LETTER

 “We are all challenged by Islamophobia, racism and hatred”, Aylmer Mosque Association addresses wider Aylmer community following hate-killing in New Zealand 

Above all, the Aylmer Mosque wishes to offer its deepest condolences to the families, friends and relatives of those who perished in this terrorist act. There is no rational explanation today that can replace the loss of human beings who pay the price of their lives for their difference, and their religious beliefs.

Men, women and children... all Muslims, were shot dead in cold blood in a place as peaceful and serene as the mosque, for the simple reason of being Muslim. Innocent lives.

Today, we are together to remember them. I would like to recall this beautiful Qur’anic verse that highlights the human life of all human beings, the verse says: “Whoever would kill an innocent person, a person not guilty of murder or corruption on earth, it is as if he had killed all humans. And whoever gives him the gift of life, it is as if he is giving life to all humans.”

The killing in New Zealand is a serious attack on our humanity, all of us. These people had gathered to celebrate their faith. 

We are all challenged by Islamophobia, racism and hatred. Our struggles are intertwined. It is therefore urgent in our work to take this into account. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind our elected representatives, our media, but also all those present, of the importance of believing, trusting and investing in living together in order to continue to raise awareness in our respective communities.

It is our duty to provide inclusive speeches, actions and frameworks for all citizens, regardless of colour or creed. We will never submit to violence. Our love always triumphs.

Let us hope that this great outpouring of empathy and solidarity lasts, but we must work together to achieve this. 

I hope that the death of the innocent victims leaves behind an inexhaustible source of hope and fraternity. Peace, love and fraternity for the wounded world; unity, solidarity, hope for all of us.

Thank you.

Abdelfattah Salim

Aylmer Mosque Association