Statement on the Hate-Motivated Murder of a Muslim Family in London, Ontario

“Surely we belong to God and to Him we shall return.” (Quran, 2:156)

It is with heavy hearts that we extend this statement on the horrific, targeted murder of a Muslim family in London, Ontario. Our prayers go out to the entire Muslim community, and in particular, to nine-year-old Fayez Salman, whose family was killed in this Islamophobic attack. We pray for his quick and full recovery from the injuries he sustained in the attack. As Muslims in Canada, we are well aware of the deep-seated anti-Muslim racism and white supremacy in this country that fuels such attacks, including the Quebec

City mosque shooting, the stabbing of a mosque caretaker in Toronto, and attacks against Muslim women in Alberta and across the country. These sentiments are further incited by the legislation and policies of our federal and provincial governments, as observed in Quebec’s Bill 21 banning religious symbols and the many MPs who opposed the antiIslamophobia motion M-103.

While we continue to grieve the lives that have been taken from us, we remain resolved to continue practicing our faith despite attempts to raise fear and unrest within the Muslim community. We call upon our elected officials and community allies to take action to address the causes of systemic anti-Muslim racism, Islamophobia, and all forms of injustice against Muslims.

Mahmood Jaffer Director of PR & Communications Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre