British Muslims more charitable and civic-minded than the mainstream, new study shows

The latest report from IIFL, ‘The social contribution of British Muslims’, shows that 75% have given to charity in the last year – compared to 68% of the general population – and 63% believe that too many Brits put their own needs above those of their family and community. 

Polling over 1,000 British Muslims and over 1,000 members of the general public, the survey revealed that British Muslims are more charitable and more community-minded than the general population:

• 75% gave a charitable donation at some point during the twelve months leading up to the survey, compared to 68% of the general population.
• 63% believe that most people in Britain put their individual interests above the needs of their family members and the wider community. 
• 71% say that more should be done to improve relations between Britain’s different faith communities, with 22% saying that the right amount is already being done. 
• 86% say Britain is a good place to live when it comes to having opportunities to progress and thrive in life, compared to just 70% of the general population. 

The report, authored by Dr Rakib Ehsan and Dr Jake Scott, is based on a survey conducted by British Polling Council member TechneUK, in-depth interviews with a diverse pool of British Muslims, and ten case studies of British Muslim charities across the country. 

Dr Rakib Ehsan, senior research associate for IIFL, says:

“We have evidence which shows that compared to the wider general public, British Muslims are more likely to take care of their own elderly and participate in civic activities such as giving a charitable donation. They are also more likely to believe that Britain is a good place to live when it comes to having the opportunities to make headway and excel in life.

Britain needs a refresh when it comes to its national conversation on integration. Portrayals of British Muslims belonging to disaffected and inward-looking communities are wide of the mark.

Lessons can be learned from the robust family values and energetic community spirit among many British Muslim citizens who may also be somewhat alienated by forms of materialistic individualism which have taken hold in modern Britain.”

IIFL is a research forum examining the role that faith and religious belief plays in the lives of people in the UK, whether at work, at home, or in the community. 

For any further information or commentary on the report, please contact Dr Rakib Ehsan, senior research associate. For further information on IIFL, please contact Dr Jake Scott, secretary for the Institute.