New Zealanders have paused for a two minute silence to mark one week since the tragic Christchurch terror attack that claimed 50 lives.
Hundreds gathered in Hagley Park, which is near one of the mosques targeted last Friday, to show support for their Muslim citizens.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said before the event began: "According to the Prophet Muhammad... the believers in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain."
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She added that she, along with the rest of the country, was mourning with the Muslim community.
The call to prayer was broadcast on national television and radio.
Imam Gamal Fouda of Al Noor mosque added, according to the Guardian: "Do not say of those who have been killed in the way of Allah that they are dead. They are alive, rejoicing with their Lord. They were the best of us, taken from us on the best of days, in the best of places, performing the best of actions.
"They are not just martyrs of Islam, but they are martyrs of this land New Zealand.
"Our loss of you is a gain to New Zealand's unity and strength. Your departure is an awakening not just for our nation but for all humanity. Your martyrdom is a new life for New Zealand and a chance of prosperity for many.
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"Our assembly here, with all the shades of our diversity, is a testament of our joint humanity.We are leer in - we are here in our hundreds and thousands unified for one purpose - that hate will be undone and love will redeem us."
The emotional service comes a day after Ms Ardern announced the ban of military style weapons and their parts.
Semi-automatic weapons, assault rifles, high capacity magazines, and parts that can convert guns into military style weapons are included in the ban.
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Ms Ardern told reporters: "Related parts used to convert these guns into MSSAs are also being banned, along with all high-capacity magazines.
"To owners who have legitimate uses for their guns, I want to reiterate that the actions being announced today are not because of you, and are not directed at you. Our actions, on behalf of all New Zealanders, are directed at making sure this never happens again."
New Zealand gun owners have already started giving back their weapons in the wake of last week's attack. The country's police service says dozens of firearms had been turned in, according to the Guardian.
Topics: New Zealand, News, terror