Perspective: The persecution of Ahmadiyya Muslims | Dr Irfan Malik

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We are very comfortable being British and Muslim, at the same time being well integrated into our local communities. We don't have any hesitations with the Government's plans to scrutinise our Mosques.

Ahmadi Muslim children, brother and sister Salik Ahmad and Sadia Rahman,
collecting for Poppy Appeal at a London tube station. (Pic via @BashaNazir)

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | UK Desk
Source/Credit: Nottingham Post
By Dr Irfan Malik | January 16, 2016

The Ahmadiyya (or Ahmadi) Muslim community was declared as non-Muslim in Pakistan by legislation in 1974. Overnight, the Ahmadis become a non-Muslim minority under Pakistani law. And many commentators have felt this was the turning point for the generalised rise of religious extremism that we witness in that country today.

Our community was founded in 1889 in India by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. He claimed under divine guidance to be the awaited 'Promised Messiah'. This is the main point which differentiates Ahmadi Muslims from other Muslims; and is the basis on which other Muslims discriminate against us.

We follow all the principles of Islam and certainly have not formed a 'new' religion. Yet persecution and killing of Ahmadis has continued. We do not expect others to accept our beliefs; however, we would appreciate mutual respect and not discrimination.

The Ahmadi minority never responds to persecution and violence in any way apart from prayers.

My friends include Muslims, Christians, Jews, Sikhs, Hindus and atheists, we have open minded debates, we respect each other's views. It is okay to 'agree to disagree' in an educated, civilised society.

We are very comfortable being British and Muslim, at the same time being well integrated into our local communities. We don't have any hesitations with the Government's plans to scrutinise our Mosques.

In Britain, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community raises hundreds of thousands of pounds each year for UK charities. It also provides worldwide disaster relief, medical facilities, education, energy and self-help programmes.

Recently around 100 young men of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community travelled to assist in the flood-affected areas of Cumbria, Lancashire and Yorkshire. Every year our organisation is involved in a national campaign to raise funds for the British Legion Poppy Appeal. And in London, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community recently launched the 'United Against Extremism' campaign following the terrible Paris terrorist attacks – one hundred London double decker buses now have an advert displaying the Eiffel Tower, in the French tricolours, with a message of peace

In addition the Ahmadiyya Muslim community hold interfaith 'Peace conferences' up and down Britain throughout the year. These events help to foster greater understanding, tolerance and respect for all faiths.

I feel it is very important in the current difficult environment that Muslim communities need to reach out and engage with a wide range of society. It is through these building of bridges that strong long term relationships of mutual respect and friendship can be formed.




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