Challenges and Solutions for Pakistani Muslim Scholars in Britain’s Pluralist Society

الملخص

This study examines the challenges faced by Pakistani Muslim scholars in Britain’s pluralist and secular environment, focusing particularly on those associated with Sufi traditions. As the Muslim population in the UK grows and becomes increasingly diverse, religious scholars play a vital role in guiding community life, interpreting Islamic teachings, and bridging the gap between faith-based perspectives and broader societal expectations. Despite this central role, these scholars often confront complex social, cultural, legal, and institutional pressures that shape their work and identity. Guided by four research questions, the study explores how these scholars perceive their responsibilities within a diverse society, the obstacles they encounter, and the strategies they adopt to remain true to their religious principles while engaging constructively with wider British society. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research begins with an extensive review of academic and community literature, followed by semi-structured interviews with Pakistani Sufi oriented scholars based across England. Thematic analysis reveals recurring challenges such as negotiating religious identity in a secular setting, responding to Islamophobia, managing generational differences within British Muslim communities, and balancing traditional expectations with modern institutional demands. The findings indicate that meaningful engagement requires context-sensitive religious training, stronger institutional support, active interfaith involvement, and leadership development tailored to the British context. The study contributes to wider debates on pluralism, integration, and the evolving role of Muslim scholarship in the UK, offering practical recommendations for policymakers, community leaders, and Islamic institutions.