CSMA is saddened by the dreadful stabbing attack in New Zealand by a person of Sri Lankan origin. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their loved ones. As the oldest association representing the Canadian Muslims of Sri Lankan origin, we strongly and vehemently condemn in unequivocal terms such monstrous acts of evil violence against humanity irrespective of from which faith it originates. We stand united with the citizens of New Zealand and its charismatic Prime Minister in categorically condemning this cowardly and heinous act. Our message to anyone who believes in violent extremist ideologies is that you have nothing to do with Islam.   

I read that the attacker shouted “Allahu Akber” to support and justify his cold-hearted act. This has nothing to do with the noble principles of our faith, which categorically denounces the taking of an innocent life. We, Muslims, consider this criminal barbarity as Godlessness. Terrorism has no faith and cannot be condoned or tolerated by any means, rationale, ideology or faith. Godless cowards attack unarmed, randomly selected, innocent people and we must commit to each other to defeat it.

Extremism and violence has created a scorching inferno that is devouring people of all faiths, nations and creeds throughout the world. Regrettably what is sometimes accomplished in the name of combating terrorism does not contribute to the resolution but instead adds fuel to this raging fire. Today’s world witnesses an increased polarization between “Islam and the West” and thus the ground is fertile for further fostering of Islamophobia, imaginary enemies, typecasts, and generalizations of one another which results in deadly consequences. Hence, amid all these turbulences and mayhems, it is soothing and calming to hear when the Prime Minster of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern said “Only the man alone was responsible for this violence, not a faith”. This is what I call leadership! 

The vile criminals under the guise of faith seek to divide our society and instil fear but In Sha ALLAH, we will ensure they fail. CSMA implores everyone to unite as one community and in the face of such shameful cowardice, unlike the extremists, let us endorse and advocate love and compassion as Islam teaches us.