The hate crime targeting the Muslim community reportedly grew over the last few years in the United Kingdom, as the latest study shows that a mosque is attacked every five days, with more than 70 attacks on mosques recorded over the past year, including violence, intimidation, vandalism, property damage, harassment, hate speech and online abuse.
The study conducted by the British Muslim Trust (BMT) highlighted a disturbing rise in hate crimes against the Muslim community in Britain, particularly targeting places of worship, with London, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands witnessing more attacks than any other regions in the country. Nine separate attacks were reported against mosques in London, while one mosque in Birmingham was targeted three times within a single year.
Despite several mosques reporting mounting security threats to the authorities, the report alleged that delays in government funding for security measures have left many places of worship vulnerable, with community leaders arguing that bureaucratic hurdles continue to expose worshippers to increasing risks.
The report coincides with Home Office figures showing that anti-Muslim hate crimes in England and Wales rose by 19 per cent, increasing from 2,690 offences in the year ending March 2024 to 3,199 in the year ending March 2025.
British Muslim Trust Chief Executive Akeela Ahmed called for urgent government action to provide security funding, arguing that delays in releasing funds had left several mosques across the country vulnerable to attacks by far-right extremists. Questioning the prolonged delays, Ahmed said some communities had waited as long as 18 months for assistance while living in fear of further attacks. According to the organisation, some applications have been rejected without clear explanations, despite applicants being required to demonstrate credible threats.
The UK government has pledged up to £40 million for security improvements at mosques, Muslim schools and community centres during 2026–27. Eligible institutions may apply for funding to install CCTV systems, alarms, fencing and employ security personnel.
Political and community leaders have condemned the rise in anti-Muslim hatred. London Mayor Sadiq Khan linked the rise to inflammatory rhetoric in politics and the media, while Labour MPs Diane Abbott and Naz Shah wanted urgent government intervention.
Qari Asim, Imam of Leeds Makkah Mosque, said the attacks were creating anxiety among British Muslims, who should never have to fear for their safety because of their faith.
A separate study by the British Muslim Trust and British Future further revealed that one in six Britons view the growing Muslim population as a threat to British culture, underscoring wider concerns over increasing Islamophobia in the country.