Islam in Scotland

The arrival of Islam in Scotland is relatively recent. The bulk of Muslims in Scotland come from families who immigrated during the 20th and 21st century. In Scotland Muslims represent 0.84% of the population (42,557)[1], with 20,000 in Glasgow and are the largest non-Christian group, other than atheists and agnostics.

Traditionally, many Scottish Muslims have ties to Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, although there are increasing numbers from the Arab world.

The first Muslim student in Scotland was Wazir Beg from Mumbai. He is recorded as being a medical student who studied at the University of Edinburgh between 1858-59. [2]

The production of goods and Glasgow's busy port meant that many lascars were employed there. Dundee was at the peak of importing jute; hence, sailors from Bengal were a feature at the port. Records from the Glasgow Sailors' Home show that, in 1903, nearly a third (5,500) of all boarders were Muslim lascars.

Scottish Muslims

• Abdal-Qadir As-Sufi (Ian Dallas)en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abdalqadir_as-Sufi
• Ali Abbasi, broadcaster, and Scottish Gaelic learner
• Farah Noor Adams
• Bashir Ahmad leader of "Asians for Independence" group in Scottish National Party
• Bashir Mann, former Labour councillor
• Misbah Iram Ahmed Rana (Molly Campbell)
• Mohammad Sarwar, MP

See also

• Muslim Council of Britain
• Muslim Council of Scotland
• Islam in the United Kingdom

External links

• The iWitness, Scotland's Muslim paper
• Census 2001: Key Statistics of Scotland (PDF, religion KS027)
• What is sectarianism?
• Reaching out in Edinburgh
• Last Muslim School in Scotland Faces Closure Deadline
• "Islam misunderstood"
• Scottish Left Review article on Islam in Scotland
• Osama Saeed, a Scottish Muslim activist

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