A few days ago, a group of Muslim and Jewish religious leaders came together to sign the Drumlanrig Accord, intended to reconcile the two communities after a period of severe friction. Following the signing ceremony, the agreement - named for Drumlanrig Castle in Scotland where faith representatives met to discuss the issue - was presented to the King at Buckingham Palace, who praised the initiative.
The signatories to the Drumlanrig Accord were varied. Some were recognised denominational religious leaders, like the Chief Rabbi. Others included those whose status as community representatives stems from being acknowledged as such by government officials. Onlookers will no doubt have been reminded of the Abraham Accords, the historic agreement brokered during the previous Trump administration that normalised relations between Israel and various Arab states. Hopes will clearly be high that the latest accord will prove to be similarly momentous for Jewish-Muslim relations in this country.
Any attempt to strengthen ties between these two communities should be welcomed, followed closely by efforts to measure its true impact at a grassroots level. While it is too early to assess the latter, I believe there is an additional angle which needs to be considered; the willingness and desire to speak up on difficult issues at times of acute community tension.
King Charles meets with interfaith leaders[Missing Credit]
Let me be more specific. As a British Muslim, I believe that those in my community who wish to demonstrate leadership, and solidarity with British Jews, have a duty to make themselves heard during major crises. A prime example was October 7 2023, when the Jewish community here was reeling after the murderous attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians.
True leadership within the Muslim community would have meant making a public statement condemning Hamas and standing in solidarity with Israeli citizens and civilians targeted by these murderous terrorists. A genuine commitment to interfaith solidarity would also have meant going against the grain when others in the community stayed quiet or even condoned the behaviour and crimes of Hamas.
The questions, therefore, are as follows: how many imams signing this accord spoke up as soon after October 7 as possible, openly reaching out to British Jews? How many made it publicly clear that extremism and antisemitism had no place within the Muslim community, and that Islamic belief requires one to actively call out such acts of terror?
There is a further point which I feel has been missing from much of the reporting on this accord, but which must be considered: how many imams and others representing British Muslims who signed this accord have credibility within the wider Muslim community? How many can be said to have the religious or communal standing and relevance which means they will be listened to, for example, by British Muslims aged 18 to 25? For my part, I have increasingly noticed a detachment from interfaith work at a community grassroots level and among the youth.
It is easy to gather at castles and palaces when it comes time to receive the praise of the King, who has an incredible record as a gracious benefactor towards interfaith and social cohesion work. It is simple to stand next to the Chief Rabbi, whom I know well and who carries with him a genuine desire and commitment to speak up against both antisemitism and anti-Muslim hate. It is not hard to sign a document and have your picture taken some 16 months after one of the most cataclysmic attacks in recent Middle Eastern history. But where were those imams 16 months ago? Were they showing the necessary leadership then?
When it comes to pledges and plaudits, self-interest and self-importance drive many of the usual “committee representatives” to turn up. But when true leadership is desperately needed – speaking up for Jewish neighbours, friends or work colleagues – the silence can be deafening.
My sincere wish is that this initiative will prove impactful, energising communities to reach out and support each other with real vigour and consistency. However, I fear that some may see this as an opportunity to rehabilitate reputations or emphasise their importance, in an effort to be counted among the great and the good.
Let us hope, however, that my fears prove groundless. Because British Muslims and Jews truly deserve better – we need fearless leadership that will champion true solidarity, to the ultimate benefit of both our communities.
Fiyaz Mughal OBE is the founder of Faith Matters, Tell MAMA and Muslims Against Antisemitism
