Victoria Imam says he forgives man who attacked, spat on him

An imam in Victoria, British Columbia, is choosing forgiveness after being attacked and spat on by a stranger. Imam Ebrahim Ali recounted the assault, which occurred last Thursday night as he sat in his car after prayers.

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I tried to push him back from the car because my wife was with me and I need to protect her, protect me.

A man approached Ali's vehicle, opened the door, and attempted to pull him out while telling him to "go back home" and spitting on him. Ali managed to push the man back and, with his wife in the car, grabbed his phone. The attacker then fell, and Ali followed him for about 20 minutes until police arrived and apprehended him.

Ali sustained injuries, including a facial fracture. The Muslim community has condemned the attack, with Yahya Jama of the National Council of Canadian Muslims expressing shock and disappointment. Jama noted the "shocking frequency" of Islamophobia across Canada and called for increased government support for security and self-defense for faith leaders and targeted communities. The Canadian Council of Imams also issued a statement demanding greater government action against rising anti-Muslim hate.

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I mean, shock and disappointment, and horror.

Federal Culture Minister Marc Miller denounced the assault as "appalling and vile," stating that such violence has no place in Canada. Despite the attack, Ali expressed his desire for community safety and his commitment to forgiveness, a core Islamic principle. He stated his wish is to forgive the attacker and receive a promise that he will not harm anyone else.

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This is a terrible situation and we are very familiar, unfortunately, at this point, with instances of Islamophobia happening with such shocking frequency across the country.

Victoria police confirmed the suspect, a repeat offender, is in custody until June 25.

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Increased government support for security awareness, personal safety, and self-defence for faith leaders and targeted communities.