Six years ago, on January 29, 2017, at 7:45 pm, a terrorist stormed the prayer hall at the Grand Mosque in Quebec City and opened fire on worshipers, resulting in the martyrdom of six worshipers, the injury of five others, and the orphaning of 15 children. The incident shocked the world and changed the lives of families who were enjoying comfort and security in peaceful Canada, only to find themselves suddenly facing the pain of loss and injustice due to the lack of a fair trial for the criminal! Personally, I remained in constant communication with the families of the martyrs and a number of the wounded, and learned a lot from them. I learned lessons in patience in adversity and faith in the decree of Allah! We ask Allah to grant the martyrs paradise and to grant their families beautiful patience and solace. The pain transcended the families of the victims and was shared by the entire Muslim community in Canada and the majority of the people here! Numerous events were organized to express solidarity with Muslims, including making January 29 a national day against Islamophobia! Unfortunately, manifestations of hatred, racism, and attacks on Muslims are increasing in Canada, especially in the province of Quebec. However, the efforts of some associations and activists in the community yield important decisions from time to time despite many obstacles! “And do not think of those who have been killed in the cause of Allah as dead. Rather, they are alive with their Lord, receiving provision.” (Quran, Surah Al-Imran: 169) The martyrs of the mosque: Azeddine Soufiane, Boubaker Thabti, Ibrahim Barry, Abdelkrim Hassane, Khaled Belkacemi, and Mamadou Barry. We ask Allah, the Most High, to envelop them in His abundant mercy and to grant them the highest levels of Paradise, along with those whom He has favored among the prophets, the steadfast affirmers of truth, the martyrs, and the righteous. And excellent are those as companions.
Mamadou Tanou Barry, Ibrahim Barry, Izzedine Soufiane, Abdelkrim Hassan, Khaled Belkacemi, and Boubaker Thabti are forever present in our hearts and prayers.
