The Number: Conflicted Islam?

The Number: 63% — No conflict between Islam and modern society

Like other American religious groups, Muslims believe that their religious convictions can fit comfortably in a world of rapid change and shifting values; more than six in 10 Muslim Americans (63%) say they see no conflict between being a devout Muslim and living in a modern society, a belief they share with many Muslims around the world. Still, Muslim Americans struggle to find a balance between two worlds and two very different cultures. They divide over the best strategy for Muslim immigrants to pursue when they arrive in the United States. The largest share (43%) say new arrivals should "mostly adopt American customs and ways of life." But 26% believe Muslims should "mostly try to remain distinct from the larger American society." Another 16% volunteer that new immigrants should try to do both.