In October 2023, Imam Tarik Ata of the Orange County Islamic Foundation spoke at an event titled “Islamic History and the Significance of Palestine,” organized by the Chino Valley Islamic Center and California Polytechnic State University’s Muslim Student Association. During his address, Imam Ata asserted that the October 7 attacks “did not happen in a vacuum,” suggesting that Palestinians did not initiate violence against Israel without provocation. He emphasized the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stating, “There is something there called Al-Aqsa, and it is ours,” and claimed that “the Jews lost their right to it by disbelieving in the Prophet.”

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Imam Ata further underscored the enduring commitment of Muslims to this sacred site, declaring, “They need to get it through their minds, these Zionists. We will never let it go, because our prophets from Adam to the Prophet Muhammad are connected there.” 

Addressing the historical and theological aspects of land entitlement, Imam Ata remarked, “They say: ‘Because we are ethnically Jews, this land is ours.’ No, no, no. Allah gave that land to the Children of Israel before [the days of] the Prophet Muhammad, because they were holding onto the truth, the message. So when they let go of that message, when they disbelieved in the Prophet Muhammad—is it theirs now? The answer is no, because you are no longer followers of Moses; by rejecting the Prophet Muhammad, they have rejected Moses.” 

Imam Ata referenced Surah Al-Isra (17:4-7) from the Quran, which mentions the Children of Israel causing corruption in the land and facing divine retribution. He suggested that the October 7 attacks were a manifestation of this prophecy, implying that such events are consequences of the alleged corruption.

Furthermore, Imam Ata highlighted the numerical strength of the Muslim community, noting, “We don’t have the money to compare with them… [but] Zionist supporters are a mere fraction of the two billion Muslims in the world.” He then urged his audience to engage in online activism, stating, “We can literally flood the comments section. We can manipulate the algorithm.”

These statements have ignited controversy, with critics accusing Imam Ata of promoting intolerance and justifying violence. Supporters argue that his remarks reflect longstanding grievances and the complex history surrounding the Al-Aqsa Mosque. As of now, there has been no official response from California Polytechnic State University or its Muslim Student Association regarding the event or the statements made.