Ask a Brummie

[Regina]

I think they alienate themselves personally

There's also a sizeable black (of Caribbran origin so Christian) population in Birmingham, and although they tend to be poorer on average, they've had less problem integrating in. Any Muslims I know who are secular and make an effort get places as well. One of my best friends growing up was Muslim, from an Iranian family who left Iran after the Shah was overthrown, they're very secular and have never struggled for anything.

I've only met very few Muslims, but never one that was secular. Do they abide by any of the Pillars? 

I don't know much about the pillars, but if you mean my Iranian associates I'm not sure. They do practice, but it's not like they follow all the rules strictly. They're very western. My friend from school is a girl and she's never covered her head apart from when she goes to mosque. That's how Iran was before the Shah was overthrown though, he tried very hard to secularise and westernise Iran, so the loyalists who left Iran after he was overthrown tend to be like that.

I find it's (usually) the Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities that are more conservative. They are the ones who are more likely to have the defensive "I'm offended!" complex when you call them out for their bullshit that is, in itself, offensive.