Our History

In the early 1990’s the Muslim community in the UK, which had previously been made up of first generation economic migrants and political refugees, became more established, stable and British.

With this, came a greater need to provide a comprehensive programme of spiritual, intellectual and social development firmly rooted in the teachings of Islam and able to better equip the Muslim community with the skills needed navigate their political and social environment as British Muslims seeking to contribute positively within society.

Evolving from the Muslim Student Society (MSS) formed in 1961 and the Muslim Women Society (MWS), the Muslim Association of Britain was established in 1997 with the aim to do just this. 

Made up of respected Muslim personalities, scholars, imams, activists and community workers, its founding members were key figures in organisations such as the Federation of Student Islamic Societies (FOSIS) and Muslim Welfare House (MWH).

We began by establishing national Islamic development circles in cities all over the UK, attracting large numbers of youth. We sought to nurture a generation of leaders grounded in their Islamic knowledge, politically aware, socially active and making a real difference in their communities.

MAB now has a diverse membership of thousands of British Muslims originating from nearly 30 different counties. 

Achievements over the Years

• Establishing the first Muslim Scout groups in the UK

• Establishing many Mosques and local community initiatives nationwide

• Being a founding member of the MCB

• Leading the first organised Muslim voter drives to encourage Muslims to vote in General Elections and the London Mayoral Elections

• Organising the largest demonstrations in UK history against the war on Iraq and in support of Palestine, together with Stop the War Coalition and CND

• Graduating hundreds of Muslim youth from leadership development programmes

• Having thousands of youth attending regular Islamic development circles

• Hosting over 10 annual youth camps and retreats