Nearly half of British imams now UK-born, landmark study finds
Research reveals generational shift in Muslim religious leadership, highlights concerns over working conditions and expanding role
LONDON (MNTV) — Nearly half of imams working in British mosques were born in the United Kingdom, according to the most comprehensive study of Muslim religious leadership ever conducted in the country, signaling a major generational shift in how Muslim communities are served.
The five-year research project, led by Dr. Riyaz Timol at Cardiff University’s Centre for the Study of Islam, found that 48 percent of imams currently working in Britain are U.K.-born, a dramatic increase from just 8 percent recorded in the last comparable national study in 2008.
Researchers surveyed approximately 1,200 mosques across England, Wales and Scotland, gathering biographical data on more than 2,000 individual imams.
The project also included 40 in-depth interviews with imams from diverse backgrounds and a separate survey of 587 mosque congregants.
“These changes are happening across the community more widely,” Timol said, while talking to U.K.-based magazine, Hyphen.
“In some places, you’re now seeing fourth and fifth-generation Muslims. That process of becoming culturally embedded and familiar with British social life is well under way, and the imamate sector reflects that.”
The findings mirror broader demographic trends. The 2021 census found that, for the first time, a majority of Muslims in England and Wales—51 percent—were British-born.
The study, funded by the Jameel Education Foundation, also documented significant changes in what communities expect from their religious leaders.
While imams traditionally focused on ritual duties such as leading prayers and delivering sermons, they are now increasingly called upon to serve as counselors, community representatives and pastoral figures.
Many imams reported spending substantial time addressing marriage breakdowns, mental health concerns and family crises—often without formal training in pastoral care.
Several described themselves as “de facto marriage or mental health counselors” despite having received primarily theological education.
Working conditions emerged as a major concern. Many imams reported low pay, insecure contracts and long hours, with some earning below the national minimum wage despite being on call constantly.
“Imams are overworked and underpaid,” Timol said.
“Some don’t have formal contracts despite working full-time for years.”
The research also highlighted how the post-7/7 political climate has positioned imams as public representatives expected to engage in counter-extremism work and interfaith dialogue, while digital platforms have reshaped religious authority as congregants increasingly turn to online scholars for guidance.
Based on its findings, the project aims to develop recommendations for improving imam training and working conditions.
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