MEND STATEMENT ON SAN DIEGO MOSQUE TERRORIST ATTACK


Muslim Engagement and Development unequivocally condemns the devastating terrorist attack on the Islamic Center of San Diego – a vile, hateful act of Islamophobic violence that has shaken the entire Muslim community and all people of conscience.

Three innocent lives were taken – a mosque security guard and two members of staff – in what authorities are investigating as a hate crime. That this atrocity occurred on the first day of the blessed month of Dhul Hijjah, as millions of Muslims around the world prepare for Hajj and Eid al-Adha, makes it all the more painful and all the more deliberate in its cruelty.

We send our heartfelt condolences, solidarity and prayers to the families of the victims. May Allah grant them patience, comfort and healing in this unbearable time.

We must also honour the extraordinary courage of the security guard, identified by community leaders as Amin Abdullah, a father of eight, who played a pivotal role in preventing the attack from being far worse. As police confirmed, “his actions were heroic” and “he saved lives.” His sacrifice will not be forgotten.
All children at the school on-site were safely evacuated – a relief for which we are grateful, but one that does not lessen our grief.

No Muslim – indeed no person – should fear for their life in a house of worship. MEND calls on authorities to treat this as the hate crime it is and to ensure the full protection of Muslim communities across the UK and beyond.

إِنَّا لِلَّٰهِ وَإِنَّا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعُونَ To Allah we belong, and to Him we return.