Local Mosque Beefs Up Security During Ramadan
After high-profile attacks on houses of worship, local mosques are increasing security during their holy month of Ramadan. Imam Mohammed Dukly from Masjid Al-Ansar in Brooklyn Center says the congregation will not live in fear.
According to the group CAIR-MN, there are about 150,000 Muslims in the Twin Cities. More than 1,000 people attend Masjid Al-Ansar Islamic Center in Brooklyn Center.
Observing Ramadan
During the month-long observance of Ramadan, Muslims don’t eat or drink from dawn to dusk.
“We understand the life that the homeless feel, the lives the people who have less feel; it makes us be in sympathy with them,” explained Imam Mohammed Dukuly.
They also pray more and meet together to break their fast. Sometimes the prayers are long and go late into the night.
“We pray after 10 o’clock, and we’ll be there in the Masjid sometimes until 12,” shared Dukuly.
Security Changes
Members who come to pray at the mosque will see added security. Dukuly says they received calls from law enforcement after the New Zealand shooting. Dukuly says Brooklyn Center Police are increasing patrols too.
“While we’re here at night, they will be able to provide some level of security,” said Dukuly. “They assure us of maximum security protections, sometimes even in the day they pass by to see what’s going on.”
The Muslim leader says the congregation will not live in fear.
“If someone comes to chose and want to impose harm that’s all up to them, you know. But the measures we have to take, we have made some,” said Dukuly. “Our real security is in the all hands of the all mighty.”
