Bomb threat at mosque

The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) of South Africa, based in Athlone, has made renewed calls for religious institutions to be safeguarded.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

This follows a threat to bomb and harm worshippers at Al-Azhar Masjid in District Six.

Leaders of the masjid (mosque) received the disturbing message in Arabic via WhatsApp on Sunday 4 May.

Decorated with murals and flags in solidarity with Palestine, the masjid has reiterated its firm support for the Palestinian cause.

Sheikh Riad Fataar, president of the MJC, described the incident as alarming.

“We are not specialists in the field and neither are the people in the mosque. So it’s always a great concern when one receives such things. This is a fearful thing because when one stands in a mosque one’s back is turned towards the door and one doesn’t know what is happening behind you.”

He said they will not be silenced about what is happening in Gaza.