Islamophobia Awarness Month, 2024
As we observe Islamophobia Awareness Month, it’s essential to reflect not only on the challenges posed by discrimination but also on the strength that communities can offer in resisting prejudice. Islamophobia is define as being “rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness” (Source). Islamophobia is built on stereotypes, prejudice, and distrust. Islamophobia Awareness has compiled shocking fact sheets that highlight the extent of Islamophobia plaguing the UK.
In the Summer of 2024, we we witnessed horrific acts of violence targeting racially marginalised individuals, mosques, and hotels housing asylum seekers across the country. However, we also saw the country come together to remind us that the people want the UK to be kind, inclusive, and empowering for marginalised communities. In the face of adversity, communities—whether local, national, or global—are a powerful force for resistance, healing, and education. The power of community lies in shared experience, solidarity, and the collective ability to challenge negative stereotypes.
This year’s theme is “Seeds of Change,” which aims to emphasise the big impact of small actions. Through conversations and a willingness to learn, we can overcome unconscious biases and build stronger relationships within our communities.
Our Partnerships
Whilst Islamophobia remains a serious and persistent issue, community support is essential in combating this discrimination.
Our Stay Warm in Newham project works with a range of community partners to spread awareness of our services within Newham. Our partners help us build strong links within the community. Volunteers promote our sessions and share updates with community members, their families, friends, and neighbours through word of mouth. By promoting our sessions, we have seen a diverse attendance in our Warm Bank.
Our partners are often the first point of contact for sharing our projects directly within the community. It’s crucial that our first impression is welcoming, as this helps us form bonds within the Muslim community. Beyond offering energy advice, we share information about volunteer roles, upcoming events, food banks, food pantries, and training courses such as ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and digital skills.
During Islamophobia Awareness Month, we want to highlight the impact of our collaboration with Muslim-centred community centres through our Stay Warm in Newham outreach:
Newham Community Project is a non-profit organisation that supports individuals with no recourse to public funds by working closely with the people of the Newham community. Newham Community Project advocates for and supports Muslim individuals and families. This year, the project made 15 referrals for energy grants and hosted 12 outreach events. During these events, 2,190 attendees received advice on energy savings and other services (e.g., Improve Your English workshops, Eid Family Fun Day, Bumps and Babies)
UKIM Masjid Ibrahim is part of UKIM, one of the oldest nationwide Islamic organisations in the UK. Masjid Ibrahim plays a crucial role in the Muslim community as both a mosque and community centre. This year, Masjid Ibrahim made 12 referrals for energy grants and hosted 19 outreach events. Through these events, our partners spoke with 613 attendees about energy-saving advice and raised awareness of our community projects.
Different communities come through the door, so we want them to interact, learn about other cultures and religions. It’s a learning factor. That has formed many friendships, and it’s nice to see that happen because of the space we have provided.
Kadiza, Stay Warm in Newham Coordinator
Our Community
Interfaith dialogue plays a crucial role in combating Islamophobia by building relationships that go beyond faith and cultural differences. At the Renewal Programme, we have a diverse and multicultural team, which provides us with the wonderful opportunity to learn new ideas, stories, perspectives, and beliefs from each other. This helps us build mutual understanding and trust, expanding who we define as our neighbours and community.
We share in important cultural events, such as our recent Eid party for staff, volunteers, and community members. Our staff and volunteers arranged a delicious menu, decorated the hall, coloured Eid lanterns together, listened to Eid songs and drumming, and even enjoyed some henna painting. It was an amazing experience to learn more about Ramadan and celebrate Eid with our community.
Eid is a significant religious holiday for Muslims, marking the culmination of either Ramadan or the Hajj pilgrimage—two of the five pillars of Islam. There are two main Eids in the Islamic calendar: Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. During Eid, Muslims gather for special prayers, share festive meals, give to charity, and exchange greetings and gifts. Both Eids are joyous occasions focused on community, gratitude, and generosity, with a special emphasis on helping others and strengthening bonds within families and communities.
What Can You Do?
The first step is being aware of the real harm Islamophobia causes. From exclusion to violent attacks, Islamophobia creates a divide between us and our neighbours. Community support is key to combating discrimination. You can stand together with your community by:
1. Educating yourself. Take the initiative to learn more about Islam and the diverse cultures of Muslims. Attend outreach events or visit interfaith community centres.
2. Solidarity. When you witness Islamophobia, don’t be a bystander. In moments of crisis, take action—whether through intervention or helping victims access appropriate support.
3. Advocacy. Collective action is how we bring about legislative and structural change. Find organisations and movements that advocate for anti-discrimination and the safeguarding of Muslim individuals.
4. Be part of the community. Take part in interfaith and multicultural projects or groups to learn from others, develop empathy, and break down barriers.
One of the most powerful tools for challenging Islamophobia is amplifying the voices of Muslims themselves. In a media landscape that often focuses on negative portrayals, it’s crucial to celebrate the meaningful contributions, culture, and lived experiences of Muslims within British society. To take part in the celebrations, check out what’s on in Newham this month at Newham IAM
Islamophobia Awareness Month is a time to reflect on the deep-rooted challenges faced by Muslim communities, but it is also a call to action. Communities—whether Muslim or non-Muslim—must come together to create a more inclusive and compassionate society, one that is rooted in mutual respect, solidarity, and understanding. While Islamophobia persists, the collective strength of our communities—through education, advocacy, and shared action—has the power to confront and dismantle hate. Our diverse communities are what make cities like London great, and it is through sowing seeds of change to foster inclusion and empathy that we can ensure Islamophobia has no place in our society.
