UK mosque rebukes comission’s ‘warning’ following Palestine comments
The Lewisham Islamic Centre in London has rejected a warning from the UK's Charity Commission regarding comments on Palestinian suffering made during October 2023 sermons.
The Lewisham Islamic Centre (LIC) in London has rejected a warning issued by the UK's independent Charity Commission, which reprimanded the mosque for comments on Palestinian suffering made by an imam during October 2023 sermons. The mosque accused the charity watchdog of imposing disproportionate expectations on Muslim charities.
Mosque's Response
The mosque stated that "the matters raised by the Commission represent a troubling attempt to scrutinise, restrict and penalise legitimate religious worship" and "the expression of solidarity with the Palestinian people." The centre described the commission's expectations as "unnecessarily burdensome."
The Commission has told a mosque that naming who is responsible for Palestinian suffering falls outside acceptable religious practice.
Commission's Warning
The Charity Commission accused the religious centre of including "content that was inflammatory, divisive and not in the charity's best interests" during two separate sermons. The commission warned that if the mosque fails to "remedy the misconduct", it may be subjected to further action.
Support and Concerns
CAGE International, a London-based human rights organisation, supported the mosque, claiming the Charity Commission showed lenience when it came to pro-Israel charities. The LIC explained that a sermon, or khutbah, is an integral part of Islamic worship and often addresses issues affecting congregations and their communities.
The mosque worried that the warning suggested the commission was "entitled to dictate which subjects Imams may address in their khutbahs." LIC added that they are currently seeking legal advice as to the best way to move forward following the warning.
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