Spital Mosque in Aberdeen was targeted by vandals on Saturday night, as worshippers gathered for prayers during Ramadan.
The incident began when white paint was thrown at the mosque’s door and the pavement outside. Hours later, a rock was thrown through one of the mosque’s windows, shattering it.
The attack, which occurred around 9pm, left those inside shaken, though no one was physically harmed.
Aberdeen Mosque and Islamic Centre quickly condemned the vandalism as “wilful and despicable.”
A spokesperson for the mosque expressed gratitude to the local community, noting the outpouring of support that followed the attack.
“Following these attacks, kind neighbours and worshippers united to help clean up the mess, while others sent messages of support. We are very grateful to them,” the spokesperson said.
The mosque emphasised the impact of the attack during the holy month of Ramadan, a time of prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims.
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Despite the attack, the community quickly responded with support. Neighbours and worshippers assisted in cleaning up the damage, and others expressed their solidarity through messages of support.
In a statement, the mosque further detailed the events of the night, describing the attacks as “wilful and despicable criminal acts” that have been reported to the police.
They urged anyone with information to come forward. “If you saw anything, please contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111 or submit information online,” the mosque added.
“The rise in Islamophobic incidents has become an unfortunate reality in many communities, prompting mosques to take additional security measures.
“In response to the recent attacks, police will increase patrols around mosques, especially during busy prayer times, to ensure the safety of worshippers.
“The police will be performing additional patrols around the mosques during prayers and other busy times,” the mosque assured the public.”
The mosque also urged the community to remain vigilant, but not to be alarmed.
“Please be alert and remain vigilant, but do not be alarmed. Continue with your efforts and prayers to gain maximum benefits from this blessed month of Ramadan,” the spokesperson said.
This incident highlights the increasing challenges that mosques and worshippers face in the wake of rising Islamophobia.
However, it also underscores the strength of the local community in standing up against hate.
The support shown by neighbours and the swift response from police highlight the collective efforts to ensure a safe environment for worshippers, even during these difficult times.
Wider pattern
A survey by Muslim Census and MEND has found that 42% of mosques or Islamic institutions have experienced religiously-motivated attacks from 2019-2022 alone.
The 2022 survey of 114 Islamic centres revealed that 17% of mosques had faced physical abuse directed at staff or worshippers, including the stabbing of a muezzin in London Central Mosque in 2020.
Muslim Census and MEND also found that:
- Nearly two-thirds of mosques reported that the attacks had a negative impact on the wider community.
- Of those that reported an attack, only 55% of mosques were satisfied with the police response.
- Only one-third of mosques who applied for the government Places of Worship scheme received funding.
The most common form of attack experienced by mosques was vandalism followed by theft. Overall, 35% of mosques experienced a religiously-motivated attack at least once a year.
But several mosques said they were dubious about reporting an incident so as to mitigate any negative impacts – such as fear of attending mosques, reduction in community cohesion and loss of confidence in police action.
The survey also investigated the police response to such attacks – 55% of mosques reported not being satisfied with police responses, and 38% said no police action was taken.
As mosque attendance is expected to rise during the final ten days of Ramadan, the impact of these Islamophobic hate crimes could intensify.
