'Innes Bowen, a radio journalist who has studied British Islam for a decade, provides a readable anatomy of the [British] Muslim scene, with all its intricate subdivisions. The spirit is neither hostile to nor defensive of Islam; it offers a nuanced picture reflecting diligent investigation.' * The Economist *
'An admirable and clear-headed study [that] corrects ugly attitudes to Islam in the West. ... Every page is full of essential information, and Bowen opens up a great deal that is mysterious or poorly understood. I urge every commentator and politician who wants to open his or her mouth about British Islam to read this work. This well-written book is a desperately needed antidote to the hare-brained commentary from politicians and writers who ought to know much better.' * Peter Oborne, The Telegraph *
'The first serious excavation of the religious fault lines which embody the British Muslim experience ... Bowen should be commended.' * The Independent *
'A sober and meticulous survey of Muslim thought and practice in Britain ... thanks to the work of people like Innes Bowen we no longer have any excuse for ignorance.' * David Goodhart, Prospect *
'Sober, meticulous and revelatory ... A start for anyone in government should be to read Medina in Birmingham, Najaf in Brent, the fruit of 80 interviews over seven years by a respected editor at the BBC.' * The Guardian *
'Anyone wanting to understand the profile and landscape of the new Muslim Britain should start here.' * Evening Standard *
'After a decade of fear-mongering, when Islam was portrayed as a unitary threat to the West, here comes a book that cuts through the hysteria. In this short and very readable volume, Bowen shows the complexity and nuances of Islam in Britain. This is a must-read for all people who want to understand the changing nature of Britain and its Muslim communities.' * Marc Sageman, author of Leaderless Jihad: Terror Networks in the Twenty-First Century *
'Innes Bowen provides what is by far the most comprehensive, in-depth overview of Muslim organisations and their ideas in Britain. Anyone interested in understanding the history and contemporary situation of British Muslims must read this book.' * John R. Bowen, Dunbar-Van Cleve Professor in Arts & Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis *
'A compelling study reveals that so-called leaders of the Islamic community are not only self-appointed but tend to come from marginal sects.' * The Times *
'Innes Bowen's book dissects the ideological intricacies of British Islam with the insight of a seasoned investigative reporter and the scholarly analysis of a top-notch academic. One can only hope that policymakers (not only in Britain) will learn from this book how to better engage with Muslim communities.' * Lorenzo Vidino, Center for Security Studies, ETH Zurich, and author of The New Muslim Brotherhood in the West *