Kansas - USA: Muslim group uses blood drive to promote reconciliation

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which has existed in the United States since the early 20th century, began holding interfaith dialogues about 70 years ago.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: The Kansas City Star
By Alan Bavley | September 9, 2011

Wajahet Qureshi donated blood years ago in high school, back when it was a matter of school spirit.

But on Friday, when Qureshi rolled up his sleeve at the Community Blood Center of Greater Kansas City, he was doing it to demonstrate that Muslim-Americans are public-spirited citizens.

“We’re trying to get away from associating Muslims with terrorism,” said Qureshi, a University of Missouri-Kansas City computer science student.

He was taking part in a nationwide blood drive organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA to honor the victims of 9/11. The goal of their Muslims for Life campaign is to collect 10,000 pints of blood this month, enough to help save the lives of as many as 30,000 patients.


“The point is, we’re trying to say not everyone is a terrorist,” said Qureshi’s father, Azhar. The elder Qureshi is the general secretary of the Kansas City chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

“There are peace-loving Muslims,” he said. “We are Americans. We are loyal to the country.”

Ahmadiyya Muslims are members of an Islamic movement that emphasizes peace and forgiveness. Some of their religious doctrines have put them in conflict with other Muslims.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which has existed in the United States since the early 20th century, began holding interfaith dialogues about 70 years ago.

Azhar Qureshi said, “9/11 threw a wrench in all that and put us back.”

The blood drive, in partnership with blood centers and Christian and Jewish congregations across the country, is a step toward reconciliation.

“As far as believing that something needs to be done, a lot (of Muslims) share that feeling,” he said. “We’re the ones stepping out among all the Muslims.”

The Muslims for Life blood drive will continue through September in the Kansas City area. For locations, consult www.MuslimsForLife.org.

To reach Alan Bavley, call 816-234-4858 or send email to abavley@kcstar.com.


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