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At Least 49 Killed in an Act of Terror Against Muslims at New Zealand Mosque, $50,000 NSD Raised for Victims Families

by in World on 15th March, 2019

“Friday is the best of days. It was on this day that Hadrat Adam Alaysi salaam was created, it was on this day that he was granted entry into jannah, it was on this day that he was removed from jannah (which became the cause for man’s existence in this universe, and which is a great blessing), and the day of resurrection will also take place on this day. ”

(Sahih Muslim)

Friday, Jummah, was the day where an Australian-born citizen walked into Mosque Al-Noor in New Zealand, Christchurch, the extremist right-wing terrorist walked into the mosque armed and shockingly began to live stream the attack, his first victim greeted him with a salam, he then began to fire indiscriminately at worshippers sitting on the floor, in corridors and doorways. The death toll so far is 49 Muslims killed and 20 are said to be in hospital, they are being treated for their wounds.

The Prime Minister Ms. Ardern described the incident as a terrorist attack and sent a message to the terrorist “You may have chosen us, but we utterly reject and condemn you.”

The gunman’s main tool to amplify the attack was social media, he publicly posted a manifesto on Twitter and an online forum called 8chan which had links to his Facebook page, he shared that the attack would be shared. He recorded the act of terrorism through a GoPro on his helmet, he begins recording as he drives to the Mosque. The firing then take place for two minutes, he then runs back to the car and swaps weapons, re-enters the mosque and begins firing.

Questions have been raised about the handling of the material and the accounts that were created. The video of the shooting was available online for some time. May have concluded that the terrorist attacks were designed with social media in mind.

The mosque has been asked to shut its doors till further notice and New Zealand Police Commissioner Mike Bush has said “anyone who was thinking of going to a mosque anywhere in New Zealand today not to go. To close your doors until you hear from us again”.

Help the victims families

Whilst we cannot console the families directly and bring back those who have passed, Inna lilahi wa Inna Illahi rajioon we can show our support and donate to the Launchgood which has already raised over $50,000 NZD. The campaign also shares “Let us take this opportunity to show our solidarity with the victims and encourage love, tolerance, and unity.”

“All funds raised are going to be distributed to the families by NZIIC – New Zealand Islamic Information CentreAll proceeds will help with the immediate, short-term needs of the grieving families. No amount of money will bring back their loved ones, but we do hope to lessen their burden in some way.”

Sentiments, Condolences and Shock were shared on Social media the world around.

Selina Bakkar

Selina Bakkar

I'm a simply striving to be better and improve in different areas of my life through more self awareness, experiences and learning more about the deen. You'll find me talking about community, connection, planting & growing, seeking the truth in an age of propaganda and misinformation. This year I want to document more to do with food heritage and history so watch this space or reach out. Have a listen to the Amaliah Voices podcast where I talk passionately about Islam, nature, motherhooding and back home. Link in bio peeps. To join the Amaliah Writer Community email me at selina@amaliah.com IG: SelinaBakkar