UK mosque rebukes comission’s ‘warning’ following Palestine comments

What the report says

The Lewisham Islamic Centre in south London has pushed back against a warning from the UK Charity Commission over remarks about Palestinian suffering made during sermons in October 2023. In a statement reported by Al Jazeera on 12 November 2026, the mosque said the regulator’s response amounted to an attempt to police legitimate religious worship and expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.

According to Al Jazeera, the Charity Commission said the centre had allowed content it considered inflammatory, divisive and not in the charity’s best interests during two sermons. It issued an official warning on 20 October and said the mosque should improve how it manages speakers and events at its premises. The watchdog also warned that further action could follow if the alleged misconduct is not addressed.

The mosque rejected that characterization, saying the expectations placed on Muslim charities were disproportionate and burdensome. It argued that khutbahs are a core part of Islamic worship and often address issues affecting congregations and surrounding communities. The centre said the warning raised concerns that the commission believes it can determine which topics imams may discuss.

CAGE International, a London-based human rights group, also criticized the regulator and suggested it treats Muslim religious expression more harshly than some other charities. The dispute comes amid wider scrutiny in the UK of how charities, religious organizations and political speech are regulated, particularly around the Israel-Palestine conflict.