The Challenges of the Integration of Muslim Migrants in the European Communities

Abstract

This study aimed investigating the most important challenges facing the integration of Muslim migrants in the western communities. The study revealed that there is a stereotypical image about Islam and Muslims in the Westin general; an image that is related to the historical dimensions and conflict between the West and the Islamic world in previous time. Such an image is sustained by curricula, media, right-wing political parties and the constant attempts to link all the deviant events to Islam, but not those who committed them. The emergence of the extremist or the radical right-wing in the European scene resulted in an increase in that image.  The study pointed out an issued related to the difference in the intended concept of integration from that intended in the European policies, where it refers to assimilation and identification with the cultural and social fabric of the country. The study identified one of the most important problems faced by migrants, which are marginalization and discrimination to which they are exposed by the majority of indigenous people, in addition to the political and cultural, or linguistic causes related to not mastering the German language and the lack of desire by the indigenous people to assimilate them.