To be a European Muslim addresses some of the fundamental issues born of the several million strong Muslim presence in Europe in our times. Based on a thorough study of Islamic sources, it seeks to answer basic questions about European Muslims' social, political, cultural and legal integration.

The book is structured in two parts. Part one looks at the theoretical aspects of muslims living in non-muslim states. Part two attempts to apply this theory in tackling questions concerning belonging, identity and citizenship of European Muslims.

This book is a must read for 2nd/3rd generation British Muslims. It attempts to show that it is possible to lead a life as a practising Muslim while 'living together' in multi-faith, pluralistic European states.

Tariq Ramadan is believed by many to be one of the greatest thinkers/Islamic Scholars of our time and this is why the book makes such a refreshing read. Ramadan says, "I'm a European who has grown up here. I don't deny my Muslim roots, but I don't vilify Europe either."

Ramadan's chosen task is to invent an independent European Islam: "We need to separate Islamic principles from their cultures of origin and anchor them in the cultural reality of Western Europe." With 15 million Muslims on the Continent, Ramadan believes it's time to abandon the dichotomy in Muslim thought that has defined Islam in opposition to the West. "I can incorporate everything that's not opposed to my religion into my identity," he says, "and that's a revolution."

"What I'm saying is, be proud of who you are," says Ramadan. "We've got to get away from the idea that scholars in the Islamic world can do our thinking for us. We need to start thinking for ourselves."