Hundreds Attend WIC Interfaith Prayer for Victims of Attack on New Zealand Mosques
By Tahir Ali
Photos by Furqan and Majid Ali
Worcester: In the wake of the cowardly attack this Friday March 15, on Mosques in New Zealand the Islamic Centers in Worcester (WIC and ISGW) responded immediately with a media release that read in part: "... The gunman in this shooting was not only heavily armed but had the audacity of taping the crime of hate and the act of terrorism. This is clearly a repugnant act of hate crime. These hate mongers are cancerous to humanity ...".
Scores of letters of support and condolences poured in to the Islamic centers in USA and all over the world. Many interfaith leaders called to offer their support and comforting words. A letter from Worcester Interfaith stated: "Faith and community leaders of Worcester Interfaith were absolutely devastated to wake up and hear of the tragic news of the murders in Christchurch. Our hearts and prayers go out to all affected by the senseless and cowardly massacre at Al Noor and Linwood Mosques. We stand by our Muslim brothers and sisters worldwide and all affected by violence and stand by anyone who stands up against hate, bigotry, Islamophobia, racism and xenophobia."
The Worcester Islamic Center invited interfaith leaders to join the Muslim community in a prayer for the New Zealand victims. Hundreds of supporters from various groups came to attend to stand in solidarity with the Muslim community on Friday evening.
Haseeb Khan recited a few verses from the Qur'an to a packed audience. Emcee Imaan Jandali in her welcome speech thanked everyone for their overwhelming support. Imam Asif Hirani described the horrific shooting as "an attack on human sanctity". Joseph Petty, Mayor of Worcester, who is no stranger to the Muslim Community has always been there to support them in thick and thin; this time a police detail was sent over during the (Jummah) congregational prayers. The Mayor told the Muslim community that they were not alone in this ordeal - "we feel your pain". Other guest speakers included Andrew Nambu a special agent in Homeland Security, Rev. Natalie Webb of First Baptist Church, Rev. Jose Encarnacion, Rev. Dr. Sarai Rivera, Rev. Brent Newberry, Mark Sebell of Central Mass Interfaith, Isabel Gonzalez of Worcester Interfaith Organization [who penned the letter of support quoted above], Rev. Sally Norris, Rabbi Valerie Cohen of Temple Emanuel Sinai, Rev. Aaron Payson of Unitarian Church and the Deputy Chief of Worcester Police. All religious leaders had comforting words for the community and offered to help in any way they could. This incredible show of love, solidarity, harmony and healing was an assurance that there is absolutely no place for hate and intolerance in the society. A society that is weaved with a fiber that holds humanity together.
Ziad Ramadan, Chairman Trustee, WIC acknowledged the comforting words of Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand. Amjad Bhatti, president of ISGW, offered prayers for the victims and their families while Dr Muhammad Ramzan, president of WIC, expressed his gratitude and thanked each one of the guests who spoke and those who attended in large numbers. Tahir Ali stressed the responsibility of true journalism while appreciating the presence of reporters and anchor person from WBZ4 (CBS) TV, Worcester Channel 3 and Telegram and Gazette.
We also pay special tribute to Abdul Aziz and Naeem Rashid. Naeem darted in front of the gunman, pinned him to the ground, losing his life, but in this few minutes of struggle many worshipers were able to escape. Imran Khan, Prime Minister of Pakistan, tweeted, "Pakistan is proud of Mian Naeem Rashid who was martyred trying to tackle the White supremacist terrorist and his courage will be recognized with a national award." - Thanks to Zinnira Javed for forwarding this link.
Abdul Aziz, an Afghan, saved several lives at the second Mosque when he courageously chased away the gunman after he had killed 7 worshippers and was returning to his car to get another rifle.
We also pay a special tribute to the first martyr who in the face of sure death managed to show the face of true Islam when he greeted the gunman with the words: "Hello Brother."
May the martyrs rest in peace and their families have patience and fortitude to find solace.
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