London: Muslim organizations in the United Kingdom urged the government to adopt an official and credible definition of Islamophobia through genuine consultation with community institutions. They said the absence of a clear definition weakens the ability to record hate crimes and respond to rising anti Muslim sentiment.
The government formed a working group in February that included Muslim representatives, academics, and independent experts. The group submitted its proposed definition last month. Officials said the goal is to end disputes and create a clear policy framework. Muslim groups said the effort will fail if the definition is shaped without full engagement of major community bodies.
Dr. Wajid Akhtar, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, said the lack of an approved definition leaves discrimination undocumented. He explained that victims do not know what to report or where to report it. He noted past cases where non Muslims were attacked because they were assumed to be Muslims. He said this shows the urgency of a definition that guides reporting and policymaking.
Akhtar said some MPs, far right groups, and certain think tanks resist a definition because of what he called an Islamophobia industry. He said political figures draw influence from anti Muslim narratives, and online misinformation is used by various groups to create instability.
Dr. Abdullah Faliq of the Cordoba Foundation warned that the government did not consult enough Muslim organizations or specialist bodies. He said a definition imposed without broad input will lack credibility. He argued that opposition is driven by vested interests and by reluctance to acknowledge the growth and contributions of British Muslims. He said delays help those who gain from hate speech avoid accountability.
