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Premier John Horgan Visits Masjid Al Salam in wake of Christchurch Mosque Attacks
3-23-2019
On Friday March 22nd, The Premier of British Columbia, Hon. John Joseph Horgan prayed with the mussallis –congregation at the Jumuah Salat (Friday prayer) at Masjid Al Salam in Burnaby.
The premier met with the Muslim community to assure his support at a time when Muslims are feeling a sense of loss and grieve. Just over a week ago, the world witnessed a heinous massacre of worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The visit by the Premier was a welcome relief, to the community. Br. Mohammad Shameen, Chairperson of Masjid Al Salam said, “It was a great honor to have our Premier Hon. John Horgan attend Friday Jummah prayer at our Masjid to provide support to the Muslim community for the horrible terrorist attack on Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand. Meeting people, hugging, taking selfies and reassuring is what the community really needs in times like this. It’s truly appreciated by the congregation for being so caring and sympathetic. Thank You Mr. Horgan.”
Imam Yahyah Momla acknowledged the worldwide support for the Muslims after the Christchurch mosque shooting and in the Friday khutbah – address to the congregation, urged “To present your faith and your beliefs to the world whose attention you have now captured.”
The Imam mentioned the story of the treaty of hudaybiah when the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and his companions were not allowed to enter the city of Makkah, the sahabah –(companions of the Prophet) felt it was their loss, but it turned out to be a victory. After the treaty, the Muslims got an opportunity to practice their deen (religion) amongst the people without any duress.
He said, “Although we grieve with the families for their loss, we grieve for humanity for the state that we are in today.”
He reminded the congregation the saying of Prophet Isa –Jesus (PBUH) that in times of hardships, there are two types of people, One who is afflicted and one who is in grieve, he said, It is the responsibility of those in bliss to help those afflicted.”
Br Daud Ismail- Past Chair and President of BCMA appreciated the gesture by Premier Hon. John Horgan, “to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and pay respects and condemn the attack on Muslims at a place of worship” He said, “The response from the Muslim community has been overwhelming appreciation of the Premier for the kind gesture, support and words of encouragement. The community is very hurt, concerned and uncomfortable about their security.”
The premier thanked the Muslim community and said, “I worship and weep with the Muslim community.”
He was hopeful in his message, “As we all have one thing in common, we all will leave this world” we need to look inward to find the hope for our children, grand children and we need to “Work together in harmony and Peace for a better British Columbia.”
He further said, “Love triumphs over hate. Tolerance always defeat intolerance. Respect for everyone is what we should be guided by.”
The premier firmly assured the community that “As long as I am in power, when hate raises its head I will stand against that, when intolerance raises its head I will stand against that.”
Iltaf Sahib, the President of BCMA felt comfort in the Premiers gesture. He said, “The Premier John Horgan displayed his show of solidarity and respect for our Muslim Community. After listening to the Jumu’a khutba attentively, he followed us through the actions of the whole salah (prayer) which was quite remarkable. His speech was short but he did not mince his words, calling this an act of Terrorism and the act of white supremacists for the massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand.
We appreciate the continuous support and care shown by the Premier of BC and his team of MLA’s towards our community. Jazak Allahu Khairan (May God reward you with goodness)". Ameen.
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