Auckland Mosque Arson: Suspect Arrested as Community Rallies for Restoration
The fire, which began just before 1 a.m. yesterday, caused significant interior destruction, leaving charred carpets, melted chairs, and exposed ceiling panels. Photos shared with the Herald today reveal the extent of the devastation.
Authorities have charged a 19-year-old, who is expected to appear in Waitakere District Court on burglary and two counts of arson.
Detective Inspector Callum McNeill stated that police officers would be positioned around other mosques across Auckland to reassure the community and support ongoing safety.
The fire reportedly smoldered for eight hours before it was noticed from the street, prompting emergency services to respond. Investigators quickly determined that the fire had been set deliberately, with surveillance footage allegedly showing an individual breaking into the mosque through a rear door.
McNeill called on witnesses or anyone with information to contact the police, referencing file number 241105/3764.
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The arson has prompted the mosque’s leaders to launch a fundraising effort on Givealittle to help finance repairs and reinforce security.
In a post on social media, a spokesperson for the mosque wrote, “Many of our brothers and sisters have reached out, asking how they can help support the restoration of our mosque... Every contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.”
The community was especially moved to find an undamaged copy of the Quran amid the ashes. “The flames have caused immense damage, leaving behind ruins and heartbreak. Yet, in the midst of it all, one remarkable sight stands as a symbol of hope—the Holy Quran remains untouched, a powerful reminder of resilience and faith,” the spokesperson said.
Mosque chairman Feridoun Salehi addressed the community with a message of unity and defiance. “There are those who tried to harm us, to shake the very foundations of our sacred space,” he said.
“Let us remember that the walls of a masjid are strong, but they are not our true foundation. Our true foundation is our faith, our love, our patience, and our unity. These are the stones that no fire can burn, no attack can weaken, and no words can shake.”
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In response to the attack, Dr. Muhammad Sajjad, president of the Islamic Council of New Zealand, acknowledged the heightened anxiety within the community.
“The people are a bit concerned about the increasing numbers of such incidents,” Sajjad said, noting that recent months have seen a rise in race- and religion-based crimes reported to authorities.
While no injuries were reported as the building was unoccupied, members of the mosque are grateful that the fire did not occur during prayer hours. “I’m just glad no one was hurt, that it wasn’t during prayer time,” a representative of the mosque told the Herald.
Source: Agencies
