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As the call to prayer echoed through the streets of Sagaing, a bustling city in central Myanmar, hundreds of Muslims rushed to the five mosques in the area. They were filled with anticipation as they gathered for their final Friday prayers of Ramadan, just days before the joyous occasion of Eid al-Fitr.
However, the tranquility of the moment was shattered at 12:51 local time when a devastating earthquake hit, causing three mosques to crumble, including the largest one, Myoma, claiming the lives of nearly all who were inside.
Soe Nay Oo, the former imam of Myoma mosque, felt the tremors all the way in Mae Sot, a town on the Thai border. In the aftermath, he received the tragic news that approximately 170 of his loved ones, friends, and former congregation members had perished, many of them within the mosque premises.
The tight-knit Muslim community of Sagaing was plunged into mourning, with over 2,700 lives lost in the earthquake that struck near Sagaing and Mandalay, Myanmar ‘s second-largest city.
The region, known for its ancient Buddhist temples, was also home to a sizable Muslim population. Shockingly, an estimated 500 Muslims lost their lives while in prayer at the mosques, as reported by the country’s leader, Min Aung Hlaing.
Eyewitnesses described Myoma Street, where the mosques were situated, as one of the hardest-hit areas in the city, with numerous buildings, including many homes, reduced to rubble. The survivors, left homeless and fearful of aftershocks, sought refuge along the road, facing scarcity of food supplies.
Tragic accounts of loss
The heartbreaking stories of those who perished in the mosques continue to unfold, revealing tales of love, camaraderie, and sacrifice. Soe Nay Oo shared poignant memories of his wife’s cousins and close friends, highlighting the profound impact of their untimely deaths.
Each loss, whether a family member, a respected community figure, or a cherished friend, deepened the collective sorrow and grief experienced by all who knew them.
In the wake of the earthquake, the Muslim community in Sagaing grapples not only with the overwhelming loss of lives but also with the logistical challenges of handling the deceased.
Amid ongoing conflicts between the military junta and rebel groups, the process of laying the departed to rest has been fraught with difficulties.
Soe Nay Oo and other survivors have been actively involved in relief efforts, striving to provide assistance to those in need while navigating their own emotional turmoil.
A journey through grief
As Soe Nay Oo reflects on the tragedy that befell his community, he wrestles with feelings of helplessness and sorrow, compounded by the distance that now separates him from those he once led in prayer.
The weight of survivor’s guilt weighs heavily on him, as he grapples with the haunting question of what more he could have done to avert the tragedy.
Amidst sleepless nights and unrelenting worry for his missing family members, Soe Nay Oo finds solace in his efforts to support his community and alleviate their suffering, one act of kindness at a time.
The devastating earthquake that struck Sagaing has left a profound impact on the Muslim community, claiming lives, shattering families, and testing the resilience of survivors like Soe Nay Oo.
As they mourn their losses and strive to rebuild amidst adversity, their stories of courage, compassion, and solidarity serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of humanity in the face of tragedy.
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