Washington: A prominent national Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization today said that in light of recent hate incidents targeting American Muslims, it is asking mosques and Islamic institutions nationwide to step up security for the upcoming end-of Ramadan holiday prayers.
The Washington-based Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) also offered a checklist of safety measures the houses of worship should take.
CAIR issued its call for increased security following incidents such as this morning's report of the desecration of graves at a cemetery in Illinois and similar cases of hate vandalism and violence targeting Muslims around the nation.
To help boost safety at community events, CAIR is distributing a checklist of "Community Safety and Security Tips." CAIR's tips include immediately reporting suspicious people or activities, posting emergency contact information and facility floor plans in public areas, meeting with local police to seek safety advice, monitoring those who enter public events, and taking advantage of resources offered by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
CAIR said American Muslims will gather at Ramadan celebrations and prayers in cities and towns this weekend. (Ramadan is the month on the Islamic lunar calendar during which Muslims abstain from food, drink and other sensual pleasures from break of dawn to sunset.)
The prayers mark the beginning of the Eid ul-Fitr (EED-al-FITTER), or "feast of fast breaking" holiday, in which Muslims exchange social visits and take part in community activities such as bazaars and children's fairs.