Islam in Britain

Burkhas on the Beacons

For these young Muslims the challenge is daunting: how to be a Muslim in a decidedly non-islamic society. Some abandon their faith. Others retreat into it. For young Muslim women born and raised in Britain, the problem is compounded by the traditional conservatism of Muslim families faced with equal opportunity laws that encourage women to go to college and pursue professional careers. The strains on family and faith are tremendous. And yet there are also the beginnings of a quiet revolution, particularly among young Muslim women. One of the more unusual manifestations Julian Crandall Hollick found was in of all places the mountains of Wales. On Burkhas on the Beacons eight Muslim women, ranging in ages from fourteen to thirty-four came for a weekend of adventure training (rock climbing and pot holing).