London's Muslim population is substantial and growing, representing about 15% of the city's residents (over 1.3 million people) according to the 2021 census, making Islam the city's second-largest religion after Christianity. Muslim communities are particularly concentrated in East London boroughs like Tower Hamlets and Newham, with significant populations also present across Greater London, contributing to the city's high religious diversity.
While London has the largest Muslim population overall, areas like Tower Hamlets (London Borough) and Blackburn with Darwen (Unitary Authority) have the highest percentages of Muslims in the UK, with Tower Hamlets often cited as the highest by proportion at nearly 40%, followed closely by Newham and Luton, according to recent census data.
Religion in London
As of the 2021 Australian Census, the Muslim population in Australia was 813,392, making up 3.2% of the total population, and it's Australia's largest non-Christian religious group, showing consistent growth from previous censuses. Projections suggest the number could surpass 1 million by late 2024, highlighting its increasing diversity and significance within Australian society, with adherents coming from over 100 countries.
Yes. London is very welcoming, with large Muslim communities, many mosques, and plenty of halal food options across the city.
Certainly, for those women who wish to wear hijab, wearing it in London is probably easier than wearing it in any other European capital city (Figure 3). Though it should also be added that for those who do not wish to wear hijab, choosing not to wear it is more difficult in London than elsewhere in Europe.
Large-scale immigration of Muslims to Britain began after World War II, as a result of the destruction and labour shortages caused by the war. Muslim migrants from former British colonies, predominantly India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, were recruited in large numbers by government and businesses to rebuild the country.
In 2030, Muslims will experience a rare "double Ramadan," fasting twice within the Gregorian calendar year (early January and late December) due to the lunar Islamic calendar's shift; demographic trends suggest continued significant growth, with India potentially having the largest Muslim population and substantial increases in Europe and the U.S., while religious practices will focus on increased devotion and reflection during these two holy months.
Based on the 2021 Australian Census, Hinduism was the fastest-growing religion by percentage increase, with its adherents growing by 148.2% between 2011 and 2021, while Islam and Sikhism also saw significant growth, and the largest group remained those with "No Religion".
Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world, Pew study says. Muslims are the fastest-growing faith group, followed by the religiously unaffiliated, according to a new Pew Research Center study measuring the evolution of the global religious population between 2010 and 2020.
Results of the 2021 Census for England and Wales showed that Christianity is the largest religion (though it makes up less than half of the population at 46.2%), followed by the non-religious (37.2%), Islam (6.5%), Hinduism (1.7%), Sikhism (0.9%), Buddhism (0.5%), Judaism (0.5%), and others (0.6%).
The Islamic Centre of England Ltd (ICEL) is a religious and cultural institution linked to the Iranian government at 140 Maida Vale, London, whose mission is "to provide services to members of the Muslim community, in particular, and the wider community at large", focusing on religious guidance and cultural issues.
There is no separate sharia legal system in the UK. What exist are sharia councils and the Muslim Arbitration Tribunal. The sharia councils have no statutory authority under English law. They may be used to resolve personal disputes such as marriage, divorce and inheritance.
Muslims' views on religion in Britain
Around half (49%) of Muslims say they would like full integration with non-Muslims in all aspects of life: younger Muslims and those born in the UK are more likely than older Muslims and those born abroad to support this.
No, Australia is not 90% white; while a large majority identify with European ancestry (around 76-80% in recent years), a significant and growing portion identifies as Asian, African, Middle Eastern, or Indigenous, making it a highly multicultural nation with diverse ethnic backgrounds, not overwhelmingly white. Recent census data shows European ancestry (English, Irish, etc.) makes up a large chunk, but Asian ancestries are also substantial, with over 17% Asian population and around 3.8% identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, per the 2021 census data from Wikipedia.
Islam is the fastest-growing religion in India. Growth rate of Muslims has been consistently higher than the growth rate of others, ever since the census data of independent India has been available. For example, during the 1991–2001 decade, Muslim growth rate was 29.5% (while others were 19.9%).
Gen Z's turn toward Christianity reflects a desire for stability, community, and meaning in uncertain times.
For Muslims, it's recommended to use the emoji 🙏 that features hands raised in supplication (du'ā) instead. This small difference reflects important religious distinctions. 2️⃣ **Pregnant Man Emoji 🫃** This emoji represents a concept that goes against Islamic teachings, as men cannot be pregnant.
About 87-90% of the world's Muslims are Sunni Muslims, making Sunni Islam the largest denomination, while the remaining 10-13% are primarily Shia Muslims, with other smaller groups comprising less than 1%. Sunnis follow the "prophetic tradition," believing in the leadership of the first four caliphs, whereas Shias believe leadership passed to Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law.
A major study conducted by missionary David Garrison, highlighted in his 2014 book “A Wind in the House of Islam,” estimates that between 2 and 7 million Muslims have converted to Christianity worldwide in the past two decades. Garrison calls this movement “the greatest turning of Muslims to Christ in history.”
The question of whether you can live in London with £1,000 a month largely depends on various factors, including your accommodation, lifestyle, and financial management. But the short answer, is this: It's gonna be tough. Don't be discouraged, though! If you're determined, you can make it work.
Muslims in Britain are proud to be part of British society and are encouraged by their faith to be active, positive citizens. For a Muslim, their faith guides their personal morals, like being honest and charitable, while also respecting the law of the land.