Mourners Of Slain Imam Will Rally In Newark 4 Months After His Death

NEWARK, NJ — A mosque in Newark continues to demand answers several months after its imam was fatally shot outside the house of worship.

In January, a shooter gunned down Hassan Sharif, 52, outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark Mosque, which is located at the corner of South Orange Avenue and Camden Street. Authorities said there was no indication that the shooting was a bias crime. A $25,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Sharif, who served as the imam of the mosque for five years, was also an advocate for non-violence in Newark. See Related: ‘Turn Yourself In’: Sorrow, Anger In Newark After Imam’s Slaying

Now – four months later – the beloved religious leader’s loss still hurts, mourners say.

Masjid Muhammad and community leaders will hold a “Healing and Peace” rally on Wednesday, May 22 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. to demand “justice and healing” – as well as an update on the case.

Attendees plan to meet on the steps of the Essex County Clerk’s Office, 465 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.

The mosque has not selected a resident imam, its leaders reported earlier this month, noting that the Council of Imams in New Jersey has endorsed the May 22 peace rally.

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