Counterintuitive Discoveries in Who Speaks for Islam?

Based on the largest and most in-depth study of its kind, this book presents the remarkable findings of the Gallup Poll of the Muslim World, the first ever data-based analysis of the points of view of more than 90% of the global Muslim community, spanning nearly 40 countries.

Who Speaks For the West?
Muslims around the world do not see the West as monolithic. They criticize or celebrate countries based on their politics, not based on their culture or religion. More on Muslim-West Relations

Dream Jobs
When asked to describe their dreams for the future, Muslims don't mention fighting in a jihad, but rather getting a better job. More on Culture and Values

Radical Rejection
Muslims and Americans are equally likely to reject attacks on civilians as morally unjustified. More on Peace and Security

Religious Moderates
Those who condone acts of terrorism are a minority and are no more likely to be religious than the rest of the population. More on Peace and Security

Admiration of the West
What Muslims around the world say they most admire about the West is its technology and its democracy -- the same two top responses given by Americans when asked the same question. More on Muslim-West Relations

Critique of the West
What Muslims around the world say they least admire about the West is its perceived moral decay and breakdown of traditional values -- the same responses given by Americans when posed the same question. More on Muslim-West Relations

Gender Justice
Muslim women want equal rights and religion in their societies. More on Gender

Respect
Muslims around the world say that the one thing the West can do to improve relations with their societies is to moderate their views toward Muslims and respect Islam. More on Muslim-West Relations

Clerics and Constitutions
The majority of those surveyed want religious leaders to have no direct role in crafting a constitution, yet favor religious law as a source of legislation. More on Governance

Adapted from Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think by John L. Esposito and Dalia Mogahed.
Copyright © 2007 Gallup, Inc. All rights reserved.