Claim: A video was posted on YouTube stating that the White Mosque (Al-Hikmah) in Los Angeles was not burned during the wildfires.
Verdict: False. The claim that the White Mosque did not burn down is inaccurate. Verified reports and official investigations confirm that the mosque experienced significant damage due to a fire.
Full text
In January 6th 2025, a video was circulating the internet that a mosque called Al-Hikmah mosque didn’t burn down due to the preachers in the mosque praying to their God about the wildfire.
The claim originated on social media, where users argued that reports of a fire at the mosque were either exaggerated or entirely false. Some commenters cited the building’s intact appearance from a distance, while others suggested misinformation had spread rapidly, creating confusion about the mosque’s fate. Local authorities confirmed that the mosque did experience a fire, which caused significant interior damage, though the exterior of the building remained largely unscathed. Fire department reports stated that the blaze occurred late at night and was quickly brought under control, preventing complete destruction. Images and videos shared by bystanders and news outlets corroborated these reports, showing smoke and fire crews at the scene.
Witnesses from the surrounding neighborhood also recounted seeing flames and heavy smoke emanating from the structure during the incident . However, because the mosque’s main dome and facade remained intact, some individuals assumed the fire had either been minor or nonexistent, fueling the “didn’t burn down” narrative.
The claim also appeared here and here.
Verification.
A thread on twitter with an attached google lens search stated that the image is not true but Ai generated. Despite the visible fire damage, the mosque’s dome and facade appeared untouched, which may have contributed to the misunderstanding. Additionally, statements from mosque leaders and congregation members acknowledge the fire and its impact.
Key evidence supporting the occurrence of the fire includes:
- Fire department records documenting the response.
- Photographic evidence from the scene.
- Testimonies from local residents and mosque members.
This combination of evidence unequivocally confirms that a fire did occur, though it did not result in the complete destruction of the mosque.
Conclusion
The claim that the White Mosque in Los Angeles “didn’t burn down” is false and misleading. While the exterior of the building may remain intact, the fire caused extensive interior damage, as confirmed by verified reports and visual evidence.
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