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UK mosque defiant after charity watchdog reprimand for sermon condemning ‘Zionists’ over Gaza
Developing story first seen 2 hours ago
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.
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In short
- 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.
How this story developed
- 4 minutes ago The Charity Commission has issued the Lewisham Islamic Centre an official warning over two sermons it said were inflammatory and divisive, and not in the charity’s best interests.
- 10 minutes ago 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.
Where outlets differ
Left-leaning outlets 1
- UK mosque defiant after charity watchdog reprimand for sermon condemning ‘Zionists’ over GazaMiddle East Eye
Only here: defiant, reprimand, sermon, condemning, gaza
Right-leaning outlets 1
Only here: london, warned, inflammatory, sermons, imam
Every side used: mosque, charity, watchdog, zionists
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The case for
A charity watchdog can reasonably intervene when sermons delivered in a charity’s name risk inflaming hostility or drawing the organisation into partisan political activity. The warning may be seen as protecting the centre’s charitable work and encouraging clear safeguards for speakers, while still leaving individuals free to discuss Gaza and express political views elsewhere.
The case against
The centre can reasonably argue that criticising Zionism, Israel’s actions and public support for Israel is part of legitimate debate about Palestinian rights, especially amid severe suffering in Gaza. A regulator’s warning over such sermons may deter Muslim charities from expressing solidarity or scrutinising political power, so its scope and reasoning merit legal challenge and careful scrutiny.
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Geopolitics Middle East Politics UK World