‘Cannot accept this violence’

Re: ‘One of New Zealand’s darkest days,’ March 15

This attack was a deep and painful blow to the Muslim community in New Zealand and around the globe.

A mosque is a sacred place where devotees gather for the fulfilment of their religious obligations. In each prayer they humbly ask the Almighty for universal peace and prosperity for all of humanity. Such an act should not have happened in a mosque or any other place of worship.

We simply cannot accept this violence as a normal part of life anywhere.

Anyone who wants to create chaos and anarchy in any part of the world should not be tolerated. To curb them we need to take stern action.

The entire people of the world grieve with the families of the deceased in New Zealand.

Hanif A. Patel, Surrey

As I sat in my house glued to my TV screen, for a brief moment I contemplated whether or not to attend today’s sermon and prayer. However, not going to my local mosque today would be the greatest disservice to the martyrs of New Zealand. It would be a victory for the terrorists who mercilessly killed 49 of my brothers and sisters.

I will not allow fear mongers to deter me from worshipping and practising my faith. My body and soul ache for the fallen, but we shall rise, stand in solidarity and pray for a better tomorrow.

Qasim Choudhary, Calgary