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Photo stream: Visiting the Al-Noor mosque in Bærum

“Visitors of the mosque see the situation as unfinished business, that it might happen again. If we get threats, we take no chances.”
Though they do not wish to hide what happened, the mosque will receive new rugs as part of bigger rearrangements in the building. 
Bullet holes from the attack are still visible in the prayer room. It was behind this wall a 65-year old man hid, ready to overman the shooter. 
“Even though it was in the middle of August, it was a dark night. It was as if the horrors of July 22 had returned.” 
Half of the prayer room is no longer in use due to bloodstains on the carpet from the attack. The white sheets serve as a daily reminder of the events that took place four months ago. 
“Right-wing extremists believe the world is one way because that’s what they were told. But they do not know the people, they hate. Events like these occur when people isolate themselves from the rest of the world.” 
“I think we need more of that mutual respect for symbols which mean so much to people. I have got the Bible at home. It’s not on the floor, it’s on top of the shelf next to the Quran.”

Quotes: Falak Mirza
Photos: Mikkel Jensen
Text: Emma Sennels

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