A new report from the Muslim Council of Britain analyses census data and highlights the progress and persistent challenges facing Muslim communities in the UK.

Based on the latest census data, the report provides valuable insights into the demographic, socio-economic, and health profile of Muslims across the United Kingdom. 

With around 4 million people, the report says there are more British Muslims than all the other minority faiths put together — and is experiencing the fastest growth rate among these religious communities.

The data shows how British Muslims are strongly integrated into British society, with exceptionally high rates of national identity, while also showing increasing educational attainment and entrepreneurial activities. 

But the report also highlights some significant challenges and calls for policy initiatives to address child poverty, housing, and health inequalities, 

It also adds the responsibility of Muslim civil society to provide mentoring over university and career choices and to address the needs of single-parent families with dependent children. 

The key findings

• There are 4 million British Muslims — 6% of the UK.

• 94% of British-born Muslims in England and Wales have a strong sense of British identity.  

• For the first time in census recording, most Muslims are UK born (50%), but this is higher in some cities, e.g. Bradford 65%, Walsall 61% and Oldham 59%.” 

• Language barriers are less of an issue now. In the UK, 2% of the Muslim population cannot speak English, mainly in the over 65 year old Muslim female population.

• 40% of the Muslim population in England live in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country 

• One in four Muslim households in England and Wales live in overcrowded residences, four times higher than the national average 

• 50% of Muslim full-time students are female

• The median age of Muslims in the UK is 29 years, compared to 44 years for the overall population. 

• 29.9% of Muslim women aged 65+ years are in ‘Bad’ or ‘Very Bad’ health (compared to 13% overall) 

“Entrepreneurial drive and youthful energy”

Dr Miqdad Asaria of the MCB’s Research & Documentation Committee said: “Our analysis shows that British Muslims have an exceptionally strong sense of British identity and near-universal English language proficiency among the British-born population. The report also highlights that the younger demographic profile of the Muslim population represents ‘a demographic dividend’: meeting gaps in the labour market, contributing financially to the state welfare system, injecting a creative and entrepreneurial spirit.” 

“While we see encouraging signs of social mobility and integration, the persistent deprivation affecting many Muslim communities requires targeted policy intervention,” added Dr Asaria. “These inequalities impact children’s development and future opportunities. As the report states, ‘Muslims are not seeking special favours but a recognition of disadvantage.’” 

Dr Wajid Akhtar, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, added: “This report confirms what we have long known—British Muslims are not just in Britain, they are of Britain. With their strong national identity, entrepreneurial drive, and youthful energy, British Muslims stand ready to help build a more prosperous, innovative and cohesive society for everyone. The future of Britain and the future of British Muslims are inextricably linked, and that future looks bright indeed.”