The Newham Muslim Forum (NMF) has issued a strong call for solidarity and political accountability following the third attack on a mosque in the borough this year. In the most recent incident, Darul Arqam mosque was defaced with paint. No worshippers were physically harmed, but the act has caused significant distress among the community.
This attack follows two prior incidents where a mosque was defaced with offensive graffiti and another mosque was attacked with a glass bottle. The NMF has raised concerns that these are not isolated incidents but rather the "physical embodiment of a divisive climate."
Community Resilience in the Face of Hate
Newham is one of the most diverse boroughs in the UK and has one of the largest Muslim populations in the country. The NMF has stated that the community is built on resilience and will not be intimidated by such acts.
Mohammed Nuruzzaman from Darul Arqam Mosque said: "What we are seeing is shameful, but it does not represent the heart of our community. While these individuals defaced our walls poisoned by hate, we are reminded of the strength of our neighbourhood. We have incredible relations with our neighbours of all faiths and none, who have reached out in solidarity. A bit of paint cannot cover the decades of community work and friendship we have built here."
Call to Action: Voting and Civic Engagement
The NMF has urged the community to channel their frustration into positive action by participating in the local elections in May. They emphasized that people should not allow divisive groups to isolate them or propagate false narratives.
Imam Tahir Talati from the Newham and Redbridge Imams Forum issued a statement to reassure local communities: "To the youth and the elders alike: do not be disheartened. These acts are designed to make you retreat, but our faith teaches us to respond to darkness with light. Do not sit in silence. I call on you to be active, whether that is by voting next month, writing to your MP, or getting involved with organising local initiatives. This is our country, and we must be the ones to shape its future."
Political Accountability and Police Response
The NMF emphasized that they are aware the majority of British people reject divisive rhetoric. However, they want those in power who are responsible for inflammatory discourses to be held accountable.
James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, visited Darul Arqam mosque and issued a statement on X: "I’m shocked by and condemn the vandalism on the Darul Arqam mosque and community centre this week. I have been in touch directly with them and will do all I can to support them. I have also been in touch with police about the incident. We are proud of our diversity in Newham, it’s what gives our community and borough such strength. It is a privilege to represent such a vibrant area. Our community is built from many faiths and communities working together and supporting one another. We will never allow that to be put under threat by those who seek to divide us."
The NMF will host a community meeting next week to discuss security measures and civic engagement methods. They encourage all Newham residents to stand with them.
MyLondon approached the Metropolitan Police for comment; no arrests have been made so far. A Met Police spokesperson said: "We take reports of racially motivated hate crime extremely seriously and recognise the profound impact such incidents can have on communities. Officers are committed to bringing those who commit such offences to justice. On Tuesday, April 21 at around 11:41 am, police received a report of racially aggravated criminal damage at a mosque and community centre on Jutland Road, Newham. Investigating officers believe the offence occurred shortly before midnight the previous evening. Officers continue to carry out enquiries, including gathering CCTV footage, and are conducting proactive reassurance patrols in the surrounding area, working closely with the Islamic community and local residents to listen to concerns and provide support. If anyone has any information relating to the incident, please contact police on 101 quoting CAD2951/21APR26."
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