ICPA visit to New Zealand following Mosque terrorist attacks Media Release - Download

We start with the name of Allah. Praise be to Him and may Allah raise the rank of Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him.

The Islamic Charity Projects Association (ICPA) stands in solidarity with the Muslims of New

Zealand following last weeks’ Christchurch Mosque massacres. Members of the ICPA led by Hajj Mohammed Mehio and his Eminence Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafie gathered with government representatives, ambassadors, community leaders, Imams and the thousands of mourners in Christchurch - New Zealand this week who poured into the Memorial Garden Cemetery offering their condolences to the families and friends affected by these atrocities. Over the two days, a total of 44 from 50 bodies were been buried. On day 1, funeral prayers for the released deceased bodies were conducted in congregation one martyr after another. On day 2, Friday the 22nd of March 2019, a funeral prayer was held for all 26 martyrs at once, followed by a janazah for one body at a time.

Some weeped in deep sorrow as others shed tears and comforted one another. Most have never met the deceased worshipers from the two mosques, however, they stood united under the banner "No one is God except God and Muhammad is His prophet and Messenger".

His Eminence Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafie assisted volunteers in laying the bodies to rest. For two consecutive days attendees supplicated and recited words from the holy Quran alongside family, friends and the diverse communities who attended the funeral service from across the World, including, Australia, The United - Kingdom, Europe , Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, Turkey and other countries.

Following the days of burials, ICPA members headed to Christchurch Hospital visiting and supplicating for the injured who remain in a critical condition in the Intensive care unit. This was followed by a visit to the Botanic Gardens, flowers were laid in honour of those who lost their lives in this terrorist attack.

Hajj Mohammad Mehio, president of the ICPA said in his words with local communities, "Islam teaches one to be patient when afflicted with calamities, especially upon the loss of loved ones". Our trip to New Zealand is to support and ease the hardship of those affected by this tragedy in any way possible and stand in unity with the people of New Zealand.

In his words with locals His eminence Sheikh Ibrahim El-Shafie said "All Australians and New Zealanders standing together against all forms of extremism and racism sends a strong message to the world that there is no justification for these acts of evil".

The ICPA appreciates the Australian and New Zealand governments’ efforts in supporting the community to date, in particular the Muslims of Christchurch during this difficult time. We envisage to work together at all levels to help counter extremism which continues to undermine the security and safety of Muslims and non-Muslims.

The ICPA offers its condolences to the families, relatives, friends and all those affected by this tragedy and wish the injured a speedy recovery. We are hopeful for justice to be served against this terrorist on the 5th of April 2019.

Mohammed Bashir Mehio

President – Islamic Charity Projects Association Australia.