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First, I must thank the Centre for Faith in Society for inviting me to deliver this lecture. The work undertaken by your centre is extremely valuable. I commend your important, fact-based analysis of faith communities, the institutions they build, their national and international contribution and their interface with government, business, and the wider civic sphere. Never has there been a more urgent imperative to appreciate the role of faith in public policy and in the civic sphere, and never has there been a more poignant moment for faith communities to make a contribution guided by what they hold dear, and to reach out to people of all faiths and none.

Marriage and family have been two sacred institutions since the dawn of mankind. Family through marriage has continued to be the central human organisation over millennia. There have been many highs and lows regarding these two institutions, but they have continued to provide love, tranquillity and values to human societies. Sadly, as a result of social changes brought about after the Industrial Revolution and with the advent of other materialistic ideologies, the institution of marriage has become considerably weaker. Since the Second World War marriage has lost its significance in the developed European countries. The institution of family has also followed suit. The changed economic status of women, liberalisation of divorce laws, legalisation of abortion, increased availability of contraceptives, social acceptance of ‘love children’ – have all contributed to the widespread breakdown of marriage and family structure.

Introduction

The population of the Muslim community in Britain has significantly increased in the past few years; it is now 2.4m according to ONS in 2008. The number of mosques, Islamic schools, civic organizations, businesses, newspapers and magazines has grown. In spite of recent negative media portrayal, Islam is now recognised in many levels of society and many members of the Muslim community are known to be contributing to the social and economic fabric of British society. Muslims are a diverse and evolving community with a relatively higher proportion of young people in their midst. With their growing social integration comes the diffusion of social norms, values and challenges. How Muslims learn ways to successfully raise a strong and healthy community that contributes to the betterment of the wider society is a big question that dominates the public discussion inside and outside the community.