More than 30,000 members of a Muslim sect will pledge allegiance to Britain today

Source: Express – Home of the Daily and Sunday Express

By JAYMI MCCANN

MORE than 30,000 members of a Muslim sect will pledge allegiance to Britain today in a bid to reverse the negative image of Islam after terror attacks in London and Manchester.

Up to 10 million Ahmadiyya Muslims will declare their loyalty to their respective countries around the world at 1pm GMT.

In the UK, members will do so at a three-day annual international convention, called the Jalsa Salana, being held at a tented village near Alton in Hampshire.

This year they are taking a stand against extremism after the terror attacks, and challenging perceptions by showing what Islam really stands for.

Farooq Aftab, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said: “There will be more than 30,000 people in a field pledging their allegiance to the Caliph and their respective countries. It will be huge, it is a massive event.

It is the Muslim version of Glastonbury. We’ve even packed our wellies. Farooq Aftab

“We want to show the true Islam, which means peace, loyalty to your country, being integrated and looking after each other. This is very important in fighting extremism. It is vital to break down barriers.”

The Ahmadiyya Community is known for promoting peace and inter-faith relations.

Read further