‘We Don’t Need Saving’: Muslim Women Push Back Against Criticism of London Charity Run
The East London Mosque in Tower Hamlets faced intense media scrutiny after staging the Muslim Charity Run, which was open to “men, boys of all ages and girls under 12.” The event prompted criticism and dozens of hate messages, including threats and Islamophobic language. Communities Secretary Steve Reed said he was “horrified” by the event’s format.
Mosque officials explained that female attenders generally prefer women-only events. Organizers said interest from women for this particular run was too low to hold a separate race.
They added that the main concern for Muslim women in the area remained the rise in hate crime following coverage of the run, The Guardian reported on Monday.
Sufia Alam, the mosque’s head of programmes and director of its Maryam Centre for women’s worship, said no one from the congregation had objected to the format. “As a woman, it’s ridiculous that people think we need saving – people don’t really understand our religious values,” she said.
Alam explained that the run was “designed for a specific community” and initially offered to women, but only “one or two” expressed interest.
“We haven’t banned people – this is what the community wanted. Critics think they’re sticking up for women’s rights, but they’re dismissing that we have a voice and a choice in what we do,” she added.
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The mosque’s chief executive, Junaid Ahmed, said the event’s media attention had increased security risks. “Whenever there is increased attention, we face heightened risk, so we always increase our security to ensure the safety of our staff, congregation and community,” he said.
Ahmed also highlighted the broader contributions of Muslims in the UK and pointed to the importance of tolerance and diversity.
Alam said she has long worked with women facing intimidation and hate crime. “My whole career has been around women’s rights. I’ve got three girls and they know what they want. It’s not about men telling us what to do,” she said.
She also outlined past initiatives for women, including badminton, swimming, lifeguard training, and football coaching, as part of efforts to promote wellbeing and health equality.
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Shaista Gohir, head of the Muslim Women’s Network, said the “disproportionate” media attention reflects rising Islamophobia in UK.
“The disproportionate attention given to this charity run reflects the levels of hatred towards Muslims in Britain and has nothing to do with genuine concern for Muslim women’s equality,” she said.
“In this case, it’s not possible to make a blanket statement about women not wanting to take part based on assumptions,” she added.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission reportedly began looking into the matter following media coverage. Mosque officials said they are confident no laws were broken and plan to review next year’s event format while opening a women’s health and wellbeing hub in November.
Source: Agencies
