Fifty people died in an act of terror at the Masjid Al Noor Mosque and the Linwood Masjid Mosque in Christchurch last Friday. Abubakar Nazif reached out to the Times to say thank you to the people of east Auckland for their love and support for the Muslim community.
“Dear residents of east Auckland , the Trustees and committee members of the Pakuranga Islamic Centre on 5B Cortina Place, Pakuranga, would like to thank you for your outpouring of support, well-wishes, thoughts and prayers.
We are overwhelmed with flowers and cards left at our Masjid since this terrorist attack in Christchurch on innocent men, women and children.
Your support reminds us that New Zealanders are generally good people, just like the majority of Muslims are.
It’s just the few people on both extreme ends of the spectrum who paint the whole religion, culture and country with the same brush.
It’s time to unite, to get to know our differences and come together as one.
As it says in the Holy Quran, human beings started from one mother and father.
‘Oh mankind indeed we have created you male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another.
‘Indeed the most noble of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you,’ it says.
It also says in the Holy Quran, whoever kills an innocent person, it is as if he has killed all of humanity.
Everyone from the community is welcome at the mosque anytime to see what we do and ask questions, share your thoughts and condolences.
Jazakallah (May God reward you [with] goodness)”
Abubakar Nazif
- There is a Mosque open day at 5b Cortina Place, Pakuranga on Friday March 22 from 6pm onwards. All are welcome, men, women and children. This is being held in conjunction with Auckland Council. Light refreshments will be provided.