Stacmon
Explorer
At the core of Islam is the belief that all Muslims are brothers/sisters. There is a very strong sense of community and Muslims are taught to care more about others than themselves.
It is therefore conceivable that if there is a sustained upswing in religious observance in historically Islamic countries that some sort of European Union-like organization could emerge between Islamic nations. It would serve as a realistic alternative to the strong nationalistic movement that we've seen in the last few centuries. Recall that so many Muslim countries' borders were set by colonial powers, are largely artificial and have created a great amount of friction between the many individual ethnicities in each of these countries. Naturally this sort of governing structure would have to be very tolerant of (non-violent) interpretations of Islam (meeting the needs of both Sunnis and Shi'as, as well as smaller Islamic minorities) and seek to build a foundation on common beliefs and similarities rather than differences.
Also, it is important that non-Muslims' rights be protected and I stress that an Islamic Union would be a democratic organization, and require democratic governments in member nations.
Now, assuming for a moment that such a thing was realistic and occurred, would you all see it as a positive development, or a negative development? Consider issues such as security (terrorism), addressing problems such as poverty and so on.
Here is a map showing the world-wide Muslim population. Green represents Sunni Muslims while Blue represents Shi'as.
I have deliberately limited the poll to two options, because putting a "maybe" or "it depends" option would likely suck in too many votes. Basically just vote according to which option you are leaning towards more strongly and post here with details if you want to elaborate.
Also, would any of you consider an Islamic Union a new threat to the West/Non-Muslim countries?
It is therefore conceivable that if there is a sustained upswing in religious observance in historically Islamic countries that some sort of European Union-like organization could emerge between Islamic nations. It would serve as a realistic alternative to the strong nationalistic movement that we've seen in the last few centuries. Recall that so many Muslim countries' borders were set by colonial powers, are largely artificial and have created a great amount of friction between the many individual ethnicities in each of these countries. Naturally this sort of governing structure would have to be very tolerant of (non-violent) interpretations of Islam (meeting the needs of both Sunnis and Shi'as, as well as smaller Islamic minorities) and seek to build a foundation on common beliefs and similarities rather than differences.
Also, it is important that non-Muslims' rights be protected and I stress that an Islamic Union would be a democratic organization, and require democratic governments in member nations.
Now, assuming for a moment that such a thing was realistic and occurred, would you all see it as a positive development, or a negative development? Consider issues such as security (terrorism), addressing problems such as poverty and so on.
Here is a map showing the world-wide Muslim population. Green represents Sunni Muslims while Blue represents Shi'as.
I have deliberately limited the poll to two options, because putting a "maybe" or "it depends" option would likely suck in too many votes. Basically just vote according to which option you are leaning towards more strongly and post here with details if you want to elaborate.
Also, would any of you consider an Islamic Union a new threat to the West/Non-Muslim countries?
