University College London Islamic society mourns Ayatollah’s death and urges Muslims to ‘remain ready’
University group calls Iranian leader’s killing ‘martyrdom’, sparking concern over rhetoric on UK campus
A Muslim student society at University College London has publicly mourned the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader and urged Shia Muslims in the West to “remain aware and ready”.
The Ahlul-Bayt Islamic Society at UCL (ABSoc) issued a statement following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing his killing as “martyrdom” and offering condolences from “all at UCL ABSoc”.
In a post shared on social media, the society’s mental health team referred to his death as an “unimaginable loss for the entire Ummah”, using the Arabic term for the global Muslim community.
The post added: “This is not the end to resistance. The Shia in the West must remain aware and ready.”
ABSoc said the tribute was not “incitement, endorsement of violence, or unlawful mobilisation”, and argued that mourning the Iranian leader constituted “lawful expression” protected under freedom of expression and academic freedom.
In a further statement, the society said the Ayatollah served a “broadly religious” role for Shia Muslims, comparing his position to that of the Catholic Pope. It added: “Students are entitled both legally and morally to mourn, to speak, and to organise within the law.”
The language used in the post prompted swift condemnation from Jewish commentators and alumni.
Author and educator Dov Forman described the statement as “extraordinary”, saying: “A UCL student society publicly mourning Ayatollah Khamenei and urging Shia in the West to stay ‘aware and ready’. On a UK campus. Universities cannot keep pretending this is just ‘student expression.’”
Former government adviser and UCL alumnus James Price said it was “disgusting to see how far Britain has fallen,” adding: “I hope UCL acts appropriately.”
A UCL spokesperson said: “We are looking into social media posts by the AhlulBayt Islamic Society, which have led to a number of complaints.
“We recognise that the recent events and escalation of conflict in the Middle East and the wider region are causing significant distress for many members of our community. With students and staff from a wide range of backgrounds, our priority is to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected, and supported.
“UCL has in place a range of dedicated, expert support, both practical and emotional, for students and staff affected by conflict.”
The controversy comes amid heightened concern within the Jewish community over extremist rhetoric on university campuses, particularly in the context of the ongoing regional conflict involving Iran and Israel.
Khamenei was confirmed dead on Saturday following what Israeli officials described as a “decapitation strike”. Iranian state media later confirmed his death, along with that of his daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.
During his rule, Iran carried out state executions, violent crackdowns on domestic protests and mass killings in the final months of his leadership. His death has been welcomed by many in the Iranian diaspora, while others inside Iran have expressed fear and uncertainty about the country’s future.
Donald Trump announced the killing on social media before official confirmation, writing: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had earlier said there were “many signs” the Iranian leader was “no longer alive”.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian is expected to lead the country during the transitional period while Iran’s Assembly of Experts considers the appointment of a new Supreme Leader. Analysts have warned that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could seek to consolidate power in the interim.
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