Terrorism has no religion

I came home to a shocked family who were staring at the TV, watching the news and praying for all the victims. Upon listening, I discovered there had been open gunfire in Paris, leaving several people dead and many more severely injured.

As I surfed through various news channels, I heard the same absurd question over and over again: “What religion did the gunmen belong to?” I am sorry, but as far as my knowledge is concerned, I am not aware of any religion that teaches its followers of anything but love, perseverance, and kindness towards one another. What myths are we believing in? What are we preaching to each other? If we are to stoop to such levels and believe in such senseless things, then do we have the right to call ourselves the 21st century modern civilians? I think not.

It is time that we rise above such petty questions and low thoughts. Now is the time that we all stand together and support one another during this dark phase, for terrorism and violence of such sort will not be tolerated. Let us all join hands and fight against these weak attackers who in their act of cowardice have attacked us from behind.

However, this has only made us stronger and once again united us all. For this act will not be forgiven or forgotten. Time may not heal us, but will definitely make us stronger. My condolences go out to all those who are going through this tragedy — stay strong.

Terrorism is nothing but an act of cowardice. It is done by the weak who do not possess the strength for battling their inner demons.

— The reader is an Indian student based in Dubai