In this paper we try to read some concepts used in the multicultural and in the liberal/communitarian debate in the light of the presence of Islam in Western European countries. In particular we analyze the presence of Islam in Italy and in other European countries in its different social articulations and representations. Through this we conclude for the establishing of a 'new' islam, different from that of the muslim countries and from that of the first generation of immigrants, in which significant transformations are taking place, both among the individuals and in the muslim communities.