Islamic Caliphate Offers Antidote To Extremism
One of Britain’s oldest Muslim communities is holding a series of high-profile events, at venues including the QE II Centre, Westminster and the Excel Centre in London, to celebrate a unique success.
DIARY DATE: Tuesday 10th June – Press briefing QE II Centre
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is marking the Centenary of Caliphate (Khilafat) – a system of leadership that unites the whole community of tens of millions across the world. London, where the current Caliph, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, resides will kick-off the world-wide celebrations in May as the community unites under a banner of peaceful Islam. A Press Briefing and VIP Reception are planned for 10th June at the QEII Centre.
The community was founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and the first Caliph was elected in 1908 after his demise. Ahmadi Muslims were among the earliest in Britain, building London’s first mosque in Putney.
Mr Rafiq Hayat, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK said:
“Caliphate is the system of spiritual leadership in Islam as set out in the Holy Quran. It is the means of uniting Muslims into one cohesive body under a spiritual leader.“This was the system of leadership that was established under the early period of Islam.”
Ahmadi Muslims live by a code of peace epitomised by the community’s motto: Love for All, Hatred for None. The community from its origins inculcated the meaning of Jihad as struggle to free oneself of impurities for the pleasure of God. They have condemned all violence in the strongest possible terms, and have nurtured a spirit of allegiance to the country in which they reside.
Mr Hayat added:
“Public perception of Islam is often tainted by the way it is portrayed in the media – with zealots preaching hate-filled diatribe and calling for violence.
“That is not Islam. Ahmadi Muslims practise the true peaceful Islam that promotes tolerance, where being an exemplary citizen and a good neighbour is an inextricable part of one’s faith. “We represent a renaissance of Islam – a counterbalance to the extremism that is engulfing those who have abandoned the true Islam. We are blessed by a divinely guided Caliph – who unites us as one.”
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What the Media Says about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
“…the most educated, organised and disciplined of all Muslim communities in Britain”New Statesman 21 August 2006
“…model ambassadors for Islam at a time when the gulf of suspicion between the Western and Islamic worlds has never seemed more in need of bridge-builders.” The Times October 6 2003