Review of Religions: On 17 March 2012, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), the Fifth Khalifa of the Promised Messiah(as) and Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (Community), inaugurated the Baitul Atta Mosque in Wolverhampton, a major city in the West Midlands, United Kingdom. A function was held in the evening to mark the occasion, which was attended by some Members of Parliament, Councillors, dignitaries and guests from all walks of life including local residents.
Councillor Bert Turner, Mayor of Wolverhampton, welcomed Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) to the city and said he had been particularly struck by the fact that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had opened the doors of its mosques to people from all backgrounds.
Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said that he was not only the local Member of Parliament, but also a neighbour to the new Mosque as he lived very near to it. He also said that the Ahmadiyya Community’s motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ was a “lesson” for people.
Paul Uppal, MP for Wolverhampton South West, said that all people should focus on the many common beliefs and practices they shared, rather than the few differences that set them apart.
Also taking to the stage were Reverend John Bernard, who read a message from the Bishop of Wolverhampton and Councillor Elias Mattu; both of whom congratulated the Ahmadiyya Community on the opening of the Mosque. The keynote address was delivered by Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba), Khalifatul Masih V, the transcript of which is presented here:
After reciting Tashhahud, Ta’awwudh and Bismillah, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) said:
“All the distinguished guests: Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu –peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all.
Today is a day of great joy and happiness for the Ahmadi Muslims who live in this area, because a longstanding and ardent desire of theirs has been fulfilled by the opening of this beautiful mosque. However, before I proceed, it would be very unjust of me if I did not take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you – all of our esteemed guests – for taking time from your busy schedules to enlighten this event with your attendance. This kind gesture demonstrates your high moral values and such principles particularly shine forth in light of the fact that this is not a worldly event where people have joined together for mere recreation or enjoyment. In fact, today’s function is a purely religious event in which the Ahmadiyya Community is inaugurating a place of worship, which according to Islamic terminology, is called a ‘mosque.’ Moreover, the vast majority, if not all of our guests, are either non-Muslims or are not part of the Ahmadiyya sect of Islam.