—FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—
 
JAMAICA, New York (August 6, 2012) – The Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) issued a press statement expressing deep concern over the burning down of a mosque in Joplin, MO early this morning.

The fire at the Islamic Society of Joplin was reported at around 3:30 AM Monday; the possible attack left the mosque completely destroyed. This incident comes after another arson attack at the same mosque just a few weeks ago on July 4th which was caught on surveillance cameras.

ICNA Relief Volunteers at the Joplin Mosque in May, 2011 helping tornado victims in Area.
ICNA Relief Volunteers at the Joplin Mosque in May, 2011 helping tornado victims in Area.

The Islamic Society of Joplin was used as ICNA Relief’s disaster headquarters for two months last year after a devastating tornado tore through the city and left thousands in need. ICNA Relief was also planning on distributing free school bags and school supplies at its Back to School Giveaway event at the same mosque.
“We are horrified by the attack on a community prayer area, and sympathize with the Joplin community as they deal with their loss,” said Dr. Zahid Bukhari, President of ICNA. “ICNA appeals to law enforcement agencies to treat this incident as a hate crime and prosecute the perpetrators behind the attack.
The loss of a prayer area is especially trying during the month of Ramadan, a time of heightened worship and community events. Families who frequent the mosque will no doubt feel a sense of fear and grief after losing their prayer area to this attack. We urge Joplin residents to stand by their Muslim neighbors in the coming days.
The increase in anti-Muslim rhetoric in recent months has created an atmosphere of suspicion in which Muslims and those perceived to be Muslims are at risk. These bigoted views spread by political leaders and media personalities have provided fuel for hate crimes including the shooting at a Sikh temple in Wisconsin yesterday. We must stand together as people of conscience and condemn those who spread hate.”
ICNA Kansas City President Mansoor Ali will be leading a team to Joplin tomorrow to visit the mosque and assess the needs of the community. ICNA Relief has also offered to facilitate temporary prayer arrangements for the congregants of the mosque.

30 Responses

  1. These white supremist tea party groups hate Immigrants, Jews, Muslims, Christians not like them, Blacks, Hispanics, Democrats, etc. and they are set off by Republican BUZZ WORDS HATE MONGERING TRIGGERS. It’s ashame people can’t worship without fear in their places of worship. President Obama what is your Administration going to do about thesae fanatics?
    a few seconds ago · Like

  2. These persecution by uncivillized jingoist have been going on since the time of our noble Prophet. May ALLAH continue to be our guide ameen.

  3. May Allah not only protect us but show others that Islam is a religion of patience, piety and compassion for muslims and non muslims.
    The constitution and this nation was founded on these principles of worship with out fear but can we truly be safe in this society?

  4. How come this is not on CNN? Why is the national media biased against muslims? Attack on a mosque is no longer a news? Is it going to become th norm? What happened to the America I once knew that believed in religious freedom. What happened to the America ruled by the constitution and laws. Real America may be lost forever. The politicians do not Care about the constitution or the principles they took an oath to defend.

  5. The Answer in AL Quran..Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 102 The Muslims that live in the areae and that attend a Mosque that has been thratened or attackes should hire armed licensed Muslim security guards rate to protect the Islamic place of worship.Stand up there is Quran to confirm these actions READ AND ACT on what you read in AL QURAN and quit being cowards..Listen up….Beware of the beast watch as well as pray.. Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 102. When thou (O Messenger. art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed – and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment

  6. The Answer in AL Quran..Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    The Muslims that live in the areae and that attend a Mosque that has been threatened or attacked .What they should do is hire armed licensed Muslim security guards rate to protect the Islamic place of worship.
    Stand up there is Al Quran to confirm these actions READ AND ACT on what you read in AL QURAN Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    and quit being cowards.
    .Listen up….Beware of the beast watch as well as pray..
    Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 . When thou (O Messenger. art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed – and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment .
    Stand up there is Al Quran to confirm these actions READ AND ACT on what you read in AL QURAN Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    and quit being cowards.

  7. The Answer in AL Quran..Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    The Muslims that live in the areae and that attend a Mosque that has been threatened or attacked .What they should do is hire armed licensed Muslim security guards rate to protect the Islamic place of worship.
    Stand up there is Al Quran to confirm these actions READ AND ACT on what you read in AL QURAN Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    and quit being cowards.
    .Listen up….Beware of the beast watch as well as pray..
    Allah says in AL QURAN in Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 . When thou (O Messenger. art with them, and standest to lead them in prayer, Let one party of them stand up (in prayer) with thee, Taking their arms with them: When they finish their prostrations, let them Take their position in the rear. And let the other party come up which hath not yet prayed – and let them pray with thee, Taking all precaution, and bearing arms: the Unbelievers wish, if ye were negligent of your arms and your baggage, to assault you in a single rush. But there is no blame on you if ye put away your arms because of the inconvenience of rain or because ye are ill; but take (every) precaution for yourselves. For the Unbelievers Allah hath prepared a humiliating punishment .
    Stand up there is Al Quran to confirm these actions READ AND ACT on what you read in AL QURAN Surah 4. Al Nisa (the Women Ayats 101-104 See this Ayat 102 .
    and quit being cowards.

  8. This a big black spot on the face of USA which claim to be a democractic country – claiming to be a policeman of the world but goverment failing to stop Hate crimes in their own land. May be Obama is Jew sympathiser calculatively acting carelssly – but in the process USA is now being exposed as a State controlled by Jews in guise of christians.

  9. I didn’t know about this until I read about this in my email…. what a shame.. May Allah guide us all in the right path and keep all muslims safe from harm. Aameen.

  10. Let us (1) make dua to Allah SWT to make this a time of patience for the local community. (2) Lend a helping hand in building a masjid again, which sends a message to the cowards who did this act, that we are not scared.
    Is there a way to contribute to rebuilding this place of worship.

  11. This tragic incident is incomprehensible and truly appalling. I cannot believe this can happen in the heart of America, the champion of democracy and liberal thinking.
    I am sad for my brothers in faith in that area knowing how important a masjid is to every believers in the month of Ramadan. May you keep your resolve to stay sober and patient. This too will pass and that masjid hopefully be reconstructed better than it was. Knowing the goodness of the hearts of many American people, we expect no less than seeing the people who caused this shameless act behind bars.
    Let us all live in harmony as brothers in humanity.

  12. Ya Ummah! Let us show the world that no matter how many masjids they try to destroy, we will continue to build them.
    Please support the rebuilding of the Joplin masjid that was burned in an arson attack two days ago.
    Its the last ten nights of Ramadan – what better time to contribute! Even if you can give ten dollars, please give something… – Shaykh Yasir Qadhi http://www.indiegogo.com/joplinmosqueofficial?c=home

  13. May Allah (s.w.t.)protect my brothers and sisters against such hatred and despair, insha’Allah. I will make du’a for their continued protection.

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