If Muslims are troubling to be around, not because of their humanity, but because of customs/laws/traditions, it might be a good time to reconsider some of these. Are the customs based on, and work better, a less mobile population? Is it truly perceived as a barrier by others? Does this actually diminish one's ability to fulfill the greater commandments in an more pluralistic society? What is the core value behind the custom, how did it originate? Can this be retained (and even strengthened) by identifying it and developing new customs that go (perhaps even moreso) to the heart of the matter and can survive in a diverse population? Is repression/seperateness really a valid part of our faith? If so, to what level. If not, does the symbol communicate something inauthentic or even slightly inaccurate?
I say this because many religions have had to adapt over the centuries, and it is a great strength that they are able to do so across many cultures. The core values are extracted from traditions and re-examined, and then perhaps updated, or maybe saved for in-group ceremonies that allow personal connection without causing confusion in the general population.
In some ways this religion may be going through these kinds of growing pains due to it's heightened interaction with the modern world. I would not want to deny them their faith, but perhaps the externals could be reexamined in an effort to protect the core beliefs and thus perpetuate their faith. Do Muslins want to be seen as legalistic and narrow? Probably not, many of them probably see these traditions as a means of connection and enlightenment (although some may not). Why allow things to polarize when both options can coexist within a valid religious tradition?
Trust me, I am not picking on this particular religious group....my comment is merely a reflection on phenomena that other faith groups have undergone. I have seen it. This is meant to expand the influence of core beliefs, not diminish them, but of course some will not see it this way.
And maybe that is part of the problem...people being people. No one likes to have their God messed with, and if a threat is perceived, often the conservative backlash (I'm talking religion, not politics) is more scary than anything else. It is in my church, trust me.
Anyway, I wish these folks well...now and far into the future.
But I think religion has got to be a bit smarter nowadays, a bit more intelligent, and a bit more cosmopolitan. It can do so by sinking its roots deep into the heart of core traditions/beliefs and then bring this forward into the present, expanding the diversity of options for it's people who must live in a very cosmopolitan world.
Just a random thought...