Islamic institutions encouraged to strengthen preparedness, protect worshippers and build stronger ties with law enforcement

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR Michigan) has released a security toolkit to help mosques and Islamic schools strengthen their preparedness and protect members of their communities amid rising anti-Muslim threats in the United States.

The guide was developed by CAIR Michigan’s Safe Spaces Department in consultation with local law-enforcement authorities. It is designed to help Islamic institutions identify security gaps, improve emergency preparedness and establish working relationships with police before a crisis occurs.

The toolkit highlights a range of threats that Muslim institutions may face, from vandalism and intimidation to violent attacks. It also references the deadly May attack on an Islamic centre in San Diego as part of the security concerns facing Muslim communities.

Rather than focusing solely on physical protection, the guide encourages mosques and Islamic schools to build a culture of preparedness in which staff, volunteers and community members understand their responsibilities during emergencies.

Its opening section provides a self-assessment covering four key areas: physical security, personnel and responsibilities, community relationships, and emergency planning.

The toolkit also provides guidance on responding to suspicious behaviour, threats and active-assailant situations, giving Islamic institutions practical steps they can consider when assessing their level of preparedness.

Soobia Kidwai, director of CAIR Michigan’s Safe Spaces Department, said the purpose of the initiative was to provide Muslim institutions with a practical framework for determining whether they were adequately prepared to respond to security threats.

She stressed that effective preparedness goes beyond having security measures in place, noting that staff and volunteers must also understand their individual roles when an emergency occurs.

CAIR Michigan is further encouraging mosques and Islamic schools to request safety assessments from their local police departments.

The organisation considers cooperation with law enforcement an important part of protecting Islamic institutions, particularly when such relationships are established before threats escalate into emergencies.

Kidwai said the success of the initiative should not be measured by the number of institutions that receive the toolkit, but by whether it results in stronger preparedness and meaningful protection.

She emphasised that lasting security requires continued training, coordination and credible relationships between Muslim institutions and law-enforcement agencies.

The initiative therefore places emphasis on safeguarding mosques and Islamic schools while encouraging Muslim communities to remain organised, prepared and connected with relevant authorities in protecting worshippers, students and community members.

Source: Muslim Network