Full Breakdown
Queens Mosque Leader Arrested for Abuse of 10-Year-Old Girls
5/2/2026, 3:04:03 AM
Alleged Abuse at Masjid Bilal
Queens police allege Tajul Islam, a 55-year-old religious leader who lives at Masjid Bilal on Sutphin Blvd near 121st Ave in Jamaica, groped two 10-year-old girls inside the mosque after a victim alerted police. The criminal complaint says one incident occurred on April 21, 2026, between 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m., and a second on April 27, 2026, at about 6 p.m. Both victims were allegedly touched on the breast and inner thigh.
Timeline of Events
The alleged assaults occurred on April 21 and April 27, 2026. Queens Child Abuse Squad arrested Islam on April 28, 2026; he pleaded not guilty before Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar, and bail was set at $25,000 cash plus $25,000 bond, with temporary protection orders issued. On May 1, 2026, police released Islam’s mugshot and urged any additional victims to contact the NYPD Sex Crimes Hotline at (212) 267-7273.
Key Figures & Groups
- Tajul Islam – religious leader of Masjid Bilal.
- Masjid Bilal – Queens mosque where the alleged assaults occurred.
- Queens Child Abuse Squad (NYPD) – unit that made the arrest.
- Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar – Queens Criminal Court judge overseeing the arraignment.
- Legal Aid Society – provided defense counsel for Islam.
Data & Charges
Islam faces three felony counts—sexual abuse, forcible touching, and endangering a child’s welfare. Bail is $25,000 cash plus $25,000 bond. Police say he has no prior arrests and are seeking additional victims.
Official Statements & Responses
The NYPD confirmed the arrest and reminded the public that the Sex Crimes Hotline remains open. The court barred Islam from contacting the victims. The Legal Aid Society confirmed representation but gave no comment; Masjid Bilal did not respond to inquiries.
Criticism & Opposition
Media reports note that both the mosque and the Legal Aid Society declined interview requests, leaving residents without official responses. Child-protection advocates urge stronger safeguards in religious settings.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Source 1 gives exact times for both assaults; Source 2 mentions only the April 21 date. Both agree two victims are confirmed but police suspect more. No independent witness statements have been released, and Masjid Bilal’s response remains undocumented.
Verbatim Quotes
- “on Tuesday, April 21, Islam approached a 10-year-old girl inside the storefront mosque and grabbed her breast and touched her inner thigh.” — Criminal complaint
- “on Monday, April 27, when he approached another 10-year-old girl and grabbed her breast and touched her inner thigh.” — Criminal complaint
- “Islam pleaded not guilty at his April 28 arraignment before Queens criminal Court Judge Sharifa Nasser-Cuellar, who set bail at $25,000 cash and $25,000 bond and issued temporary orders of protection.” — Court record
- “The Pix 11 article noted that Islam had no prior arrest history.” — NYPD report
What’s Next
The case will move to a preliminary hearing; prosecutors may file additional charges if more victims are identified. The NYPD continues to seek information, and the court will decide whether Islam stays in custody pending trial.
