Mosques in New York City are struggling to accommodate and feed an increasing number of Muslim migrants, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan. Many mosques have become day centers for migrants to rest and recover, while some have opened their doors for iftar meals. The surge in migrants, especially from African Muslim-majority countries, has put a strain on the resources of these mosques, prompting appeals for donations. The city's faith-based communities are facing challenges in providing overnight shelter, and while a program was announced to support them, only a few have been approved so far. Despite the difficulties, migrants express gratitude for the support provided by the mosques.
Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef expressed his concern over images and videos showing Israeli soldiers disrespecting and desecrating mosques and religious sites during the conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. He wrote a letter to the IDF Chief Rabbi, emphasizing that such actions cause damage to the people of Israel and its global image. Rabbi Yosef called for soldiers to be educated about the importance of respecting the feelings of members of other religions.
Chinese authorities have closed or altered hundreds of mosques in the northern regions of Ningxia and Gansu, as part of efforts to "sinicise" religious minorities. Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers found that the Chinese government has significantly reduced the number of mosques in these regions, with satellite imagery showing the removal of domes and minarets. The closure, destruction, and repurposing of mosques are seen as part of a systematic effort to curb the practice of Islam in China. The mosque consolidation policy has also been observed in Xinjiang, where an estimated 65% of mosques have been destroyed or damaged since 2017.
The Chinese government is implementing a "mosque consolidation" policy in Ningxia and Gansu provinces, which involves decommissioning, closing, demolishing, and converting mosques for secular use, as part of its efforts to restrict the practice of Islam. Islamic architectural features, such as domes and minarets, have been removed from many mosques. This violates the right to freedom of religion and is part of a systematic effort to curb the practice of Islam in China. The Chinese government claims that the policy aims to reduce the economic burden on Muslims and promote unity, but it is seen as a means to control and assimilate religious minorities. Human Rights Watch has called on the Chinese government to reverse its Sinicization campaign on religions and for foreign governments to press China to cease its mosque consolidation policy and broader Sinicization campaign.
Jewish and Palestinian Muslim communities in the United States are feeling grief and apprehension following the recent Hamas attack on Israeli civilians and Israel's subsequent reprisals in Gaza. Synagogues and mosques have increased security measures, and trauma experts have been invited to speak to congregants. Despite the tension, worshippers are seeking spiritual and emotional connection, with synagogues expecting higher turnout for Friday night services. Jewish and Muslim leaders are reaching out to support each other, offering sympathies and expressing solidarity in the face of loss and suffering.
Suicide bombings targeted two mosques in Pakistan, killing at least 57 people and injuring over 60. The first blast occurred in Balochistan, killing 52 people, while the second attack took place in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, claiming five lives. No group has claimed responsibility for the bombings, which occurred during events commemorating the Prophet Mohammed's birthday. These attacks come amidst a surge in militant activity leading up to the country's upcoming general elections in January.
A man has been arrested and charged with arson after setting fire to two mosques in Minneapolis in April. Jackie Rahm Little is also accused of sending harassing messages to and vandalizing the office of a member of Congress earlier this year. Rep. Ilhan Omar said the vandalism occurred at her Minneapolis office. Little was seen on surveillance footage attempting to shoplift spray paint from a Target in Minneapolis, and later spray-painted the number “500” on the office door of the member of Congress.
A man with a history of arson has been arrested and charged with setting fires at two Minneapolis mosques last month. Jackie Rahm Little, 36, also known as Joel Arthur Tueting, was taken into federal custody by agents from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Little allegedly started a fire in a bathroom at the Masjid Omar Islamic Center and was seen in surveillance footage going into the Masjid Al-Rahma Mosque, where a fire erupted on the third floor soon after. No one was hurt in either incident.
A man suspected of setting fire to two mosques in South Minneapolis last week while there were people worshiping inside them is now in federal custody. The suspect, Jackie Rahm Little, is facing felony arson charges for both fires, which occurred over about a 24-hour period at two mosques about a block apart in the Philips neighborhood. Investigators believe that Little was responsible for two other incidents that may have been motivated by anti-Muslim bigotry: vandalism of the Minneapolis office of Congressional Rep. Ilhan Oman, and of the squad car used by a Somali police officer in Minneapolis. Little has a past arrest for another arson in 2021, along with a history of mental health issues in recent years.
Over 1,700 unknown persons have been booked by UP police for offering Eid namaz on roads outside mosques in three Kanpur areas despite a ban on such prayers on public thoroughfares. Police have claimed that namaz was offered outside the mosques on April 22.
Minneapolis police are seeking the public's help in identifying a possible suspect linked to separate fires at two area mosques. No one was hurt in either incident, and there have been no arrests. The police department has released surveillance video and pictures of the possible suspect. It is unclear whether the fires at the two mosques are connected, but the police chief said they will investigate the fires as if they are connected until proven otherwise. The FBI and US Attorney's Office have been contacted, and the incidents are potentially federal offenses.
A man has been charged with attempted murder after two elderly men were set on fire outside mosques in London and Birmingham. Mohammed Abbkr, 28, allegedly sprayed a substance on the men before setting it alight in separate incidents. The man attacked in Birmingham was taken to hospital with serious injuries. Abbkr appeared in court and was remanded in custody. Police are asking locals to hand over CCTV or other video that could help the investigation.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly attacking elderly men leaving mosques in separate crimes that were weeks apart in different English cities. The suspect is accused of spraying a substance on an 82-year-old in west London on February 27 and on a 70-year-old in Birmingham on March 20. The incidents have shaken Britain’s Muslim minority, which is now observing the holy month of Ramadan.
