Alliance assembly member Paula Bradshaw said: “This is just the latest example of an attack motivated by hate which does not reflect the diversity of south Belfast in 2025,” she said.
“This attack was again designed to cause fear among people inside the centre, who were at prayer at the time.”
Sinn Féin’s Deirdre Hargey condemned what she called a “sinister” attack.
“No one should ever feel unsafe in their place of worship, and my thoughts are with everyone affected,” she said.
“Acts like these, fuelled by hate, spread fear and division, and target people who have come to our communities to build a life and call this place home.”
Green Party councillor Áine Groogan said it was “another reminder of the very real danger faced by our Islamic community”.
“The recent rise in racist hate and violence on our streets is a shameful stain on our society,” she added.
“We must all take responsibility for actively challenging racism, misinformation, and bigotry wherever it appears before someone is seriously hurt.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said the detained man remains in custody.