CONCERNS have been raised over plans to set up Islamic Scout groups in Scotland.

The Islamic Society of Britain (ISB) claims separate Scout troops are necessary as some parents are “uncomfortable” with the idea of sending their children to groups seen as predominantly Christian.

But critics of the plan say the move could drive a wedge between young Muslims and the wider community.

Individual Muslims have been welcomed by the Scout Association for more than thirty years, but in recent years Islamic groups have been launched south of the border.

Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen are all expected to follow the example in the near future.

Sajid Quayum, of the ISB, said: “There is a massive demand for organised youth activities in the Muslim community in Glasgow and across the whole of Scotland. Scouting values are good strong values and that is why we want to go down that route rather than just starting Muslim youth clubs.

Having our own groups will give us the flexibility to include Muslim values and teachings as well as general Scouting values.”

Quayum’s own experiences as a Sea Scout in Glasgow convinced him that it is best for Muslims to go it alone. “It can be a little bit daunting joining a group where you are the only non-white face,” he said. “I still enjoyed my time in the Scouts but I would have been far more comfortable if the opportunity to join a group which was more open to Muslim ideals had been available.”

Quayum, who helped launch the Islamic community station Radio Ramadhan in Glasgow in 2003, stresses Muslim Scout groups are open to youngsters of all backgrounds and denies the move will foster division.

“This is not an attempt to ghettoise young Muslims or to shy away from being a part of the community. We will be looking to engage with others as much as possible,” he said.

But Glasgow list MSP and anti-sectarian campaigner Sandra White was “concerned” by the idea of separate Muslim Scout groups. The Nationalist member felt the move could exacerbate the problem of young people socialising only with those from a similar ethnic background.

“In some areas of Glasgow we have gangs of Asian and white youths who never seem to meet together,” she said. “I want to see young people being integrated, not separated, and the idea of dividing people on religious lines does concern me.”

Mohammed Sarwar, the Govan Labour MP, gave his support to the idea of getting more Muslim youngsters involved in Scouting. But Britain’s first Muslim MP is firmly in favour of integration and said: “Having young people of all faiths together in the same group is the ideal situation. It is the best way to improve race relations and to build multicultural harmony.”

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