The Association of British Muslims is guided by the following ten principles:

1. Identity: We accept as Muslim anyone who identifies as such. The veracity and integrity of that claim is between the individual and God, not a matter for the state, nor an issue which other individuals can or should judge.
2. Equality: We affirm the equal worth of all human beings, regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, nationality, creed, sexual orientation or ability. We are committed to work toward societies that ensure social, political, educational, and economic opportunities for everyone.
3. Independence of Religious and Civil Authorities: We believe that freedom of conscience is not only essential to all human societies but integral to the Qur’anic view of humanity (see Holy Qur’an 2:256). We believe that the independence of government from religious interference and conversely the protection of religious institutions from being politicised, is the only way to achieve the Islamic ideal of freedom from compulsion in matters of faith. Essentially, we believe in the rule of law, implemented in a just, benevolent, equitable and fair manner.
4. Freedom of Speech: We support freedom of expression and freedom of dissent, whether political, artistic, social or religious, even when that expression may be offensive and that dissent may be considered blasphemous. No one should be legally prosecuted, imprisoned or detained for declaring or promoting unpopular opinions except incitement to hate.
5. Universal Human Rights: We are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood. We fully endorse and uphold the human and civil rights of all human beings, without distinction of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexuality, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.
6. Women’s Rights: We support women’s equality, agency, self-determination in every aspect of their lives. We believe in the empowerment of women to be able to participate fully in every aspect of society at every level.
7. Right to Privacy: We affirm our commitment to the protection of any person’s private and family life, home and correspondence from arbitrary interference by the state, corporations or other persons. What happens in private should be of no concern to others.
8. Critical Analysis and Interpretation: We call for critical engagement with Islamic scripture, traditional jurisprudence, and current Muslim discourses. We believe that critical thinking is essential to spiritual development. We promote interpretations that reflect basic Qur’anic principles of tolerance, inclusiveness, mercy, compassion and fairness.
9. Compassion: We affirm that justice and compassion should be the guiding principles for all aspects of human conduct. We repudiate militarism and violence, whether on an individual, organisational or national level.
10. Diversity: We embrace religious pluralism and the diversity of inspirations that motivate people to embrace social justice. We believe that one’s religion is not the exclusive source of truth. As such, we will engage with a diversity of philosophical and spiritual traditions in pursuit of a more just, peaceful and sustainable world.