(CNN) New Zealand came together in a national day of reflection Friday to mark a week since the mass shootings at two Christchurch mosques that killed 50 people.
The Muslim Call to Prayer was broadcast on national television at 1:30 p.m. local time, followed by two minutes of silence to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attack.
At almost the same time as when the attack was first reported to police, Christchurch ground to a halt for two minutes. Hundreds stood, their heads bowed at the memorial wall at the Botanic Gardens where flowers have been laid all week.
In Hagley Park, a short walk from the Al Noor mosque where most people were killed in the first attack, thousands of people attended a memorial service before Friday prayers.
New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern leaves after the Friday prayers at Hagley Park outside Al-Noor mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand March 22, 2019. REUTERS/Jorge Silva TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
Speaking to mourners in the crowd, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said “New Zealand mourns with you.”
Quoting the Prophet Muhammad, she said: “The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain.”
“New Zealand mourns with you; we are one,” she said.
As the Muslim community gathered to pray and mourn, hundreds of non-Muslims stood around the perimeter of the site in solidarity. The area was treated with the reverence of a mosque, with many women — including the prime minister — wearing headscarves as a mark of respect.
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PM Jacinda Ardern echoing the message of universal brotherhood and sisterhood of the Prophet Muhammad, may peace be on him, is what the world needs today, more than anything else.
It’s very kind of her ( the prime minister of new Zealand). We should all follow her footsteps towards humanity.
We need to practice these words today and forever
Love for all hatred for none.
May Allah enable all to act in an equitable manner and appreciate the acts of such people like the newzealands’ prime minister as this closes bridges and helps foster peace and brotherhood.
Love for all hatred for none
Mashallah. It’s very heart warming to see her quote the holy prophet sa and spread a peaceful message. We should all have lots of respect for her and appreciate her concern for the Muslims in New Zealand.