Some of the terminology regarding Muslim-Western relations has been widely misused or misunderstood, confusing key issues and clouding constructive opportunities. In an attempt to improve ongoing communication, we have developed the following Terminology in Muslim-Western Relations guide. A downloadable PDF version is also available.
A Muslim / an interpretation of Islam that rejects extremism and terrorism; a Muslim
who supports Western foreign policy; a non-practicing Muslim or sometimes even a
former Muslim
Why a Problem:
Implies that Islam as a whole is by definition intolerant and aggressive; that the
majority of Muslims are extremist, intolerant, radical or violent - hence the need to
qualify those who are not - rather than the other way around; alternatively put:
equates piety with violence and by extension the religion of Islam with inspiring
violence - implying that the less Islam consumed, the better
Does not allow for the fact that one can be politically "moderate" in a given context,
even though they would be seen to take extreme positions on religion; understood
by many Muslims to apply to any position on any political issue taken by Muslim
individuals or groups that is deemed acceptable by the West
Note: the adjective "moderate" is not always negative for pious Muslims, given the
importance of moderation in Islamic tradition and Muslim association of the term
with a positive. Rather, it is a question of how the word is used. For instance, "the
moderate majority in Muslim society" does not carry a negative connotation as it
does not imply that it is the limited intake of Islam that is making this majority a
good thing.
Impact:
Offense: "What's wrong with just being Muslim?" "Why does Islam need a qualifier
to make it alright?" Implies a Muslim who is passionate rather than moderate about
their religion is one who takes extreme or exclusive positions.
Denotes an adherent of Islam or a characteristic of its adherents (descriptive, adj. comparable to "Jewish")
Denotes the religion or its institutions (prescriptive, comparable to "Judaic")
Example:
A Muslim country is one where the
majority of citizens follow the
religion of Islam
An Islamic country is one whose political
system is based on Islamic law
Why Important:
Avoids negative events, acts or ideas being attributed to the religion of Islam
itself (rather than its followers)
Term:
Headscarf
Veil
Definition:
Worn by many Muslim women to
cover their hair in public;
usually accompanied by non-
revealing clothes
Worn by a small minority of Muslim
women to cover face;
usually accompanied by non-revealing
clothes
Referred to as:
Hijab
Niqab
Why Important:
Important
"Veil" conjures up "barrier" and has a negative impact on bridge-building
efforts Note: neither garment necessarily says anything about one's political viewpoints
