Religion Studies: Islam: United Kingdom

"... [David Pawson believes [that] Islam is better equipped than the [church] to move into [the United Kingdom's spiritual gap] and it is far more likely to become the country's dominant religion in the future. ... Christians must rediscover and demonstrate to society the three qualities that make Christianity unique: [reality, relatiuonship, and righteousness]."

Islam is not only a faith but also seeks to be a political and territorial power. How is this being expressed in the UK? Will there be assimilation or separation? This book has been written to provide an easy-to-use resource to help readers understand Islam in Britain today, the way in which Islam is developing, and Islam`s influence on the country. It asks penetrating questions about the way in which the Muslim communities in the UK may develop in the future and how British authorities and institutions appear to be yielding to the process of Islamisation. "Patrick Sookhdeo has been developing understanding of and expertise in Muslim-Christian relationships for 40 years. He is acknowledged internationally as an expert in this field. His views and analyses are always worth serious consideration." Rt Hon the Lord Mawhinney Kt

All four of the bombers involved in 7/7, the deadly attack on London's transport system in July 2005, were aged 30 or under. The spectre of extremist Islam looms large and Muslim youth in the UK are increasingly linked to radical Islamic movements. A clear, balanced examination of this complex issue is long overdue. Philip Lewis sets out to address this by looking at the lives and beliefs of young Muslims aged 18 to 30, against a backdrop of the problems any migrant community face. Beginning with an overview of British Muslim communities, he goes on to explore the nature of the intergenerational gap in the Muslim community, showing how normal tensions are exaggerated as children are educated in a language and culture different to that of their parents. Patriarchal 'clan politics' and a breakdown in communication between young Muslims and traditional Muslim leaders are dispossessing Islamic youth, leading a small but significant minority to turn to radical groups for somewhere to belong and something to believe in. Lewis concludes by identifying a generational shift from 'clan politics' to what he calls a 'new professionalism' and demonstrates how new organizations and networks of Muslim thinkers are springing up all the time - allowing young Muslims to find positive identities and outlets for their concerns and energies.