Be(com)ing British Muslim: Building Identity Across the Divide(s)

While Muslim communities in Britain are arguably under greater scrutiny than ever, there remains a dearth of understanding regarding issues of minority representation and diversity among Muslims from different branches of Islam. In the face of reported rising intra-communal antagonism, and against the backdrop of ongoing sectarian tension in the Middle East, there is a pressing need for more nuanced understandings of the Muslim community in the UK.

This webinar brought together speakers from both Sunni and Shi’a Islam in order to discuss how to work together to build a cohesive British Muslim identity in uncertain times. The discussion was informed by insights drawn from the British Academy-funded “Beyond Sectarianism?” project, especially with regards to the issues of religious authority, fostering diversity, and dialogue and exchange. Speakers also discussed the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the Muslim community, and the various ways in which British Muslims have responded to the crisis.

Speakers for this event were Dr Emanuelle Degli Esposti, Dr Esther-Miriam Wagner, Sheikh Nuru Mohammed and Dilwar Hussain. This webinar was recorded on 21/05/20.