Muslims in Denmark express satisfaction with interfaith harmony

Muslims in Denmark are satisfied with the interfaith harmony and measures taken by the government's indiscriminate policies for all segments of the society.

This was observed during an interaction with Pakistani community in Denmark who are doing their own businesses or doing jobs in different fields. However, there are very few who are doing good jobs in offices.

The total number of Muslims in Denmark is based on an estimate of 2009. An estimated 4 percent of Danes, some 221,800, are Muslims. The first Muslim was registered in a Danish census in 1880.

Zubiar Hussan Butt, a Danish Pakistani who is working in a hospital said that all the citizens in Denmark have equal rights. He was of the view that interfaith harmony is also one the key factors in peace in the country as every citizen has the right to pray according to his/her own religion.

Muslim citizens enjoy full civil and political rights in the Danish democracy. Several Muslims are members of parliament and hold seats in municipal councils.

An estimated 20 -25 per cent of Muslims in Denmark (roughly 44,400-55,400 persons) are affiliated with mosque association.

He was of the view that Muslims don't get good jobs due to different reasons. However, some Pakistanis are on good positions.

Halal slaughter is permitted in Denmark and Halal food is widely available and Denmark is a major exporter of Halal meat to Arab world.

It was, however, observed that many Pakistanis do not have required education to get good jobs in government departments. One of Danish Pakistanis Raja Zubair Iqbal said that a good number of Pakistanis are bus or taxi drivers.

Primary education is compulsory for all children and education including higher education is free for all in Denmark in the public education system. The majority of Muslims children in Denmark get their primary education in the public school system.

Furthermore, the public system allows for groups of parents to establish ' independent schools' which are entitled to state subsidies to cover most of their budget (up to 80 percent).

Denmark is also known as cycling nation. The cycling culture that exists in Copenhagen is the inspiration for cities throughout the world trying to create their own cycling culture.

The wonderful cycling paths and bike friendly roads lead through picturesque villages, a varied countryside, well-preserved castles and manor houses, pristine beaches, and clear, fresh air.

Approximately half a million bicycles are sold in Denmark each year. Nine out of 10 Danes has a bicycle. There are 2.1 million cars in Denmark. Forty-four percent of all Danish households don't have a car.

The safe and easy routes are suitable for both enthusiasts and beginners alike. Whether riding along the coastline, lakes, in the forests, through the green fields, or through busier towns, one will find peaceful lanes and specially designed bike paths. In Denmark, there is a strong tradition for people of all ages and all walks of life to cycle. The highlights include but are not limited to Copenhagen, Helsingør and Kronborg (Hamlet's castle from Shakespeare), and Hillerød with Fredensborg Castle.