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This series depicts the assimilation of Muslim communities and Muslim immigrants in western societies.

The issue is the adherence to Shari'ah or Islamic law, its conflict with secular western law and the limitations imposed by it. At issue is the basic right to practice one's religion freely and openly.

© Ayad Alkadhi

Click on image to enlarge.

This has become an alarming topic for many European host countries. Adherence to secular law by all of its citizens is a common way to unify a country consisting of diverse communities. A fear of cultural erosion is causing a direct conflict between local law and the law of Islam. The result is the direct opposite of assimilation. Muslims in the West are trying to maintain a stronger grip on their cultural and religious identity.

Once limited in geographical scope, Islam is no longer regional. Its explosive growth has truly made it international. This series couples the reality of images thought to be totally incongruous only a short time ago.