Press release
Last weekend the world woke up to the sad news of the massacre of 49 innocent Muslims during Friday Service in a mosque in Christchurch City, New Zealand. Among the dead were innocent children. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia, joins the entire peace loving people of the world to condemn this heinous act against humanity.
The act was totally barbaric, inhumane and unacceptable and must be condemned by every decent and humane individual. The incident reflects the fact that human values of mutual love, tolerance, and respect for human life and dignity have lost their spirit due to religious bigotry and ignorance. It reflects the reality that governments, organisations and individuals have to do more to sensitize their people on love and tolerance and respect for human life and dignity. This can be achieved through education, especially through the formal education system.
Islam, it must be reiterated, is a religion of mutual love, peace and tolerance. It puts emphasis on the respect for human life and human values such as freedom of conscience. This was clearly exhibited by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) allowing a six man Christian delegation from Najran to perform their religious service in his mosque in Madinah. He practised and preached that we must love each other despite our ideological differences and thoughts. People of all faiths have the fundamental right to perform their religious rites without fear.
We extend our heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the insensible and cowardly act.
May Allah the Almighty be their Consoler. May He protect New Zealand and the entire world from such inhumane, insensible and barbaric acts. Ameen.
Signed:
Baba F. Trawally
Amir
