Muslims of Europe

I can think of few books that are more timely and important. H. A. Hellyer’s Muslims of Europe: The ‘Other’ Europeans is must reading for scholars, students and policymakers.

Dr. Hellyer provides an examination of the situation of the Muslims of Europe that transcends the usual "Islam-in-Europe" paradigm of scholarship. Hellyer’s analysis does not just provide a description of the diversity of Muslim experiences in European societies nor is the analysis simply a restatement of various theories of multiculturalism. Instead, this book is a thought-provoking synthesis of theory and case study analysis that provides a new inclusive conceptual framework that reframes the concepts of assimilation, multiculturalism, and pluralism in the dynamic reconceptualization of "intregralisation". Both specialists and the general reader will find this book a valuable aid in understanding the dynamics of diversity in the contemporary world.

Muslims of Europe: The ’Other Europeans’ is a thoughtful and ambitious reflection on the place of Islam and Muslims in Europe. Hellyer skillfully unpacks commonly used vocabulary to analyse anew the intersection of history, institutions, religious traditions and the movement of peoples and ideas. This book is a sweeping and useful introduction to key concepts that help understand the process of Muslims’ integration in European countries.

The book provides the most comprehensive and reliable picture of Muslims in Europe. It deals with the issues of Islam and Muslims historically as well as in contemporary Europe. It is essential reading for students, scholars, policy makers and for those who wish to understand the complex relationship between European Muslims and their societies.

I am impressed, indeed astounded, by the comprehensiveness of Dr Hellyer’s remarkable book. It deals with the history of Islam, particulary in Europe, has total familiarity with issues of Muslim theology, deals thoroughly with the questions of discrimination, and, by extension, the so-called "clash of civilisations" thesis. This will prove to be the best available text and source-book on the subject of Muslim Europeans for undergraduate and postgraduate students alike.

While many today think we need to go beyond multiculturalism, Hellyer argues that the success of what he calls stage one multiculturalism means neither the end of common citizenship and national identity, nor their re-imposition but rather their re-making. He draws on theory but is focused on real-world problems and the book is informed by his good sense and a search for the middle ground.