Staff Reporter
Auckland, September 3, 2021
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) President Ibrar Sheikh has said that the terrorist attack resurrected the trauma that all New Zealanders felt two years ago.
He was referring to the massacre in two Mosques in Christchurch on March 15, 2021 that left 51 Muslims dead and many more seriously injured.
Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand
“Terrorists who do such inhumane and vile acts do not belong to any religion. We condemn this act of terror. They act out of sheer hate, and they have no place in our country. Our first thoughts and prayers are for the victims and their families,” he said.
Mr Sheikh said that the members of the Muslim community sympathise with their trauma and that of the bystanders who witnessed the evil act of terror.
“We thank the New Zealand Police for their bravery and all the work they are doing to keep us safe. The first responders, including the medical and ambulance staff, have our deepest admiration. At this time, we again repeat our sense of sorrow for those who are in hospital and the others who are suffering from trauma. We pray for their wellbeing,” he said.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community President Bashir Khan condemned the barbaric attack in Lynn Mall this afternoon.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by these events, and the community stands in solidarity with the victims of such attacks irrespective of their race, religion, or nationality. Such heinous actions have no place anywhere in the teachings of Islam and should not be seen as a representation of our faith,” he said.
Mr Khan said that the majority of Muslims are loyal citizens of the countries in which they live and do not condone such actions.
“The situation in Afghanistan after the recent withdrawal of US Troops has seen thousands of Afghan Muslims trying to flee the country in fear of reprisal from the Taliban. This should serve as a constant reminder that groups such as the Taliban and Islamic state are not representative of Muslims in general, and other Muslims remain their main targets. The terrorists of today have time and again shown that their actions are not bound by the nationality or the religion of their victims. It is therefore the duty of all of us to constantly highlight the true nature of these acts, and not let anyone use it as a justification to divide the society”, he said.
Wellington Interfaith Council
Dr Pushpa Wood, Founding and Life Member of the Wellington Interfaith Council, described the Lynn Mall incident as a ‘despicable act.’
“The attacker belongs to no faith, no race nor to any value to which New Zealand and New Zealanders ascribe. He is not one of us,” she said.
Dr Wood said that the prayers of New Zealanders to all those who have been injured and to their loved ones. May the Almighty’s blessings be with them as they recover from this hideous attack, she said.
“Our appreciation to the New Zealand Police and all those who helped to end the situation quickly and help the injured. May God bless you and God Bless New Zealand,” Dr Wood said.
