One thing that I really respect about Islam is that they have to pray 5 times a day, and they're happy to do it. I'm teaching English to a man in Saudi Arabia and am just waiting for him to finish praying before we begin our lesson. I believe the social structure of Saudi Arabia is very conducive to a population of people who diligently pray 5 times a day. By social structure, I mean the homogeny of it all- it's very islamic, and so the rules they follow are just natural for them.

I believe that we have a lot more distraction in the west, ultimately distracting us from giving formal thanks to God. But, diligence is the solution to this problem.