Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Tooting Condemns the Paris terror attack and similar in Bamako, the event in Tooting Leisure Centre Hall which was themed “Peace” had been organised to share the thoughts of religious believes on peace and to tackle extremism.

1st Peace Conference Of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Tooting Chapter was organized on 22nd Nov 2015 at Lola Jones Hall, Tooting Leisure Centre

About 140 people from different faith groups attended to demonstrate their love, affection and brotherhood.

Shakeel Ahmed, President Tooting Chapter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association said in his welcome note:

Islam encourages interfaith dialogue and advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding amongst the followers of different faiths. We firmly believe in the Quranic teaching “there is no compulsion in religion”. It is our firm belief that we must work together for a greater cause of peace, putting aside minor differences. I’m sure that we can achieve unity without disarray, diversity without division, and be one worldwide community without hatred, oppression, poverty and war.

This event has one purpose: which is for us to come and sit together in a friendly environment to talk about one goal and shared objective that we hold, which is to promote love, affection, brotherhood and peace. The ethos of our community is summed up in our motto: love for all hatred for none.

Borough Commander Mr Richard Smith said:
These events strengthen the resolve of our local communities to promote tolerance, kindness and understanding between people of all backgrounds and beliefs in order to build a safe and secure World for everyone. Terrorism and hatred can never triumph whilst we continue to strive to work together for the benefit of everyone.

As a police officer, I urge all of you to be vigilant, to report anything suspicious to the authorities and to work with us to keep this great city safe. I wish you great success with your campaign for peace and hope that you have a safe and enjoyable evening.

Cllr Nicola Nardelli Mayor of Wandsworth said:
It is also important that we stand united in solidarity. We need compassion in our hearts and on our tongues, for those who have suffered loss, suffered fear and suffered emotional upset, in these recent vile atrocities, and also for those still suffering around the world. At times like this it is important to think about all the things that unite us, that bring us together and make us stand side by side. We cannot solve all the worlds problems but by showing that we care and value those around us we can send out a message to the world that we are together and we are united.

Addressing the audience, the keynote speaker Mr Mansoor Shah, the vice president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK emotionally echoed the message of the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and condemns the Paris attack and similar attack in Bamako and different part of the world and gave clear view from “Holy Quran Verses” that Islam is a religion of Peace and tolerance, stating that all forms of terrorism and extremism were completely opposed to the teaching of Islam.

Leader of Wandswoth Council Cllr Ravi Govindia also attended the event.

To conclude we would say:

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of those murdered in Paris. May God provide solace and strength to the bereaved and to their loved ones, Ameen.”

“We believe in love for all and hatred for none, and peaceful dialogue is the only way to cultivate understanding and harmony between people.