“I believe in that One God who is the Lord of all nations, all races and all religions, and so it becomes impossible that I could ever develop any hatred in my heart for any nation, any race or any religion.”
Source/Credit: Germantown Patch
By Shahina Bashir | May 16, 2013
The Khalifa of Islam, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, concluded a successful visit to southern California yesterday. His Holiness is the worldwide spiritual and administrative head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. It was his first visit to the West Coast of the US where he spent ten days with members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His Holiness had previously visited the East Coast of the US in 2008 and in 2012 for the Jalsa Salana- the Annual Convention.
Upon his arrival on May 4, Mirza Masroor Ahmad was welcomed by Dennis Zine, Los Angeles City Councilman, who said, “Your Holiness, welcome to the city of angels—a fitting name on this historic day. Los Angeles is a melting pot for all religious and ethnic groups. We are honored to host you.” The Honorable Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff, was also there to greet His Holiness and remarked, “Our city is the best place in America for Muslims to live. Your Holiness, your Community is strong. I wish to see thousands more Ahmadi Muslims living in Los Angeles.”
Although the trip was planned many months ago, His Holiness’ travel to the US came at a very critical time when Muslims are facing a wave of mistrust and Islam is being maligned after the twin bombings in Boston in April. The perpetrators of the heinous act were Muslims of Chechen origin. On May 11, a special lunch reception was held at the Montage in Beverly Hills in honor of His Holiness. The event was attended by more than 300 politicians, academics and community leaders, including the California Lieutenant Governor, Los Angeles City Councilman and mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, and several members of U.S. Congress. The Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered the keynote address at this special lunch reception.
Addressing the issue of terrorism and the subsequent Islamophobia in the Western world, His Holiness stated:
“There can be no doubt that this state of fear and anxiety has been fuelled by the acts of certain so-called Muslims or so-called Muslim groups. However there is also no doubt, that the acts of terrorism or extremism they perpetrate have nothing whatsoever to do with the true teachings of Islam. The very meaning of ‘Islam’ is peace, security and giving a guarantee of protection against all forms of harm and evil.”
His Holiness also unequivocally condemned the act of terrorism in Boston, offering, “My sympathies are with the victims of the Boston bombing. We condemn that attack in its entirety.” His Holiness added, “I believe in that One God who is the Lord of all nations, all races and all religions, and so it becomes impossible that I could ever develop any hatred in my heart for any nation, any race or any religion.”
The Los Angeles City Council, led by Councilman Dennis Zine and Council Eric Garcetti, presented His Holiness with the golden key to the city, declaring, “This Key is reserved for only the most honored people on Earth.” U.S. Congresswoman Julia Brownley praised His Holiness as “One of the greatest ecumenical leaders of our time.” U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu added, “I am here because His Holiness stands against terrorists and war.
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