Muslims in Britain

Description

Archaeological evidence shows there was contact between Muslims and the British Isles from the 8th century. Beginning with these historical roots, Sophie Gilliat-Ray traces the major points of encounter between Muslims and the British in subsequent centuries, and explores Muslim migration to Britain in recent times. Drawing upon sociology, anthropology, politics, and geography, this comprehensive survey provides an informed understanding of the daily lives of British Muslims. It portrays the dynamic of institutions such as families, mosques and religious leadership, and analyses their social and political significance in today's Britain. Through the study of the historical origins of major Islamic reform movements, it draws attention to the religious diversity within different Muslim communities, and sheds fresh light on contemporary issues such as the nature of religious authority and representation. It also considers British Muslim civic engagement and cultural life, particularly the work of journalists, artists, sports personalities, and business entrepreneurs.

Sophie Gilliat-Ray is Senior Lecturer at the School of Religious & Theological Studies, Cardiff University, and Director of the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, Cardiff University. She is the author (with James Beckford) of Religion in Prison: Equal Rites in a Multi-Faith Society (Cambridge, 1998) and of Religion in Higher Education: The Politics of the Multi-Faith Campus (2000).

'By systematically combining a religious studies approach with social science knowledge Sophie Gilliat-Ray has produced a comprehensive introduction to Islam and Muslims in Britain which will be particularly useful for undergraduate teaching.' Tariq Modood, University of Bristol 'This is a brilliant synthesis which will become a standard text for both scholars and students alike. Dr Gilliat-Ray has put us all in her debt.' Ian Richard Netton, University of Exeter 'Muslims in Britain will be invaluable to anybody looking seriously to understand the history, social make-up, institutions, and politics of the Muslim communities in Britain. This book brings us closer to defining and understanding the richness of the British Muslim legacy, and is a vital step in helping us move away from the discourse of 'counter-terrorism' and 'preventing violent extremism'.' Saleem Kidwai, Muslim Council of Wales ' ... this ambitious work will prove an invaluable point of entry and textbook for undergraduate and graduate courses on various aspects of Islam and Muslims in Britain. Specialists and students alike will quarry from its exhaustive and up-to-date bibliography and excellent appendix ...' Philip Lewis, Bradford University 'Muslims in Britain is a welcome addition to the growing literature on the community in Britain ... the book will be beneficial to a specialist audience in addition to the general public, especially those whose work involves dealing with issues relevant to community and society in Britain.' Madawi Al-Rasheed