‘It makes me feel more British’: Muslims say religious diversity in the UK part of identity

‘Potentially harmful language’: Taufique Ahmad outside the Baitul Futuh mosque in south London. He says characterisations of Muslims is disturbing. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

On Friday morning, little space remained in Baitul Futuh mosque as thousands of people poured in to mark the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan.

The south London mosque, one of the largest in Europe, offered a glimpse of the Eid al-Fitr festivities being celebrated by millions of Muslims across the UK. This year, however, a political furore around one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar has divided UK party leaders, drawn warnings of bigotry and left members of the community feeling disturbed and disappointed.