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.
For any further information or commentary on the report, please contact Dr Jake Scott, secretary for the Institute.
Dr Jake Scott
jake.scott@iifl.org.uk
+44 (0) 7490 190 652
Notes for editors:
- The polling is based on a nationally-representative survey conducted by TechneUK, a British Polling Council member.
- Fieldwork for both surveys took place between the 22nd January and the 2nd February 2024.
- For the general population survey, 1,012 adults were surveyed across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- For the British Muslim survey, 1,001 British Muslim adults were surveyed across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- 28 individual British Muslims were interviewed alongside the representative surveys.
- Respondents were surveyed on their attitudes to family and community, social belonging, and the degree to which Britain offers opportunities for people to fulfil their potential. Of British Muslim respondents:
- 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.
- 83% agree that Britain is a better place for Muslims to practise their faith whilst being involved in wider public life than most European states, rising to 87% for Muslims living in London.
- 68% believe people have a duty to get married and raise children to make positive contributions to society, compared to 43% of the general population.
- 51% reported a strong sense of belonging in their local community and neighbourhood, compared to 35% of 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.