David Miliband

Islam of the West not in the West

Questions of identity are always difficult. Last week in Islamabad I was privileged to sit on a panel with four successful young British professionals of Pakistani origin, in front of several hundred students from the International Islamic University.
 
The audience asked a series of searing questions about being Muslim in Britain, and about British attitudes to Islam. My co-panellists were equally searing in their answers. They said they were comfortable in their multiple identities - as British nationals, as Muslims, as women, as doctors, as television producers. They talked honestly about the issues facing the British-Pakistani community. They demanded that Muslims lead by example, and have a duty to demonstrate what it means to be both Muslim, and to be a British Muslim.
 
The discussion was not an easy one. We covered hard questions about what causes terrorism, and about perceptions of the West among Muslims. But the event gave me real hope. The four young British Muslims on the panel were deeply impressive, and offered a clear and compelling vision of what the future might be for Muslims in the UK. And the audience was willing to debate all these questions, and listen, even where many did not agree.
 
Its a discussion I'd like to continue. Have a look at the video of the session. Are there other questions you would like me and the panel to answer?

Posted at 15:12 05 December 2008 by David Miliband  |  Comments[10]