By Ahmed J Versi, additional reporting by Elham A Buaras
LONDON, (The Muslim News): An attempted attack at Manchester Central Mosque has raised concerns about the potential consequences of anti-Muslim rhetoric in public discourse. On Tuesday at approximately 8:30 pm, during Taraweeh prayers in Ramadan, mosque volunteers intervened when two men carrying a hammer, knife, and axe entered the premises, posing as a workman.
Manchester Rusholme MP Afzal Khan described the incident as “Islamophobia, plain and simple,” linking it to the broader climate of anti-Muslim political rhetoric.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed that the first suspect, a white man in his 50s, was detained by volunteers and subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of offensive weapons and Class B drugs. The second suspect, described as a black male in his late 40s, left the scene prior to police arrival. Officers are reviewing CCTV and body-worn footage as investigations continue. On Thursday, GMP said they had arrested a man in his 20s on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a section 18 assault.
Community leaders describe trauma and escalating threats
Hammad Khan, President of Manchester Central Mosque, described the event as “extremely traumatic” for the community. He noted a reduced attendance at the first Taraweeh prayers following the incident, with many worshippers understandably hesitant to return. Khan highlighted that the mosque was occupied by families, including children, women, and elderly members, at the time of the attack. Police arrived approximately 12 minutes after the incident began, during which volunteers acted decisively to prevent further harm.
Khan characterised the attack as a significant escalation in threats faced by the mosque, noting that while the institution had previously received hate mail and minor threats, it had not experienced violence of this scale. He described the incident as premeditated and directly linked to Islamophobic intent, citing the presence of weapons and the use of a high-visibility jacket to bypass suspicion.
“From our perspective, this appears to have been a premeditated Islamophobic attack. It is difficult to interpret it any other way. Individuals do not enter a mosque carrying an axe, hammer, and knives without intent. The thought of what might have happened is deeply distressing,” Khan told The Muslim News.
He added: “Political rhetoric and divisive language in public discourse can have real-world consequences. Some individuals take such messaging at face value, and irresponsible or inflammatory language can contribute to hostility and hatred. Politicians must recognise the impact their words can have and accept accountability.”
Khan also highlighted legislative gaps: “Currently, there is no widely adopted working definition of Islamophobia with sufficient legal weight to act as a deterrent. A clear and enforceable definition could provide law enforcement agencies and the Crown Prosecution Service with stronger tools to address such incidents. However, any definition must have the confidence and support of the Muslim community if it is to be effective.”
Security at the mosque has since been reinforced with increased volunteer presence, police attendance at prayers, and heightened patrols throughout Ramadan.
Saima Alvi, Trustee of Muslim Heritage Centre in Manchester, told The Muslim News that the attack on the mosque was “horrifying and it’s alarming.” Alvi also of the role of anti-Muslim rhetoric.
“But unfortunately, in the current climate that we’re in, and with the media and with parties like Reform, and we’ve got this election today in Denton, I think it all has an impact, and it could possibly be linked to that, because in, in all the years here, we’ve never had anything like that.”
Muslim Heritage Centre, like other mosques in Manchester are taking extra precautions and increasing security. “We might be doing bag searches. And we’ve asked everyone in the congregation to be vigilant and keep a look out,” said Alvi.
However, the attack is not going to “deter us from visiting the masjid, from going for Taraweeh. We will be more cautious, certainly, but we’re not going to be deterred from doing what we normally do, inshallah.”
Political leaders respond amid calls for accountability
Senior political figures expressed concern and sympathy for the mosque community but largely refrained from explicitly labelling the incident as Islamophobic, despite the attack took place in a mosque.
Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said, “There is no place for hatred in our country. I want to thank the volunteers at Manchester Central Mosque for their bravery and swift action in detaining the suspect. My thoughts are with the congregation who were understandably shaken by this incident, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”
Liberal Democrat Leader, Sir Ed Davey, said, “I am deeply shocked by the incident at Manchester Central Mosque. My thoughts are with the Muslim community in Manchester and across the country during this sacred month of Ramadan. No one should feel unsafe in their place of worship.”
During Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Labour MP Imran Hussain (Bradford East) stated, “Violent and Islamophobic attacks against the Muslim community are becoming far too frequent in our country. Political leaders must reflect on their language and ensure that they are not fanning the flames of hatred.”
Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, responded, “I share his deep concern with the Muslim community over the incident, particularly as it occurred during the holy month of Ramadan. The bravery shown by those at the mosque prevented what could have been a far more serious incident. We have committed £40 million to protect mosques and community centres, and we are establishing a new fund to monitor anti Muslim hatred and support victims. We will continue to fight hatred in all its forms and protect freedom of worship.”
The Greater Manchester Combined Authority, including Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor Kate Green, and Councillor Bev Craig, issued a joint statement, “We understand the deep concern felt by Manchester’s Muslim communities and will visit the mosque to provide reassurance. We are also working with Greater Manchester Police to ensure an increased presence around places of worship.”
Burnham added, “We are fully committed to supporting Manchester’s Muslim communities and will ensure that no one should fear attending their place of worship. The city stands united against all forms of hatred and violence.”
Manchester City Council Leader, Bev Craig, said, “No one should have any fear in attending their place of worship. We are committed to supporting residents and ensuring their safety, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.”
Muslim organisations call for vigilance and protection
The Muslim Council of Britain commended the mosque volunteers’ actions, “We commend the extraordinary courage of the volunteers. This incident could have had fatal consequences. It underlines the very real threat posed by rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim hatred.”
The Council for Mosques Bradford District stated, “We strongly condemn the appalling and deeply alarming incident and commend the extraordinary courage, composure and swift action of the mosque volunteers and leadership. Our thoughts and du’as are firmly with the congregation. We urge people to remain calm but vigilant.”
The Muslim Charities Forum also issued a statement expressing serious concern, “This incident comes amid rising anti-Muslim sentiment across public discourse, within an increasingly polarised environment marked by hostility towards minoritised communities. These conditions heighten the vulnerability of places of worship, Muslim institutions, and community organisations, creating an environment in which threats and violence can escalate.
“We commend the efforts of local volunteers and emergency services in apprehending the individuals involved. While one has been arrested, we are deeply concerned that the incident is not being investigated as potentially terrorist in nature. Escalating far-right rhetoric and attacks are designed to instil fear and terror within communities, and incidents of this nature must be investigated accordingly to, in turn, adequately address the threat far-right groups pose to Muslims and other minorities.”
Fadi Itani OBE, CEO of Muslim Charities Forum, added, “This potentially fatal incident comes within the context of greater far-right mobilisation seeking to intimidate Muslim communities and pose a threat to their safety and security. Authorities must recognise this intent and must not hesitate to call out far-right terror. All communities must be able to live and worship freely, safely, and without fear.”
Greater Manchester Police has increased patrols around mosques and is working with counter terrorism policing north west to pursue all lines of enquiry. Anyone with information on the second suspect is urged to contact GMP on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
[Photo: Manchester Central Mosque. Photo courtesy Hammad Khan, Trustee]
