Message from the Secretary General

Asalaam alaikum,

In the past few weeks, I’ve met with many people who have made impassioned and evidence based cases for what the priority of the MCB should be.

Some say our priority should be to protect the mosques from attacks. Others make an equally good case for supporting the mosques to be more open to a wider section of the community.

With the recent Unite The Kingdom march, tackling hatred online and on our streets must also be a priority.

However, surely we must also prioritise working at pace to build political alliances for a possible Reform electoral victory.

Others, who are experienced in geopolitics, are rationally advising we prioritise the very real possibility that this country may find itself directly involved in a conflict in the near future and the implications that would have for our communities, especially the youth.

And what about Gaza? How can this most horrific genocide of our time and the ethnic cleansing of a people not be our number 1 priority?

We have gone around the country and spoken to hundreds and thousands of Muslim communities, organisations and individuals. We know that all these issues and many more are incredibly important. But the truth is, you can only have ONE priority. By making everything a priority, then in effect, nothing is.

Leadership is about making choices. Sometimes impossible choices. Here, at the MCB, we have consulted, made istikhara and then made that choice.

No more bouncing around from one emergency to another with little impact and no sustainability. No more letting off emotional steam with no power to back our righteous causes. No more sacrificing the long term for the short term.

Our priority will be to build the infrastructure of the Muslim community. It will be to set in place the people, the systems, the networks and the processes that can be utilised in and outlast any crisis.

That is our north star. That is our Madina.

And that is what we are already doing. Join us

JazakAllah khairun,

Dr Wajid Akhter

Opportunities

This Black History Month, we journey into our shared heritage by uncovering the golden and rich history of Africa – a continent of 54 nations and countless stories of resilience, faith, and unity.

Black Muslims make up more than 10% of British Muslim communities. In order to build a future where racism, nationalism and classism does not divide us - it is important that we emphasise our shared history and learn more about African Islamic history.

Our African Islamic History Series will open with Why Every Muslim Should Learn About African History, before exploring the remarkable histories of Nigeria, Sudan, the Horn of Africa, and finally, the inspiring stories of African converts here in the UK.

This five-part webinar series is designed for all Muslims – an opportunity to learn from the past, reflect on the present, and envision a stronger future. If we are to realise our Vision 2050 of unity, empowerment, and service, we must begin by reconnecting with the foundations of our history.

✨ Join us on this journey. Discover, reflect, and be inspired. Register now to secure your place in this powerful webinar series.

Attendees of all five sessions will receive a certificate.

Visit My Mosque 2025 – Celebrating 10 Years of Community and Connection

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th October 2025

This year marks a special milestone – 10 years of the Muslim Council of Britain’s Visit My Mosque campaign, where mosques across the UK open their doors to neighbours, friends, and wider communities in a spirit of unity, openness, and hospitality.

#OurStories | #OurNeighbourhood
In 2025, we will celebrate the people, experiences, and connections that make mosques the heart of local communities. Whether your mosque is taking part for the first time or has been a proud host for many years, now is the perfect time to get involved.

This year we have more than a hundred mosques taking part from all corners of the UK - proudly showcasing how mosques are harmoniously woven into the British fabric.

Let’s come together to make this anniversary year a memorable one.
#VisitMyMosque2025 – Opening hearts, opening doors.

For more information and to find your local participating mosque visit our website.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) is launching seven Regional Forums to strengthen local community engagement, representation, and action.

These forums will provide a platform for grassroots voices to influence wider decision-making and build collaboration across sectors

Public Affairs Highlights

MCB team members attending the Lib Dem Party conference in Bournemouth on 20 & 21 September. We had some robust conversations with policy makers, allies and critics alike, from safety on our streets, to housing, AI policy, racism & Islamophobia, the genocide in Gaza and what the Lib Dems have to offer at the upcoming local elections in May 2026. We also plan to attend the upcoming Labour Party and Green Party conferences in coming weeks too.

Brutal Racist Attack in Oldbury a Wake-Up Call

We have written to Microsoft demanding answers and accountability.

Racist Attack Against the South Essex Islamic Centre

UK Muslims report vandalism, attacks amid controversial flag campaign

The Muslim women who defied tradition and changed lives with exercise

Mosques in southern England face five-figure bills to heatproof themselves