23/03/2019
Statement from the Afghan Communities in New Zealand
on Christchurch Terror Attacks
“Inna lilahi wa inna illayhi rajeoon”
18 March 2019
The Afghan Communities as integral part of the wider Islamic Community of New Zealand is devastated and deeply affected by the terror attacks of 15th March 2019, on Al-Noor and Linwood Mosques in Christchurch.
In this shocking and heartbreaking moment, the Afghan Communities strongly condemn this brutal act of terrorism that martyred fifty innocent and defend-less worshipers and injured more than fifty.
The Afghan Communities is shattered by the loss of its two respected elders, brave Mr Daoud Nabi and kind Mr. Mateullah Safi, and four other respected members Taj Mohammad, Ahmad Shah, Fawad Sharifzai and Mirwais Waziri who have been wounded in the Christchurch massacre.
We would also like to highly appreciate the heroic act of Mr. Abdul Aziz during Friday prayers who fought the terrorist, forcing him to escape and prevented more deaths at the Linwood mosque.
We express our deepest sympathy, sincere prayers and heartfelt condolences to the victims and their families, to the Muslim Community at large, and to all people of our beloved New Zealand.
The Afghan Communities wish to convey its appreciation and gratitude to our police officers and emergency services professional, as well as the hospital staff, volunteers and all others who have been tirelessly assisting the victims, their families and the communities. We would like to specially thank Jacinda Ardern the Prime Minister of New Zealand for her kind leadership, sincere response to this tragedy and her genuine empathy and aroha to the families and to the Muslim Community. The Afghan Communities extends its gratitude to the wider New Zealand Community for their heartfelt condolences, aroha and support.
Afghans who have been the victims of violence and terrorism for more than four decades believe that there should be no place for racism, color and racial supremacy, and targeted discriminatory violence, driven by hate in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Islam is a religion that promotes peace, love and humanity and condemns hate and extremism of any kind. Friday’s attacks are affront to everything we value as Muslim New Zealanders. Crimes such as these should have no place in our society. We believe this awful act of terrorism has brought us closer, together than ever, regardless of our colors, faiths, and ethnicities. We as New Zealanders will stand taller and stronger than ever to fight terrorist and promote love, care and compassion in our Aotearoa New Zealand.
