Freedom of Expression and Social Cohesion: Prospects for an Emerging British Islam
Summary
The UK Commission for Countering Extremism published an independently commissioned essay by Dilwar Hussain exploring the intersection of freedom of expression and Islamic faith in British society. The essay argues that freedom of expression is a universal human value with roots in Islamic thought and history. It examines how British Muslims navigate faith, identity, and citizenship, and proposes approaches for strengthening social cohesion while protecting free expression. The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent official government or Commission policy.
What changed
The Commission for Countering Extremism released an essay examining how freedom of expression and Islamic faith can coexist in British society. The essay argues that free expression is a human value present in Islamic thought and history, not merely a Western concept. It explores the complexities British Muslims face regarding faith, identity, and citizenship.
This publication is part of a commissioned essay series presenting diverse perspectives on defending free speech. The essay does not create regulatory obligations or compliance requirements. It is intended to contribute to public discussion on social cohesion and free expression, with the views expressed being those of the individual author.
What to do next
- Monitor for updates
Archived snapshot
Apr 16, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Research and analysis
Freedom of expression and social cohesion: the prospects for an emerging British Islam
An essay written by Dilwar Hussain, part of a series of essays on defending free speech commissioned by Robin Simcox, the former Commissioner for Countering Extremism.
From: Commission for Countering Extremism Published 18 August 2025 Get emails about this page
Documents
Freedom of expression and social cohesion: the Prospects for an emerging British Islam
PDF, 267 KB, 12 pages
This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology.
Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.
Details
This essay explores how freedom of expression and Islamic faith can coexist in British society.
It argues that freedom of expression is not merely a Western value but a human value that finds resonance in Islamic thought and history.
The essay examines how British Muslims navigate the complexities of faith, identity and citizenship, and proposes ways to strengthen social cohesion whilst protecting free expression.
These essays have been independently commissioned. The views and opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the UK Government or the Commission for Countering Extremism.
These essays were commissioned to present a diverse range of perspectives from authors with contrasting or conflicting opinions on this issue. They are provided to contribute to this vital discussion and do not imply agreement or endorsement by any associated organisations or individuals.
We are aware that this publication may have accessibility issues. We are working on an accessible version.
Read more about our accessible documents policy.
Published 18 August 2025 Get emails about this page Print this page
Related content
Related changes
Get daily alerts for Uk Commission For Countering Extremism
Daily digest delivered to your inbox.
Free. Unsubscribe anytime.
Source
About this page
Every important government, regulator, and court update from around the world. One place. Real-time. Free. Our mission
Source document text, dates, docket IDs, and authority are extracted directly from CCE.
The summary, classification, recommended actions, deadlines, and penalty information are AI-generated from the original text and may contain errors. Always verify against the source document.
Classification
Who this affects
Taxonomy
Browse Categories
Get alerts for this source
We'll email you when Uk Commission For Countering Extremism publishes new changes.
Subscribed!
Optional. Filters your digest to exactly the updates that matter to you.