A growing minority of young Muslims are inspired by political Islam and feel they have less in common with non-Muslims than their parents do, a survey revealed.
The poll found support for Sharia law, Islamic schools and wearing the veil in public is significantly stronger among young Muslims than their parents.
While the majority of Muslims feel they have as much, if not more, in common with non-Muslims in Britain than with Muslims abroad, the figure dropped from 71% of over-55s to 62% among 16-24 year olds, the survey for independent think-tank Policy Exchange found.
The percentage who said they would prefer to send their children to Islamic state schools increased from 19% for over 55 year olds to 37% of 16-24 year olds.
The number who said they would prefer to live under Sharia law than British law increased from 17% of over-55s to 37% of 16-24 year olds.
Munira Mirza, the lead author of the report, said the results suggested Government policy was to blame for sharpening divisions between Muslims and non-Muslims.
She said: "The emergence of a strong Muslim identity in Britain is, in part, a result of multicultural policies implemented since the 1980s which have emphasised difference at the expense of shared national identity and divided people along ethnic, religious and cultural lines."
According to the poll, 74% of 16-24 year olds prefer Muslim women to choose to wear the hijab compared with only 28% of over 55s.
And while 7% of all those surveyed "admire organisations like al Qaida that are prepared to fight the West", the figure increased from 3% of over 55s to 13% among 16-24 year olds.
Read More
Ms Mirza said: "There is clearly a conflict within British Islam between a moderate majority that accepts the norms of Western democracy and a growing minority that does not."
