Rashid Baba
No one, absolutely no one can deny the response by New Zealand to the Christchurch massacre has been overwhelming and utterly incredible.
From the Prime Minister to people of all walks of life to the young and to the elders, the compassion shown in a variety of ways in solidarity to the Muslim community in New Zealand and worldwide has been a joy to behold.
And the acts of kindness became a domino effect as non-Muslims in other lands also expressed their support and feelings to the Muslim community with one aim in mind – we will not let hatred win, we will not be divided and we will not be scared.
As a small token of appreciation, Muslim Council of Hong Kong decided to write a letter of appreciation and humbly handed it to New Zealand’s Consul General in Hong Kong, Mr. Colin Warner.
He was also given a box of chocolates to share with the other members, again with the intention of showing we do notice, we do care and we do appreciate.
Here is the letter:
Mr. Colin Warner said,
I really appreciate this gesture. It’s amazing how the horrible act has brought people together.
Our Prime Minister has been wonderful and it shows New Zealand is a country that celebrates diversity. Again, thank you for the letter and the gift. We truly appreciate.
Muslim Council of Hong Kong’s Chairman, Mr. Adeel Malik expressed the Muslim community’s gratefulness to the Consul General.
He also took time to write a special message in a book of condolences which the Consulate has made for those who wish to express their support and grief at the tragedy.
Showing gratefulness and being thankful to others is a teaching of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) himself, for he said:
He has not thanked Allah who has not thanked people.
[Sunan Abu Dawud 4811]
So yes, again, we are extremely gratified by all the soldairty shown not just in New Zealand but worldwide and we wholeheartedly want this sense of harmony and peaceful relationships to flourish forever.
P.S. And a message for the victims – they are in Paradise by the will of Allah and may they be reunited with their loved ones.
