Terrorist acts will not divide Canadians

Re Refugee from Somalia faces terror charges

in Edmonton attacks, Oct. 2 Once again, the influence Daesh (also known as ISIS) wields has resulted in a violent attack — and this time, it is just kilometres from my home.

As a proud Canadian, I was disgusted by the horrific events in Edmonton. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I want to reiterate that my faith does not condone such violence. That is why such attacks are even more painful — not only do they attempt to create divide within the beautiful mosaic that is Canada, but they misappropriate the religion of billions.

Canada has set an example for the world that pluralism and multicultural diversity is truly a strength. This notion has been recognized by the former worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Mirza Tahir Ahmad, when he beautifully said, “My prayer is that Canada becomes all the world, and all the world becomes Canada.”

I am confident that our nation will not fall prey to the agenda of terrorism and, instead, stand strong. Akbar Ali, Calgary The attack in Edmonton was yet another unfortunate example of fanatics and warmongers hiding behind the veil of Islam to carry out their violent and political agendas.

As an Ahmadi Muslim, we pledge as part of our faith to serve both humanity and our country, so when this type of attack takes place in the name of our religion, I cannot understand how any sane person could even remotely compare Islam’s teachings to these antiMuslim terrorist groups. Wajahat Nasir, Toronto An attack as heinous as this has no justification and I condemn it to the fullest. It is most unfortunate that Islamophobia will rise as a result. As a Muslim, allow me to make it unequivocally clear that this attack has no place in Islam.

The Quran proclaims religious freedom, love and peace, whereas Daesh incites hatred and division. If we succumb to creating a rift between ourselves and peaceful Muslims, this will only propagate the hatred in the world. Osama Sobhi, Calgary