My Dear Community Members,
Salaam Alaykum.
It has been with great abhorrence that we see in our world today continual acts of terrorism. Terrorism founded on an ideology and a concept that is growing exponentially and which affects the very fabric of our society. Muslim organisations have been quick to condemn such acts of barbarity which not only are unfounded in and contrary to our faith but which directly fulminate against humanity!
It was a shock for us all to witness the attacks in London where seven people were killed and forty-eight people injured. The attacks followed less than two weeks after the Manchester Arena where 22 people were killed. Only a few months earlier a terrorist attacked Westminster, London killing 4 people and injuring more than fifty people. In the last month, there have been numerous terrorist attacks across the globe: Karrada in Iraq where ten people were murdered and Afghanistan where 18 people were killed. Terrorism has been a widespread, catastrophic phenomena in the Middle East and Subcontinent but is now growing proliferating around the world.
The World Federations, its membership and indeed the entire Khoja community condemn such acts of barbarity in the strongest possible terms and we offer our condolences to the families of those brutally murdered. The trauma they are experiencing is unimaginable. That is why within hours of both attacks, The World Federation in conjunction with The Council of European Jamaats donated £10,000 i.e. £5,000 to the victims of the families of each of the attacks. The funds will be spent on psychological support and bereavement counselling. The thoughts and prayers of our community are with them and their families during these difficult times.
When reflecting on these barbaric acts, I feel it is important for our governments and for our society to examine in depth the philosophy and ideology of the terrorists. They are driven to undertake such hate crimes, driven to attack those who disagree with them and driven to create strife and discord in our society. My view is that as a community we need to advocate our humanitarian principles. We need to add value to society and to bring positive change to our localities. If we continue our beneficial humanitarian actions then our positive and consistent work will simply speak for itself!
With Salaams and Duas,
Shan E Abbas Hassam
Secretary General