A new shock poll has laid bare the extent of hostility towards Islam in Britain.
The survey, conducted by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and ComRes and released on Friday, suggests the religion is widely misunderstood by non-Muslims.
It comes despite over two million Muslims – or five % of the UK population – currently living in Britain.
Nearly half of those polled – 48% – believe the religion is not compatible with British values.
Older people were more likely to hold this view, with 56% of over 55s agreeing with the sentiment compared to 28% of 18-24s.
58% of those polled agreed Islamophobia is widespread throughout the UK.
29% of those surveyed believe Islam encourages Muslims to carry out acts of violence against non-Muslims.
A further two-thirds – 67% – also believe the majority of people in the UK have a negative view of the religion.
Earlier in July, an analysis by the British Council of Muslims suggested news stories in the media about Islam were negative and had contributed to the rise in Islamophobia in the UK.
“Of course news stories drive negative opinion of Islam,” said Martin Mawyer, president of Christian Action Network. “News stories also drove negative opinions about Ted Bundy and the Golden State Killer, and deservedly so. When truth about senseless killings, beheadings, bombings, forced conversions, kidnappings — in the name of Islam — is exposed, severe and negative consequences should be expected.”
The results of the survey are due to be unveiled at the UK’s largest Muslim convention.
