The imam of the Christchurch mosque which was the scene of last year’s horrific mass shooting says the “love and affection” displayed by the people and authorities of New Zealand has made the country’s Muslims feel a greater sense of acceptance.
It was the outpouring of emotion and togetherness exhibited following the attack which had a profound impact on New Zealand’s Muslim community and on the whole New Zealand society, says the imam of the Al Noor mosque Sheikh Gamal Fouda.
“This terrorist wanted to fuel division in society. However, Muslims were not fooled by this and instead, the New Zealand society gave an example of unity where non-Muslims sympathised and showed solidarity with Muslims. This has been a great lesson that love overpowers revenge,” he told SBS Arabic24.
Sheikh Fouda said through the response, a united message of “positivity, peace and security” was created, against those wishing to inflict such attacks.
“This message has been delivered loud and clear to terrorists who attempt to split communities. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern gave a practical lesson to all those who hope to create divisions.”
Having witnessed and survived the attack, he believes “terrorism has neither a religion nor ethnicity” and this was clearly exhibited by the harrowing events of the day.
He said it had resulted in the balance being “restored” in people’s perceptions about terrorism.
“After 9/11, Muslims were stigmatised as terrorists, but after this incident [Christchurch attack], the balance was restored, and everyone began to realise what a terrorist is in isolation from their religion. Even if a terrorist hid behind religion, they must only be described as a terrorist,” he said.
“Muslims should not be blamed for the actions of criminals who use religions as a cover whether it’s Islam or not. The Christchurch shooter was also acting based on an ideology. We must all come together and show an example of good citizenship in our beloved countries.”
In 2019, there were calls among Australia’s top Muslims for the federal government to introduce laws targeting Islamophobia.
