A Queens religious leader, Tajul Islam, 55, was arrested Monday night in connection with alleged sexual abuse incidents involving two 10-year-old girls inside a Jamaica mosque. The New York Police Department (NYPD) confirmed Islam's arrest by the Queens Child Abuse Squad and stated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with authorities working to determine if additional victims may have gone unreported.
According to court documents, the allegations stem from two separate encounters at the Masjid Bilal Queens Islamic Center, located at 121-03 Sutphin Blvd. in Jamaica. The first incident is alleged to have occurred on April 21, when Islam reportedly approached a 10-year-old girl inside the mosque during the early evening hours and inappropriately touched her. A second incident involving another 10-year-old girl at the same location is alleged to have taken place on April 27, around 6 p.m. Detectives moved swiftly, arresting Islam approximately four hours after the second reported incident. He was subsequently booked at the 113th Precinct in Jamaica.
Following his arrest, authorities publicly released Islam's booking photo. This measure was taken as part of an effort to identify any additional potential victims or witnesses who might be connected to the case. The NYPD is actively encouraging anyone with relevant information or similar experiences to contact law enforcement through confidential reporting channels, including the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline and Crime Stoppers.
Islam was arraigned the day after his arrest, appearing in Queens Criminal Court before Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar. Prosecutors charged him with a total of twelve counts: four counts of first-degree sexual abuse, four counts of forcible touching, and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, as reported by NY Daily News. During his arraignment, Islam entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The court set bail at $25,000, payable either in cash or bond, and issued temporary orders of protection that prohibit him from having any contact with the alleged victims. Court records indicate that Islam has no prior criminal history.
Neither Islam's legal representation, the Legal Aid Society, nor the leadership of the Masjid Bilal Queens Islamic Center immediately responded to requests for comment regarding the allegations or the arrest. The silence from the mosque leadership has been noted as the community grapples with the disturbing news.
The arrest has also sparked discussion on social media, particularly after a video circulated showing Mayor Zohran Mamdani's past appearance at the Masjid Bilal mosque. The video, posted by X user Lattina Brown, MPA, highlighted Mayor Mamdani's previous praise for the mosque community and its leadership. This social media activity prompted some online users to call for transparency and question whether the mayor would distance himself from his earlier remarks in light of the serious allegations. As of this report, Mayor Mamdani has not issued any public comment on the allegations or Islam's arrest.
The NYPD continues its investigation into whether additional victims may be linked to the mosque or the broader surrounding community. Islam is scheduled to return to court on Friday as the legal proceedings continue. The case underscores the critical importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in protecting vulnerable populations, especially children.
