UK: Ahmadiyya Muslim Quran Exhibition postponed after threats by extremist clerics

“This exhibition was designed to be an informal event where people of any faith or no faith could learn more about the Qur’an and ask us questions over refreshments. We have held similar exhibitions all over the world and it has worked well."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: The Press News
By TPN | December 2, 2011

A planned exhibition by an Islamic group at Dewsbury Town Hall has been postponed after officials raised fears about protests from other Muslims.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association were due to hold an informal information event at the Town Hall tomorrow (Sat), but called off the exhibition after meeting with Kirklees and police leaders on Wednesday night.

The AMA, which has members across the district, claims to be the oldest established Muslim community in the country and is dedicated to promoting peace and respect.

Ahmadiyya Muslims have differing beliefs on Islamic prophets to other sects, and concerns were raised that protests could be held outside the town hall if the exhibition went ahead.


Dewsbury and Mirfield MP Simon Reevell had planned to visit the exhibition on Saturday after receiving an invitation from the local Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, but was advised that he could need a police escort to attend.

Dewsbury-based Arif Ahmad, of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, said: “The idea of the exhibition was to allow everyone, not just Muslims, to learn more about the Qur’an and Islam in order to help community cohesion.

“Islam is often misrepresented and unfortunately there have been occasions where the Qur’an has been burned.

“This exhibition was designed to be an informal event where people of any faith or no faith could learn more about the Qur’an and ask us questions over refreshments. We have held similar exhibitions all over the world and it has worked well.

“Unfortunately, following discussions with the council and West Yorkshire Police, we were made aware that there may have been disturbances from other Muslims if we went ahead in Dewsbury as planned.

“As a peaceful community, with a motto of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’, the last thing we wanted is to be involved in any kind of disturbance.

“With council and police support we fully intend to reschedule the exhibition in the new year, when we have worked with members of other groups in the Kirklees Interfaith Forum.”



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