Study: Politics important to Muslims
A study of Detroit-area mosques released last week found that even religiously conservative Muslims feel it is important to participate in American politics. An overwhelming number of mosque participants who preferred a flexible approach to Islam said they endorse more Muslim political involvement, indicating a reversal of the isolationism once attributed to many Muslims. "They want to be involved in American society, in the political sphere and in terms of community service activities," said Ihsan Bagby, a University of Kentucky professor who spearheaded the study. Bagby, who has been studying Muslims in the United States for a decade, said this particular study came about after Bagby was approached by the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, a Michigan think tank with a focus on Islamic issues. At MSU, some students said the survey's findings reflect similar political interests growing on campus and in the community. "It's actually mandatory in our religion to be active and to act responsibly within the government that we're living in," said Fareeha Shuttari, president for Muslim Students' Association.
