Norway: Politicians fear conflict among Muslims

“This is the duty and responsibly of the religious and  civic leaders to inform the younger generation. We have to accept that the Ahmadiyya community exists and that they have the same rights in Norwegian society that we have. We cannot afford to have differences evolve.”

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | EU Desk
Source/Credit: Lokalavisen Groruddalens
By Vemund Sveen Finstad | October 21, 2011

Admitting that there are Muslims who would like to exercise violence against other people of faith in Norway hurts politician Akhtar Chaudhry. He is now asking his brethren to show tolerance.

Furuset: It was the Lokalavisen Groruddalens' coverage of security around the opening of the Ahmadiyya mosque congregation at Furuset that caused MP Akhtar Chaudhry (A) to react.

Armed police, the mosque's own guards and people associated with PST's bodyguard service were in place to protect the faithful who have been victims of threats, violence and murder in several countries.


Freedom of religion

The so called mainstream Muslims do not recognize the Ahmadiyya community and consider their members "infidels" due their interpretation of Islam. Chaudhry shares their theological version. Nonetheless, he believes Ahmadiyah sect should have the right to freely practice their faith.

“I want to make it absolutely clear that my theology is really in disagreement with this community and we stand on opposite sides when it comes to faith. But just as we the mainstream Muslims want religious freedom, peace and security for my faith and religion, I must also declare that they [Ahmadiyya] have the same rights,” says Chaudhry.

Leaders are responsible

Monthly meetings of this parliamentary politician are at Furuset center, a stone's throw from the newly opened Baitun Nasr Mosque, Ahmadiyya community’s new venue.

Chaudhry has even lived in Furuset for the past 15 years.

He rubs his hands, looking for words, and admits that it is difficult to take the lead in getting the Ahmadiyya community accepted among Norwegian Muslims.

“This is the duty and responsibly of the religious and  civic leaders to inform the younger generation. We have to accept that the Ahmadiyya community exists and that they have the same rights in Norwegian society that we have. We cannot afford to have differences evolve,” he said.

Violent forces

PST's open threat assessment for 2011 also points to a growing tension between various Muslim groups in Norway and Chaudhry is worried that it could develop into a major Muslims-involved conflict.

“I admit here - and it is very difficult and painful to say - that there are forces among us Muslims who would like to be violent towards other faiths and other people of faith. I do not want this type of approach. I feel terrible that Muslims are associated with violence,” he said.

Chaudhry says Muslims must recognize that they need to do a better job when it comes to show tolerance towards Ahmadiyah sect.

"There is far greater tolerance among Muslims against Christians and Hindus than it is towards the Ahmadiyya community," he said.


 -- VEMUND.SVEEN.FINSTAD@DITTOSLO.NO


  -- Edited by Imran Jattala for Ahmadiyya Times. Original article was loosely translated by Google translation.



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