Continuing Divide in Views of Islam and Violence
The public remains divided over whether Islam is more likely than other religions to encourage violence among its believers. Political and ideological divisions are wide, though. Most conservatives and Tea Party supporters link Islam with violence.
Religion in the News: 2010
Though still small in volume, mainstream media coverage of religion in 2010 doubled over the preceding year. Events and controversies related to Islam — especially a proposed Islamic center in New York City — dominated coverage, bumping the Catholic Church from the top spot.
Egypt, Democracy and Islam
In a survey conducted last spring, a majority of Egyptian Muslims said that democracy was preferable to any other kind of government. An overwhelming majority also believes Islam’s influence in politics is positive.
The Future of the Global Muslim Population
The world’s Muslim population is expected to increase by about 35% in the next 20 years, rising from 1.6 billion in 2010 to 2.2 billion by 2030, according to new population projections by the Pew Research Center’s Forum on Religion & Public Life. Globally, the Muslim population is forecast to grow at about twice the rate of the non-Muslim population over the next two decades.
Map: The Future of the Global Muslim Population
These maps allow users to select a country, a region or the world – as well as a decade – and see the size of the Muslim population in that place and time.
Muslim Networks and Movements in Western Europe
Scholars discuss the purpose and findings of a major study that examines several of the oldest, largest and most influential Muslim groups operating in Western Europe today many of which are virtually unknown to non-Muslims.
Muslim Networks and Movements in Western Europe
The Muslim population in Western Europe has grown from less than 10 million in 1990 to approximately 17 million. A new report profiles some of the oldest, largest and most influential religious networks and movements affecting Islamic relations in Europe.
Anti-Muslim Sentiment Makes News
Coverage of a pastor’s plans to burn the Koran and the controversy over the planned Islamic center completely overshadowed coverage of Sept. 11 commemorations.
Public Remains Conflicted Over Islam
The public continues to express conflicted views of Islam.
Public Remains Conflicted Over Islam
Favorable views of Islam have declined since 2005, but a plurality still says Islam does not encourage violence more than other religions. More Americans agree with those who object to the building of the center in New York, but a majority also say that Muslims should have the same rights as other religious groups to build houses of worship.
