Muslim community

   British Muslims derive from several countries. They cannot be lumped together as a homogeneous group. They number nearly 1.8 million, many of whom were born in this country. Like everyone else, they have different personalities, different interests and different opinions. In religious matters, some are strict and devout, others less so. Muslims have been in Britain since the 1950s, specific groups settling in particular British cities. Many belong to groups of Sunni Islam but Britain has also received small Shia groups from countries such as Iraq. Muslims from different places often have religious leanings reflecting different shades of Islamic belief. The first generation of Muslims to arrive in Britain were often victims of racist attitudes and could do little but accept them. The second generation was more willing to challenge them and sometimes this led to fierce confrontations with the police and other authorities. But many members of Muslim communities still wanted to find and share a common set of values, hopes and aspirations that united whites and non-whites and not to separate themselves from the rest of society. In the last decade, a more radical Islam has found a hearing in Britain, particularly among an element of younger Muslims. Adherents have some sympathy with those who engage in armed struggle against the West whether in Afghanistan, Iraq or anywhere else. They are strongly anti-American and disapprove of British governmental support for American attitudes and policies. A very small number among them has been willing to engage in or support terrorist action. The terrorist suspects tend to be aged between 18 and 30, are more likely to be male and are often members of a small cell that contains perhaps a few dozen active members. They are led or inspired by an older individual with more experience and motivation. They are sometimes bound by friendship or family ties, perhaps having spent time in Afghanistan, Iraq or some other theatre of jihad or armed struggle.

   See also: Islamophobia, London bombings