It is rather difficult to estimate the number of Muslims in European countries. The census of most European countries has no question on the religion of citizens. However, the number of Muslims in Euroean countries is estimated to the extent of 12 millions. France has the largest proportions of Muslims, followed by Germany, Denmark, Holland, Sweden, Britain and Italy.
However, in the battle against terrorism, the Muslim immigrant who matter is the second generation young Muslim. This generation often discover or discover Islam, rather a simplified, radicalised and puritan version of Islam and become ‘good Muslims’. This new generation of disaffected, alienated and marginalised young Muslims easily fall prey to radical teachings and adopt the jehadipath.
Interestingly, writing in the Hindustan Times, an Indian newspaper, Paris settled Rajesh Sharma writes,” At no stage have we found mention of young girls or women participating directly or indirectly in the terrorists avtivities, including the recent ones, in Europe. And this has nothing to do with the position of women in Islamic societies. For Muslims, who migrated to Europe, Islam is much more than a religion. It has become an identity and a cultural refuge.”
“Girls from immigrant Muslim households are determined to succeed and seize the chance their adopted countries offer them, an opportunity they are not likely to get in the land of their forefathers. And they have shown little sign of being swayed”, added Sharma.
It seems that Muslim girls and women find the liberal atmosphere more congenial, compared to the gettoisation in the countries of their forefathers.
