Hawzah News Agency (Maryland, US) – Maryland's Islamic Center, in a message, conveyed condolences to the Muslims.

In his name:

Dear brothers and sisters, community members, Salaam alaykom

The Islamic Education Center of Maryland is deeply saddened by the news of the vicious attacks in the New Zealand mosques. Forty-nine innocent lived were taken and we must stand close together in this time of pain.

The fact that Muslim lives were lost is not the issue. Any innocent life taken is a crime against humanity. This crime is not an isolated one, and is indicative of larger systematic problems across the world against those who identify as racial, ethnic, and religious minorities in their societies.

The assailant had the audacity to stream part of the massacre live.

The words of the first man he came in contact with at the mosque was "Salam/Peace." Islam is a religion that is fundamentally built on the concepts of love, kindness, community, interreligious understanding, and peace.

People from all races and creeds should be free to practice their faith without fear of attack or persecution. We call on other communities to stand by us as we work together to suppress hate in every form.

We remain in a state of mourning, and we pray for the lives lost in New Zealand, and all places where innocent lives are persecuted. May Allah grant all of us patience in this time of pain.

End.