Bronx, NY – A young imam in the Bronx emerged as a victim of a violent confrontation this past Sunday night, a time when he and others in his community were observing Ramadan, one of the most holy periods of the Muslim calendar. Imam Omar Faruqe, 22, spoke two days after the incident where he was ambushed by three masked men outside the Banglabazar Jame Masjid, a local mosque.
Faruqe, while preparing to lead a prayer session, was interrupted and forced toward a vehicle by the assailants who then attempted to question him and showed him a photograph for identification. The incident took a violent turn when the mosque’s treasurer, Iqbal Hussain, noticed the disturbance and rushed to intervene. His involvement escalated the situation to a physical altercation.
According to Faruqe, the confrontation included being shoved, assaulted, and partially forced into the vehicle before worshippers nearby realized what was happening and approached to help. Hussain ended up sustaining a bloody nose during the fray in his effort to protect his community member.
As attendees swarmed the scene, the attackers’ vehicle hesitated, which allowed the mosque members to disrupt their plans. “Thank God, I save him and they run,” recalled Hussain, painting the chaotic scene outside their place of worship.
This unsettling episode triggered increased police vigilance around the mosque on Tuesday night as the congregation gathered under the protective watch of officers. The police are treating the matter seriously and are investigating it as an assault, considering the possibility that Faruqe was mistaken for someone else, although no arrests have been made yet.
Imam Abul K Yahya commented on the resilience of the community, emphasizing the sanctity of their worship space. “This is the house of Allah. Everyone comes here for prayer,” he stated, underscoring the unshaken spirit of the congregants.
Despite the distressing experience, Faruqe expressed a deep-seated trust and appreciation for his community. “I feel safe all the time around these people right here,” he said, grateful for the spontaneous support and love from his congregation which he described as his family.
The incident has raised concerns about safety at religious sites, a topic of growing importance as communities globally grapple with increasing threats of violence. Community support and solidarity can play a crucial role in such scenarios, providing both emotional comfort and collective safety for vulnerable groups.
Moreover, this episode in the Bronx serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by religious leaders who are not only responsible for spiritual guidance but are also compelled to navigate through unexpected and sometimes dangerous situations.
As investigations continue, the Banglabazar Jame Masjid remains a focal point not just for prayers but for a community’s fight against violence and disruption. The Bronx Muslim community has shown an exemplary response to violence and solidarity in the face of adversity, echoing the resilience found in worship places around the world.