I am so scared!!?

Question

I go to the masjid everyday, and if u don't know i live in the US, so going to the masjid is very important to us foreigners here, besides all that, the masjid is in a very very bad neighborhood, but we have never ever had any problems until last night, some gangsters came in and were fighting with the men in the masjid, physically fighting, and today all the 7areem we restricted from going because the men feared the gangsters would rape or harm the ladies, but it was so scary even if i stayed home, knowing our fathers, brothers, and uncles were in danger, and they even knew they weren't safe so all the muslimeen got together and were talking about if they die they will die as shuhada2, its just so scary, we even told the police about all this but they just told us to be careful and told us if we carry any weapons to protect ourselves we will automatically be arrested, but if the gangsters did they would just get a warning...so all we have is ourselves? we are not doing anything wrong.

and we already get threatened to be arrested...is that how much people hate muslimeen? u know i always felt that i lived in a country that is foreign to me even though i was born and raised here but this made me realize even more that i am not welcome here...all i ask is for u guys to please da3y to allah to help us get through this and protect us from these shaya6een...

Answer 1

Sister, I am so sorry and outraged to hear of this incident. Unfortunately I have heard of situations like this that have occurred in Australia.
I really don't understand why the police told your men they would be charged if they were found to be in possession of a weapon for defence when the gangs would just get a warning. Surely if you are a U.S. citizen you have the right to bear arms no matter what your religion.
It is so very wrong that we are even discussing whether it is wrong or right to defend yourself and family. It is also very sad that you and your community are brought to a point where you are discussing the possiblity of harm coming to any of you and shuhada2.
I cannnot even offer you advise, but I will say special du'as, surahs and prayers for you all and innashAllah these criminals will not bother you any more.
Is this the same America that is called the land of the free?
May Allah swt be with you sister as my thoughts and prayers will be.

Answer 2

It is really terrible in New York. We have 24/7 security on our apartment because of the number of gang related robberies and home invasions. So that they would enter a Mosque doesn't suprise me as they have no respect for themselves or anyone else.
Many Americans hate us Muslims since the Twin Towers etc. They forget about all the awful things including bombings and terrorist attacks done by Christian fundamentalists and those people were not a part of normal Muslim community they were mad radical murderers who most Muslims hate just as much as they do.
It is so sad that you feel threatened in such a bad way when all you want to do is pray and act in a loving and peaceful manner.
I don't get why the police didn't do something. They are here in a flash if our security calls them.
Excuse me lady above me,
Gangsters are not just confused young men and women who have fallen through the cracks. I live in NYC and believe me they, gangs like the Cryps and the Bloods and the M16 gang are ruthless thugs and murderers who would not think twice about shooting you for your wallet and rape you if there was nothing in it. So dont be so naive.

Answer 3

Dear SS,

My heart and du3a goes out o u and yr family and all the fellow muslims in the US. I have been hearing about this sort of abuse since 9/11.

May Allah (swt) protect all of u and keep u all safe from harm.

My only advice is not to let things be the way they r, there is a new Muslim senator in the US congress (Democrat Keith Ellison, an African-American convert to Islam), how about sending a petition signed by everybody in your neighbourhood requesting some sort of constant police protection on this masjed or any other ones that were threatned. It is just an idea which might help.

Salam

Answer 4

When you hear the term no balls, it has a different meaning to each person. No balls to some people means being scared to get hurt, or do something physically courageous. To others it means being an avoider, avoiding conflict, or confrontation, or manipulating instead of confronting. Most of my trouble in life has come not from actually being an avoider, but from being a shy person, and being seen as an avoider. I don't believe people ought to find more guts, because nobody, including me, has guts all the time, every day. I'm just a guy with a bad social mistrust and discomfort, and some people see it as fear of confrontation, and as a human being, I care what they think more than I pretend to care about them.

Answer 5

SS I am so sad! I wonder what would be done if this happened in my my mothers Christian church , she is Babtist! We live in a little town up North next to New York . What would happen ,would the church get guns and do something ! I really dont think that would happen ! I dont know what my moms church would do! What has happened in your place of worship is discusting! and makes me sick ! who are these people who are doing this? Like I said this is America ! You were born here ,You are Free to worship as you like! Thats why as you know and were taught in school that people came here to get away from persecution !!!This is your Country ,I read people say to come home ,this is your home CC and the police and politicians should protect your rights to worship !!! in PEACE ):):

Answer 6

Doesn't every American though have the right to carry arms? Just show the police the constitution and protect yourselves. Hey why not even do your own citizen's arrest, its legal, so whats to stop you? If the police won't do anything about it, its time to use the loop holes of the system to your advantage and its perfectly legal.

Answer 7

The police are afraid of the gangsters or family members of the gangsters. What you should do is go to the chief of police and tell him what the police told you. If he doesn't listen, keep going up to the next boss until someone listens.

Answer 8

What city in the US do you live in? We have a huge muslim population in our state and I never hear of incidences like this. Is that because they don't occur or aren't getting news coverage? I would definitly call the local news stations.

And please don't judge all of us by gangsters. These are poor, confused and angry young men and women who have fallen between the cracks of our society. They are not like everyone.

Answer 9

I'm so sorry for your troubles!

I would contact your local newspaper, television stations, and local activists. Ask the property manager to provide security, contact a local security agency for help...get out there and be heard, because if no one hears you scream, then nothing will get done.
You can even contact your embassy and they can lead you in the right direction (I know you're from the US, but maybe contact the embassy of your family's native country).

Don't back down though. You deserve the right to worship where you please, and no one deserves to be treated in this manner.

Good luck and safety to you and your family. My prayers are with you.

Answer 10

I completely agree with Brandie. You need to talk to someone who will actually listen. These kinds of things need to be stopped and the only way you can do it is if you get the media involved because society follows what the media does. It's sad but it's the truth! May Allah help you in your time of need inshallah. Ameen.