We were met with horrific news this week in London, Ontario.
It was a friend who told me that four people from the Muslim community had been intentionally killed by a driver as they were out for a walk last Sunday, and a young 9-year-old boy was now orphaned and recovering in hospital. I was in disbelief.
How did we get here? Or should I say, how can we still be here? Because this is not new. Rather than celebrating our differences and learning from each other, people are being killed for practicing their faith.
The truth is I can walk freely in my community and believe what I choose to believe. I am not worried about being attacked because of my spiritual beliefs. This is a privilege not afforded to everyone, as so many people of the Muslim faith share that they feel unsafe every single day.
If people cannot be free to worship in a way that brings them peace, comfort and joy there is something deeply wrong.
To think there is one way to worship, to look, to be, is so absurd.
On Friday evening I went on a multi-faith march against racism and Islamophobia. We gathered at the scene of the tragedy and walked for 7 km to the mosque.
In honouring an event so very tragic, it was still possible for love and solidarity to fill the air. In a time filled with so much sadness and despair, it was inspiring and hopeful to see so many people coming together.
The message was clear - Love for All. Hatred for None.
We were not born feeling hate. Hate is learned.
I was born in Canada, and I love living here. It is a beautiful place to be. However, more change clearly needs to happen. When people are afraid for their safety because of their faith this is not ok.
This is not a problem the Muslim community should face alone; it is a problem that every Canadian must face together.
It is up to all of us to help create change and treat our brothers and sisters with the love and respect they deserve.
It is time to make change individually, in our hearts, as well as collectively as a whole. It is time for us to lead by example.
Whether we take refuge in Allah, Creator, God, Buddha, Goddess, the Universe, Higher Power, Krishna, Angels, something else or have nothing at all – it is no one else’s business.
It is deeply personal. It is something that yearns deep within our heart. We are being guided. So how can someone else have the audacity to say it is wrong - or we are wrong?
For me, cultivating love and compassion starts in my heart. The more I take time to be with me, to connect with my soul, the more love I have to share. The two go hand in hand.
I believe we are spiritual beings having a human experience and we must dissolve separation from our own divinity so to connect to the divinity of all beings.
I have hope. Hope for change and hope we can come together to unite, to honour those whose lives were taken, to spread love and to advocate for those whose rights are not being protected.
Let us remember the victims: Yumna Afzaal, Madiha Salman, Talat Afzaal, and Salman Afzaal, and hold in our hearts and prayers, Fayez, the young boy who has had to endure such immense trauma and loss. May he be surrounded by love and supported in his healing.
With loving kindness,
Diane