By Maira Butt
The newly launched British Muslim Network (BNM) aims to nurture a more formal relationship with the UK government, enabling Muslims to present common concerns drawn from wide consultation.
The first discussion took place during the launch event, when more than 60 people took part in round-table discussions on topics affecting communities.
The sessions were largely closed to the public, and the Religion Media Centre was invited to observe discussions.
Conflicting opinions were often shared, with many members returning to the issue of accountability alongside the importance of “looking inward”. Discussing social mobility, participants spoke of the need for mentorship, and the issue of lower-paid work. Others added that the community “can’t keep blaming Islamophobia”.
“It’s often people within your own community that will bring you down,” one said on the importance of collaboration.
Meanwhile, discussions on philanthropy unpacked the challenges of drawing private investment to initiatives such as think tanks and social causes without a return on profit. One participant mentioned that the long-term impact of such organisations needed to be marketed better to investors.
A lack of resources meant that a solution must be found on “how to convince business people”. “There needs to be a better partnership between the private, public, and charity sector,” said another.
Others referred to the importance of community engagement, with suggestions of how to do this, including the use of social media, sharing knowledge, creating platforms and creating databases. Another person said: “We need to do way more out there, than inside this meeting.”
Misunderstandings on how faith groups operated their charitable initiatives could also be a barrier to funding, said one attendee who had been in discussions to clarify that many such organisations have no such proselytising function.
There was also a desire to reflect on the wider benefits to Muslim engagement. “We have the same issues as everyone else,” said one. “So, when we deal with these issues it doesn’t just benefit Muslims, but mainstream society too.”
Outreach to communities which have never included Muslims was also highlighted as an important element. “There are some people, in rural areas, who have never seen Muslims,” an attendee reflected.
Climate change and sustainability were also highlighted as important issues as well as a rich base from which to draw resources. Redistribution of wealth from fossil companies was highlighted as a potential tool for funding and social equality.
“Really thrilled to have been part of the launch of the British Muslim Network, witnessing the incredible diversity of Muslims from all walks of life coming together in support of this important initiative,” Fauzia Saeed, programme and partnerships lead at the Muslim World League London Office, told the Religion Media Centre.
“With the support of the British government, this launch marks a significant step toward unity and collaboration. It was truly inspiring to see our community stand together against division. Extremely excited for the journey ahead and looking forward to seeing how BMN grows and flourishes.”
Aamash, 21, a law student, was among the youngest at the launch, where he served as a volunteer as well as a participant. “It was informative and a new experience,” he said. “I met new people and gained some new perspectives. I’m very excited to be a part of something very big. I think it will help open up more opportunities and break down obstructions.”
The BMN seeks to engage with individuals and groups of other faiths as well as no faiths. Katherine, 35, a Christian who recently lost her son — who was Muslim — said she had felt included at the launch.
“It was brilliant, time was against us, I would have loved to have seen a hundred more speakers up there,” she said. “But this is exactly what we needed. We just need everyone to come together, and then we’ll make a difference.”
She added: “It’s always welcoming, you don’t feel out of place at all, but that’s what we need: people from different cultures, religions and backgrounds to get together in spaces like this. I felt welcomed. I could have stayed for hours. I wasn’t ready to go. It made me think about stuff I wouldn’t normally think about. Not all of us are into politics, and it’s going to make me go home and do some more research.”
The Bishop of Bradford, Toby Howarth, was a guest speaker and commended the efforts. “The social and political landscape is shifting under our feet and the map we’re using is out of date,” he told the audience. “It isn’t working any more. The hard right is setting the agenda.”
He added: “The temptation, sisters and brothers, for any community under pressure is to keep our heads down, to look inwards, to focus on one or two key issues, as important as they are: to nurse our victimhood and to disengage with wider society. And I know this from my own community. But tonight, the British Muslim community is doing the opposite. May God bless this ship and all who sail in it.”
