Association of British Muslims

The Association of British Muslims began in Liverpool, England as the English Islamic Association, founded in 1889 by Abdullah Quilliam, a 19th-century convert to Islam who opened one of England's first mosques, the Liverpool Muslim Institute, during the same year, at about the same time that the Shah Jahan Mosque was built. AoBM changed their name to the British Muslim Society in 1914 and to the Western Islamic Association in 1924. It declined in the late 1940s, was opposed by nationality-based organizations of British Muslims in 1969, and became the Association of British Muslims in 1975. The name Association for British Muslims was also used for sometime after 1978.

Daoud Rosser-Owen (1943-2021) was for many years the Amir of AoBM, after spearheading the revival of the organization in 1976.{{Cite web |last=Harries |first=Robert |date=2021-12-08 |title=Man who helped set up Association of British Muslims dies aged 78 |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/true-gentleman-war-veteran-who-22397331 |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=Wales Online |language=en}} Paul Salahuddin Armstrong is the Managing Director{{Cite web |title=Shaykh Paul Salahuddin Armstrong |url=https://intranet.birmingham.ac.uk/student/multi-faith-chaplaincy/chaplains-staff/paul-salahuddin-armstrong.aspx |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=University of Birmingham |language=en-GB}} and appointed Mohammed Abbasi as the Chief of Operations.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-23 |title=UN World Water Day "Wall Activation" Parliament |url=https://aobm.org/un-world-water-day-wall-activation-parliament/ |access-date=2024-08-28 |website=The Association of British Muslims |language=en-GB}} Professor Joel Hayward, one of the world's most influential Muslims,{{cite web |last1=Bardsley |first1=Daniel |title=How New Zealand-born Joel Hayward became one of the world's 500 most influential Muslims |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/heritage/2022/11/26/how-new-zealand-born-joel-hayward-become-one-of-the-worlds-500-most-influential-muslims/ |website=The National |language=en |date=26 November 2022}}{{cite book|url= https://themuslim500.com/books/TheMuslim500-2025-lowres.pdf|title=The Muslim 500: The World's 500 Most Influential Muslims 2025, p. 158|accessdate=7 October 2024}} is also a member of the AoBM management board and serves as Director of Leadership and Academic Affairs.{{cite web|url=https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/company/12024717/officers|title=Association of British Muslims: Officers: Company Director: Joel Hayward|website= gov.uk |accessdate=6 February 2025}}{{cite web|url= https://aobm.org/about/#modal_1 |title= Association of British Muslims: Director of Leadership and Academic Affairs: Professor Joel Hayward, ZDaF, BA, MA Hons, PhD, FRSA, FRHistS|website= aobm.org|accessdate=4 February 2025}}

File:Muslim Scholars Fatwa (Ruling) on FGM.pdfThe Association of British Muslims (AoBM) has long been committed to addressing social and ethical issues that affect Muslim communities in the UK and beyond. One of the most significant contributions has been the issuing of a fatwa against Female Genital Mutilation.{{Cite web |date=2013-12-12 |title=MUSLIM SCHOLARS FATWA (RULING) ON FGM |url=https://aobm.org/muslim-scholars-fatwa-ruling-on-fgm/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=The Association of British Muslims |language=en-GB}}

After the tragic Woolwich attack in 2013, AoBM condemned the violence and asserting that such acts are fundamentally at odds with the principles of Islam.{{Cite web |last=staff |first=Politics co uk |date=2013-05-24 |title=Senior imams condemn terrorism in full |url=https://www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2013/05/24/senior-imams-condemn-terrorism-in-full/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Politics.co.uk |language=en-US}}

AoBM also played a role in the issuance of a fatwa against the so-called "Islamic State" (ISIS) in 2014,{{Cite web |date=2014-09-22 |title=Breaking spell of an ideology - British fatwa against IS |url=https://www.alaturka.info/en/culture/religion/2577-breaking-the-spell-of-a-poisonous-ideology-british-fatwa-against-is |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Alaturka.Info |language=en-gb}} labeling its ideology as a toxic distortion of the faith. This declaration, which was part of a larger effort to counter extremist narratives, helped to clarify the position of mainstream Islam against radicalism. The fatwa not only garnered national attention but also contributed to the broader international discourse on the dangers posed by extremist ideologies.{{Cite web |last=Griggs |first=Ian |title=How can British Islam overturn the upsurge in negative sentiment towards it? |url=https://www.prweek.com/article/1329426/british-islam-overturn-upsurge-negative-sentiment-towards-it |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=www.prweek.com |language=en}}

AoBM joined other Muslim organizations in placing full-page ads in national newspapers to denounce antisemitism.{{Cite web |last=Kampeas |first=Ron |date=2018-05-18 |title=British Muslim group denounces anti-Semitism in full page newspaper ad |url=https://www.jta.org/2018/05/18/global/british-muslim-group-denounces-anti-semitism |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Jewish Telegraphic Agency |language=en-US}} This effort was widely lauded as a powerful statement of solidarity and a commitment to combating all forms of hatred, regardless of its target.{{Cite web |last=Sherwood |first=Andrew |date=2018-05-20 |title=Muslim leaders take out newspaper ads denouncing anti-Semitism |url=https://www.jewishnews.co.uk/muslim-leaders-take-out-newspaper-ads-denouncing-anti-semitism/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Jewish News |language=en-US}}

AoBM’s engagement in multifaith dialogue extends beyond statements. The organization has been actively involved in partnerships and campaigns that promote inclusivity and mutual respect. In collaboration with the Naz and Matt Foundation,{{Cite web |last=says |first=Ranjith Ramanathan |date=2015-04-29 |title=The Association of British Muslims Announce Their Support For Naz and Matt Foundation - Naz and Matt Foundation |url=https://www.nazandmattfoundation.org/association-of-british-muslims-announces-support-for-naz-and-matt-foundation/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |language=en-GB}} AoBM has supported initiatives aimed at addressing homophobia within religious communities, advocating for the acceptance and protection of LGBTQ+ individuals. File:We Muslims have one word for Jews. Shalom. Ad in Times and Telegraph 18 May 2018.jpg

In late 2010, the United Nations General Assembly Resolution on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions, which had previously included protections against executions based on various forms of discrimination, including sexual orientation. The amendment removed the specific reference to sexual orientation. The AoBM expressed concern about this change, stating, "Removing this clause at this time could send an unintended message to regimes that engage in these practices, suggesting that the United Nations may be less focused on the treatment of individuals based on their sexual orientation." The Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association supported the AoBM's statement.

In February 2011, AoBM criticised homophobic stickers that appeared in East London. Then Co-director, Paul Salahuddin Armstrong stated, "There is nothing in the Qur'an against LGBT people. Allah has honoured every son/daughter of Adam, so such a hateful message is not only morally and ethically wrong but actually unislamic."{{Cite web |url=http://www.aobm.org/2011/02/14/aobm-condemns-anti-gay-stickers-posted-in-east-london/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130223131813/http://www.aobm.org/2011/02/14/aobm-condemns-anti-gay-stickers-posted-in-east-london/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=2013-02-23 |title=AOBM condemns Anti-Gay stickers posted in East London |date=14 February 2011 |author=Paul Salahuddin Armstrong |publisher=The Association of British Muslims |access-date=2012-12-16 }}

In response to the Church of England’s decision to bless same-sex marriages, AoBM issued a statement highlighting the potential impact on interfaith relations and the broader societal implications. The association emphasized the need for respectful dialogue on sensitive issues that affect both religious and secular communities.{{Cite web |date=2023-02-06 |title=Muslim Ingatkan Uskup Agung Canterbury Dampak Pemberian Restu Pernikahan Sesama Jenis |url=https://khazanah.republika.co.id/berita/rpnsjj366/muslim-ingatkan-uskup-agung-canterbury-dampak-pemberian-restu-pernikahan-sesama-jenis |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Republika Online |language=id}}

Recognizing the importance of global Muslim solidarity, AoBM has worked to strengthen ties with Muslim communities around the world, particularly in Indonesia. The organization has actively participated in events that celebrate the rich cultural and religious heritage shared between British and Indonesian Muslims. A notable example is AoBM's involvement in the centenary celebrations of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Surabaya{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zISFJPGO50 |title=Talkshow with Paul Salahuddin Armstrong: The Story of UK's Muslim Community |date=2023-02-18 |last=SEA Today News |access-date=2024-08-31 |via=YouTube}} and London,{{Cite web |last=Dina |first=Sovie |date=2023-02-27 |title=Peringatan Satu Abad NU di London, Dakwah Islam Indonesia di Inggris Raya Jadi Aset Berharga |url=https://duta.co/peringatan-satu-abad-nu-di-london-dakwah-islam-indonesia-di-inggris-raya-jadi-aset-berharga |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=Duta.co Berita Harian Terkini |language=id}} which underscored the deep connections between the two communities.

AoBM has also engaged in educational exchanges,{{Cite web |title=FIVE INDONESIAN ISLAMIC SCHOLARS VISIT THE UNITED KINGDOM TO SPREAD MESSAGE OF PEACE |url=https://www.britishmuslim-magazine.com/tag/ulama/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=www.britishmuslim-magazine.com}} where insights from the British Muslim experience are shared with Indonesian audiences, and vice versa.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKhyKiHWTec&pp=ygUba29tcGFzIHR2IGVuZ2xpc2ggZm9yIHVsYW1h |title=5 Ulama Asal Jawa Barat Berdakwah di Inggris |date=2019-11-22 |last=KOMPASTV |access-date=2024-08-31 |via=YouTube}} These exchanges have included public lectures and discussions on how Islam can be practiced within secular societies while maintaining its core values.{{Cite web |last=KHASMedia |first=Tim |date=2023-02-12 |title=Public Lecture Islam In The Secular Society: Learning From British Moslem Experiences {{!}} KHASKEMPEK.COM |url=https://khaskempek.com/public-lecture-islam-in-the-secular-society-learning-from-british-moslem-experiences/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |language=id}} Additionally, AoBM’s leaders have acknowledged their spiritual connections to Indonesian scholars.{{Cite web |title=Ulama Inggris: Abah Cipulus Guru Spiritual Saya di Tarekat Naqsyabandiyah |url=https://www.nu.or.id/daerah/ulama-inggris-abah-cipulus-guru-spiritual-saya-di-tarekat-naqsyabandiyah-mx4cw |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=NU Online |language=id-id}}

The organization has participated in debates around issues such as the representation of ethnic diversity in British public life, including campaigns advocating for greater diversity on British banknotes.{{Cite web |last=Ballinger |first=Steve |date=2018-12-16 |title=Its time for banknotes to reflect Britain's ethnic diversity |url=https://www.britishfuture.org/time-banknotes-reflect-britains-ethnic-diversity/ |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=British Future |language=en-GB}}

The organization condemned the recent attacks on Hindus in Bangladesh.{{Cite web |title=Fatwa For Peace: British Muslims Association Condemns Violence Against Bangladeshi Hindus |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/India/fatwa-for-peace-british-muslims-association-condemns-violence-against-bangladeshi-hindus/ar-AA1pmOeU |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=www.msn.com}}

AoBM’s influence extends to digital platforms as well, where it has utilized [https://x.com/aofbm/status/1567987727337144320?cxt=HHwWgIDSwfmhzsIrAAAA social media] and other online channels to reach a broader audience.{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GtWjktlvV2I |title=Prof. Joel Hayward - The Warrior Prophet |date=2023-11-23 |last=Association of British Muslims |access-date=2024-09-01 |via=YouTube}}

{{reflist|30em|refs=

{{cite web|last=Rosser-Owen |first=David |title=History |publisher=Association of British Muslims |date=2010-04-30 |url=http://www.aobm.org/history/ |accessdate=2012-02-17 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211075506/http://aobm.org.uk/main/?page_id=30 |archivedate=2012-02-11 |url-status=live }}

{{cite news|first=Louise |last=Sardais |title=The 'little mosque' |date=August 2003 |publisher=BBC |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/heritage/england/liverpool/article_1.shtml |accessdate=2012-02-17 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224170141/http://www.bbc.co.uk/legacies/heritage/england/liverpool/article_1.shtml |archivedate=2012-02-24 |url-status=live }}

{{cite web|last=LLoyd |first=Peter |title=Association of British Muslims condemn homophobic stickers |publisher=Pink Paper |date=2011-02-15 |url=http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/4837/15/02/2011/association-of-british-muslims-condemn-homophobic-stickers.aspx |accessdate=2012-02-17 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219133423/http://news.pinkpaper.com/NewsStory/4837/15/02/2011/association-of-british-muslims-condemn-homophobic-stickers.aspx |archivedate=2011-02-19 |url-status=dead }}

{{cite web|title=Gay Humanists Praise Stand of British Muslims on United Nations Resolution |publisher=Gay and Lesbian Humanist Association |date=2010-11-30 |url=http://www.galha.org/gay-humanists-praise-stand-of-british-muslims-on-united-nations-resolution/ |accessdate=2012-02-17 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403184423/http://www.galha.org/gay-humanists-praise-stand-of-british-muslims-on-united-nations-resolution |archivedate=2012-04-03 |url-status=live }}

}}

• http://www.aobm.org/

{{Authority control}}

Category:Islamic organisations based in the United Kingdom

Category:1889 establishments in the United Kingdom

Category:Religious organizations established in 1889