LONDON – While hate mongers rushed to the internet to immediately blame Muslims for the attack, Muslims in Britain and worldwide rushed to raise funds for the victims’ families, pray for them and condemn all attacks.
Moments after the attack, British-Muslim Muddassar Ahmed started a LaunchGood crowdfunding campaign to raise funds for the families of those affected.
“While details of the victims are still emerging, the British Muslim community stands with the community during these difficult times and extends their support in raising funds to help with the immediate, short-term needs of the families of Keith Palmer, the other victims and the families of the victims,” Ahmed wrote.
“While no amount of money will bring back lives lost or take away from the pain the victims and their families are going through, we hope to lessen their burden in some way.
Please support the families of the victims of the shooting in #London today. https://t.co/mrJKdrwTm2 pic.twitter.com/xyXetSVvwE
— Eman Hassaballa Aly (@EmanHAly) March 23, 2017
At around 2.40 pm on the 22 March, an attacker drove his car into people who were on Westminster Bridge and then stabbed a police officer outside the Houses of Parliament, BBC news reported.
At least five people have been killed, including officer Keith Palmer, and about 40 were wounded.
Though the campaign targeted Muslims, Ahmed said it is open to people of all faiths to join.
“Though this is a Muslim-led campaign, we welcome our friends of other faiths to also contribute. We ask British Muslims, mosques, Imams, leaders, and groups to endorse and promote this initiative,” the campaign says.
At the time of writing, the campaign has raised more than 2,500 British Pounds. It aims to reach 10,000 British Pounds by April 19.
Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism. pic.twitter.com/LTLhgZ7OLQ
— Sadiq Khan (@SadiqKhan) March 22, 2017
Sadiq Khan, the first Muslim mayor for London, issued a statement urging unity of all Londoners against fear.
“London is the greatest city in the world, and we stand together in the face of those who seek to harm us and our way of life. We always have and we always will. Londoners will never be cowed by terrorism,” he said.
“There will be additional armed and unarmed police officers on our streets from tonight in order to keep Londoners, and all those visiting our city, safe.”
Prayers
Muslims worldwide shared their prayers on social media, condemning all terrorist attacks.
Today is not the day. Today we all stand strong and united. #BritainIsStandingTogether pic.twitter.com/ZCUdvDrtda
— Muhbeen Hussain (@MuhbeenH) March 22, 2017