Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community calls for a curb on Arms Trade and Urges Dialogue between Nations

By A. Abdul Aziz

Rather than erecting walls that keep us apart, we should build bridges that bring us closer together” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

According to our international Press Desk, U.K., on 25 March 2017, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at the 14th National Peace Symposium hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The theme of the Peace Symposium 2017 was, ‘Global Conflicts and the Need for Justice’.

The event was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London with an audience of more than 1,000 people, from 30 countries, including over 600 non-Ahmadi guests comprising Government Ministers, Ambassadors of State, Members of both Houses of Parliament and various other dignitaries and guests.

During the event, His Holiness presented Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima bomb survivor and peace activist, with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace in recognition of her outstanding efforts in campaigning for nuclear disarmament. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGRXJptLb1g

During his address, His Holiness condemned recent terrorist attack in London as a barbaric atrocity” and labelled all forms of extremism and terrorism as a complete violation of Islamic teachings.

Further, His Holiness expressed his grief at continued warfare in the Muslim world, as well as voicing his fears about increasing tensions in the rest of the world. His Holiness also called on world powers to curb the sale of weapons and arms.

Referring to last Wednesday’s attack in Westminster, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

First of all, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by Wednesday’s terror attack at Westminster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of London at this tragic time. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I wish to make it categorically clear that we condemn all such acts of terrorism and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this barbaric atrocity.”

His Holiness said it was a cause of great regret that extremist Muslim groups had turned certain Mosques and Madrassas into centres of extremism”, which had fuelled fear and misconceptions about Islam amongst non-Muslims. In stark contrast, Holiness said that an inherent part of the worship of God was to serve mankind and to live peacefully with the people of all faiths and beliefs.

Based on these Islamic teachings, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had established humanitarian projects in various parts of the world, each serving mankind and bringing relief to those in need.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

In this way, rather than becoming frustrated and prone to extremism, they will grow to be responsible and faithful citizens of their nations. Where they will personally develop, they will also help their nations progress and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

His Holiness said that despite the teachings of Islam being categorical in rejecting indiscriminate attacks or killings, many people associated Islam with violence or warfare.

Countering the narrative of extremists, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

No matter what terrorists may claim, under no circumstances are indiscriminate attacks or killings ever justified. Islam has enshrined the sanctity of human life in chapter 5, verse 33 of the Holy Quran, which states: ‘Whosoever killed a person – it shall be as if he killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind’.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Islam is that religion which has forever enshrined the universal principles of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and freedom of belief. Therefore, if today there are so-called Muslim groups or sects that are killing people, it can only be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Their barbaric acts are a complete violation of everything that Islam stands for.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The allegation that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was a belligerent leader or a warmonger is an injustice and cruelty of the very highest order and such false claims can only grieve the hearts of the millions of peaceful Muslims worldwide. History bears witness to the fact that with every fibre of his being, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) sought peace and reconciliation.”

Referring to the theme of the Peace Symposium 2017, ‘Global Conflicts and the Need for Justice’, His Holiness said a lack of justice had plagued every segment of society” and that whilst it was undeniable that today certain Muslim countries are at the epicentre of wars and cruelties”, it was wrong to say that the rest of the world was immune from disorder.

His Holiness cited numerous reports indicating increased tensions between the United States and China, and similarly between the United States and Russia.

Speaking about the need for mankind to pull together, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

The need of the hour is for us to knock down the barriers of fear that divide us. Rather than erecting walls that keep us apart, we should build bridges that bring us closer together… We must stand up against all forms of oppression, hatred and use all our capabilities to try and foster peace in the world.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Sadly, with the passing of time, it seems that we are losing our ability to listen and to tolerate opposing views and perspectives. Opening the channels of communication and facilitating dialogue is essential, otherwise the world’s malaise will only get deeper… Instead of pointing fingers and blaming one another, now is the time for solutions.”

Thereafter, His Holiness condemned the international arms trade, which he said was a means of fuelling warfare and ensuring that the world remained bound within a perpetual cycle of violence.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

In my opinion there is one ready-made solution that can have an instant impact and begin the process of healing the world. I refer to the international arms trade, which I believe has to be curbed and restricted.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Whilst the primary interest of every nation should be the well-being of mankind and achieving peace, it is a sad truth that business interests and the pursuit of wealth invariably take priority over such concerns.”

His Holiness deemed the argument that the sale of weapons may ‘encourage’ peace by working as a ‘deterrent’ to be completely senseless” and said such justifications had caused the world to become embroiled in a never ending arms race”. He also said that no nation should think it is immune from danger” because history taught that wars evolved rapidly and often unexpectedly”.

His Holiness warned of the risks of nuclear warfare, which he described as unimaginable” and called on mankind to think long and hard about the type of world it wished to bequeath to future generations.

Speaking of the potential consequences of another world war, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

Rather than leaving behind a legacy of prosperity for our coming generations, we will be guilty of leaving behind only sorrow and despair. Our gift to the world will be a generation of disabled children, born with defects and intellectual disabilities. Who knows if their parents will even survive to care and nurture them?”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

Always remember that if we seek to pursue our own interests at all costs, the rights of others will be usurped and this can only lead to conflict, wars and misery. We must all reflect and understand the precipice upon which we stand.”

Concluding, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed:

My message to the world is to look at tomorrow, and not just today. Let us leave behind a legacy of hope and opportunity for our children, rather than burdening them with the horrific consequences of our sins.”

His Holiness continued:

I pray that God grants sense to the people of the world and that the heavy clouds that loom above us give way to a bright and prosperous future.”

Prior to the keynote address, various dignitaries spoke about the importance of peace and the critical state of today’s world.

Silvio Danio, Executive Director of Religions for Peace, from Italy, said:

I want to thank you, Your Holiness, in a very special way, because listening often to your talks and very many interventions in many parts of the world, you have not only been a promoter, not only a creator of what we badly need today, that is a culture of dialogue, you have been a champion of this, you are an example.”

Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, recipient of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace, said:

In attempting to learn about your organisation’s history, mission and activities, I learned with pain of your struggle and suffering from religious discrimination and persecution. Yet, in spite of that, you have chosen the principles of non-violence, peace and justice and exemplify them in your daily lives through your motto of love to all and hatred to none. What an enlightened role model you are to the world community.”

The full address of His Holiness – the link of which is:-

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6eDKLVwF7Q