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Contact: Media Office at media@mcb.org.uk / 0845 262 6786
British Muslims: Strong British Identity, Youthful Demographic and Entrepreneurial Spirit
New report from the Muslim Council of Britain analyses latest Census data, showing high rates of national identity and English proficiency among British Muslims.
- 94% of British-born Muslims in England and Wales have a strong sense of British identity
- For 99% of British-born Muslims in England and Wales, English is their main language or spoken well or very well
- 50% of Muslims are now UK born, with higher percentages in cities like Bradford (65%)
- The median age of Muslims in the UK is 29 years, compared to 44 years for the overall population
Today, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) publishes its summary analysis of the British Muslim population based on the latest census data. The report, “British Muslims in Numbers: Census Report Summary March 2025,” provides valuable insights into the demographic, socio-economic, and health profile of Muslims across the United Kingdom.
The data highlights how British Muslims are strongly integrated into British society, with exceptionally high rates of national identity and English language proficiency, while also showing increasing educational attainment and entrepreneurial activities.
The analysis reveals that “British born Muslims in England and Wales have a strong sense of British identity. Among non-UK born Muslims, for 55% their only national identity is a UK one, which is a higher proportion than in all other faiths.” The report further emphasises that “For 99% of British born Muslims in England and Wales, English is their main language or spoken well or very well.” Language barriers are minimal, with the report noting that “In the UK, 2% of the Muslim population cannot speak English. The lack of English Language proficiency is mainly in the over 65 year old Muslim female population.”
Dr Miqdad Asaria of the MCB’s Research & Documentation Committee said: “Our analysis shows that British Muslims have an exceptionally strong sense of British identity and near-universal English language proficiency among the British-born population. The report also highlights that the younger demographic profile of the Muslim population represents ‘a demographic dividend’: meeting gaps in the labour market, contributing financially to the state welfare system, injecting a creative and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Dr Wajid Akhtar, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, added: “This report confirms what we have long known—British Muslims are not just in Britain, they are of Britain. With their strong national identity, entrepreneurial drive, and youthful energy, British Muslims stand ready to help build a more prosperous, innovative and cohesive society for everyone. The future of Britain and the future of British Muslims are inextricably linked, and that future looks bright indeed.”
The report highlights several important findings:
- “For the first time in census recording, the majority of Muslims are UK born (50%), but this is higher in some cities, e.g. Bradford 65%, Walsall 61% and Oldham 59%”
- “The proportion of Muslim men who are self-employed, either as sole traders or with employees (13.0% and 3.9% respectively) is higher than the rest of the population (10.9% and 2.3% respectively)”
- “50% of Muslim full-time students are female”
- “Muslims are a kaleidoscope of communities, with an internal diversity that is microcosm of British society as a whole”
However, significant challenges persist:
- 40% of the Muslim population in England live in the most deprived neighbourhoods in the country
- One in four Muslim households in England and Wales live in overcrowded residences, four times higher than the national average
- 29.9% of Muslim women aged 65+ years are in ‘Bad’ or ‘Very Bad’ health (compared to 13% overall)
“While we see encouraging signs of social mobility and integration, the persistent deprivation affecting many Muslim communities requires targeted policy intervention,” added Dr Asaria. “These inequalities impact children’s development and future opportunities. As the report states, ‘Muslims are not seeking special favours but a recognition of disadvantage.'”
The report calls for policy initiatives at local authority level to address child poverty, housing, and health inequalities, while also highlighting the responsibility of Muslim civil society to provide mentoring over university and career choices and to address the needs of single parent families with dependent children.
The Muslim Council of Britain is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with over 500 affiliated national, regional and local organisations, mosques, charities and schools.
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Notes to editors:
- For more information or to arrange interviews, contact: media@mcb.org.uk or call 0845 262 6786
- Download a copy of “British Muslims in Numbers: Census Report Summary March 2025” at https://mcb.org.uk/resources/censussummary2025/
The full report with data at lower levels of geography will be uploaded to mcb.org.uk - The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is the UK’s largest and most diverse Muslim umbrella organisation with membership spanning national, regional local organisations, mosques, charities and professional networks.
- The MCB was an active member of the interfaith alliance that lobbied successfully for the inclusion of the religion question in the Census, first appearing in 2001.