
One week from the Christchurch terrorist attack, New Zealanders are coming together in a national day of reflection to remember those who died while worshipping inside 2 mosques in the South Island city.
Details: Just before 1:30 pm Friday local time (8:30 pm Thursday Eastern), the adhan, the Islamic call to prayer, rang out across the country's TV and radio airwaves before people around the country gathered at vigils observed 2 minutes of silence. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern addressed the crowd saying: "New Zealand mourns with you. We are one." The events coincided with the Friday prayer, the Jumu'ah.
Addressing the congregation at Haggley Park, Al Noor Mosque Imam Gamal Fouda said:
- Across the country, thousands of people held vigils to remember the Christchurch mosque attack victims. In, Auckland 4 mosques opened their doors to all New Zealanders. As a result, many non-Muslims attended Friday prayers there.
- Following afternoon prayers at 4 pm local time, a combined funeral service was being held for 26 people killed victims.
- New Zealand police anticipate several thousand people to attend a vigil at the Auckland Domain at 6 pm — the oldest park in the country's most populous city.
Driving the news: In support of the Muslim community as they mourn the loss of 50 lives, New Zealanders — men and women — were encouraged to participate in the Headscarf for Harmony movement on Friday.