Unrest in Liverpool: Mosques on High Alert Amid Rising Tensions

The recent UK riots have brought unprecedented measures to Liverpool's mosques. The Al-Rahma Mosque faces heightened vigilance as violent, racist protests plague the city. Muslim and ethnic communities report increased fear and incidents of racism. Community leaders urge calm amidst rising tensions, emphasizing unity and discouraging retaliatory protests.

For Liverpool's biggest mosque, it's been a week of firsts.

High-visibility patrols, blocked entrances, and overnight stays by worshippers are now familiar sights at Al-Rahma Mosque. These steps were deemed necessary amid the UK's worst riots in years, which have struck a chord of fear among Liverpool's Muslim and ethnic communities.

Increased vigilance follows violent protests across Liverpool targeting mosques, immigration centers, and hotels, leaving communities feeling unsafe. Both mosque officials and Liverpool's Muslims are in shock, especially after violent mobs targeted two northern England mosques. In the wake of false online narratives, unrest has spread rapidly.

Abdulwase Sufian, a 20-year-old student and mosque helper, expressed despair over the situation, voicing concerns about the future and personal safety. The Al-Rahma Mosque is now taking extreme measures, including closing the female entrance and restricting visits.

Saba Ahmed, a community worker, has avoided leaving her home, with supportive neighbors assisting her. Others face direct violence, like taxi driver Farmanullah Nasiri, who was assaulted by a passenger. He chose not to file a police complaint due to the prevalence of these encounters.

Tell MAMA, an organization monitoring anti-Muslim incidents, reports a five-fold increase in incidents nationwide. Anti-Muslim sentiment has been increasingly fueled by recent events and ongoing international conflicts.

Muslim community leaders advocate for harmonious responses amidst these tensions, warning against counter-protests that may escalate violence. Adam Kelwick, an imam, noted how dialogue helped defuse a potentially explosive situation outside the Abdullah Quilliam Mosque.

The Muslim population in England and Wales, making up 6.5% as of 2021, feels the strain of heightened threats. The community's fear is palpable, with rumors of far-right gatherings resulting in precautionary closures of businesses and community efforts to prevent violence.

Regardless of religion, ethnic minorities like Santhosh Thomas feel threatened. He emphasized that the climate of fear affects everyone, underlining the need for collective vigilance and unity.

(With inputs from agencies.)