https://arab.news/9wug7
- Pakistani expats Muhammad Rafiq and Muhammad Iqbal helped foil a gun attack on a mosque in an Oslo suburb in August 2019
- The award is not only an honor for me but for all Muslims, recipient Muhammad Rafiq says
ISLAMABAD: Members of the Pakistani community in Norway said this week they were proud that two members of the community had been awarded the Medal of Noble Deed by the government for helping foil a gun attack on a local mosque last year.
A far-right Norwegian man was jailed for 21 years earlier this month for the racially motivated murder of his Chinese-born stepsister and for attempting to kill worshippers in a mosque shooting spree in August 2019.
In this undated picture Muhammad Rafiq and Muhammad Iqbal can be seen with Pakistani community members in Baerum city. Both have been awarded with the Medal of Nobel Deed by Norwegian government for foiling terrorist attacks on Al-Noor mosque. (Photo courtesy: Kjell-Gunnar Eriksen)
Muhammad Rafiq and Muhammad Iqbal received the award on June 23.
“Muhammad Rafiq has been awarded the gold medal of honor. Rafiq distinguished himself with an extraordinary effort in overpowering the perpetrator, and performed an exceptionally outstanding act of rescue,” the Norwegian government said in a statement. “Mohammad Iqbal is awarded the Medal for Noble Deed in Silver. Iqbal’s efforts were crucial in overpowering the perpetrator.”
Pakistan Air Force veteran Rafiq and Iqbal apprehended the attacker, Philip Manshaus, until police arrived at the Al-Noor Islamic Center in an Oslo suburb.
“I am grateful for this award; the award is not only an honor for me but for every Pakistani as well as all Muslims,” Rafiq told Arab News via phone from Baerum on Friday.
“Many people, both Pakistani as well as Norwegians, gave a lot of respect to me and invited me as chief guest in their functions. Pakistan’s Air Force head, Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan, also sent me an appreciation letter immediately after the incident,” he added.
Muhammad Iqbal in a mosque at his native village near Khanewal, Pakistan on December 7, 2019. (Photo courtesy: Iqbal family)
“The whole family is very happy and proud of our father. He has shown so much courage despite his old age and saved so many lives,” Muhammad Riaz, the son of Muhammad Iqbal, told Arab News.
Pakistan’s ambassador to Norway, Zaheer Pervaiz Khan, welcomed the awards.
“It is matter of great pride for me and the entire Pakistani diaspora that their (Rafiq and Iqbal) extraordinary valour and heroism have been recognized at the highest official level in Norway,” Khan told Arab News
Akmal Ali, a prayer leader at Kristiansand City in Norway, said the entire Muslim community hadbeen strengthened by the bravery of the two Pakistani expats.
“It has given a clear message to white supremacists that we can defend ourselves,” Ali said.
Another Pakistani expat, Muhammad Ayaz, said Iqbal and Rafiq’s actions had “changed the perception of Norwegians about Muslims.”