Poll: Wide differences in Muslim views on political Islam

RAMALLAH, West Bank – A survey conducted in 10 Muslim-majority countries found "striking" differences in the extent to which people believe the Koran should influence a nation's laws.

Wednesday's poll by the Pew Research Center found that in four countries, a majority of people say laws should strictly follow the Muslim holy book.

Pakistan, an Islamic republic, scored highest, with 78 percent supporting the statement. In Turkey, founded as a secular country, only 13 percent agreed.

In some countries, younger or more educated respondents were less likely to say the Koran should be the source of laws.

The poll was conducted a year ago among 10,194 Muslims and non-Muslims. It also covered the Palestinian territories, Jordan, Malaysia, Senegal, Nigeria, Indonesia, Lebanon and Burkina Faso.

The margin of error ranged from 3.4 to 4.3 percent.