In the wake of Australia's deadliest terror incident, a prominent Islamic leader has delivered a powerful sermon condemning the perpetrators and calling for unity and vigilance against extremism.
Imam's Forceful Condemnation of 'Monsters'
Imam Uzair Akbar addressed worshippers at the Holland Park Mosque in Brisbane just days after the horrific attack at Bondi Beach on December 14. The attack, allegedly carried out by 50-year-old Sajid Akram and his 24-year-old son Naveed, claimed the lives of 15 innocent people.
In his sermon, Imam Akbar did not mince words, labelling the pair as "monsters" and "wretched people" who violated the fabric of the country. "They may be sharing the same faith and they may be, in their understanding, doing something for that faith. But they have done a great disservice to Islam," he stated unequivocally.
The Imam explicitly instructed his followers not to pray for the murderers. He asserted that Sajid Akram, who was shot dead by police at the scene, had died "without faith" and, according to Islamic tradition, was beyond redemption or prayer.
A Call for Solidarity and Early Intervention
Shifting his focus to the victims and the broader community, Imam Akbar emphasised that prayers should be directed towards those recovering in hospital and the families grieving their lost loved ones.
He issued a strong call for solidarity, particularly with the Jewish community affected by the tragedy. "I feel deeply for my Jewish brothers and sisters affected by this tragedy. I want them to know that we stand with them in solidarity against anti-Semitism and violence," he told the congregation.
A critical part of his message was a warning about the dangers of unchallenged extremist views. "When such views go unchallenged, extremists feel empowered and begin to believe their cause is legitimate," he explained, stressing that the issue of extremism must be quashed early before it escalates into violence.
Contrasting Reactions in a Global Context
Drawing on his background of being born in England and growing up in Pakistan, Imam Akbar provided a stark contrast in potential reactions. He suggested that in a mostly-Islamic country like Pakistan, the community's retaliation against such perpetrators from within their own ranks would be severe and violent.
This comparison served to highlight his central argument: that the actions of the two attackers were a gross perversion of faith, wholly rejected by the mainstream Muslim community, and that a measured, unified response is the correct path forward for Australia.
The Imam's powerful address marks a significant moment of community leadership, aiming to foster interfaith solidarity and proactively combat the ideologies that lead to violence.
