Source: Press Release

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivers keynote address appealing for world peace

On 18 October 2013, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (Jamaat) and the Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad officially opened the ‘Khilafat Centenary Hall’, built next to the Baitul Huda Mosque in Sydney, with the keynote address at an Inauguration Reception.

The event was attended by more than 200 non-Ahmadi dignitaries and guests, including a range of Federal and State Parliamentarians. 

During his keynote address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the misrepresentation of Islam in today’s world; he spoke about the objectives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and he spoke once again about his grave concerns that the world was heading towards a devastating global war.

His Holiness also offered his personal sympathies to the people of New South Wales over the raging bushfires that were causing huge damage to parts of the State.

The Khalifa began his address by acknowledging the damage caused to Islam’s reputation by the acts of extremists and terrorists who had wrongly associated themselves with the religion. 

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

Some so-called Muslims have conducted the most horrific terrorist acts and killings both in their countries and abroad. No doubt they have created a state of fear, which is terrifying the non-Muslim world, whilst at the same time defaming the pure name of Islam.

In contrast to misguided extremists, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was constantly engaged in promoting the real teachings of Islam throughout the world.

His Holiness said:

The Ahmadiyya Jamaat is a peace-loving community that acts entirely in accordance with the true teachings of Islam. It is a community that not only promotes peace but whose every act and activity is conducted in an entirely peaceful manner.

Speaking about the defining character of Ahmadi Muslims, His Holiness said:

Ahmadi Muslims can literally be described in just two lines – as those people who fulfil the rights owed to God and those who fulfil the rights owed to God’s Creation. Without acting upon these teachings a person cannot claim to be a true Ahmadi Muslim.

The world leader said that the new building had been named the ‘Khilafat Centenary Hall’ and that the name signified that all those who entered it would attain only peace and security.

Speaking about the Khilafat of the Promised Messiah, His Holiness said it could only ever be a ‘source of peace’ for both Ahmadis and non-Ahmadis alike.

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