Wednesday 9th July, 2025
Darul Ihsaan Barking Responds to Upcoming Article by The Jewish Chronicle
86 Longbridge Road, Barking, IG11 8SF | www.darulihsaanbarking.org.ukPress Statement from Darul Ihsaan Barking
Date: 9 July 2025
Darul Ihsaan Barking is aware of an upcoming article by The Jewish Chronicle concerning sermons and social media content shared by our mosque in October 2023. We wish to reiterate our position with clarity and firmness on several points:
1. Policy of Non-Engagement with The Jewish Chronicle
We categorically refuse to engage with The Jewish Chronicle — a decision grounded in consistent and serious concerns over the paper’s track record. The publication has been forced to pay libel damages on multiple occasions, including:
- An apology and payment of £50,000 to Interpal, a UK charity that provides humanitarian support to Palestinians, after dishonest links to terrorism were published.
- A settlement to peace activist Raphael Cohen for false claims he harboured suicide bombers. He received £30,000 in damages and a formal apology.
- Marc Wadsworth, a British activist and journalist, received a public apology and substantial compensation after being falsely accused of threatening Jewish Labour activists.
Between 2018 and 2021, The Jewish Chronicle was found in breach of IPSO’s Editors’ Code 33 times, including four libel settlements. Given this pattern of legal failures and ethical lapses, we deem The Jewish Chronicle an unreliable platform for fair and accurate reporting.
2. Our Mission, Values & Legal Standing
Darul Ihsaan Barking is a fully UK-registered charity, founded in East London to serve our local community with spiritual guidance, education, family support, and social outreach. We operate in strict compliance with British charity law and uphold values of justice, transparency, and community cohesion.
3. Clarifying Religious Expression in Sermons
- Our sermons frequently include prayers for justice, protection of holy sites, and relief for oppressed people around the world — including Palestinians. These should not be misrepresented as calls for violence.
- Phrases such as “victory for the mujahideen” or “defend Al-Aqsa” are rooted in Islamic spiritual language. They are not political endorsements nor incitements to harm.
- We categorically reject terrorism, extremism, and hatred. We do not and will not support violence against any community or group.
4. Social Media & Guest Speakers
- We host a diverse range of speakers. Their views are their own. We clearly state that hosting a speaker does not imply full endorsement of every statement they make.
- Selective quoting of sermons or speeches without context risks misrepresenting our values and misleading the public.
5. Humanitarian Work and Charity Partnerships
- Our humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza were conducted through lawful partnerships with UK-registered charities.
- All funds raised were for humanitarian support only, and our accounts are transparent and accountable.
- We welcome oversight from the Charity Commission and fully comply with regulatory guidance.
6. Commitment to Community Values
- Our mosque promotes family support, youth development, and community engagement.
- We encourage respectful dialogue on social issues in line with Islamic principles and British law.
In conclusion, we call on all media outlets, including The Jewish Chronicle, to uphold ethical standards of reporting and avoid misrepresenting faith communities, especially during sensitive times. We will not be providing further comment on this matter.
ENDSFor media inquiries, please contact: info@daruIIhsaanbarking.org.uk