Islam in the UK: What the British Public Knows About Muslims

Islam in the UK: What the British Public Knows About Muslims

Islam in the UK is the second-largest faith, as the 2021 Census showed there were just under four million Muslims, or approximately 6.0% of the population. London has the greatest proportion of Muslims, with around 15% of the capital’s population belonging to the Muslim faith. The Muslims in the UK are diverse, with the majority being Sunni Muslims and the rest being a smaller minority that practices Shia 

Islam in the UK has played a vital role in creating the multicultural identity of the country over the years. Muslim contributions have been enormous, such as in business, education, and the health sector, and their values, sense of belonging, and traditions added to society. In spite of adversity, the existence and influence of Islam continue and strengthen, promoting interfaith understanding and enriching the diversity of Britain’s culture.

Today, we will share some of the most significant facts regarding Islam in Britain, its history, perception by people, and British Muslims’ position in society. Continue reading to know more.

The History and Growth of Islam in the UK

Islam came to the UK as early as Britain’s historical contacts with the Islamic world. Cultural contact between Christian and Muslim civilizations in the Middle Ages took place, albeit without Muslim communities established in Britain at the time. There were more diplomatic and trade relations with the Ottoman Empire during the Elizabethan era, cementing connections further. As the British Empire expanded—particularly in South Asia—Muslim communities became increasingly assimilated with Britain.

Since the late 18th century, sailors known as lascars came to Britain and founded some of the earliest British Muslim communities. Throughout the 19th century, there was an increase in interest in Islam within Britain, with individuals such as Marmaduke Pickthall converting to Islam and making it more widely known. Many Muslim soldiers also served in the British Indian Army during both World Wars, some earning great distinction for their bravery

Demographics of British Muslims

South Asians now make up the bulk of British Muslims, namely of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian origin. Large Turkish, Arab, and Somali communities have enriched the texture of British Islam as well. There are also some 100,000 British converts to Islam of a multicultural ethnicity.

UK Islam is not just the UK’s second-largest religion but also has the youngest average age of the largest religious communities. From 2001 to 2009, the non-Muslim community grew slightly less than one-tenth as quickly as the British Muslim community, and around 6,000 Brits convert to Islam annually, most of whom are women.

What We Learn from Census Data

A Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) report comparing census statistics offers more information regarding British Muslims. Among the 2.7 million Muslims in England and Wales, 47% were born within the UK, and 68% identify as Asian. The report also points out that 33% of British Muslims are under the age of 15, compared with 19% of the population. Additionally, 8.1% of children in school age in the UK are Muslims.

In the face of claims challenging Muslim belonging in Britain, 73% of British Muslims identify themselves as British alone, dispelling myths about national loyalties.This highlights how deeply Islam in the UK is integrated into British society, reinforcing the strong sense of identity and belonging among Muslim communities.

Understanding Islam in the UK

Muslims’ presence in Britain dates back as far as their interaction with the Islamic world. In medieval times, there was some cultural exchange between Muslim and Christian societies,even though there were no established Muslim settlements in the British Isles proper.

The era of the Elizabethans witnessed increased diplomatic and commercial contacts with the Ottoman Empire. Then, with the expansion of the British Empire in particular, and South Asia in general, Muslim groups became more integrated with Britain. Lascar sailors came to settle in Britain from the mid-18th century, forming initial Muslim communities. In the 19th century, there was growing interest in Islam, with notable British individuals converting to the faith and assisting in its interpretation.

Numerous Muslim soldiers also fought in the British Indian Army during the World Wars, and some were decorated with prestigious awards for their efforts.

In recent times, South Asians have dominated British Muslims, with the latter consisting of the majority of individuals of Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian heritages. The Islam in the UK also accommodates huge populations of Turks, Arabs, and Somalis,besides an estimated 100,000 British converts to Islam of diverse ethnicities. Islam is not only the second-largest religion in the UK but also the youngest mean age of the major religious minorities. Muslim populations increased almost ten times that of non-Muslims between 2001 and 2009, as, according to reports, between 6,000 Britons, the majority of whom are women, convert to Islam annually.

A Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) report analyzing census data illuminates further the realities and population composition of British Muslims. Among the 2.7 million English and Welsh Muslims, 47% are born in the UK, and 68% are Asian by identity. The survey highlights that 33% of Muslims are aged below 15 years, compared to 19% of the overall population in the same age group. Further, 8.1% of the children of school-going age are Muslim. Although 47% of British Muslims were born in Britain, 73% identify themselves as just British, rejecting claims of them having no national identity.

Employment and Integration

The report also highlights economic engagement. A mere 20% of Muslims are employed full-time, as opposed to 35% of the overall population. It does, however, add that British Muslims contribute significantly in healthcare, business, education, and politics. In addition, a mere 6% of Muslims claim to struggle with English, defying language stereotypes that claim they cannot integrate.

Funding for the research came from the race equality think tank Runnymede Foundation, whose director, Omar Khan, said the findings dispel myths about British Muslims. He said Muslims are proud to be British with no strong allegiances to other nations and that they do not grapple with British values.

Also, there are 26 parliamentary constituencies where 20% or more of the population are Muslims, and that’s an important figure when considering political representation. The report urges Muslim mosques and charities to respond to social issues in the community and not just look to the government to step in.

Media Influence and Public Perception

The British public’s perception of Islam is shaped by a range of factors, such as education, media coverage, and interpersonal contact with Muslims. Although religious studies of Islam in the UK school curriculum, the level of comprehension differs. At the same time, mainstream media have tended to represent Islam in terms of a perspective centered on extremism and violence, resulting in ongoing stereotypes. Still, there have been attempts to bring to the surface the day-to-day life of Muslims, what they bring to society, and the peaceful principles of the faith.

Common Misconceptions About Islam in the UK

Islam and Extremism :  Many people are of the wrong belief that Islam espouses violence, while the majority of Muslims deprecate terror and value peace and justice.

Women’s Role in Islam : It is largely perceived that Muslim women are uniformly oppressed, whereas Islam itself awards rights to women in the forms of education, employment, and economic independence. Perceptions often tend to follow cultural differences.

Sharia Law : Sharia has been misperceived by many as a stilted, outdated system of law, while it is indeed an expansive ethic and legal paradigm interpreted in dissimilar ways through societies.

Muslims Do Not Integrate : The belief that Muslims do not integrate into British society is against the fact that they significantly contribute to healthcare, business, politics, and education.

How to Improve Understanding?

Educational Initiatives Schools and institutions of higher education must offer more of religious studies that include information of the history and the success of Islam.

Media Responsibility The journalists and the media must endeavor to report in a balanced manner, giving priority to the constructive contribution being provided by Muslims to society.

Interfaith and Community Involvement: Promoting conversation among various religious communities will create higher interfaith respect and understanding.

Personal Interactions: Visits to Muslim communities, engagement with cultural activities, and visits to mosques will be the means of personal contact with the religion and believers.

FAQs about Islam in the UK

What percentage of the population of Britain are Muslim?
At the 2021 Census, Muslims comprise roughly 6.0% of the overall population of the UK.

Where do British Muslims reside in greatest numbers?

London boasts the largest population of Muslims,with about 15% of London’s population asMuslim.

Which ethnic groups do British Muslims consist of?

The majority are of South Asian (Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and Indian), followed by Turkish, Arab, and Somali origins.

Are British Muslims integrated into society?
Yes, British Muslims make a valuable contribution in many areas,including healthcare, education, business, and politics.

Is Islam increasing in the UK?
Yes, Islam has been increasing, with reports suggesting that the Muslim population has grown at a higher rate than the non-Muslim population.

Conclusion

Public perceptions of Islam in the  UK are evolving. While there is still misinformation, greater education, responsible reporting, and firsthand exposure to Muslim communities are closing knowledge gaps. By encouraging interest and respect, British society can acquire a more enlightened and tolerant understanding of Islam and Muslims.But are we doing everything that we possibly can to counter disinformation and support real understanding? It begins, not by simply learning, but by constructively debunking myths and being receptive to diversity.