The undersigned mosques in Birmingham express our gratitude to local authorities and the law enforcement agencies for making efforts to restore peace in our communities. It is completely unacceptable that far right extremists feel emboldened to terrorise our streets, places of worship, asylum and refugee centres. We commend those nationwide who have called this out for what it is – Islamophobic, extremist and racist crimes.

We also ask our community to place your trust in Allah the Most Just and the Giver of Peace. Please consider the following advice:

1. Remember your greatest strength is dua and should always be our first point of action.
2. Allow West Midlands Police to do their job, they must be at the frontline and given the space to tackle the extremists and bring charges forth.
3. Should you participate in counter protests, do not wear face coverings that insinuate you are looking for trouble. Balaclavas only portray negative connotations and cause aggravation. If your sincere intention is to protect and defend, then there is no need to hide your face.
4. All eyes are on Muslims, some media as well as far right extremists are waiting for one Muslim to fall for the bait and commit a crime so that it can be amplified across the country. Therefore, be responsible and conduct yourselves in the best of manner that epitomises our faith.
5. Show patience and restraint “And be patient, and your patience is not but through Allāh. And do not grieve over them and do not be in distress over what they conspire.” (Qur’an 16:127)
6. Be mindful of the misinformation and fake news that is seeping into all social media platforms. Again, this is bait designed to either install fear, disturb our lives or cause our community to react violently. Wait for verified information before reacting in a lawful manner or sharing news.
7. Should you, your business or family be a victim of Islamophobic or racial hate, you should call 999 if in danger or 101 to report the incident, no matter how small you think it may be. We must build accuracy in the stats and cases of hatred towards us.
8. Practice common sense, women are the greatest victims of physical Islamophobic assaults so, whether today or a year from now, protect those that are vulnerable.

“Good and evil cannot be equal. Repel evil with what is better, and you will see that the one you had enmity with become as if he were a devoted friend.” (Quran 41:34)

Signed Mosques

• Abrahamic Foundation Birmingham & Sandwell
• Al-Hijrah Masjid
• Amanah Masjid
• Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre
• ⁠Huda Masjid & Community Centre
• Jami Mosque and Islamic Centre, Coventry Road, Birmingham.
• ⁠Mahmudsabir Masjid
• Masjid Al Falaah
• ⁠Masjid Attarbiya and Kowneyn’s community centre
• Masjid Ēsa Ibn Maryam
• Masjid Sulayman Bin Dawūd
• Muslim Association of Britain – West Midlands Branch
• Muslim Student House Masjid & Community Centre
• Sparkbrook Islamic centre
• Sultan Bahu Trust – Birmingham