Islam in the West

I have been thinking a lot lately about how challenging it is to preserve your culture and traditions when in a new country. On the one hand it is important to learn about a new culture and way of life but at the same time it is important to preserve your tradition and culture in an new environment.

There has been some interesting articles in the NY times on this topic realted to Islam.

A Muslim Leader in Brooklyn Reconciling 2 Worlds
"Islam is a legalistic faith: Muslims believe in a divine law that guides their daily lives, including what they should eat, drink and wear. In countries where the religion reigns, this is largely the accepted way. But in the West, what Islamic law prohibits is everywhere. Alcohol fills chocolates. Women jog in sports bras. For many Muslims in America, life is a daily clash between Islamic mores and material temptation. At the center of this clash stands the imam."

Tending to Muslim Hearts and Islam's Future
"Christian singles have coffee hour. Young Jews have JDate. But many Muslims believe that it is forbidden for an unmarried man and woman to meet in private. In predominantly Muslim countries, the job of making introductions and even arranging marriages typically falls to a vast network of family and friends."

It is interesting to look at the differences between cultures and how different individuals adapt - both to a new culture as well as how Americans respond.