UK: Muslim society's message of peace

The Ahmadi community in the UK has more than 80 branches, which aim to create a positive image of Islam through social projects, education schemes and health services.

Changing perceptions: A group of Crawley Muslims are putting a message
of peace on 25 buses (Photo: This is Sussex)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch |
Source/Credit: This is Sussex | Crawley News
By This is Sussex | February 22, 2012

A GROUP of Crawley Muslims are paying for local buses to carry a peace message to improve perceptions of their faith.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association is an Islamic sect founded in 1889 to revive what its members believe is the true message of Islam.

That is one of peace and unity between all people and that Islam teaches no distinction between Muslims and non-Muslims.

The association's 130-plus members in Crawley have decided to launch a campaign to promote that message in the area.

They have paid for 25 buses to carry the message "Love for all, hatred for none" at a cost of nearly £4,000.

Regional president Ahsan Ahmedi, who lives in Monksfield, Three Bridges, said: "Mainly it is about that message of peace between all people and religions.

"There are a lot of negative perceptions about Islam because of the actions of a minority and because the only information many people get about Islam is what they read in the media."

The Ahmadi community in the UK has more than 80 branches, which aim to create a positive image of Islam through social projects, education schemes and health services.

In contrast to the stereotype that Muslim women are suppressed, they play an active role in the Ahmadi community.

"People are often surprised when our girls go and give talks at colleges or events because they have this idea that all Muslim women are downtrodden," Mr Ahmedi explained.

"The women's branch of our community is run by women and our youth section is run by young people.

"It is important to give young people an active role to play so they are not easily influenced by radical views."

The bus campaign will run from March 5 for two to four weeks.


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