On July 28, 2025, the UK government removed a job advertisement for a “Shariah Administrator” from its official “Find a Job” portal following significant public backlash. The position, originally posted by Didsbury Mosque on July 24, 2025, offered an annual salary of £23,500 (approximately ₹25.14 lakh) and sought to appoint an administrative assistant to support its religious services division.
This development is one of 11 notable incidents compiled in this report, highlighting growing public discourse and concern over the perceived Islamization of the United Kingdom between 2000 and 2025. The documented cases span a range of issues, including religious influence within public institutions, radical preaching, the operation of parallel arbitration systems, political debates around blasphemy, and broader symbolic and cultural shifts.
Demographic Context
According to the 2021 Census, Muslims now make up approximately 6.0–6.5% of the UK population, an increase from 4.4% in 2011 and 2.7% in 2001. The Muslim population is currently estimated at around 4 million people, reflecting both demographic growth and the expanding visibility of Islamic institutions and practices within British public life.
Demographic and Regional Overview of the Muslim Population in the UK
Regional Distribution (2021 Census Data)
- England: 3.8 million Muslims (6.7% of the population)
- Scotland: 119,872 Muslims (2.2%)
- Wales: 66,947 Muslims (2.2%)
- Northern Ireland: 10,870 Muslims (0.6%)
Electoral Relevance
As of July 2024, the estimated number of registered voters in the United Kingdom stood at 28,258,80. Given the rapid population growth among Muslim communities, their political influence, especially in urban constituencies, is expected to increase.
Growth Rate
According to the figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) in 2022, the Muslim population in the UK has grown by approximately 44% over the past decade, making it one of the fastest-growing demographic groups in the country.
Places of Worship
Data from TheMuslimsInBritain.org, a directory, lists approximately:
- 1,887 to 1,947 purpose-built mosques (masjids)
- 2,157 to 2,178 total active Islamic worship sites, including temporary or informal prayer rooms
Future Projections
If current demographic trends continue, Muslims could comprise 10% or more of the UK population within the next 20 to 30 years. In certain urban centers, the cultural shift is already pronounced. For instance, in Birmingham, over 40% of children and youth are now from Muslim backgrounds.
#1 Sharia Job Ad Pulled After Backlash in Manchester
On 24 July 2025, Didsbury Mosque in Manchester withdrew a job advert for a “Shariah Law Administrator” after public outrage. The £23,500 role, listed on the UK government’s “Find a Job” portal, required a Shariah law degree and experience abroad.
Critics, including Nigel Farage and other politicians, accused it of promoting a parallel legal system. The mosque denied the claim, calling it a misrepresentation and stating the role was administrative and compliant with UK law. Shariah councils, which offer religious arbitration within legal limits, have faced increasing scrutiny despite operating under the 1996 Arbitration Act.
#2 Birmingham Hosts Europe’s Largest Eid Celebrations
On 30 March 2025, Birmingham hosted one of Europe’s largest Eid gatherings, with thousands attending “Eid in the Park” at Small Heath Park, organized by Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC). Due to weather, some celebrations moved indoors. The West Midlands also saw large turnouts in Wolverhampton’s West Park. Organizers emphasized unity and remembrance of global suffering, especially amid conflict. Eid al-Adha, commemorating Prophet Ibrahim’s faith and sacrifice, was highlighted as a time of hope and reflection. Leaders like Haniya Aadam and Sohail Khan called for solidarity and welcomed all communities to the inclusive, festive events.
#3 Belfast Marks Eid with 2,000-Strong Gathering
On 30 March 2025, about 2,000 people celebrated Eid al-Fitr at Newforge Sports Complex in south Belfast – the largest such gathering in Northern Ireland. Organized by Dr. Raied Al-Wazzan, multiple events were held citywide due to growing participation. PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher attended, calling it an important gesture of support for a community that often feels vulnerable. Participants likened the celebration to Christmas, emphasizing joy after Ramadan’s spiritual discipline. Speakers like Leila Hashim and Dr. Ahmar Saeed highlighted growing turnout and the need for more space in future. Community leaders praised efforts to strengthen interfaith and civic ties.
#4 UK Grooming Gang Scandal – Child Sexual Exploitation by UK Men of Pakistani Heritage
A 2014 report by Professor Alexis Jay exposed widespread child sexual exploitation in Rotherham, where 1,400 girls were abused by mainly Pakistani-heritage men between 1997-2013. Victims faced rape, trafficking, and threats, while authorities failed to act, fearing accusations of racism. The scandal led to resignations, police reforms, and Operation Stovewood, convicting 36 offenders. A decade later, Rotherham Council introduced a new safeguarding strategy, vowing to prevent future failures.
#5 Radical Preacher Anjem Choudary Jailed for Life Over Terror Leadership
In July 2024, radical preacher Anjem Choudary was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years for leading the banned terror group al-Muhajiroun. Convicted at Woolwich Crown Court, the 57-year-old was found guilty of directing ALM from 2014 to 2023, promoting extremist views, and inciting support through online lectures. The judge called his beliefs “entrenched and abhorrent,” citing his continued threat to public safety. Choudary had earlier served time for supporting ISIS. Co-accused Khaled Hussein, a Canadian supporter, received a five-year sentence. Authorities linked Choudary to decades of jihadist radicalization across the UK and abroad.
#6 Windsor Castle Hosts Historic Public Iftar
On 10 March 2024, Windsor Castle hosted its first-ever public Iftar in over 1,000 years, as 350 guests gathered in St George’s Hall to break their fast during Ramadan. The event, organised by the Ramadan Tent Project with support from the Royal Collection Trust, included the Islamic call to prayer echoing through the historic halls. King Charles III, Supreme Governor of the Church of England, was reportedly supportive of the event. The move drew criticism from Christian groups, with some online voices questioning the appropriateness of Islamic rituals inside a royal, traditionally Christian, venue.
#7 Batley Teacher Suspended, Forced into Hiding After Prophet Cartoon Sparks Outrage
In March 2021, a 29-year-old religious studies teacher at Batley Grammar School in West Yorkshire was suspended and forced into hiding after showing a cartoon of Prophet Muhammad during class. The incident triggered protests by parents outside the school and widespread online backlash. Despite over 60,000 people signing a petition for his reinstatement, the teacher did not return. The headteacher issued a public apology, calling the material inappropriate, and the school launched an investigation. Community leaders urged peaceful dialogue while condemning threats. The Department for Education backed the teacher’s right to teach challenging topics within the law.
#8 UK’s 80+ Active Sharia Councils
Though not legally recognized in the UK, over 80 Sharia councils operate nationwide, primarily addressing family issues like divorce and inheritance under Islamic law. These councils lack legal authority but are influential in Muslim communities, prompting fears of a “parallel legal system.” Critics argue the councils often disadvantage women, particularly in divorce proceedings. With cuts to legal aid, more couples now turn to Sharia bodies like the Islamic Sharia Council. A 2018 government review found councils sometimes discriminate against women. Despite having no formal jurisdiction, these bodies continue to grow.
#9 Increase In Muslim Mayors in UK Cities
Muslim political representation in the UK continues to rise, with several cities electing Muslim mayors. Sadiq Khan, of Pakistani descent, was re-elected Mayor of London in 2024. In May 2024, Mohammed Asaduzzaman became Brighton & Hove’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor. Nazma Rahman, a British Bangladeshi Muslim, became Camden’s mayor in 2023, one of the few Muslim women in such a role. Parwaiz Akhtar served as Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen (2023–2024), while Suleman Khonat, born in Malawi and of South Asian heritage, held the same post in 2022.
#10 UK Faces Threat from 25,000 Islamist Radicals: EU Official
In 2017, EU counterterrorism chief Gilles de Kerchove warned that the UK had identified 20,000–25,000 Islamist radicals, the highest in Europe. Of these, MI5 considered 3,000 a direct threat and monitored 500 constantly. Many terror attacks in the UK were carried out by individuals previously known to authorities but deemed low-risk. De Kerchove said ISIS was now urging attacks in home countries using everyday weapons. With returning foreign fighters and prison radicalization risks, UK security services face intense pressure and limited resources. Experts stressed the need for better mental health, education, and monitoring to counter evolving domestic extremism threats.
#11 Terror Preacher Abu Hamza and Finsbury Park Mosque’s Extremist Past In Jihadi Recruitment
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Finsbury Park Mosque became a hub of radical preaching under Egyptian cleric Abu Hamza al-Masri. Once seen as a godsend, Hamza incited violence, glorified terrorism, and recruited for jihadist causes. He praised Osama bin Laden and the Taliban, trained followers in weapon use, and radicalized future terrorists like Richard Reid and Germaine Lindsay. His mosque served as a recruitment center for Al-Qaeda. Arrested in 2006 and later extradited to the U.S., Hamza’s legacy tainted the mosque’s image. Despite reform efforts since 2005, past associations continue to resurface in national security discourse.
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