Caliph calls for end to Gaza conflict at Britain’s biggest mosque as Ramadan begins
As millions of Muslims around the world prepare for the start of Ramadan and the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, more than 1,000 people gathered at Britain’s biggest Mosque on Saturday for the International Peace Symposium. About 1,200 guests who had travelled from 28 countries met at Baitul Futuh Mosque in London Road, Morden, to hear from the worldwide Head and Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
Speaking at the event, the Caliph called for ceasefires in Gaza and Ukraine. He said: “Political leaders and those who have access to policymakers must take a long-term view of what is in the best interests of mankind, rather than being blinded by selfish desires to assert their superiority over others. “I firmly believe there is only one way to end these wars – by ensuring that justice prevails and that whatever settlements are made are based on equity, as opposed to what better serves the interests of external powers.”
The Caliph dismissed the claim that the conflict in the Middle East is a ‘religious war’, instead describing it as a ‘geopolitical and territorial conflict’. He said: “Islam literally means ‘peace’ and every aspect of its teachings reflects this meaning. “We must all come together, setting aside national, political and other vested interests for the greater good of humanity.” The Caliph led the guests in silent prayer to conclude the event and called on world leaders to take immediate action.
