Muslim Women Show Support for Victims of Westminster Attack

In the wake of the London attacks, there have been many attempts to cause divisions and once again scapegoat the entire Muslim community. Though anger and sadness is understandable and warranted, division was one thing these Muslim women refused to tolerate.

“The man wanted to divide us, so by joining hands we are literally doing the opposite of what he wanted. This is London and you are not going to change us... “It was something beautiful to come out of something so hideous,” says Kerena Sheath, in a statement to the Guardian.

They also wanted to stress that the attacks in London do not reflect the peaceful religion of Islam.

“Islam totally condemns violence of any sort. This is abhorrent to us... when an attack happens in London, it is an attack on me...,” says Sarah Waseem, in a statement to the Huffington Post.

This touching and moving vigil was organized by some of the leaders of the January 2017 Women’s March. The vigil lasted five minutes as women bowed their heads in silence to honour those that lost their lives or were severely injured in this senseless act. They wore blue Hijabs as a symbol of peace. Some passerbys joined the vigil as Muslim and non-Muslim women alike joined arms in solidarity.

Akeela Ahmend, one of organizers for this campaign, saw this vigil as an act of “reclaiming” the bridge from terrorism.

“It’s important that we say terror will not defeat and divide us and pay respects to those that died... “Keith Palmer is a hero and we are marking our respect for him and all the emergency services who protect us.”

Since the attack, London has shown remarkable unity and resilience—a much need light during such a dark time of hate and xenophobia that has been bubbling the past year.

Teshura Adams