As is well-known, Moslems are the largest religious group in Russia next to Christians. About one-third of Russians, according to a recent poll, say they have relatives or friends who practice Islam (29%). Most respondents said they have contacts with Moslems sometimes: 54% say that in the city where they live, there are people who practice Islam.

In spite of neighborhood, friendship, and blood ties with Moslems, a noticeable number of respondents are watchful towards them. In answering the following question: "IF ONE OF YOUR FRIENDS DECIDED TO CONVERT TO ISLAM, HOW WOULD YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS?", almost one-third of respondents (30%) gave a negative answer. 45% say they would feel indifferent, and 13% say they would feel positive.

When considering a possible marriage between a respondent's son and a Moslem girl, 32% of those surveyed said they would be against it (50% say they would not oppose such a marriage). 45% of Russians say they would be against a marriage between their daughter and a Moslem man, while 39% say they would not object. Negative attitudes about a daughter marrying a Moslem are based on the opinion that women are not respected in the Islamic world.