Survey highlights UK Muslims’ rising concerns amid growing Islamophobia
Islamic Relief calls for urgent action to combat online and offline anti-Muslim hate
LONDON, UK (MNTV) — A recent nationwide poll commissioned by Islamic Relief and conducted by Survation has revealed a deepening sense of insecurity among British Muslims.
With rising Islamophobia both online and in daily life, the survey highlights significant challenges faced by the community.
The poll found that nearly 50% of U.K. Muslims feel less safe using social media, while over 50% report experiencing stress due to the surge of Islamophobic content online.
A staggering 60% of respondents said they witnessed a rise in Islamophobia over the past year, with Islamic Relief itself recording the highest volume of anti-Muslim online abuse in its history.
The impact of online hate extends beyond the digital sphere.
Thirty percent of Muslims surveyed reported feeling unsafe going out at night, and nearly a quarter (24%) are going out less frequently due to fears of Islamophobia.
Among Muslim women, the figure is even higher, with 46% reporting increased concerns about safety over the past year.
The survey also noted that over a quarter of respondents (28%) have stopped using social media entirely due to Islamophobic abuse.
Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) were ranked as the platforms with the most Islamophobic content, with younger Muslims (aged 18-34) identifying X as the worst offender.
Islamic Relief, which commissioned the study, has been a prominent target of online hate.
In the past four months alone, the organization faced unprecedented levels of Islamophobic attacks, including viral posts spreading misinformation and offensive comments.
During Ramadan, the charity’s billboard advertisements were vandalized in multiple locations across the UK.
Other key findings from the survey include:
- 55% of Muslims expressed concerns about employment discrimination tied to their identity.
- 53% said political leaders contribute to feelings of exclusion in the U.K.
- 44% avoid news channels or newspapers due to persistent negative stereotypes against Muslims.
- 34% of respondents stated they do not feel welcome in the U.K.
Tufail Hussain, U.K. Director of Islamic Relief, stressed the urgent need for action, “We are living in a very uncertain time where the Muslim community does not feel safe in their own country with the alarming rise in Islamophobia, both online and offline. Communities must be protected and feel safe.”
Hussain called on the U.K. government to introduce a comprehensive, enforceable definition of Islamophobia that reflects its full scope and impact.
He also urged tech companies to take stronger measures against hate speech, misinformation, and harassment.
“This survey is a wake-up call for the UK government to do everything it can to make the Muslim community safe and for tech companies to tackle hate speech and protect users online. We cannot tolerate abuse, harassment, or discrimination based on religion,” he said.
Islamic Relief’s findings underline the pressing need for systemic changes to ensure the safety and inclusion of British Muslims in all aspects of life.
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