British Muslim OR Muslim in Britain?

 As the debate on the position of Muslims in British society and culture continues, a range of opinions have come to the fore. From the decidedly ignorant and disagreeable to the well-informed but misguided, many individuals and groups are opining and hoping to promulgate their distinct interpretations of what it means to be a Muslim in Britain.

Some suggest that multiculturalism is fundamentally flawed; to allow a diversity of socio-cultural and religious practices will only lead to further marginalisation and the entrenchment of anti-British sentiments and practices. Accordingly the rise of arrests, incitement of hatred by certain scholars and militant British Islamism are testament to the views of those opposed to multiculturalism. However, other have suggested that the problem is not with multiculturalism itself but rather with Islam. On a foundational level it is suggested that Islam and the western modus vivendi are not only different but fundamentally opposed to each other à la Huntingdon and destined to lock socio-political and religious horns.

Alternatively and less belligerently, some suggest that the solution is not to reject outright multiculturalism but what is required are unique British forms of certain cultures and religions in order to quash any potential dissent. Hence, the calls for a British moderate Islam (as opposed to an organic radical British Islam?). Indeed, on a fundamental level it is suggested that a reappraisal of Islam in the West is required. Yet these diktats remain contentious for many Muslims.

Yet, if Islam is compatible with the British way of life and a nouveau British Islam is perfidious then what are the stumbling blocks? Indeed, if the fear of the other, which is a primordial human trait, has led to anti-Muslim sentiment surely an active engagement of Muslims in society is needed to stymie such fears. Moreover, surely a renewed and deeper understanding of Islam is required to achieve this societal engagement. Indeed, Sheikh Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt, recently stated 'Islam calls on Muslims to be productive members of whatever society they find themselves in...Islam embodies a flexibility that allows Muslims to do so without any internal or external conflict'. Thus, what is required is an internal discussion within the British Muslim community in which everyone asks themselves arguably the quintessential question of our generation; Am I just a Muslim living in Britain or am I British Muslim?