Taking Part: Muslim Participation in Contemporary Governance

Abstract

This report presents an analysis of the shifts in the ways in which Muslims have been taking part in governance, and the modes and practices of governments’ engagement with Muslims, over the last few decades. Based on documentary analysis, participant-observation and qualitative interviews with over 100 Muslim civil society actors, community activists, faith representatives, councillors, politicians, civil servants and policy advisors, the report focuses on the dynamics of, innovations in, and obstacles to Muslim participation in governance at the national level, and in three local areas – Birmingham, Leicester and Tower Hamlets – since the 1990s.