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Indian Muslim Relief Committee News
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February 2026
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Opinion
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Empowering Indian Muslims Together – A Voice for Relief, Education & Justice
As we enter 2026, Indian Muslims across the world find themselves navigating a complex and often challenging landscape. In India, questions of dignity, equal opportunity, access to quality education, and protection of minority rights continue to shape everyday realities. For many families, these challenges are not abstract debates but lived experiences — felt in classrooms, workplaces, courts, and neighbourhoods.
Yet history reminds us that adversity has never silenced the Indian Muslim community. Instead, it has often sharpened our resolve to organise, educate, and uplift one another. From the reformist movements of the nineteenth century to the charitable initiatives of today's diaspora, progress has always come through collective effort grounded in compassion and foresight.
At IMRC UK, our mission remains clear and unwavering: to relieve poverty and distress, to advance education and research, and to raise awareness about the conditions faced by Indian Muslims. In an increasingly uncertain global environment — marked by economic pressures, humanitarian crises, and rising social divisions — the role of the diaspora has never been more vital. Our responsibility extends beyond borders, linking concern with concrete action.
Education continues to be the most powerful long-term response to marginalisation. Scholarships, school support, and research initiatives are not merely charitable acts; they are investments in resilience and self-reliance. Alongside education, timely relief work — whether responding to floods, health emergencies, or livelihood loss — offers dignity and hope to those struggling at the margins.
Equally important is the moral support we provide through advocacy, awareness, and community solidarity. When voices are excluded or misrepresented, responsible platforms rooted in facts, fairness, and empathy become essential. IMRC NEWS aims to be one such platform — informing, connecting, and inspiring our readers.
This newsletter is both a reflection and a call: a reflection of the quiet yet impactful work carried out by IMRC and its supporters, and a call for continued engagement. Whether through donations, volunteering, spreading awareness, or simply staying informed, every contribution matters.
As we look ahead, let us draw strength from our shared values — justice, knowledge, service, and unity. Together, with sincerity and sustained effort, we can help shape a future where Indian Muslims are empowered to thrive with confidence and dignity.
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Profiles in Excellence: Notable Indian Muslims
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Few figures in modern Indian history have left as deep an imprint as Sir Syed Ahmad Khan (1817–1898) — the reformer, educationist, and visionary who lit the torch of modern education among Indian Muslims.
Born in Delhi during the decline of the Mughal Empire, Sir Syed witnessed the trauma of 1857, which convinced him that Muslims could not regain their lost dignity without embracing modern knowledge. With this conviction, he founded the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College at Aligarh in 1875, which later grew into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) — a centre of learning that shaped generations of thinkers, writers, and leaders.
Sir Syed's mission was not merely academic. Through his writings and journal Tahzib-ul-Akhlaq, he urged Muslims to reconcile faith with reason, and religion with science. He believed Islam encouraged inquiry and progress, not isolation.
He also tirelessly advocated Hindu–Muslim unity, famously declaring, “India is a beautiful bride and Hindus and Muslims are her two eyes.” His words still echo as a reminder that harmony and education are the pillars of national strength.
Sir Syed Ahmad Khan's legacy continues to inspire every mind that values learning and reform. His Aligarh Movement became the foundation of modern Muslim intellectual awakening in India — a movement not of rebellion, but of revival.
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Persistent Marginalization and Bias Concerns
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2025-2026 reports highlight ongoing underrepresentation in jobs, politics, and welfare for India's 18% Muslim population, alongside discrimination in housing/education. Advocacy urges reforms, data-driven inclusion, and stronger protections to bridge systemic gaps
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Anti-Minority Hate Speech Surges 13% in 2025
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India Hate Lab's 2025 report documented 1,318 verified in-person hate speech events targeting religious minorities across 21 states and Delhi, a 13% increase from 2024. Of these, 98% (1,289 incidents) targeted Muslims—1,156 explicitly anti-Muslim and 133 involving both Muslims and Christians—mostly in BJP-ruled states (88%) during rallies, processions, and gatherings. Themes included "love jihad" conspiracies and calls for boycotts or violence, normalizing discriminatory rhetoric and raising urgent calls for accountability, safeguards, and community dialogue to protect minorities amid rising tensions.
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UP Madrasa Board Achieves Impressive 2025 Results
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The Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board declared 2025 exam results with an overall pass percentage of 87.66%. Out of 68,423 students who appeared, 59,983 succeeded—85.07% in Munshi/Maulvi (secondary) and 94.62% in Alim (senior secondary) categories. Many high performers hailed from modest backgrounds, highlighting dedication and the empowering role of madrasa education in overcoming socio-economic barriers. These strong outcomes underscore education's impact on Muslim youth advancement, with calls to expand scholarships for greater inclusivity and long-term community progress.
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India Persecution Tracker | 2025 | January – March – South Asia Justice Campaign
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The South Asia Justice Campaign's quarterly bulletin documents human rights abuses against India's religious minorities (primarily Muslims) from January 1 to March 31, 2025. Key figures include: six extrajudicial killings of Muslims by police and security forces; over 100 instances of arbitrary arrest or detention of Muslims; and dozens of punitive demolitions/evictions targeting Muslim communities, often in defiance of Supreme Court orders against arbitrary actions. The report highlights ongoing patterns of state and non-state violations, including discriminatory enforcement and violence, amid concerns over normalized persecution and erosion of minority protections.
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National Commission for Minorities Remains Defunct Amid Rising Complaints
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India's National Commission for Minorities (NCM) has been non-functional since mid-2025 due to prolonged vacancies in chairperson and member positions, leading to surging backlogs in discrimination complaints—many from Muslims alleging bias in housing, employment, policing, education, and welfare access. Government data shows increased pendency over recent years, weakening minority protections. Civil society urges urgent appointments to restore the body's investigative and advisory role in safeguarding rights and addressing systemic exclusion.
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As Hate Spirals in India, Hindu Extremists Turn to Christian Targets
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A January 14, 2026, Al Jazeera feature highlights escalating religious hate in India, with Christians (2.3% of population) facing rising attacks alongside Muslims. Citing the India Hate Lab 2025 report, anti-Christian hate speech surged 41% (from 115 in 2024 to 162 in 2025), amid overall 13% rise in incidents (1,318 total). Key 2025 Christmas incidents included vandalism in Raipur mall by Bajrang Dal affiliates, mob disruption of a children's event in Madhya Pradesh, threats in Kerala schools, and intimidation in Delhi. Experts link this to "forced conversion" conspiracies, emboldened Hindutva groups, and BJP rhetoric since 2014, creating fear and calls for protection amid majoritarian consolidation. Muslims remain primary targets (1,289 anti-Muslim events), but the trend signals broader minority vulnerability.
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Waqf Amendment Act 2025 Faces Supreme Court Scrutiny
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The Waqf (Amendment) Act 2025, passed amid widespread protests, enhanced government oversight of Muslim waqf properties, including non-Muslim board inclusion and state validation, sparking fears of dispossession and reduced community autonomy over mosques and lands. Over 65 petitions challenged its constitutionality; in September 2025, the Supreme Court stayed key provisions for enabling "arbitrary" powers, with ongoing hearings addressing concerns of minority rights infringement.
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Hindutva Mob Harasses Elderly Muslim Shopkeeper in Kotdwar
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Local Hindus Intervene In Uttarakhand's Kotdwar, a Hindutva group allegedly harassed an elderly Muslim shopkeeper, pressuring him to rename his shop from "Baba School Dress" by removing "Baba." Local Hindu residents, including youth Deepak Kumar, confronted the mob, defending the shopkeeper and forcing retreat—highlighting inter-community solidarity against prejudice.
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Muslim Women Entrepreneurs Drive Success in 2025
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In 2025, Muslim women entrepreneurs across India broke barriers, launching thriving ventures in tech, fashion, education, biofuel, and more despite societal prejudices. Stories of innovation, determination, and leadership inspire youth and promote economic empowerment. Support networks, mentorship, and scholarships aid in overcoming challenges, contributing to inclusive growth and reshaping perceptions through perseverance and achievement.
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Assam CM's Remarks on Bengali Muslims Spark Controversy
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In early February 2026, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma defended remarks targeting "Miyas" (Bengali-speaking Muslims), labeling them illegal immigrants and stating they would face "troubles" under his leadership to encourage departure, including restrictions on work like rickshaw operations. Critics condemned the rhetoric as hate speech and divisive; opposition demanded action amid concerns over minority targeting ahead of elections.
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Bazm-E-Niswan Scholarships Empower Muslim Girls
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Bazm-e-Niswan Charitable Trust opened applications for its 2025-26 scholarship program (Zakat-funded), supporting meritorious yet economically weak Muslim girl students in Bangalore colleges for higher education. The initiative provides financial aid to pursue degrees, breaking barriers and promoting gender equity. Such community-led philanthropy advances academic access and long-term empowerment for underprivileged girls.
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Muslim Mirror Unveils 100 Most Influential Indian Muslims 2025
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Muslim Mirror released its annual "100 Most Influential Indian Muslims of 2025" list, highlighting leaders in politics, education, business, media, religion, sports, culture, and social service. Young achievers gained prominence alongside veterans, celebrating contributions and resilience amid challenges. The recognition inspires youth and advocates for greater support in education, employment, and inclusion.
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Ongoing Challenges Highlight Marginalization Concerns
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Reports in 2025-2026 note persistent underrepresentation and discrimination against Indian Muslims in employment, education, housing, and politics despite comprising ~18% of the population. Issues include NCM vacancies delaying complaints, policy impacts like Waqf amendments, and inflammatory rhetoric. Advocacy calls for reforms, data-driven inclusion, legal protections, and targeted welfare to bridge disparities and ensure equitable rights.
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Islamophobia Awareness Month 2025 Calls for Shared Responsibility
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November 2025's Islamophobia Awareness Month at the East London Mosque and beyond addressed rising anti-Muslim hate, including arson attacks on mosques and harassment. Events promoted unity, interfaith action, and countering far-right narratives through education, local connections, and community building to foster a safer, more inclusive UK.
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British Muslims Shine in 2026 New Year Honours List
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Over 30 British Muslims were recognised in the 2026 New Year Honours for contributions in medicine, fintech, arts, education, public service, and community volunteering. Honorees include cardiac surgeons, theatre leaders, vaccine experts, and mosque volunteers, showcasing the community's integral role in British society and inspiring youth across diverse fields. About Islam
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IMRC UK Launches Donate For Ramadan Ration Kit Campaign
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IMRC UK is gearing up for Ramadan 2026 (expected to start mid-February) with its Donate For Ramadan Ration Kit drive. The campaign provides essential food kits to needy families in India facing hardship, easing burdens during the holy month and supporting vulnerable Muslim minorities through targeted relief.
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IMRC UK Educational Sponsorships for Deprived Pupils & Girls
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IMRC UK's ongoing Education campaign offers sponsorships (£250–£500 per student/year) for displaced families, orphans, and girls in India. With a £50,000 target, it ensures access to schooling, empowerment, and brighter futures by overcoming economic and social barriers through sustained charitable support.
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IMRC UK Addresses Onslaught on Mosques & Schools
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IMRC UK's Infrastructure campaign tackles threats to mosques and schools in India via donations for rebuilding, repairs, and preservation. It supports protection of vital community spaces amid reported challenges, ensuring religious and educational continuity for marginalised Indian Muslims.
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Volunteer & Relief Impact: IMRC's Continued Work
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IMRC UK facilitates relief distributions in India, including food, healthcare, education aid, and emergency support to minorities. Volunteers drive scalable impact in underserved areas, building on 2025 successes with calls for more donations in 2026 to meet urgent needs and promote long-term upliftment.
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The Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK): Four Decades of Dedication to Indian Muslims
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The Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK): Four Decades of Dedication to Indian Muslims
The Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK) is a UK-registered charity dedicated to alleviating poverty, distress, and social hardship among Muslims in India. Founded by a trust deed on 22 August 1984 and formally registered on 10 October 1984 with charity number 290198, the organization has spent over forty years serving as a vital link between the UK-based Muslim diaspora and communities in need across India.
Mission and Objectives
The charity's core mission is to provide humanitarian relief and educational support to underprivileged Indian Muslims. Its key objectives include:
Relieving poverty and distress, particularly for vulnerable families and communities
Providing disaster relief during floods, droughts, and emergencies
Promoting education, supporting schools, orphanages, and research initiatives
Documenting and researching the socio-economic conditions of Indian Muslims to identify and address systemic challenges
Distinct Identity
It is important to note that the Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK) is separate from the US-based Indian Muslim Relief & Charities (IMRC) founded in 1981. While both organizations share the common goal of supporting Indian Muslims, they operate independently with distinct governance structures and legal registrations.
Achievements and Impact
Over the decades, the charity has made significant contributions to improving the lives of Indian Muslims. Its initiatives have:
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Provided essential aid and support to impoverished families
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Supported children and youth through educational assistance
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Delivered relief in disaster-struck regions
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Promoted awareness and research on the challenges faced by Indian Muslims
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Although not recognised by HMRC for Gift Aid, the organization remains committed to transparent, ethical, and effective charitable work, ensuring that aid reaches those most in need.
Looking Forward
As Indian Muslims continue to face socio-economic challenges, the role of the Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK) is more important than ever. By combining relief efforts with education and research, the charity empowers communities, fosters self-reliance, and strengthens the bond between the UK diaspora and Indian Muslims.
For more information or to support the charity, contact: Address: 30 Brent Terrace, London, NW2 1BX
UK Registered Charity No. 290198
Phone: 0800 3281408
Email: muftibarkatullah@gmail.com
www.imrc.org.uk
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With over forty years of service, the Indian Muslim Relief Committee (UK) continues to be a beacon of hope, compassion, and solidarity for Indian Muslims in need.
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30 Brent Terrace, London, NW2 1BX
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