New Zealand: Leaders united at Ahmadiyya Muslim peace conference

“If we look at the current issues facing the world today and the trend towards growing tension, discrimination, inequalities, injustices and oppression, I hope that you will agree that this topic is apt in leading us towards a better understanding and integration of our communities."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: AMJ - New Zealand | Public Release
Edited By  Imran Jattala | November 08, 2011

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community of Zealand held its annual Peace Conference at the Panmure Community Centre in Auckland on 5th of November 2011.

According to the information released by the community, the theme for this year’s conference was ‘Peace, Loyalty and Tolerance through Religion' and representatives from several religions and faiths participated.

More than 120 community members and 45 guests attended this meeting, including members of parliament and representatives from important government bodies working throughout New Zealand.


The National President of the community, Mr Muhammed Iqbal Introduced the community to the guests and expressed his desire to create an adequate environment for the for the future generations to live in peace with each other   .

 “If we look at the current issues facing the world today and the trend towards growing tension, discrimination, inequalities, injustices and oppression, I hope that you will agree that this topic is apt in leading us towards a better understanding and integration of our communities," Mr. Iqbal said.

Mr Iqbal finds it important that everyone joins as one to keep New Zealand free from any divisive philosophy that impedes the country's peace, stability and economic growth.

"By working together we can give our families and our people a coherent, vibrant and peaceful environment to live in and prosper," the national president said.

The chief guest for the occasion, Councillor Richard Northey, delivered the message of Auckland Mayor Len Brown to the congregation, and citing examples from his previous experience explained how sometimes it can take many years to bring about a meaningful change in attitudes.

Representatives from Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and the Sikh religion took the stage at this interfaith event and enlightened the crowd on their respective view points, explaining how religion helps to establish peace, loyalty and tolerance within society. Several speakers discussed how peace must first be established within a person before it can be extended to others.

Representing Islam was Maulana Shafiq-ur-Rehman, local missionary of the AMJNZ. Mr Rehman explained how the true teachings of Islam were based on establishing peace, and how divine guidance was necessary to achieve these goals.

Members of New Zealand parliament including Dr Jackie Blue, and Dr Rajan Prasad also addressed the gathering, and lauded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at NZ for its efforts in bringing all the faiths together on a common platform.

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For more information lease contact:
Mr. Eqbal Khan – Head of External Affairs, Ph: +64 21 1336146, or
Dr. Nadeem Ahmad – General Secretary, Ph: +64 21 242 2394

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand Inc.
Registered Office: 20 Dalgety Drive, Manukau Central 2104
Mailing Address: P. O. Box 97617, Manukau Central 2104
Phone: +64 9 267 0570 Fax: +64 9 267 0577
Email: info@ahmadiyya.org.nz - Web: www.ahmadiyya.org.nz

  -- Leaders United at Peace Conference