This report discusses the political and social views of Muslims around the world. It is based on a worldwide survey conducted by the Pew Research Center between 2008 and 2012. Results of the survey came from 93 countries and regions in total within three continents, namely Africa, Asia and Europe. Moreover, the survey included more than 38.000 interviews in more than 80 languages and dialects, where it covered all countries in which Muslim populations exceed ten millions. However, few countries like China, Saudi Arabia, Syria and India did not take part in the survey, for either political reasons or security concerns.
The report consists of multiple chapters that deal with the views of Muslims on different issues. Chapter 1 outlines Muslims’ views on Sharia, its interpretation, application as the official law of the land, whether it should apply to all citizens, how it should be enacted, as well as current laws and their relation to Sharia.
In chapter 2, issues of religion and politics, Muslims views on democracy, religious freedom, Islamic political parties, the political role of religious leaders, concerns about religious extremism and suicide bombings, are discussed.
Chapter 3 is mainly about morality, particularly Muslim’s beliefs about morality, marriage, as well as Sharia and its relation to morality and family.
The role of women in society is detailed in chapter 4, which also examines Muslim views about Hijab, wives’ role, women and divorce, inheritance rights for women, women’s view on women’s rights and women’s rights under Sharia. Chapter 5 outlines relations among Muslims and their views on perceived levels of individual and societal devotion, conflict between more and less religious Muslims, and, finally, concerns about Sunni-Shia conflict.
As for chapter 6, it highlights interfaith relations; including Islam and eternal salvation, people’s conversion to Islam, Muslims’ views on Muslim-Christian hostilities and their relationships with people of other faiths.
In chapter 7, the last part of the report, the writer tackles issues such as religion, science and popular culture, not to mention Muslims’ views on modernity, science, evolution, popular culture, and impact on morality.
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