The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was welcomed to the Houses of Parliament by the Deputy Prime Minister and various Secretaries of State and Parliamentarians on 11 June 2013.

The Khalifa was visiting Westminster to deliver the keynote address at a special reception hosted by Rt Hon Ed Davey MP (Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change) and the ‘All Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’ in recognition of the 100 Year Centenary Celebrations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the UK.   

Prior to the formal proceedings, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held private meetings with the Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Nick Clegg MP, Home Secretary Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Energy Secretary Rt Hon Ed Davey MP, Shadow Foreign Secretary Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP, Rt Hon Keith Vaz MP and Siobhain McDonagh MP.

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg

Meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Energy & Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey. (Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon & Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK President, Rafiq Hayat also present)

Meeting with Home Secretary Theresa May

Meeting with Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Ed Davey

Meeting with Douglas Alexander, Shadow Foreign Secretary

The formal proceedings began at 1.05pm with a brief welcome address given by Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. This was followed by short addresses by the Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, by Douglas Alexander, the Shadow Foreign Secretary and by Theresa May, the Home Secretary.

Rt Hon Ed Davey, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change said:

“It is a real privilege for us to host the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community today. We know well the amazing work His Holiness (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad) does for the cause of peace and also the members of the Ahmadiyya Community. Thus it is absolutely fitting that so many MPs are here to thank you for being loyal and hard-working members of society.”

Rt Hon Nick Clegg, Deputy Prime Minister said:

“The most important values and ethos which the Ahmadiyya Community has steadfastly communicated to millions of people around the world is of course one of peace, of love and one of reconciliation and that is a message which is enduring, powerful at all times – amongst all ages and in all communities… We all join with you, whatever background, political party or religious background, in celebrating the presence of your community here over a hundred years but also to celebrate the message the community has so quietly, steadfastly and with dignity been spreading and communicating for so long – one of peace, love and reconciliation.”

Rt Hon Douglas Alexander, Shadow Foreign Secretary said:

“In a world of ever greater diversity and challenges that message of reconciliation is needed more than ever before. I want to place on record our admiration for the leadership you (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad) have personally shown and collectively your community has shown, for the work you have done, the difference you have made and the service you continue to do not just for the members of the Ahmadiyya Community but being a powerful voice for tolerance, reconciliation and for peace. ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ is a philosophy from which we can all benefit and from which we have a lot to learn in the years ahead.”

Rt Hon Theresa May, Home Secretary said:

“His Holiness (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad) has shown and continued to show that the only effective way of persuading extremists out of their poisonous convictions is peaceful dialogue. That is a message that you are giving around the world and it is a message we should all listen to and heed. I know that you have been targeted as a community yourselves, particularly in Pakistan, where it is a criminal offence for Ahmadis to call themselves Muslims, and where you have been subjected to some horrific attacks. I am absolutely committed to tackling all forms of extremism wherever it occurs… I have every confidence that in another 100 years there will be a group of people celebrating 200 years of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Britain. Thank you for all that you have contributed here in the United Kingdom and not just here but also the message you are giving around the world.”

During his keynote address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s commitment to peace and tolerance; he spoke of the importance of loyalty to one’s country as a part of Islamic faith; he strongly condemned the recent brutal killing of a British soldier in London; he absolutely rejected the concept of a violent Jihad in today’s world and he appealed for justice in an effort to safeguard the world from warfare and conflict.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad began his address by addressing directly all people associated with the Houses of Parliament by saying:

“It is my sincere hope and prayer that all of the departments and people who work within this beautiful and grand building are able to fulfil the rights of serving this country and its people. I also hope and pray that they are able to work in the best possible manner towards fostering good relations with other nations, to act with justice and so make decisions that are of benefit to all parties. If this spirit is adopted then it will reap the very best fruits, which are of love, affection and brotherhood and will lead the world towards becoming a true haven of peace and prosperity.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that loyalty to one’s country was an essential part of Islamic faith and that it had been “emphatically ordered” by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He said that all Ahmadi Muslims living in the UK desired “the progress and prosperity of this great nation.” His Holiness also praised the British public for welcoming immigrants to the United Kingdom and allowing them to become “part of the fabric of British society.”

The Khalifa continued by stating that throughout its 100 year existence in the United Kingdom the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat had always promoted peace and rejected all forms of extremism.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“These past 100 years prove and serve witness to the fact that the members of the Ahmadiyya Community have always fulfilled the requirement of being loyal to their country and have always steered absolutely clear of all forms of extremism, rebellion and disorder. In reality, the fundamental reason for this loyal and loving approach is due entirely to the fact that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a true Islamic religious community.”

The world leader continued by condemning and rejecting absolutely the concept of a ‘violent Jihad’. He accepted with regret that some other ‘so-called’ Muslim scholars promoted such teachings but said they were entirely wrong and responsible for the formation of various terrorist groups and the radicalisation of certain individuals.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The most recent example of terrorism was, of course, the brutal killing of an innocent British soldier on the streets of London. It was an attack which had absolutely nothing to do with the real teachings of Islam; rather, Islamic teachings vehemently condemn such acts.”

Later in his address, His Holiness appealed for mutual religious respect and tolerance. He said that Islam had given the foundation for peace because the Quran taught that prophets of God were sent to all peoples and nations.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“No other religion so willingly and openly praises every faith and every nation as Islam does.”

Describing the true character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It was the Founder of Islam who developed the love of God and the love of His creation in our hearts. It was he who ingrained and established love and respect for all of mankind and for all religions within us. The Holy Prophet(peace be upon him) spent his entire life spreading peace in the world. That was his noble mission. Certainly, there will come a day when the people of the world will realise and understand that he did not bring any teachings of extremism. They will realise that all he brought was a message of peace, love and kindness.

Explaining that freedom of religion was a fundamental tenet of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“If a person’s heart desires then they are free to accept Islam, but if their heart does not, then they are free to reject it. Therefore, Islam is completely against compulsion and extremism; rather, it advocates peace and harmony at all levels of society.”

The Khalifa concluded by speaking about the critical need for justice in the modern world. He said that he feared current conflicts could escalate into a world war unless all forms of discrimination and inequality were rooted out.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Due to the acts of certain countries the signs are that another world war is on the horizon. If a world war breaks out then the Western world will also be deeply affected by its far-reaching and devastating consequences. Let us save ourselves from such destruction. Let us save our future generations from the miserable and devastating consequences of war. There is a real risk of a nuclear war breaking out. To prevent such a horrific outcome, we should adopt justice, integrity and honesty and join together to suppress and stop those groups who wish to spread hatred and who wish to destroy the peace of the world.”

The event concluded with a silent prayer and thereafter guests were able to personally meet with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

The Centenary Celebrations were attended by 68 dignitaries, including 30 MPs and 12 Members of the House of Lords, including 6 Cabinet Ministers and 2 Ministers. Various media organisations including the BBC, Sky TV and ITV were also present to cover the event.

Prior to the event the three main party leaders had all written in support of the Centenary. Whilst congratulating the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Prime Minister, Rt Hon David Cameron MP said Britain could be proud of the Community and he praised Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad as “a man of peace.”

On 24 May 2013, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered his weekly Friday Sermon from the Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary, Canada.

During his hour-long address, His Holiness said that whilst 26 May 1908 was a day of utter devastation for the Ahmadiyya Community, being the day on which its Founder passed away, 27 May 1908 heralded the start of the Second Manifestation of God’s blessings as the institution of Khilafat was re-established in Islam.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued by explaining that 27 May 1908 was the day on which the fear and panic that had gripped the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was replaced by peace, comfort and contentment. This was why Ahmadi Muslims celebrated 27 May as ‘Khilafat Day’ each year.

His Holiness said the Khilafat of the Promised Messiah was, in essence, a continuation of the Rightly Guided Khilafat that came after the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) and its objective was to make the world aware of the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.

Addressing the continued persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the Khalifa said the cruelties had never hindered the progress of the Community, rather it had always gone from strength to strength.

In a direct message to those who continued to persecute and target Ahmadi Muslims, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Remember that our Lord, our Friend, is that God Who is the Possessor of All Powers. He will never allow you to succeed. The progress of Islam is now destined to take place through the Promised Messiah. The flag of the Holy Prophet of Islam will now be raised in the world through the servants of the Promised Messiah… So no effort of yours, and no misdeed or attack that you carry out, even if it be with the help of any worldly power, will be able to stop Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya from achieving its purpose nor will any such effort be able to stop the progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.”

Following the Friday Sermon a Bait ceremony took place in which some new Ahmadi Muslims joined the Community at the hand of the Khalifa.

Later in the afternoon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was interviewed by ‘CBC News’ national correspondent Carolyn Dunne. During the interview Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke of how the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was constantly engaged in promoting peace in the world.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Our objective is to change the world. If not this generation, then the coming generations will see that change. We will not give up in our task of ending all forms of cruelty and extremism.”

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was visited by the Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi and various other dignitaries at the Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary on 25 May 2013. His Holiness also answered questions during a media conference.

During the 30-minute meeting, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and the Mayor discussed various issues including the means to tackle rising extremism and developing a peaceful and cohesive society.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“It is a dire need of the time to respond to all forms of fanaticism and extremism with Islam’s true message of peace and harmony.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said it was the duty of Muslims to inform all parties of the true teachings of the Quran and the real character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). His Holiness said that to change attitudes and to confront extremism would be “a long process” but that he remained optimistic for the future.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“During a media interview here in Calgary I said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will never give up striving to show the people of the world the true message of Islam. I said that if not this generation, then certainly future generations will come to see and accept Islam as a religion of peace that is against all atrocities.”

The meeting ended as Mayor Nenshi praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Calgary as “a community who serves our city each and every day.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad thanked the Mayor for his comments and said: “It is necessary for all peace-loving Muslims to join hands together against extremism.”

Later, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held separate meetings with a delegation from Calgary Police, including Deputy Chief of Police Trevor Daroux (DCP) and Supt. Sat Parhar.

The DCP said “it was an amazing honour” to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, whilst Supt. Parwar said “I will never forget this meeting. I have heard so much about your leadership.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also met with Federal Member of Parliament, Devinder Shory in whose constituency the Baitun Nur Mosque falls.The MP condemned the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in various countries and pledged to help and assist the Community. In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that the religious rights and freedoms of all peaceful communities should be protected.

Earlier, eight media organisations, including ‘CTV’ and the ‘Calgary Herald’, attended a media conference in which Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad answered their questions.

Upon being asked why he was in Calgary, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that he had travelled to meet the local Ahmadi Muslims and to further spread Islam’s message of peace and love to the wider society. His Holiness said these were his objectives whenever he visited any country or region.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also used the media conference to make clear that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s message of peace and unity was not given in response to any recent act of extremism or terrorism, rather the Jamaat had promoted this message since its inception in 1889.

The media conference ended as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I want to make it clear that we are giving the true message of Islam, which is of peace, love and harmony.”

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, arrived in Calgary on 22 May 2013 as his historic tour of North America continued.

After inaugurating the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Vancouver last week, His Holiness has travelled to Calgary to deliver this week’s Friday Sermon from the Baitun Nur Mosque which is the largest Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in North America.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad arrived at Calgary International Airport at 7.20pm after a short flight from Vancouver. At the airport His Holiness was greeted by 4 Members of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and by Calgary’s Deputy-Mayor Ray Jones. After departing from the airport, His Holiness and his entourage were given a ten-car police escort to the Baitun Nur Mosque.

The Khalifa arrived at the Mosque just before 8pm and was greeted by more than 1600 Ahmadi Muslim men, women and children who were overcome and overjoyed at seeing their spiritual leader.

Later in the evening, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a meeting with three members of Alberta’s Legislative Assembly, Hon. Manmeet Bhullar, Hon. Rick Mclver and Hon. Moe Emery who all welcomed him to Calgary.

During the meeting Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad strongly condemned the terrorist attack that took place earlier in the day in London and said “it had nothing to do with the real teachings of Islam” and that “Islam is a religion of peace”.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented signed copies of his book ‘World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace’ to the three dignitaries. After presenting the books, His Holiness said the key to peace in the world was true justice amongst all parties.

On 18 May 2013, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, addressed a Special Reception held to celebrate the opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Vancouver, Canada.

During his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad reassured the audience that they had no reason to fear Ahmadiyya Mosques because they were built only for the worship of God and for the sake of serving humanity.

Speaking about the new Mosque, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I would like to proclaim and declare that this Mosque will prove to be a source of spreading love, affection, peace and brotherhood for all people irrespective of whether they are Ahmadi or non-Ahmadi or whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. The doors of our Mosque will always be open to the people of all religions, because this Mosque is a means of manifesting God’s Grace, Mercy, Love and Compassion for mankind.”

The Khalifa also addressed the issue of Jihad by explaining that when permission for defensive war was given to the early Muslims, it was given as a means to protect all religions and all places of worship.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In essence, it can be said that the first ever ‘Charter for the Protection of Religion and Religious Rights’ is found in the Holy Quran and it has been associated directly to the Mosque. In other words, whenever a new Mosque is built, a new chapter for religious freedom is opened.”

The world leader also used his address to congratulate the Canadian Government for recently opening an ‘Office of Religious Freedom’.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“In my view, the Government deserves praise and congratulations for opening a designated ‘Office of Religious Freedom’. We fully support the Government of Canada in this endeavour. We will fully cooperate with them in every possible effort to establish religious freedom throughout the world.”

Prior to the keynote address a range of politicians and dignitaries also took to the stage.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Associate Minister for Defence, read out a message on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulating the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat on the opening of the new Mosque.

Dr Andrew Bennett, Ambassador of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom said he was amazed “by the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and its commitment to Love for All, Hatred for None.”

Lois Jackson, Mayor of the Corporation of Delta said the Mosque had become “an instant landmark”. She said it was “a great honour to have Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in the city.”

Mobina Jaffer, Senator from British Columbia read out a message from Justin Trudeau, leader of Canada’s Liberal Party in which he called the Mosque “a welcome addition” to British Colombia and Canada at large.

Judy Sgro, Member of Parliament, said the fact that so many dignitaries were in attendance illustrated “the love and respect we all hold for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.” She said the Ahmadiyya Community was “an example for the entire world.

Jinny Sims, Member of Parliament, said that if the Ahmadi motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ was adopted by all “the world will be a better place”.

Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament, said that the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat “should not be forgotten.” He said it was imperative that all parties worked together to ensure religious freedom for all people.

Rob Norris, Member of Legislative Assembly, said he was “humbled and honoured to take part in the celebration.” He said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat “enriches our entire country”.

Manmeet Bhullar, Member of Legislative Assembly, said meeting Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad marked a “profound moment” in his life. In a message to the Ahmadiyya Community he said “we are with you, just as you are with us.”

Marilyn Iafrate, Councillor City of Vaughan, said the local community was “very blessed” to have Ahmadi Muslims amongst them. She said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was “totally devoted to giving back to their community.”

Ron Starr, Councillor City of Mississauga, announced that his Council had decided to recognise May 18 as “Ahmadiyya Day”. He said that in Ahmadi Mosques there is “peace, hope and a recognition that by working together will make the world a better place.”

Prior to the event, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, answered questions during a 30minute press conference.

Amongst the media outlets included were ‘CBC’, ‘CTV’, ‘Global TV’ as well as ‘The Province’ and ‘Vancouver Sun’ newspapers.

Related: Reception Video

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurated the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Vancouver on 17 May 2013 by delivering his weekly Friday Sermon from the new Mosque.

The Mosque, which is the largest Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in British Columbia, was packed with more than 3,000 Ahmadi Muslim men, women and children who had travelled from across Canada to attend the opening. Ahmadi Muslims from the United States and certain other countries were also in attendance.

Speaking about the significance of the new Mosque, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“With the Grace of Allah the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is today opening a new Mosque in the Canadian Province of British Columbia. A Mosque has a special effect both on Muslims and non-Muslims alike. When a Mosque is built, new avenues of spreading the message of Islam are created and this is why the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat continually reminded his followers about the importance of constructing Mosques.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that upon the opening of Baitur Rahman the responsibilities of the local Ahmadi Muslims had increased. He said it was imperative that they practiced what they preached and that no difference existed between their words and their actions. Ahmadi Muslims had to spread the true message of peaceful Islam not just through their words, but through their conduct and behaviour.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Prove to those who come to visit this Mosque that every single act of an Ahmadi Muslim is conducted with the intention of benefitting and helping others. It is due to the teachings of Islam and the Quran that we think only of benefitting others, rather than favouring ourselves. Indeed, we do not just think of helping others but through our acts we work towards this aim. God Willing, with the opening of this Mosque people will witness for themselves this reality.”

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad arrived in Canada on 15 May 2013 as his tour of North America continued.

His Holiness landed at Vancouver International Airport at 5.30pm local time and was greeted by Canada’s Minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has travelled to Canada to inaugurate the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Vancouver, the largest Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque in British Columbia.

To mark the opening of the Mosque, His Holiness will deliver the keynote address at a special reception on Saturday in front of a range of Government officials, Federal and Provincial Members of Parliament, Community Leaders and various other dignitaries.

Upon arrival in Vancouver, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a meeting with Jason Kenney during which the Minister congratulated His Holiness on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper upon the completion of Baitur Rahman. Mr Kenney also said it was “a great honour to welcome His Holiness back to Canada.”

Mr Kenney praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for its commitment to peace, tolerance and equality for all. In response, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that “this is the true picture of Islam.”

Later in the day, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad made his first visit to the new Mosque where he was greeted by thousands of Ahmadi Muslim men, women and children who were overcome with joy at seeing their spiritual leader.

His Holiness was given a tour of the Baitur Rahman Mosque complex before leading the Maghreb and Isha prayers.

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address at a special reception held in his honour at the Montage in Beverly Hills, LA on 11 May 2013.

More than 300 politicians, academics and community leaders attended, including the California Lieutenant Governor, mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, and several members of the United States Congress.

During the event the Los Angeles City Council presented Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad with the golden key to the city, declaring:

“This Key is reserved for only the most honoured people on Earth.”

In his keynote address Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said the American people had no reason to fear Islam because it was a religion that advocated peace, universal human rights and a respect for human dignity.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“There is no doubt that the acts of terrorism or extremism some so-called Muslims perpetrate have nothing whatsoever to do with the true teachings of Islam.  The very meaning of ‘Islam’ is peace, security and giving a guarantee of protection against all forms of harm and evil.”

The Khalifa also took the opportunity to unequivocally condemn the recent Boston marathon terrorist attack and to offer his condolences saying:

“My sympathies are with the victims of the Boston bombing. We condemn that attack in its entirety.”

Speaking about Islam’s commitment to equality and humanity for all people, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“I believe in that One God who is the Lord of all nations, all races and all religions, and so it becomes impossible that I could ever develop any hatred in my heart for any nation, any race or any religion.”

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also used his address to implore all people to view Islam through the lens of justice, rather than through the acts of extremists. He called on non-Muslims to judge Islam only after studying its teachings in depth and after observing the character of Muslims who adhere to its original teachings

The Khalifa gave examples from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) to illustrate the Prophet’s love for all of mankind and his unparalleled levels of compassion, tolerance and justice.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was held captive and enslaved in his heartfelt distress and desire to save the people of the world from destruction. And so it is a cause of great injustice that many people today try to stain his blessed character by saying that, God forbid, he brought teachings of cruelty, oppression and injustice.”

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address with a stark warning about the state of the world by saying:

“The direction the world is moving in suggests that the dark shadow of war is being cast over a very large part of the globe. If war breaks out then countless innocent women, children and elderly people will all die. The destruction will be greater than was witnessed in the previous two World Wars.”

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:

“The key to peace is to stop cruelty and oppression wherever it occurs with justice and equality.  Only when this principle is followed will global peace develop. This will only happen when the people of the world come to recognise their Creator. It is my ardent hope and prayer that the entire world urgently comes to understand the needs of the time before it is too late.”

A number of dignitaries also took to the stage to welcome Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to Los Angeles and to congratulate the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat on its continued commitment to developing peace and tolerance globally.

Gavin Newsom, California Lieutenant Governor said the presence of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad meant it was a “special day” and he thanked His Holiness for “sowing the seeds of possibility to the entire world.” He also said the people of LA “do not tolerate diversity, we celebrate it”.

U.S. Congresswoman Julia Brownley praised His Holiness as: “One of the greatest ecumenical leaders of our time.”

U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu added, “I am here because His Holiness stands against terrorists and war.”

U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass said “His Holiness is a transformative figure who has promoted peace and tolerance across the world.”

Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff said “Your Holiness, you are a worldwide spiritual leader. You have made a huge impact in all parts of the world and so we are all drawn to you today for the sake of wisdom.”

The reception was preceded by both a Press Conference and a private meeting between Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and various dignitaries.

For More Photos Click Here

The second International Conference of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International (MTA) concluded on 15 April 2013 with an address by the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

31 delegates from 16 countries attended the four-day conference which was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in South-West London. Countries represented were India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Mauritius, Ghana, USA, Canada, Germany, Belgium, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, Kababir, Holland, Switzerland and Australia.

During the course of the event the delegates attended a variety of workshops and presentations organised by MTA International.

The highlight of the conference was the concluding address given by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in which he spoke about the continued progress of MTA International since its inception in the 1990s.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“By the Grace of Allah, MTA International is excelling in leaps and bounds. Operations that started with just a few select people, with basic equipment and a single truck of MTA have now expanded across the world. Studios have been set up in different countries, several satellites have been acquired and with Allah’s Grace operations are continuing to expand.  

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also spoke of how recently MTA had successfully launched a trilateral communication-link via satellite to coincide with the Promised Messiah Day celebrations that took place on 23 March.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Allah has enabled the Jamaat across the globe to connect with each other through direct satellite links. A new innovation MTA recently achieved was was a three-way communication link established between Qadian, Kababir and London. Through this, three locations were able to communicate directly during the Promised Messiah Day event. Such communication is causing the message of the Promised Messiah to reach the corners of the world.”

End

MTA International Conference Group Photos with Hadhrat Khalifa‐tul Masih V

Photo of Management Board of MTA International with Hadhrat Khalifa‐tul Masih V

Photo of Foreign Delegates of MTA International Conference with Hadhrat Khalifa‐tul Masih V

On 3 April 2013, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, addressed a Special Reception held to celebrate the recent opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Valencia.

During his address, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad explained true Islamic teachings of peace, justice and tolerance.

The Khalifa of the Promised Messiah said that he wished to reassure the Spanish people that the new Mosque would be a source of peace and compassion. He said the Mosque would foster a spirit of togetherness and unity within the society.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“We, Ahmadi Muslims, are not here to cause you any disturbance but rather we are here to serve, we are here to share with you the community, to join you in your activities, and live peacefully and happily with you.”

During his address, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, repeated the motto of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ which was first coined by the Third Khalifa of the Promised Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad during a visit to Spain in 1980.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Today the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is established in more than 200 countries and everywhere we go we spread the message of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’.”

The Khalifa of the Promised Messiah said that due to the extremist acts of a tiny minority of ‘so-called Muslims’ the image of Islam had been unfairly tarnished in the West. He said extremism and terrorism had nothing to do with Islam. The truth was that never once did the Holy Prophet Muhammad^saw or his Rightly Guided Successors ever initiate any wars or acts of aggression. When permission was granted by Allah to fight it was given as a means to protect all people and all religions.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“The Holy Qur’an states that permission to fight back was given because otherwise no place of worship, be it a Church, a Synagogue, a Mosque or Temple would remain safe from the aggressors.”

Concluding, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“This Mosque has been built to serve as a place of brotherliness and unity. Whoever comes here with pious intentions, be it a Muslim or a non-Muslim, will have the doors of the Mosque always open for him or her. This Mosque has been named Masjid Baitur Rahman – that is a House of God, who is Ever Gracious and who shows kindness to His Creation without any conditions. We, who have built this Mosque, will ensure that we continue to serve and help the communities we live in and to serve God’s Creation.”

Dozens of guests attended the reception, including a range of politicians and dignitaries, some of whom also addressed the audience.

The Lady Mayor of Pobla de Vallbona, the town where the new Mosque is located, said she was delighted to welcome so many guests to her town. She praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for “always promoting peace and tolerance in the world”.

Jose Maria Alonso MP, said he had been greatly impressed when meeting Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad a few months earlier at the European Parliament and when listening to his address in Brussels. The MP said it was imperative that inter-faith relations between Muslims and Christians continued to develop.

Luis Santamaria, Head Representative of Spanish Government in Valencia, also spoke of the need for inter-faith dialogue. He said that Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad had always promoted Islam’s message of peace. He added that “all people of goodwill were welcome in Spain”.

Juan Cotino, President of Valencia’s Regional Parliament, called the new Mosque a “truly beautiful building” and said the event itself was a “symbol of goodness” as people of different faiths and beliefs were joined together.

Prior to the event, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad met with various dignitaries, whilst immediately after the reception, he met personally with all of the guests.