The Wellington based Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand (FIANZ) and the Canterbury Muslim community have mourned the death of Dr Maysoon Abbas and Dr Husam Al Ani, who were among the victims trapped in the ill-fated Canterbury Television Building on Madras Street.
They were working on the fourth floor of the Building when disaster struck on February 22.
Both were medical practitioners of Iraqi origin and were known for their compassion and commitment to serving people.
Muslim News, a FIANZ publication, said that the bodies of Dr Abbas and Dr Al Ani were released respectively on March 3 and 9 and buried on the following days.
New Zealand Ulama Board Chairman Sheikh Mohammed Amir led the funeral prayers held on two separate days at An Nur Mosque and joined the procession that accompanied the bodies to the cemetery.
“This is a reminder that death is a necessary end. All of us must prepare for it because when death occurs, we have only deeds to carry with us,” he said at the funerals.
Patients and colleagues described Dr Abbas and Dr Al Ani as dedicated professionals who loved their jobs and were always committed to looking after their patients.
Muslim youth help
According to Muslim News, 47 young Muslims assisted Christchurch residents and officials in cleaning the City after the natural disaster.
“Some of them knocked on the doors and asked residents if they needed help. The Earthquake has left various parts of the Garden City water logged, collapsed or collapsing infrastructure including roads and sewage system. The huge silt deposits have become eyesores in many parts of the City,” it said.
Mosque expansion
The Muslim Association of Canterbury, which owns An Nur Mosque, said Muslim population is growing in Christchurch, making the place of worship inadequate for residents and visitors.
“The Mosque is clearly over-stretched and hence we have undertaken a project to upgrade the property to offer better services for ablution and prayer. Cash donations are welcome and may be credited to our Bank of New Zealand bank account (02-0800-0041468-01),” its notification said.
Pictures for Indian Newslink by Abdullah Drury, Christchurch
