As someone who lives in the United Kingdom, the news of the brutal murder of Saudi student Nahid Almanea came to me as a shock. An innocent woman who was walking down a street in the middle of the day minding her own business was mercilessly murdered for no apparent reason. Police investigators are yet to find the reason behind this wanton act.

It is, indeed, sad and terrifying. How could an incident like that take place in broad daylight in the UK?

Our hearts are with the family of the deceased. They are going through a very difficult phase of life. We pray for the departed soul and pray that her family gets the strength to overcome this irreparable loss.

A question is coming to the minds of every Saudi living abroad and that is: Are we safe? Our concerns are justified as according to the preliminary police statement the Islamic attire of the Saudi student might have provoked the attack. So, the woman was killed because she was a veiled Muslim. Even though it would be premature to establish the true cause behind the murder, as the authorities are still probing the case. However, as a veiled Muslim student myself I cannot pretend as if nothing has happened. In the wake of this gruesome incident, I feel as if my own safety in the UK has been compromised.

Truth be told, since my arrival in the UK I have never felt that I am being discriminated against or felt unsafe for any possible reason whatsoever.

There are, however, exceptions. I had a bad experience with my previous supervisor who used to verbally abuse me. Until now I could not find a logical reason behind his odd behavior except that he is one sick-minded person. Save for this episode, I have always felt safe and comfortable elsewhere in the UK and with other people.

I think we should not panic. It is not going to help us in any way. We just need to remind ourselves that 100 percent safety in not possible anywhere in the world. We always need to remain cautious and try to take possible measures ensuring our safety. We should treat this as an isolated incident that took place in broad daylight. Otherwise, it is usually unlikely that such a crime takes place during this part of the day in the UK. The student was destined to become the victim of such a horrific act.

We just need to stick to our faith in God and stay assured that He is the ultimate protector.

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@HatoonKadi