British Muslims: A Resilient Community Amidst Challenges
In a recent interview on the Al Jazeera program "Al-Muqabla," Zara Mohammed, the first female and youngest president of the Muslim Council of the UK, highlighted the strength and resilience of British Muslims in maintaining their religious identity. Despite facing challenges such as Islamophobia and institutional discrimination, Mohammed emphasized that British Muslims are committed to practicing their faith in all aspects of life. "I think the systems in the UK allow us to do a lot of good that is in line with the moral principles we want to see in the world," she stated, showcasing her pride in being both British and Muslim.
Mohammed, who was elected in 2021 at the age of 29, believes that the strong presence of British Muslims reflects their unity as a minority community. She pointed out that Islamophobia is a significant challenge, uniting Muslims in Britain under a common struggle against discrimination. "Unfortunately, much of what unites Muslims in Britain is that they are a community under constant attack," she noted, while also linking this struggle to broader issues such as the Palestinian cause, which she views as a symbol of unity among Muslims.
Navigating Political and Social Challenges
Zara Mohammed's journey to leadership was fueled by her passion for serving the Muslim community, which began during her university years. She acknowledged the difficulties faced as a young woman leading a council of over 600 Islamic institutions but credited her success to the support from religious leaders and the community's desire for change. "People wanted something different, and I had a lot of support from religious leaders and imams who supported my vision," she explained.
Discussing the political landscape, Mohammed expressed concern over the ongoing demonization of Muslims, highlighting the disproportionate pressure on them to condemn acts of terrorism compared to other minority groups. She criticized the influence of the Zionist lobby in Britain on Muslim issues, particularly concerning the Palestinian conflict, and called for a more balanced approach to addressing these challenges. "We are a minority, but we are many, and we must be tactical and strategic in our steps," she asserted, emphasizing the need for a proactive stance against discrimination and for the rights of British Muslims.
