22 November 2025

As we mark Islamophobia Awareness Month 2025, we do so at a moment when anti-Muslim hatred in the UK has reached deeply troubling levels. Over the past year, we have witnessed a pattern of hostility that can no longer be dismissed as fringe or isolated. It has become more visible, more confident, and increasingly unchallenged in public life.

This was made starkly evident during the recent ‘Unite the Kingdom’ rally, where right-wing agitators openly incited hatred towards Muslims. The ease and boldness with which this rhetoric was expressed reflects a broader and alarming shift: Islamophobia is not simply growing louder – it is becoming more acceptable in mainstream spaces.

National figures underscore the scale of the problem. According to the latest Home Office data, nearly 40% of all recorded religiously motivated hate crimes targeted Muslims, despite Muslims comprising less than 7% of the population. This disproportionate targeting has remained consistent for years, but its intensity is rising.

Behind every statistic are real individuals, families, and communities whose daily lives are shaped by fear, anxiety, and the constant need for vigilance.

Recent events have served as a stark reminder of the danger Muslim communities continue to face. Earlier this year, a mosque in East Sussex, UK, was subjected to a deliberate arson attack. The incident, which sent shockwaves through Muslim communities across the nation, was not an isolated case.

Research published by the British Muslim Trust points to a sharp rise in vandalism of mosques, harassment of worshippers, intimidation of visibly Muslim women, and the increasing use of far-right slogans. The report also highlighted the growing appropriation of Christian symbols by extremists.

More broadly, elements of the far-right are attempting to recast their hostility towards Muslims through a narrative of Christian nationalism.

Against this backdrop, it is essential to challenge the distorted ways in which Christian symbols and language are being misused to lend a veneer of legitimacy to racism. Christian leaders across the country have rejected such manipulation, emphasising that the hateful ideology of the far-right bears no resemblance to the teachings of Jesus (PBUH). 

The weaponisation of religion – whether Christianity, Islam, Judaism, or any faith tradition – for political purposes is a distortion of their teachings. 

As a leading faith institution, we share a responsibility to call this out clearly, consistently, and with moral clarity. The East London Mosque therefore welcomes the growing number of interfaith initiatives that recognise this emerging threat and are working to ensure that the UK’s major faith institutions play an active and united role in countering the harmful narratives of the far-right.

Anti-Muslim racism is not simply a concern of the victims of this hate; it is a national challenge which if left unchecked, will erode trust, polarise communities, and undermine the core values of fairness, dignity, and mutual respect that should bind us together.

Islamophobia Awareness Month offers an opportunity to recognise the rise in hate and to strengthen our shared commitment to a society that unites rather than divides.

Our responsibility is shared, and so too is our future.

A Shared Commitment: What We Can All Do

As we reflect on the challenges facing our communities, it’s important to remember that change doesn’t only come from institutions or policymakers – it comes from all of us. Islamophobia can be challenged in everyday moments, through everyday actions. Below are some practical steps that anyone can take to help build a fairer, more respectful society for everyone.

Practical Steps to Help Tackle Islamophobia

1. Report incidents so they don’t go unnoticed. You can report incidents to:

• Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU) – https://www.theiru.org.uk/report-islamophobia/
• Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) – https://mcb.org.uk
• Muslim Engagement & Development (MEND) – https://www.mend.org.uk

You can also make a report through your local police force’s online hate crime portal.

2. Support people who have been targeted.

Offer support, help them report what happened, or simply listen. No one should deal with these experiences alone.

3. Build local connections.

Visit your local mosque, attend interfaith events, and get to know your neighbours. Personal connections break down barriers far faster than statements or campaigns.

4. Share positive stories and perspectives.

Highlight the contributions, charity work, and everyday kindness within Muslim communities. Positive stories counter harmful narratives.

5. Challenge sensationalist or misleading coverage.

If media reporting feels unfair or inflammatory, raise it with the outlet or regulator. Responsible journalism matters.

6. Encourage learning and conversation.

Schools, workplaces, and community groups benefit from better awareness of Islam and the diversity within Muslim communities.

7. Stand alongside others facing discrimination.

Solidarity strengthens everyone. Standing up for other communities helps create a more united society.

8. Stay engaged in civic life

Take part in local consultations, contact your MP, and stay visible in public conversations.