Pageant finalist delivers message of solidarity

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian-born Nurul Zuriantie Shamsul (pic), who finished fifth at the Miss Universe New Zealand 2018 pageant, broke down in tears when she delivered her message of solidarity at the Te Aroha Mosque in New Zealand.

The 21-year-old, who is popularly known as Nurul, said she could not control her emotions when she read out her text.

“My message pointed out that Islam encouraged us to look on the bright side in any situation and especially during tough times,” she said.

She also described the solidarity rally at Te Aroha, outside of Waikato, about 950km from Christ­church, as beautiful.

“The people of New Zealand and the whole world became one,” she told mStar online.

Her father, Shamsul Ahmad, led the call to prayers (azan) at the mosque.

A large group of non-Muslims also attended to show solidarity over the terror attack in Christ­church.

On Friday, New Zealand broadcast the azan and observed a two-minute silence to mark a week since the attacks.

Kiwi Prime Minister Ja­­cinda Ardern joined thousands of mourners near the Al Noor Mosque, one of two places of worship targeted in last Friday’s shootings.

She said she was touched by the love, care and respect shown by the public towards the Muslim community there.

Nurul also thanked New Zea­landers and others around the world for showing their sensitivity and sincerity during this trying times.

“I am also touched by the non-Muslim locals who came to hear our Friday sermon,” she said, adding that she was consoled by the Matama-Piako’s mayor in Waikato, Jan Barnes.

Meanwhile, she said her online headscarf tutorial videos received a lot of attention, especially among non-Muslims in New Zealand.

The video was shared on a local news portal and went viral on social media.

“I was really touched when I received request to do a hijab tutorial, although it came from non-­Muslims, but they are trying to be understanding and respect the victims of the attacks,” she said.