Most British Muslims are Sunni, only about 5 per cent are Shia, but both communities are represented by the MC, which believes the government\u2019s \u201cPrevent\u201d\u009d anti-terrorism strategy is discriminatory, demonising a law-abiding community. Relations have thawed; Shafi is pleased that Theresa May, the home secretary, is beginning to close what he calls the \u201ctrust deficit\u201d\u009d by ordering police authorities to record every reported Islamophobic incident for the first time, even if charges are not pressed.<\/p>\n
The MC is working with the government and the police to find out why young Muslims feel \u201calienated\u201d\u009d and hence vulnerable to be being lured by the promise of a foreign adventure by people who are \u201cmisinterpreting Islam\u201d\u009d.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Muslim Council has condemned those who claim to act in our name and we have mobilised mosque leaders, civil society leaders and families to speak out and redouble their efforts. However, we\u2019ve no magic wand and what is important is sustained work within communities,\u201d\u009d says Shafi, a retired doctor who arrived in Britain from India 46 years ago. \u201cExtremism is mainly hidden on the internet and on social media and our concern is that the age group it attracts is getting younger and younger.\u201d\u009d<\/p>\n