Local Muslims react to Paris terror

WINDSOR,Ont.(18/11/05)- Local Muslims pray at the Windsor Islamic Association mosque on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2015. Photo by Kayla Wang, The Converged Citizen

Terrorist attacks,violent conflicts, increased global security – it all  seems to be related to radical Islam. But Muslim students at the University of Windsor want people to know Islam is really a peaceful religion.

The Muslim Student association  held a student candle vigil at courtyard on campus Nov. 19 for the victims of last week’s terrorist attack in Paris that killed more than 130 people and injured more than 200 others.

Ronnie Haidar, spokesperson for the Windsor Islamic Association, said they are against violence and are  praying for Paris.

“As a member of this community, as a well-rounded individual, it is the violence and those people who killed innocent people should be punished,” said Haidar.

Haidar added they hope the attacks will never happen again and people should not just pray for Paris, but also pray for the whole world.

“I feel heartbroken for those people who got attacked,” said Shaista Siddiq, who is studying women’s rights at the University of Windsor.

“We are caring, friendly just like everybody else, people should not blame it to everyone only. because of what one small group people did something not nice,” she said, adding she and many other Muslims just want to live a peaceful life without violence.

Manual Chavdhari is a high school student who was born and raised in Windsor. She said she loves Windsor and tries to be friendly with everyone.

“First, I feel so bad for what happened in Paris and we pray for them,” said Chavdhari.

Chavdhari said she is proud of her religion and feels proud to be Muslim which she said is a religion that is caring, loving and peaceful.