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Questions for British Muslims

Hi, I'm a third year student doing a dissertation on British Muslim identity, notions of inclusion and exclusion and the everyday negotiation of identity. In effect I'm just trying to challenge the simplistic portrayal of Muslims in the media etc and would really appreciate it if I could get some responses from you for this questionnaire/self conducted interview. The greater the detail, the more helpful and any suggestions for questions that I could ask/things that could be worded better would be much appreciated.

The questions are in the spoiler tag:

Spoiler

Hopefully, that spoiler tag worked and I don't look like a complete idiot. Anyway, if you could pm me your replies or pm a request for my email to send your replies to I would really, really appreciate it. You only have to fill in the bits you feel comfortable answering but the greater the detail, the more helpful.

Reply 1

Atheist

Your obviously a sociology student. Why don't you just get a Mcdonalds job already and save your tuition fees ?

Reply 2

In2deep

1) Age: 19

2) Where do you live? (If in London, what borough/area exactly?) Ealing Borough, London.

3) Do you think that Muslims tend to self-segregate in terms of residential neighbourhoods?

Nationality/origins is more common, you would get Pakistani/Somali/Arab neighbourhoods instead of Muslim ones. If a Mosque is built in a specific are then more do tend to move in.

4) Would you describe your neighbourhood as diverse?

Yes, people from many parts of the world, mostly English but also some Scots, Jamaicans, Poles and Muslims (from different backgrounds)

5) In your view, what is/defines a Muslim?

Follows Islam, you can't be born a Muslim.

6) How long have you been a Muslim?

My parents are Muslims, I personally took the decision when I was 14/15. There comes a point you ask yourself why you are following that particular religion.

7) How religious would you describe yourself to be? Why?

More then average, comparing myself to other Muslim Brits so this doesn't really mean much.

8) How is Islam/being a Muslim important in your life?

Promotes many things such as praying and fasting which I think are the most obvious obligations. I also avoid lying and try to respect the opposite sex as much as possible (both in speech and knowing where to look), which I think are the hardest.

I've never been put in a situation where I've had to hide my identity thankfully.

9) What type of clothing do you tend to wear? Do you wear traditional Islamic dress? Why/Why Not?

Usually try to dress smartly, just plain clothes really. I do wear the Khamiis whenever I go to the Mosque which is fairly frequently.

10) What do you like to do in your spare time/ at the weekend?

I don't go clubbing, I also do;'t drink. My friends know this and tend to not ask me but anything normal is OK.

11) How diverse would you say your friendship group is? Do you socialise mostly with other Muslims or not?

Very diverse, not many Muslims actually now that I think about it.

12) How would you describe the notion of ‘Britishness’? What is British/English culture to you?

I am legally British (and not English) but I understand that this isn't America. I try to keep to my roots (country wise) and hope to return one day in the future.

13) How do the values of Islam compare to this?

I don't think they necessarily conflict, drinking Alcohol or eating pork does not make you British/English. If they do conflict then I obviously consider my religion more important, I would answer the same if I was talking about my country of origin.

14) How do you think Muslims are seen a) within the media b) by the public e.g. appearance, beliefs etc?

The Media is known for sensationalising stories and the current negative scrutiny on Islam isn't beneficial for anyone. It will probably reside though.

15) What are your views on issues like
i) The wars in the Middle East with UK involvement e.g. Afghanistan
ii) A persons sexuality

i) Very opposed to it, can't really put it into words.
ii) Homosexuality? My opinion is the same as my religion's, it does not concern me, rather the government that has to deal with it.

16) Would you describe the UK as an accepting society for people of different cultures or religions etc? Why/ Why not?

Definitely. Best country in the world in this regard.

17) Have you ever experienced any animosity due to your religious beliefs?

No.

18) --

19) --

20) Apart from adhering to Islam and being a Muslim, how would you describe your identity?

Explain further please.

21) What are your aspirations?

To get into medical school right now.

22) --

(edited 13 years ago)

Reply 3

Comeheretellme

I'll PM you my answers :smile:

Reply 4

californiadreamin

Original post by Comeheretellme

I'll PM you my answers :smile:

Ok thanks

Reply 5

californiadreamin

[QUOTE="In2deep;28453276"]20) Apart from adhering to Islam and being a Muslim, how would you describe your identity?

Explain further please.22) --

Thanks for the reply. With regards to this question, I was just looking at what sort of things do you consider important to your life. For example what influences the way you behave and things you like. Effectively, what do you think defines who you are.