Charity regulation is being “weaponised” to undermine the work of Muslim charities, the Muslim Charities Forum (MCF) is warning.

The infrastructure body said Muslim-led charities “have repeatedly faced attempts to undermine their work through unsubstantiated allegations” made to regulators.

It said it is “concerned by efforts to use regulatory scrutiny to marginalise Muslim-led organisations” and impact “their legitimate contribution to public life”.

“The Charity Commission itself has recognised the risk of its regulatory role being weaponised against charities.” said the MCF.

“Allegations should be considered on the basis of evidence and through the proper regulatory process, rather than through speculation or guilt by association.”

It is also concerned “by what appears to be a broader, potentially coordinated campaign by sections of the right-wing media, and amplified by some politicians, targeting infrastructure bodies and funders that support vital social justice initiatives”.

Despite its concerns the MCF says it has “built constructive relationships” with regulators, including the Charity Commission and Fundraising Regulator, and backed the work of the government’s Civil Society Covenant to increase partnership working between charities and ministers.

“We are grateful to partners who recognise the challenging environment in which diverse communities and the organisations serving them often operate,” said MCF chief executive Fadi Itani.

“Our focus remains on working collectively to build a stronger, more accountable, transparent and effective charitable sector.”

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