Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Hounslow North and South along with many local residents attended the National Peace Symposium in London on Saturday the 19th March where their Caliph, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, called on the media to use its influence “as a force for good and a force for peace” by publicising the positive activities of the majority of Muslims across the world as opposed to the “tiny minority” who were perpetrating mass cruelties falsely in the name of Islam.
His Holiness also stated that there was no punishment for apostasy in Islam and that the Holy Quran was the standard-bearer for universal religious freedom. His Holiness reiterated the need to cut the supply lines and funding of all terrorist and extremist groups worldwide.
His Holiness condemned terrorist groups such as Daesh, as disgraceful and as acting completely against the teachings of Islam and quoted verses of the Holy Quran that refuted all forms of extremism.
His Holiness said
“This event is taking place at a time when widespread fear of Islam is on the increase due to the horrific and disgraceful acts of terrorist groups such as Daesh. For example, last November, the world watched in horror when the terrorist attacks took place in Paris, and apart from this there have been suicide bombings and attacks in various countries at regular intervals.”
Nonetheless, His Holiness made it clear that true Islam was a religion of peace and that the brutal acts being committed by certain so-called Muslim groups were not permitted or justified by Islam in any way.
Siobhain McDonagh, MP and Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim
Community said:
“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community contributes greatly to this country and your belief in peace and
religious tolerance is an example to us all, as you would expect from a community whose motto is
‘love for all, hatred for none’.”
Zac Goldsmith ,MP and London Mayoral Candidate said:
“For over a century the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has taken a stand against hatred but you
have faced it down with compassion, love and practical help to bring communities together.”
Rafiq Hayat, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community said :
“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community focuses on education, humanitarian work and the Jihad of self-
Improvement and of spreading peace.”
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister for Countering Extremism said:
“There can be no better example of [countering extremism] than that exemplified by the Ahmadiyya
Muslim Community under the Divine and inspirational leadership of His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad.”
Rt Hon Justine Greening, MP, Secretary of State for International Development said:
“I just want to say how proud I am to play a role in representing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as a local MP, but also to say that in my broader role within government, it’s a privilege to work alongside Humanity First and to see the fantastic fundraising the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association.”
During the event, His Holiness also presented Ms Hadeel Qassim, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace in recognition of her outstanding efforts to personally alleviate the suffering of thousands of refugee children stranded in dangerous and inhospitable camps in the Middle East. During his address, His Holiness spoke of the fundamental need for justice and equity at all levels of society in order for genuine and long-lasting peace to be established.
Cllr Amrit Mann Deputy Leader of Council and his wife Mrs Amandeep Mann along with many other councillors, Cllr Ed Mayne, Cllr Shantanu Rajawat, Cllr Bishnu Gurung, Father Sergiy Diduk from All Saints in Hanworth Park, Cllr Daanish Saeed, Cllr Harleen Atwal, Cllr Bandna Chopra, Cllr Ajmeer Giriwal Mr Barnard Vian and Mrs Barnard Vian – Friends of Faith, Mr A. S. Mann and his wife Mrs Gurchan Mann from the Havalock Way Guduwara, Mr James Holmes, Mr I S Uppal M.B.E. attended the event.
Cllr Hanif Khan a member of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that they have returned from the event inspired and committed to playing their part for peace in the country and the world, and for working to root out the terrorists and extremists from our midst.