M Ted, I imagine you are right about the ignorance, probably more so in America than England, but true here as well.

One fortunate bit of timing is that only a couple of weeks ago BBC TV had a whole lot of programmes designed to tell people more about Islam, and to dispel prejudices and preconceptions and half-truth. I imagine they'll repeat them now and get a bigger audience - but I'm pleased they were produced outside of the post White Tuesday climate.

But I think giving links and quotes has been the most effective way of giving information which is needed at present. I suspect that even for any Mudcatters who are Muslims that might be the case as well.

That link I gave to Isl;am Online might be particularly useful, since it is so American in style and content.

The important thing to remember about Islam is that it's a universal religion, like Christianity. There are Muslims of all races, in all continents. Since the Yugoslav troubles we've become used to seeing "European" Muslims among us, alongside the "Asian" Muslims we've been used to.