# UK mosque defiant after charity watchdog reprimand for sermon condemning ‘Zionists’ over Gaza

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/uk-mosque-defiant-after-charity-watchdog-reprimand-for-sermon-condemning-zionists-over-gaza/
- Published: 2026-11-12T13:42:51+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-12T13:48:17+00:00
- Original publisher: Middle East Eye (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-mosque-given-official-warning-after-imam-described-palestinian-suffering-hands-oppressors
- Topics: Geopolitics, Middle East, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- The mosque is seeking legal advice over the regulator’s warning.
- The warning concerns two sermons delivered in 2023 and 2024.
- The commission called for a suitable policy on events and speakers.

## Summary

The Lewisham Islamic Centre says it is seeking legal advice after receiving an official warning from the Charity Commission over sermons about Palestinians and Zionism. The centre argues the case raises wider questions about whether Muslim charities can express solidarity with Palestine and criticise Zionism or the Israeli state without facing sanctions.

The commission said two sermons were “inflammatory” and “divisive” and not in the charity’s best interests, and warned of further action if its recommendations are not followed. One, delivered by Imam Shakeel Begg in October 2023 during Israel’s bombardment of Gaza, referred to Palestinian suffering at the hands of “the oppressors and the Zionists” and criticised Justin Bieber and Kylie Jenner for supporting Israel. In an August 2024 sermon, Imam Ashraf Dabous said Zionists and supporters of Israel were behind far-right rioters; the commission also called for a suitable policy covering events and speakers.

## Coverage

- [Middle East Eye: UK mosque defiant after charity watchdog reprimand for sermon condemning ‘Zionists’ over Gaza](https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/uk-mosque-given-official-warning-after-imam-described-palestinian-suffering-hands-oppressors)
- [Daily Mail: London mosque warned by charity watchdog over 'inflammatory' sermons where imam accused Israel of lying about October 7 attack and blamed 'Zionists' for Southport riots](https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16286665/London-mosque-warned-sermon-Israe-Southport.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.