Latest news with #mosques
Arab News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Muslim leaders increase security after vandalism reports at Texas and California mosques
TEXAS: After a spate of vandalism reports involving graffiti at a few mosques in Texas and California, Muslim leaders there have stepped up existing efforts to keep their sacred spaces and community members safe. The incidents and subsequent hypervigilance add to what many American Muslims say has already been a charged climate amid the fallout in the US from the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza. The war started in October 2023 with a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel. 'The past two years have been extremely difficult for American Muslims,' said Edward Ahmed Mitchell, national deputy director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, a Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization. A constant stream of images showing the death, destruction and ongoing starvation in Gaza has taken a toll, said Mitchell, as has a rise in anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian bigotry in the US Tomorrow, @CAIRAustin and leaders from the three mosques vandalized last week will hold a press conference condemning the attacks and inviting the public to a community gathering of solidarity on Thursday at Nueces Mosque. Press Conference Tuesday, May 27 | 11 AM CST … — CAIR National (@CAIRNational) May 26, 2025 He pointed to one of the most egregious examples of that bigotry: After the war started, an Illinois man killed a 6-year-old Palestinian American Muslim boy and wounded his mother in a hate-crime attack. Worry and frustration The recent vandalism reports have left some worried and frustrated — but not entirely surprised. 'Since October 2023, we've definitely seen rise in Islamophobia,' said Rawand Abdelghani, who is on the board of directors of Nueces Mosque, one of the affected mosques in Austin, Texas. 'Anti-Palestinian, anti-immigrant, all of that rhetoric that's being said … it has contributed to things like this happening.' Nueces security footage showed someone, their face partially covered, spray-painting what appears to be Star of David symbols at the property. CAIR Austin said similar incidents were reported at two other Austin mosques. They all seemingly happened on the same night in May, in what the group described as part of 'a disturbing pattern of hate-motivated incidents.' It called for increased security patrols and protective measures. Shaimaa Zayan, CAIR Austin operations manager, called them an intimidation attempt. Less than two weeks earlier, someone had spray-painted graffiti at the Islamic Center of Southern California, including the Star of David on an outer wall there, center spokesperson Omar Ricci said. 'In light of what's going on within Palestine and the genocide in Gaza, it felt like an attack,' said Ricci, who's also a reserve Los Angeles Police Department officer. Some specifics remained unresolved. The LAPD said it opened a vandalism/hate crime investigation and added extra patrols, but added it has neither a suspect nor a motive and noted that nonreligious spaces were also targeted. The Austin Police Department did not respond to Associated Press inquiries. Nueces had already increased its security camera use following three incidents last year, including someone throwing rocks at the mosque, Abdelghani said. After the May vandalism, it also added overnight security, she added. Nueces serves many university students and is considered a 'home away from home,' Abdelghani said. It's where they learn about their faith, meet other Muslims and find refuge, including during tense times, like when some students got arrested amid campus protests last year, she added. CAIR says that in 2024, its offices nationwide received 8,658 complaints, the highest number it has recorded since its first civil rights report in 1996. It listed employment discrimination as the most common in 2024. The group says last year, US Muslims, along with others of different backgrounds, 'were targeted due to their anti-genocide … viewpoints.' Referencing former President Joe Biden, the CAIR report said that for 'the second year in a row, the Biden-backed Gaza genocide drove a wave of Islamophobia in the United States.' Israel has strongly rejected allegations it's committing genocide in Gaza, where its war with Hamas has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The initial Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, killed some 1,200 people, while about 250 were abducted. Tensions in multiple spaces The war has fueled tensions in myriad US settings. After it started, Muslim and Jewish civil rights groups reported a surge of harassment, bias and physical assaults reports against their community members. Pew Research Center in February 2024 found that 70 percent of US Muslims and nearly 90 percent of US Jews surveyed say they felt an increase in discrimination against their respective communities since the war began. More recently, leaders of US Jewish institutions have called for more help with security after a firebomb attack in Colorado on demonstrators showing support for Israeli hostages in Gaza that left one person killed and others injured, as well as a fatal shooting of two Israeli Embassy staffers outside a Jewish museum in Washington, D.C. Politically, the conflict loomed over last year's presidential election, leaving many pro-Palestinian US voters feeling ignored by their own government's support for Israel. It has roiled campuses and sparked debates over free speech and where political rhetoric crosses into harassment and discrimination. There've been bitter disagreements, including among some Jewish Americans, about exactly what the definition of antisemitism should cover, and whether certain criticism of Israeli policies and Zionism should be included. That debate further intensified as President Donald Trump's administration sought to deport some foreign-born pro-Palestinian campus activists. The Islamic Center of Southern California has been targeted before, including vandalism in 2023 and separate threats that authorities said in 2016 were made by a man who was found with multiple weapons in his home. Incidents like the latest one cause concern, Ricci said. 'People see that it's not going to take very much to spark something in the city,' he said. 'There's a lot of emotion. There's a lot of passion' on both the pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli sides. Salam Al-Marayati, president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council, said 'if people think they can get away with graffiti, then the next step is to firebomb a mosque or even go attack worshippers.' Opening doors and receiving support Al-Marayati and others praised how many have shown support for the affected Muslim communities. 'The best preparation is what we did in Los Angeles and that's to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies and be there for one another,' he said. In Texas, a gathering at Nueces brought together neighbors and others, including Christians and Jews, to paint over the vandalism, clean up the property and garden, Zayan said. 'It was beautiful,' she said. 'It's really important to open your doors and open your heart and invite people and to rebuild this trust and connection,' she said. 'For non-Muslims, it was a great opportunity for them to show their love and support. They really wanted to do something.'
Washington Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Muslim leaders increase security after vandalism reports at Texas and California mosques
After a spate of vandalism reports involving graffiti at a few mosques in Texas and California, Muslim leaders there have stepped up existing efforts to keep their sacred spaces and community members safe. The incidents and subsequent hypervigilance add to what many American Muslims say has already been a charged climate amid the fallout in the U.S. from the Israel-Hamas war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and devastated Gaza. The war started in October 2023 with a deadly attack by Hamas on Israel.
UAE Moments
14-07-2025
- UAE Moments
Top 10 Largest Mosques Showcasing Architectural Grandeur
The Largest Mosques in the World: A Glimpse into Architectural Grandeur Mosques are not only places of worship but also stunning examples of architectural ingenuity and cultural heritage. Across the globe, mosques stand as testaments to spiritual devotion, history, and community. Here, we explore the ten largest mosques in the world, highlighting their capacity, historical significance, and remarkable design features. 10. The Jami Masjid (Delhi, India) The Cathedral Mosque of Delhi, commonly known as the Jami Masjid, ranks tenth among the largest mosques worldwide. This impressive mosque was constructed during the reign of Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor renowned for commissioning the Taj Mahal. Completed in 1656, the mosque can accommodate approximately 25,000 people. Renowned for its Mughal architectural style, the Jami Masjid is one of Delhi's most iconic landmarks. Its massive courtyard and intricately designed façade continue to attract visitors from around the globe. 9. Sheikh Zayed Mosque (Abu Dhabi, UAE) Located in Abu Dhabi, the Sheikh Zayed Mosque ranks ninth among the world's largest mosques. Besides its capacity to hold 40,000 people, it is celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and luxurious interiors adorned with colored marble, semi-precious stones, and the world's largest chandelier. Covering an area of 22,000 square meters, this mosque's majestic white domes, reflective pools, and pristine surroundings make it one of the UAE's main tourist attractions. 8. Al-Saleh Mosque (Sana'a, Yemen) Eighth on the list is the Al-Saleh Mosque, located in Yemen's capital, Sana'a. Officially opened in 2008, this modern masterpiece accommodates up to 44,000 worshippers. The mosque serves as both a place of worship and an educational hub, housing several libraries and classrooms. Its construction was personally financed by Yemen's president at the time, who invested approximately $60 million into this architectural marvel. 7. Badshahi Mosque (Lahore, Pakistan) The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, is a historic gem that ranks seventh on the list. Built in the 17th century by the last ruler of the Great Mughal dynasty, it can host up to 60,000 people at one time. This majestic mosque reflects Mughal architecture's splendor, with its massive gateway, marble interior, and iconic red sandstone exterior, symbolizing Lahore's rich Islamic heritage. 6. Imam Reza Mausoleum (Mashhad, Iran) Occupying sixth place is the Imam Reza Mausoleum, located in Mashhad, Iran. As a significant religious and architectural complex, it includes the tomb of Imam Reza, a cemetery, library, museum, and mosque. Spread across 331,000 square meters, the mausoleum can accommodate 100,000 worshippers. Since its construction began in the 13th century, it has grown to become Iran's most visited religious site, attracting nearly 20 million visitors annually. 5. Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca, Morocco) The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco, ranks fifth among the largest mosques. Its capacity of 105,000 worshippers is matched only by its breathtaking beauty and unique location overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Covering nine hectares, this mosque is notable for its massive glass hall and architectural elegance. Remarkably, its construction was funded entirely by voluntary donations, totaling $800 million. 4. The Independence Mosque (Jakarta, Indonesia) Jakarta's Istiklal Mosque, also known as the Independence Mosque, is Southeast Asia's largest mosque and ranks fourth globally. Built to commemorate Indonesia's independence, the mosque was officially completed in 1961. Spanning 10 hectares, this grand mosque accommodates up to 120,000 people. Its modern architectural style and spacious interiors have made it a central hub for the country's Muslim population. 3. Faisal Mosque (Islamabad, Pakistan) The Faisal Mosque in Islamabad is an iconic landmark that secures the third position among the largest mosques in the world. Funded by Saudi Arabia and completed in the 1980s, this unique structure diverges from traditional mosque designs, resembling a Bedouin tent. With a capacity of 300,000 worshippers and an area of 5,000 square meters, the Faisal Mosque is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, providing a serene atmosphere for prayer and reflection. 2. The Prophet's Mosque (Medina, Saudi Arabia) Ranked second on the list is the Prophet's Mosque, or Masjid al-Nabawi, located in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Originally constructed in 622 with direct involvement from Prophet Muhammad himself, this mosque is revered as one of Islam's holiest sites. With an area of 400,000 square meters, the mosque accommodates 600,000 worshippers during regular days and up to a million during pilgrimage seasons. The Green Dome, under which Prophet Muhammad is buried, remains the spiritual centerpiece of this vast mosque. 1. The Forbidden Mosque (Mecca, Saudi Arabia) The largest mosque in the world is Al-Haram, also referred to as the Forbidden Mosque, located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia. It holds unparalleled significance as the home of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, said to have been built by celestial angels. First mentioned in 638, Al-Haram has undergone numerous reconstructions to accommodate the growing number of visitors. With a capacity of up to 2 million worshippers during peak pilgrimage seasons, the mosque covers an area of 357,000 square meters and continues to expand. Explore the Magnificence of the World's Mosques From historic landmarks to modern architectural marvels, these mosques represent Islamic culture's richness and the devotion of millions of worshippers worldwide. Each structure carries a story of faith, artistry, and human achievement that leaves an unforgettable impression on all who visit. FAQ What is the largest mosque in the world? The largest mosque is the Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, with a capacity of up to 2 million worshippers during peak pilgrimage seasons. Which mosque is the second largest globally? The Prophet's Mosque, also known as Masjid al-Nabawi, in Medina, Saudi Arabia, is the second largest, accommodating up to 600,000 to 1 million worshippers. What is unique about the Faisal Mosque in Islamabad? The Faisal Mosque resembles a Bedouin tent, diverging from traditional designs, and has a capacity of 300,000 worshippers surrounded by serene landscapes. Which mosque is Southeast Asia The Independence Mosque, or Istiklal Mosque, in Jakarta, Indonesia, is the largest in Southeast Asia, accommodating up to 120,000 people. How many worshippers can Sheikh Zayed Mosque hold? Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi can hold up to 40,000 worshippers and is known for its luxurious interiors and stunning architectural design. What architectural style is reflected in Badshahi Mosque? The Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, Pakistan, reflects the grandeur of Mughal architecture, featuring iconic red sandstone and marble interiors. When was the Hassan II Mosque constructed? The Hassan II Mosque was constructed with voluntary donations and is renowned for its breathtaking beauty, accommodating 105,000 worshippers. What makes the Imam Reza Mausoleum unique? The Imam Reza Mausoleum in Mashhad, Iran, is a complex with a mosque, library, museum, and cemetery, accommodating 100,000 worshippers. Which mosque is a major tourist attraction in the UAE? The Sheikh Zayed Mosque in Abu Dhabi is a major tourist attraction due to its pristine design, white domes, and reflective pools. Why is Al-Haram Mosque historically significant? Al-Haram Mosque in Mecca is historically significant as the home of the Kaaba, the holiest site in Islam, with mentions dating back to 638.
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘We are in a dangerous place': British Muslims on the fallout from 7/7 attack 20 years on
For many in the British Muslim community, the tragedy of 7 July 2005 lives long in the memory. The bombings sent shockwaves through the nation but also marked a turning point that left many grappling with grief, fear and a new scrutiny of their identity. Twenty years on, feelings of suspicion, isolation and hostility experienced in the aftermath of the attacks have, for some, only worsened after decades of UK counter-terrorism policies, and a political landscape they say has allowed Islamophobia to flourish. 'The emotional and social toll of 7/7 on Muslim communities was profound and is felt by many to this day,' said the imam Qari Asim. After the four London bombings, which killed 52 people and injured more than 700, police recorded 180 racist incidents in three days, of which 58 were faith-related, and mosques were targeted with arson. A Guardian poll at the time found two-thirds of Muslims considered leaving the UK afterwards. Asim, who was living in Leeds, where three of the four bombers were from, recalled the community feeling a collective sense of grief as the country mourned. But there was also an additional, silent layer of suffering for the Muslim community, he said: guilt and the need to justify their sense of belonging. As international media descended on Leeds, Asim organised a peace walk with other local places of worship, and joined mosques across the country in focusing their Friday sermons on solidarity and rejecting extremist ideologies. But he also recalled the psychological impact in the aftermath, such as the fear on people's faces when he entered lifts. He had to stop carrying a rucksack when he travelled. 'Islamophobia has consistently increased in the last 20 years, and that's not just due to extremism and terrorism but also a multitude of factors,' Asim said. Among them, he said, were the counter-terrorism rules brought in after the bombings. The then prime minister, Tony Blair, introduced 12 measures intended to offer a greater degree of collective security, but many said they left the Muslim community feeling alienated, over-policed and that their faith had been weaponised against them. There was a dramatic increase in faith-related hate crimes and police stop-and-searches. Dozens of terrorism charges were brought every year, and conviction rates on those charges soared. Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian man living in London, was shot dead by officers the day after the failed attacks of 21 July 2005, when they mistook him for one of the suspects. Another man was shot and injured during a counter-terrorism home raid in east London. Government engagement with communities at the time became fixed through a counter-terrorism lens, at the expense of other kinds of social engagement, said Milo Comerford, the counter-extremism policy director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. 'It obviously did lead to a lot of distrust and sort of perceptions of securitisation, particularly among younger Muslim men,' said Comerford. While the government fund to tackle hatred against Muslims announced in April was a move in the right direction, Comerford said, there had been little government focus for decades, and the Islamist lens had been 'part of the challenge'. The extension of terrorism powers and increased powers given to police and intelligence agencies has been of concern to Shabna Begum, the chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, a leading race equality thinktank, because of their racialised and disproportionate impact on people of colour – particularly South Asian and Muslim communities. 'Muslim communities have generally faced this kind of real culture of both being perceived as a threat and being perceived as outside the main body of who is to be British,' said Begum. Britain is home to a diverse Muslim community, the majority of whom are under the age of 19, according to the Muslim Council of Britain. In England and Wales, 3.9 million people identify as Muslim, according to 2021 census data, or 6.5% of the population. Begum said she was conscious of her two children being targeted because of their Muslim identity. When she hears the customary 'See it, say it, sorted' announcement on the tube, she believes she hears it differently to how a white passenger might. Twenty years after 7/7, Begum said the extension of counter-terrorism powers into the current conversation on migration 'feels regressive'. 'We're in a really dangerous place,' she said, but added there was room for change. 'There is room for a different narrative, there is room for solidarity. These counter-terrorism surveillance powers, the logic of all of what we've seen happen since the 'war on terror', those things apply and damage everyone.' Those concerns were underscored this year when figures revealed Islamophobic assaults rose by 73% in 2024 as a result of the normalisation of Islamophobic rhetoric and the far-right 'great replacement' conspiracy theory that spread on social media, according to Tell Mama, a national project that records and measures anti-Muslim incidents in the UK. While some noted some positive changes in the aftermath of 2005 – including increased Muslim participation in public life, the creation of Muslim organisations and charities, and interfaith solidarity – another turning point was the 2005 strategy known as Contest. Its key element, Prevent, was intended to address the 'root causes of terrorism'. However, critics said Prevent was set up without meaningful engagement with communities, and the increase in surveillance culture caused a breakdown in trust between the Muslim community and the authorities. One person recalled a five-year-old child being referred to the programme. Another spoke of university students being pulled up over their research. In the years after 7/7 and 9/11, there was a cultural shift that led to politicians and political commentators feeling able to speak about Muslims and the Muslim community in ways that were not previously acceptable. In 2024, analysis found that GB News accounted for half of all news broadcast coverage of Muslims over a two-year period, much of it negative. 'It's become commonplace for people to say some really objectionable things and still be given platforms on mainstream media,' said Jabeer Butt, the chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation. 'We've given permission for people to say some terrible things in public and for them not to be challenged under the guise that we're protecting free speech, when what we're actually doing is demonising whole swathes of our society.' Shaista Gohir said that as a Muslim woman born and raised in the UK, racism was always present. But the chief executive of Muslim Women's Network UK and crossbench peer said she has never been as worried as she was now for the Muslim community. 'It's not people on the fringes any more,' Lady Gohir said. 'It's actually mainstream anti-Muslim hate. 'Twenty years on I thought we would be in a better place in terms of building the relationships and trust back, but I would say things have worsened.'
The Guardian
06-07-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
‘We are in a dangerous place': British Muslims on the fallout from 7/7 attack 20 years on
For many in the British Muslim community, the tragedy of 7 July 2005 lives long in the memory. The bombings sent shockwaves through the nation but also marked a turning point that left many grappling with grief, fear and a new scrutiny of their identity. Twenty years on, feelings of suspicion, isolation and hostility experienced in the aftermath of the attacks have, for some, only worsened after decades of UK counter-terrorism policies, and a political landscape they say has allowed Islamophobia to flourish. 'The emotional and social toll of 7/7 on Muslim communities was profound and is felt by many to this day,' said the imam Qari Asim. After the four London bombings, which killed 52 people and injured more than 700, police recorded 180 racist incidents in three days, of which 58 were faith-related, and mosques were targeted with arson. A Guardian poll at the time found two-thirds of Muslims considered leaving the UK afterwards. Asim, who was living in Leeds, where three of the four bombers were from, recalled the community feeling a collective sense of grief as the country mourned. But there was also an additional, silent layer of suffering for the Muslim community, he said: guilt and the need to justify their sense of belonging. As international media descended on Leeds, Asim organised a peace walk with other local places of worship, and joined mosques across the country in focusing their Friday sermons on solidarity and rejecting extremist ideologies. But he also recalled the psychological impact in the aftermath, such as the fear on people's faces when he entered lifts. He had to stop carrying a rucksack when he travelled. 'Islamophobia has consistently increased in the last 20 years, and that's not just due to extremism and terrorism but also a multitude of factors,' Asim said. Among them, he said, were the counter-terrorism rules brought in after the bombings. The then prime minister, Tony Blair, introduced 12 measures intended to offer a greater degree of collective security, but many said they left the Muslim community feeling alienated, over-policed and that their faith had been weaponised against them. There was a dramatic increase in faith-related hate crimes and police stop-and-searches. Dozens of terrorism charges were brought every year, and conviction rates on those charges soared. Jean Charles de Menezes, a Brazilian man living in London, was shot dead by officers the day after the failed attacks of 21 July 2005, when they mistook him for one of the suspects. Another man was shot and injured during a counter-terrorism home raid in east London. Government engagement with communities at the time became fixed through a counter-terrorism lens, at the expense of other kinds of social engagement, said Milo Comerford, the counter-extremism policy director at the Institute for Strategic Dialogue. 'It obviously did lead to a lot of distrust and sort of perceptions of securitisation, particularly among younger Muslim men,' said Comerford. While the government fund to tackle hatred against Muslims announced in April was a move in the right direction, Comerford said, there had been little government focus for decades, and the Islamist lens had been 'part of the challenge'. The extension of terrorism powers and increased powers given to police and intelligence agencies has been of concern to Shabna Begum, the chief executive of the Runnymede Trust, a leading race equality thinktank, because of their racialised and disproportionate impact on people of colour – particularly South Asian and Muslim communities. 'Muslim communities have generally faced this kind of real culture of both being perceived as a threat and being perceived as outside the main body of who is to be British,' said Begum. Britain is home to a diverse Muslim community, the majority of whom are under the age of 19, according to the Muslim Council of Britain. In England and Wales, 3.9 million people identify as Muslim, according to 2021 census data, or 6.5% of the population. Begum said she was conscious of her two children being targeted because of their Muslim identity. When she hears the customary 'See it, say it, sorted' announcement on the tube, she believes she hears it differently to how a white passenger might. Twenty years after 7/7, Begum said the extension of counter-terrorism powers into the current conversation on migration 'feels regressive'. 'We're in a really dangerous place,' she said, but added there was room for change. 'There is room for a different narrative, there is room for solidarity. These counter-terrorism surveillance powers, the logic of all of what we've seen happen since the 'war on terror', those things apply and damage everyone.' Those concerns were underscored this year when figures revealed Islamophobic assaults rose by 73% in 2024 as a result of the normalisation of Islamophobic rhetoric and the far-right 'great replacement' conspiracy theory that spread on social media, according to Tell Mama, a national project that records and measures anti-Muslim incidents in the UK. While some noted some positive changes in the aftermath of 2005 – including increased Muslim participation in public life, the creation of Muslim organisations and charities, and interfaith solidarity – another turning point was the 2005 strategy known as Contest. Its key element, Prevent, was intended to address the 'root causes of terrorism'. However, critics said Prevent was set up without meaningful engagement with communities, and the increase in surveillance culture caused a breakdown in trust between the Muslim community and the authorities. One person recalled a five-year-old child being referred to the programme. Another spoke of university students being pulled up over their research. In the years after 7/7 and 9/11, there was a cultural shift that led to politicians and political commentators feeling able to speak about Muslims and the Muslim community in ways that were not previously acceptable. In 2024, analysis found that GB News accounted for half of all news broadcast coverage of Muslims over a two-year period, much of it negative. 'It's become commonplace for people to say some really objectionable things and still be given platforms on mainstream media,' said Jabeer Butt, the chief executive of the Race Equality Foundation. 'We've given permission for people to say some terrible things in public and for them not to be challenged under the guise that we're protecting free speech, when what we're actually doing is demonising whole swathes of our society.' Shaista Gohir said that as a Muslim woman born and raised in the UK, racism was always present. But the chief executive of Muslim Women's Network UK and crossbench peer said she has never been as worried as she was now for the Muslim community. 'It's not people on the fringes any more,' Lady Gohir said. 'It's actually mainstream anti-Muslim hate. 'Twenty years on I thought we would be in a better place in terms of building the relationships and trust back, but I would say things have worsened.'
