Articles tagged with Islam
A study found that TV crime news over-represented Muslims (81%) and Latinos (97%) as perpetrators and victims, while under-representing African-Americans, despite FBI reports showing different demographics.
A study by Julian Hargreaves from Cambridge's Centre of Islamic Studies found that British Muslim communities may not be as victimized by violent crime or dissatisfied with the police as widely believed. Positive attitudes towards the police were also found, with 61.2% of respondents rating their local police as good or excellent.
A UC Davis engineering professor has developed a technique to mass-produce thin silicon blades at lower cost. The new technology enables the production of sharp blades with reduced manufacturing costs, opening possibilities for incorporating electrical and optical technologies.
Researchers found that wearing a hijab buffers against negative body image among British Muslim women, reducing reliance on media beauty standards and emphasis on appearance. The study suggests the hijab helps some women reject prescriptive beauty ideals.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers explores the relationship between Islam and liberal democracy in Muslim-majority countries. They found that while people in these countries are less tolerant on average than those in Western nations, socio-economic conditions and political regimes play a significant role.
A new study by Kelly Cowart reveals that companies' religious affiliations can buffer against negative reactions to store policies, especially in the event of a service failure. The research found that customers are more likely to forgive firms with religious affiliations, regardless of their own attitudes towards the religion.
A coalition of Muslim leaders and healthcare professionals in northern Nigeria has successfully increased vaccine uptake among local communities, reducing polio cases. The initiative, led by imams, has reversed the region's intense opposition to polio vaccination, promoting a sustainable approach to eradication.
Engineers at UC Davis developed three-dimensional nanowire transistors using a new approach to integrate semiconductors on silicon substrates. This technology enables devices to operate in high temperatures, handle high power or voltages, and optical applications.
A study found that children between four and seven develop a biological understanding of the human body, shaped by education and cultural experiences. Pakistani children had accelerated understanding due to exposure to animal slaughter, while British children's knowledge improved with age through formal education.
A study found that American Muslims' negative religious outlooks hinder their willingness to donate organs, while Arab Americans showed a greater acceptance. The research highlights the need for open discussion within the Muslim community and with medical authorities to address complex issues around religion and organ donation.
The Holberg Prize 2014 has been awarded to scholar Michael Cook for his groundbreaking research on the relationship between Islam, religion, and politics. Cook's work emphasizes the role of religious values in shaping Islamic civilization from the medieval period to the present.
Research by universities of Manchester and Keele found British Muslims with diabetes may avoid discussing fasting with GPs, leading to poor diabetes control and increased mortality risk. Many patients perceive GPs as lacking expertise in supporting them during Ramadan.
Prof. Amnon Cohen, a renowned expert on the Ottoman Empire, was recognized by the Turkish Historical Society as an honorary fellow. He has conducted extensive research on Israel's development under Ottoman rule and served as an advisor to Israeli defense ministers.
Researchers have established a new technique to predict seasonal cholera epidemics months in advance with greater accuracy, utilizing remote satellite imaging and measuring organic matter. The 'satellite water marker' index was found to be more accurate than previous methods, reducing error rates by up to 30%.
A UCLA-led research team found that religiosity in Hindus and Sikhs but not Muslims is associated with being overweight or obese. Despite differences in diet and physical activity, the link persists due to various factors including societal stigma and religious gatherings.
A new laser system can analyze reflected infrared light to determine a target's chemical composition, improving military surveillance capabilities. This technology could also enhance full-body airport screening.
Research reveals that thoughts of death increase conviction in world views for all groups, with agnostics finding acceptance of multiple beliefs. A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found common goals among believers seeking a coherent world view to manage fear of death.
Historian Robert Haug's research shows that social, cultural and political changes in border areas like medieval Afghanistan and Iran were manifested through changes in vocabulary, coins minted and used, and fortified enclosures. These adaptations allowed local elites to maintain power under the Caliphate.
A new study by a University of North Carolina sociologist found that organizations spreading negative messages about Muslims have gained traction in the media, stoking public fears and anti-Muslim sentiment. The research tracked over 50,000 TV transcripts and newspaper articles from 2001 to 2008, revealing a significant rise in negativ...
Studies by University of Illinois researchers Jesse Preston and Daniel Yang found that asking people to think broadly about a subject can lead to increased moderation in political beliefs. The research used techniques known to induce an abstract mindset, such as viewing images or reading ambiguous articles in different formats.
Researchers found that Muslims are less likely to have premarital sex and extramarital sex compared to Christians and Jews. National Islamic cultures also influence the sexual behaviors of residents in Muslim-majority nations.
A $276,000 grant will fund a national survey of 6,000 Pakistanis exploring the relationship between media consumption and beliefs on Islamist violence. The study aims to identify critical thinking skills among Pakistani communities.
Researchers analyzed over 2,000 al Qaeda propaganda items and found that most quotes focused on enduring hardships and maintaining faith, rather than seeking world domination. The 'Verse of the Sword' was used only three times in these quotes.
A joint study by Stefan Reichmuth and Reinhold Glei reveals the Koran's term 'dīn' changed meaning from 'law' to 'religion' in Latin translations, with implications for European understanding of Islam. This shift reflects a gradual development in Western philosophy, paralleling Judaism and Christianity.
A study led by Arizona State University's Center for the Study of Religion and Conflict investigated what drives generosity among Muslims and Catholics. The researchers found that both groups value community and connecting with people in need, as well as a sense of duty to their faith. They also discovered commonalities in the ways rel...
A study by Elif Izberk-Bilgin explores how Muslim consumers in Turkey perceive global brands as 'infidels' due to sociopolitical dynamics. Consumers engage in boycotts to moralize the market and promote products reflecting their values, such as gender-segregated resorts.
A study found that minority religions view malls as central meeting places, seeking comfort in shared beliefs. Dominant religious groups experience 'consumption mass hysteria,' leading to debt and excess.
A recent international data analysis on school mathematics performance found that social and cultural factors, not biology, contribute to the math-gender gap. Countries with better gender equity have higher math scores for both boys and girls.
The survey found increased tolerance for non-majority viewpoints, but a lingering reluctance to extend freedoms to Muslim extremists. Education and changing attitudes across generations have driven this trend, with younger generations less threatened by certain groups than their parents.
A comprehensive survey of American Muslims found that religious beliefs significantly influence their health care attitudes and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of assigning responsibility to God for health and disease, as well as a holistic view of healing involving spiritual and medical agents.
The RAND book examines America's response to terrorism since 9/11, outlining successes like al Qaeda's degradation and improved intelligence systems. However, it also critiques mistakes such as the US involvement in Iraq and detainee abuse at Abu Ghraib prison.
A survey of 733 medical students found that nearly half believe doctors should object to certain procedures, such as abortions and intimate examinations. Muslim students were more likely to express this view, while Jewish students were less likely.
A large cohort study found that socioeconomic class and smoking are strongly associated with premature menopause, affecting quality of life. Women with premature menopause were more than twice as likely to report poor quality of life, with impacts lasting up to 10 years after diagnosis.
A new study argues that female suicide bombing is a military tactic used by terrorist groups to justify acts that deviate from mainstream Islam. The study's findings suggest that the use of female suicide bombers is not based on Islamic doctrine, but rather on strategic and military utility.
A new study suggests that Arab television networks such as Al Jazeera do not promote anti-American feelings among all their viewers. Research based on surveys of nearly 20,000 residents of six Arab countries found that while watching networks like Al Jazeera fuels anti-American feelings in some viewers, it actually reduces such sentime...
The 'Teaching the Middle East' online resource provides comprehensive and objective teaching materials on topics ranging from prehistory to modern states. It features articles written by University of Chicago faculty, lesson plans, and links to additional resources, aiming to dispel stereotypes and promote understanding.
A Syracuse University scientist will discuss his four-year study of Islamic understandings of evolution and attitudes toward teaching the subject in five predominantly Muslim countries. The researcher found diverse thoughts about evolution in the Muslim world, varying greatly by country and cultural attitudes.
A Tel Aviv University psychologist investigates the link between Islamic beliefs and practices and mental well-being among American Muslims. He found that those who created support groups or became more active at their local mosques reported increased religious practices, while those feeling isolated experienced anger and depression.
Education has played a crucial role in Sudan's fifty-year civil war, deepening the country's divisions. Schools were targeted to impose Islamic values and alienated South Sudanese people who are largely Christian or adherents of indigenous religions.
A recent study by Professor Sonia Ghumman at the University of Hawaii at Manoa found that Muslim women who wear hijabs face significant workplace discrimination in the US. The survey revealed that 22% of respondents were personally denied work due to their attire, highlighting a pervasive issue of religious intolerance.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that television coverage significantly influenced public interest in the Obama-Muslim rumor, leading to increased online searches. Newspaper coverage had little effect, as articles effectively dispelled the rumor and reduced online searches.
A study by Durham University anthropologist Dr Iain Edgar found that night dreams are being used to make choices on issues like marriage, business, and career development among modern Muslims. The practice of Istikhara, or Islamic 'dream incubation', involves using symbolism to interpret dreams and make decisions.
Researchers have created a new mid-infrared supercontinuum laser that can blind heat-seeking missiles from a distance of 1.8 miles away, providing a promising solution for helicopter protection in combat zones. The technology is being commercialized through Omni Sciences, Inc., which has received $1 million in grants from the Army and ...
A University of Houston sociologist chronicles the Gülen Movement, an Islamic civic movement that promotes peace, education, and interfaith dialogue. The book presents stories from participants who benefited from Gülen-inspired schools, highlighting its positive impact on communities.
Scientific research in the Islamic world faces challenges from political fragmentation and colonialism, but institutions like KAUST aim to revive basic scientific research. New projects also focus on promoting curiosity-driven research and tackling corruption.
A study by Indiana University faculty members challenges conventional wisdom that education and income are inversely related to support for suicide bombings. The research found that education levels are more strongly opposed to civilian-targeted bombings, but not necessarily to foreign-targeted attacks.
This book brings together scholars to explore the intellectual and legal traditions of Shari'a, examining how it is expressed in a European context. Key findings include the intersection of Shari'a and secular laws, as well as the diverse interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence.
A University of Georgia study found that media exposure had no effect on correcting the misconception that Barack Obama was a Muslim during the 2008 presidential campaign. Approximately 20% of Americans believed this despite news stories and fact-checking efforts.
A study finds that Turkish women wear veils as a symbol of independence from Western values and to rebel against their mothers' generation's tradition. The fashion industry responds by creating fashionable alternatives, inspiring others to adopt the practice.
Researchers are rediscovering the achievements of Arabic-speaking scientists who made groundbreaking advancements in chemistry during the 8th to 13th centuries. Their work, which was previously overlooked in the Western world, is now being recognized as a major contributor to the emergence of modern science and medicine.
Researchers developed Sun Dial to help Muslim users determine prayer times, finding imagery-based prompts more appealing than text-based options. The app aims to enhance the religious experience by reminding users of their community ties.
A US Department of Defense-funded project led by Arizona State University aims to understand strategies used by Muslims in West Africa and Europe to counter extremist interpretations. The research, titled 'Finding Allies for the War of Words,' involves a global team of scholars from multiple disciplines.
A new study found that collective religious rituals, not religious devotion, are linked to support for suicide attacks. Regular attendance at religious services was associated with increased support for parochial altruism and suicide attacks, but not with regular prayer.
A RAND Corporation study recommends that the US and its allies in East Africa address radical Islamist groups beyond al Qaeda to create long-term stability. The report highlights existing counterterrorism programs as a starting point for stronger regional collaboration.
A nationwide survey found that only 22% of Americans believed Barack Obama was a Muslim, despite hearing the rumor. The internet played a key role in spreading rumors, with nearly two-thirds of respondents getting information online, and nearly one-third getting campaign news from video sharing sites.
Israelis have lost faith in teaching Arabs to accept their state and envisioning coexistence, while Arabs and Muslims no longer see Israel as capable of living in peace with them. This shift has led to cycles of violence, demoralization, and migration, casting doubt on Israel's future
A study published in Medical Decision Making found that cardiac risk estimates vary between Christians and Muslims, with more serious estimates given to Christians. The research highlights the psychological impact of mortality concerns on healthcare decisions.
The book, 'In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad,' provides an unusual window into the thinking of Islamic terrorists. It includes translations of writings and speeches from notable jihadis like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
A UC Davis researcher is studying more than 1,500 audio cassette tapes of Osama bin Laden to understand his intellectual development in the years leading up to the 9/11 attacks. The tapes provide unprecedented insight into debates among bin Laden's allies and critics, as well as his evolution from a Muslim reformer to a radical leader.
A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that more complex and statistically efficient choice experiments result in less consistent participant responses. The researchers suggest that optimal design choices may impose a higher cognitive load on participants, leading to decreased consistency in their decisions.