By Shaykh Muzzammil Ahmad | 09 August 2024

In this week’s sermon, I addressed the congregation about the tragedy in Southport last month, where three young girls were killed in a senseless knife attack. The shock and sorrow of this incident have reverberated deeply through our community and the nation. In response to this heartbreaking event. then the troubling rioting, looting and Islamophobia that followed, I felt compelled to speak about our collective response and the path forward.

The sermon aimed to guide how we, as British Muslims, should navigate these challenging times, combat misconceptions, challenge Islamophobia and continue to contribute positively to our society.

As it transpired, the perpetrator of this heinous crime was not of Muslim descent, nor did he come from a Muslim background. He was born and raised in Cardiff. I didn’t mention the ethnicity and religious background of this individual because, unlike what some in our society believe, we, as Muslims, do not hold that there is any inherent, malicious character tied to a race or religion. Indeed, there are good people in every corner of the earth. Many people of all faiths desire nothing more than justice and peace. This is how Allah created us. This is our fitrah – our natural disposition. Our faith teaches us to look beyond superficial differences and recognise the inherent dignity in all human beings.

During the sermon, I shared our pain in seeing how, in the wake of this tragedy, some have chosen to divert attention from the loss of innocent lives, the anguish of the families of the victims and the growing mental health crisis in our society that leads to such acts of senseless violence. Instead, many have sought to exploit this heartbreaking event to spread misinformation and stoke unfounded fears about Muslims and immigrants.

While the violence and rioting of the past week is deplorable, it is not entirely surprising. When certain politicians, sections of the media, and influential public figures persistently portray Muslims as a threat and normalise Islamophobia, the consequences, as we have seen, are frightening. The demonisation and scapegoating of Muslims endangers not only our brothers and sisters in faith but also our institutions and the very fabric of our society.

A hateful narrative about Muslims, which has no basis in fact or reality, has been allowed to spread unchecked. Let us step back and examine the facts objectively. British Muslims have been an integral part of the fabric of this nation for generations. When Britain needed rebuilding after the devastation of World War II, it was Muslims, among others, who answered the call. We came not as illegal immigrants but as invited guests to help rebuild a nation in need. Our history in this country is one of contribution and collaboration.

Our contributions to British society are numerous and significant. In London alone, Muslims own over 13,000 businesses, creating more than 30,000 jobs. The halal food industry contributes over £1 billion annually to the economy, with Muslim businesses contributing £30 billion overall. Moreover, British Muslims are among the most charitable communities in the UK, donating over four times as much as any other group.

In times of crisis, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, Muslim healthcare workers have been on the front lines, risking their lives to save others. Over 40,000 Muslims are employed by the NHS, constituting about 10% of its workforce, despite Muslims making up only 5% of the overall population.

Speaking on the integration issue, I stressed how Muslims have become an integral part of society, performing some of the most crucial roles in our country. However, it is important to understand that integration does not mean abandoning our values or succumbing to societal ills. We stand firm against the moral and spiritual decay that plagues modern society and invite others to join us in this endeavour. Together, we must address the loss of faith, advocate for peace and justice in foreign policy, protect our youth from the scourge of drugs and gang violence, uphold moral values, and tackle the root causes of the societal problems we see around us. The Islamic faith guides us to be a positive force for change, contributing to the betterment of society.

As we face these challenges, we must draw inspiration from those who came before us. I am reminded of Altab Ali, a young Bangladeshi textile worker who was murdered in 1978, not far from where we gather today, simply because of the colour of his skin. His death sparked a movement, with thousands marching against racism, carrying his coffin to Downing Street. Altab Ali’s legacy teaches us that we must never bow to racism or discrimination and that our survival and prosperity lie within ourselves.

In combating the hate and racism that surrounds us, I offered the congregation, particularly our youth, the following guidance:

1. Never resort to senseless violence. The Qur’an reminds us: “Allah does not forbid you from those who do not fight you because of religion and do not expel you from your homes - from being righteous toward them and acting justly toward them. Indeed, Allah loves those who act justly.” (60:8)
2. Learn our deen properly and reflect on our purpose and identity. We cannot stand up for our faith if we do not understand it.
3. Unite as Muslims and stand together against hate. Allah says: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (3:103)
4. Raise our voices against injustice through peaceful means. As Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The best jihad is to speak a word of truth before a tyrannical ruler.”
5. Teach the deen and speak of its values without fear. Allah says: “We have certainly sent down to you a Book in which is your mention. Then will you not reason?” (21:10)
6. Embody the values our religion teaches us. As Allah states: “You are the best nation produced [as an example] for mankind. You enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong and believe in Allah.” (3:110)

In summary, let us remember that we are not victims, nor should we ever adopt a victimhood mentality. We are a strong, resilient community with a rich history of overcoming challenges. Our faith teaches us to strive and persevere, not to wallow in self-pity. As Muslims in Britain, we must continue in the tradition of our faith by contributing positively to society and standing firm against injustice and racism while embodying the values of Islam.

May Allah grant us the wisdom, courage, and perseverance to face these challenges and emerge stronger.

Ameen.

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