The rise of Islam

Islam around the world There are over 1.5 billion Muslims (23% of the global population) Approximately 50 countries are Muslim-majority World Muslim population There are around 1.6 million Muslims in the UK 50% of British Muslims were born in the UK Indonesia is the largest Muslim country with over 200 million adherents

9/11: “a defining event of our age” Islam identified as the source of America’s tragedy Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq Thousands killed Security precautions Suspicion and fear

9/11: “a defining event of our age” Q: The events of 9/11 have been associated with radical followers of Islam. Has this affected the way you view Islam as a religion? Q: How do you feel when you see Muslim people? Q: How do you think the media has portrayed Islam over the last ten years?

Are all terrorists Muslims? All major religions have committed atrocities ‘in the name of God’. Complex influences: Mohammed, the Qur’an and Islamic history Islam (like every other religion) is subject to interpretation by its adherents

The challenge for Europe 53 million Muslims in Europe* (7.2% of total European population) How can European countries protect religious and social rights for all? * 2007, excluding Turkey Switzerland – referendum banned the building of minarets on mosques. France – legislation to ban the wearing of religious symbols in schools. Belgium – banned the wearing of the burqa (full veil) for women in public places.

Muslim women & the Qur’an The Qur’an’s teaching on women is interpreted in different ways Women have different reasons for wearing a veil or hijab Some practices (eg forced marriage and dowries) are cultural rather than religious Photo by Gary Knight

Common ancestry in Abraham Judaism, Christianity and Islam all derive their ancestral roots from Abraham: Ancestor of the Jewish people; recipient of God’s promise of a special land. Spiritual father to all believers; preface to God the Father’s sacrifice of his son Jesus. Ancestor of the Arab people; the first Muslim. Q: Can we describe Muslims as our cousins? Original painting by József Molnár

A Christian response Learn more about Islam Campaign for religious freedom – for Christians and Muslims Genuine respect and friendship Have the attitude that we are all sinners Share our faith Photo by Otabi Kitahachi Photo by Al Jazeera

“There is no room in the outworking of our Christian faith for seeing people other than as God would see them.” David Kerrigan Photo by Syibli