UK Imams and Scholars Reject Government’s Extremism Definition Targeting Muslims

More than 400 UK Imams and scholars have united to denounce the UK government’s new extremism definition, which they believe unfairly targets over 3.5 million British Muslims and the Islamic faith. The group issued a joint statement criticizing Michael Gove, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, for his history of singling out Islam and Muslims as ‘Islamism.’ They claim that Gove has aligned himself with anti-Islam racists and Islamophobes, and accuse him of having deep connections with pro-Israel lobbies that promote Islamophobia. The Imams and scholars assert that the new definition of extremism is designed to suppress legitimate political engagement by Muslims, particularly those who advocate for Palestinian rights. They urge the Muslim community to stand against such abuse of power and reject the government’s divisive tactics. The statement emphasizes the importance of unity, integrity, and accountability in working towards a more just society that addresses pressing social issues.