A wave of shock and condemnation has swept through Aberdeen following the vandalism of an Islamic Relief advertising sign, an act being treated as a hate crime by local authorities. The incident, occurring during the holy month of Ramadan, has heightened concerns about rising Islamophobia in the region.

The targeted sign, prominently displayed at the Kittybrewster Roundabout, featured messaging related to charitable donations during Ramadan. It was discovered to have been defaced with white paint and torn, prompting immediate action from Islamic Relief and local community leaders.

Details of the Incident:

Vandalism Details:

The Islamic Relief advertising sign was subjected to deliberate damage, including the splashing of white paint and tearing of the display.

This act of vandalism is being treated by Police Scotland as a hate crime, given its apparent targeting of an Islamic organization.

Timing and Context:

The incident occurred during Ramadan, a period of heightened religious observance for Muslims, adding to the distress and concern within the community.

This incident also occured in conjunction with a seperate incident at the AMIC Spital Mosque, where white paint was splashed on the building, and a rock was thrown through a window.

Community Response:

Local community leaders and interfaith groups have expressed solidarity with the Muslim community, condemning the act of vandalism and calling for unity.

There has been a strong show of support from the local Aberdeen people, with many people helping with clean up efforts.

Police Investigation and Community Concerns:

Police Scotland has launched an investigation into the incident, appealing for witnesses and information. Officers are treating the vandalism as a hate crime, emphasizing their commitment to tackling all forms of prejudice and discrimination.

"We take all reports of hate crime extremely seriously, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating this incident," stated a spokesperson for Police Scotland. "We urge anyone with information to come forward."

The incident has sparked concerns about rising Islamophobia, with community leaders calling for increased awareness and education to combat prejudice.

Islamic Relief's Response:

Islamic Relief has expressed deep concern over the vandalism, emphasizing its commitment to serving communities of all faiths and backgrounds.

"We are saddened by this act of vandalism, which appears to be motivated by hate," said a representative from Islamic Relief. "However, we are also heartened by the outpouring of support from the Aberdeen community."

Wider Implications:

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Muslim communities in the UK. It underscores the importance of fostering interfaith dialogue and promoting tolerance and understanding.

The incident has also highlighted the importance of reporting hate crimes and the need for law enforcement agencies to take such incidents seriously.

As the investigation continues, the Aberdeen community remains united in its condemnation of hate and its commitment to building a more inclusive and tolerant society.

A charity advertisement on the Kittybrewster Roundabout in Aberdeen, which read “Trust in Allah. Give Zakat,” has been vandalized, with parts of it torn and splattered with white paint. In a separate incident on Saturday evening, white paint was also thrown at the AMIC Spital Mosque, and a rock was hurled through a window while worshippers were inside.

Scottish Labour councillor Nurul Hoque Ali expressed concern that these acts may be linked to a broader rise in Islamophobia. While he acknowledged that some might categorize this as antisocial behavior rather than a hate crime, he fears such incidents reflect growing discrimination. He attributed this to the increasing prevalence of hate crimes, far-right extremism, and Islamophobic rhetoric in both politics and the media. According to him, attacks like these intensify anxiety within the Muslim community, particularly for vulnerable groups such as women and children.

The concept of 'Zakat' refers to the mandatory charitable giving in Islam, where financially capable Muslims donate 2.5% of their wealth to support those in need. Contributions typically increase during Ramadan.

Other members of Aberdeen’s Muslim community have also voiced their distress over the vandalism. Ayah Mbarki, who leads the University of Aberdeen’s Palestine Solidarity Society, said she was saddened by the defacement. She emphasized that damaging a billboard promoting Islamic Relief—a charity providing global aid—was not just an act of vandalism but an attack on the faith itself. Having been involved with Islamic Relief for four years, she highlighted the vital support the organization provides to people in crisis. She noted that targeting humanitarian efforts demonstrates the increasing prevalence of Islamophobia. Mbarki affirmed her solidarity with fellow Muslim students and urged both the university and local authorities to take the issue seriously. She stressed that the Muslim community deserves to practice its faith freely and without fear, particularly during Ramadan.

Aberdeen has a Muslim population comprising about 3% of its 224,000 residents and is home to the largest mosque in Northeast Scotland. The city has previously faced instances of hate-related incidents, including racist and anti-Semitic pamphlets found at bus stops in 2023 and 2024, which sparked public condemnation.

Maggie Chapman, a Green MSP representing North East Scotland in the Scottish Parliament, reported the vandalism to Aberdeen City Council. She described the act as appalling but, unfortunately, not surprising, given the increasing appearance of hateful graffiti and stickers in the city. She argued that while such attacks specifically target marginalized groups, they also contribute to a general sense of insecurity for all residents. Chapman criticized the defacement, particularly as it targeted a message about Zakat, which represents charity and kindness. She has written to the council to inquire about their policies on removing hateful graffiti.

A spokesperson for Islamic Relief, the organization behind the advertisement, condemned the incident, describing it as part of a broader rise in Islamophobia across the UK. They pointed out that misinformation and ignorance about Islam are fueling hostility towards Muslim communities. The UK Home Office reported in 2024 that nearly 40% of religiously motivated hate crimes were directed at Muslims, and the charity is deeply concerned by this trend.

The spokesperson also noted that the Aberdeen incident was one of several recent attacks on Islamic Relief billboards across the country. In addition to vandalism, the charity has experienced an increase in Islamophobic abuse on social media. They described the targeting of a humanitarian organization—whose mission is to aid people of all faiths in need of food, shelter, and medical assistance—as irresponsible and deeply troubling.

Islamic Relief is actively working in the UK, including in Aberdeen, to support families struggling with the cost-of-living crisis by providing essential food packages. The charity warned that this act of vandalism reflects a worsening wave of Islamophobia and called for stronger measures to combat hatred and discrimination in all forms.