Husna's Story: My Wife, the Christchurch Massacre & My Journey to Forgiveness

by Farid Ahmed, Kimberley Davis

Husna's Story is written by Husna's husband Farid Ahmed. They were praying at El Noor Mosque in Christchurch when a gunman burst in and shot and killed 51 people and injured many others in a terrorist attack. This book tells Husna's story, describing the day of the attack—in all of its normal, mundane detail up until the tragedy, and then the horrendous tragedy of what followed. Interwoven with this is the story of Husna's life, telling of the selflessness and bravery with which she lived her life. As well as looking after her paraplegic husband, Husna was an important member of the community, helping women when they were giving birth, running classes for children and helping many others. Her last selfless act was going back into the mosque to look for her husband on that fateful day. She had already led the other women and children to safety. Tragically she was shot. Husna's husband, Farid Ahmed, quite incredibly, forgives the alleged killer. His remarkable philosophy of forgiveness, peace and love is an example of how religion and faith, through personal application, can be a tool for navigating the most horrific of tragedies.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Memoir, Audiobook, Family

319 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Above all, there is love, always. Love is divine. Love survives. Love lies within us all, no matter what hardship or harm we face. We do not need more hate in this world. What we need is love, and so that is my message. Let us choose love, not hate.”

This is one of the opening paragraphs of the book, and accurately sums up Farid Ahmed’s outlook on life. Farid and his wife Husna have by no means lead an easy life, but it was one filled with happiness and love. Any hardships they faced, they conquered together through their love for each other and their strong Muslim faith. They were lovingly accepted into the community in their second home, New Zealand, and they tirelessly gave back to their community in Christchurch through volunteer work, at the sacrifice of their own financial circumstances. But this was never an issue for Farid and Husna, because they loved helping people, and they loved New Zealand. They had already endured so many struggles in their lives but were thankful to Allah for all they had. Neither of them could have ever foreseen the tragedy which awaited them on 15 March 2019 when 51 people were tragically shot down in their peaceful place of worship. Farid’s book tells of Husna’s continuous acts of selfless love towards others, and this day was no different. Several times, Husna could have escaped the mosque and run to safety but instead, she chose to run back inside and help others, and try to find her wheelchair-bound husband to get him to safety. It was during this selfless act of love that Husna was shot to death.
Throughout the book, Farid continuously tells of Husna’s love for others and her amazing spirit. But what also shines through in this book is Farid’s own strength and love - always supporting his wife, trying to stay strong for his daughter and other grieving members of the community and his own ability to live a life of love by instantly forgiving the alleged shooter for the death, fear and destruction he caused on that fateful day.
Farid and Husna’s story is one of remarkable resilience and unbreakable love and faith. It’s also one that makes you feel proud to be a Kiwi as the sense of love and unity our nation responded with in the aftermath of 15 March 2019 was not lost on the Muslim community.
This amazing book of love, courage, faith, strength and resilience is a must read for all New Zealanders and provides a sense of closure after the tragic events which changed our nation forever.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very moving book of one person's experience close up and personal of the massacre in Christchurch in 2019. It is told with much heart and love and forgiveness. What struck me was the amazing person Husna was and how she was so kind and generous and helped others. She was a first responder to the need around her. On the day of the massacre she cared for others until she herself was shot dead. Her husband was devastated but chose forgiveness and love over hate. A choice. I really liked learning about the Muslim faith and experience. I have a deep admiration for Farid Ahmed and the Muslim community here in NZ. As I do for the police and ambulance and medical staff who responded that day and the days after.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I almost didn’t finish reading this book.
The first half is divided into chapters that are each dedicated to one of Husna’s many excellent traits. Her kindness, generosity, courage, etc. I found this part of the book somewhat nauseating. A few examples:

“She always took an enormous amount of care with her appearance, and presented herself immaculately. … furthermore, she never missed her prayers, even during school time. Her devotion to her faith and her self-discipline extended to all aspects of her life, and only added to the admiration her peers and elders held for her.”

“No matter how busy she was, Husna always maintained a sense of humour, telling jokes and making me smile.”

“That was Husna. Everywhere she went, she managed to touch people’s hearts with her kindness.
I’m fifteen years she barely slept a night, always keeping an ear out in case her daughter should need her.”

I was gagging. Husna never slept, Husna always smiled; it was just too much.

I’m glad I kept reading, however, because after Farid Ahmed finishes canonising Husna, he describes the day she died in the Christchurch mosque shooting. His account is simply gut wrenching. His calmness and faith throughout the ordeal is inspiring.

I am not a religious person but I was very moved by how Farid’s faith helped him face this unfathomable loss with grace. This passage sums it up:

“I explained that I saw my wife as a gift from God, and He had seen fit to take her back, so I preferred to thank Him for the gift He had bestowed rather than complain at having it taken away. Since my wife had never been mine, I accepted her return happily. She was in Paradise, a place of happiness, and I was grateful for that. Finally, I explained the choice I had made: instead of destroying myself with negativity, I had chosen to move myself forward with positivity.”

I was at the March 22 service in Hagley Park and felt the love and unity that Farid describes so well in this book. I cried again as I read it.

Obviously Husna was very loved. This is a moving tribute to her, but more valuable I think as a lesson in choosing to forgive.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful story of love and faith in the most tragic of circumstances.

[Eddie Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried.

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Above all, there is love, always. Love is divine. Love survives. Love lies within us all, no matter what hardship or harm we face. We do not need more hate in this world. What we need is love, and so that is my message. Let us choose love, not hate”
This is a book dedicated to the life & death of Husna Ahmed, as told by her husband Farid, who (thanks in no small part to his wife) survived the Christchurch Mosque massacre on the 15th of March 2019. The book gives us glimpses into her life from Bangladesh to New Zealand. Her childhood was one of hardship & heartbreaks, & that without a doubt shaped her outlook on life. A woman who wanted nothing more than to find her place in life, be happy, content, find love, & help others. She found that in her husband Farid, & in her community which she adored, & by all accounts they adored her.

Husna helped so many people escape the mosque to safety before going back for her husband who is in a wheelchair, but before she could help him get out, she was shot by the man who had so much hate in his heart he decided to end the life of 51 souls in a single day who had done nothing wrong, & would have ended even more had several not given their lives in an attempt to stop him. Husna gave her life trying to save as many people as possible, including her husband’s. Farid’s compassion & forgiveness in the face of what he experienced & the loss he & those at the mosque that day have gone through is a true testament to his strength & faith. I’m not entirely sure I could ever be that forgiving, but I truly admire him for being able to be. This book was a beautiful tribute to his wife’s life & to the events of that fateful day. On a personal note, I still remember this happening, the absolute horror & the eyewitness accounts. The little souls who will never get to grow up, the brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, daughters. 💔

[Yasmeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Husna's story and Farid's generosity, kindness and ability to forgive struck my soul. I found myself crying, often reading this story. The events of March 15th were horrific, but I already knew that before I read this book. What I didn't realise was that this book would take me on a spiritual journey.

It is an honour to know Husna and her love for her family, community, and everyone she met - even if it is only through the pages of a book. Likewise, it is an honour to know Farid and his incredible strength to move on and forgive what would have been unforgivable to many.

This book is heartbreaking yet beautiful. A reminder to all of us that hate does not serve us and that the world would be a better place if we were all a little more like Husna and Farid.

[Steve Maxwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and heart wrenching story of one man's journey through the aftermath of the Christchurch mosque bombings in March 2019.

Farid and Husna Ahmed went to their mosque on Friday 15 March when a terrorist attacked theirs and one other mosque, killing 51 people including Husna.

You never know when your time on this small rock is up.

[Harriet · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautiful and tragic biography of Husna's life. She was a victim in the Christchurch shooting in 2019 and this book, written by her husband, tells the story of her life. Husna seemed like a wonderful person - she was kind, loving, forgiving and selfless to the very end of her life when she died helping others.
This is a truly moving read commemorating an incredible person.

[Alycia K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whilst there is a heavy focus on Husna and Farid's faith, Farid's lovely narration allows us to view it as a personal story and teaching, rather than as a sermon or form of preaching (as other non-fiction sometimes do). I only wish we could have read more about Husna! What a woman; I would have loved to have met her.
This book will stay with me for a very long time.

[Elizabeth Horton]

By the end, it did feel a bit like he hits you over the head with his message. But that aside, it's a potent message, and one we probably all need to be hit over the head with--since we aren't taking it to heart. To me, the message was to choose forgiveness, because by choosing revenge you only continue the cycle--and you only make yourself unhappier. It can be freeing and lift your spirits to forgive, and to understand that everyone else on this planet is only human, too, with their own struggles.
On top of that, it is damn inspiring to watch this man face so much trauma and hardship, and keep moving forward.
It was interesting to look at how his faith helped him through some of his worst moments. Made me reflect on what I would turn to in those times.

[Krystelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please note this is a 4.5.

This book is a beautiful testament to the author's wife and the hardships that they have faced in their lives, and at the end of Husna's. This book had me in tears so many times, and there's so much beauty to be found in the pain that was so prevalent here. The idea of forgiveness and the amount of love that the entire Muslim community showed in the face of a horrific series of events is, quite frankly, incredible.

I would recommend everyone read this book if they can, and it's so beautiful that even in the face of such awful circumstances, this family persevered, albeit a little more broken than before. There was also so much in here that exemplified the incredible Muslim faith, and there's a lot to learn as well.

[Susan Cilia]

Farid Ahmed and his wife Husna were in the Al Noor mosque in Christchurch on the day of the 2019 terrorist attack.
Husna was shot and killed while trying to find her husband, who is confined to a wheelchair.
Farid tells the story of Husna's life of selflessness and bravery, and of how he has forgiven her killer.
This is an inspiring story of how forgiveness, love and peace can help to overcome even life's worst tragedies.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A tragic and inspiring story.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that has an important message for humanity. Love!

This is an account of the life and horrific death of Husna Ahmed, as told by her husband Farid. It charts her life from Bangladesh to New Zealand.

Her childhood was heartbreaking and that shaped her attitude to life. A woman who wanted nothing herself except to be with someone who would love her and that she could trust . She found that in her husband Farid.
She was much adored by many both in her own country but also NZ.
Husna and Farid overcame personal challenges in their marriage and worked as a team together and volunteered in the community of Christchurch.

The day of the mosque attack on 15th March 2019 was a day that shook the city of Christchurch, the world and the lives of 51 people were taken in a horrific attack. One of those lives was that of Husna.

This is about love, compassion, tragedy, grief, loss, forgiveness and hope. I had to fight back my tears reading this. I cried in several parts.

Husna was a rare gift to the world. Kind,caring and altruistic were her visible qualities. She always put others needs before her own, even when she was unwell herself. She dedicated her life to help others.
Farid also is a beautiful soul. Instead of feeling anger and hatred towards the man that’s killed his wife he has chosen forgiveness. His message is very clear. It’s about peace and love.

I defy anyone to read this and not feel anything. There is much to gain from reading this book.


4/5

[Fatima · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book broke my heart hundreds of times. Written by a survivor and the husband of a woman who was killed in the Christchurch terrorist attack in New Zealand on 15th March 2019, it tells us of the life of Hosne Ahmed, a kind-hearted, generous, caring mother and pillar of the Christchurch Muslim community. Farid Ahmed captures the life and spirit and the love he feels for his late wife so beautifully that it feels like I knew her personally. Hearing about her life, I felt like she could have been my aunt, my friend's mother, the teacher who taught me to read the Quraan as a child, or a kind neighbour. This book is an amazing way to pass on the legacy of an amazing woman and reiterate Farid Ahmed's incredible message of unconditional love and forgiveness. Truly a must read – even if it will reduce you tears countless times, it'll touch in an unforgettable way.

[Seren Burton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sincerely beautiful tribute to one of the 51 victims of the Christchurch Massacre. I’m so grateful that Jacinda Ardern and the NZ press pulled focus to the victims rather than the shooter - I never knew his name or what he looked like because of how well it was handled. This book is the life of Husna Ahmed, one of the 51 people murdered in this atrocity. It reminds you that an event like this will always produce ripple effects across the globe - of pain, trauma and sadness, yes, but also of love. Love for the victims and their friends and families, regardless of whether we knew them or not. Compassion for the Muslim community and love for those who hurt us in even the most unthinkable ways.

[Wendy Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very moving. What a perfect eulogy to Husna.

The reader can’t help but to reflect and hopefully improve on how they act and behave towards others. I know for me, I am a ‘work in progress’ to be a better person.

Love, kindness and forgiveness will turn the tide of evil.

Thank you Farid and Shifa for sharing your beloved wife and Mother to us, the readers, so that we could get to know the incredible woman see was and the legacy she has left to all the lives that she touched.

To all the families that lost their loved ones, my heart goes out to each and everyone of you.

[Awaisha Inayat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t think I’ve ever come across a book that teaches the true essence of forgiveness the way Husna’s Story does. Reading it left me heartbroken, yet also inspired by the strength and grace of Husna and her family. My prayers are with them and with every family who continues to endure injustice and loss in this world.

This is a book that everyone should read. For those who may not know, it is about the Christchurch mosque attack that took place in New Zealand in March 2019, a tragedy that shook the world yet reveals the power of faith, courage and forgiveness.

[Em's Adventures · Rating 4 out of 5]

The faith that these people have is beautiful, this is just exactly how Jesus wants us to live, loving others unconditionally, forgiving eachother, giving generously and living as though nothing on earth is permanent. I am so thankful that He does not require us to earn our way to heaven, we only have to believe in Him. The way that Husna and Farid live can be an example to all Christians.
I couldn't finish the book because it was too upsetting but it was an excellent read.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book incredibly moving and it brought me to tears more than once. It also helped me understand the beliefs and practices of the author's Muslim religion, at least at a cursory level. He is an admirable soul, as apparently was his wife, and we need more in the world who are able to exhibit his level of acceptance and forgiveness. I doubt I could come close.

[Pam Coll · Rating 5 out of 5]

A marvellous read, full of loving detail and respect paid to and by a loving couple. Husna's remarkable book-long obituary demonstrates an obviously selfless woman who was a great strength to family, individuals and to her community. A love prose poem from her husband and her daughter. A call for global caring, forgiveness and unselfishness.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Found the breadth of the BDG notes quite instructive before I read the book.
Hmm I defend Farid's right to write the book. Don’t feel comfortable reviewing a personal book like this.

Impressed with Farid’s his ability with language to write the book, to speak at the memorial & so many seminars.

Wonderful metaphor - comparing lack of forgiveness with having a volcano boiling inside.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in tears. I am so sorry for the loss that was put upon Farid, Shia and others. This was tragic yes, but also a very inspiring and beautiful memoir to a beautiful woman. May the Lord continue to work with loved ones on the other side, and loved ones living, who are still on journeys of peace, happiness and healing ❤

[Melissa Haylock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heartbreaking and beautiful. Farid's love for his wife shines through in every word. One of the best biographies I've read, ever. The chapters describing the massacre and aftermath will absolutely shatter your heart - have tissues nearby. But as a whole, an easy read - Farid is a fluent writer.

[Belynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely beautiful story of a selfless woman's sacrifice and the forgiving family she left behind.
Wonderful biography that teaches the beauty, peace, and love of Islam and the people who follow it even through the strongest acts of hatred, they respond with love and forgiveness.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was lovely to meet Husna and learn about her life through this book. She is an inspiring person, in life and in death.

[Helen Cummings · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such a sad tragic story but love and forgiveness shine through.

[Fiza · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an emotional story about love, life, loss and faith in God. May Allah bless Husna to the highest level of Jannah.

[Alex Devine · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️