The Daily Star Ireland
The imam of the Waterford Al-Munir Islamic Centre expressed deep sorrow after the tragic death of eight-year-old Malika Al Kattib in New Ross yesterday.
Malika Al Kattib was at home with her mother on Sunday night when a man, known to both, attacked her mother. Malika, in an attempt to protect her, sustained fatal stab wounds. She was rushed to University Hospital Waterford but succumbed to her injuries early yesterday morning. The attacker was also injured during the altercation.
The mother, an Irish woman who converted to Islam, remains hospitalized this morning, while the man is also under hospital care and garda protection. He is expected to be discharged later today and subsequently arrested as detectives launch a murder investigation.
Speaking on RTÉ’s News at One, Imam Rashid Munir conveyed the community’s shock and grief. He described the incident as unacceptable and heartbreaking, emphasizing the community’s desire to bid Malika a proper farewell.
Imam Munir remembered Malika as a vibrant and energetic child, keen on learning about Islam and contributing positively to society. He recounted her smile and her aspiration to achieve extraordinary things.
He mentioned that he had spoken with Malika’s mother, whose injuries, though not life-threatening, have left her in poor condition. He acknowledged the immense difficulty of her loss, expressing hope that Malika’s burial would occur promptly, adhering to Muslim customs.
Addressing reports of attempts to incite anti-immigrant sentiment, Imam Munir downplayed their significance compared to the tragedy of losing a child. Having lived in the area for 22 years without experiencing racial incidents, he stressed that his family, including his four children born in Ireland, are no longer immigrants. He urged the community to support the grieving mother, noting that such tragedies can occur in any culture or religion.
