Sadiq Khan’s election as London’s new mayor arguably makes him the most powerful Muslim political figure in the western world. The Guardian interviews British Muslims about what this historic election means to them, and here’s a sampling of their responses:
Navid Akhtar, 48, London: “I am hoping that Khan’s appointment will be positive for the Muslim community and we will see this as a chance to reach out to our neighbours, who are curious about our faith and open to finding out about our everyday life as Muslims. Within wider society I hope his position will reaffirm that Muslims are no different to anyone else in terms of their wish for peace, mutual respect and prosperity.”
Ali Jaffery, 58, Cardiff: “I would like Khan to approach British Muslims with positive thinking and formulate a policy to educate the police authorities, teaching them not to consider all Muslims as terrorists by default.”
Zainab Kidwai, 32, Derby: “It’s a very proud moment for Muslims in the UK and the world. It shows that there is still trust among world citizens in Islam and Muslims. That “we” are as normal as anyone else. Khan’s attitude throughout his campaign has been phenomenal – he never gave up and kept pursuing his dream.”
