Last week’s race rally led by Tommy Robinson was more than just a march, it was a symptom of something deeper in our society. Anger, fear and misinformation are being weaponised against Muslims, immigrants and minorities. For us as Muslims, this isn’t just politics; it affects our children, our communities, and our sense of belonging in Britain.
A few days ago, at a meeting, a group of young people came forward to share their experiences of racism in everyday life, on the streets, in classrooms, and even in public services. Their words were difficult to hear, but they cannot be ignored. Listening and believing them is vital, yet belief on its own does not bring change. If we are serious about justice, we must confront racism directly, with honesty, courage and resilience, ensuring that it does not weaken our resolve or diminish our hope.
When Fear Replaces Understanding
Racism, whether in the streets at a rally, whispered in jokes, or baked into institutions, poisons societies. It creates division, fuels injustice, and blocks humanity from its higher purpose. Islam teaches us something different, Allah says in The Majestic Quran, “People, We created you from a single male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. The most honoured among you in the sight of Allah is the one most mindful of Him” (Al-Hujurat:13).
This verse dismantles the false idea of race. Our worth is not in skin colour or background, but in piety and character. The Prophet ﷺ echoed this in his last sermon: “An Arab has no superiority over a non-Arab… a white person has no superiority over a black person, nor does a black person have superiority over a white person except by piety.”
Yet, the reality today is that Islamophobia is rising. Marches like Tommy’s don’t appear in a vacuum; they’re fed by media portrayals that paint Muslims as threats, as outsiders, as incompatible. These stereotypes turn into real harm: bullying at school, harassment on the streets and discrimination in the workplace.
Our Response: Building Bridges, Showing Strength
So, how do we respond? Not with fear, but with faith. Not with anger alone, but with wisdom, patience and action. Islam calls us to build bridges: to work with others in charity, justice and compassion. We must:
- Challenge racism wherever we see it, from jokes to policies.
- Teach our children to have pride in their faith and confidence in diversity.
- Open our mosques as places of welcome and dialogue.
- Partner with others in society: Christians, neighbours, schools, to show that Muslims are part of the solution, not the problem.
A Call to Be Anti-Racist
Being “not racist” is not enough. We must be anti-racist, visibly and actively resisting injustice. The Prophet ﷺ taught: “The believers are like one body; when one part suffers, the whole body feels the pain” (Muslim). That includes the suffering of minorities here in Britain and the oppressed abroad, such as our brothers and sisters in Palestine. Our solidarity must be consistent, local and global.
Conclusion
The Tommy Robinson rally is a warning sign but also a test. Will we retreat in fear, or rise with dignity and faith? Racism is a disease of the heart, but Islam offers the cure: justice, compassion and truth. One of the best ways to counter the misinformation that fuels such hatred is by distributing copies of the Quran, allowing people to see for themselves the timeless guidance it offers. So I leave you with this question: What will you do this week to challenge racism and build unity in your circles?
The video below explores the steps we can take as Muslims to counter hatred, embody the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah, and become a source of light in these challenging times.
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