By Nancy Haught, The Oregonian
on March 12, 2013 at 1:44 PM, updated March 12, 2013 at 2:51 PM

A Portland mosque is taking part in a nationwide movement to reclaim Muhammad, the founder of Islam, as a “messenger of peace.” An evening of brief lectures, a film and a question and answer session is planned for 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, atRizwan Mosque in Southwest Portland.

“Over the past several years, Muhammad’s character has been maligned on numerous occasions, including a hateful video that spurred worldwide chaos in September,” says Harris Zafar, a spokesman for Portland’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. 

“Malicious lies and allegations” and the behavior of Muslims around the world have raised doubts about the character of Muhammad, Zafar says. All 73 chapters of Ahmadiyya Muslims in the United States are taking part in the “Muhammad Messenger of Peace” campaign.

Those interested in the free, public program can register online.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community is the only Islamic organization to believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) is the metaphorical second coming of Jesus and that he came to end violence and establish peace.

–- Nancy Haught