British Muslims
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What they Say
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Muslims in Britain
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Identity
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Interviews
Capturing identity
In primary research, one of the questions asked to young prominent British Muslims was; do you feel you can be British and Muslim? All the interviewees agreed that being Muslim and British was not an issue to them, as being both was not mutually exclusive. To them, people who bring up the question of identity about Muslims are usually those trying to exploit and divide Muslims for their specific agendas.
Education
Emre Kazim
Cambridge University Ph.D.
Scientist
How active are Muslims in the fields of science and education in general?
This is an interesting question as it leaves open what is meant by ‘Muslims’ i.e. are we considering Muslim to be some form of inherited identity perhaps loosely tied to ethnicity – an external definition; or do we mean something akin to a conscientious Muslim, something like an existential state – a self-referential, internal definition.
If we are considering the first category (namely, external) then according to the Office for National Statistics, around 33% of British Muslims of working age have no qualifications – the highest proportion of any religious group in this country – and Muslims are also least likely to have degrees or equivalent qualifications.
Within those who do go on to study, from observation it appears to me that subjects in the Sciences, Engineering and Medicine are most popular; again this is conditioned to the level at which we are considering i.e. how many of those Muslims who study such subjects go on to postgraduate level etc... In this respect, relatively I would assert that Muslims are active in the field of Science, and perhaps suggest that it is more ambiguous when considering education in general.
But what is the scope of the question? Are we concerned with the global picture as suppose to Britain only(which was referred to above)?
This is perhaps addressed by citing Scimago Journal and Country Rank http://www.scimagojr.com/countryrank.php . This interestingly reveals that Turkey is the first ‘Muslim’ country ranked (21), followed by Iran (31) and Egypt (40); however this seems an over-simplified picture. India for example is ranked 10, and has a huge Muslim population; perhaps it is the Muslims of India that are responsible for this position? This of course is assuming the external definition of Muslim.
What role does education play in teaching young Muslims to be more engaged in Society
Education provides a platform which ensures that young Muslims are exposed to ideas and other members of society such that they are bound to interact and engage with wider society. It is also a pathway to higher education which will further the opportunities for students to explore novel perspectives and social settings.
Do you think the better promotion of Muslim achievements in Science and Mathematics will change perceptions and attitude towards Muslims in general?
Probably. If there are more role models for young Muslims to aspire to then I am sure that perceptions will change . A particularly problematic reality is the idea that there are some conflicts in being a Scientist and being a Muslim, that some theories oppose religious belief and therefore Muslims must be ‘aware’ of these hidden dangers. By promoting and making more visible Muslim achievements, I am sure it will change not only Muslims attitudes but also those in wider society.
Is your faith an important factor in driving you forward in your career and why?
Yes because through education and achievement I believe, with the right intentions, one is serving God. Underlying beliefs from faith drive me towards various actions and choice in various paths which I may not have chosen if faith was not present.
Do you believe multiculturalism has failed in Britain?
If the purpose of MC was to create a cohesive society then yes I do believe it has failed. The main problem, in my opinion is the conflation of socio-economic issues with those of identity and culture. Can we say that the gehttoisation of groups in our society is the product of MC? Or was MC ever suppose to solve such issues in the first place? I just don’t see the connection. If MC failed, it failed because it was the wrong solution to a genuine problem.
Do you feel you can be British and Muslim?
Yes so long as we keep the ideas of British as a geographical reality rather than a some ideas of social and cultural norms. Just by virtue of the fact that I am a Muslim who was born in the UK makes me a British Muslim – there is no denying this. If you mean by British some assertion of values, then I would ask what those values are before saying yes or no.
