Imam Stabbed During Dawn Prayers in Indonesia’s Central Sulawesi
An imam was stabbed while leading dawn prayers at a mosque in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, on 25 August. Worshippers managed to apprehend the suspect, who was later taken into police custody. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing to determine the motive behind the attack.
- An imam was stabbed during dawn prayers at a mosque in Central Sulawesi on 25 August 2025.
- Police said the suspect tested positive for narcotics; motive remains unclear.
Worshippers in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, were left in shock after an imam was stabbed while leading dawn prayers on Monday, 25 August 2025.
The incident occurred at the Baiturrahman Mosque in Tompira Village, North Morowali Regency.
The victim, 27-year-old Quran teacher and imam Muhammad Jumali, was attacked in the chest with a knife while leading the Fajr prayer.
Congregants immediately intervened and apprehended the suspect, a 23-year-old man identified by the initials AL, before handing him over to police.
Authorities later confiscated a traditional badik knife, believed to have been used in the attack, along with the suspect’s mobile phone.
Jumali was first treated at a local clinic before being transferred to Kolonodale Hospital, where he remains under intensive care.
Police revealed that AL tested positive for narcotics.
Investigators said his statements have been inconsistent and that the motive for the assault remains unclear.
The suspect and the victim are not believed to have known each other prior to the incident.
