Sir, The many Muslim communities in Britain contribute a huge amount to our country. At the recent Muslim News Awards for Excellence, the Prime Minister, Theresa May, sent a video message of support, saying: “These awards are a wonderful celebration of the contribution Muslims make to every sphere of life. From business leaders to sports stars, outstanding contributions in politics, media, arts, science and technology … to the courage and dedication of Muslims serving in our armed forces and police, keeping our country safe. I want to thank every one of you for all that you do for our country.”
It’s a much-needed message, highlighting how important and integral Muslims are to the UK – a fact that can sometimes be forgotten.
Our countless Muslim communities in Britain owe it to ourselves and to our heritage to get out there and succeed, to participate and to create positive social change. Our Muslim ancestors literally changed the world, pioneering inventions and discoveries and influencing the future from all corners of Europe and the Middle East. Many of us still are. More of us should do.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s worth remembering the incredible achievements of Muslims during the Islamic Golden Age, traditionally dated from the mid-7th century to the mid-13th century. The Muslim world was the intellectual centre for science, philosophy, medicine and education.
The Muslims News Awards, and others like it, remind us that Muslims are still at the forefront of many disciplines and contribute a huge amount to not only our country but the wider world. We are carrying on the wonderful tradition of our forefathers, our Muslim brothers and sisters who carved out the world we live in today.
We live in a country where we have the opportunity to achieve great things, irrespective of faith or ethnicity.
Yours,
Suleman Nagdi
Federation of Muslim Organisations Leicestershire