I am a British Muslim; My rights and responsibilities

I am a British Muslim is a timely publication that is concise and straight-forward. The book commences with the history of Islam in Great Britain as well as the highly significant era of Muslim Spain that has lasting effects on the modern world. It then broadly highlights the code of British citizenship and then comprehensively examines the rights and responsibilities of British Muslims in light of the teachings of Islam. Covering the themes of neighbours, civic participation, social cohesion, conduct towards others as well as duties towards the children, it also provides food for thought relating to Islamophobia, anti-Islamic hate, media and security for person and property. The author has also provided sound reasoning and refutations of the popular criticism and allegations made against the religion of Islam. Written in the author’s unique and to-the-point style, the book is an essential read for Muslims and non-Muslims living in the Western world.

Endorsements:

“Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada is a known writer having authored numerous books covering a vast array of topics. He is a leading and important scholarly voice for the community. ‘I am a British Muslim’ is a timely and much welcomed contribution of his, which is straightforward and concise. It is my pleasure to endorse this book which takes the reader down memory lane into the contributions of Muslims in Europe, from the influences of Muslim Spain to the very presence of Muslims here in Great Britain. It further concisely yet scholarly elaborates upon the Islamic teachings in relation to the state, the population and the sense of civic duty. With focus on the responsibilities of Muslims, it provides good counsel for the community in developing positive relations towards building a cohesive society and also highlights the rights of the community, especially in the face of Islamophobia as well as various other challenges of the present day.

Our lives and identities can no longer be defined through the ethnic origin or countries from where the first generations migrated from. We are firmly British and firmly Muslim. This is our identity. Great Britain is our country and members of various communities within Great Britain are our neighbours and together we are citizens of the same state. It is our obligation, as British Muslims, to fathom our rights as well as our responsibilities and to contribute fully and wholeheartedly towards this society. And for this, Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada has presented a beneficial and much needed book which needs to be read and understood by all. I admire and applaud this work and I am grateful to him for putting his pen to paper on this topic and providing his insight.

Therefore, I am delighted to endorse ‘I am a British Muslim’.”

– Lord Nazir Ahmed of Rotherham

“‘I am a British Muslim’ is a new book authored by the renowned academic, educationist and scholar; Allama Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada. Though the author has dedicated this book to all the citizens of the United Kingdom, after reading this wonderful work, I believe that this book should be read by everybody in the West. The book begins with a chapter on Muslims in Spain in which the author has brilliantly outlined the unique feature of Spanish society under Muslim rule, where Jews, Christians and Muslims lived together peacefully. This motivates and inspires the cohesion, coexistence and mutual respect needed in the United Kingdom today.

The author has also discussed constructively the role Muslims should play in shaping the future of Britain. Such a reality would help to create a Muslim community that can participate in and contribute richly to British society and culture. Similarly the issues of rights, responsibilities, tolerance and duty towards neighbours have been presented eloquently which certainly makes this work positive and interestingly unique. The book also debates honestly and openly the role of Imams and community leaders, which is in my opinion essential for the effective growth and development of the Muslim community.

Under the present climate of Islamophobia, misunderstanding and confusion about Islam and Muslims, I would strongly recommend that this book is widely circulated and read throughout the Western world by all those who are engaged in a variety of community activities. Particularly I hope that young Muslims may certainly benefit from this tremendous work.”

– Maulana Mohammad Shahid Raza OBE
Head Imam, Leicester Central Mosque, Leicester
President, World Islamic Mission, European Region

“In this timely new book, Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada presents Islam’s vision for a coherent society, using a wide range of classical Muslim resources.”

– Shaykh Abdal Hakim Murad (T. J. Winter)
Shaykh Zayed Lecturer of Islamic Studies, University of Cambridge
Dean, The Cambridge Muslim College

“This is an uncomplicated and nourishing book whose contents have been selected from a storehouse of knowledge which provides much food for thought and reflection. It reminds me of the saying attributed to Pythagoras, “Life is a journey, so make the most of whatever company in which you find yourself.”

In seeking to remind every citizen, not only of Great Britain but indeed of the world, of our basic rights and responsibilities, especially towards our creator and towards each other, Shaykh Muhammad Imdad Hussain Pirzada also graphically reminds us that in every age Allah has spread the life-transaction of Islam by means of those who reject Islam as well as through those who accept Islam – and that in every age Islam has been established by the sword of wisdom, which effortlessly removes the veils of ignorance and arrogance which always seek to hide and misrepresent the truth. As William Blake observed, “Without contraries is no progression.” I guarantee that you will learn something from this book which you did not know before!”

– Hajj Ahmad Thomson
Author and Barrister