Islam in the United Kingdom

From Mw

1 Muslim Demographics
2 The British Muslim Community
3 Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) and Britain
4 Islam in British History
5 Muslims in British Politics
6 See Also
7 Mosque Locations in Britain
8 References
9 Further Reading

[edit] Muslim Demographics

In the United Kingdom 2001 Census, 1.6 Million people identified themselves as being Muslim. This accounts for 2.7% of the population, second only to Christians when excluding those who stated no religion. This makes Muslims the largest religious minority within the United Kingdom. ^[1]

Ethnically, 69% of UK Muslims are from the Indian Sub-continent; 43% are of Pakistani origin, while Bangladeshi makes up 17%, and 9% Indian. Out of the remaining 31%, roughly 12% are White and 6% are Black. ^[2]

[edit] The British Muslim Community

The Muslim community we have today has many failings and no doubt addressing these is part of ISB's (Islamic Society of Britain) workload. This does not prevent ISB from holding to a vision of the British Muslim community - a vision we hope, one day, will be the reality. Once the Muslim community develops a strong faith and sense of purpose, we see its potential in becoming a stable and cohesive community; a community that has strong family values and is independent, caring and supportive; a community with a strong sense of morality and loyalty, justice and duty, valuing all its members, young and old, male and female, empowering them to each realise their potential and make the most of their God-given talents. At the same time it would become a community, which is hospitable and neighbourly, charitable and concerned for the wider society.

We see the Muslim community, once it realises its Islamic values and teachings, becoming increasingly productive, offering a wealth of resources and ideas to society. It will comprise of caring and charitable families that will enrich and enhance the wider community.

"Britishness" is ill-defined and perhaps better kept that way. There is no precise formula for it and it is constantly changing. In spite of this, ISB envisages a Muslim community that will help define it (as the curry already has!). Likewise we hope the Muslim community will absorb the quirks and positive traits of "Britishness" within its cultural framework.

Identity is difficult to define and generates colourful debate- definitions range from the plainly superficial to the impossibly elaborate. ISB sees the Muslim community maintaining cultural and emotional ties with its sister communities in other countries, as Islam teaches that all Muslims are like a single body. This is not disloyalty as it is commonly observed that religious communities in Britain have an affinity to fellow religionists across the globe, whether they be Protestant, Catholic, Jewish or Hindu, and so for centuries members of religious minorities have peacefully lived with multiple, parallel identities.

There are scaremongers amongst us who intentionally, or through ignorance, misconstrue Islamic teachings and preach a clash of civilisations. Tensions across the world, whether between North and South, or East and West, are due largely to economic exploitation, suppression of freedoms, the legacy of colonialism and just plain ignorance. Most Muslim scholars do not see any such clash as necessary. Such a clash will only occur in the future if the peaceful majority in either region succumb to the intentions of malicious individuals who thrive on warmongering and its resultant hysteria.

The message of peace between Islam and the Western world is vital and we see the British Muslim community, even if it were for just this reason, as a crucial asset to Britain. We see the community providing a clear channel of communication, conveying to Britain, Islamic values and the aspirations of the Muslim world- and to the Muslim world, the message of peace, intellectual openness and prosperity that Britain engenders. The community is thus a bridge across the historical ravine of misunderstanding between the Muslim world and Britain. The Muslim community will become (as in part, it already is) living proof of the ability of Islamic values to co-exist peacefully and wholesomely alongside mainstream British culture.

[4]

[edit] Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) and Britain

All groups that have a clear vision for Britain strongly desire that their ideas are accepted by the British public, but are aware that this can only be achieved through legitimate campaigning or use of the political process. This is true whether the group be Conservatives, Socialists, Environmentalists, Christian groups, etc. It stands to reason that ISB is no different in this respect. Naturally Muslims desire that the wider British public should turn back to their creator and choose to live by the guidance He has left for them. Muslims can only put forward their ideas and living examples, but the choice at the end of the day remains with each individual and their conscience. However ISB accepts the scenario of Islam remaining a minority religion, living peacefully alongside other faith communities in this country. ISB wishes to see British Muslims of the future becoming an active and integral part of society. And just as individuals of other faiths and perspectives currently have positions of prominence in society, British Muslims should one day be in the thick of society bridging harmful divides and striving tirelessly, inspired by their faith, to bring about a more enlightened, just and caring society.

[5]

[edit] Islam in British History

Traces of Islam in Britain dates as far back to at least the 8th Century, in which coins stamped with the Shahada has been found, along with a broach on the south east coast of Ireland.

Trade between United Kingdom and Muslim countries in the 19th century gave way to more Muslims visiting Britain, some of which decided to settle and stay in the country, mainly in the cities of Cardiff, Liverpool, Glasgow and London. The first purpose built Mosque in Britain was in Woking in 1889. Immigration of Muslims from South Asia to Britain rose in the 1950's and continued throughout the 20th century to take advantage of Labour opportunities, something Britain was in need of after the end of the Second World War. ^[3]

For a detailed history of Islam in Britain, have a read of the following ISB document: Muslims in Britain