Durban Mosque Unyielding After Foiled Terrorist Attack Attempt

The trustees of a mosque in Durban, South Africa, have vowed to continue their prayers despite a recent bombing attempt. They emphasised that the attack would not deter the Muslim community from practising their faith. This statement was made on Wednesday following the incident.

On Monday, police were alerted when a security guard at the Musjidur Rahman mosque in Durban North noticed a man exiting a vehicle that had entered the mosque's driveway. As the guard approached, the vehicle sped off, but not before the man threw something into the mosque.

Islamophobic Attack Condemned

Brigadier Jay Naicker, spokesperson for the South African Police Services, confirmed that bomb squad technicians identified a home-made explosive device at the mosque. The device was made from commercial explosives and had a fuse, but it had not been set to detonate.

Muslim organisations in South Africa have condemned the bombing attempt as an "Islamophobic terrorist attack." The Jamiatul Ulema Council of Muslim Theologians of South Africa and the Sunni Ulema Council both denounced the attack, describing it as an assault on a community centre that benefits everyone in the area.

Historical Tensions

Durban North, once an elite suburb reserved for white minority South Africans during apartheid, now has many sixth and seventh-generation citizens of Indian origin who have established their own mosque there. This change has sometimes led to tensions with neighbours of other faiths over the Azaan call to prayer broadcasted five times daily.

Yusuf Desai, a trustee at Musjidur Rahman, told local media that this attack would not stop the Muslim community from practising their faith or engaging in interfaith dialogue. He reiterated that their commitment to their religious practices remains unwavering.

Previous Incidents

There have been previous incidents involving mosques in South Africa, including a pig’s head being thrown into mosques and strong altercations between opponents and adherents of different faiths. However, this is believed to be the first time a bombing attempt has been made on a mosque in the country.

The trustees' resolve to continue their prayers and community activities highlights their resilience in the face of such threats. They remain committed to fostering understanding and cooperation among different faiths despite these challenges.