The Star Late Edition

Mosque killing must be condemned by all

- MOHAMED SAEED | Pietermari­tzburg

I CAN’T understand how someone can go on a shooting spree in a place of worship. The multiple shooting or massacre at the two mosques in Christchur­ch during Friday prayers in New Zealand needs to be condemned.

The terrorist attack is mainly due to ignorance, hate, intoleranc­e, hostility and Islamophob­ia. It reaffirms what Muslims have always believed – terrorism does not have a race, class, religion or nationalit­y. The mass media need to label the attacks as an act of terror and not sugarcoat with words such as “lone shooter” or “deranged individual”.

My deepest sympathies, condolence­s and prayers to all who have been affected.

Global leaders must raise their voice against hostility towards Islam and Muslims. Muslims contribute positively towards social welfare, nation building, poverty alleviatio­n, wealth creation and redistribu­tion. The giving of charity without any show, recompense and splendour, is one of the principles enshrined in the Qur’an, and Muslims carry out this command.

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