Can Islam ever be compatible with western values?

Question

there is just too much difference between them both

Answer 1

Two opposing belief systems will never co-exist in peace.

Answer 2

Interesting question,

the main problem is that islam is misunderstood by most people, simply because we are influenced by the media and the actions of a few people make us believe that they are all the same.

Reality is islam is a very peaceful religion that forbids all types of killing etc. A minority have their own interpretations and use them to achieve their own objectives.

You also need to take into consideration that values are changing rapidly. Before the 60's there was no nudity, no porn, no skimpy clothing. All of a sudden, all the above is now normal. Should we expect other societies to progress at the same rate and accept the good and the bad of this age??

If you go back to the basics of any religion all the above is wrong and is simply a sin, so would a christian for example now tolerate porn because society accepts it or is the true answer that we are simply not religious any more??

There is no correct answer for your question, our values are changing. In a few years drugs will probably be acceptable in certain societies, gay marriages will be allowed and who knows what else..... should we expect other societies to accept them because we do???

Answer 3

I am currently living in an Islamic country. (The Gambia, in West Africa, where 90%-95% of the population is Muslim.) Contrary to some answers, church bells are heard here, the government makes both Muslim and Christian holidays public holidays.

Islam is misunderstood by a lot of people in the West. Other people who answered your questions explained beautifully.

It's not a question of compatibility. It's about co-existing peacefully.

Western values... what exactly are they? Irish values differ from English values, which in turn differ from American values.

Answer 4

No it can never happen ,, AS The christains want to spread their religion through out the world. i live in india and am a hindhu. i have never seen a muslim trying others to covert to his religion but the christians take this as a business.. if any of you dont belive u can some and see here...

by the way.. to the people of the great western nations do u know what the christians would offer for changing the religions.. some medicines,, , small amount of rupees and false promises..

the question was about values... I was confused to know what values does the westerns have..

Answer 5

Islam exists in secular countries without too much bother for the most part. There are some parts of islam law (sharia, etc) that are actually illegal in most secular countries (bigamy for example).

As long as muslims are willing to accept the laws of the land they choose to move to, or find themselves born into then they will be welcomed into the society. Grievances only occur when a religious groups try to influence secular law, which obviously shouldn't happen.

So it is compatible as long as they realise that if it opposes the law of the country they live in then they can't do it. If the law is unjust they can petition the govt. to have it looked at and amended if neccessary.

As said many muslims life peacefully, in accordance with, and in benefit of the secular society they live in.

Its a shame a miniority don't.

Answer 6

So tell me what are western values ?, is it parading women nude in the name of art. is it invading and killing 90% civilians to catch 10% rogues in a poor country. Is it making people suffer for the benifit of very few.

We can portray anything as a non compatible system if we knew only bits and pieces of it, the problem that I see about Islam is that people who comment about it dont have any knowledge of it. what ever the media is telling you is not the correct representation of islam.

The issue here is we have become robots we beleive things that surrounds us only other stuff which is in the world are evil this is what western value has taught us.

Answer 7

No, the human race will always find something to gripe about. At the moment it's Islam. Who knows?
I think Islam has a lot to offer Western civilisation, but as long as the majority is in power, not much can be done about it.

Answer 8

Western values were built on many resources, including Islam and other religions as well. However, they have gone through along process of purification to eliminate discremination and violence, which are both a must in most religions.

Answer 9

The question here is what are western values, do they really exist, if the west believes in the values of the bible, then I would say sorry sir, not a living being in west believes in bible, then islam is a religion of high discipline, where does it fit in the picture.

Answer 10

I really don't think so - but that hasn't stopped some from making the transition. I really do not intend to make fun of people here but when it comes to the south and someone who has turned to Islam wearing eastern garb - it makes for one bizarre Jeff Foxworthy Tv Special.

A pretty petite female Texas Muslim with thick accent wearing robes and face veil for example; "Yeyuh - I am Moo-slum. You got somethin' ta say about it, Earl!? I'll knock you inta the middle of next year an kick yew till snot runs outta yer eyeballs!"

Or a Texas man wearing eastern robes and turben; "Yep - I turned Mooslum.' **scratches self shamelessly** 'I git out thar and turn some lady's haids with these here faincy furuhn duds. Ifn anybody don't like et, I'll jack thur jaws with uh cinder block."

Talk about Culture shock. It just ain't right, Bubba, it just ain't right.

Answer 11

No extreme religious belief can possibly be compatible with western values. That includes extreme Christian belief. If the religious belief has moved with the times, modified and grown up, then yes.