As salamu alaykum,

 

Thank you for writing to us. Given the tragic terrorist attack at the Masjid in Christchurch, NZ, it is understandable that the community is fearful. One does not expect to go to a place of worship and be a victim of a terrorist attack.  Sadly, the rise of Islamophobia in conjunction with white supremacist attacks is on the rise.

 

White Supremacy and Terrorist Attacks

 

Attacks such as these can cause fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and trauma. We live in a very unsafe world and realistically, attacks can occur anywhere on the subway, crowded places, events, even just walking down the street.  Our Muslim sisters and brothers worldwide have been enduring these attacks and other acts of violence for a long time due to hatred, occupations, and oppression in various other countries such as Palestine, Myanmar, China and other places.

 

We will Face Trials

 

We must remember that our beloved prophet (PBUH) and his family,  companions, and followers were severely tried and attacked. AboutIslam illustrates that we too, will also be tested “{Do people think they will be left alone and they will not be tried? …} ( Al-`Ankbut 29:3) When you claim to believe in Allah, stand for what is right, oppose what is wrong, support justice, or fight oppression, these claims will all be tested. Allah will show who is truthful and who is lying.This is the tradition of those on the straight path at all times. The Prophet and his companions were asked in the Qur’an, a question that is also asked to all of us: Do you suppose that you will enter Paradise untouched by the suffering endured by the people who passed before you? They were afflicted by the misery and hardship and they were so convulsed that the Messenger and the believers with him cried out: “When will Allah’s help arrive?”} (Al-Baqarah 2: 214)”

 

Helping to Ease Fears & Safety Tips

 

I would kindly suggest that insha’Allah, you or a family member approach your imam with your concerns.  Perhaps a community meeting can be held to discuss everyone’s fears, concerns as well as how to come to a resolution which will ease fears and provide an extra layer of security.  This may include offering to counsel, develop ongoing support groups, training brothers for security roles inside and outside of the Masjid, as well as offering classes in self-defense to all members of the Masjid.  Education surrounding how to handle conflict, how to react in dangerous situations as well as learning specific supplications and duaas for protection is helpful.

 

The fear is understandable. However, when we do not attend the Masjid, the shaitan and his dupes (white supremacists, terrorists) win.  They accomplish what they set out to do.  Instill continued fear and prevent Muslims from worshiping in Masjids.  If we look at the other terrorist attacks such as the Pittsburgh synagogue, the Charleston S.C. terrorist attack at a church committed by Dylann Roof, , attacks on Sikhs and their places of worship, we can see that hate and violence targets others as well.  Yet, these communities managed to still go on refusing to submit to the trauma and fears they must have felt.  As Muslims, we need to do the same insha’Allah.

 

Despite the Hate, there is Love & Support

 

We need to also look at the kind, loving outpour of support that came from non-Muslims after this terrorist attack.  Many communities across the world were quick to condemn the vile act and offered their solidarity, support, and friendship.  Outside of the Masjid I attend, there were flowers placed by neighbors near and far, showing there love and support.   While creating more secure and aware places of worship is a sad reality today, we also see that there are others out there who are not Muslim but do love and support us in our times of need.  This indeed is a blessing.