Racism is the greatest danger to world peace: Imam Mustenser Qamar at the Ahmadiyya Muslims NZ 31st Annual Convention

Last Saturday, almost 500 people from the wider community joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand, during its 31st Annual Convention held at New Zealand’s largest purpose built mosque (Masjid Baitul Muqeet in South Auckland), to discuss ways to resolve conflict with compassion.

The gathering, called Jalsa Salana, had its chief guest, Walley Mitchell, District Operations Manager of St John Canterbury, who shared his experiences following the devastating Christchurch terror attacks last year, adding how the tough times brought people together in unity from all backgrounds regardless of race and religion.

Minister for Ethnic Communities, Jenny Salesa, was also in attendance.

The keynote speech was delivered by the President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association United Kingdom, Imam Abdul Quddus Arif, who noted, “The key is absolute justice and fairness in all matters. Justice on all levels of society can ensure that we remain united in the face of troubling times.”

He was also all praise for the attitude of the New Zealand public and leadership following the horrific Christchurch attacks.

Meanwhile, Imam Mustenser Qamar who lives in New Zealand, highlighted the importance of ridding society from all forms of prejudice and racism in particular. “Racism is the greatest danger to world peace,” he noted, adding, “Allah has divided mankind into tribes and sub-tribes for identification and recognition only; none is above anyone; nobody is superior. The Honourable one in the sight of Allah is only he, who is most righteous.” (as mentioned in the Holy Qur’an 49:14)

The formal proceedings concluded with a silent prayer for peace in the world, led by Bashir Khan, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community New Zealand.

-TIN Bureau

Allah has divided mankind into tribes and sub-tribes for identification only: the honourable one in the sight of Allah is only he, who is most righteous.

(Holy Qur'an 49:14)

Imam Mustenser Qamar addressing the gathering

The Baitul Muqeet Mosque in Auckland