Muslim students have expressed concern over what they describe as a growing wave of petty theft in mosques, including the stealing of shoes and copies of the Qur’an, warning that the trend reflects a decline in moral discipline among worshippers.

The students, under various campus Muslim associations, condemned the incidents as shameful and urged worshippers to uphold Islamic teachings on honesty, respect, and communal responsibility within places of worship.

They said mosques, traditionally regarded as sacred spaces for reflection and prayer, must be protected from acts that undermine their sanctity and disrupt the spiritual environment of congregations.

According to the students, reported cases of missing footwear and religious texts have become increasingly common in some communities, creating inconvenience for worshippers and discouraging a sense of trust in shared religious spaces.

They called on mosque committees and community leaders to strengthen supervision and encourage accountability among attendees, while also promoting awareness campaigns on ethical conduct.

The group stressed that Islamic teachings strongly emphasise integrity, honesty, and respect for communal property, adding that theft in any form contradicts these values.

They urged young people in particular to reflect on their behaviour and contribute positively to maintaining order in religious institutions.

Religious leaders and mosque administrators have also been encouraged to review security arrangements where necessary, though the students emphasised that the issue is primarily a moral one requiring collective responsibility rather than punitive measures alone.

The appeal comes amid broader conversations in some communities about discipline and conduct in public and religious spaces.