UNPROVOKED ATTACK: Hounslow Imam Stabbed

'UNPROVOKED' STABBING OF HOUNSLOW IMAM: Police Still Hunt for Perpetrator and Motive– More than a year since the shocking incident that rattled the Hounslow community, the Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation into the unprovoked stabbing of a local religious leader, Imam Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf (30s). The Imam, of the Al Furqan Education Trust, was attacked on a Monday evening, September 22, 2025, and to date, no arrests have been made, and the motive remains officially undetermined, Daily Dazzling Dawn understands.

The attack on Imam Yusuf sent a wave of concern through Muslim and interfaith communities across West London, prompting immediate fear that a hate crime may have been committed against a community pillar.

Details of the Attack and Victim’s Condition-The incident occurred in the Hounslow area, with the Imam sustaining a knife wound. Despite the traumatic nature of the attack, the community was relieved to learn that Imam Yusuf’s injuries were assessed as neither life-threatening nor life-changing. He was able to self-present at a West London hospital shortly after the incident, where he was treated.

The Al Furqan Education Trust confirmed the victim's name as Imam Sheikh Mohamed Yusuf and stated he was in a stable condition, urging the public to keep him in their prayers (duas).

Search for Motive and Suspect-The Metropolitan Police launched an immediate and active investigation following the attack. However, the force has maintained a cautious stance on the potential motive.

In their initial statement, a spokesperson for the Met said: “Officers were called at 8pm on Monday, September 22 to a West London hospital after a man in his 30s arrived with a knife wound... The investigation continues and officers are keeping an open mind about the possible motive for the attack, which happened in the Hounslow area.”

The prolonged absence of a publicly named suspect or confirmed motive has left the community on edge, with many privately fearing the attack was a targeted assault on a faith leader. The mosque has explicitly cautioned the community against speculation, stating it could "hinder the investigation and cause additional distress to the family and community."

Imam Yusuf’s Identity: A Leader of Somali Heritage

While the Metropolitan Police have not publicly commented on the victim's ethnic background, community sources and genealogical research suggest that individuals named 'Imam Mohamed Yusuf' often hail from Somali communities, where the name and title are common.

One notable historical and communal figure is the Imam Mohamed Yusuf who currently holds the traditional leadership of the Mudulood and Hiraab clans in Somalia, an Abgaal (Somali) clan stronghold. While it cannot be definitively confirmed that the Hounslow Imam is directly related to this figure, the name is strongly associated with the Somali diaspora, a prominent community in the Hounslow borough. The possibility remains that the Imam is of Somali ethnic identity, serving a diverse congregation in the local area.

The investigation remains at a critical juncture, and local police continue to rely on public cooperation.

Police Appeal: Anyone with information, CCTV, or ring doorbell footage that could assist the police is urged to contact 101 immediately, quoting the reference CAD 6872/22SEP. Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.