By Abdullahi Yusuf

What should be the holiest time of year for the Muslim community is now marked by alleged crimes at two separate mosques during Ramadan.

Police report that a burglar broke in and tried to steal from Masjid Gulzar-E-Madinah on Muliner Avenue.

Churchgoer Heroon Awan was inside the mosque praying when he saw the suspect enter the building and rush upstairs where the masjid keeps food and other supplies. Awan followed the robber, who police confirmed tried to escape from a second-story window. However, police eventually caught and arrested 28-year-old Kia Maruf, charging him with burglary.

Across town, police were called to Bangla Bazar Jame Masjid on Odell Street, initially for a reported kidnapping. Three men got into some sort of dispute with another man who community members say was the local imam or church leader.

Community leaders told News 12 that Muslim community members have been on high alert after recent ICE raids in New York City, but will continue to observe the final days of Ramadan as planned.

According to the NYPD, anti-Muslim hate crimes have decreased with three so far this year and five by this time in 2024.