One should not forget that this social image gives vibes to western countries as if Muslims remain aloof, and do not want to integrate with the host society. They may not assimilate but give an impression of not wanting to come half way and merge. I have deliberately generalised for ALL Muslims! This is far from the case as I have already clarified they are a pluralistic society and not a single entity.

In conclusion, there are other communities like the Jews, Hindus, Sikhs but the Government in Britain today has taken upon itself to target the Muslim leaders of numerous Mosques asking their members to explain how they regard themselves as a part of British Society, or don’t they? What efforts are made to prove that British culture is part of theirs too! In my opinion, this is a very divisive step taken in the wrong direction of alienating them further.

In case of a minority of Shia Ismaili Muslims, they have not just outwardly but also internally adapted assets such as western education, taken up various careers, professions or business enterprises. Thus they have ‘merged’ and amalgamated themselves with the host society. They have succeeded in retaining their practice of faith, culture, language, dietary norms but have made ‘friends’ with the local people. Most of them have acquired very high level of education and are now part of a Professional class of Citizens living in various European and North American countries. H H Aga Khan IV their hereditary Imam, in spiritual and worldly communal sense has always emphasised and guided them for generations on hand, to identify and adapt themselves with the people in countries of their abode. Ismailis are scattered over some 25 countries in many continents of the world. However, their adaptability is remarkable. Perhaps, other Muslim communities could take their example, regard them as a role model of this pace-making community. That will minimise Muslims being targeted as the ‘bad apples’ and ridiculed for their faith. What The west is doing is causing insult and aggravation by ridiculing their faith, in the name of ‘freedom’ that really amounts to license making not only these communities but their supreme religious leader namely Prophet Muhammad as an object of caricature pouring fuel to the fire of hatred and abuse in the name of ‘humour’.