Reform councillor who criticised Islam invited to visit mosque

In a powerful demonstration of peace and interfaith harmony, Doncaster's Muslim community has extended a heartfelt invitation to a newly-elected councillor, Isaiah-John Reasbeck, who recently came under fire for his social media posts criticizing Islam. The compassionate gesture from the Jamia Masjid Sultania mosque in Hyde Park has set a precedent for bridge-building and understanding, turning a moment of potential division into an opportunity for positive dialogue.

Councillor Reasbeck, a 19-year-old representing the Bentley by-election for the Reform UK party, faced intense public scrutiny for a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter). In one post from August 6, 2024, he drew a misguided correlation between Bradford's Muslim population and its social issues. In a subsequent post, he stated that people should be "f***ing terrified" of Islam. While the councillor has since distanced himself from the posts, acknowledging their controversial nature and stating he was only 18 at the time, the damage had already been done.

However, in a remarkable act of grace, the local Muslim community has chosen not to condemn, but to educate. Imam Habeeb Minhas Madani of the Jamia Masjid Sultania mosque, while acknowledging the "Islamophobic" nature of the remarks, chose a path of dialogue over confrontation. He saw not an adversary, but someone in need of a better understanding.

"These are keyboard warriors, but they never take the challenge to speak to people like me," said Imam Madani, highlighting a common issue of misinformation perpetuated online. "I invite him and his like to come visit me and we can discuss what issues he has with Islam, why he is so terrified." This invitation is not just for the councillor, but a wider message to anyone who holds similar misconceptions.

The Jamia Masjid Sultania mosque, a pillar of the Doncaster community, is well-known for its dedication to public service and community engagement. Beyond its role as a place of worship, it actively participates in interfaith initiatives, charitable work, and social welfare programs. The mosque has a long history of opening its doors to people of all backgrounds, offering a true picture of Islam's values of peace, charity, and social justice. This invitation to Councillor Reasbeck is a natural extension of their long-standing commitment to building a cohesive and tolerant society.

The local Muslim community has expressed immense pride in the Imam's initiative. A spokesperson for the mosque highlighted the importance of this moment. "This is what our faith teaches us—to respond to ignorance with knowledge, and to hostility with peace," the spokesperson said. "We want to show Councillor Reasbeck, and the wider public, that Islam is not something to be feared. It is a faith that promotes harmony, respect, and compassion. We are not just a community that lives in Doncaster; we are an integral part of Doncaster."

The invitation from Jamia Masjid Sultania is a powerful lesson in community leadership and faith in action. By offering a direct and personal encounter, the Muslim community is working to dismantle stereotypes and build bridges that are desperately needed in today’s polarized world. It is a testament to the fact that while words can be used to divide, they can also be used to invite, to understand, and to heal. The Doncaster community awaits this historic meeting with hope, believing it will be the first step towards a more unified and understanding future.