(SAN DIEGO, CA, 3/25/2022) – The San Diego chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Diego) today condemned the Wednesday apparently bias-motivated stabbing of a local Imam (Islamic religious leader) and urged members of the public to come forward with information about the alleged attack.
Sheikh Uthman ibn Farooq, a Muslim scholar and imam known for dawah, or inviting people to Islam, was reportedly stabbed following a public appearance on Wednesday. Video recorded by the imam shows a man approaching his car and calling him a ‘f***ing terrorist.’ The alleged assailant then stabbed the imam. The imam said the attack has been reported to the police, and the weapon used by the alleged perpetrator is in police possession.
In a statement, CAIR-San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam said:
“We condemn this apparently bias-motivated attack on Sheikh Uthman and pray for his full recovery. May God protect him and his family from any further harm. The steady rise in hate crimes is of grave concern. We strongly recommend that the community report any hate incidents to law enforcement authorities. Hate rhetoric can quickly turn into a hate crime causing harm to life and property. We call on members of the public to offer any information they have about this attack and for city officials to take immediate action to ensure public safety for all minority communities.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: Tazheen Nizam CAIR-SD Executive Director, 760-201-7626 or tnizam@cair.com