USA: Reform Islamic group holds outreach at Indiana Statehouse today

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Among those who stopped by the exhibit today was Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who chatted with Malik and asked several questions about the Islamic group. He called the exhibit a testament to Indiana's diversity

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: IndiStar | Indianapolis News
By Bill McCleery | January 31, 2013

A reform-oriented Islamic organization is presenting a display from 8 a.m. to noon today at the Indiana Statehouse in an effort to offer its perspective "on the true life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad and the Holy Quran," according to Muzaffar Ahmad, a spokesman for the group.

The organization -- Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Indianapolis -- has invited Gov. Mike Pence and state legislators to stop by the exhibit, Ahmad said, in the North Atrium of the Statehouse, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis. (The governor's schedule today has him outside the Statehouse, however.)

Ahmad and others from the group -- including Imran Malik, president of the Indiana chapter -- were on hand to answer questions to anyone interested in learning more about the group.

Malik decried what he considers the hijacking of his faith by radicals.

"In this Holy Qur'an," he said, holding a book of Islamic scripture, "it says if people mock your prophet you are to improve yourself and send blessings to the Lord, which is so different from the so-called leaders in the Muslim world today who are issuing death fatwas against the people who say disparaging things against Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him."

Among those who stopped by the exhibit today was Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller, who chatted with Malik and asked several questions about the Islamic group. He called the exhibit a testament to Indiana's diversity.

"One of the great things," Zoeller said, "about working in the capitol is the groups that come in and have an opportunity to espouse a particular view or to educate people in the building about particular issues. I really enjoy this part of working in the capitol and consider it one of the things that's nice about working in state government."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Ahmad said, is a fast-growing segment of Islamic believers. Founded in 1889, he said, it spans more than 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions.

"Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is one of the oldest American-Muslim organizations," Ahmad said.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, he said, he said, is the only Islamic organization to believe that the "long-awaited messiah" has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India."

Despite sharing the same last name, the group spokesman has no direct family connection to the historic spiritual figure, he said.

Part of the event's purpose is to help Christians and other non-Muslims become more familiar with a peaceful branch of Islam, Ahmad said.

"The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace," according to a release from the organization. "Ahmad's advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam's true and essential teachings."

Call Star reporter Bill McCleery at (317) 444-6083.



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