The nation has woken up this morning to the terrible news of the attack in Manchester last night that has left 22 innocent people dead with many more injured, including young people and children. This sick and evil crime is strongly condemned. Thoughts, condolences and prayers are with the victims and their families.
The Vice-Principal of Jamia Al-Karam, Bakhtyar Pirzada al-Azhari, issued the following statement: “We are deeply saddened, shocked and horrified at the attack that took place last night in Manchester. Our hearts go out to the victims and their families and loved ones. We stand in solidarity with our fellow citizens as we come to terms with this appalling crime and display of evil. An attack on any one of us is an attack on all of us. An attack on any child is an attack on all our children. Pain felt by one parent is a pain shared by all us parents. There are no words to describe this abhorrent event and our grief-stricken feelings at this time.
“The emergency services, the medical professionals and the people of Manchester have shown the best of this nation at the most evilest and tragic of moments. Their compassionate response and resilience in the aftermath of this tragedy reflects the spirit of this nation that will prevail. In the face of this national spirit, the divisive, murderous and chaotic intents of criminals cannot at all succeed. We stand with Manchester. We stand together in the national spirit.
“At this no doubt difficult time, we again reiterate our commitment towards one another as one human family. We stand together to remove hatred that lies at the very root of evil. Atrocities that seek to divide us and create chaos in our world can be countered by us seeking to unite ourselves and create harmony in our world. Extremism in all its forms and terrorism of every kind cannot be allowed to triumph. Evils need to be eradicated with the power of love and compassion. It is human greatness and a shared sense of humanity that can keep us all together and defeat the common enemy that is terrorism, which has no identity except indiscriminate murder and mayhem.”