A Short History of Islam in Stepney, United Kingdom

Islam has a long history in Stepney, United Kingdom, with Muslims having arrived in the area as early as the 17th century. The first Muslims to settle in Stepney were from the Indian subcontinent, with the majority coming from what is now Pakistan. More Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa began to settle in the area in the 19th century, with many of them coming to the area to work in the docks and in the factories that were located in East London. Over the years, the Muslim population in Stepney has grown steadily, with many Asian and Middle Eastern families settling in the area.

In the 1950s, the influx of Muslim immigrants grew greatly, with many coming from Bangladesh and Pakistan. This influx of new immigrants helped to shape the culture of Stepney, and helped to create a vibrant and diverse Muslim community. Today, Muslims are an integral part of Stepney, with a number of mosques and Islamic organisations being based in the area. There are also several Muslim-run schools in Stepney, as well as a range of halal restaurants, cafes, and shops.

What is the approximate population of Muslims in Stepney, United Kingdom?

According to the latest census, there are approximately 10,000 Muslims living in Stepney, United Kingdom. This makes up around 9.6% of Stepney’s population, which is one of the highest proportions of Muslims in any area of the United Kingdom. The majority of Muslims living in Stepney come from a South Asian or Middle Eastern background.

When have the first Muslims moved to Stepney, United Kingdom?

The earliest records of Muslims in Stepney date back to the 17th century, when small numbers of Muslims began to settle in the area. These immigrants were mainly from the Indian subcontinent, with the majority coming from what is now Pakistan. Over the next few centuries, more Muslims from the Middle East and North Africa began to settle in Stepney, with many of them coming to the area to work in the docks and factories that were located in East London.

What are the current demographics of Muslims in Stepney, United Kingdom?

The majority of Muslims in Stepney are from a South Asian or Middle Eastern background, with a significant number also coming from North Africa. According to the 2011 census, the largest ethnic group is Pakistani or British Pakistani, accounting for around 40% of the total Muslim population. The next largest ethnic group is Bangladeshi or British Bangladeshi, making up around 28% of the total Muslim population. Other significant ethnic groups include Indian or British Indian, Arab, Somali, and Turkish.

Which is more prominent in Stepney, United Kingdom – Shia or Sunni Islam?

The majority of Muslims in Stepney are Sunni, with around 70% of the Muslim population adhering to the Sunni branch of Islam. The remaining 30% of Muslims in Stepney are Shia, with a significant number of them coming from the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities. There are also a number of Ahmadi Muslims in Stepney, who make up a small portion of the overall Muslim population.

What are the main mosques in Stepney, United Kingdom?

There are several mosques in Stepney, United Kingdom, including:

• Masjid al-Iman – located on Stepney Way, this mosque is affiliated with the Deobandi school of thought and is the largest mosque in the area.
• Madina Mosque – located on Stepney High Street, this is a Shia mosque and is affiliated with the Islamic Centre of England.
• Masjid al-Huda – located on Stepney Green, this mosque is affiliated with the Ahl-e-Hadith school of thought.
• Masjid-e-Noor – located on Stepney High Street, this mosque is affiliated with the Tablighi Jamaat school of thought.
• Stepney Islamic Centre – located on Stepney Green, this mosque is a multi-faith mosque and is affiliated with the Islamic Centre of England.

These mosques provide a range of services to the local Muslim community, including religious instruction, prayer services, and social activities. They are also involved in local charitable activities, such as food banks and soup kitchens.