We are all painfully aware of the incident yesterday. We here in Japan are also hurt and devastated upon hearing that so many of our brothers and sisters have lost their lives. Masjid Nagoya hereby intends to respond to those that contact us with worry and also those from the media requesting an official comment.

It is absolutely unfortunate and disappointing if the biased portrayal of Islam and Muslims in the media across the globe have contributed to rooting a sense of aversion and hatred to the people. We pray that all those that lost their lives are accepted into the highest place in Paradise, that their families are granted ease and patience, and that those wounded and hurt are healed.

The greeting of the Muslims is “Assalaamu alaikum (May peace be upon you)”. We repeat these words at the end of the 5 daily prayers as well. “Salaam=Peace” is a word that Muslims around the world utter repeatedly every single day. The significant majority of Muslims hope and pray for peace for their family, brothers and sisters, and for the world. We pray that prejudice against Islam comes to an end.

Masjid Nagoya will work diligently so that any prejudice will not spread at least in Japan, or in Nagoya, and that we can continue to have our good relationship with the Japanese people. For those interested in learning about Islam, we will continue to have Masjid Visits, and give lectures and talks at educational institutions and other organizations. Please feel free to contact us at any time.

【 Who, when disaster strikes them, say, “Indeed we belong to Allah, and indeed to Him we will return”. Those are the ones upon whom are blessings from their Lord and mercy. And it is those who are the [rightly] guided. 】(Surah Al-Baqarah from the Holy Quran. 2:156-157)