Earlier this week, news of the suicide bombing in Manchester, at Ariana Grande’s concert, left the entire world in a state of shock and disbelief.
The explosion was heard as the crowd gathered in the 21.000 seat arena, to attend the concert, was in the process of leaving. So far, 22 people, including children, have been killed and 59 have been injured, in what is being called Britain’s most deadly attack in almost a decade. The suspect involved in the Manchester attack has been identified as 22-year-old Salman Abedi, according to a British official.
EXPLOSION AT MANCHESTER ARENA AND EVERYONE RAN OUT SO SCARY? pic.twitter.com/pJbUBoELtE
— ♡♡ (@hannawwh) May 22, 2017
The victims are in the process of identification, with those identified being brought to the attention of all social media outlets
These are some of the victims of the Manchester concert attack https://t.co/btdUdbwSif pic.twitter.com/W5lKatu7uc
— BuzzFeed (@BuzzFeed) May 23, 2017
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack and some innocent Muslims were targeted immediately after the claim
As unfortunate as the attack was, it led to the inevitable – a deep sense of anti-Islam sentiment. Hours after the attack, a mosque in Manchester had already become a target for Islamophobic elements within the area.
Arsonists target Manchester mosque in wake of terror attack. https://t.co/ghnB2auZ5m pic.twitter.com/bQ24pngKP9
— LADbible (@ladbible) May 23, 2017
Many pointed out how Islamic radicals were to blame for the incident
Many terrorists arrested in mowing down of pedestrians outside Westminster London in March were from #Manchester hotbed of Islamic radicals
— Geraldo Rivera (@GeraldoRivera) May 22, 2017
Anti-Islamic sentiments were made public
Muslim pedophiles raping young girls in #Rotherham and blowing up young girls at a concert. Muslims huh? ??? ? #DWTManchester Manchester
— Anna The Greek (@MyInfidelAnna) May 22, 2017
The idea of the travel ban was pushed forward once more
Until countries STOP accepting refugees & put a #TravelBan from Muslim majority countries, the bloodshed will get worse. #Facts #Manchester pic.twitter.com/3sotoMgRKs
— Defeat The Left? (@TheRealBeatBoss) May 23, 2017
Some demanded that Muslims now had a choice to make
Impossible to believe no one in the Manchester Muslim community knew about the arena attack. It's time to choose a side. Islam or Britain?
— Malcolm Knight (@SurryKnight) May 23, 2017
And even celebrities like Amir Khan were asked for their thoughts
Amir was even pushed for denouncing the attack by ISIS and trying to stop the spread of this radical organization, as if every Muslim is in-charge of ISIS activities, or that ISIS is even “Islamic”.
Muslims were prepared for an onslaught of harsh comments. However, fortunately, many people stood up for the Muslim community
Manchester Muslim doctors working through the night, Manchester Muslim taxi drivers taking people home for free. You don't know Manchester. https://t.co/C8yXe7u0jw
— Glenn Kitson (@Glenn_Kitson) May 23, 2017
They were against the attacks on Manchester’s Muslim population
Seeing people attack Manchester's high Muslim population and: FUCK OFF. Manchester is one of the most welcoming and inclusive places to live
— Ben Gartside (@BenGartside) May 22, 2017
They were quick to point out the acts of kindness being carried out by Muslims in Manchester
A message to those abusing Muslims on for what's happened at the Manchester Arena, many of the taxi drivers offering free lifts are Muslim.
— The Man Utd Way (@TheManUtdWay) May 22, 2017
Many were quick in pointing out the hypocrisy in always chalking up the attacks as those being perpetrated by Islamic terrorists
So it's either a Muslim or a "mentally ill" white person behind this Manchester incident? Yeah?!
— عائشہ (@ayeshah197) May 22, 2017
People shared personal accounts
A Muslim Taxi driver drove a man caught up in the attack in #Manchester 35 miles (almost an hour's drive) to get him home – free of charge. pic.twitter.com/NEjxuRcl6Q
— IlmFeed (@IlmFeed) May 23, 2017
Some extended their sympathy to Muslims alongside the victims of the Manchester attack
In current situations like Manchester, my sympathy doesn't just go to those injured, but also to the Muslim, who are first to get blamed ?
— ? (@jxshgreen) May 22, 2017
The Muslim community’s services were highlighted repeatedly
MANCHESTER MUSLIM DOCTORS WORKING OVERNIGHT, MANCHESTER MUSLIM TAXI DRIVERS OFFERING FREE LIFTS, MANCHESTER RESIDENTS OFFERING THEIR HOMES
— vv. (@weeb_baby) May 23, 2017
It was deemed necessary to do so in order to combat the racist elements within the community
For the people abusing Muslims in regards to #Manchester put your racism & xenophobia away. A lot of the people helping children are Muslim.
— Adam Joseph (@AdamJosephSport) May 22, 2017
The act of cashing in on the incident to promote anti-Muslim views was also condemned
THE ARIANA MANCHESTER EXPLOSION ISNT AN OPEN INVITATION TO SHARE YOUR ANTI MUSLIM VIEWS. STOP USING DEATH TO PROMOTE RACISM.
— jay,, 1 + 5 (@wtfiitsjayyy) May 22, 2017
Meanwhile, Muslims kept doing their thing, trying to be helpful in any way possible
If you are a reporter, part of the emergency services,or victim – This restaurant near the MEN arena is giving free food. pic.twitter.com/oxs3qq1fV6
— Shafik Mandhai (@ShafikFM) May 23, 2017
The Muslim community in Manchester has also effectively tried to raise funds in the wake of the attack. Donations have, reportedly, been pouring in, showing how Muslims stand in solidarity with the victims of the attack and their families.
Attacks like these are, undoubtedly, harrowing and leave behind a trail of confusion and anger. Such incidents burst the bubbles of safety in which we reside. Pakistanis, too, are left wondering if any place is truly safe anymore. However, it is imperative to stay united as a community in the face of such adversity, as has been proven by the inhabitants of Manchester.
Cover image via: hoyentv.com