There is no denying that the history between the West and Islam has been contested to say the least. Where did this tension originate from?
Of course there are several directions this discussion could turn, however this page will focus on three main points:
By focusing on these three issues we will be covering much of why Islam and the United States have such a delicate and critical relationship. However, we must make sure to differentiate between the over 1.6 billion Muslims in the world and the Jihadist Extremists, such as ISIS, who have exploited Islam and used it as a perverted excuse to murder innocent people. (Oxford, 2015) |
Why do Islamic Extremists hate "us?"
- Many are asking this question, but what's the answer?
Religious IssueMajority of Muslims: Although very similar in themes and sharing a common origin, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam never have found a common ground. While Islam was the last of the three Abrahamic faiths to be founded, Christianity and Islam did not accept Islam as a similar faith, but instead as a downright heresy. This foreshadowed hundreds of years of tense relations between the three religions. Despite the US having such a large population of Christians, the US has had strong success in keeping a very peaceful environment for both Christians and Muslims together.
Jihadist Extremism: Keep in mind though that though that it is from those true fundamentalists of Islam (those who strictly follow Shariah law) where this conflict stems from. Shariah law is taken directly from the texts of Mohammed in the seventh century. It is from strictly following Shariah law that groups like ISIS have perverted Islam into their own justifications of pure evil and injustice. |
Cultural DivideMajority of Muslims: While we here in the United States may hear of places in the Middle East where the culture is so very different, in reality those areas are small in number to where culturally Islamic countries are in fact more progressive in some areas than the United States. In fact, there have been 8 Muslim women elected to be Heads of State in 8 different countries. (Cole, 2014) Yes, while there are some countries such as Saudi Arabia where women can't even walk on the street by themselves or go to school, the majority of heavily populated Muslim countries have a very progressive culture.
Jihadist Extremism: The issue we find with Jihadist Extremism and those who practice Islamic Fundamentalism is that our "plural" culture upsets them. (Sorkin, 2001) Our plural culture means that we accept multiple ideas and we are open to change. In Shariah law, there is no change and there are no exceptions. So when groups like ISIS look to America and see the type of progressive movements taking place, they are upset. To start to reverse back in our ways though would play into their hands as our "plural" culture is what makes America such a great country. |
Political Difference:Majority of Muslims: There is no doubt that September 11, 2001 changed the world forever. Shortly after, the United States invaded Iraq and Afghanistan. Now as the United States and much of Europe was trying to protect itself, much of the Muslim community saw this war on terror really as a war on Islam and Muslims. (Oxford, 2o15) While most"Muslims subscribe to the universal principles of human rights, rule of law, and democracy, which are also Western values, they also want the West to respect Islamic culture, religion, and tradition." Many Muslims want to make sure that there is a dialogue between the US and Islam, as Muslims should not be stereotypically grouped together with terrorism and violence.
Jihadist Extremism: The difference between the two groups in this situation is more of a difference in reaction. While the majority of Muslims want more dialogue in the United States to prevent stereotyping and other brash actions, the Jihadist side uses the actions of the United States from the War on Terror to justify their actions today. Many viewed it as "fuel to the fire" and thus the United States has to deal with this problem it had a large part in creating. |
Citations:
Cole, J. (2014, March 9). Bill O'Reilly says Muslims will Diss Hillary; but 8 Muslim Countries Chose Female Leaders. Retrieved December 7, 2015, from http://www.juancole.com/2014/03/muslims-publics-leaders.html
Islam and the West: Deciphering a Contested History. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2015, from http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/Public/focus/essay0409_west.html
Sorkin, A. (Writer). (2001, October 3). Issac and Ishmael [Television series episode]. In The West Wing. NBC.
Cole, J. (2014, March 9). Bill O'Reilly says Muslims will Diss Hillary; but 8 Muslim Countries Chose Female Leaders. Retrieved December 7, 2015, from http://www.juancole.com/2014/03/muslims-publics-leaders.html
Islam and the West: Deciphering a Contested History. (n.d.). Retrieved December 5, 2015, from http://www.oxfordislamicstudies.com/Public/focus/essay0409_west.html
Sorkin, A. (Writer). (2001, October 3). Issac and Ishmael [Television series episode]. In The West Wing. NBC.