British Muslim Politics : Examining Pakistani Biraderi Networks

Although there has emerged a huge interest in the Muslim communities in Britain since 9/11 and 7/7, few academic studies have focused on the political processes within Muslim communities and the impacts these have on civic engagement. This book examines the political biographies and religious identities of British Muslims of Pakistani descent.

This book is the first comprehensive study of politics, participation and civic engagement in Pakistani Muslim communities in the UK. Written from an insider perspective, British Muslim Politics, offers a unique take on a demographic group that has been the subject of much public and policy concern in recent times. Arguing for a critical reappraisal of our views of ''Muslim'' politics, the book takes a panoramic view of a decade that has seen many significant events shape the political practices of Pakistani Muslims in the UK (from the 2001 summer riots, to 9/11, to 7/7). For over a decade the author has been embedded as a researcher in the Pakistani community and has thus had access to people, places, narratives and stories that allow her to provide a comprehensive account of political processes affecting this community. British Muslim Politics is a refreshing look at how religion, ethnicity, people, and place shape contemporary politics.