Correcting the Image of Islam and Muslims in the West: Challenges and Opportunities for Islamic Universities and Organizations

Abstract

Islamic universities and organizations are widespread, not only in Arabic and Islamic world but also all over the world. Calling for Islam and correcting its image are of the main objectives of such universities and organizations. Due to the negative image of Islam and Muslims in the West which is mainly inherited from the medieval ages and caused by prejudices against Islam and its followers, such universities and organizations should play an effective role to correct this negative image. The purpose of this study is to investigate the image of Islam and Muslims in the Western media, and propose roles for Islamic universities and organizations from the perspective of Muslims living in the West to correct that image. Data were collected through a questionnaire conducted among a sample of 132 Muslims living in the West. The results assured what has been emphasized in the literature review that the image of Islam and Muslims is distorted. No significant differences were found in most of the items. Results indicated a high level of contingency of the participants' responses. The most important roles proposed were: directing Muslim minorities in the West to be good representatives (models) for Islam, participating in the media programs to show the correct image of Islam, establishing local Islamic TV channels in the West and establishing Islamic information centers in the Western countries and communities to provide information about Islam.