NO word is sufficient to condemn what happened to four members of a Muslim family of Pakistani origin in Canada.
The very incident in which a twenty year old man killed the family by running them over with his truck is nothing but sheer terrorism and yet another manifestation of how fast Islamophobia is spreading fast in different parts of the world.
The local authorities in Ontario, where the incident took place, told media that this was a planned, premeditated act, motivated by hate.
They believed the victims were targeted because of their Islamic faith. The family had been living peacefully in Canada over the last ten years, and reportedly they had no issues whatsoever with anybody.
Their only fault was that they were Muslims. These hate attacks against Muslims have increased in intensity over the last few years.
We have no doubt in saying that it is only the policies of western governments which are responsible for the present alarming situation.
Their actions only have further reinforced Islamophobia and it has now assumed many manifestations.
Not only the Muslims are being stabbed and attacked openly but their worship places are being closed and their sentiments are also being hurt through blasphemous acts
Those who claim themselves as the flag bearer of human rights are even not ready to give Muslim women the right to wear veil.
The western governments need a serious course correction to save their societies from total deterioration and disintegration.
There is a need to put a stop to these Islamophobic incidents, otherwise, the results will be disastrous for them.
Whilst we welcome the very statement of the Canadian Prime Minister expressing solidarity with Muslims in the wake of appalling Ontario incident, but apart from speaking out against it, there is a need to prosecute those involved in violent hate crimes against Muslims.
A grand dialogue should also be held to remove misunderstanding and promote interfaith harmony.
Heavy responsibility rests with the Muslim Ummah to speak with one voice against the Islamophobic incidents before it is too late.
