Islamization
Islam can teach a way of living in the world that Christianity cannot.
Key words
- Resolution: an official decision that is made after a group or organization has voted
The committee approved a resolution against sending more troops to the region.
- Norms: an accepted standard, or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with
These standards exceed the accepted industry norms.
- Legitimize: to make something legal or acceptable
The government fears that talking to terrorists might legitimize their violent actions.
- Foster: to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings
I'm trying to foster an interest in classical music in my children.
- Social cohesion: the quality of social relationships and the existence of trust, mutual obligations, and respect in communities
Social cohesion is crucial in creating a peaceful society.
Read the article to find the answers
- Why did Queen Elizabeth I present herself as the protector of both Protestants and Muslims?
- When did mass illegal immigration to Britain increase significantly?
- Who popularised the term Islamophobia in Britain?
- What was the Michaela Community School accused of?
Muslim Migration to the UK
Muslims first arrived in London in significant numbers in the 16th century, as a result of the diplomatic and trade links established with the Ottoman Empire by Queen Elizabeth I.
Queen Elizabeth I faced considerable opposition from Catholics, she was excommunicated by the Pope and there were several plots against her life. She portrayed herself as the protector of both Protestants and Muslims, emphasising their common interests in opposing Catholic power.
From the mid-18th century, Britain's colonial empire expanded, particularly in India, and many sailors, known as lascars, began to settle in port cities such as London, Cardiff and Liverpool.
The 1950s saw a significant increase in economic migration to the UK, particularly from Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, with many Muslims settling in industrial towns and cities.
Mass illegal migration to the UK increased significantly after NATO members, Islamic groups, Israel, Russia and Iran went to war in Syria and the UN Security Council passed a resolution authorising a NATO coalition to destroy Libya in 2011.
Islamophobia
The term Islamophobia was popularised in Britain after the Runnymede Trust published a report in 1997 entitled 'Islamophobia: A Challenge for Us All'. The report claimed that the levels of education among Muslims was well below national norms and recommended that Muslim schools receive State funding, which they did later that year. There are now around 30 State-funded Muslim schools in Britain.
The Deobandi book Bahishti Zevar was removed from the curriculum in Muslim schools in India after it was found to violate the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. One of the sections in the book apparently states that a simple bath after sex with an underage girl is enough to legitimise the act. The book is still being used to teach Muslim children in the UK.
The Rochdale and Rotherham child sex scandals revealed that the government had allowed gangs of mostly Muslim men to sexually exploit thousands of young, vulnerable white girls for years. Despite numerous warnings and reports of abuse, the government failed to take effective action until public outrage forced it to act.
The Deobandi movement originated in India in the late 19th century in response to British colonial rule and was active in resisting British influence. The most famous group to emerge from the Deobandi movement is the Taliban. Almost 50% of Muslims in Britain can be described as Deobandi.
The first Islamist terrorist attack in the UK was the bombing of the Israeli embassy in London in 1993 by Palestinian Islamic Jihad. Homegrown Islamist terrorism began with the 2005 London bombings, followed by numerous other attacks, particularly in 2017, which many see as a consequence of the wars in the Middle East.
Multiculturalism
In stark contrast to the Runnymede Trust's promotion of Islamic education in the UK, Katharine Birbalsingh, also known as Britain's strictest headteacher, became famous for banning all prayer rituals at her school, where around 50% of the pupils are Muslim. In 2023, a group of Muslims began praying in the playground, causing "a high level of concern and anxiety" among other pupils.
Michaela Community School, which often achieves results above the national average, promotes a 'culture of kindness', encouraging pupils to help each other and express gratitude as an integral part of their moral development, and has a 'zero tolerance' policy for poor behaviour, with strict rules governing pupil conduct.
The school fosters a sense of community through communal lunches where students serve each other vegetarian meals, ensuring that all students can participate in communal meals without exclusion and avoiding conflict among the diverse student body.
The Apostle Paul wrote many times about food. The New Testament message on diet can be summarised as follows:
Food does not bring us closer to God; we are no worse if we do not eat and no better if we do, for everything God has created is good and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, but those who eat everything must be considerate of those who do not; whatever you eat or drink, do it for the glory of God.
The school was accused of Islamophobia, received a bomb threat, and staff were threatened and abused. The school was taken to the High Court on the grounds that the ban on ritual prayers was Islamophobic. The High Court rejected the claim, stating that the aims of promoting social cohesion were of greater value.
Discussion questions
- Do you have any questions about any of the vocabulary or grammar in this article?
- What do you think of King Charles' statement that 'Islam can teach a way of living in the world that Christianity cannot'?
- What do you think of the Michaela Community School's approach to multiculturalism?
- What's your view of State-funded religious schools?
- What's the history of migration to your country?
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