PICTURED: Imam is shot and left critically wounded while heading to morning prayers outside mosque in New Jersey

An investigation is underway after an imam was shot outside a mosque in New Jersey earlier this morning.

Police say the imam was taken to University Hospital in critical condition after the shooting just after 6 a.m.

The incident happened near the corner of Camden Street and South Orange Avenue, near the Masjid Muhammad Mosque in Newark.

This was said by a person who opened the door of the mosque NBC New York that the victim was Imam Hassan Sharif.

That's what sources who spoke say RLS MediaImam Sharif had prepared to participate in the Fajr prayer, the first of the five daily prayers in Islam.

The outlet reported that the gunman approached Sharif during this time and opened fire on the spiritual leader.

A few hours after the shooting, police stood outside the entrance to the mosque

Sharif was rushed to hospital and is reportedly in critical condition and fighting for his life. It is not clear if the suspect remains at large or if there is a motive for the attack.

A few hours after the shooting, police stood outside the entrance to the mosque.

DailyMail.com has attempted to contact the mosque for comment on the incident.

Dwayne Hill, 64, said he had lived near the mosque all his life and that those who worship there had always been good neighbors.

'The mosque people are not a problem. They stick to themselves and do what they believe in,” he said. 'They have been feeding and clothing the neighborhood for years.'=

The New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said it was gathering information about the shooting of the imam.

In a statement, CAIR-NJ Communications Manager Dina Sayedahmed said, “We are deeply concerned about this incident and pray for the Imam's speedy recovery.

“Anyone with information about the shooting should contact local police immediately.”

The New Jersey Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said it was gathering information about the shooting of the imam

The incident happened near the corner of Camden Street and South Orange Avenue, near the Masjid Muhammad Mosque

Since news of the imam's shooting was shared, people in his community sent him well wishes on social media.

One person posted: 'May Allah grant Imam Hassan Sharif a speedy recovery and bring his attacker to justice.'

Another said: 'Prayers, prayers and more prayers for my dear brother, our beloved Imam Hassan Sharif. May the Most Merciful Intercede and restore him to full health.”

This attack comes amid heightened tensions in America due to the ongoing war in Gaza.