GLMCC PRESS STATEMENT: The Murder of Muhammed Hassam Ali
Date: 22nd January 2024
On Saturday afternoon, young Muhammed Hassam Ali, 17, was fatally stabbed at Victoria Square in Birmingham City Centre, in what is being called a case of ‘mistaken identity’. Muhammed sadly died from his injuries.
West Midlands Police are reviewing CCTV, and have appealed to the public to get in touch (details below) if they were around the area at 3:30pm on Saturday 20th January. As the investigation takes place, we remind one another of the warning from Allah (God) of the severity of such a grave sin in Islam:
“If anyone killed a person (unjustly) – it would be as if he (or she) had killed all mankind, and if anyone saved a life, it would be as if he (or she) had saved the life of all mankind.”
Quran 5:32
Knife crime is becoming an increasingly distressing reality for young people across the UK. West Midlands Police recorded an increase of 16 per cent knife crime, between March 2022 and March 2023. The disregard for the sanctity of human life is particularly worrying, and the impact left on bereaving families is devastating.
We ask our community to kindly remember the family of Muhammed in duas, we ask Allah, the Almighty to grant them patience and ease their suffering.
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When a person’s child dies, Allah says to His angels, ‘You have taken the child of My slave.’ They say, ‘Yes.’ He says, ‘You have taken the apple of his eye.’ They say, ‘Yes.’ He says, ‘What did My slave say?’ They say, ‘He praised you and said “Verily to Allah we belong and unto Him is our return.’ Allah says, ‘Build for My slave a house in Paradise and call it the house of praise.’ Al-Tirmidhi
Mohammed Saeed, Trustee at GLMCC commented:
Sadly, the lack of support for youth is detrimental and whilst the killer is unknown, this tragic incident has resurfaced the fear of increasing knife crime amongst youth in the West Midlands. As a masjid we work hard to offer youth activities that provide a safe space. We also work closely with the West Midlands Violence Reduction Unit (WM VRU). We urge parents to remain vigilant and to not hesitate in reaching out to the Masjid, or any relevant support service like the Violent Reduction Unit, if you are concerned for the welfare of your child.”
Information should be sent to:
West Midlands Police via Live Chat on website, or by calling 101, and quote log 2619 of 20/1/24.
There is also an Incident Public Portal, where you can submit any photos or video you may have of the incident. Find it here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ23N34-PO1
Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre is a leading UK mosque situated in the heart of Birmingham serving the community since 1979. Operating from its award-winning grade II listed Victorian building, GLMCC fulfils its mission of inspiring, educating and serving through its educational college, outreach work, welfare services, international humanitarian wing, as well as its fully functional mosque, which is attended by thousands every week.
For more information about our work and services visit: www.greenlanemasjid.org
Or access our annual report at: 2022 Annual Report