10 (or more) Books that Portray an Accurate Picture of Contemporary Muslim Britain
This is my ongoing attempt in reading & listing books in which I find the most accurate portrayal of Muslim Britain.
Disclaimer: though there are numerous titles that can make the list, I’m only listing contemporary titles written in the very recent years, however there can always be exceptions to the rule.
1. A Long Jihad, my quest for the middle way — Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari. Dr Bari’s life is an example of a prominent Western Muslim rejecting extremes and finding balance.
2. If the Oceans were Ink — Carla Power. An eye-opening story of how she and her longtime friend Sheikh Mohammad Akram Nadwi found a way to confront ugly stereotypes and persistent misperceptions that were cleaving their communities.
3. Al Britannia, a journey through Muslim Britain — James Ferguson. James Fergusson travels the length of Britain to explore our often misunderstood Muslim communities, and to experience life on both sides of our increasingly segregated society.
4. Follow Me Akhi, the online world of British Muslims — Hussein Kesvani. He explores how a new generation of young Muslims who have grown up with the internet are using social media to find their way.
5. Being British Muslims: Beyond Ethnocentric Religion and Identity Politics — Dr Mamnun Khan. Thought provoking and highly informative material. Dr Khan discusses a wide array of topics, and thankfully doesn’t shy away from voicing his opinions. Definitely worth picking up!
6. Race, Religion & Muslim Identity in Britain — Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari.
7. Sufis, Salafis and Islamists: The Contested Ground of British Islamic Activism — Sadek Hamid. He traces the evolution of Sufi, Salafi and Islamist activist groups in Britain, including The Young Muslims UK, Hizb ut-Tahrir, the Salafi JIMAS organisation and Traditional Islam Network.
8. Making of a Salafi Muslim Woman: Paths to conversion by Anabel Inge
9. British Muslims: New directions in Islamic thought, creativity and activism by Philip Lewis and Sadek Hamid. What does it means to be uniquely Muslim engaging with British life and activism? Sadek again has been leading the field in understanding Muslims in Britain.
10. British-Islamic Identity: Third generation Bangladeshis from East London by Aminul Hoque. A uniquely interesting perspective, though published 10 years ago. Some may consider some of its findings outdated. However it’s highly relevant to understand the young British Bangladeshi journey so far.
11. Veiled Threat: On Being Visibly Muslim in Britain by Nadine Asbali
