Faith and identity are complementary

THIS year, as the start of Lent and Ramadan has aligned, there’s also a powerful reminder that many of us are striving to­wards similar goals in our com­munities. This Ramadan, com­munities came together with in­tention, compassion and a re­newed sense of purpose. At a time when unity can feel fragile, this offered a chance to strength­en the relationships that hold our communities together and celebrate British diversity in all its colour and beauty.

As a British Muslim, my Britishness and faith exist in tandem; informing and strengthening my passion to serve my constituents and my country. I am aware there are some peo­ple who would say that Islam and “Britishness” are at odds. But I disagree: our identities are not in competi­tion, they complement each oth­er. I am the politician I am today because of, not in spite of, my identity as a British Muslim wom­an; fully committed to ensuring everyone has the right to flourish, no matter their background.

In the modern, diverse, vi­brant Britain we love, we need to acknowledge that people exist with multiple layers to their identity, if we want everyone to feel they belong and can con­tribute authentically. To ignore one part of them is to not see them for who they really are.

Naz Shah.

Today, multiculturalism and religious tolerance are being threatened in ways I had hoped we would never see again. I have been deeply troubled by the rise of political po­larisation and reli­gious hatred, in­cluding anti- Muslim ha­tred in re­cent years. The past year saw a record number of anti-Muslim hate crimes reported to the po­lice. Too many people feel scared. Too many people feel an­imosity towards a neighbour they don’t even know.

This isn’t just a local issue, there are many layers to this crisis that need to be addressed. That’s why I’m glad the government’s new social cohesion plan has pledged support for a British Muslim helpline to report hate in­cidents and access support, as well as investing £5.8 billion in measures to strengthen social co­hesion at the local level, working with local authorities to build more resilient communities. At a more national level, increased civil service training to better un­derstand and respond to anti- Muslim hostility will help tackle some of more institutional issues.

Attending the ‘Big Iftar’ in par­liament this year brought home a simple, but powerful truth: despite the differences in our faiths, festi­vals and practices, we have more in common. We share a commit­ment to truth, mercy and hope.

As Muslims, Ramadan is not just reflective; it is active. Fasting sharpens our awareness of the in­equality around us and reminds us of the hardship many face. We are encouraged to give to charity, to recognise our shared social re­sponsibility and to recommit to one another. Inclusive communi­ties do not come about by acci­dent. They are built by many peo­ple, through fairness, generosity and a sustained commitment to looking out for each other.

A just and fair country cannot ignore the impact of discrimina­tion on certain groups, nor mini­mise the experiences of those who feel unwelcome, unsafe or unseen. If we are to tackle the ris­ing tide of hatred and division, we must step out of our silos and in­vest in genuine cross-community dialogue. We must build bridges, not walls, not because it is easy, but because it is necessary.

The diversity of modern Brit­ain is not a problem to be man­aged. It is a strength to be cele­brated. And it is only by seeing one another fully – in all the richness of who we are – that we can build the country we all want to live in.