Every religion teaches its own ideas. Respondents were asked what Islam preaches. 53% of those surveyed agreed to answer the question. 25% mentioned positive notions, while 24% gave negative estimations, and 12% were neutral.

According to those who are positive towards Islam, the religion cultivates such moral values as: "kindness, honesty, faithfulness, industry and friendship", "courage", "a peaceful life, and a spirit of humanity", "justice", "respect for the elderly", and "good manners for young people". Moreover, it cultivates "a healthy way of life", and forbids "sleeping around" and "smoking and drinking".

Negative estimations are based on the idea that Islam is intolerant and aggressiveness towards its enemies: "only Moslems are good, and all other believers are enemies"; "they fight for Islam"; "propaganda of jihad"; "killing of believers of other religions"; "cultivation of fanaticism"; "blood revenge"; "to die a martyr in Islam is good".

Many Russians were bewildered by the difference between the Koran and the actual practices of its believers: "on the one hand, Islam cultivates peace, but on the another hand, we are dealing with the rebels"; "they are positive in words alone, but killers in reality"; "after praying in mosques, they take up arms".

Moreover, some respondents noted that Islam cultivates "passive obedience: the word 'Moslem' itself means 'submissive'". This requirement primarily concerns women: "the husband is leader of the family and dominates his wife, and the wife has no voice in the family". Some people think Islam cultivates "a ghoulish attitude towards women", while others believe it "holds women in esteem".

Many Russians know the "Koran is like the Bible"; "the Koran is based on the Old Testament" and includes "the same well-known commandments. Speaking in general, they say that "Islam cultivates the same values as the Orthodox religion, but according to their own ideas".