Islam's many shades on these shores

In the first part of this book charting the history of Muslims in Britain from the 1800s to the present day, Humayun Ansari gives a detailed account of migration, settlement, civic involvement and the development of institutions. The second part covers 1945 onwards and provides accounts of different aspects of Muslim life in Britain, including the push and pull factors behind migration; the broad demographic and socioeconomic circumstances of Muslims; and chapters on education, women and the family, and Muslim organisation in Britain.

The book's strength lies in its coverage of a wide range of issues over a 200-year period. But there is no clear argument around which to marshal this impressive amount of information and only passing coverage of events since the attacks on the US on September 11, 2001 - events that will have a far-reaching effect on Muslim identity. The key strength of the book is therefore as a historical account rather than an analysis of Muslim identity.

It nonetheless contains important messages. In particular, it examines the importance of Muslim heterogeneity - explained by factors underlying migration to Britain since 1945. Push factors include the consequences of post-partition settlements between India and Pakistan, the Mangla dam in Mirpur, the partition of Cyprus, civil war in Sudan, and the flight of Iraqis, Kurds and Afghans fearing persecution. Pull factors include the prospect of higher earnings in Britain and having family members already in the UK. For many South Asians, migration was a way of raising one's status by improving one's family's economic standing. But the 1962 Immigration Act, which restricted entry to the UK, turned a mobile labour force, going back and forth between Britain and the Indian sub-continent, into permanent settlers.

The socioeconomic circumstances of Muslims in Britain generally show disadvantage by comparison with the rest of the population. Although there is great variation, it is important to recognise and chart the role played by discrimination in employment, sport, housing and education. Statistics generally do not allow the Muslim population to be distinguished, and religion has to be inferred from ethnicity. The 2001 Census contained for the first time information on religion, but results were subject to delay and are not included here.

Differences between Muslims based on ethnicity and class have made it hard to establish an over-arching body that can argue for Muslims' religious needs to be represented in English institutions and law. Examples include halal food, planning permission for mosques and provision of burial grounds, religious observance, and dress codes in schools and workplaces.

A chapter on education exemplifies some of the difficulties Muslims face in a society fundamentally opposed to their beliefs and culture. Muslims have campaigned for an educational system that meets the needs of their children. The arguments for and against state support of Muslim schools provides an excellent case study that highlights the principles and the more pragmatic issues involved.

For young Muslims, religion may offer a more dynamic vehicle for engaging with British society than ethnic identification - a basis for resisting hegemonic British identity. A generation of young women, often with a university education, is challenging assumptions about female roles in their community. The teaching of Islam may provide a basis to resist traditional pressures while asserting religious conformity. Thus parents may allow a daughter to take a paid job if her acceptance of Islamic values is evident in her dress. Increasingly, the web is providing a safe and anonymous space in which Muslims can voice and debate controversial views.

Angela Dale is professor of quantitative social research, Manchester University.