Parkchester, the Bronx – A young imam in the Bronx recently faced a terrifying attack by individuals wearing ski masks outside his mosque. The incident occurred on a Sunday night during the holy month of Ramadan, a time when Muslims gather at mosques for prayer.
During the attack, 22-year-old Imam Omar Faruqe was confronted by three men as he was making his way to the mosque to lead prayer. The assailants pushed him towards a vehicle, questioning him about a photo of individuals in ski masks that he denied being a part of.
The situation quickly escalated, with Faruqe being physically assaulted, placed in a headlock, and shoved around. The mosque treasurer, Iqbal Hussain, intervened to try and diffuse the situation, ultimately ending up with a bloody nose in the process.
Despite the chaos, the worshippers outside the mosque managed to prevent the assailants from leaving by following the vehicle. Faruqe expressed shock and confusion over the incident, wondering if he had been mistaken for someone else.
Members of the mosque community, including Imam Abul K Yahya, remained undeterred by the attack, emphasizing the importance of the mosque as a place of prayer and unity. Faruqe expressed gratitude for the support and safety he feels among the Muslim community.
Law enforcement officials are investigating the incident as an assault, although no arrests have been made thus far. Police have suggested that the attack may have been a case of mistaken identity, adding further complexity to the situation.
Despite the trauma experienced, Faruqe and the community continue to gather at the mosque for prayer, emphasizing the resilience of their faith and their commitment to worshiping in peace. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges that some religious communities face in practicing their faith freely and without fear.
