South Australians hold vigils for Christchurch shooting victims at Marion and Morphett Vale mosques

The Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque in Park Holme and the Noor Mosque in Morphett Vale both hosted prayer vigils on Sunday night, as SA Islamic leaders vowed to “not live in fear”.

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Security at South Australian mosques will be reviewed, however Islamic leaders vowed to “not live in fear”.

The Masjid Omar Bin Al-Khattab Mosque in Park Holme/Marion and the Noor Mosque in Morphett Vale both hosted prayer vigils on Sunday night for the victims of the Christchurch shooting.

Hundreds attended the vigil for Christchurch victims at the Marion mosque. Picture: AAP/Emma Brasier

Jana El-rifai prepares to speak at the vigil. Picture: AAP / Emma Brasier

In Park Holme, hundreds of people from all walks of life heard powerful and often moving speeches by Islamic community leaders and state and federal politicians.

Islamic Society of South Australia president Ahmed Zreika described the shooting as a “heartless, vicious and premeditated act” that had a profound impact on not only those directly affected but also on the SA Islamic community.

Girls read messages of support at the Marion vivil. Picture: AAP / Emma Brasier

“Our worshippers’ concerns over the past few days has grown immensely and I wish to confirm and endorse that we will not stop attending our beloved mosques, we will not close the doors to our community and we will not live in fear,” he said.

“However, I reassure you that we will begin the process of overlooking all the security and implement safety measures to protect worshippers and local visitors.”

Speakers including Sheik Ameen Abusamaha, Jana El-rifai, Riad El-rifai and Ahmed Zreika at the Marion vigil. Picture: AAP / Emma Brasier

Mr Zreika thanked all South Australians who had shown “love, support, compassion and concern” following the attack.

“It is extremely heartwarming – this is what makes us proud to be called Australian and to live in Australia.”

A sign among tributes to the Christchurch shooting victims. Picture: AAP / Emma Brasier

Premier Steven Marshall also spoke at the vigil.

“My clear message to each and every one of you here today in the Muslim community is that the Government, the Parliament and in fact the people of South Australia stand in solidarity with each and every one of you,” he said.

Opposition Leader Peter Malinauskas said Australia was a migrant nation that did not respond to hate with hate “but instead we show compassion to one another”.

SA politicians Steve Georganas, Penny Wong, Peter Malinauskas, Steven Marshall, Simon Birmingham and Governor Hieu Van Le at the vigil. Picture: AAP / Emma Brasier