ISLAM

INTRODUCTION TO WORLD RELIGIONS AND BELIEF SYSTEMS

ISLAM: AN INTRODUCTION

 Islam is a significant Arabic word, which means “obedience” or “submission.” The

term denotes surrendering to God.
 A Muslim is one who practices Islam – one who surrenders to God. Islam is the name
of the religion revealed by God to Muhammad that began in the year 610 CE.
 It is built on principles and values for which the believer becomes accountable for his
or her actions, thoughts, and being with respect to his relationship with Allah, fellow
human beings, and with environment.
HISTORY AND
DEVELOPMENT
HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT

 The birthplace of Islam is the Arabian Peninsula, a region in the Middle East consisting mainly of deserts. The
geography made agriculture difficult except in places located near oases.
 Several towns emerged around oases throughout the peninsula, and the two most prosperous and powerful of these
were the cities of Mecca and Yathrib (Medina).
 The culture of the nomadic Bedouin tribes of Arabia was kin-based, and they lived primarily by trade, agriculture,
and conducting raids on the trade caravans of rival tribes.
THE LIFE AND MISSION OF MUHAMMAD

 Muhammad is recognized as the founder of Islam and the Prophet of Allah. He was born in 570 CE into the
Quraysh tribe in Mecca.
 His parents died when he was young, and he was raised by his uncle who was an influential tribal leader.
 Growing up, members of tribe considered Muhammad to be a generous, honest, truthful, and sincere man. As a
young boy, Muhammad helped his uncle take care of the herds of sheep and camels.
THE LIFE AND MISSION OF MUHAMMAD

 In his twenties, he met Khadijah, a rich widow who was then managing the business left by her husband.
Muhammad was first hired as a caravan manager.
 He served her with devotion and honesty. Later, they fell in love with each other and married. During the course of
their marriage, Muhammad did not have to work very hard; he now had time to think about the religious aspects
of humanity’s existence.
 He spent much time in deep, serious meditation. He also painstakingly studied both Abrahamic traditions—
Judaism and Christianity. However, he was not satisfied with either of them.
THE LIFE AND MISSION OF MUHAMMAD

 He spent time praying and meditating in the cave at Mount Hira. In those special hours, he had visions of heaven
and God.
 A number of times, the angel Gabriel appeared and revealed to him the faith which he later imparted to his
followers. The angel imparted to him the first revelations of the Qur’an and told him that he is the prophet of God.
 After three years, Muhammad was commanded to preach the revelations. Foremost of the revelations to
Muhammad was the command to worship the one supreme God, Allah, and that there are no other gods aside from
Allah.
THE LIFE AND MISSION OF MUHAMMAD

 Muhammad stayed in Medina for several years and preached among the tribes in the city. He was able to unite the
once divided tribes of Medina who converted to Islam, along with other nearby communities.
 The communities of Medina soon clashed with the pagan tribes of Mecca. The Muslims, led by Muhammad, won
several victories. In 630 CE, Muhammad led thousands of his followers into Mecca and took the city with little
bloodshed.
 Upon entering the city, he rededicated the Kaaba to Allah and removed the idols from the shrine. At the time of
Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, he managed to unite the whole Arabian peninsula as one Islamic community.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 After the Prophet’s death in 632 CE, the leadership of the Islamic community was passed on the rightly guided
caliphs, the “Rashidun”, who were the first four successors of the prophet.
 These caliphs governed for about 30 years, and their rule was considered a period of growth, expansion, and
prosperity for Islam.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 The first caliph was Abu Bakr, and under his rule the bonds among the tribes were strengthened.
 It was during his rule that the words of the Prophet Muhammad which comprised the Qur’an were put into
writing.
 Originally, the Qu’ran was passed on by word of mouth; putting the Prophet’s words into writing ensured not only
the continuity of tradition and belief but also removed any risk of misinterpretation or contradictions in doctrine.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 The second caliph, Umar, began a campaign of expansion ang brought Islam outside of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabs conquered and controlled territories in the Levant and West Asia including Syria, Palestine, and Egypt.
 The third caliph, Uthman, expanded Islamic influence into Libya, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Cyprus. Uthman
was murdered in 656 CE and there was a struggle for leadership between two prominent Islamic leaders: Ali ibn
Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and the first male convert to Islam, and Muawiyyah, Uthman’s cousin and a
member of the influential Umayyad family.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 The civil war between the supporters if Ali an Muawiyyah placed the Islamic community in a great crisis.
 In 661 CE, Ali was killed, and his successor negotiated a peace agreement with Muawiyyah, who was proclaimed
caliph.
 The civil war brought about a division within Islam, as supporters of Ali, believing that their leader was dealt a
great injustice, rejected Muawiyyah and established a separate sect – Shia Islam.
 The Muslims who recognized Muawiyyah and the first caliphs as legitimate rulers were called the Sunni.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 Upon taking leadership in 661 CE, Muawiyyah reorganized the caliphate and transferred to the city of Damascus
in Syria. Under the Umayyads, the caliphate expanded into an empire which controlled vast regions of West Asia
and North Africa.
 Throughout the 8th century, several developments defined the growth of Islam. Arabic became the official
language of the empire and several schools were established which further developed Islamic theology and law.
 Muslims forces occupied Spain and attempted to enter Western Europe. The Muslim advance, however, was
stopped by the Franks led by Charles Martel. In 750 CE, the Umayyad dynasty was toppled by a rebellion and the
Abbasids came to power.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 Under the rule of Harun al-Rashid from 786 to 809 CE, the Abbasid caliphate brought about the Golden Age of
Islam. During this period, Islamic scientists and thinkers made great strides in knowledge in field such as
medicine, optics, chemistry, astronomy, mathematics, and philosophy.
 Significant developments during this period were the consolidation of Islamic law of Shariah and the emergence
of Sufism – an ascetic and mystical branch of Sunni Islam.
THE SPREAD OF ISLAM

 In 1000 CE, Nigeria became the trading connection between the central and northern regions of Africa, while
Islam continued to spread throughout the African continent.
 In 1099 CE, European Crusaders succeeded in taking over Jerusalem from the Muslims. Soon after, the Muslims
defeated the Crusaders and regained control of the Holy Land.
 In 1120 CE, Islam continued to spread throughout Asia, especially in Malaysia, where the merchants intermingled
with Muslims who taught them the Islamic faith. In Anatolia Turkey, the first Ottoman state was formed in 1299.
 The Ottoman Empire defeated the Byzantine seat of Constantinople and changed its name to Istanbul in 1453 CE.
POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN
CONTEMPORARY TIMES

 The First World War ended the Ottoman Empire, which was the last of the Islamic empires. Many states inhabited
by Muslims in Asia and Africa were colonized by European conquerors.
 After the World War II, many Muslims emigrated from South Asia and the Middle East to Canada, the USA, and
Western Europe.
 Due to Islam becoming increasingly politicized, migrant Muslims were pressured to find ways to practice their
faith yet still integrate themselves into Western society.
POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN
CONTEMPORARY TIMES

 In the 80s and 90s, they formed religious and cultural organizations. These included the European Council for
Fatwa and Research, the Islamic Society of the North America, and the Union of Islamic Organizations in France,
among others.
 These organizations attempted to offer guidance to fellow believers who wished to preserve their Islamic identity
while contributing to the socio-political and cultural fields of their adoptive countries.
POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN
CONTEMPORARY TIMES

 At the beginning of the 21st century, Muslims in the West were not fully integrated, and greatly suffered various
forms of prejudice and discrimination. Like many migrants, however, many retained their relations to their culture
of origin through various innovations in communication and transportation.
 Modern issues and concerns confronted by the Islamic community include the threat of terrorism, the continual
conflict between Israel and Palestine, migration brought about by conflicts in the Middle East, and widespread
prejudice against Muslims in many countries, particularly in the United States and Europe.
POLITICAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS IN
CONTEMPORARY TIMES

 There were also internal discussions among Muslims theologians and intellectuals about how Islam should be
interpreted, principally with the issues concerning interfaith relations, the use of violence, and women’s rights.
 Intellectuals such as Amina Wadud in the United States and Nurcholis Madjid in Indonesia endeavored to revive
Islamic traditions by showing how Islam could accommodate democratic-liberal ideas and societies.
 Their visions of Islam also recognized individual freedom of expression and full gender equality.
CURRENT STATUS OF ISLAM

 Islam is the world’s fastest-growing religion, and it is the second largest in terms of the number of adherents.
 From 935 million people in 1990, the number of Muslims has increased to around 1.2 billion by 2000, meaning
that around one in five people follow Islam.
 Within that same period, approximately 12.5 million more people converted to Islam. By 2002, 80% of all
Muslims were living outside the Arab world.
CENTRAL BELIEFS AND
DOCTRINES
BELIEF IN ONE GOD – ALLAH

 Islam is a monotheistic religion. Muslims believe that Allah is the one supreme God and has no partners or equals.
 He is the recognized Creator and Sustainer of the universe. Allah is a unique, incomparable God, and is the one
that should be worshipped solely by believers.
BELIEF IN ONE GOD – ALLAH

 Chapter 112 of the Qur’an provides a description of Allah, which reads:

“In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.
Say (O Muhammad) He is God the One God, the Everlasting Refuge,
who has not begotten, not has been begotten, and equal to Him is not anyone.”
BELIEF IN ONE GOD – ALLAH

 Muslims also believe that Allah created all human beings to be equals. In Islam, no group of people, race, or
individuals is more favored by Allah.
 Islam also refrains from representing Allah in human form, as He is similar to nothing and nothing is comparable
to Him.
SACRED TEXTS: THE HOLY QUR’AN AND HADITH

 The Muslims recognize the Qur’an as the word of God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad received
the first revelation in 610 CE on a contemplative retreat, and succeeding revelations were given to hum over a
period of twenty-two years.
 The language of the revelations were in Arabic and thus Muslims learn Arabic so that they can read and
understand the words of revelation in the Qur’an.
 The Hadith refers to reports regarding the sayings and actions of the Prophet Muhammad. The Hadith is
considered to be an important guide in understanding the revelations in the Qur’an and has a significant influence
on Islamic law, second only to the Qur’an.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 The five pillars of Islam refer to the five duties that every Muslims must perform. These acts are integrated into
the lives of Muslims and take precedence over worldly matters.
 By performing these duties, Muslims live out their Islamic faith and bring themselves closer to salvation.
 The five pillars are the following:
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 Shahada (declaration of faith): This testament of faith is the foundation of all other beliefs and practices of Islam
and is therefore considered the most important pillar of Islam.
 The statement of faith is given with a genuine belief and incorporates the primary beliefs of Islam: the oneness of
God and acceptance of Muhammad as God’s prophet.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 Salah (prayer): Prayer in the Islamic faith is a direct link between the believer and God. Muslims must pray five
times a day – at dawn, midday, late afternoon, sunset, and nightfall.
 The salah is defined by rituals such as ablution or ritual washing which is done before prayer, and the performance
of prescribed actions, postures, and words during the conduct of prayer.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 Zakat (charity): The word zakat means “purification” and “growth”. Islam teaches all things belong to God and
that wealth is held in trust by human beings.
 Charitable giving purifies wealth by setting aside a portion for those in need. A Muslim may also donate more as
an act of sadaqah (voluntary charity_ in order to achieve additional rewards from Allah.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 Sawm (fasting): This practice involves fasting and self-control during the holy month of Ramadan. It is another
method of self-purification.
 Muslims are required to abstain from drink, food, and sensual pleasures from dawn to dusk. Aside from those
mentioned, every believer is expected to refrain from anger, bad language, envy, gossip, greed, inappropriate
thoughts and actions, lust, and violence.
 Fasting is meant to embolden Muslims to pursue intimacy with Allah, to be patient, and learn and appreciate the
hardships faced by the poor and needy.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 Hajj (pilgrimage): The Hajj is a pilgrimage to Mecca which must be performed by Muslims at least once in their
lifetime. Only those who are physically and financially able are obliged to perform the hajj.
 It is done every year during the month of Dhu’l-Hijjah, the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. One of the essential
lessons of the Hajj is the reminder that all human beings are equals before God. Hajj creates unity and fraternity
between members of the Islamic community.
THE FIVE PILLARS OF ISLAM

 The performance of the five pillars fall under the overarching principle of jihad. Unlike modern interpretations
which consider jihad to mean a “holy war”, the term actually means “to struggle,” “to strive,” or “to exert effort.”
 Muslims are enjoined to engage in jihad in various aspects of their lives. On the personal level, a Muslim must
struggle against evil inclinations or temptations and vices. On a much larger scale, all Muslims must undertake the
struggle to improve the quality of life in society, defend their nation, and resist tyranny and oppresion.
ISLAM ETHICS

 Belief and faith in the one God is a central tenet in Islamic ethics. Faith defines the thoughts and actions of the
believer and it is through action and speech that a Muslim is able to express his faith and live a virtuous life.
 Islamic ethics is centered on following the commandments of the Qur’an and observing Shariah law. Islam also
places great emphasis on solidarity and community and thus the rule of law and respect for fellowmen should be
upheld by all Muslims.
MAJOR
BRANCHES OF
ISLAM
MAJOR BRANCHES OF ISLAM

 Muslims are divided into three major sects: the Sunnis, Shiites, and Sufis. Majority of Muslims throughout the
world are Sunnis, while in the countries of Iran and Iraq, the Shiites form the majority.
 Sufism, meanwhile, is characterized by mysticism and asceticism. Though some communities of Sufis exist, many
Muslims from the other sects also subscribe to certain Sufi beliefs and practices.
SHIA ISLAM

 Shia Islam had its roots from the followers of Ali ibn Abi Talib, who struggled to gain leadership in the Islamic
caliphate after the death of the caliph Uthman in the 7 th century. The death of Ali and his son Husayn, and the later
struggles of his followers led to the formation of the Shia sect, whose followers are called Shiites.
 The Twelver Shia, or Ithna-’Ashariyaa, is the largest of the Shia Muslim sects. They believe that legitimate
Islamic leadership is vested in a line of descent starting with Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, Ali, through
Ali’s two sons, Hasan and Husayn, and then through Husayn’s descendants.
SHIA ISLAM

 These were the first 12 imams, or leaders of the Shia Muslim community. The Shia Muslims believe that
Muhammad designated all 12 successors by name and that they inherited a special knowledge of the true meaning
of the scripture that was passed from father to son, beginning with the Prophet himself.
 This family, along with its loyal followers and representatives, has political authority over the Shia Muslims
SUNNI ISLAM

 The Sunnis, unlike the Shia, believe that the Muslim community can elect their leaders. For the Sunnis,
Muhammad did not designate a successor. Both Sunnis and Shiites believe in the Qur’an, but they have a different
collection of hadiths.
 The Sunnis, in particular, subscribe to the view that Islamic law should be interpreted based on reason as well as
tradition. Also, religious issues are not decided solely by religious scholars, and that it is the community at large
that can decide upon them.
SUFISM

 Sufism is a mystic and ascetic tradition that emphasized personal piety and spirituality. Sufis believe that they can
establish direct communion with God and that they can understand the hidden meanings regarding the nature of
God and the world.
 Eventually Sufism later developed into a popular movement and was institutionalized in the form of collective,
hierarchical Sufi orders. The Sufi emphasis on intuitive knowledge and devotion to God made it popular among
mainstream Muslims.
HOLY DAYS AND
CELEBRATION
EID AL ADHA

 Eid al Adha (Day of Sacrifices) is a four-day festival observed by Muslims starting on the 10 th day of the month of
Dhul Hijja to commemorate the event of Allah appearing to Ibrahim (Abraham) in a dream, commanding him to
sacrifice his son Ishmael to show his devotion to Allah.
 The story is intended to establish how Ibrahim’s devotion passed even the harshest demand or test from Allah and
is told in similar fashion in the Old Testament where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his son Isaac.
EID AL ADHA

 Just as Ibrahim was about to kill Ishmael, Allah gave him a ram to sacrifice in Ishmael’s place. All believers of
Islam are obliged to offer a sacrifice on this day.
 A family may eat the meat they sacrifice, but a substantial portion must be given to the poor and needy.
EID AL FITR

 Eid al Fitr (Festival of the Breaking of the Fast) is the first day of Islamic month of Shawwal, the tenth month of
the lunar Islamic calendar.
 It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal worship,
listen to a khutba (sermon) and give zakat al-fitr (charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr.
 It is a three-day celebration beginning at sunset on the last day of Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr begins each year with the
sighting of the new moon, indicating the end of a month of fasting and reflection.
MUHARRAM

 Muharram marks the first month of the Islamic liturgical year. The first day of Muharram is the beginning of the
Islamic year and is counted from the year of the Hegira – the year which Muhammad traveled from Mecca to
Medina.
 The Islamic New Year is celebrated with invocations, fasting, and prayer.
MAWLID AL-NABI

 Mawlid al-Nabi celebrates Muhammad’s birthday. It is fixed as the 12 th day of the 3rd month of the Islamic
calendar.
 Mawlid means birthday of a holy figure and al-Nabi means prophet. The day is commemorated with recollections
of Muhammad’s life and significance. Fundamentalist Muslims, such as the Wahhabi sect, do not celebrate it.
ISLAM IN THE
PHILIPPINES
ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES

 Islam is one of the major religions in the Philippines, with Muslims composing about 10% if the total population.
Majority of Muslims in the Philippines are found in Mindanao, specifically in the provinces of Basilan, Sulu,
Tawi-tawi, Maguindanao, and Lanao del Sur.
 Muslim communities can also be found throughout the country, particularly in Davao region and Metro Manila.
ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES

 Islam was one of the first world religions to be established in the Philippines during precolonial times. Arab
traders and missionaries were instrumental in the spread of Islam in the Philippines throughout the 14 th century.
 The Sultanate of Sulu was established in the 15th century and soon became a powerful empire that controlled trade
across the Sulu Sea.
 As its height during the 18th century, the sultanate encompassed Zamboanga Peninsula, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Sabah,
Palawan, and Basilan. Another powerful Muslim community that emerged in Mindanao was the Sulatanate of
Maguindanao.
ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES

 With the arrival of the Spaniards in the 16th century the Muslim communities in Mindanao faced the challenge of
colonialism. Both the Sultanates of Sulu and Maguindanao faced several attacks from Spanish forces. They were
able to repel Spanish attempts to conquer their territories and maintained their sovereignty and way of life.
 The Americans, on the other hand, were able to force the Muslim communities to submit to their rule. Throughout
the 20th century, Muslim and native communities in Mindanao were gradually forced from their native lands,
which were occupied by Visayan settlers.
 Over the decades, the region of Mindanao was characterized by slow progress. The Muslim and indigenous
communities were most affected by this.
ISLAM IN THE PHILIPPINES

 During the 1970s, Filipino Muslims led an armed struggle against the government in a desire to gain autonomy.
The Moro National Liberation Front was the leading separatist group in Mindanao throughout the 1970s and 80s.
 In 1984, another rebel group, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, was established. These two organizations were
defined by the desire of Filipino Muslim to assert their identity and sovereignty. The struggle for autonomy is
defined by the concept of “Bangsamoro” which is the ideal Muslim nation composed of Filipino Muslims from the
historically Muslim-dominated regions in the Philippines.
 The concept of Bangsamoro has defined current developments in the Muslim struggle for autonomy. The
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) was created in 198 and provided Muslim Filipinos the
opportunity to oversee their political affairs within the region.
 In 2012, the Philippine government announced plans to establish a new autonomous region, the Bangsamoro, and
a comprehensive agreement was signed in 2015.
MAJOR ISSUES CONFRONTING ISLAM
GENDER EQUALITY

 The equality of sexes is proclaimed in Islamic doctrine. Women, in particular, are granted certain rights such as
inheritance, ownership of property, and the right to reject marriage proposal. However, Islamic society as a whole
remains patriarchal; women are required to obey their husbands and observe dress codes such as waring hijab or
veil.
 Women and young girls in many Islamic countries still lag behind when it comes to education. In the Arab states,
female compose 54% of the out-of-school population. Many Islamic states also limits the role of women in the
workforce and in politics.
GENDER EQUALITY

 The issue of women’s rights in Muslim countries have been highlighted by several events. In 2012, the attempted
murder of a young Afghan girl, Malala Yousafzai, who advocated education for girls, placed a spotlight on the
issue of equality for women and girls in Muslim countries.
 Malala has gone on to become an activist fighting for human rights and equality. In 2014, the extremist group
Boko Haram abducted several schoolgirls in Nigeria. The group has been vocal in its opposition to secular
education, which they consider a threat to Islam.
GENDER EQUALITY

 Despite existing issues on equality, a number of Muslim countries have made significant strides toward progress.
Turkey is very close to eliminating gender gap in education, while in countries such as the UAE, Kuwait, Libya,
and Bahrain, there are more girls than boys in secondary school.
 A similar pattern of progress in education has been observed in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Bangladesh.
GENDER EQUALITY

 With regard to homosexuality, Islamic doctrine condemns homosexual acts. Many Muslim see homosexuality as a
moral disorder, a disease, sin, and corruption.
 Same-sex intercourse carries the penalty of death in five Muslim nations: Saudi Arabia, Iran, Mauritania, Sudan,
and Yemen.
MILITANCY AND ISLAM

 Islam has been associated with terrorism and violence due to the emergence of Muslim terrorist groups. The
actions of terrorists, coupled by the views shaped by the media, has led to the promotion of stereotypes which has
resulted in prejudice against Muslims throughout the world.
 Extremism, fanaticism, and radicalism in Islam can be traced to the Kharijites, a group of Muslim rebels who
opposed Uthman and Ali during the 7th century CE. This group developed extreme doctrines that set them apart
from both Sunni and Shia Muslims.
MILITANCY AND ISLAM

 They viewed other Muslims outside of their own group as infidels who are worthy of death. During the 18 th
century, the Wahhabi movement introduced a conservative brand of Islam which is characterized by a strict
adherence to and implementation of moral codes and even prescribing uniformity of dress among men and
women.
 The Wahhabis also opposed Muslim traditions such as praying to saints and making pilgrimages to tombs and
mosques, and they also rejected Sufism. Wahhabism is strong in Saudi Arabia and has influenced the doctrines of
the Taliban in Afghanistan.
MILITANCY AND ISLAM

 The emergence of the Taliban in Afghanistan and their takeover of the government in 1996 led to the
establishment of an emirate which gave support to many Islamic militants such as Osama bin Laden who founded
the militant organization Al Qaeda in 1988.
 The group conducted several terrorist attacks targeting western nations, particularly the United States. In 2001,
members of Al Qaeda implemented a major attack on the World Trade Center in the United States. This event
resulted in the War on Terror which resulted in the occupation of Afghanistan in 2001 by a military coalition led
by western states such as United States and members of NATO.
MILITANCY AND ISLAM

 In 2003, the US and the United Kingdom led an invasion of Iraq. These events have contributed to later
developments which further incited Islamic militants and led to the establishment of new militant organizations
such as ISIL.
 The Islamic State of Iraq and Levant gained the world’s attention in 2014 when its forces drove out the Iraqi
military in western Iraq. ISIL aims to establish a caliphate over a wide region in the Middle East, including Iraq,
Syria, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon. ISIL also implemented a massive propaganda campaign to incite
terrorism in other countries. This has led to several attacks in Europe, the most recent were in Paris in 2015 and
Brussels in 2016.
MIGRATION

 Europe has experienced increased rates of migration since the mid-20 th century. During the 1960s, the percentage
of Muslim immigrants to Europe has significantly increased. The emergence of Muslim communities throughout
Europe has sparked many debates regarding immigration and integration policies.
 Conflicts throughout the Middle East and Arab Region has led to increased numbers of migrants, most of whom
come from the war-torn country of Syria, seeking asylum in Europe. Many European states, however, have
struggled to deal with these migrants.
 The arrival f immigrant to European states often results in difficulties in integration, as many Muslim communities
experience prejudice and are often isolated from mainstream European society.
MIGRATION

 This treatment of immigrants has led to growing resentment among young Muslims. This resentment, in turn,
often leads Muslims to subscribe to extremist view propagated by militant Muslim organizations which lead them
to participate in terroristic activities. The terror attacks in France and those in Brussels were perpetrated by
Muslims from immigrant families who have been radicalized by online propaganda.
 The climate of fear over terrorism has contributed to the reluctance of European nations to welcome immigrants
from Muslim countries. Also, the shift of many European governments to far-right and conservative politics have
led to growing calls to restrict immigration into European states.
 Apart from security concerns, the economic impact of an immigrant population has also led many European
countries to become less welcoming of immigrants.
MIGRATION

 As Europe struggles to clarify and reform its immigration policies, the vast wave of migrants continue. These
migrants often travel through dangerous terrain and are victimized by traffickers. In 2015, it was estimated that
about 3000 migrants perished as they made their way across the Mediterranean Sea.
 Though challenges to immigration still remain, a number of positive measures have been implemented by a
number of European nations. Germany, for example, has pledged to receive 800,000 asylum seekers. The German
government has also revised its citizenship laws so that immigrants will be recognized as German citizens.