How long have you lived in the United States? How long have you lived in Egypt?
I have lived in the U.S. all my life, and have visited and stayed in Egypt on a consistent basis since I was a child.
What would you say are the most notable differences between daily life in the US versus in the Middle East?
The culture in Egypt is more focused around family whereas in the U.S. it's more individualistic. Life in Egypt is also a lot more social and laid back than life in the U.S. The U.S. provides the opportunity to excel and progress, but it requires hard work and focus to realize the American dream. In Egypt you have to know the right people or be born into affluence in order to become or remain successful.
What are the pros and cons of living in the US and living in the Middle East?
Life in Egypt is more chaotic and unstable than in the U.S., but there is a stronger sense of family and belonging.
How does living in a Muslim country versus a non-Muslim country affect your ability and motivation to practice Islam?
While it is generally easier to practice Islam in Egypt, because it is a majority Muslim nation, I feel that religious freedom is actually more respected in the U.S. Those who practice their religion in Egypt can have a stigma attached to that, and can sometimes even be persecuted and ridiculed especially since the Arab Spring. Religious diversity in U.S. can help religious minorities such as Muslims foster a greater sense of belonging within their communities and the society at large.
Overall, where do you prefer living? Why?
I prefer living in the U.S. because it's the land of possibility and opportunity. It is also where I grew up, went to school, where I've made friends, and lived most of my life. Life in the U.S. is a lot more stable, more just, and American society is highly diverse and accommodating of different walks of life. I still enjoy visiting Egypt from time to time to spend time with family.
I have lived in the U.S. all my life, and have visited and stayed in Egypt on a consistent basis since I was a child.
What would you say are the most notable differences between daily life in the US versus in the Middle East?
The culture in Egypt is more focused around family whereas in the U.S. it's more individualistic. Life in Egypt is also a lot more social and laid back than life in the U.S. The U.S. provides the opportunity to excel and progress, but it requires hard work and focus to realize the American dream. In Egypt you have to know the right people or be born into affluence in order to become or remain successful.
What are the pros and cons of living in the US and living in the Middle East?
Life in Egypt is more chaotic and unstable than in the U.S., but there is a stronger sense of family and belonging.
How does living in a Muslim country versus a non-Muslim country affect your ability and motivation to practice Islam?
While it is generally easier to practice Islam in Egypt, because it is a majority Muslim nation, I feel that religious freedom is actually more respected in the U.S. Those who practice their religion in Egypt can have a stigma attached to that, and can sometimes even be persecuted and ridiculed especially since the Arab Spring. Religious diversity in U.S. can help religious minorities such as Muslims foster a greater sense of belonging within their communities and the society at large.
Overall, where do you prefer living? Why?
I prefer living in the U.S. because it's the land of possibility and opportunity. It is also where I grew up, went to school, where I've made friends, and lived most of my life. Life in the U.S. is a lot more stable, more just, and American society is highly diverse and accommodating of different walks of life. I still enjoy visiting Egypt from time to time to spend time with family.