“The message that will be going out is that life would and should continue as usual and we should not be intimidated by these acts,’’ says Zain Esseghaier, the society’s spokesman.
“Life should go on and must go on.’’
Still, news that a gunman opened fire in a Quebec City mosque during evening prayers, killing six men and injuring many others, is devastating, says Esseghaier.
“Of course we were horrified by this despicable act of violence taking place in a place of worship…our prayers and condolences are with the families of the victims,’’ he says.
“It is a shock…we don’t expect attacks like this to happen in a place of worship.’’
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Security measures were taken following threatening actions towards the Masjid Dar As-Salam mosque in Charlottetown.
Two days after a community celebration to mark the official groundbreaking at the site in October 2011, a pig’s head was left nailed to a post on the property. The following year a contractor’s truck parked near the mosque overnight was set ablaze and on another occasion a bottle of gasoline was left at the entrance and the structure was plastered with “Defeat Jihad’’ posters.
Following the vandalism and threats, security cameras were installed at the mosque and a fence was put up around the property.
Esseghaier says he and the Muslim community on P.E.I. were touched by the “heartwarming outpouring of support’’ by Islanders following coverage of the incidents at the Charlottetown mosque.
The same is true today in the wake of the deadly attack in Quebec City.
“We are very heartened by the overwhelming support by Canadians at this very difficult time,’’ says Essegjhaier, who has been a resident of Charlottetown for more than 35 years, married an Islander and raised a family here.
“We have to remind ourselves that we are all in this together…an attack on anybody in Canada is an attack on everybody regardless of faith or lack of faith. We have to remain in solidarity with each other.’’
Najam Chisti, president of the Muslim Society of P.E.I., calls on Canadians to stand together “united against those who seek to divide us and harm our communities.’’
The City of Charlottetown lowered its flags Monday “out of respect for Quebec City and those impacted by the horrific incident at the Centre Culturel Islamique de Québec.’’
Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee says the city stands behind Quebec as they mourn the innocent people who were killed.
“What they are going through is absolutely heartbreaking,’’ says Lee.
“Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the victims’ families and friends, as well as the residents of the community and those recovering.’’
Lee adds that Charlottetown “stands in solidarity with our Muslim-Canadian friends and we, like many around the world, condemn this horrific attack.’’
Those wishing to leave condolences to the families of the victims can do so via the Facebook page for the Centre Culturel Isamique de Québec.
By the numbers
— Between 800 and 900 Muslims live on P.E.I., the majority in Charlottetown.
— Five daily prayers are held at the mosque in Charlottetown.
— The Friday prayer is the largest gathering, drawing at least 100.
