The growing number of Muslims in European states begs the question of how a western mostly Catholic society came into integrating with one of foreign views and culture. This article is going to vaguely outline a few moments in history that shaped common views of hostility, the lengths prominent figures went to see the western and Islamic teachings from the same lens, what the future holds for Muslim politicians in Europe and whether they will come as a benefit to their country.
It was only after World War II; the prospering trade agreement and the need for a bigger labour force caused an increase in immigration into Europe. In between the period of 1940s to early 1970s, migrants left their country in search of a better lifestyle and higher wages. Though everyone who migrated was not Muslim, the majority of these people came from the surrounding North African and Middle Eastern countries that were under European colonization. Foreign workers were in Europe on a temporary term basis. With the native and local workers becoming more educated and rising in their ranks to white-collar work. This left high amounts of vacancies in poorly paid work in cleaning, construction, and mining. Immigrants flowed into western countries to combat that change. Around this time, migration was not seen as an issue. The workers had no specific rights they wanted as their goal was to save enough money to send to their families back home. Other than the discrimination on social hierarchy and status, workers were not looked down upon as they were contributing to western society.
After the oil crisis broke in the 1970s, there was a belief that the European economy was going to plummet. During this time, European states restricted migration into their countries. Sweden and Switzerland were the first to put a stop while the others followed almost immediately. The rest of the states enacted laws to control migration. Some countries relaxed policies for instated workers and allowed family reunification.
These measures produced unforeseen circumstances as workers went forth to bring their families to Europe. One of which included higher fertility rates of Muslim women compared to western women. Although this plan was set to cease the ‘migrant problem’, the Muslim population has continued to grow. Over the last few decades, this has caused fear and discrimination due to the foreignism that surrounds Muslim migrants today. A diverse group of people under an umbrella that homogenizes whether religious or not religious, traditionalist or anyone with a Muslim background as just one, ‘Muslim’.
In the past, many have taken a stand against the ignorance that alienated Muslims. Lord Stanley in 1862 became the first lord to accept Islam. He had banned all alcohol on the estate as it went against the teaching of the religion. Despite his new ways, Lord Stanley continued to respect those of his past faith. He funded and restored many churches and though known by very few, Lord Stanley’s name stays untouched by history. He was a man known to respect knowledge.
Later came another prominent figure in history that shaped the mindset of those who came after him. Lord Headley was a civil engineer renowned for his sound judgment and loyalty. In 1918, a trip to India transformed Lord Headley’s views and he converted to Islam. Soon after he came back to Victorian Britain, Lord Headley worked his way into integrating his new teachings into the English lifestyle. He gathered people for tea where they talked about religion. He was a man who was known to mix with nobility where he introduced people to Islam, hence making it less foreign to them.
Lord Stanley and Lord Headley played the fight with the highest members of congress. One native Englishman named William Henry Quilliam converted to Islam in 1887. He made the first mosque in Britain which housed an Islamic institute for young converts and orphans. Quilliam was a religious innovator who addressed society’s prejudice through his publications. On a local level, Quilliam converted hundreds of people to Islam as he presented it to the public in a rational manner. His publications integrated science and faith which appealed to the new scientific thinking of Britain.
The 20thcentury brought up individuals who followed the same pattern of consciousness as people in the past. Young migrant Muhammad Sarwar became the first Muslim MP in the United Kingdom. Sarwar came to Scotland just as any migrant in 1976 and he started his work as a salesman. He opened a cash and carry after he got married. In 1987 he was asked to run for the seat at the General City Council; five years later he won the seat by a vote of 700-70. Sarwar fought many battles as a councillor and later as the first Muslim MP of Westminster. He talked about extreme matters like Pakistan’s claim on Kashmir and Palestinian rights. While he was on foreign soil, he did his best to integrate his ideas and values into a society of opposite cultures. He later gave up his citizenship to be the Governor of Pakistan and now stand with the current prime minister, Imran Khan.
Such profound history indicates that Muslims have been part of western society long before one could imagine. They have had pivotal roles as both higher in their political standpoint and on a local level. The majority of politicians today do not make any affiliation on their religion, whether Muslim or not. Some may take part in religious activities but many are openly secular. For many individuals, their Muslim identification does not play a role in their political career. Muslim politicians in Europe today are commonly referred to with their ethnic background. There is a higher involvement of Muslim or secular politicians in national assemblies than in European parliament. With an even higher chance of them being involved on a communal level and taking part in charities, spreading awareness of minorities, and speaking over environmental issues.
The umbrella term of Muslims in Europe has not changed throughout history. There has been a rise of secularism in Europe which has not only risen the amount of ‘non-religious’ people in Muslim communities but other religious groups as well. Muslim politicians have always stood their ground for their values against injustice and created communities that presented a lifestyle of peace. The future integration of more Muslims, secular or not, in political groups is likely to shed light on injustice as they continue their work in society to benefit the economy.