Islamic community in Zim stands by Türkiye, Syria

Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter

The Muslim community in Zimbabwe has pledged solidarity with the people of Türkiye and Syria following a devastating earthquake that hit the countries last Monday.

More than 33 000 people are now known to have been killed, while thousands more were injured.

In a statement, president of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe (SCIAZ) Sheikh Ishmail Duwa said the disaster was devastating, and called on the world to help the two nations through the  difficult period.

“The Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs in Zimbabwe and the entire Muslim community of Zimbabwe wish to express our heartfelt condolences to the entire Turkish nation and the Republic of Syria following the catastrophic earthquake experienced in your country in the past few days,” he said.

“We sincerely pray that Allah the Highest, protects and condoles the bereaved and injured in the two nations during this time of great sadness. The catastrophic earthquake has occurred while Muslims worldwide are in sorrow following the burning of the Quran.”

Apart from the great loss of life, said Sheikh Duwa, the earthquake has caused untold suffering to survivors who shall require assistance for a long time.

He said the Muslim community in Zimbabwe will forever cherish the amicable relations that exist between Zimbabwe and Türkiye.

The 7.8 magnitute earthquake brought down whole apartment blocks in Turkish cities and piled more devastation on millions of Syrians displaced by years of war.