London Mosque Seeks Legal Advice After Charity Regulator Cites Sermons
The Charity Commission issued a formal warning to the Lewisham Islamic Centre over two past sermons, prompting the group to question if religious institutions face penalties for political expression.
By Lauren Foster ·
British charity law generally prohibits organizations with political purposes from holding charity status, a rule that now sits at the center of a dispute between a London mosque and the national regulator. The Charity Commission has issued an official warning to the Lewisham Islamic Centre in south-east London regarding specific content delivered in its sermons.
The regulator identified two instances where it believed the center’s messaging was "inflammatory" and "divisive." The first occurred in October 2023, during the initial phase of Israel's bombardment of Gaza. Imam Shakeel Begg described Palestinian suffering as resulting from actions by "the oppressors and the Zionists." In the same address, he referred to celebrities Justin Bieber and Kylie Jenner as "sick" for their vocal support of Israel.
The second instance cited by the commission took place in August 2024, following the summer riots in Britain. Imam Ashraf Dabous stated that the manipulators behind the violent disorder were Zionists and supporters of the state of Israel. Members of the Israeli government have previously promoted Tommy Robinson, the British anti-Islam activist who uses the name Stephen Yaxley-Lennon.
The Lewisham Islamic Centre is currently seeking legal advice to determine the best course of action. In a statement released this week, the center argued that the warning reflects a larger issue regarding the freedom of Muslim institutions to conduct worship and address concerns for their congregations. The group stated that solidarity with oppressed groups should not become grounds for charitable sanction.
The center challenged the regulator's authority, suggesting that if legal action proceeds, other organizations should join a united challenge to defend religious freedom. The commission maintains that the two sermons were not in the charity's best interests and posed an unnecessary risk to its reputation. It has instructed the center to review and implement a policy governing all events and speakers.
The charity faces further regulatory action if it does not act on these recommendations. The commission's warning highlights the tension between religious expression and the legal definition of a non-political charity in the UK.
