The Charity Commission has opened a regulatory compliance case into a mosque charity after allegations were made that it posted a video of a sermon that promoted misogyny.
Birmingham-based mosque, Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC), had previously been issued with regulatory advice by the commission last year following allegations that it had promoted misogyny.
Now, it has been accused of further promoting misogyny after the mosque live streamed a sermon last month in which Aqeel Mahmood, who is understood to be an imam at the mosque, said “discipline in the case of rebellion” is one of the “rights of the husband over the wife”.
Mahmood said: “The husband is a leader. He has his responsibilities. Physical discipline is a last resort on the condition that it doesn't cause pain, injury, fear or humiliation.”
He also said in the video that a husband has a “right [to] intimacy” with his wife, who must not leave the house without her husband's permission.
NSS previously reported charity to regulator
The National Secular Society (NSS) said in a statement on its website that it has reported GLMCC to the Charity Commission twice since 2024 over misogyny concerns.
NSS reported the charity to the regulator in 2024 after another imam, Mustafa Abu Rayyan, said it is “important and an obligation” upon a woman that she “makes herself available for her husband as it relates to the physical intimacy”.
In response to this complaint, the commission reviewed concerns and supplied the charity with regulatory advice and guidance.
NSS head of campaigns Megan Manson said that the recent video posted by GLMCC demonstrated that the commission’s method of providing advice and guidance “isn’t working”.
“Despite being previously advised over misogyny, this charity has gone on to host a sermon condoning ‘physical discipline’ of women and promoting a highly controlling, sexist attitude towards wives,” Manson said.
“Far more robust action is needed.”
GLMCC was also one of eight Islamic organisations reportedly consulted by West Midlands Police prior to its controversial decision to ban fans of Israeli football team Maccabi Tel Aviv from attending a recent fixture against Birmingham-based club Aston Villa.
Charities expected to act on regulatory advice
A Charity Commission spokesperson said: “We have received concerns about Green Lane Masjid, regarding alleged comments made on its premises.
“We are actively assessing this matter and have opened a regulatory compliance case to gather more information and check the charity's compliance with previous regulatory interventions.
“Last year, we received concerns regarding comments made during a forum and as a result we engaged with the charity’s trustees and reviewed the charity’s policy on external speakers. Following this, we provided the trustees with regulatory advice and guidance.
“All charities should provide a safe and trusted environment for all, and we expect all charities to ensure they act on any formal regulatory advice and guidance we issue.”
GLMCC has been approached for comment.
