Watch part two

The perceived relationship between Islam and the West has now become almost cliché - with phrases such as "clash of civilisations" regularly used. But what is the reality?

What do those across the Muslim world think of the West - particularly the US? And how do those in the American heartland receive practicing Muslims when they turn up at their doorstep?

Pakistani diplomat-turned-scholar Akbar Ahmed decided to take a closer look - and organised a massive "field trip" of sorts for his students. It involved visiting eight countries in the Muslim world, to observe, listen, and to answer questions about the US as well.

A subsequent journey into the American heartland was then made, to provide the mirror perspective. The initial project led to a book, Journey Into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization.

On Wednesday, Riz speaks with Professor Ahmed and four of the students who joined him on the journeys.

This episode of the Riz Khan show aired from Wednesday, April 22, 2009.