August 12, 2021
An armed Police Officer at Lynn Mall in West Auckland on September 3, 2021 (Video Grab)
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (Lahore) New Zealand Trust
Shabir Buksh
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (Lahore) New Zealand Trust President Shabir Buksh
Members of Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (Lahore) New Zealand Trust unequivocally and publicly condemn the senseless and irrational beliefs of individuals or groups that resort to violence for any reason whatsoever.
Casualty and physical injury suffered by any individual or group of innocent people should never be accepted or tolerated in any civilized society.
The knife attack at Lynn Mall Countdown supermarket on Friday, September 3, 2021, in which seven innocent people suffered physical injuries, is denounced by our society, which has always advocated peace, tolerance, goodwill and greater understanding among the peoples and nations of the world.
Teachings of the Holy Quran
In this respect, our society is guided by the Holy Quran.
“We prescribed for the children of Israel that whoever kills a person unless it is for manslaughter or mischief in the land, it is as though he had killed all mankind. And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind. And certainly, our messengers (Prophets) came to them with clear arguments, but even after that many of them commit excesses in the land (5:32).”
A similar reference can be found in The Talmud, which states (in translation): “Whoever destroys a soul, it is considered as if he destroyed an entire world. And whoever saves a life, it is considered as if he saved an entire world.”
Alternative translation: “Whoever destroys a single life is as guilty as though he had destroyed the entire world, and whoever rescues a single life earns as much merit as though he had rescued the entire world”.
We express our heartfelt sympathy to the victims of the reckless attack, as well as for the anguish caused to their loved ones and to those who witnessed this idiotic action of an individual.
Our Society will continue to work with individuals and groups of like-minded people to promote our beliefs to make our beloved country a better and harmonious place for all.
New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation
New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation President Jereeth Abdeen
Jereeth Abdeen
Sri Lankan community in New Zealand vehemently condemns the terrorist attack that took place in Auckland yesterday at Lynn Mall, Jereeth Abdeen, President of New Zealand Sri Lanka Foundation based in Auckland.
He issued the following Statement:
Our hearts and our thoughts are with the innocent who was wounded, and the families affected by this unfortunate tragedy. We pray for their safety, health, and wellbeing and wish them speedy recoveries.
We are deeply saddened by the violent event that took place on September 3, 2021. There is no place for such horrendous actions in our society. A terrorist who attacks innocent and defenceless people is not one of us. This horrific act has no place in any religion, race, or ethnicity.
Credit goes to the security and law enforcement personnel who acted swiftly to ensure the danger was mitigated. We convey our deepest respect and gratitude to the police and the first responders who have been working tirelessly to bring this situation under control. We will always be grateful to our front-line heroes who keep us safe and protected every day.
The Sri Lankan community is committed to the ongoing success of New Zealand.
We appreciate the Aroha and support shown to us from our wider New Zealand whanau.
