Alhamdulillah… Perfect thanks and praise are due to the worthiest One for praise and gratitude. Complete peace and blessings are upon our Master, Sayyidunā Muhammad, his household, his companions and all those who follow his guided path.
It has been four weeks since the terror attacks on worshiping Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand. To a large extent, the incident brought the world together. One can argue that a Muslim community in a non-Muslim majority has never received this much sympathy and support from its non-Muslim countrymen and from people around the world.
This article is my thoughts on the terror acts. But first, here are some condolences.
Condolences
I would, first like to send my condolences to the families of the souls which didn’t fall, but have rather risen to the Heaven, as a result of the terror attacks. My prayers are that Allah accepts all of them as martyred, and places them in the highest abode of paradise.
My prayers also go for those who sustained injuries from the attack. May they attain speedy recovery and greater rewards for going through such a difficult test.
May Allah grant patience to the families of risen souls and the injured to overcome these difficult times.
The Breaking News
The breaking news of the incident went viral faster than similar incidents because the terrorist live-streamed it.
Regardless of one’s religion or even ideological or political affiliation, no one in his sound mind saw the graphics without been shocked and getting angry at the incident. This explains why the world, and Muslims, in particular, reacted to the massacre more than usual.
How the World Reacted
World leaders and politicians reacted. As usual, with care. As you’ve rightly guessed, in a politically correct way.
Having said that, leaders from non-Muslim countries were quicker and clearer in condemning the massacre more than many Muslim leaders did. In fact, until this moment, some Muslim leaders are yet to be heard. May they never be heard.
These are the people (leaders) who marched hand-in-hand in solidarity with France when Charlie Hebdo was attacked by some people who call themselves Muslims. But neither they nor their Western masters were anywhere to be seen.
How Muslims in Particular Reacted
It was expected for Muslims to react. As usual. But, I believe, our reactions this time was surprisingly overwhelming. The impression I got is that everyone must say something. Everyone must come out with a statement.
But thinking about it again, it’s understandable. It’s understandable because social media is involved. And with social media, we all have our voice, which must be heard. Thus, the reactions to the Christchurch terror attacks, which many Muslims displayed (on social media) wasn’t an exception.
There’s nothing wrong if everyone reacts in his own way or comes out with a statement of his own. But such reactions must be in line with the values of Islam and the practices and teachings of our beloved Prophet, ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam.
What one could note is that, anger overwhelmed our reactions with much emotions surfacing the atmosphere during the first few days of the whole incident. Everyone seemed to have something to say. So, no one could hear any other, let alone listen to him.
Why Muslims Seemed Overreacting
The truth is, Muslims are already filled with much anger, considering the fact that we have been systematically emotionally oppressed and called terrorists for long. For the fact that Western media and its allies choose to refer to every single crime committed by Muslims as terrorists. Thus, the majority of the outcry was a demand for the massacre to be called a terrorist act. A tit-for-tat maybe. Especially that the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern explicitly called it a terror act.
But… Let’s be honest with ourselves. We can’t dictate on people how and what to say in response to incidents. Especially when they have plans to spoil the image of Islam and Muslims.
The responsibility to protect the image of Islam is ours. Not the non-Muslims’. You choose to call the act an act of terror. And be consistent with it. And if others respect you enough, they’ll respect your feelings.
Just know that calling the person, especially if he’s a non-Muslim a terrorist won’t subject him to the punishment he deserves in this life.
Also, what if the act is classified as terror? And yes, the PM of New Zealand has clearly called it as such. I believe the Australian PM also did the same. What next? Will the terrorist involved in this terror act be sent to Guantanamo? Will he be sentenced to death? Time will tell. But the last time I read related news, it says that the terrorist is ordered to undergo psychiatric tests. Since when are terrorists ordered to undergo psychiatric tests?
After all that, some mainstream media still insist on referring to it as extremism. What’s the difference? The same media profile Muslims as extremists. Don’t they?
It Was Tempting to React… But…
It was so tempting for me to react right away. Out of anger, for one. Especially that social media news feeds were full of the news. In addition to the selective reporting which some media chose to play and the hypocritical statements by some politicians.
But one had to pause and ask himself:
- what could have been the Prophet’s reaction if he was around,
- what are the teachings of pertaining to angry and furious moments, and
- what was the reaction of the Prophet when he was personally affected by situations like this?
We have to refer to the teachings of The Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam because he is our ultimate role model. He’s the one and only who no two Muslims disagree on the significance of following him and taking his teachings at heart.
The Prophet dealt with situations like this according to the circumstance. In some circumstances, he showed forgiveness. And in some other circumstances, he took disciplinary actions.
The Prophet showed forgiveness when he prayed that the People of Ṭā’if were forgiven because they were ignorant. This happened despite the fact that they stoned him and caused him to bleed.
This means he would pray for forgiveness for Brenton if he knew his actions were out of ignorance. I repeat; out of ignorance. But if Brenton remained stubborn, then he would be subjected to due punishment.
Islam’s Way of Controlling Anger
Anger is one of the strongest traits in human beings. But it’s tamed with one of the most rewarding qualities. That is patience. However, patience is only considered valid based on your first reaction to an undesirable incident that happens to you.
Imām al-Bukhārī reports from the narration of Sayyidunā Anas raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu, that the Messenger of Allah, ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam says:
الصَّبْرُ عِنْدَ الصَّدْمَةِ الأُولَى
“The real patience is at the first stroke of a calamity.”
This means, overreacting, uttering vulgar and cursing nullifies our entitlement for the reward of patience.
Now, looking at how we reacted to the incident although we’re not directly affected (only 100 families or so were directly affected), yet we couldn’t control our emotions, what would have been our reactions if we were in the shoes of the grieving families who are directly affected?
Sayyidunā Ḥamzah, raḍiya Allāhu ‘anhu, one of the dearest uncles of the Prophet ṣallā Allāhu ‘alayhi wa sallam was killed in war by a then slave called Wahshiyy. Wahshiyy was commissioned to commit that crime as revenge.
Later on, Wahshiyy became and announced his remorse and regret. With open arms, he became a Muslim brother to all Muslims at the time. It was difficult for the Prophet. But in the end, he was serving Allah. And when you live for Allah, your pride and emotions must be under your control.
Lessons from the Christchurch Terror Attacks
There’re many lessons we can learn, from the horrific act of terror that hit Christchurch. These lessons are not new. But they’re worth indicating since they’re relevant.
#1: This Act of Terror Act Could Have Been Prevented
The global security and intelligence agencies have been busy profiling Muslims as terrorists and potential terrorists and blacklisting them. To them, a Muslim is either a terrorist or a potential terrorist. Thus, they hardly consider the fact that a non-Muslim, the likes of this terrorist may carry out such a massacre.
It’s therefore not surprising to know that Brenton Tarrant was not known as a potential danger to the authorities. As reported by various news agencies.
I won’t be surprised if it appears that the majority of the victims, if not all, were already been profiled as terrorists or potential terrorists.
Having said that, I must also state for the record, that it’s important to have security measures to protect the safety of any country and its people. But selective profiling will only mean that real dangers arise from within, unexpectedly.
#2: Islamophobia is Real… But
Everyone knows that islamophobia is real. But some have been consistent is denying it. For many reasons and agendas. These two terror attacks on mosques in Christchurch evidence the fact that Islamophobia is real. At least for the reference of those who prefer denying the truth. Even within New Zealand, despite this incident, Islamophobia continues. This double standard from Christchurch, yes, Christchurch evidences it.
The terrorist didn’t walk to the mosques to take revenge on an opponent of his or a rival gang group. He stormed the mosques for their belief and faith. How many Muslims did he possibly walk past in the streets before reaching the mosque? But he couldn’t identify them. However, at the mosque, he stormed randomly. Not for anything. But for their being Muslims.
This is why, to me, the forgiveness given to him by Mr Farid Ahmad who lost his wife is not valid. Had the attacker walked to his house and gunned her down, then he could conveniently forgive him. Because in that case, she was a clear target.
The professional way the New Zealand government handled the attacks was amazing. The people of New Zealand, Muslims, and non-Muslims also stood by the Muslim community in New Zealand. Many non-Muslims around the world also continue to show love, respect, and support to and for their Muslim neighbours and friends.
Although Islamophobia is real, it doesn’t mean that all non-Muslims are enemies of Muslims and Islam. In other words, just like we can agree that there’re criminals everywhere, we can’t agree that everyone is a criminal at one given time. We can also agree, that yes, Islamophobia is real. But not every non-Muslim is an Islamophobe.
#3: New Zealand Has Set the Benchmark
It’s was an unfortunate incident. But nations emerge strong and stronger through unfortunate incidents. And the Christchurch terror attacks set and stand as an example to that.
Australian Fraser Anne’s blame on Muslims for the attack reflects how many other countries could have handled a similar situation different from (contrary to) how New Zealand did. The good news is, with New Zealand setting this example, it’s going to be difficult for any Western country that prides itself as civilized enough to handle similar situations carelessly.
If not for anything, for the fear of being held responsible on social media. We can forget, but the Internet and social media do not forget.
#4: Saudi or Turkey… Who Represents Muslims?
The foreign minister of New Zealand paid a visit to Turkey. You know for what? To explain to the Turkish what actually happened, and to disclose the information they’ve gathered, so far, from the terrorist.
Why does New Zealand have to send its FM to Turkey? If they’re unhappy with what Erdogan might have said, they could have just blasted them openly.
One may wonder why Turkey and not any of the Arab countries. In fact, there’s one Saudi among the victims whose souls have risen to Heaven. And no single Turkish was among them. Any news from Saudi? The custodians of the two holy mosques?
Hello Brother… Thank You!
Hello Brother… Brenton!
By now, I believe you know that the victims of your acts have gone to Heaven.
You might have also known that the Qur’an was read in the New Zealand parliament for the very first time. Obviously, this is not what you might have wanted.
Also, the Adhan (Islamic call to prayer) was raised in the University of Canterbury. I’m sure you’ve heard or watched Qur’an been read and Adhan been raised in New Zealand television for the first time.
The last thing you might have ever thought of is the day in which the Mongrel Mob biker gang goes and stands to watch outside mosques in New Zealand to protect Muslims as they pray. But it has happened.
Also, do you know that the New Zealand Police have gone to the mosque and were oriented about Islam? Yes… they held the English translation of the Qur’an. I assume they were presented to them. You can now imagine many police officers in New Zealand having copies of the Qur’an in their homes.
I hope you got informed, that women New Zealand have shown their solidarity with Muslim women by donning the headscarf, or the hijab, if you may. This is exactly what you were eager to prevent from happening. But it has happened.
Perhaps, what you don’t know is that, although you seem to have developed a lot of hatred towards Islam, Islam this beautiful and peaceful religion is still open. You are welcome to repent and be a Muslim. If you do, genuinely and sincerely, rest assured that the victims of your act and you will be united in Heaven as brothers and sisters. Just like Wahshiyy (the killer) and Ḥamzah (the victim) will.
I assume, that you did whatever you did out of ignorance and some hatred. But those traits are human weaknesses that can be managed effectively for one to transform and be a better human being.
So, don’t let this stop you from rethinking your actions and adjusting your thoughts towards your own good.
Conclusion
The Christchurch terror attacks was an unfortunate incident. But the good that lies beneath it is far greater than the evil that has surfaced to our view. Certainly.
The massacre that shook New Zealand and the rest of the world aimed to bring down Islam and weaken its active followers and subscribers. But it did nothing but strengthen Islam and boost the confidence of Muslims in their faith.
We should all understand this one fact. That is, the more you fight Islam the more it strengthens and the more you allow it, the more it spreads. In all cases it’s either you accept it and follow it or leave it. If you embrace it, you attain eternal salvation. And if you leave but learn to live with it harmoniously, you live in peace. You can’t find peace while trying to cut down the tree of peace; Islam.
May the One God guide everyone to the right path of His chosen religion and grant each one of us a good ending.
Four weeks on, Hello Brother, if you're reading this, Thank You!
If you’ve read up to this point, I’ll very much appreciate it, if you will share your thoughts after having read the article. Do tell me how you find it beneficial, where you agree or disagree and don’t forget to give your suggestions and feedback.
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Allah knows best.
Allahu Hafiz 🙂
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