In what became a moving expression of friendship and solidarity, BYU Law students arranged to meet their Muslim classmates tonight at the Orem Islamic Center. In the face of New Zealand’s tragedy, the BYU Law students presented their classmates with flowers and did the customary Utah County “heart attack” on the front door of the Islamic Center, plastering it with “heart notes” of love and support in the face of New Zealand’s tragedy. Farah Odebat and Abdelrahman Al-Nusairat are judges in Jordan who are visiting BYU Law in pursuit of an L.L.M. (masters in law) degree.
Dr. Abdus Samad, an Orem Islamic Center board member, U.S. Fulbright scholar, and UVU professor, led the students in prayer, several choosing to physically participate in the ritual. Drawing on the many similarities between Muslim and Christian beliefs, Dr. Samad emphasized that we are all peace loving. “I am very proud of you BYU Law students. Together we can build a peaceful nation. Thank you for your kind visit.”