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UK mosques face funding dilemma as security cash rises but poverty persists

Millions pour into mosque expansions while families go hungry. A Muslim leader's stark warning reveals the hidden cost of misplaced priorities.

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1 min read
The image shows a mosque in the middle of a city street, surrounded by buildings, street poles,...
The image shows a mosque in the middle of a city street, surrounded by buildings, street poles, street lights, electric poles, electric cables, motor vehicles on the road, trees and a clear blue sky.

UK mosques face funding dilemma as security cash rises but poverty persists

The government has pledged nearly £40 million a year to improve security at mosques and Islamic centres across the UK. Yet, despite this funding, serious challenges remain within the Muslim community, according to Dr Wajid Akhter, secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB). He warns that financial struggles, unemployment, and mental health issues are being overshadowed by excessive spending on mosque expansions. In 2023, the British Muslim Trust recorded 27 verified attacks on mosques within just five months. The government’s security funding aims to address these threats, but Dr Akhter highlights deeper concerns. He notes that many mosque buildings now stand mostly empty, even as large sums are poured into new projects.

Over the past two weeks alone, Dr Akhter was contacted by 13 mosques planning multimillion-pound extensions or property purchases, totalling around £20 million. He argues that more money has gone into mosque building and renovations in the last decade than into mental health support for the community. Meanwhile, research by Bluestate shows Muslims in the UK are nearly twice as likely to donate to international causes compared to the wider public. Dr Akhter also points to rising poverty, with many Muslims struggling to afford basic necessities. Youth unemployment remains a major issue, while mental health problems go underfunded. He stresses that charitable giving, though generous, often flows overseas rather than addressing urgent local needs.

The £40 million annual security fund reflects growing concerns over mosque safety. However, Dr Akhter’s remarks suggest a need to rebalance priorities within the community. With youth unemployment, mental health struggles, and financial hardship persisting, questions remain about how resources are allocated.

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