Overview

Repositioning mosques as social, cultural and political spaces, this book provides new insights on key contemporary debates, the religious identity of Britain, secularisation, the far-right and terrorism, and gender equality. Exploring the story of the British mosque, from house conversions to grand works of architecture, and the role they play in public life, Abdul-Azim Ahmed details the establishment of early mosques during the era of Empire, and the rapid growth in the years following the Second World War. Ahmed takes a sociological approach to this study, drawing on fieldwork and ethnographic case-studies, alongside reviews of databases and historical documents to provide perspectives on the British mosque from the congregants themselves. The Muslim congregation, a poorly understood and often overlooked dimension of religion in Britain, is examined, and issues of diversity, denomination, sacredness, and society are explored.

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9781350258976

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Reviews

In this well-researched book, Abdul-Azim Ahmed explores the rich tapestry of Britain’s Islamic heritage through a fascinating journey of its mosques. Since Islam’s early days, mosques have been central to Muslim spiritual and social life. This book provides a unique lens into their vibrant history and modern relevance in Britain and will encourage readers to learn further about the multi-faceted dimensions. * Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari, educationalist and author * In this book, extensive ethnographic research and personal experience meets theoretical and conceptual agility. Ahmed has opened the door and taken us inside the world of mosques, while also situating them in spatial, geographic, religious, and historic contexts. As a landmark academic contribution to British Muslim Studies, I also congratulate him for offering an understanding of mosques that Muslims themselves can recognise. * Sophie Gilliat-Ray, Cardiff University *

Author Information

Abdul-Azim Ahmed is Deputy Director and Research Associate at the Centre for the Study of Islam in the UK, at Cardiff University, UK.

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