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Policy Exchange is an independent think tank whose mission is to develop and promote new policy ideas which will foster a free society based on strong communities, personal freedom, limited government, national self confidence and an enterprise culture. Registered charity no: 1096300. Policy Exchange is committed to an evidence based approach to policy development. We work in partnership with aca demics and other experts and commission major studies involving thorough empirical research of alternative policy out comes. We believe that the policy experience of other countries offers important lessons for government in the UK. We also believe that government has much to learn from business and the voluntary sector. Trustees Charles Moore (Chairman of the Board), Theodore Agnew, Richard Briance, Camilla Cavendish, Iain Dale, Richard Ehrman, Robin Edwards, George Robinson, Tim Steel, Alice Thomson, Rachel Whetstone.
Policy Exchange 2007 Published by Policy Exchange, Clutha House, 10 Storeys Gate, London SW1P 3AY www.policyexchange.org.uk ISBN 10: 1-906097-02-X ISBN 13: 978-1-906097-02-8 Printed on 100% recycled paper Printed by Heron, Dawson and Sawyer Designed by 7A, john@7Adesign.com 2
Contents
Executive summary Part 1 Introduction The emergence of Muslim consciousness in Britain Part 2 Identification and belonging Cultural attitudes Foreign policy and the ummah Victimhood Who speaks for Muslims? Part 3 Reflections on policy Bibliography 5
1 2
11 20
3 4 5 6 7
37 45 54 64 79
87 96
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Terminology
There is sometimes disagreement and confusion over the use of terminology relating to Muslims and Islam. To clarify, this report makes a distinction between 'Islam' as a religion practiced by Muslims worldwide, and 'Islamism', 'radical Islam' or 'Islamic fundamentalism', which are terms that refer to a political ideology that aims to create a state and society in strict conformity with religious doctrine. Most British Muslims even those who are devout are not Islamists. Likewise, we make a distinction between Islamists and Islamist terrorists. Many Islamists reject the use of terrorism to achieve their goals.
Executive Summary
This report explores the attitudes of Muslims in Britain today and the reasons why there has been a significant rise in Islamic fundamentalism amongst the younger generation. It argues that the growth of Islamism in the UK is not solely a foreign problem, but something that must be understood in relation to political and social trends that have emerged in British society over the past two decades. It also examines the impact of public policy on the Muslim population and suggests that the way the Government is responding to Islamism is making things worse not better. Our research into the attitudes of Muslims in Britain showed that there is a growing religiosity amongst the younger generation of Muslims. They feel that they have less in common with non-Muslims than do their parents and they show a stronger preference for Islamic schools and sharia law. Religiosity amongst younger Muslims is not about following their parents cultural traditions, but rather, their interest in religion is more politicised. There is a greater stress on asserting ones identity in the public space, for example, by wearing the hijab. 86% of Muslims feel that my religion is the most important thing in my life. 62% of 16-24 year olds feel they have as much in common with nonMuslims as Muslims, compared to 71% of 55+ year olds. 60% of Muslims would prefer to send their children to a mixed state school, compared to 35% who would prefer to send their child to an Islamic school. There is a clear age difference. 37% of 16-24 year olds preferred to send their children to Islamic state schools, compared to 25% of 45-54 year olds and 19% of 55+ year olds. 59% of Muslims would prefer to live under British law, compared to 28% who would prefer to live under sharia law. 37% of 16-24 year olds prefer sharia compared to 17% of 55+ year olds. 36% of 16-24 year olds believe if a Muslim converts to another religion they should be punished by death, compared to 19% of 55+ year olds. 7% admire organisations like Al-Qaeda that are prepared to fight the West. 13% of 16-24 year olds agreed with this statement compared to 3% of 55+ year olds. 74% of 16-24 year olds would prefer Muslim women to choose to wear the veil, compared to only 28% of 55+ year olds.
The majority of Muslims feel they have as much, if not more, in common with non Muslims in Britain as with Muslims abroad
However, there is also considerable diversity amongst Muslims, with many adopting a more secular approach to their religion. The majority of Muslims feel they have as much, if not more, in common with nonMuslims in Britain as with Muslims abroad. There is clearly a conflict within British Islam between a moderate majority that accepts the norms of Western democracy and a growing minority that does not. For these reasons, we should be wary of treating the entire Muslim population as a monolith with special needs that are different to the rest of the population. 21% of Muslims have consumed alcohol. 65% have paid interest on a normal mortgage. 19% have gambled. 9% have admitted to taking drugs.
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