Caliph says most UK Muslims well integrated into British society after Casey report cited ‘worrying levels’ of segregation
True Islam means loyalty to the country in which one lives, abiding by its laws and serving its people and communities, the spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim movement has said.
The majority of Muslims in the UK were well integrated into British society, said the caliph, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, and most “follow the commandment of the holy prophet, which says love of your country is part of your faith”.
His comments followed the publication on Monday of a government-commissioned report into the integration of minority groups, which concluded that segregation was at “worrying levels” in some parts of the country. Its author, Louise Casey, recommended “an oath of integration” with British values and society.
Youth members of the Ahmadiyya community already swear an oath of allegiance to the country they live in, which includes the sentence: “I solemnly pledge that I shall always be ready to sacrifice my life, wealth, time and honour for the sake of my faith, country and nation.”
It was “not common practice” for British Muslims to reject integration, said the caliph, who claims 20 million followers globally, including about 30,000 in the UK.
“If I am law abiding and honour all the laws of a country, I am integrated into society. If I am serving the nation with all my potential and capability, that is integration. If I am discharging all the duties of my fellow countrymen, I am integrated. If I take care of my neighbours – no matter if they are Muslim, Hindu or Christian – I am well integrated,” he said.
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