I think it is more a case of certain people wanting a clash between civilisations. People sometimes dislike those who are different to themselves, the so-called "other".
However, I believe there is no reason for a clash between Islam and the West that results in war or conflict. The theory of a "clash of civilisations" is a cover to mask the motives of imperial powers who want to control other countries and civilisations. These powers need the idea of a clash to gain the support of the masses. It would be ineffective for them to play with open cards.
... - Cigdem Hacak, teacher, Turkey
As a Muslim Palestinian who has lived in Europe, I don't think there is a clash of civilisations between Islam and the West. I consider myself very lucky to have experienced and benefited from both. Any clash I see between the two is not based on principles and ideas, but instead is caused by the interests of a limited number of people who benefit from promoting the belief that there is conflict.
Many Muslims feel Westerners look down on them, they see an arrogance and lack of respect and that is causing damage. I think the West can benefit from Islam, but I also think Islam can benefit from the West. It's about taking and integrating the best things from each culture and civilisation to improve the other.
... - Ismael Al-Hinti, engineering professor, Jordan
There is a very significant clash between Western civilisation and Islam. To a layman like me it is because of the West's intolerance of Islamic ideas and mode of living. There are also many stark differences between the two.
It is similar to the difference between colour and black and white television. The main essence of Islamic culture is simplicity, so it seems black and white when compared to the colourful and happy-go-lucky culture of the West and other parts of the world.
Islamic culture challenges the West's idea of freedom so Islamic practices are considered extremism in the West. If Bush reads his Bible every morning it's fine with everyone because it is considered his personal matter, but if a Muslim has a long beard he is a fundamentalist.
- Shahneela Farhan, TV producer, Pakistan
Despite all the scheming of governments and men, there is absolutely no clash of civilisations between Islam and the West. Islam is at home in every culture and every civilisation. No one need fear what Islam has to bring - a message of total submission to God's will and a respect for all people of sincerity. Islam has united civilisations down through the ages. Politicians divide them.
... - Idris Tawfiq, former Catholic priest who ... converted to Islam, Egypt
Personally, I do not believe that this "clash" is one of civilisations, but rather a clash between radicalism and liberalism.
The world is changing, and different factions within different civilisations are reacting to modernisation and globalisation in different ways. Generally, there is a lot of confusion and an absence of understanding one's culture, which results in vulnerable societies, tension, and mistrust. It's a struggle within the human civilisation as a whole, between those who see the obvious benefits of modernisation and the connected global future, and those who see the obvious costs.
... - Roba Al-Assi, design graduate, Jordan
There are definitely more tensions since 2001, but a clash between Islam and the West does not have to be inevitable. If Islam is practised properly, it should never be in conflict with anything. I have lived in Northern Ireland and the Middle East. My father is Lebanese and my mother is from Tyrone. I converted to Islam and my sister is Christian, so I can see it from all sides.
In Islam one of the most important things is that you have your religion, other people have their's and both should respect the other. It suits those on the extremes to push the theory of a clash of civilisations.
The jihadis and the governments involved in the so-called "war on terror" feed off each other and the rest of us are caught in the middle.
The result is an increase in suspicion and mistrust of Muslims in general. People have approached me in the supermarket or on the street, asking why I follow such a violent and oppressive religion. There is a lot of ignorance about Islam.
... - Natasha Barakat, mother of one, ... Northern Ireland