The Charity Commission is considering whether to intervene after concerns were raised about four Muslim charities that allegedly hosted an “extremist” preacher on their premises.
According to campaigning organisation the National Secular Society (NSS), the charities hosted Islamic scholar Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer during his visit to the UK earlier this month.
The NSS alleged that Zaheer has previously condoned the killing of people who leave Islam, said sexual slavery is acceptable, and claimed to have “forgiven” an accused paedophile.
It said that the Umm Ul Qura Foundation, AlHikmah Project, Makki Masjid and Markazi Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith UK all hosted Zaheer during his July tour of the UK.
A spokesperson for the Commission said: “We can confirm that we are assessing concerns raised with us about a number of charities in relation to claims of their association with an individual who is alleged to have made controversial statements.
“We are examining the information shared with us to determine whether there is a role for the Commission as regulator.”
NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said: “It’s galling to see tax breaks handed to mosques that host fundamentalists with divisive agendas when this clearly serves no public benefit.
“Outdated laws which regard the 'advancement of religion' as a charitable purpose must be reconsidered.
“It should be obvious to all that charities shouldn't be used as a platform for harmful extremists.”
The charities have yet to respond to a request for comment from Civil Society.
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