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Imam stabbed during morning prayer in New Jersey mosque
4-09-2023
On Sunday April 9th The imam of a New Jersey mosque was stabbed while he was leading his congregation in prayers, as per various news reports.
The attack happened just before 6 a.m. Fajr Salat at the Omar Mosque on Getty Avenue in South Paterson, according to Paterson Press. About 200 people were attending prayers at the time. The attacked happened right as the prayer session began.
Officials said the attacker had been as the mosque before. The suspect's name has not yet been released, and authorities have not said what they believe prompted the stabbing.
The victim was identified by city Councilman Al Abdel-aziz on Facebook.
"I am relieved to hear that Imam Sayed Elnakib is in stable condition, and wish him a full and speedy recovery. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time," Abdel-aziz wrote.
Elnakib was apparently taken to St. Joseph's University Medical Center for care after being stabbed twice in the back.
CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut said, "This incident is one of many throughout New Jersey. In 2022, we’ve recorded the highest number of complaints of anti-Muslim prejudices, at 152. Over the years, our records have shown that complaints increase around and during Ramadan, in part because Muslims are more visible and take up more space — physically and metaphorically."
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