The Contemporary British Mosque: The Establishment of Muslim Congregations and Institutions

This book explores the British mosque as a social, cultural, and political space, providing insights into contemporary debates, religious identity, secularization, the far-right, and terrorism, and gender equality. It examines the establishment of early mosques during the era of Empire and the rapid growth following the Second World War, and takes a sociological approach, drawing on fieldwork, ethnographic case studies, and historical documents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

This book offers fresh perspectives on critical contemporary debates, such as the religious identity of Britain, secularization, the far-right and terrorism, and gender equality. By repositioning mosques as social, cultural, and political spaces, it provides valuable insights into these important topics.

The story of the British mosque is explored in depth, from its origins as house conversions to the grand works of architecture that grace its halls. Abdul-Azim Ahmed delves into the establishment of early mosques during the era of Empire and the rapid growth that followed the Second World War.

Ahmed takes a sociological approach to this study, drawing on fieldwork, ethnographic case studies, reviews of databases, and historical documents to provide perspectives on the British mosque from the congregants themselves. The Muslim congregation, a poorly understood and often overlooked dimension of religion in Britain, is examined, and issues of diversity, denomination, sacredness, and society are explored.

The book also discusses the challenges faced by British mosques in the modern era, including issues of funding, security, and integration into wider society. It highlights the contributions of Muslim communities to British culture and society, and explores the potential for greater collaboration between Muslims and other faiths.

Overall, this book is a valuable contribution to the study of religion in Britain and provides a deeper understanding of the role of mosques in shaping contemporary religious and social landscapes.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350258976