USA: Ahmadi Muslims hold conference on Persecution in the Muslim World

---

The event itself proved to make a good impression on the attendees, one remarked that it was "good knowledge for non-Muslims," another agreed that it was beneficial to hold these kinds of conferences nationwide to educate the misunderstood.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Eastern Virginia Muslim Examiner
By Seher Bhatti | November 9, 2013

Misunderstandings, misconceptions, and false accusations are what prompted the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to conduct a symposium regarding women and minorities being persecuted in the Muslim world. Everyone had assembled at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, filling up the conference room to listen to the two speakers educate its audience on what has been a controversial topic for some time.

The event began with what is known as tradition to start their gatherings, the recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran, followed by translation. After which Professor John Farina, PhD who acted as moderator for the conference, introduced Sister Dhiya Bakr from Zion as the first to speak.

Sister Dhiya touched on several key points when addressing the proposed subject while quoting verses from the Holy Quran, like from chapter 16, verse 91 which translates as the following:

"Verily, Allah enjoins justice, and the doing of good to others; and giving the kindred; and forbids indecency, and manifest evil, and wrongful transgression. He admonishes you that you take heed."

Holy Quran 16:91

She used this to illustrate the stance that even though there are those who call themselves Muslims while at the same time committing immoral acts, it doesn't attribute to the Islamic faith, which in turn does not do anything to please God. Referring to Malala Yousafzai and her act of courage Sister Dhiya said that Malala did what Islam taught her to do and stand up for justice. It was also emphasized that persecution is not limited to those under the Islamic banner, but it is an unfortunate problem that is existent among the entire population, regardless of faith. Qasim Rashid, the second speaker and author of the book: 'Wrong Kind of Muslim,' had touched on this to elaborate that the ill treatment of women was not limited to Muslim women by citing some demographic facts on domestic abuse. He also highlighted how Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) had ended the notion of slavery and how he advocated for proper treatment of all humans. The audience got to participate in a short question and answer session after which they wrapped up with a few closing remarks and silent prayer. Refreshments were served afterwards.

The event itself proved to make a good impression on the attendees, one remarked that it was "good knowledge for non-Muslims," another agreed that it was beneficial to hold these kinds of conferences nationwide to educate the misunderstood. The President of the local chapter that put together this symposium was proud of the outcome they managed to witness, Mr. Waseem Haider stated that it was "a good effort, the team worked very hard." In progressing forward Haider believes that current issues need to be addressed, the relevancy will allow people to relate to it more.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hopes to continue their efforts in removing misconceptions about Islamic teachings, and to bridge the gaps in unity and peace.

To learn more on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community log onto www.alislam.org.


Read original post here: Ahmadi Muslims hold conference on Persecution in the Muslim World


This content-post is archived for backup and to keep archived records of any news Islam Ahmadiyya. The views expressed by the author and source of this news archive do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of Ahmadiyya Times.