Dear Editor
On behalf of the Islamic Center of the Battlefords, we would like to thank all our neighbours, and all the citizens of the Battlefords, who have sent us messages, cards of condolences and left phone calls and messages of support. We also wish to thank our mayor and city council of North Battleford and town of Battleford, our chief of police, the religious leaders of all Christian denominations and the many people from our community who attended the interfaith prayer. We thank you all for standing with us, shoulder to shoulder, since the deadly shooting and mass murder at the Quebec City Mosque on Jan. 29.
While we may never completely understand what motivated this shooter, such a young man, to act out in this deadly fashion, we know that for the vast majority of Canadians hearts were broken, as were ours, upon learning of this attack. It reminds us of the power of words to shape thoughts and actions. We recoil at the mentality of those in our society, especially some political and media personalities, who choose to denigrate, marginalize or demonize, and who stoke fear of the “other” for the sake of cheap political gain, or program ratings; personalities to whom it appears this shooter was especially attracted.
We must remain vigilant against and condemn bigotry, xenophobia and hatred in all its various manifestations, irrespective of those who engage in it or against whom it is directed. We understand that when one individual or group is targeted we are all targeted and we, and our country, are all greatly diminished as a result. As Premier Couillard of Quebec correctly noted, “Words can be knives.”
In the days, weeks, and months to come, all of us and our leaders need to reflect on how our thoughts shape our words and how our words can become knives, contributing to unintended consequences.
If you, our neighbors or yet-to-be friends, have concerns, please contact us or come and meet with us. Let us deal openly with any fear that separates us and threatens our harmony.
We condemn this atrocious and heinous crime against the Muslim community in the strongest possible terms. We are grateful that the suspect has been arrested and that justice will be done. We pray for the survivors of the deceased and all those injured and traumatized by this crime. May God grant them mercy, patience and strength.
As a community, the Muslims of North Battalford pledge to continue to work with all the people in our community, to continue to contribute to our society, to make our city more inclusive, progressive, open, and a home for all who choose to live here, irrespective of attributes or characteristics, in peace, friendship, and good will. We are all in this together.
Thank you North Battleford for all your love and support and may God bless each of you.
Hafiz Muhammad Imran Zaka
President Islamic Centre
North Battleford
