22/10/2026
Statement of Clarification Regarding Hendon Mosque Elections.
We are aware of the uncertainty that have arisen within Hendon Mosque following an announcement made by the Lead Election Commissioner. We understand that it has been reported that Sunderland Madrasa and specifically our Principal, Maulana Yusuf, advised that a nominated candidate should not be permitted to stand in the election.
We wish to clarify our position and address any misunderstanding that may have arisen.
The Election Commissioners approached Baytul Ilm Madrasa for guidance. As an institution that provides Islamic guidance to members of the wider community, we regularly offer advice to individuals and organisations who approach us for assistance in making decisions. On this occasion, the guidance provided was given in the same spirit.
Our advice was intended solely as guidance, based on the information presented to us at the time. It was not a fatwa, nor did we instruct the Election Commissioners to reject, cancel or prevent the nomination of any candidate. The responsibility for considering the advice and making the final decision rested entirely with the Election Commissioners.
Furthermore, following the announcement made by the Lead Election Commissioner, we have since been informed that the information initially presented to us may not have included the full facts. This reinforces the importance of distinguishing between the guidance we provide and the decisions made by those responsible for the election process.
We therefore wish to make it unequivocally clear that any decision made by the Election Commissioners regarding candidate nominations or the election process is their own responsibility and does not represent a decision made by Baytul Ilm Madrasa, our Principal, Maulana Yusuf, or any of our Ulama.
We hope this clarification helps address any misunderstanding and encourages all parties to approach the matter with fairness, mutual respect and a commitment to maintaining unity within the community.
Baytul Ilm Academy Sunderland
