Source.Press Desk AMJ London-UK
PRESS RELEASE
“The first ever ‘Charter for the Protection of Religion and Religious Rights’ is
found in the Holy Quran”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addresses Reception marking opening of the Baitur
Rahman Mosque in Vancouver
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 30
minute press conference. Amongst the media outlets included were ‘CBC’, ‘CTV’,
‘Global TV’ as well as ‘The Province’ and ‘Vancouver Sun’ newspapers.
Further information: press@ahmadiyya.org.uk < mailto:press@ahmadiyya.org.uk>