Compassionate City
Jun 10, 2019
Farid's words of forgiveness
OPINION - JOHN SELLWOOD
It seems to me that compassion lies at the very heart of what it means to be human. Being concerned for those who we know and love, our family and our friends is part of who we are it’s burned deep in our DNA. The nurturing of children, the kindness of friends, helping out by lending a hand, these are societal norms we expect when dealing with our nearest and dearest - but what about caring for strangers or even more difficult those who see us as an enemy?
Small acts kindness towards those we know or like make everyone feel good, strengthening friendship and cooperation, and ultimately this kind of compassion seems to be one of the fundamental biological drivers for human success. Kindness and reciprocity are traits we start developing as toddlers when we begin learning that playing happily in the sandpit with others will likely require sharing our toys.
But how do you grow-up showing compassion towards those who hate you and have no intention of sharing or playing nice. How to your respond with compassion when someone’s prejudice and hate destroys the very thing you love? Here compassion surely becomes an act of extraordinary courage and commitment, an intention based on values that transcend rage and the desire for retribution.
Perhaps forgiveness and compassion are conjoined. Because how can you show kindness while holding feelings of hatred or the desire for revenge? I suggest you can’t you have to be able to push those feelings aside no matter how justifiable they maybe. Which is why I feel such deep admiration and respect for the wisdom and strength of Farid Ahmed.
Farid’s wife Husna was among the 51-people who died after terror attacks on two Christchurch Mosques on the 15th of March, 2019. Husna was shot after leading others to safety, returning to the Al Noor Mosque to check on her husband.
Recently, The #CharterforCompassion asked for a #video supporting compassionate cities as part of a #linkedInCompassionAward initiative to increase compassion online – I can only say Christchurch is truly fortunate have compassionate people like Farid Ahmed living in our city, his actions remind us that what it means to see beyond hate and to embrace our shared humanity. I believe he sets an example for the rest of us to follow regardless of race, culture or belief. Thank you to a man I don't know but who has inspired so many around the world with his selfless love. I would like to nominate Farid for this award for his video speech during New Zealand's national memorial service for the victim's of the Mosque attacks. ( Telling Lives Story - vision available to all excluding tvnz footage )
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Lifting the kilt on kiwi pipe bands with a unique insight into the passion and dedication of New Zealand pipers and drummers. This Documentary/series follows four New Zealand pipe bands travelling to Scotland to compete against the best of the best at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Nine thousand pipers and drummers gather annually for this global battle of the bands, and the kiwis want to make their mark.
On the fifth anniversary of the Massacre of 51 Muslims at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, survivor Farid Ahmed is delivering cakes to his neighbours. He's joined by U.S. Ambassador at large Rashad Hussain, promoting a simple concept, that love can be more powerful than hate.