PARIS, September 11 (IslamOnline.net) - Muslim organizations in France have made great strides and acted "more positively" to counter anti-Islam campaigns and stereotypes after 9/11, prominent French intellectuals said.

Speaking to IslamOnline on the anniversary of the attacks on Washington and New York, the three experts on affairs of Muslims told IslamOnline.net that Muslims in Europe are able to set an example for reform into the Islamic thought.

"Muslim organizations in France have been at pains since 9/11 to improve the image of Islam painted into minds of the French, and to show respect for the laws of the country," Vincent Geisser said.

"We saw how Muslims in France were the first to condemn the abduction," said Geisser.

Olivier Roy agreed, saying: "The stance of the French Council for the Muslim Faith (CFCF), for instance, is quiet clear to end the hostage crisis as quick as possible."

The country's officially recognized Muslim umbrella group has sent a delegation to Baghdad to help secure the release of the two journalists, who went missing on August 20.

The delegation returned to Paris Saturday after their shuttle diplomacy, personally hailed by French Interior Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Francois Burgat, another leading intellectual, said Muslim organizations in France had well learnt the lesson of 9/11.

But, they have to do more due to the magnitude of their task - clearing stereotypes and creating a well-based political and social integration, Burgat said.

"The Muslim organizations are playing a leading role in this regard; however, they are required to exert much more efforts to realize this aim."

"Muslim organizations in France have been at pains since 9/11 to improve the image of Islam painted into minds of the French," said Geisser

France has triggered a world-wide controversy over a law banning hijab before enforcing it this academic year - despite massive protests of Muslims and objections of international human rights (the US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) dismissed the French move as "discriminatory"). 

A French expert at minorities' affaris has later called for "reshaping" secularism in France to protect the rights of minorities, saying that the western European country has been suffering from an "identity crisis" for decades.

More Knowledge

However, Burgat said although the September attacks led to more racist stereotypes against Muslims in France, it also created a flavor to get more knowledge on Islam and Muslims.

"The September attacks had pushed the French society to try to get more knowledge on Islam and Muslims, and enhanced communication between the west ad the Islamic world," he added.

However, the French intellectual said that communication had however turned into more legal and security pressures on the Muslims.

Further, Muslim organizations and community members have had another battle, especially after 9/11. The media.

"Islamic organizations are trying to stand against all these western media campaigns against Islam, Bourgat said.

Islamic Thought Reform

On the role played by the Muslims in the west to introduce reform into the Islamic thought, the three leading intellectuals said Muslims abroad are having the ability to reform the Islamic thought due to the prevailing environment of freedom there.

"The stance of the French Council for the Muslim Faith (CFCF), for instance, is quiet clear to end the hostage crisis as quick as possible," said Roy

Geisser said the Muslims in France are working to thrash out new methods of thinking that go in line with their life conditions in Europe.

"Europe has become a fertile land for introducing that reform into the Islamic thought, thanks to the prevailing democratic atmosphere conductive to free thought in the west - contrary to the Islamic countries."

Burgat agreed, citing such prominent Muslim intellectuals as Tariq Ramadan.

"Ramadan is one of the leading Muslims figures who can enhance communication between the west and the Muslim community."

Ramadan - a professor of Islamic studies in Switzerland-based University of Fribourg - has urged Muslims to fully integrate into their western societies with unshakable belief in their causes.

Olivier struck the same note.

"The Muslims in the west could set down a proper formula for introducing reform into the Islamic thought, as they combine absorption of heritage of their origin countries as well as an ability to adapt to western living conditions."

To Read More On French Muslims Since 9/11, Click Below:

• French Muslims Show National Unity Over Hostage Crisis

• French Muslims Live In "Ethnic Ghettos": Report

• Muslims In France Forced Into Ghettos: Report

• French Muslims Pose No Threat To secularism: Experts 

• French Muslims Suffer Bad Conditions: Minister

• Claim of Paris Arson Attack ‘Plot’: French Muslims

• French Book Urges ‘Comprehensive Review’ Of Islam

• Hijab Is No Threat To Secularism: Dutch Official

• Why Do the French Refuse Hijab? 

• French Muslims Want ‘Small Hijab’ Excluded From Ban 

• French Female Muslims Reject ‘Unfair’ hijab Ban 

• French Pro-hijab Rallies Continue, Girls On Hunger Strike