New Zealand Mosque Shooting

Word spreads quickly about the deadly events around the world and this news was heard on Friday regarding the New Zealand mosque attacks in two mosques in Christchurch. Most people who were victims of these attacks were at Al Noor Mosque, while the second shooting was at Linwood Mosque, significantly close to Al Noor. In these mosques, which are places of worship and prayer for Muslims all around the world, people were peacefully doing Jummah prayer, a special prayer done every Friday around noon. This was until a man entered, who had been greeted with “may peace be upon you”, right before opening fire and killing myriads. As of now, 49 people have been killed, and over 40 people injured of all ages.

One of the men who committed this act of hatred recorded a live video of his actions. In this chilling video, he shows no remorse and has no hesitation as he continuously shot at the people peacefully praying in the mosque, as if it was a video game. The man had multiple guns so that they could continue their terror. The weapon in the video contained neo-Nazi symbols on it as well as the names of white extremists and supremacists who had commited murder over ethnicity and faith. It is unclear if there were multiple people responsible for the shooting or just one, but three men have been taken into custody while one has been accused of murder. Another man found using legally obtained firearms to assist police was taken into custody as a suspect.

Before these events,the shooter from Australia that was in the video allegedly posted a 74-page, hate-filled manifesto online toward Muslims before live streaming the shooting as mentioned. In this, he says he planned this attack for 2 years and according to him he represents white supremacists and anti-immigrant sentiment. He uses the 2nd amendment, the right to bear arms, as a way to justify his vicious attacks on innocents.

One man who was in the mosques and survived states his experiences. "The shooter was screaming a lot and waving the gun in every direction, shooting, shooting, shooting. I don't know who of my friends is dead or alive now. I am waiting,” he says. People are clearly devastated and worried for the future, and it’s especially concerning considering the peacefulness of New Zealand and very short history of events like this. It also occurred in a town where everyone felt safe, until now. Anti-Islamic sentiment is growing everywhere and acts of hatred, like this can and will continue to happen, and in fact it is.

This hate toward Muslims is all around the world. There was recently a bombing in Gaza and Kashmir, and Uighur Muslims in China are being sent to concentration camps. Muslims are being attacked and considered dangerous all around the world, and meanwhile not enough is being done to prevent the terrorist attacks toward them. Even in times of tragedy like this, there are still people promoting hate toward Muslims, as Senator Fraser Anning released a statement saying that Muslims are usually the perpetrators and it was their fault for immigrating to New Zealand. She continues to compare Islam to fascism and a violent 6th century despot, as if all Muslims deserve all of the worry and death they go through. However, this event and many others to come cannot be justified anymore and this is awfully unjust and wrong. No race or religion deserves to be targeted.

New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern vows to change gun laws and is actively ready to do what can be done, but is this really enough? There is debate on whether or not stricter gun laws will be effective. There are people who legally have firearms and are licensed for them but may be doing illegal activity with them, such as one of the suspects of this shooting. There are people who continue to strongly hate Muslims and there are violent, hateful people in this world. Muslims widely feel unsafe and unprotected all over the world, and something must be done about this and for other religions feeling the same way. The world needs to find a way to live peacefully despite everyone's differences, and a good place to start is spreading the stories and bringing awareness, which is the goal of this text. The best we can do until more nations take action is to increase security and promote love.

The event discussed in this article is an act of terrorism, fueled by white supremacy and Islamophobia. This was an attack on innocent Muslims in the center of their communities and their mosques, their welcoming and safe places. We urge our brothers and sisters to stay alert and vigilant, to watch out for one another. Do not, however, be intimidated by these acts. We as a community must remain strong and not be afraid to practice our faith. Our hearts are with the victims, their family, and the muslim community of New Zealand. Keep the victims of the Christchurch terrorist attack in your prayers. May Allah SWT grant them the highest level of Jannah.

#News