Muslim Heritage Month celebrates a rich contribution to UK society
Organised by the Muslim Women’s Network UK, the initiative highlights the deep roots of Muslim communities across the country
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Muslim history is British history and must be acknowledged as such. That was the message conveyed by Baroness Sayeeda Warsi at the official launch of Muslim Heritage Month in the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday.
Speaking to Hyphen at the event, the former Conservative minister called for a change in how Muslim communities are viewed and understood in the UK. She also stressed the importance of challenging the idea that Islam is somehow “alien” to life in the UK.
“Don’t get vexed that Muhammad wasn’t born in Manchester, because Jesus wasn’t born in Leeds and Moses wasn’t born in London,” Warsi said. “So, why do we see them differently to the way we see Islam and Muslims?”
The launch event, organised by the Muslim Women’s Network UK (MWNUK), marks the start of a month-long celebration recognising the contributions of Muslims to the country. Muslim Heritage Month coincides with the UN-recognised International Day to Combat Islamophobia on 15 March. The MWNUK first introduced the initiative in 2024, with the aim of combating negative stereotypes and Islamophobia.
“We have Black History Month, Women’s History Month, LGBT History Month, South Asian Heritage Month, but Muslims only had Islamophobia Awareness Month,” said Baroness Shaista Gohir, MWNUK chief executive. “We needed more than that — we needed a month of positive storytelling.”
The TikTok-sponsored event also featured speeches by Deputy Mayor of London Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Lord Khan of Burnley and Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon.
Green party co-leader and MP for Bristol Central Carla Denyer said the event offered a valuable opportunity to connect with Muslim communities across the UK. Denyer also urged stronger institutional commitment to tackling anti-Muslim discrimination.
“One important part of that is for the government to adopt a definition of Islamophobia so that we can all be really clear about what it counts as,” she said.
“I was frustrated to see that Labour had initially promised to adopt such a definition but has rolled back on that since being in government. The Green party has already adopted a clear definition of Islamophobia and antisemitism, because naming the problem is the first step in tackling it.”
Faeeza Vaid, a trustee of MWNUK, said the month is a much-needed counterbalance to the rise in hate crime targeting Muslim communities.
“This initiative is so important because it aims to celebrate the contributions of Muslims not only in Britain but also across the world,” she said. “Muslims have been and are part of the solution in making Britain a really great society. This isn’t about one charity or one event, it’s about Muslims in all our diversity showcasing our brilliance.
“Most organisations have equity, diversity and inclusion commitments. Muslim Heritage Month is a chance to move beyond performative statements and become true allies by giving a voice and platform to Muslim contributions.”
More than 20 organisations are taking part in the 2025 programme, including the British Film Institute, UK Muslim Film and Crystal Palace Foundation. Events range from exhibitions and workshops to community iftars and online campaigns, including an exhibition and iftar at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham.
The Premier League also held an event at the start of the month to showcase how football clubs including Arsenal, Leicester City and Aston Villa are engaging with their local Muslim communities.
The organisers of Muslim Heritage Month intend for the initiative to become a regular fixture on the UK’s cultural calendar. A dedicated website offers a participation toolkit and resources for organisations that want to get involved.
“It can’t just be Muslims talking to each other,” said Gohir. “We have to have mainstream organisations coming on board. The more that are committed, the more we can really make a difference.”
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