The Boston Survey will develop over the next two years into an important research project on the consequences of 9/11 on American Muslims. We intend to conduct a major survey of the Boston Muslim community that will serve as a model for similar research nationwide. We aim to explore ways in which the post 9/11 situation in the Unites States influences political and religious affiliations among Muslims in Boston. The Muslims in Boston are a microcosm of the national Muslim population in terms of ethnic, sectarian and political identity.

Our first step has been to map out the Muslim presence in the Boston area using census and immigration data. Some of these maps will be available here soon. The next step will be to conduct interviews in Islamic Centers, workplaces and high schools, to identify religious and political attitudes of Muslims after 9/11.

We believe that this type of work must be conducted in close cooperation with the Muslim population and the organizations that serve them. We would like Muslims to be in constant dialogue with us in our findings and conclusions, and will make every effort at outreach and continuous communication with the Muslim community. Toward these ends, we plan to set up an advisory board of community leaders and representatives of different cultures, ethnicities, and sects of the Boston Muslim community. The advisory board will be informed and consulted in every stage of our research.

The Pluralism Project at Harvard will be a partner with IIW in this dialogue with the Muslim community.