Ramadan in Europe: Spotlight on inclusion in the UK

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Ramadan in Europe: Spotlight on inclusion in the UK

Our analyst Muhammad Faisal Khalil looks at the UK’s 2023 Ramadan, highlighting increased Muslim recognition amidst a challenging context.

This weekly comment was written by Muhammad Faisal Khalil and reflects his personal analyses and opinions, rather than those of EARS.

Ramadan is a significant religious observance for Muslim communities across Europe, including in the UK, France, and Spain. In the UK, which boasts Europe’s third-largest Muslim population,^[1] some new developments have taken place during this year’s holy month. This Ramadan in the UK marks greater recognition and acceptance of Muslims in public spaces, as businesses and public areas make adjustments like offering special deals, promotions, and extended hours for iftar.^[2] This is a positive step for British Muslims, a growing population of nearly 4.1 million. However, understanding the broader context of this development is essential.^[3]

Muscular liberalism

The University of Bristol’s Therese O’Toole recently argued that the political inclusion of British Muslims highlights a shift towards a more “muscular liberal”^[4] approach, which seeks to defend a particular set of “fundamental British values.”^[5] She contends that over the past two decades, the UK has retreated from multiculturalism and adopted an approach that may restrict the conditions for the political inclusion of British Muslims.^[6]

Steps forward

Several initiatives in anticipation of Ramadan show progress, like the Royal Mint’s release of the Kaaba gold bullion bar,^[7] London’s West End decorations marking Ramadan,^[8] and outdoor hiking prayer mats for Muslims.^[9] Abdul-Azim Ahmed of the Muslim Council of Wales praised the collaboration, saying, “it’s been wonderful to work with The Royal Mint to introduce this special gold bullion bar depicting the Kaaba.”^[10] However, it’s crucial to remember the challenges Muslims face in terms of political inclusion and accommodation.

Narratives on Muslims

Keele University’s Elizabeth Poole has highlighted that media representation of British Muslims during the COVID-19 crisis reveals the persistence of negative narratives about Muslims. The pandemic has also highlighted how the positioning of Muslims as ‘the Other’ is not limited to right-wing extremist groups, but is reproduced and amplified by mainstream political and media discourses.^[11] Inclusion may be conditional and not extend to other aspects of Muslim life or identity, she argues.^[12] The ‘good Muslim/bad Muslim’ dichotomy may limit acceptance to those perceived as ‘good’ Muslims practicing their faith in a way compatible with Western values. ‘Bad’ Muslims may still face discrimination, even during Ramadan.^[13]

A doubtful inclusion?

While the UK has taken steps towards greater acceptance of the Muslim community during Ramadan, there are still doubts about their full inclusion in British society, not just during Ramadan but throughout the year. To address this issue, changing negative narratives and making Muslim life easier in public could be helpful. As Haroon Mota, founder of the Muslim Hikers, said, “the prayer mats and signs have made it easier for us within the Muslim community to do this without having to worry about the practicalities of prayer.”^[14]

This weekly comment was written by Muhammad Faisal Khalil and reflects his personal analyses and opinions, rather than those of EARS.

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