Detroit — An April 1 fire at at the Islamic Center mosque of
North Detroit on the city’s east side is being investigated by federal
authorities according to the Detroit News.

An insurance investigator determined the blaze was set on
purpose and called in the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and
Explosives.

A senior fire investigator from Clinton Township agreed with
the assessment that it was deliberately set. Signs point to the fire starting on
the roof. Members of the mosque have had to hold daily prayers at a nearby
school on McDougall, on the city’s border with Hamtramck. Imam Abdul Latif
Azom, said he believes the fire was caused by an electrical issue but is not
ruling out that his mosque could have been a target in light of recent hate
incidents targeting such religious centers. 

Executive Director of the Council of American-Islamic
Relations of Michigan Dawud Walid said it would be “disturbing” if
the mosque was targeted and also held out hope that the fire could have been
set by accident. He also noted that the community has good relations with its
neighbors in the area.