Reception Held for New Ahmadiyya Mosque Opened in Waiblingen, Germany, by Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
“The Founder of every religion has taught its followers to love one another and so we should adopt this teaching” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
On 5 September 2023, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at a special reception held to commemorate the opening of the Nasir Mosque in Waiblingen, Germany.
His Holiness officially inaugurated the Mosque prior to the reception by unveiling a commemorative plaque and offering a silent prayer in thanks to God Almighty.
Thereafter, His Holiness led the Zuhr and Asr prayers at the Mosque and inspected the new premises before planting a tree outside the mosque.
Later, more than 110 guests, including dignitaries, politicians and local neighbours of the Mosque attended a special reception held in the Waiblingen Town Hall.
During his keynote address, His Holiness spoke of the way Mosques serve the purpose of creating a peaceful and harmonious society.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“A Mosque is the place where men, women and children come together to take part in programmes and events which are not only beneficial for their moral and spiritual training, rather, they even draw their attention and encourage them towards excelling in secular education. They are encouraged to ensure that they follow the laws of the land and are good citizens and they are informed of the importance of taking care of their neighbours. Alongside the worship of God, these are the qualities that are taught to those who come to the mosque.”
His Holiness also spoke of the way Islam emphasises the equality of all people.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“The fact that we have people of different races and ethnicities is all for the purpose of one’s identity. The Holy Quran states that the nations and people of different races are there in order to help you to recognise each other. Otherwise, you are all one in essence and so, being one human race, you should understand your value. Once you understand this value as a human being, many of the problems of society will die away.”
Referring to the problems the world faces in this day and age, His Holiness mentioned that much of the suffering is a result of people’s actions.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Many of the problems we see are a result of our own actions which are creating disorder in the world. The reason for this is that we are forgetting our Creator and moving away from religion. If we recognise this and pay attention towards the true teaching of religion then we will realise that no religion teaches their followers to create disorder and usurp the rights of other people, be it Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism or any other faith. The Founder of every religion has taught its followers to love one another and so we should adopt this teaching.”
His Holiness also spoke of the way Islam emphasises the value of education in creating a peaceful society.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Our Prophet, Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) has drawn our attention towards the pursuit of education with such emphasis that he said that a person should seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave. You should seek to increase your knowledge because by attaining greater knowledge you broaden your understanding and enlighten your mind and it enables you adopt better morals and as a result there is a greater attention towards creating a peaceful world.”
His Holiness clarified the Islamic stance on women’s education and referred to the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in which he said that a person who has three daughters and educates them well and gives them opportunities to become beneficial members of the society will enter heaven.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“This is the great importance Islam gives to women and their education. Islam draws our attention towards education in general and in specific towards the education of women so that the future generations are safeguarded. When this is adopted, then surely the mother educating her child will enter heaven, but so too will those children who will be educated in the right way enter heaven in the Hereafter and will be in a good place in this life too.”
His Holiness also spoke of the value Islam places upon caring for one’s neighbours, which according to the teachings of Islam extend to those living in the surrounding 40 houses at the very least. In fact, His Holiness said the definition of ‘neighbours’ is so vast within Islam that it also incorporates one’s work colleagues and travel companions.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“If you treat all these people like your neighbours, it will create peace and tranquillity within society and it will lead to progress of your nations. This is not only beneficial at an individual level, rather it helps the country to further develop too.”
Prior to the address, the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser, introduced the Mosque, after which Mr Lorek, state secretary in the Baden-Wurttemberg Ministry, Mrs Haffner, Member of Provincial Assembly, Mr Zaar, First District Officer and Mr Paulowitsch, Mayor of Kernen spoke about their appreciation of the Mosque and the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the local community.
