The Case for Community Organising: Reflecting on 'Muslims Don't Matter' by Sayeeda Warsi
The Case for Community Organising: Reflecting on 'Muslims Don't Matter' by Sayeeda Warsi
By Afsana Salik, Senior Community Organiser for Citizens UK
Sayeeda Warsi’s Muslims Don’t Matter is a clarion call for Muslim communities in Britain to organise, unify, and act. Warsi emphasises three pressing issues:
- The marginalisation of British Muslims in decision-making,
- The normalisation of Islamophobia, often fuelled by media narratives, and
- The urgent need to define and combat anti-Muslim prejudice through collective action.
By exploring these challenges, this article underscores how community organising can provide effective solutions to empower British Muslims and address the systemic issues they face.
Taking a Seat at the Table
Warsi highlights that British Muslims, despite increasing representation in politics and public life, are frequently excluded from meaningful decision-making and viewed with suspicion. This exclusion underlines the importance of proactive community organising. As the saying goes, “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”
A powerful example is the story of Kulsuma Begum from Tower Hamlets. Barred from her children’s school due to her niqab, Kulsuma refused to remain silent. Instead, she built a team with local churches, schools, community groups, and trustees, ultimately becoming a parent governor. Through her leadership, the school revised its visitor policy, ensuring inclusivity.
This success demonstrates why mosques, Muslim charities, and schools must go beyond symbolic gestures, such as interfaith iftars, to engage actively with councils and other decision-making bodies. To create lasting change, British Muslims must ensure they are represented where decisions are made. A Muslim parent was able to change the visitor policy without the moral panic of a ‘Trojan Horse’ accusation, as she did it with wider support from local community Muslim/non Muslim, the broad based organising brings people together to fight for justice together.
Challenging Islamophobia and Changing Narratives
The growing normalisation of Islamophobia, fuelled by certain media outlets and public figures, has led to discrimination and violence against Muslims. Warsi calls for a shift in this narrative—a call that resonates strongly with the achievements of young British Muslims.
Take, for instance, the students of Jamaitul Ummah Boys’ School in Shadwell, who have campaigned tirelessly since 2019 to improve their local park. Despite two mayoral changes, they secured £220,000 from the council, leading to significant upgrades, including CCTV installation, exercise equipment, and increased safety measures. The park redesign has increased usage by 30%, and the students have received local awards for their leadership.
This example highlights the importance of celebrating positive contributions year-round, not just during exam results season. The school boys have received some recognition from the council including been awarded as the ‘change maker of the year’ and students received certificate for great leadership. during the campaign the students worked very closely with the council, not only presenting the asks also built relationship with the Mayor, Councillors and team. This got them hit the council newsletter and website. Muslim communities must take control of their narratives by building relationships with other communities, nominating individuals for awards, and actively promoting their achievements. Without this effort, others will shape the narrative—often negatively.
Moreover, with platforms like Meta or X no longer verifying information, the spread of false stories about Muslims is more concerning than ever. It is vital for British Muslims to engage with media, demand recognition for their contributions, and counter misinformation with authentic stories of resilience and success.
Dismantling Islamophobia Through Unity and Action
Warsi strongly advocates for a unified effort to define and combat Islamophobia. While Muslim communities are often reactive to external crises, they must focus on addressing local and systemic issues. Discussions, workshops, solidarity vigils and debates alone are not enough; they must translate words into tangible action.
In this context, community organising like The East London Citizens Organisation (TELCO) play a pivotal role. By uniting British Muslim groups and fostering partnerships with other faith communities, TELCO facilitates knowledge exchange and collective action. Warsi’s message aligns with this approach: Islamophobia is not solely a Muslim issue—it is a societal problem that demands collaboration. We have leaders from 3 TELCO boroughs to build a campaign on tackling Anti Muslim Hate Crimes, we are engaging with Angela Rayner and welcoming her recent initiatives on Council of Islamophobia, as this would become an instrument Muslim community to find justice when facing Islamophobic behaviour.
The Quran emphasises unity and mutual understanding:
"Indeed, We created you from a male and a female, and made you into peoples and tribes so that you may know one another. Surely the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you" (Quran 49:13). Community organising brings this principle to life, enabling Muslims to build relationships with others and dismantle prejudice through shared understanding.
A Roadmap for Change
Warsi’s book offers a clear framework for action:
- Start: Building leadership, fostering unity, and ensuring representation in decision-making.
- Stop: Passive discussions without follow-through, and reliance on symbolic gestures without substantive change.
To make a difference, British Muslims must embrace community organising as a tool for empowerment. By taking a seat at the table, reclaiming their narratives, and fostering unity, they can address systemic challenges and build a future of equality and inclusion.
