How do I report an Islamophobic hate crime?
Report it to the police first, and say clearly that you believe it was motivated by hostility to Islam or Muslims. If you're in danger, call the emergency number (911 in the USA, 999 in the UK, 112 in the EU). You can also log the incident with a Muslim monitoring group, which helps track patterns even if you don't want police involvement.
Right after it happens
- Get safe first. Move away, go into a shop or busy place, and call for help if you need it.
- Get medical help if you're hurt, and keep the records.
- Write everything down while it's fresh: time, place, what was said word for word, descriptions, car plates.
- Keep evidence: photos, videos, screenshots of online abuse (with dates and usernames), and names of witnesses. Don't delete messages, even if they hurt to look at.
Where to report
- USA: call 911 in an emergency or your local police non-emergency line. Hate crimes can also be reported to the FBI at tips.fbi.gov. CAIR's local chapters help victims with reports and follow-up.
- UK: call 999 or 101, or report online through True Vision (report-it.org.uk), the police-funded hate crime site. Tell MAMA records anti-Muslim incidents and offers support, and can pass reports to the police with your consent.
- EU: report to local police; many countries have online hate crime forms and national equality bodies or NGOs that support victims.
Ask for a crime reference number and say "I believe this was a religious hate crime." That wording means the police should record and investigate it as one.
Islam supports standing up for yourself
Reporting isn't a lack of patience or forgiveness. The Quran praises believers who stand up against wrongdoing:
The Prophet ﷺ also told us to help someone who is wronged (Sahih al-Bukhari 2444). Reporting protects the next person, Muslim or not. It's the same principle as any other crime. See Can I report a crime by another Muslim to the police?
Looking after yourself
Hate incidents can leave fear, anger or sleeplessness for weeks. Talk to someone you trust, lean on your mosque community, and consider counselling if it lingers. See How do I cope with Islamophobia emotionally? If it's your child who was targeted at school, see What should I do if I'm bullied at school for being Muslim?
- Get safe, then call the police; use emergency numbers if in danger.
- Say you believe it was religiously motivated and get a reference number.
- Keep evidence and also log it with a monitoring group.
- Seeking justice is encouraged in Islam (Quran 42:39).
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