Serif Zorba’s motive is unclear but he was “not a regular member of the mosque’s congregation,” although “he has been seen there before.” The name “Serif” is a variant of “Sharif,” which means “eminent” in Arabic and is used in some areas to refer to people who claim to be descendants of Muhammad. Thus Islamic advocacy groups such as the Hamas-linked Council on American-Islamic Relations cannot use this to further their “Islamophobia” narrative. That is no great loss for them, however, as that narrative has already spread far and wide and been internalized by multitudes of unthinking, reflexive Westerners who have no idea how it is actually used or what the intentions are of those who propagate it.

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Suspect named in stabbing attack on imam during prayers at South Paterson Omar Mosque,” by Joe Malinconico, Philip DeVencentis and Kaitlyn Kanzler, NorthJersey.com, April 10, 2023:

PATERSON — A city man lunged at an imam as he led some 200 worshippers in prayer at a local mosque on Sunday morning and then stabbed him twice in the back, authorities said.

Whatever prompted Serif Zorba, 32, to carry out the alleged knife attack in front of the congregation of Omar Mosque at 501 Getty Ave. is unclear, said authorities, who did not identify a motive. Leaders of the mosque said they did not understand the reason for the senseless violence.

Zorba is not a regular member of the mosque’s congregation, officials said at a press conference, but he has been seen there before.

The imam, Sayed Elnakib, 65, was in stable condition at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, officials said. He is expected to make a full recovery, they said….

Abdul Hamdan, a spokesman for the mosque, said the 5:37 a.m. attack was an “isolated incident.” He credited the swift action of congregants in helping to apprehend Zorba as he tried to flee.

“I was deeply saddened to hear about the stabbing incident that took place during prayer at Omar’s mosque earlier this morning, and my heart goes out to everyone affected by this tragic event,” said Councilman Al Abdelaziz, who represents the city’s 6th Ward, where the attack happened.

The mosque is expected to remain open with extra security precautions. Several Passaic County Sheriff’s Office vehicles were seen at the scene.

“While it is unclear what motivated the attacker, there is no justification for violence of any kind, especially in a sacred space,” Abdelaziz said. “I am relieved to hear that Imam Sayed Elnakib is in stable condition and wish him a full and speedy recovery. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with him and his family during this difficult time.

“As a community, it is important that we come together to support one another and denounce all forms of hate and violence,” continued Abdelaziz. “I encourage everyone to reach out to each other for comfort and support, and to work towards creating a safe and welcoming environment for all who enter your mosque. I am confident that with love, understanding, and respect, our entire community will come out of this stronger than ever.”

Mayor Andre Sayegh said he and Abdelaziz visited the imam in the hospital. The mayor said he appreciated “the immediate apprehension of his assailant.”…

Sayegh said authorities would maintain extra security there at least throughout the holy month of Ramadan, which ends on April 20. Paterson has the largest Muslim population in the state, and one of the largest in the country. “The safety of those who are coming to pray is a priority for us,” the mayor said. “We take this situation very seriously. We want to let anyone who’s coming to worship know that they can do so in peace.”

Mohammad Mustafa, a congregant of the mosque, said he was undaunted by the attack.

“That doesn’t scare us, these things,” said Mustafa, who prays at the mosque every day. “This is God’s will. It doesn’t matter what you do to try to prevent it.”…

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