Muslim council’s first female leader ends tenure, highlights rising Islamophobia
The Muslim Council of Britain’s first female and youngest Secretary General, Zara Mohammed, has stepped down after a four-year term.
Her leadership ended on Jan. 27 and was defined by rising Islamophobia, government disengagement, and efforts to unite and empower Muslim communities across the U.K.
The council represents more than 500 mosques, schools, and charities, and has been at the forefront of advocacy.
Mohammed takes pride in amplifying women’s voices and fostering interfaith dialogue, visiting more than 300 organizations during her tenure.
Her tenure coincided with a surge in anti-Muslim hate crimes — 4,971 incidents were recorded in a single year — the highest in over a decade, according to the organization Tell Mama U.K.
She herself faced harassment, including online abuse and threats while commuting.
During the Southport riots last year, false rumors linking a stabbing to a Muslim asylum-seeker led to attacks on mosques and Muslim taxi drivers.
Mohammed described the violence as “terrifying,” emphasizing urgent government intervention.
The U.K. government has not formally engaged with the Muslim Council since 2009, citing allegations of extremism, which the council denies.
Mohammed called for renewed dialogue saying, “What happened 14 years ago cannot justify silence today.”
Her successor, Dr. Mohammed Wajid Akhter, aims to modernize the council.
He has pledged to conduct a comprehensive review and create local Muslim councils across the U.K.
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