Jacinda Ardern – A Ray of Hope
Mushtaq Hurra
The exhibition of cowardice and brutality in two Mosques at Christchurch New Zealand on the 15th of this month has proven the fact that terrorism knows no faith and religion. Those who attribute it to any particular religion or faith are biased towards the religion. Though the attack on innocent worshippers has sent shockwaves among the Muslim minorities but the lady Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern has risen above the stereotypes of contemporary rulers. The so-called big political guns of the world just consider it enough say a few words of condemnation or tweet a few lines on the microblogging site.
But the Kiwi Prime Minister has set an unprecedented example of compassion, sympathy, humanity and statesmanship. The way this angel-hearted lady consoled the mourners and bereavers , is somewhat pleasing and encouraging.
My faith has cemented that there are saints still in this world, and Almighty has the perfect logic to continue the journey of this world otherwise our deeds have invited His strongest rage. Contemporary times are witness to rulers who are not lesser cruel than Hitler. But the noble and compassionate gesture of this lady has ignited a ray of hope in the gloomy deserts where peace and human values have been taken hostage.
Jacinda Ardern regretted the twin attacks on innocent worshippers in the strongest terms. The way she has stood by the bereaved Muslims in New Zealand speaks volumes about her statesmanship qualities and virtuous personality. She visited the victim Families and offered her apologies. She felt ashamed for the crime. She didn’t stop here. She took the lead up to her Parliament. She decided to initiate the proceedings of a Friday session of her Parliament with the recitation of holy Quran. She decided to broadcast the Friday Azaan (Call to prayers) on the national Radio of New Zealand in the memory of martyred worshippers in Christchurch Mosques.
Despite being a non-Muslim, she wore the typical Black Muslim outfit including a head scarf, in solidarity with the Muslim victims. Contrary to the big leaders of the world like, she sent a silent but powerful message to hatemongers and terrorists that attributing terrorism with a particular religion or community is their preconceived prejudice. She has destroyed their malicious and sinister designs to defame a particular religious faith and community in the name of terrorism.
Terrorism related incidents have become order of the day in contemporary times. We often heard murders of innocents but leaders just want to take the political mileage from the blood spilled. New Zealandanders and their country head seems to be from the other planet because they have displayed true human gestures. These people don’t seem to be part our world because we only know to politicize the human blood. The Kiwi police was seen crying. This nation is feeling guilty for the crime which they didn’t commit. Their school children are displaying placards offering apologies to victim families. Though these gestures are pleasing enough but surprising as well because we know how leaders beat their chests after killing innocents.
New Zealand people are seen guarding the Mosques while Muslims offer prayers. Even, the Jews of the country have offered their sacred places to Muslims for attending Namaaz in case they feel unsafe or insecure in Mosques. Kiwi people have taught the world that men must rise above the faiths and religions to be called humans. These people created pages on social media for fund raising for the victim families, and within no time they had to request people to stop because the kiwi people donated so generously that there were more than required amounts in the given bank accounts within no time.
Jacinda Ardern exhibited the true colors of humanity. The slaughtering of innocent Muslims left her sorrowed and dejected. She did her all possible efforts to show solidarity with the Muslim minorities in the country. She began her speech in the Parlaiment with Assalamu Alliakum.
She said that she won’t take the name of the terrorist on his lips but would love to compliment the Naeem Rashid of Pakistan who showed courage to snatch the gun of the terrorist. She praised the brave heart old man who opened the door and addressed the beast with the expression of ‘ Hello brother ‘.
This lady has sent a message to the world that violence is not the means to conquer the hearts. It is rather the compassion and sympathy which can win you unfought battles. World needs to learn from this lady. She is the real embodiment and epitome of statesmanship and political foresight.
I wish our leaders and police to derive inspiration from this brave-heart. Churchs , Mosques, Temples, Synagogues and Gurudawaras are not enough for us to win the pleasure of Allah but it is undoubtedly the love for our fellow beings irrespective of religious affinities and affiliations.
(The writer is a Teacher, Columnist and a Social activist. He can be reached at [email protected])
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