Muslim community representative Khalil Yousuf has condemned findings from a recent YouGov survey revealing widespread negative attitudes towards Muslim immigrants in Britain, describing the results as "shocking".
The YouGov poll, which surveyed 2,130 adults across Great Britain in mid-July, discovered that 41 per cent of respondents believe Muslim immigrants negatively affect the UK.
"Muslims in Britain make a huge contribution to society," he explained.
"Just a few weeks ago, our national charity raised millions for British causes.
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|Khalil Yousuf said that "Muslims are loyal Brits too"
"Muslims work across the NHS as doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers and more. Sadly, their positive impact doesn’t get the same media attention as the negative stories.
"That’s partly down to how the media operates, but it creates an even greater responsibility for all of us regardless of what the survey says to work harder.
"We must open our mosques, invite people in, and give them the chance to see what real British Muslims are like: people who make a positive difference and who are, as you see here, loyal to our country."
The survey was commissioned by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community ahead of their annual gathering in Hampshire.
The research exposed a dramatic contrast in public perceptions of different religious immigrant communities.
Whilst 41 per cent viewed Muslim arrivals unfavourably, merely seven per cent expressed similar sentiments about Christian immigrants.
Jewish immigrants faced negative perceptions from 13 per cent of respondents, with Hindu and Sikh communities encountering disapproval from 15 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.
The findings revealed deeper concerns about religious compatibility, with 53 per cent of participants stating Islam conflicts with British principles.
Yousuf added: "It is a shocking report. I suppose the advantage is that it tells us most British people do view Islam in a positive light.
"However, there are a significant number who view immigration and Muslims negatively.
"The important thing is that, as a Muslim community and as part of British society we work much harder to help people understand the true, peaceful teachings of Islam, and the great contribution we make to society.
"In that context, this survey is helpful. It shows we need to keep our doors and our hearts open, so people can see the practical application of Islam here in the UK."
GETTY | 41 per cent of Britons said Muslim immigrants have a negative impact on the country
He explained: "I’m a lawyer by profession, and I know one of our core British values is the rule of law.
"That applies to everyone. Any criminal behaviour, regardless of where someone comes from, must be investigated, prosecuted and punished.
"There is no justification, ever, for committing crimes against women or anyone else.
"I fully support the authorities in taking whatever action is necessary to uphold the law in this country."