Trying to make sense of the Bondi attack - sincere question (Salam)
Assalamu alaikum, I’m struggling to make sense of what happened at Bondi over the weekend and want to understand it calmly instead of reacting from anger. I’m not Muslim and don’t have many Muslim friends, so my knowledge of Islam is limited. I’ll be honest - I used to be quick to assume “Muslims = terrorists,” and I’ve worked on myself to move past that unfair and simplistic view. I’ve also had deeply positive experiences with Muslim people. Years ago, when my father was very ill overseas, a Muslim family took him and our family into their home and cared for him with so much kindness. That generosity stayed with me. So when an attack is claimed “in the name of Allah,” I feel torn. My concern isn’t about Islam as a whole, but whether there is clear and visible pushback from within the faith against violent extremism. I’m not trying to provoke or argue - genuinely asking: - How do Muslims generally view attacks like this? - Is there discussion or condemnation inside the community that outsiders might not see? - How are people within Muslim communities processing events like these? I want to learn and not let fear or anger control my response. I’d appreciate any respectful perspectives or explanations. JazakAllahu khairan to anyone who replies.