Muslims in Britain : between reality and ambition

Al-Jeran, Abdul Rahman (1998) Muslims in Britain : between reality and ambition. PhD thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

The study of Muslims in the United Kingdom 'Between Reality and Ambition' represents one of the most important and challenging subjects in the arena of public concern. Yet if we were to move beyond the geographical boundaries of the subject of this research we would surely find similar concerns, hopes and visions being represented in a large part of the Islamic and western world.A reading of present realities testifies a struggle between ideological success and failure. This struggle has played a decisive role in the condition of the Muslim community in the United Kingdom. Similarly the principles of Da 'wah (propagation) and its priorities, the human environment to which these efforts are directed and the freedom afforded for such activities in the west constitute fundamental points of reference for an understanding of the Islamic project in the west. In addition, the western outlook on life, and its philosophical bases, influences and communicative methods all provide genuine indicators of the challenges confronting Muslims in the west.The presence of various Islamic groups in the United Kingdom reflects, in one way or another, a representation of the Islamic world in all its dimensions, visions, thoughts and culture. Thus it may be truly fitting to advance certain vital proposals specifying the parameters of Islamic activity in the west. They may lead to increased understanding and a closing of the ranks between the various groups. This study will further take into account the vital question of educational training which is in itself a major handicap of Muslims everywhere.While this research lays no claim to finality, it nevertheless has at least opened the doors for further discussion and enquiry that may eventually lead to an improvement in the conditions of Muslims in the west. Similarly, it is the author's hope that this study will have illuminated several important aspects of life of Muslims in the United Kingdom, and that by so doing, it will have inspired and assisted the various Islamic Centres and charitable associations in their efforts towards progress and development.

• Item Type: Thesis (PhD)
• Qualification Level: Doctoral
• Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BP Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc
• Colleges/Schools: College of Arts & Humanities > School of Critical Studies > Theology and Religious Studies
• Supervisor's Name: Mattock, Professor J. N.
• Date of Award: 1998
• Depositing User: Mrs Marie Cairney
• Unique ID: glathesis:1998-7236
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 08 Apr 2016 11:43
• Last Modified: 08 Apr 2016 11:43
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/7236