SWS: Most Pinoys now understand Islam better

Filipinos now have a favorable view towards Islam, a survey of the Social Weather Stations (SWS) said.

In the survey conducted from May 28 to June 12, 58 percent of Filipinos said they have a favorable perception of the Muslim religion, an increase from 43 percent in a similar survey conducted in November 2002. The increase is evident across all areas and economic classes.

The SWS reported that opinion towards Islam tends to be more favorable among those who have a basic understanding of its teachings and beliefs.

In the survey, 34 percent said they have a basic understanding of the religion, compared to only 30 percent in November 2002.

Knowledge of Islam is also higher in the National Capital Region (NCR) and in Mindanao, and among the upper classes.

Moreover, 62 percent of Filipinos also now believe that Islam respects the beliefs of non-Muslims, an increase from 48 percent last year. This increase was recorded in all areas except in the Visayas region where respondents remain divided on the issue.

Filipinos are also found to be less critical of Islam than Americans are.

According to an ABC News Poll conducted Sept. 4-7, one out of three Americans have basic understanding of Islam, just like Filipinos, but only 39 percent said they have a favorable view towards the religion. Unlike Filipinos, 44 percent of Americans also feel that Islam does not respect the beliefs of non-Muslims.