Most U.S. Muslims Hold Moderate Political Views, Survey Finds

May 23, 2007

Source: News Blaze

http://newsblaze.com/story/20070524084932leon.nb/newsblaze/TOPSTORY/Top-Stories.html

Muslims living in the United States tend to be happy with their lives and moderate in their political views, according to a new, independent survey.

American Muslims largely are assimilated into society, and income and education levels among Muslims mirror those of the general U.S. population, according to a nationwide poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, an independent, nonpartisan opinion research group funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts. About half the Muslims in the United States have attended college or university, the poll showed, which is comparable to the figure for all Americans.

"What emerges [from the survey] is the great success of the Muslim American population in its socioeconomic assimilation," said Amaney Jamal, assistant professor of politics at Princeton University, in published reports. Jamal was a senior adviser on the Pew survey.

The survey, released May 22, found that Muslims living in the United States make up a highly diverse population, one largely composed of immigrants from Arab and South Asian countries, yet "decidedly American in their outlook, values and attitudes." However, 35 percent of Muslims in the United States today are native-born Americans, and Muslims have lived in North America since the 17th century.

Interviews for the survey were conducted in English, Arabic, Persian and Urdu.