CAIR Asks Mosques to Boost Security at End-of-Ramadan Prayers

Muslim civil rights group distributes checklist of mosque safety measures

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today said that in light of recent hate incidents targeting American Muslims, it is asking mosques and Islamic institutions nationwide to step up security for the upcoming end-of Ramadan holiday prayers.

The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also offered a checklist of safety measures the houses of worship should take.

CAIR issued its call for increased security following incidents such as this morning's report of the desecration of graves at a cemetery in Illinois and similar cases of hate vandalism and violence targeting Muslims around the nation.

Video: Muslim Graves in Illinois Desecrated with Hate Graffiti (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uH47WjcPf1U

Photos of Hate Graffiti on Graves
http://tinyurl.com/bupfnv2  

To help boost safety at community events, CAIR is distributing a checklist of "Community Safety and Security Tips." CAIR's tips include immediately reporting suspicious people or activities, posting emergency contact information and facility floor plans in public areas, meeting with local police to seek safety advice, monitoring those who enter public events, and taking advantage of resources offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). [NOTE: CAIR's safety checklist is also relevant to other houses of worship such as Sikh gurdwaras.]

SEE: CAIR Community Safety and Security Tips
http://tinyurl.com/c8qpqx8

CAIR said American Muslims will gather at Ramadan celebrations and prayers in cities and towns this weekend. (Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.)

The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or "feast of fast breaking" holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and take part in community activities such as bazaars and children's fairs.

CAIR: U.S. Muslims to Mark End of Ramadan with Prayers
http://tinyurl.com/cc2km4y

CAIR: Muslims Brace for Tense Holiday
http://tinyurl.com/d3ut35m

In a statement, CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad said:

"In light of the numerous recent incidents of hate attacks on American Muslims and their institutions and houses of worship, it is only prudent to take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of those who will be celebrating this weekend. We particularly ask imams and mosque leaders to request a local law enforcement presence in the vicinity of any public prayers or gatherings. This request is made out of an abundance of caution given recent events." 

Awad noted that the past few days alone, violent incidents in Illinois included a shooting at a mosque in Morton Grove and an acid bomb thrown at an Islamic school in Lombard. In other states, a mosque was burned to the ground in Joplin, Mo., vandals sprayed an Oklahoma mosque with paintballs, pigs legs were thrown at a mosque-site in California, and a firebomb was thrown at a Muslim family's home in Panama City, Fla.

Video: CAIR News Update
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf9AJZ5Qe7A

Eight Attacks, 11 Days (Salon)
http://www.salon.com/2012/08/14/eight_attacks_11_days/

Video: Firebomb Thrown at Florida Muslim Family's Home (CAIR)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-zPcqoYBIGA

CAIR-St. Louis: Interfaith Leaders Support Joplin Mosque (Video)
http://tinyurl.com/c46hfjx

Video: CAIR-LA Asks DOJ to Launch Probe of Pig Legs Left at Mosque Site
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJpS8OU07GQ

Video: Vandals Shoot Paintballs at OKC Mosque
http://tinyurl.com/9yddhpr

CAIR-Chicago: Islamic Groups Alarmed by Suburban Incidents
http://tinyurl.com/9qltntx

CAIR: Arson, Vandalism at Mosques Not Uncommon (Joplin Globe)
http://tinyurl.com/c4qw4w3

In the worst incident, six Sikhs were gunned down by a white supremacist in Wisconsin.

Last week, CAIR's national headquarters issued a community safety advisory for American mosques following the incidents targeting Muslim houses of worship in Missouri and Rhode Island and after the deadly shooting attack on the Sikh temple.

SEE: CAIR Issues Safety Advisory After Another Mosque Targeted
http://tinyurl.com/bq6f3tn

CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, E-Mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)