Outgoing MCB Chief Warns of Rising Islamophobia in the UK

Zara Mohammed, the previous leader of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), has declared that the United Kingdom is currently experiencing a "tidal wave of Islamophobia." Mohammed, in her final interview as MCB general secretary, emphasized the increasing acceptance of Islamophobic rhetoric, which she claims is no longer being challenged or condemned.

She overcame obstacles such as the COVID-19 pandemic, nationwide unrest, and a lack of government engagement with the Muslim community during her four-year term.

Mohammed contemplated the Southport disturbances of the previous year, which were partially incited by false allegations that the perpetrator was a Muslim asylum seeker.

Mosques, businesses, and taxi drivers were targeted during the violence, which left her feeling powerless due to the government's refusal to engage with the MCB during the crisis. She emphasized the imperative necessity of official dialogue, stating that British Muslims were being attacked and mosques were being targeted.

The monitoring group Tell Mama UK has monitored 4,971 incidents of Islamophobic hatred in the United Kingdom since the beginning of the conflict in Gaza, the greatest number in 14 years.

Mohammed expressed disappointment that the prevalent narratives surrounding British Muslims have not changed, and Islamophobia continues to permeate national discourse, despite the MCB's efforts in community development and advocacy.

She also cited the abuse experienced by prominent Muslim politicians, such as former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf and London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as evidence of the broadening trend of Islamophobia.

Mohammed observed that the MCB has made progress in increasing awareness; however, the battle against Islamophobia is still ongoing, and substantial progress has not yet been made in the removal of barriers for British Muslims.