Moustafa Ghoneimy was trapped under a dead body at the Al Noor Mosque. He tells his harrowing tale. Video / Alan Gibson
The Al Noor Mosque, where 42 people died in New Zealand's worst terrorist attack, has reopened.
In a hugely symbolic moment for the mosque's members and the Muslim community, small groups of people were allowed back into the building to pray and pay their respects this afternoon.
Police handed the mosque back to the community and removed a security cordon just after midday.
The Herald was permitted to enter the mosque, where there was almost no evidence that an atrocity had been committed just a week ago.
Fresh white paint was still drying on the walls. The carpet had been ripped out and had not yet been replaced. A few rooms remained locked.
The first group of people allowed into the Al Noor Mosque. Photo / Will Trafford
Any bullet holes had been plastered over and erased. Broken windows had been replaced and painted over with an intricate design. Outside, new roses have been planted.
Two men kneeled and prayed on the right hand side of the mosque's main room. Four women prayed on the left.
It was dead silent, with only a faint hum from the air conditioning and the distant rumble of traffic.
There were small, mundane reminders of what was life before New Zealand's worst terrorist attack.
Signs on a noticeboard reminded of upcoming community elections, and leaflets advertised "Weekly Women's Activities, Tuesdays and Thursdays".
On the streets outside, hundreds of people have come to look or to be let inside. Armed police are still posted at the gates. Some mourners cried at the mosque's gates.
Issa Khan, from Hamilton, said it meant everything to reopen the building, which is Christchurch's largest Islamic centre.
"I will go in there, pray for the mosque, and pray for peace," he said.
Hozef Yohra, who was in the mosque during the shooting, said he wanted to return for prayers as soon as possible.
"Now. We are ready now," he said.
Hozef Yohra, who was in Al Noor Mosque during the shooting, wants to return for prayers as soon as possible. Photo / Isaac Davison
The Linwood Islamic Centre, where seven people were killed by the gunman, has also reopened today.
Police said they have today handed the two mosques back to the local community.
An armed police presence will remain at both mosques, and at mosques around New Zealand.
Cordons that have been in place since the terror attacks have been reduced and roads in the vicinity of the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood Masjid have reopened.
Police said they wanted to thank those impacted by the road closures for their patience and cooperation.
A number of roads around Hagley Park will be closed over the weekend, to assist with the management of events being held there today and tomorrow.
