Al-Azhar headquarters in Cairo.
Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism has condemned an act of vandalism targeting the headquarters of the Islamic Association in Stittsville, a suburb of Ottawa, Canada’s capital.
On 26 August, unknown perpetrators spray-painted offensive slogans on the building’s walls, sparking widespread outrage and drawing official and public condemnation this week.
In a statement, the Observatory said dozens of Muslim community members and local officials gathered after the attack to denounce the incident.
Amir Siddiqui, president of the Islamic Association, said the meeting aimed to raise awareness about the recurrence of such incidents and to urge the government to take action.
Siddiqui added that the Association had refrained from placing a sign with its name on the building for fear of “unforeseen consequences,” instead opting for a small handwritten label.
The Observatory highlighted remarks by Stittsville Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, who affirmed that decisions should not be guided by threats.
“You belong to this community, and you should be able to place your Association’s name on the building with dignity and pride,” Sutcliffe said, pledging support for the Association.
The mayor also announced plans to convene a forum bringing together local faith leaders to seek long-term solutions.
According to the Observatory, Ottawa Police are investigating this attack as part of a series of hate-related incidents, including a previous case in which a young Muslim woman was threatened on a city bus.
While denouncing the racist act, the Observatory praised the mayor’s stance but warned of a growing trend of hostility against individuals and institutions based on religion or ethnicity.
The Observatory emphasised the urgent need for authorities to collaborate in eradicating voices of hatred that threaten peaceful coexistence in society.
Short link: