IHRC was the first Muslim organisation to address human rights issues from an Islamic perspective, and for 28 years, we have been championing justice and Muslim causes all over the world!

The events of the last year have served as a painful and jolting reminder of the trials we continue to face as an ummah. To add to the list of crises afflicting the Muslim world, we are now subjected to the horrific depravity of a genocide unfolding in front of our very eyes, prosecuted by forces that are ideologically driven by a deep-rooted hatred of Islam.

The images coming out of Gaza and Lebanon are grisly and traumatic and difficult for any person of conscience to bear. Still more unbearable is the active complicity of western governments in aiding and abetting the mass slaughter.

Even before the genocide it was abundantly clear that in today’s world Muslim life does not carry equal value. Governments everywhere are attacking Muslims because we are seen as a potential challenge to their repressive rule. In many cases that has involved clamping down on the practice and expression of Islam itself.

For the believer, such circumstances are not unexpected, as they are foretold in our sacred texts. Anas ibn Malik reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “A time of patience will come to people in which adhering to one’s religion is like grasping a hot coal.”

But while enduring suffering and hardship stoically is part of faith, so is the duty to stand up to abuses and injustice. The Prophet (PBUH) is also reported to have said, “Indeed, among the greatest acts of jihad is a word of justice before a tyrannical ruler.”

We at IHRC can honestly say that despite the legislative, political and administrative hurdles erected to stop us, we have never shrunk from our duty to speak truth to power and take practical action to prevent human rights abuses against the ummah.

Our work is governed by the duty laid out by Allah (SWT) in the Qur’an. “And what reason have you that you should not fight in the way of Allah and of the weak among the men and the women and the children, (and of) those who say: ‘O Lord! Cause us to go forth from this town, whose people are oppressors, and give us from Thee a guardian and give us from Thee a helper’.” – (Qur’an, 4:75)

It is not with any satisfaction that IHRC can claim that we foresaw a genocide of Muslims coming many years ago. Since 2010 we have held an annual Genocide Memorial Day, not only to challenge the exclusivist ideologically driven narrative of Holocaust Memorial Day, but to alert politicians and activists to the signs of genocide in order that they do not recur.

On this and many other issues, we have seen the direction in which global politics is travelling and confronted it without fear or favour. History has vindicated our work and positions. We have consistently opposed a two-state solution in Palestine, believing that it rewards illegal occupation and ethnic cleansing, in favour of a one-state solution in which all citizens have equal rights. We have always supported the Palestinians’ right to resist. Only this year we called on the British government to revoke its proscription of organisations such as Hamas and Hezbollah for being “terrorist”. We were also the first Muslim organisation in the UK to designate Israel an apartheid state.

IHRC was the first Muslim organisation to address human rights issues from an Islamic perspective and for 28 years we have been championing justice and Muslim causes all over the world, from Britain to Burma (Myanmar).

What sets us apart from other organisations is that we strive to set or influence the agenda rather than simply react to it. We believe that prevention is better than cure. IHRC is not just an aid agency. Our field of activity is wide, encompassing lobbying, research, advocacy, legal assistance education and much more.

Hence, we were also the first Muslim organisation to research and write reports on Islamophobia and the concept of environment of hate and it’s impact. And we were also the first Muslim organisation to withdraw from UK government consultations from the Islamophobic PREVENT programme, a move that led to others doing the same.

IHRC Legal was set up to fight for social justice. We believe that nobody should be excluded from legal representation. Our team specialises in UK immigration and nationality law, and are proud to help individuals, families, and businesses navigate their way through the complexities of the UK immigration system.

We can see how futile and indeed dangerous it is to leave the job of protecting Muslim rights to governments who are either part of the same system of oppression or too scared to oppose it in any meaningful way. It falls on organisations like ours to step up and assist fellow Muslims in their hour of need. Wherever Muslims are facing oppression in the world, we are their voice, their supporters and their helpers. And when the oppression increases, so must our efforts.

But we can only increase our effectiveness with your support. Allah (SWT) says in the Holy Qur’an (47:38). “though now you are called upon to give [a little] for the sake of God, some of you are grudging. Whoever is grudging is so only towards himself: God is the source of wealth and you are the needy ones. He will substitute other people for you if you turn away, and they will not be like you.”

We know that times are testing and money is tight for most people. But this is the time to give more and prove with deeds that our imaan is one of real conviction. Remember, Allah (SWT) does not need our aid. Rather, it is us who need to give in His cause to prove our faith. The faith of our brothers and sisters is being tested everywhere, every minute. We cannot ignore their cries. Rise up with us and meet the challenge.

Your right and freedom to practice your faith are facing significant challenges in today’s society. IHRC (Islamic Human Rights Commission) is dedicated to standing up for these fundamental rights and actively works to defend them. We value the importance of faith in our lives and are committed to supporting individuals and communities who may feel vulnerable or under attack. Our organisation is here to provide assistance, advocacy, and resources whenever needed, ensuring that everyone can practice their beliefs without fear or restriction.

We will be there for you when you need us most, defending your rights, but we need your support now. Share our work with friends, family and colleagues. Or make a generous donation today to support our work.