Unfortunately Islam is the most misunderstood religion and the aftermath of the Lee Rigby attack in London in May was an anti-Muslim backlash across the UK. Exactly 20 days after the occurrence, it was corroborated by a senior Metropolitan Police Officer that Islamophobic incidents had increased by eight-fold following the British soldier’s death. The victims of anti-Muslim attacks were subjected to verbal abuse or physical attacks such as women’s headscarves being pulled off. Moreover, the Muslims’ houses of worship became the main target; only one day after the incident that launched this backlash, two mosques were attacked by armed men, destroying property, especially aiming for The Quran. Other than graffiti that were scrawled all over the mosque’s walls, bombs or fires were also initiated and Islamic schools were equally targeted. Hope not Hate and Tell Mama reported 193 and 212 Islamophobic incidents respectively. Some security and safety recommendations have therefore been put forward to aid victims or to avoid such attacks.
Merge your management team with the local fire safety teams and police forces, including neighbourhood teams, community and diversity officers for long term security plans, to assess your level of risk for your buildings, congregation, neighbours and local community, as well as crisis plans, trainings and drills. Seek their professional advice on security and local protocols for emergencies.
Rather than confront, it is recommended to immediately report threats, suspicious packages, persons or activities. It is now possible to contact authorities such as Tell Mama by SMS, Email or Facebook. Take advantage of this facility to inform the local police or your congregation of any such occurrence. Keep and hand over any evidence to them. Ensure that women within family and friends circle are equally aware of self-security and reporting methods.
Install Fire Detectors, Security Alarm systems and Cameras that are linked to local police and fire departments. Ensure that they are operative 24/7 and cover all access points. Perimeter floodlights should also be installed to cover outside grounds including the parking space. Fire hydrants must be available at hand, too.
Remove potential fire hazards such as rubbish and debris. Practise defensive landscaping by trimming shrubs and vines to reduce areas of concealment. All entry points are vulnerable and should be secured with proper Doors, Grilles, and Locks and by at least one assigned person.
Staff, volunteers, first aiders or fire wardens should be aware of protocols concerning health and safety by reviewing all entry points or emergency exits. These protocols should be rehearsed before Jummah prayer or major events such as Mosque Open Day. Keep a notice board, a website and social media platforms like Facebook or Twitter up to date with announcements and actions, developments and changes in protocols, as well as useful contact information. Be transparent and engaging to a wider community including the local non-Muslim one to avoid suspicion, disharmony and ill-intent towards your institution.
Tell Mama actually proposed mosques who are interested in safety measures to contact them as there are a number of partners who can provide practical measures. RSG Security can voluntarily help protect mosques, madrasah or Islamic schools and centres with viable advice and actions. Feel free to contact us for any query to stay safe and for these structures to remain the symbol of peace and cohesion.
