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Abdul Muhammad Bari, Which branch of Islam (Sunni or Shia) has done the best job of maintaining its religious principles and independence while still integrating successfully into UK society? Is one sect more disposed theologically to living successfully in western democracies or is there no difference?
Asked by Londontowner on Sep 12 2007 9:57:09 PM and supported by 16 members
16

Answer

There is no difference. Both branches of Islam and the various schools of though emanating from it have been very successful in promoting an idea that Muslim are part and parcel of British society and that our faith requires us to reach out, and ensure a Britain at ease with itself. The MCB is a testament to that, member organisations from both branches par-ticipate actively within the MCB – a model for co-operation and coalition building. And with that model we have reached out to the rest of Britain. But we still have a lot to do. Positive social integration of various sections of the Muslim community in Britain is complex and it is not necessarily about who is Sunni or Shia. Given the fact that the Muslim community is relatively new and evolving it has rather done quite well compared to oth-ers. The Gallup poll a few months ago testified this. We have to remember that integration is a two way process. MORE!

1 comment

rezashah at Sep 17 2007 12:00:00 AM : Interesting question though I'm not sure there's a clear answer. However, do you remember how in the days before Al Quaida, the West was given the impression that Shia Muslims, and especially Iranians, were the craziest terrorists on Earth? Now it turns out they really are nothing compared to Sunni Al Quaida!

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