London Mosque Under Investigation for Sermons Promoting Violence and Extremism

The Hackney Islamic Community Centre in London, a registered charity, is under investigation by the Charity Commission due to sermons published online that allegedly promote violence against women and condone the execution of gay people. The National Secular Society (NSS) filed a complaint, arguing that the views expressed are incompatible with the center's charitable status.

Videos shared on the mosque's YouTube channel feature preacher Yasin Munye discussing what he describes as 'major sins' within Islam. In one lecture, Munye reportedly advises husbands to 'discipline' disobedient wives, including through light physical hitting, if they refuse to comply with their husbands' demands, even regarding sexual intimacy. He also stated that husbands do not have to provide a home for a disobedient wife and can abandon her for another if she remains disobedient.

Munye also allegedly described gay sex as 'one of the most evil of acts' and stated that participants should face execution under Sharia law, with differing scholarly interpretations on the method of execution, including beheading or being thrown from a tall building. The sermons also reportedly praised Saudi Arabia for its continued execution of individuals accused of witchcraft.

Another mosque scholar, Abu Sa'ad Muhammad Al-Iraqi, is quoted as saying it is an 'unfortunate reality' that women in the UK feel empowered to call the police if their husbands are violent. He asserted that women should serve their husbands even if mistreated, and that the notion of reciprocity in kindness does not apply.

The Hackney Islamic Community Centre, also known as Masjid Daar Al-Hadeeth, describes its mission as advancing the Islamic faith and benefits from tax exemptions. Its latest accounts show an income of £191,097 for the year ending March 2025, with over £155,000 from donations. The center re-registered as a charitable incorporated organization in April of this year.

Megan Manson, head of campaigns for the NSS, expressed alarm at the charity's renewal, highlighting the lectures that promote violence against women, disregard marital consent, and condone the death penalty for gay men and those accused of witchcraft. She stated that such content, promoted under the guise of advancing religion, could fuel discrimination, division, and abuse.

The Charity Commission confirmed it has received the NSS complaint and has opened a regulatory compliance case to assess the concerns. A spokesperson stated that the commission has clear expectations for all charities to operate for the public benefit and provide a safe environment. However, the commission's response to similar past cases suggests potential legal challenges, as the Equality Act and Human Rights Act make provisions for religious freedom, and watchdogs have sometimes refrained from action when teachings align with religious beliefs.

Past instances include a sermon at the Hatch End Islamic Centre where an Islamic preacher stated housework was mandatory for women, and the Charity Commission provided 'advice and guidance' rather than taking further action. The Daily Mail reported on the case of Jalal Uddin, a 71-year-old man killed in 2016 by an Islamic State extremist who believed he was practicing 'black magic'.