Attacks against mosques across the UK are becoming increasingly serious, with a rise in incidents involving arson, violence, threats and harassment, according to new research published by the British Muslim Trust (BMT).
The organisation reported that it had recorded and verified 78 attacks and incidents targeting mosques across the UK and Channel Islands over the past year, averaging approximately one incident every five days.
Although less serious incidents involving symbolic markings and property damage have declined, the data suggests a worrying shift towards more severe forms of anti-Muslim hostility.
The proportion of incidents involving threats and persistent harassment rose from 11.1% to 29.4%. Meanwhile, cases involving violence, arson or serious harm increased from 3.7% to 19.6%.
Incidents involving weapons or threats to kill also increased, rising from 7.4% to 9.8%. The most serious category, involving premeditated plots intended to cause mass casualties, rose from zero to 3.7%.
In contrast, incidents involving symbolic or national markings fell from 44.4% to 13.7%, while general property damage declined from 29.6% to 21.6%.
The findings were published as communities across the country observed National Hate Crime Awareness Week, highlighting ongoing concerns about religiously motivated hostility and the safety of Muslim communities.
Akeela Ahmed, chief executive of the British Muslim Trust, described the findings as deeply concerning, warning that anti-Muslim hostility was increasingly affecting everyday life.
She said mosques were becoming targets simply because of their religious identity, adding that rising levels of hostility were creating a growing need for security measures.
Ahmed also warned that increasing polarisation was leaving many British Muslims feeling vulnerable and fearful as they went about their daily lives.
The report highlights growing concerns about mosque safety and the need to address anti-Muslim hatred, strengthen security and ensure that religious communities can worship without fear of attack.
