The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of New Zealand’s Silver Jubilee celebration held at the Mt. Eden War Memorial Hall, Auckland on Sunday 24th March 2013 was a huge success, graced by community leaders, guests and politicians from all parties, including Mr Richard Prosser of New Zealand First. The community was applauded for their work in promoting peace and religious tolerance in New Zealand and around the world.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was founded in 1889 in Qadian, India. It is a dynamic, and the fastest growing international revival movement within Islam. Today the community spans over 202 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in New Zealand was established in 1987 with the permission of the 4th Caliph, his holiness Mirza Tahir Ahmad. (May God have mercy on his departed soul). It was formally registered in 1988 with the Department of Internal Affairs.

The National President of the Ahmadiyya Community in New Zealand, Mr. Mohammed Iqbal in his opening address said “Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the leading Islamic organization to categorically reject terrorism or oppression in any form. Over a century ago, Ahmad(as) declared that an aggressive “jihad by the sword” has no place in Islam. In its place, he taught his followers to wage a bloodless, peaceful and intellectual “jihad of the pen” to defend Islam. As part of its effort to revive Islam, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community continues to spread Ahmad’s(as) teachings of moderation and restraint in the face of bitter opposition from parts of the Muslim world.”

Mr Iqbal expounded on the 25-year achievement of the community in New Zealand from spreading the message of peace to restoring the livelihood of New Zealanders affected during the tragic moments in Christchurch and Pike River mine. He said, “The secret of the community’s success was our total obedience to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsaw, his ardent promised reformer, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and his successors. Over a century ago, Ahmad(as) reminded his followers of God’s promise to safeguard the message of Islam through khilafat (the spiritual institution of successorship to prophethood). It believes that only spiritual successorship can uphold the true values of Islam and unite humanity.”

The Chief Guest, David Rutherford, Chief Human Rights Commissioner congratulated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s work of promoting peace and interfaith dialogue in New Zealand and globally. Mr Rutherford said “it was important to acknowledge the Ahmadiyya community because nothing in the world changes unless there are organisations like you, especially when there are situations like in Christchurch…”

Labour MP, Hon. Phil Goff said “What really appealed to him about the Ahmadiyya Community was their belief in a harmonious and tolerant relationship between peoples.” He also went on to acknowledge the persecution of the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan which was of deep concern that people are being persecuted on the basis of their belief.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) of Qadian. Ahmad(as) claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus(as) of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the holy Prophet Muhammadsaw of Islam. We believe that God sent Ahmad(as), like Jesus(as), to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s(as) advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival. He rid Islam of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings. He also recognized the noble teachings of the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster(as), Abraham(as), Moses(as), Jesus(as), Krishna(as), Buddha(as), Lao Tzu and Guru Nanak, and explained how such teachings converged into the one true Islam.

Source: http://www.voxy.co.nz/national/ahmadiyya-muslim-community-applauded-message-peace/5/151088