Times of Ahmad: USA: Muslims stand up for peace

"Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are those Muslims who believe in the Messiah – Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani – whose mission was to spread peace and usher in an era in which the lamb and the lion would drink from the same oasis."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Staff | US Desk
Source & Credit: Muslim Examiner
By Harris Zafar | Portland, OR. | July 9, 2010

The oldest Muslim organization in America announced Thursday the launch of its nationwide “Muslims for Peace” ad campaign. With so many acts of violence perpetrated in the name of Islam across the world, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community aims to debunk the myth that Muslims do not practically stand for peace and justice. Delivering this message on buses and other transit media displays, the “Muslims for Peace” campaign will raise awareness that there is a community of Muslims who actively preach – and practice – this universal message of peace.

The campaign was launched today at a Press Conference in Times Square where Mr. Naseem Mahdi - the National Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA - addressed the media about the purpose and form of this campaign.
Please find below the transcript of statement delivered at the Press Conference, followed by a video of Mr. Mahdi appearing today on FOX News' morning Show for the same purpose. Let us all hope that the moderate voice of this community is heard by all Muslims and non-Muslims alike:

Transcript of Press Conference Statement:

"As-slam-o-Alaikum. May God bless us all with peace.

"Thank you everyone for coming.

"We have called this press conference because we understand the urgent need for Muslims living in the United States to actively stand up for peace. Subsequently, I will be announcing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s new peace campaign for this cause.

"Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are those Muslims who believe in the Messiah – Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani – whose mission was to spread peace and usher in an era in which the lamb and the lion would drink from the same oasis.

"Consequently, from its inception, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has dedicated itself to spreading the message of peace, which is the very essence of Islam.

"It is important to recognize that there is much apprehension in the world regarding what Islam and Muslims stand for. The image of Muslims in the world will not change until these doubts are addressed – not just by condemning terrorism but through actions dedicated to strengthening and fostering peace.

"Towards this end, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been actively working for the last 120 years to establish this peace all over the world.

"In over 190 countries, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community live their lives in full conformity with the laws of the land, and they dedicate themselves to building and strengthening the rule of law and the advancement of peace everywhere.

"Today I am pleased to announce that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA is launching its “Muslims for Peace” campaign to debunk the myth that Muslims do not practically stand for peace and justice. Our aim is to raise awareness that there is indeed a community of Muslims who actively preach – and practice – this universal message of peace.

"The nationwide campaign begins right here in New York where about 100 buses will circulate the metro NY area carrying the message you see displayed here: “Muslims For Peace”.

"Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will also go door-to-door throughout the country distributing this simple message you see in this pamphlet.

"Our goal is to eventually deliver this message to every one of our fellow citizens. Anyone wishing to receive more information is welcome to call us at 1-800-WHY-ISLAM.

"Or they may email us at info@MuslimsForPeace.org

"Alternatively, they may go to our website at www.MuslimsForPeace.org

"Let me end by again stating that members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community stand for peace totally and unconditionally, and we consider it our duty to work for peace. This is why we invite all Muslims to join us in this common goal of spreading the message of peace that is the true essence of Islam.

"Thank you again for coming."