🙏 Contribution of Muslims to Communities

• Dr Zubir Ahmed, MP for Glasgow South West, highlighted the significant contributions of Muslims to the UK, especially during Ramadan, and celebrated the diversity and integration of Muslims in Scotland and the UK as a whole.

• According to the 2022 census, there are over 76,000 Muslims in Scotland, with 13,000 living in Glasgow South West, showcasing a vibrant and diverse community that contributes culturally and economically.

• Across the UK, the 4 million Muslims make substantial contributions, including £1.79 billion a year in charitable donations and £25 billion a year to the economy through businesses, as well as £622 million in volunteer time annually.

• The UK is a leader in Islamic finance, controlling 85% of Europe’s Islamic finance banking sector, highlighting the economic impact of the Muslim community.

• The educational attainment of Muslims has increased, with 32.3% holding degree-level qualifications in 2021 compared to 24% in 2011, driven significantly by Muslim women entering higher education.

• Muslims have played crucial roles in the NHS, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, serving on the frontline despite higher risks and converting mosques into testing and vaccination hubs.

• Historical contributions of Muslims, such as serving in the World Wars, were acknowledged, with 2.5 million and 5.5 million Muslims fighting in the first and second world wars respectively.

• Concerns were raised about the increase in anti-Muslim hate incidents, with over 6,000 reported last year, and personal experiences of online hatred shared by Dr Ahmed.

• The role of Muslim communities in fostering social cohesion was praised, citing community work in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Weston-super-Mare, and east London.

• The importance of confronting hatred and maintaining social cohesion was underscored, with references to the Christchurch mosque shooting and the compassionate response by former PM Jacinda Ardern.

• The government’s commitment to addressing anti-Muslim hatred was outlined, including the establishment of a new working group led by Dominic Grieve KC to tackle Islamophobia.

• Celebrations of Muslim Heritage Month and the contributions of Muslims in various fields like business, arts, science, and healthcare were highlighted, along with plans for a Muslim war memorial to honor their historical sacrifices.

• The debate concluded with well-wishes for Ramadan and an affirmation of the government’s dedication to a society where everyone is valued and respected, regardless of background or belief.

The parliamentary session on the ‘Contribution of Muslims to Communities’ exhibits very little disagreement among the participants. The debate is characterized by a high level of consensus and mutual support for the contributions and roles of Muslims in the UK. The following points support the rating of 1 for disagreement:

1. Consensus on Contributions: All speakers consistently highlight the positive contributions of Muslims to various sectors such as the economy, healthcare, charity, and military service. Dr. Zubir Ahmed emphasizes the economic, charitable, and societal contributions of Muslims, and these points are echoed and supported by other speakers like Adam Jogee and Alex Norris.

2. Acknowledgment of Challenges: While the issue of anti-Muslim hatred and the need to combat it is raised by multiple speakers, it is done in a unified manner. Dr. Ahmed mentions the increase in hate incidents and the social media hostility he faces, and this concern is supported by the Minister, Alex Norris, who discusses the government’s commitment to tackling anti-Muslim hatred through a new working group.

3. No Contradictory Views: There are no opposing viewpoints or arguments throughout the session. Instead, there is a consistent message of celebration and support for Muslim communities. For instance, when Adam Jogee thanks the Muslim community in Newcastle-under-Lyme, Dr. Ahmed wholeheartedly agrees and expresses a wish to visit.

4. Supportive Interventions: Interventions by other MPs, such as James Asser, Uma Kumaran, and Dan Aldridge, are supportive and add to the narrative of communal harmony and the positive impact of Muslim communities. They mention local examples and initiatives, further affirming the main points raised by Dr. Ahmed.

5. Government’s Role: The Minister, Alex Norris, reflects the government’s supportive stance towards Muslim communities, mentioning various initiatives and acknowledging the contributions in healthcare and charity. He also reinforces the government’s commitment to fighting anti-Muslim hatred.

6. Absence of Opposition: The absence of any counterarguments or expressions of disagreement from any side, including the lack of opposition members present, further indicates the lack of disagreement in the session.

Examples of the supportive nature of the debate include: - Dr. Ahmed’s remarks on the economic and charitable contributions of Muslims, which are supported by other MPs. - The mention of the Christchurch mosque shooting and the subsequent supportive actions by the New Zealand government, which is acknowledged positively by all speakers. - The announcement of the government’s new working group to tackle anti-Muslim hatred, which is received with support and additional suggestions on how to enhance its effectiveness.

In conclusion, the session illustrates a unified position across the participants, with no visible disagreements, thus warranting a disagreement rating of 1.