Four in 10 Britons believe Muslim immigrants have a negative impact on the UK, while more than half think Islam is incompatible with British values, according to new polling. The findings have been described by an imam as "deeply worrying" and showing "high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment" in Britain.
The YouGov survey of 2,130 adults was commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ahead of this weekend's Jalsa Salana convention in Hampshire. The gathering, described as the UK's biggest Muslim convention, is expected to attract 40,000 followers of the faith.
Survey reveals religious divide
The polling asked respondents about their views on different religious groups of immigrants and their impact on the UK. While 41% said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact, the proportions were significantly lower for other faiths.
Just 15% felt Hindu immigrants had a negative impact, 14% for Sikh immigrants, 13% for Jewish immigrants and only 7% for Christian immigrants. Only 24% of respondents felt Muslim immigrants had a positive impact on the UK, lower than for any other religion mentioned.
Government acknowledges concerns
Earlier this week, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner (Labour) urged colleagues to acknowledge people's "real concerns" about immigration. She pointed out that immigration was one of several factors having a "profound impact on society" as she updated Cabinet on her work on social cohesion.
The survey found 53% of those polled believed Islam is not compatible with British values, while 25% said it is and 22% said they did not know. Younger people were less likely to feel Muslim immigrants have a negative impact or that Islam is incompatible with British values.
Imam calls findings tragic
Sabah Ahmedi, aged 30 and known as "the young imam" online, said he believes fear among people "stems from a lack of understanding of Islam". He described the findings as "deeply worrying, revealing high levels of anti-Muslim sentiment in this country".
"As a British Muslim, it is tragic to think that we are disliked or hated because of our religious beliefs," Ahmedi said. "It is unfair and unjust considering that the vast majority of Muslim immigrants to the UK are contributing positively."
Community faces dual discrimination
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK is mostly made up of people and their descendants who fled Pakistan in the 1980s facing religious persecution. Members said they now face challenges and discrimination in the UK from some Muslims who disagree with their version of the faith and from others who subject them to racist bullying because of their Pakistani ethnicity.
Ahmedi encouraged people to "meet Muslims to see we are not a threat" and urged the media to focus on the majority who serve in the NHS, armed forces, police and educational institutions. "We love this country and cherish its values of freedom and tolerance," he said.
Convention opens doors to sceptics
This year's convention is "opening its doors to sceptics of Islam and those with any questions about the faith", organisers said. Two Reform UK voters are due to attend to hear about the religion, and the Union flag will be raised alongside the Islamic flag "to symbolise that love of our faith and country go hand in hand".
A Government spokesperson said British Muslims "have played an integral role in shaping modern Britain and have long contributed across every part of our national life". They added that nobody should face hatred or feel unwelcome because of their faith, and the Government is "committed to tackling anti-Muslim hate in all its forms".
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
