Source: The Guardian

The news of the horrifying terror attack in Manchester sent me reeling down memory lane. In Pakistan, where I was born and raised, such attacks have sadly become commonplace. On my daily commute to work, I would often witness anxious mothers escorting their toddlers through fortified walls into nurseries and schools. And as disturbing as it felt, this was increasingly becoming the new norm in the country.

It was quite inconceivable to imagine that these horrors that have besieged the hearts and minds of young Pakistanis would one day terrify youngsters in the UK. To think that a ghastly suicide attack would take place on British soil targeting young children was preposterous. Today, we have a lot of questions to answer about how we got here.

As we pick up the pieces, it is crucial to remember that we have a common enemy. As a Muslim immigrant to this country, and hailing from a persecuted minority sect in Islam known as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC), I love and cherish this country no less than any other British citizen. In fact, my faith teaches me that loyalty to my country is part of my faith.

The existence of the monstrous individuals who carry out such heinous acts across the globe was prophesied by Muhammad, who said that they would be the worst of creation on Earth. As the recent spate of terror attacks has shown, they truly are. The message of the AMC has always been one of rejecting extremism in all its forms and uniting behind the spirit of common humanity for the collective good. We must ensure such voices are heard louder than ever during these solemn times.
Ayesha Malik
Hindhead, Surrey

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