USA: Imam Shamshad speaks at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, IL

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""So we are cousin. Cousins don't kill each other. This ongoing killing is just because of political interests for personal benefits as none of the religion allows blood shedding." 

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Baitul ul  Jaam'e Mosque
By Nadeem Raza | October 30, 2015

"A separate Messiah will not come for each faith. Only one Messiah will come to unite all people & resolve all disputes and He has come " -- Imam Shamshad

Congregation Etz Chaim of DuPage County, a synagogue in Lombard, the western suburbs of Chicago, serves hundreds of families and have a tradition to welcome everyone- Jews by birth, Jews by choice, non-Jewish family members and people of all ages.

The center draws strength on the commitment to honor and respect the diversity of their membership.

On evening of 27th October, 2015, Imam Shamshad A. Nasir from Ahmadiyya Muslim community Glen Ellyn (Chicago West) was invited to address the event entitled "Faces of Islam" as part of interfaith series. Seating for this event was limited and only mature and selected members from Jewish community, mostly from Etz Chaim were invited.

Rabbi Cosnowsky introduce Imam Shamshad and welcomed Ahmadiyya members. She gave a short introduction to the audience and left the mic for the Imam to start.

"We believe in one God like Jewish people do," Imam started his talk, further explaining what is Islam, who brought Islam, Muslim beliefs, why there are so many misunderstandings and killing going on in the world and in the Muslims, Imam covered all topics in his presentation.

Imam explained all Muslim believes in prophet Abraham and that Israelites are from the progeny of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and Muslims are from the progeny of Ismaail, the other son of Abraham.

"So we are cousins," proclaimed Imam Shamshad. "Cousins don't kill each other."

"This ongoing killing is just because of political interests for personal benefits as none of the religion allows blood shedding," Imam added

Muslims do believe in Torah and Torah mentions about coming of the prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam continued. Imam invited one of the Jewish audience, Paul, to come forward and read that particular verse from the Torah. Imam showed that verse in Torah to Paul (Deuteronomy 18:18-19) where the coming of Mohammad peace be on him is mentioned then the person read the verse on his request.

Imam mentioned about the five pillars of the Muslim faith. Declaration of faith-the Kalima, the act of worship-five daily prayers, spending in the cause of the God-Charity, fasting in the month of Ramadan and pilgrimage-the Hajj.

He further explained that saying prayers multiple times everyday per Muslim beliefs is for spiritual health and to establish strong relationship with God Almighty. Physical health depend on multiple meals every day, so is spiritual health.

To explain about Ahmadiyyat, Imam referenced the well known Hadith (saying) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) which mentions that there will be seventy three sects in Muslims like Judaism have many sects. Imam detailed the topic that all people from different faiths are waiting for a Messiah to come and resolve disputes. It is very unwise to think that there will be a separate Messiah for each faith because this will not resolve any dispute. All people must be collected on one hand, one Messiah so that to settle all problems. People are also waiting for second coming of the Jesus which is indeed a metaphorical coming.

As per Ahmadiyya beliefs, Imam explained, the Promised Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadiaan. The Promised Messiah has come on the right time as foretold by many noble personalities in the history and all signs of his coming has been met positively.

Imam showed picture of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, to the audience.

There was a Q/A session after the presentation. One of the Jewish member while mentioning violent Muslims in the world appreciated Ahmadiyya community as peaceful Muslims on the face of earth.

People were also interested to know about Alvi Muslims, a well known Shia sect. Imam answered all questions to their best satisfaction.

Imam Shamshad presented a copy of the Holy Quara'an with English translation to the rabbi Cosnowsky at end of the session.

"Muhammad (PBUH) in the Bible" flyer was given to all the Jewish members in this presentation. People showed keen interest in the presentation and wished to have Imam Shamshad again for more interfaith dialogues.


  -- USA: Imam Shamshad speaks at Congregation Etz Chaim in Lombard, IL


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