The deadly attack on the Imam Zaman Mosque in Kabul’s PD13 on Friday evening claimed the life of Mustafa, a teenager, who went to mosque for evening prayers along with his father and brother.

Both Mustafa’s father and brother were seriously injured and are in a coma.

Mustafa, who was in Grade 8, lived with his family in a small house a few blocks from the mosque.

“He went to the mosque for prayers. He was doing the prayers when the explosion occurred. What was his sin? What did he do to deserve this cruel act?” asked Mustafa’s uncle.

Meanwhile, just two streets south of the mosque, another family lost two young relatives in the bombing.

“They are killing Muslims. They are carrying out suicide bombings against Muslims. Mosque is for worshipping and praying not for suicide bombings,” the family member said.

Hussain, was another worshipper who died in hospital from his injuries.  

“We heard the explosion. I was concerned. I called my father. I was the first one who realized that something had happened to him,” said another local resident whose father died in the explosion.

Some estimates have put the death toll at 60 – even though government has only confirmed the death of 39 people.

However, Friday’s attack has had a devastating effect on so many families – most of whom live in close proximity to the mosque.