Muslims in Europe an element of understanding and progress

Abstract

Christians and Muslims have many things in common that they affirm, accept, and use as a starting point for their good understanding.
The contact between the Islam and Europe was embodied in two forms: through cultural exchanges and through the group of active Muslims settled up to this day in the old continent.
The study center of Toledo prepared intellectuals that went across Europe and had the Muslims’ scientific and philosophical foundation at the core of their work.
Islam is today the second largest religion practiced in Europe.
Regardless of the ethnic and cultural differences, or affiliation to various religious schools, all of Europe’s Muslims are a single religious entity linked by brotherhood. Any discrimination that may arise amidst them because of their ethnic origin is considered as a phenomenon that conflicts with Islamic values and this element emphasizes the unity of Muslim believers.
European Muslims respect their hosting countries’ laws and law-enforcing authorities. As European citizens, Muslims enjoy the right to build mosques and religious, educational, cultural and social institutions; to practice their religion in everyday life and they consider it their duty to work for the good of the society, to play an active role in the life of the society. Albanian’s example over the centuries is sufficient to publicly reveal the indisputable value of Islam as a religion of peace and understanding with other religions it cohabits with.