The Windsor Islamic Association will host a community Dua in honour of a London Muslim family that was killed in what police say was a targeted attack.
The Dua, which means prayer in Arabic, will be held on Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the parking lot of the Windsor Mosque on Northwood Street.
The Mosque is inviting everyone in the Windsor community to come and pray for the Afzaal family.
“This is a Canadian issue. Bigotry in all of its forms needs to be stopped wherever we find it. This is not an invitation specifically to Muslims, this is an invitation to all Canadians if you feel hurt or pained by what happened,” said Osama Warsi with the Windsor Islamic Association.
The Mosque is asking people driving to stay in their vehicles and anyone walking to the mosque to social distance from others. The vigil will also be broadcast live on Facebook for those unable to attend.
Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens had cancelled the first of three Community Conversations scheduled for Wednesday night to attend the vigil.
“I am outraged and deeply saddened by what happened in London. You have a nine-year-old fighting for his life who now is without parents. This was a family that went out for a walk. No one expects someone to drive up and execute people that way,” said Dilkens. “At the end of the day, it’s about respect for diverse cultures. We are one of the most diverse communities in Canada, but we need a better understanding of people of different religions or cultures, and we need to give respect to that. Much work remains to be done. The City of Windsor remains committed to working with community partners to eliminate hate and promote peace, tolerance, inclusivity and respect.”
The Afzaal family, Salman Afzaal, 46, his wife Madiha Salman, 44, their 15-year-old daughter Yumna Afzaal, and 74-year-old Talat Afzaal were killed when they were struck by a truck while out for a walk in a London neighbourhood. Fayez Salman, 9, is the only family member to survive the tragedy. He remains in hospital with serious injuries but is expected to recover.
Warsi said the best way to support the Muslim community right now is to learn about your neighbours and speak out against Islamophobia.
“Learning about who your neighbour is is very important because then you understand they are people who have motivations, who have interests, who have lives, families and I think that is the best thing to do,” said Warsi.
The Dua is expected to last between one to two hours.
