Premier John Horgan Promises to stand against hate and intolerance.
On March 22nd, The Premier of British Columbia, Hon. John Joseph Horgan prayed with the mussallis –congregation at the Friday prayer at Masjid Al Salam in Burnaby.
The premier met with the Muslim community to assure his support at a time when Muslims are feeling a sense of loss and grieve. Just over a week ago, the world witnessed a heinous massacre of worshippers in two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The visit by the Premier was a welcome relief, to the community. Br. Mohammad Shameen, Chairperson of Masjid Al Salam said, “It was a great honor to have our Premier Hon. John Horgan attend Friday Jummah prayer at our Masjid to provide support to the Muslim community for the horrible terrorist attack on Muslims in Christchurch, New Zealand. Meeting people, hugging, taking selfies and reassuring is what the community really needs in times like this. It’s truly appreciated by the congregation for being so caring and sympathetic. Thank You Mr. Horgan.”
Imam Yahyah Momla acknowledged the worldwide support for the Muslims after the Christchurch mosque shooting and in the Friday khutbah – address to the congregation, urged “To present your faith and your beliefs to the world whose attention you have now captured.”
Br Daud Ismail- Past Chair and President of BCMA appreciated the gesture by Premier Hon. John Horgan, “to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and pay respects and condemn the attack on Muslims at a place of worship”
The premier thanked the Muslim community and said, “I worship and weep with the Muslim community.” He was hopeful in his message, “As we all have one thing in common, we all will leave this world” we need to look inward to find the hope for our children, grand children and we need to “Work together in harmony and Peace for a better British Columbia.”
He further said, “Love triumphs over hate. Tolerance always defeat intolerance. Respect for everyone is what we should be guided by.” The premier firmly assured the community that “As long as I am in power, when hate raises its head I will stand against that, when intolerance raises its head I will stand against that.”
Iltaf Sahib, the President of BCMA felt comfort in the Premiers gesture. He said, “The Premier John Horgan displayed his show of solidarity and respect for our Muslim Community. After listening to the Jumu’a khutba attentively, he followed us through the actions of the whole salah (prayer) which was quite remarkable. His speech was short but he did not mince his words, calling this an act of Terrorism and the act of white supremacists for the massacre in Christchurch, New Zealand.We appreciate the continuous support and care shown by the Premier of BC and his team of MLA’s towards our community. Courtesy by; Alameen Post
