In a bold move aimed at galvanising the British Muslim community, the Muslim Council of Britain (MCB) has launched an ambitious initiative inspired by the recent electoral success of Zohran Mamdani, New York’s first Muslim mayor. Under the leadership of Dr Wajid Akhter, the MCB is set to implement a comprehensive voter registration drive, dubbed “Hungry for Change,” which seeks to engage thousands of Muslims in grassroots civic activities ahead of the forthcoming local elections.
A New Direction for the MCB
Dr Wajid Akhter, who assumed the role of secretary general last year, expressed his admiration for Mamdani’s campaign strategy during a recent discussion in a bustling east London café. He noted the significance of grassroots organising as a key component of Mamdani’s victory, stating, “Even when you talk about Gaza, he would bring it back to talking about rent.” This approach, blending local issues with broader social concerns, has resonated with Akhter as he seeks to reshape the MCB’s engagement with the Muslim community.
With the MCB’s new “Hungry for Change” campaign, the organisation aims to register Muslims to vote and inspire civic participation. So far, 200 “voter champions” have been recruited across more than 30 areas, contributing to the registration of several thousand individuals. Internal figures indicate that there have been 3,377 visits to the government’s voter registration website as a direct result of their efforts. Akhter emphasised that the MCB intends to remain non-partisan while expanding this model nationwide by the next general election.
Revitalising Community Engagement
The MCB, which represents around 500 of the UK’s estimated 2,000 mosques, is undergoing a significant transformation in its communication strategy. Akhter highlighted the need to utilise modern platforms, such as video content, social media, and podcasts, to effectively reach and engage the community. This shift comes as the organisation seeks to redefine its role after experiencing years of governmental disengagement, which has hampered its ability to advocate effectively for British Muslims.
Historically, the MCB has faced challenges in securing government engagement, particularly following a controversial incident in 2009 involving a former deputy secretary general. The fallout from that incident led to a long-standing policy of disengagement by successive governments, which persisted until the Conservative administration left office in 2024. Akhter remarked on the need for the MCB to recalibrate its focus, stating, “We’re shifting our ‘qibla’ away from seeking government approval and towards improving the lives of British Muslims and the wider public.”
Rethinking Charity and Community Support
Akhter also called for a reimagining of how British Muslims approach charitable giving, urging a focus on pressing domestic issues such as knife crime, housing insecurity, and economic challenges. He argued that the community should direct their charitable contributions, or “zakat,” towards local needs, rather than predominantly supporting overseas causes. Drawing parallels to historical movements for social justice, he noted, “Every one of these movements… felt like they were fighting against impossible odds… but they refused to give up.”
The urgency of the MCB’s mission has been amplified by the rise of Islamophobic sentiments within the political sphere. Akhter remarked, “In a world where everyone’s going right, we dare to go left… and in a world where faith is no longer popular, we stick to ours.” He believes that collective action is essential in countering these divisive narratives, asserting that the majority of the UK population stands with the Muslim community against the far-right.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Reflecting on his own identity as a British Muslim, Akhter shared a poignant anecdote from a recent pilgrimage to Mecca, where he was recognised as a Brit among attendees from 190 countries. “They could tell us a mile off,” he recalled, underscoring the importance of cultural pride and belonging. He encouraged British Muslims to embrace their identity confidently, affirming that they are an integral part of the nation’s fabric.
As the MCB embarks on this new chapter, the potential for transformation within the community is palpable. Akhter’s vision speaks to a future where mosques serve as vibrant community hubs, and where British Muslims actively shape the political landscape in which they live.
Why it Matters
The “Hungry for Change” campaign signals a pivotal moment in the evolution of the MCB and the broader British Muslim community. By prioritising grassroots engagement and focusing on local issues, the MCB seeks not only to empower Muslims but also to foster a sense of belonging and agency in the face of adversity. As the political climate continues to shift, the MCB’s efforts represent a crucial step towards ensuring that the voices of British Muslims are heard and valued in the public discourse, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive society for all.
