While virulent but nebulously directed anti-Muslim sentiment sullied the British consciousness in the wake of the recent London terrorist bombings, the country selected its first Muslim Miss England. Hammasa Kohistani — 18, Uzbekistan-born, and able to chatter prettily in a stunning six languages — was crowned as the first Muslim Miss England in Liverpool on Saturday.

Kohistani’s ascension was greeted by cheering crowds in Liverpool but grumblings at the Liverpool Islamic Institute. “There is no way a Muslim girl should be playing any part in this competition, because it is unlawful … The ladies in that contest are very scantily dressed, and the only part of the body that should be on display are the face, the hands, and the feet,” stated Hashim Sulaiman.

Undeterred by the criticism, Kohistani will be vying for the $US100,000 prize pot at the Miss World final competition in China in December.

Mimi Hanaoka