by Mike Judge, Evangelical Times
Khan could soon overtake Smith as the most common surname among newborns in England and Wales. According to an analysis by The Telegraph, 3,772 babies were registered with the surname Khan in 2025, compared with 4,102 named Smith. If current trends continue, Khan could take the lead by 2027.
A surname, of course, tells us nothing certain about an individual’s beliefs. But let’s not kid ourselves, Khan is a common Muslim surname. These figures highlight Britain’s changing population and they raise important questions. Christians must respond with both evangelistic concern and political realism.
Our Muslim neighbours need the gospel. Like all people, they are made in God’s image and need salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus spoke with the Samaritan woman despite deep religious divisions (John 4:7–26), and commanded his disciples to ‘make disciples of all nations’ (Matthew 28:19).
We must build friendships with our Muslim neighbours, welcome honest conversations and explain why Jesus is more than a prophet. He is the Son of God, crucified for sinners and raised from the dead. Islam and Christianity fundamentally disagree about his identity and the way of salvation. Love demands that we tell the truth.
But evangelistic concern must not become political naivety. Islam seeks to control law, public morality and political authority. Islamist movements want to order society according to their interpretation of Sharia. Such ambitions threaten the values of democratic government, freedom of conscience and equality before the law. Christians must speak plainly.