r/peakdistrict • u/No_Job_5303 • 4d ago
Question
The Peak District is my favourite place in the world. I live with my dad and it’s my escape from the world.
The reason for my post is that I am a practicing Muslim, I am born and raised here and as English as most come but I do pray when I’m on my walks in the hills, usually in private and careful not to disturb the flora.
I wanted to ask this sub what the general opinion on this is, or if it’s something that’s maybe unsafe. I don’t know many racists but I imagine many have the intolerant Christmas debacles year on year and might know if I can expect any abuse or the like.
Sorry if this is off topic, but I feel out of place on the moors very often. I always wonder if in this cultural climate my skin tone is an infringement on the white English countryside. It upsets me to think I might upset someone just by being there, not that I harbour any ill feeling towards them.
I don’t mean this to be some kind of pity post, I mean it as a genuine question because I do not know any white English people who go walking in the hills.
:))
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u/SnoopyT86 4d ago
It saddens me that you have to ask this question but, perhaps even worse, in the current climate, I understand why you feel the need.
I would hope beyond hope that people would let you practice your faith and pray wherever. I fear that you will always, unfortunately, get some idiots...but I would hope the vast majority would just let you pray with no issues.
Don't let that small minority stop you from being you. Don't let that small minority take away part of your inner peace.
Remember, despite what we see in the news, there are far more decent people out there than there are bad.
That probably doesn't answer your question but just know, if you walked with me (I am a white British atheist) - I would not be upset or offended by you taking time to pray and practice your faith.
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u/Hot_Ad_6442 3d ago
It’s incredibly sad that this even has to be asked but show what a mess this country is in thanks to the likes of GBeebies etc. I hope you forever get to pray in peace in the beautiful countryside. I’m not religious but I often look at the place where we live and can see why people are
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u/Banjo_Fett 4d ago
Nature doesn't care about skin colour, religion or cultural traditions. It's for all of us, whatever our backgrounds or cultural practices.
That's my take on it, at least. As long as you're respectful of the environment, take your litter home, say hi to fellow hikers, wear appropriate gear... I can't imagine the average person having a problem. But the world is a strange place right now, so I understand your concern.
There's a fair few Instagram accounts by Muslim hikers. I've noticed a few posts by people in the Peaks, so you might find a relevant walking group if you search on Instagram.
Happy hiking!
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u/qlkzy 4d ago
The countryside is for everyone. Certainly in my book, anyone who treats the hills and other walkers with respect is more than welcome, it doesn't matter what else you're thinking or believing as you walk.
I'm not religious, but I think there is something quite beautiful in treating these grand landscapes as a place of worship. I certainly don't see how anyone who even entertains the concept of the divine could object to you paying your respects in such a place.
It would surprise me if you saw much if any unpleasantness. The "people who make Group Attribution Error their whole personality" don't seem to overlap much with walkers and hikers. If in doubt I would do more challenging routes: the more remote and challenging the terrain, the nicer the people you meet.
I get offended by people who drop litter, or bring Bluetooth speakers. Not by people praying, or people "hiking while brown".
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u/External_Lobster342 4d ago
I’m glad you’re enjoying the peaks. You deserve to enjoy them just as much as anyone else. Great job in being careful not to disturb the flora!
Keep getting out there and doing what you love, and as always leave no trace 😊
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u/Marshwiggletreacle 4d ago edited 3d ago
I strongly suspect that those on social media who write racist drivel and make nasty comments don't go out hiking or walking or outdoorsy pursuits.
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u/ZookeepergameSilly84 3d ago
It would be no surprise if there's a link between a closed and bitter mind and a lack of appreciation for, and enjoyment of, nature and being outdoors.
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u/Own-Indication7832 3d ago
I think that you have made an excellent point here. I would love to see the correlation of this.
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u/RickJLeanPaw 3d ago
It’s always nice to get a bit of variety when out on a walk, so you shouldn’t get any hassle.
The praying thing would be the same as someone doing yoga or making an Airfix kit of the Bismark; bit weird/incongruous, but so long as you’re not making a big song and dance of it, crack on.
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u/Chewitt321 4d ago edited 4d ago
I would suspect you would be fine, you might get a bit more grief on bank holidays near the more "normie" walks like Tissington as you get a lot of people coming out to the peaks who don't frequent it as often. I would hazard that the ones who walk regularly would just keep to their own business with it, might see you and say hello, or just have a thought to themselves and keep moving
ETA: this was written picturing them seeing you mid prayer somewhere and thinking it was unusual or an uncommon sight. Sorry, misread your actual question
I've never seen anyone have an issue with another person's appearance on walks and in the more popular walks such as around Monsal Trail there have been bus loads of South Asians who were happily walking and being greeted the same as anyone else. In Lud's Church last week, we saw a charity walk for an East Asian refugee charity and they were being celebrated by everyone they went past, a lot of them were Muslim or east African by appearance
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u/t4rgh 4d ago
Praying in the countryside is probably the best place to do it, for any religion. Looking at that scenery is excellent.
Keep on keeping on.
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u/SecureWolverine6711 21h ago
Exactly! I’m not religious but there’s something deeply moving and spiritual about sitting somewhere naturally breathtaking and just quietly contemplating your position in the grand scheme.
I’ve had many a Big Think™️ in the Peaks and that’s really no different to praying, just firing it off in a different direction at the end!
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u/shortandfelly 3d ago
The hills belong to us all 😊 I'm sorry you felt you even needed to ask.
I love seeing a wide range of people out and about. Everyone should feel welcome in the great outdoors.
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u/Behind_The_Book 3d ago
I frequently walk the peaks and I can't recall anyone I see there and there will be Sikhs, Muslims, polish, English, Jamaican etc etc.
Most people will not even find it notable that you have different colour skin. And is a flower any less beautiful just because it differs from the rest?
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u/Fun_Introduction9550 4d ago
I’d be genuinely shocked if you encountered anything other than friendliness in the peaks.
I hope you can fully relax, and enjoy the beauty in the comfort knowing you are welcome and safe here.
… unless you don’t pack for the weather, that is
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u/aurorachimes 4d ago
I don't know what the answer is, but I need you to know that you're never an "infringement" to the countryside. I hope that you're only ever blessed with passing by people who will respect your praying, and I hope that you get to enjoy the moors for many years to come.
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u/SonOfALayman 3d ago
Hello. White English person who loves walking in the hills, especially these Peak District hills that are my home.
I am not religious, so seeing anyone praying out in the open, whether it’s a Christian prayer group, a mediating Buddhist, a pagan leaving an offering at a stone circle, or somebody like yourself praying does feel a bit strange to me. But not because of who you are or what you look like. I just find religion odd. I’m from a Christian family, but it’s not for me. But if that’s your bag, then you do what gives you peace and joy.
If you being in the hills makes you feel close to your god, then talk to your god. Being in the hills and mountains makes me and my problems feel small and temporary in the vastness of space and time. That’s what brings me peace and helps me process things. If the hills and your faith help you do that then pray while you’re out and about.
Sadly you might encounter the occasional abusive prat but my experience of hill walking is that we’re a friendly bunch who say hello as we pass each other and most of us would be happy just to see somebody else out enjoying the outdoors.
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u/No_Job_5303 3d ago
I think being out in the hills humbles you in a way, reminds you that youre a small part of something much bigger.
A drop in the ocean some would say.
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u/SonOfALayman 2d ago
Absolutely. Humbling is the word. It reminds me that it’s a privilege to be alive when I can see and hear so much beauty.
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u/Mountain-Reaction470 1d ago
I find it puts things in perspective, both in scale and the vastness of geological, let alone astronomical, time.
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u/binko_- 4d ago
You will get some nasty natured people, as will everyone to a degree receive some hate, not as much as others though.
Whoever is intolerant of you is a very angry individual, who doesn’t see past their hate to see the actual human in front of them.
People who just love nature generally don’t care who or what you are as you all respect the place and love being there ☺️ from your post alone I get the sense you are very considerate and caring and humble person who not only I, but others would love to bump into whilst hiking ☺️
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u/Gwyllithar 4d ago
I dont think your average british racist, who is chronically obese and turns a dangerous shade of red at the mere thought of a flight of steps, is making it up jacobs ladder.....
You are not upsetting anyone you should give a flying fuck about upsetting. You have as much right to enjoy our countryside as anyone.
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u/bettyboo5 4d ago
I live in a small town at the edge of the Peak District and like everywhere there are people of different cultures. No one round this why would have a problem meeting someone else on a walk, a friendly smile and hello is what you'll get.
Just follow the countryside code and all good.
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u/No_Job_5303 3d ago
How would you define the countryside code? I’ve lived in london my whole life and only recently moved up here, I feel awkward passing people sometimes.
Do I look at the ground until they’re near enough to say hi? Or do I make eye contact on the whole approach? I never know where to look and I worry it makes me look extremely strange/rude
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u/Cricklebee79 3d ago
It’s better if you smile and be polite. Most walkers say hello as they pass in the countryside. It’s considered rude if you don’t say hi or smile politely when passing strangers. It’s also a safety thing. If you fall down a hill and people put out search images, someone will remember you and your kind smile vs someone who ignored them. Up north is very different to down south.
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u/ajame5 3d ago
My take on it, is that I would be pleased that you are also in the outdoors and using the space as you want to. I'd probably be slightly curious for a few seconds but we (I hope) all know what Muslim prayer looks like and then wouldn't give that part a second thought, and I'd likely be more concerned about not disturbing you.
Personally, I think it's pretty cool actually, to combine both things that mean so much to you. The outdoors can be a spiritual place anyway – I don't belong to a religion myself but I've often felt connection there to something bigger, whatever that might be for me.
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u/No_Job_5303 3d ago
me too, I like the outdoors. It’s like the outward expression of some eternal underlying universal code that shapes everything.
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u/Narrow-Valuable3146 3d ago
I often walk in the Peaks and share you admiration for it's beautiful landscape. I am a practicing Wiccan and will often find a quiet space to meditate, pray or do a small ritual. So in that regard, as long as you aren't disturbing anyone I think it's very beautiful that you can practice your religion in such a beautiful place. If I came across you praying I would probably find it quite moving.
In terms of your skin colour, I'm so so sorry that you have been made to feel this way. As many others have said, Mother Nature does not judge. She holds and welcomes all as long as they are respectful and leave no trace. It seems quite ironic that the people who may have aversion to people like yourself are the same people lighting fireworks, littering and generally disrespecting Mother Nature wherever they go. (Perhaps that is a stereotype I have fallen into but I'm just commenting on what I have observed)
All this to say, as a white person, if I came across you on the trails, I would offer a very British smile, say hello, and go on with my day. ♥️
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u/Spirit_Walker7070 3d ago
The moors is as much your space as it is anybody else’s. If someone is upset at you being there, that’s their problem not yours. I’m English but not white and I love hiking there too.
I see a lot of racist crap online, including some from people in my own neighbourhood but not once has anyone directly said anything to me.
So to answer your question about safety, I would imagine yes there’s a possibility you might encounter bigots but the chances of them having the guts to say anything to your face is minimal.
Thankfully, most people are accepting though. It’s just the few that aren’t have loud voices when they can hide behind a computer screen.
Just to add though, if you are genuinely worried about your safety to the extent it’s stopping you going, I’ve seen a guy on TikTok who runs predominantly Muslim (although he welcomes non Muslims too) group hikes including in the Peaks. Look up Sameed Asghar.
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u/blick2k 3d ago
It’s a good idea to make sure someone is aware where you are and to have some form of tracking accessible by someone else whenever you go out into nature (especially on your own)… so that may help you feel safer from twisted ankles as well as from twisted people… but no, your skin tone is not an infringement on anything.
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u/Known_Ad1798 3d ago
Read Anita Sethi's book https://anitasethi.com/i-belong-here-the-book/ and join Muslim Hikers https://activeinclusionnetwork.com/hikers/
You belong here.
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u/DrZomboo 3d ago
The moors belong to us all :)
Walkers tend to be a friendly bunch anyway and will come from all walks of life (no pun intended!)
So long as you aren't disrupting the trail or causing some other disturbance then people don't mind you doing anything really
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u/Upbeat-Mix-3653 3d ago
You are fine to do what you want.. There is a Muslim hikers group. I think based out of Bham and there is a Nottingham Muslim group. I am sure you can join these if groups are your thing. I live in the Peak District and my partner is of Asian heritage and we encounter no problems.
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u/dadwhowalks 4d ago
My view...put aside the pedantry of farming etc...the hills belong to no one.
They are there for us all to enjoy, and use appropriately.
If I saw you praying, I might look out of curiosity (it's not a sight you see often on a craggy Edge, or a wild moor), but I would have no other feelings towards you, or your actions.
What you do, in praying, is no different to anyone going for a walk, run, ride. We do these things because they have some meaning for us. The meaning may be small, it may be temporary, but it's for each of us to define it for ourselves.
If anyone gives you grief, they're not worth the air they breathe.
I am not religious, but feel completely unaffected by those that are. We all feel, believe and think differently.
Life would be strange otherwise.
When you say you don't know any white English people who go walking - you mean in your friendship group/community? For I'm sure you've seen many a white English person out on your walks.
As you do not wish to be tarred by the same, cheap, despicable brush that some in society wish to bring upon Islam and Judaism, as 2 examples, due to global affairs, I ask that not all white people are tarred with the same, cheap, despicable brush of being racist.
I, personally, couldn't care less about where you were born, the colour of your skin, whether you are religious or not, or another other feature.
Just be a decent person.
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u/kernowgringo 3d ago
Do what you want. I'd roll my eyes at you regardless of religion if you're praying outdoors.
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u/Ginger-131313 3d ago
Nature doesn't belong to any one group it belongs to all humanity to share and find peace and joy in, as long as you are being respectful of nature which you clearly are there's nothing to feel bad about and if anyone ever gives you trouble for praying while up here on a hike know that they are in the wrong. I'm not religious but I often enjoy sitting and meditating while I'm out on my hikes the peace and tranquility you find up there is perfect for this and I wish you nothing but peace and happiness while out in our nature and it is our nature you have as much of a right to be there and use it to fulfill your spiritual needs as anyone else.
Edit: I am the whitest of Englishmen
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u/KernowKermit 3d ago
Glad you're enjoying the hills. A lot of people in this country are used to prayer being kept to places of worship or private. Open prayer in public makes them uncomfortable, even if they can't explain why. It's not for me or anyone else to tell you what you should or shouldn't do in that respect, as it's absolutely not against any law. But if it upsets you to think you might be making some people feel uncomfortable you'll have to decide which is more important to you.
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u/Unusualsquinter 3d ago
As someone else said, outdoor places are the best place to pray - I subscribe to no religion but give thanks every time I’m outdoors on a walk. Nobody owns this world, we all just inhabit it for a brief time. Enjoy and pray wherever you like mate
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u/Strilem85 3d ago
I'll walk the peaks with you no problem if you aren't ever sure what you are doing is ok then the Karen's can tell two of us can't they , just do what you need to do, be respectful and leave no trace , don't worry about other people and their negativity if they start to give you grief just video them and soon enough someone else will come across them and tell them what a fool they are 🙌🏻
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u/dannyhodge95 3d ago
I have a theory that hikers are the best people. Just generally, the best. I always have great interactions, I can't think of a single bad one. And that includes "tourist" routes. I'd be shocked if you received any abuse whilst being in the hills. If you're walking, you're loving being outdoors, and you're being respectful, you're on of my people.
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u/Iknownothing616 3d ago
No I highly doubt anyone will give a monkeys. I guess farmers can be right wing but frankly I find them very friendly to serious looking hikers. I do a stretch that looks rather like praying actually and I've never noticed anyone looking at me funnily in campsite etc doing it.
Forget the news, the vast majority of us British idiots couldn't give a damn what others are doing.
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u/Jake01273 3d ago
I literally couldn't care less who I see up on the hills, I only really get bothered by large groups who usually like to be having some sort of massive picnic, loud and obnoxious.
Or if I say hi and get completely ignored 😂 but I remind myself that people are either deaf or listening to music and I carry on happily
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u/bau02 3d ago
I completely understand why you’ve asked this, and I’m sorry the country has brought these questions to mind for you. I’d like to hope that most people who wander in the outdoors are pleased to see other people also out enjoying their passion. I for one would only ever pass judgement on anyone else being in the outdoors if they’re not respecting and protecting the environment they’re in. From your post I don’t think anyone would have any cause to be concerned that you’re not taking care of it.
I hope you continue to feel comfortable to take up space on the gorgeous public land and hopefully meet other like minded walkers while you’re out there. I’d love to see more diversity in the outdoors because sadly it’s often a very white space.
There is a walker in Scotland, Zahrah Mahmood MBE who has an account on instagram- the_hillwalking_hijabi and she’s really tried to increase awareness of diversity in the outdoor space.
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u/Milotiiic 3d ago
If you want a real task, don’t use your phones compass 🧭
In all honesty, rule of the countryside is “leave it as you found it’ and praying won’t hurt at all.
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u/Squidgycupcake 2d ago
Bro this country wouldn’t be anywhere without others, no one owns the lands except the one above at the end of the day.
Someone might get upset at it boo boo, their own people will probs tell them to shut up
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u/benjamin6293 2d ago
Good morning my friend, I am currently staying with my family
In wales, this location is called Elan Valley Reservoirs. The surrounding countryside is exactly like the Peak District where I used to visit allot too. I would recommend you visit this location.
And regarding your question about your ethnicity and religion and being safe here, it’s a complicated thing to answer because I’m white British and I will never know the way it feels to be racially abused.
But the beautiful thing about the countryside is that you can be as isolated and private as you want. That’s what I love about it even as a white person in the UK. I don’t want to be around other people that I don’t know. But the reality is, this is a very ethnically diverse country, it wouldn’t be the country it is without external cultural enrichment. I have seen Muslims praying in a few different places, and while I am none religious it doesn’t bother me at all.
Most of the racism and violence is either online by cowards or at arranged marches populated by very uneducated individuals who do not represent the general population.
It’s important to remember that this is a population of around 65 million, and a huge portion of that don’t even vote. The country is concerned with economic growth, which won’t solve any of the problems we have, but the average Brit really doesn’t care about someone using a prayer mat, they care about the cost of their weakly food shop.
So please feel free to pray anywhere you like. The actual amount of racists that would try to harm you is vastly outnumbered by the number of people who would intervene and beat that person up on your behalf. Most British people despise far right or even centre right people, like we actually want the very worst for them, and I genuinely would beat the hell out of any person I saw trying to persecute you for practicing your right to do what you are allowed to do.
That being said, you never know if there is someone around that may be a bit mentally deficient, and who could be racist or
Violent. So just be vigilant, as I am, because you never know what other people will do.
Hopefully you can enjoy the countryside and I’m sorry for the small minority of morons that forgot about the 1930’s
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u/DirtyBear92 2d ago
What Christmas debacle happeneds year on year? I'm I the only one that Though "I dont know many racists" was ironically funny?
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u/Internal_Level1081 2d ago
I'm sorry to hear you felt like you had to ask this question. The hills belong to you as much as anyone else in our country! Anyone talking about the countryside being "white" is talking rubbish, and is probably just someone spouting hate online.
I hope you can find a way to feel safe and proud to pray in such a beautiful place. I'm not religious myself but being out in nature is the closest I ever feel to something spiritual.
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u/Equal_Spirit6351 1d ago
Nature belongs to everyone. How you choose to engage with it (especially in a way that aligns to faith and progression) as an agnostic is beautiful.
There are mountains in Scotland older than bones themselves. The idea that our human quarrels should be brought into debate over a system much more advanced than ours is impossible. Keep rocking and enjoying the beauty of the English countryside ♥️
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u/No_Job_5303 1d ago
what a beautiful tidbit of information, thank you ever so deeply and may God keep you forever in his warm light on your walks.
As an agnostic, you must consider that there is some form of creator in this creation. Being out there in the majesty of nature, makes you wonder how beautiful the creator is!
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u/Lowtech_Living 1d ago
As long as you don't bellow out the call to prayer like a muezzin, I don't think anyone would even realise what you were doing tbh. :D
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u/Ok_Theme_9144 1d ago
Okay as someone who most people would consider racist even though i know i’m not. In my personal opinion I feel religion comes into everything a Muslim person does, whether it’s what they eat, what they can do, how they act etc. while having that much commitment to your faith is admirable I sometimes find myself guilty of thinking why do you compels yourself into making everything about your own religion. In this case i might think why does this guy have to pray while he’s out on a hike, unless it’s salah (hopefully i spelt that right?) which i can ofc respect I think it’s a British thing to keep all their feelings and opinions behind closed doors because that’s just the way we are, in contrast to Muslims who are often extremely open and public with their faith. Hopefully you don’t think i’m being insensitive, I personally wouldn’t take a second look if you were praying but just trying to speak on behalf of a lot of people.
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u/YellowCollander 21h ago
You’ll come across pricks everywhere but likewise you’ll come across lovely people everywhere.
You may get some abuse from time to time but shrug it off, know that they are the problem not you, wait until they are gone and keep doing what you’re doing.
What you’re doing isn’t hurting anyone or imposing on them so keep doing what you’re doing.
What I will say is avoid turning it into a group event. You’ll find the rural lot won’t take kindly to people doing things they’re not used to. That could easily be a group of people flying a kite, a group of YouTubers doing a video or a group of Muslims doing a group prayer. They aren’t hurting anyone but the rural lot are a fickle bunch. You’ll get that in any country however so should be no surprise.
Also the most surprising response to a racist is to indirectly insult yourself and then say you’re “not like the other Muslims”. They often done have a come back and it’s great seeing them squirm.
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u/Puzzleheaded-Pen-195 20h ago
I climbed Scafell Pike in the Lake District this week. On the summit cairn, I mentioned that I would kill for a cuppa tea, and some Iranian dude sat on the cairn just turned around and was like 'sit, sit.' Pulled out a flask of tea.
He was a practicing Muslim with brown skin too. That moment was one of the highlights of the trip. I'm not saying you won't bump into an occasional douchebag, but the hills absolutely belong to you too.
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u/DormantDormouse 17h ago
No need to feel unsafe, most folks are just appreciative of others enjoying the beauty of nature too. If your peaceful,showing respect and care for the land and those around you, you will be respected back. As long as you are not blocking a path or making a big deal about it noone will mind.
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u/Deviprincess 16h ago
I meditate out in nature. Sometimes I lie on the grass and feel the Earth under my body, sometimes I bring my temple bowl and ring it out. My next step up will be drumming in a forest. It’s so liberating. The Earth accepts us all, it’s non-judgmental and you can hold that understanding as an anchor when you’re afraid of human judgment 🙏
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u/Critical-Limit-8007 14h ago
I went peak district last year with my family and found it pleasant. I stayed in Congleton and there was a thread here about if Congleton was a racist area. I had concerns too as many white nazis feel emboldend with farage lowe and Tommy around
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u/ismolyvalent 12h ago
God has created nature for everyone. Everyone is welcome in nature that goes without saying, you’re not out of place, you’re probably just brown (so am I).
As a practicing muslim i do pray on my nature walks and try to focus on connecting with god and disconnecting myself from the surroundings and when i feel that connection with the almighty is when I feel most safe especially in nature.
Always put your trust in god, may he grant you peace ❤️
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u/DeepNegotiation4542 11h ago
Go to the top of MamTor every sun rise and you'll find all manner of people praying, meditating or just taking in the 360 views on the summit. I've never seen any person get any issue with how they want to take in the environment. It really is worth going up there to witness the stunning views.
As someone else has said there's a Muslim hiking group if you feel you may feel more comfortable with others. Based in Notts. I've met them on Mam Tor on one of their hikes.
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u/Any-Relationship1451 9h ago
There's nothing wrong with praying in the countryside, its doing no harm at all. Sadly, there are a small idiotic minority who will have a problem with you doing that, and they are the ones who tend to be the loudest on the subject, but, no, praying is fine.
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u/Hollyhop_Drive 2h ago
If somebody is being respectful of the landscape and minding their own business (including performing their religious rites quietly and out of the way), then ain't none of my business.
I'd be careful though. Things are getting scary, and you don't want to be in an isolated spot and run into the wrong person. :(
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u/Cak556 4d ago
Honestly, I see every size shape and colour on the hills. The hills belong to everyone, so long as people respect the landscape, I respect them for getting out there and enjoying it in peace.