon.com: Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think (9781595620170): John L. Esposito, Dalia Mogahed: Books

Definitly agree with what A-ManESL says, it would be better to look at countries from an individual perspective Muslim countries have very unique and detailed histories that explain why things are the way they are.

 

[IsmailaGodHasHeard]

I think you should take it on a country by country basis. In some countries you would find no religious freedom(Maldives, Saudi Arabia) and in some you would find a lot(Turkey, Malaysia).

Oh, okay. I will do that.

 

[IsmailaGodHasHeard]

Salaam alaikum,

Have you heard of the book Who Speaks for Islam? I think it would be very relevant to your questions. The link and from the publisher
Amazon.com: Who Speaks For Islam?: What a Billion Muslims Really Think (9781595620170): John L. Esposito, Dalia Mogahed: Books

Definitly agree with what A-ManESL says, it would be better to look at countries from an individual perspective Muslim countries have very unique and detailed histories that explain why things are the way they are.

That looks like a good book.