Author: Prof. Javed Khan OBE
Published on: September 2, 2024
The United Kingdom is home to one of the most diverse Muslim communities in the world, with British Muslims contributing significantly to the social, cultural and economic fabric of the country. Despite this, Muslim perspectives often remain underrepresented in public policy discussions. There is a growing recognition of the need for a sophisticated think tank rooted in British Muslim insights. This think tank should contribute to the development of public policy that benefits all citizens, building on the lived experience and positive contributions British Muslims make to the prosperity of the UK.
Such a think tank should play a crucial role in shifting the narrative around the 4million British Muslims, presenting them not merely as a minority group with needs but as active and engaged participants in shaping the future of the nation with their own agency and contribution. It should challenge the simplistic and often negative portrayals of Muslims in public discourse by showcasing the nuanced, diverse and rich perspectives within the community. This think tank should help bridge the gap between British Muslims and wider society, promoting policies that foster inclusion, equality and justice for everyone.
All of this is in the context of anti-Muslim sentiment having grown steadily in recent years, often exacerbated by negative media portrayals and inflammatory rhetoric from certain political quarters. By producing evidence-based research and policy recommendations, a Muslim-led think tank could help combat misconceptions and offer informed solutions to issues affecting not just Muslims but broader society too.
And so, Equi is born. Equi is not solely about addressing the needs of Muslim communities, but focussing on the vital contributions that British Muslims make to the UK’s growth and sustainability. We know that British Muslims are actively engaged in all sectors of the economy—from entrepreneurs driving innovation in business, to healthcare professionals on the frontlines of the NHS, and educators shaping the next generation.
For example, British Muslim entrepreneurs have been instrumental in creating jobs and boosting local economies. The largest five Muslim run businesses in the UK alone employ over well over 100,000 people. Professionals from the Muslim community have made remarkable strides in medicine, law, technology and the arts. Muslim charities contribute hundreds of millions to philanthropic causes, both domestically and internationally. A think tank that analyses these positive contributions and the learnings for the rest of the society, will help shift the public narrative from one of marginalisation to one of empowerment, demonstrating that British Muslims are integral to the UK’s prosperity and growth.
At the same time, Equi will be a platform for British Muslims to contribute to public policy discussions that impact all citizens. Issues such as climate change, economic inequality, healthcare reform and national security are not confined to any one group; they affect everyone. A think tank that draws on British Muslim insights to develop policies on these issues will demonstrate the community’s engagement with the challenges facing the nation as a whole.
Equi will also serve as a bridge between the government and British Muslims, facilitating a more constructive dialogue. By engaging with policymakers, civil society organisations and the broader public, Equi will ensure that Muslim voices are heard and that policies are informed by the lived experiences of the community. This engagement will also help build trust and foster greater cooperation between British Muslims and the government, reducing the sense of alienation that many Muslims feel.
It will also play a vital role in educating the wider public. By providing accurate information, publishing research and influencing public policy, Equi will help dispel myths and foster a more nuanced understanding of British Muslims. This will not only help combat Islamophobia but also promote social cohesion by encouraging dialogue and understanding between communities and faiths.
Equi, grounded in the realities of British Muslim lived experience, is essential for the development of inclusive, forward-thinking public policy. By focusing on both the unique challenges faced by Muslim communities and the positive contributions they make to the UK, Equi will contribute to a fairer, more cohesive society for all. It is time for British Muslims to be recognised not just for what they need, but for what they offer to a prosperous. vibrant and sustainable UK.
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