Rita Farhat Mukand

The 15-year-old Islam, who helped save over 100 people during the recent terrorist attack on a musical event in a Moscow suburb was honoured with the Real Hero award.

In the attack claimed by ISIS, 133 persons died and some 180 were injured. Four suspected terrorists attacked the concert in Crocus Hall and opened fire indiscriminately on and also attacked people with knives and sharp-edged weapons.

Moscow has arrested four suspects who belong to Tajikistan and charged them with carrying out the attack.

A 15-year-old Muslim boy named 'Islam' helped save over 100 people during the terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia.

Islam said: It is better to die in battle myself than to let others die. pic.twitter.com/0sA2NBSqIv

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) March 24, 2024

Islam heroically said: It is better to die in battle myself than to let others die.”  In the video shared on X, Islam is seen racing through a passage in the Moscow concert hall leading frightened people to an exit door to escape. 

It is estimated that around a hundred people ran through that passage to get to the exit door, saving their lives.

Islam was working in the basement when he heard the gunshots and screams.  He saw a man shot dead ahead of him, crumbling to the floor.  Islam valiantly told the petrified people to follow him and listen to his instructions and as they ran after him, he led them all out to an exit door. 

RT media reported that he responded to the praises showering on him by saying, “I’m not a hero, I was just doing my duty.”

A 15-year-old Muslim boy named Islam, who saved 100 people during the terrorist attack in Moscow, Russia, received an award as a real hero.pic.twitter.com/r5Aa1krOzB

— Globe Eye News (@GlobeEyeNews) March 26, 2024

Another man shared, “We are proud, there are many young people who know how to protect their religion. Islam is a peaceful and protective religion.  The young man proved it!”

People laud him saying that “Islam's bravery and selflessness are truly inspiring. His courage in the face of danger, and his willingness to risk his own life to save others, exemplifies the best of humanity.”

Inspiring stories such as Islam puts back hope in humanity.  With the attack in Moscow, with the grim smoke of Islamophobia rising in the air again, Islam’s courage comes as a breath of fresh air, warming hearts.

During the tumultuous events of the Nuh violence in Haryana, two Muslim families gave refuge to a Hindu man named Karan and his son, Vivek. Karan and Vivek, who had ventured from Pinangwan, found themselves caught amid the violence upon their arrival in Nuh. According to Karan, their ordeal began when Vivek, dressed in a black shirt, inadvertently drew attention and became a target for aggression, purportedly due to its resemblance to attire worn by supporters of Bajrang Dal member Monu Manesar during the Yatra.

The mob intercepted their vehicle, incensed by religious stickers adorning it, and set it ablaze.  Fleeing for safety, Karan and Vivek sought refuge in a nearby home occupied by a Muslim family, who selflessly provided them sanctuary for three harrowing hours. Not only did they shield the father and son from the violence outside, but they also offered Vivek a change of clothing to prevent any further unwanted attention.

In this touching display of unity amidst adversity, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and a constable also sought refuge in the same household alongside Karan and Vivek, highlighting the universal instinct for compassion and solidarity that transcends religious boundaries.

Arab efforts to rescue Jews extended beyond the confines of the Middle East. Si Kaddour Benghabrit, the rector of the Great Mosque of Paris, reportedly aided anywhere from 100 to 500 Jews in disguising themselves as Muslims, as documented by various sources. Furthermore, instances of non-Arab Muslim communities offering assistance to Jews during the Holocaust are evident, such as in Albania.

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In September 2013, Yad Vashem recognized Egyptian doctor Mohammed Helmy as one of the Righteous Among the Nations for his courageous actions. Dr. Helmy risked his safety for three years to save the life of Anna Gutman (formerly Boros) and provided vital assistance to her mother Julie, grandmother Cecilie Rudnik, and stepfather Georg Wehr, ensuring their survival during the Holocaust. Notably, Helmy holds the distinction of being the first Arab to receive such an honour.