The ethnic factor is fundamental to race relations in this country. In British history, the race question is one that has been extraordinary linked to the search for a national identity in the context of racial divide and recent crises have witnessed paradoxical developments where race is concerned.

This book explores aspects of Muslim identity and social responsibility, noting Muslims now feel they are 'Muslims of Britain' rather than 'Muslims in Britain '. Written before the events of 7th July that have so profoundly affected Britain, the author documents the positive work that has taken place as Muslims integrate - without a forced assimilation - in mainstream life.

Race, Religion and Muslim Identity in Britain offers incisive and comprehensive analysis of faith as a cornerstone of identity and possible solutions. A timely book after the recent tragedies in London which took place during July 2005. With the rapid transformation within the Muslim community over the last few decades many young people are now finding it difficult to navigate between the demands of their religion on one side and social pressure on the other.

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari warns of the 'over-politicisation' of Islam and notes that "Islam's position on extremism is clear. Muslims are expected to choose the spirit of Islam rather than its lifeless rituals, action rather than rhetoric and enterprise rather than the dogmatism in their life. Muslims do not condone any unprincipled or unjust method to achieve even a just cause". The book aims to build bridges and better understanding among people and communities and is doubly important reading for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.

Thus, working with them and addressing the issues pertinent to their daily life are challenging, to say the least. After reading the book I fully agree that Muslims need to differentiate culture from faith and think long and hard about what elements of British culture should replace 'imported' culture? This is a sensitive area and will happen organically rather than in an orchestrated manner and I believe this is what is happening. In terms of Britain being a secular country.

Reading the book bought the following to mind; Yes we have reserved places for clergy in the House of Lords, Christianity is the established religion and the Church is often expected to have a moral voice. Hence there is a de facto recognition of religion in public life. So why should Islam be different? I think we have to first consider what it means to recognise the faith identity in the public sphere' as it will mean different things for different people. In my view it does not mean that religious practices should be endorsed, promoted or imposed on wider society. What it means is that the role of faith in a persons identity and how they see themselves should be taken into account, not that the teachings of that faith should be propagated or that its values should be imposed.

The author refers to - the resistance to recognising faith identity in the public sphere is because we live in a secular liberal society, where religion is seen as a restrictive force and a lot of people fear that recognition of religion will lead to some sort of religious state - the imposition of religious values.

Integration is; in the way that for example Roy Jenkins defined Multiculturalism as "a flattening process of uniformity coupled with equality of opportunity in an atmosphere of mutual tolerance".

Readers of this well researched book will recognise that the biggest obstacle is the treatment of Islam as an ‘other.' Exotic, different, detached, not of Europe but foreign. This despite the fact that Islam has been present in Europe for nearly all of its history.

Judaism and Christianity also started in the middle east but we now talk of the Judeo-Christian heritage of Europe . History shows that Muslims played a significant role in the development of Europe and unless we all recognise that and unless Muslims are able to 'normalise' Islam and root it in Britain and the rest of Europe the myth of this ‘otherness' will continue.

This book is the outcome of Dr Abdul Bari's long-term involvement with the young Muslims of London through his voluntary and professional work. This has put him on a continuous learning curve in assessing his personal situation as well. The foremost amongst the issues facing a young Muslim is of course one of 'identity', which the author has tried to address through the mirror of Islamic principles.

Overall the book is a useful exposition of new research in the area that has been bolstered by recent events, namely 9/11, 7/7 and the recent Danish cartoon controversy.

This is a great book that has a keen and insightful look into how certain cultures and ethnic groups are developing in the UK . The author's work is necessary reading for anyone interested in learning in depth about the increasingly multicultural aspects of modern society, leadership and education.

Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari's Biography The author (right) with Simon Woolley from Operation Black Vote Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari is an educationalist with a PhD and PGCE from King's College London and a Management degree from the Open University. He has worked as an Air Force Officer, Researcher in Physics, Science Teacher and now works as a SEN Specialist in London . He advises the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE), Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), and London Mayor's Office on community and faith issues. Dr Abdul Bari is a Former President of the Islamic Forum Europe (IFE) and currently the Deputy Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) and Chairman of the East London Mosque. He writes extensively on youth and community issues and is author of "Building Muslim Families" and "The Greatest Gift: A Guide to Parenting."