Normative Islam
We were approached by 5Pillars in July 2015 with an exciting proposition to help provide an empirical reference point that could be used when determining what qualifies as mainstream Islam. Its primary objective was to increase the British public’s understanding of Islam. 5Pillars is an independent British news website which reports on Muslim affairs both in Britain and in the wider Islamic world.
“We felt that there has been an ongoing debate amongst British politicians, academics and journalists with regards to what constitutes as ‘mainstream Islam’” explains 5Pillars. “We wanted to respond to division within the Muslim community, as well as misunderstandings amongst Britain’s non-Muslim public. So, we commissioned a survey with PCP in an attempt to establish what qualifies as the basic tenets of the Islamic faith”.
Delighted to take on this project, we approached 150 influential British Muslims, including Muslim scholars, academics and professionals belonging to a variety of theological, political and sectarian backgrounds. We invited them to take part in a survey either via the telephone or online. The survey comprised 95 statements pertaining to Islamic beliefs and practices categorised under 12 topic headings.
The average level of agreement with the great majority of the 95 statements about mainstream Islamic beliefs was extremely high. Statements under the heading “Belief in God”, “Revelation”, “Global Humanity” and “Prophethood” attracted the highest level of agreement. Lowest (though still extremely high) levels of agreement were recorded for the statements under the heading “Citizenship”, “Islamic Law and Consensus” and “Jihad, Extremism and Terrorism”.
We must stress that the Normative Islam Report should not be considered as an absolute representation of the beliefs of mainstream Muslims. It should be used to provide understanding as to what influential British Muslims consider to be the basic tenets of Islam.
“Commissioning PCP for this unique first-of-its kind research was both an honour and an exciting time. Working to very tight deadlines, both PCP and 5Pillars maintained a professional and respectful relationship. Indeed, it was a new endeavour for both parties, which made the research on ‘normative Islam’ that extra bit special. I would strongly recommend others to use the market research services of PCP. I have no doubt British Muslims in their tens of thousands were impressed by the work carried out by Peter Pickersgill and his company” – Muhammad “Dilly” Hussain (Deputy Editor at 5Pillars).
Read the executive summary of the published report here http://5pillarsuk.com/2016/02/16/normative-islam-report-executive-summary/
For more information about 5Pillars visit their website http://5pillarsuk.com/
