November marks the start of Islamophobia Awareness Month across Britain, an annual campaign highlighting anti-Muslim hatred, discrimination and prejudice while celebrating the contributions Muslims make to society. This year’s theme, “Don’t Let It Slide,” urges people to speak out against Islamophobia rather than ignore it or allow it to become normal. Organizers say Islamophobia is not only about what happens to Muslims, but also about what others allow to happen. The campaign also encourages Muslims to report every instance of discrimination they face.

Founded in 2012 by a group of Muslim organizations, the campaign aims to challenge stereotypes, amplify Muslim voices, encourage the reporting of hate crimes and promote greater understanding of Islam and Muslims. Throughout November, schools, universities, mosques, councils, trade unions and community groups will hold workshops, conferences, exhibitions and discussions. Events include an Islamophobia Awareness Month conference at Tower Hamlets Town Hall in London on November 10 and a community panel at Barking Town Hall on November 19.

The campaign comes as anti-Muslim hate crime has risen sharply. Home Office figures show that religious hate crimes targeting Muslims in England and Wales rose by 15% in the year to March 2026, from 4,479 to 5,132 offenses, making up 45% of all religious hate crimes. Excluding the Metropolitan Police, whose recording system changed, offenses against Muslims reached their highest level since records began. The Home Office said there were sharp increases in September 2025, during protests and public disorder, and in March 2026, after the United States went to war with Iran. A British Muslim Trust survey found that 56% of Muslims had experienced religious prejudice in the past year.

Attacks on mosques have also increased. The British Muslim Trust, the government’s partner for monitoring anti-Muslim hatred, recorded 78 attacks and incidents targeting mosques in the UK and Channel Islands in the year to July 2026, about one every five days, including vandalism, arson and intimidation. The group said the attacks have become more severe, though some critics have questioned how the incidents were counted. In June, Amnesty International warned that Islamophobic attacks in the UK had reached emergency levels.

The UK government has pledged up to £40 million for security at mosques, Muslim schools and community centers in 2026 and 2027, but some places of worship say they have waited months for funding. As the campaign began, Islamic Relief UK called on the government to take stronger action against Islamophobia, including clearer guidance, better monitoring and greater involvement of Muslim communities in shaping policy.