02 August 2010

Three-quarters of non-Muslims believe Islam negative for Britain

Muslim organisation calls for efforts to improve awareness as four-fifths of those polled admit to little knowledge of the faith. Three-quarters of non-Muslims believe Islam has provided a negative contribution to British society, according to a new poll, which has prompted calls for Muslims to help improve the perception of their faith.

The study for the Islamic Education and Research Academy (iERA) also found that 63% of people surveyed did not disagree with the statement "Muslims are terrorists" and 94% agreed that "Islam oppresses women". It included qualitative as well as quantitative data. One respondent said: ""If I had my way I'd kick them all [Muslims] out of here."

The results follow an online YouGov poll, published in June, that found 58% linked Islam with extremism and 69% believed it encouraged the repression of women. [guardian.co.uk] Read more

New poll reveals 3/4 of UK population believe Islam is negative for Britain .... This latter result is baffling if one is to understand the results comprehensively. Where 76% claim not to have spoken to a Muslim about Islam and when knowledge of Islam from primary sources (Qur’an, or from Muslims directly) is so weak among those interviewed, and yet opinions towards Muslims so negative, it begs the question of what informs this negative disposition? [ENGAGE] Read more