Elders say attendance is down by 10 per cent since bombings

The Imam, centre, with representatives of the mosque’s committee. From left to right: Montaz Uddin, Mohammed Kamaluddin, Imam Mohammed Zillur Rahman, Nurul Hada, Mohammed Abdul Karim

MUSLIMS in Camden are staying away from their places of worship – because they are frightened of drawing attention to themselves following the terror attacks.
Mohammed Kamaluddin, chairman of Euston Mosque in North Gower Street, said that attendances were down by around ten per cent compared to figures before the explosions three weeks ago.
Last week a man on his way to the mosque needed stitches after being hit on the head with a rock.
Mr Kamaluddin said: “People are particularly worried about the early morning and late evening prayers when they feel more vulnerable. This is a small mosque but a very important one in the community.
“God willing, by and large, we are okay at the moment. The police have been very good in working with us and helping people to feel safer.”
Mr Kamaluddin also echoed fears expressed by Muslim women in Camden last week who said they were frightened to wear traditional clothing and headscarves that drew attention to themselves.
He said: “We think twice about wearing our prayer caps outside mosque. We are not all terrorists but we are all getting condemned.
“We are a peaceful mixed community. This country has been good to us. What happened with the bombs was wrong. It should not be defended in the name of Islam”
Euston Mosque is one of the main centres of worship for Muslims in Camden with more than 300 attending services at the mosque on Friday, the main day of worship in Islam.
The prayers are held five times a day and led by a spiritual leader known as an Imam who also delivers a short sermon during the main Friday prayers.
Imam Mohammed Zillur Rahman who has led the prayers at Euston mosque for the last two years said he had been concentrating on delivering messages of peace to his congregation. He said: “There is nothing in the Koran to encourage suicide bombings. We condemn it completely. Islam is about peace and about living a peaceful life, with respect for other religions. People in all communities need to be working together at this time.”