‘Global Village’ Becomes World Focus for Muslims

LONDON -

- Ahmadiyya Muslim Convention From July 24-26 is the Biggest Annual Gathering of Muslims in UK

A tiny village in Hampshire will this weekend become the focus for Muslims from across the globe.

Tens of thousands of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will converge on a 210-acre site in East Worldham, near Alton for Britain’s biggest annual Islamic convention- with millions of Muslims viewing proceedings via live satellite multi-lingual transmission.

One of the first things they will see is the hoisting of the Union Jack as a mark of respect for the country in which the convention is held - and a reminder to Muslims everywhere that loyalty to the country in which they reside is a requirement of faith. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is one of Britain’s oldest Islamic communities- having established the first purpose-built mosque in London in 1924.

In a tented village on a green field site, women, children, men and visitors will learn about their faith, its views on contemporary issues as well as focus on prayer.

“It is also a time for reaffirming our faith and our kinship,” said one of the conference organisers Basharat Nazir. “People of all races and nationalities join together in the worship of one God and we are reminded of our common humanity -and that Allah is the creator of the all the worlds.

“The message we proclaim time and time again is Love for All, Hatred for None- it is the code of conduct by which Ahmadi Muslims live. At a time when there is so much rancour and strife associated with Muslims - ours is a clarion call for others to follow the path of true Islam which is one of peace and salvation.”

On the concluding day members of the community will also reaffirm their pledge to uphold the values of true Islam - and reject wholeheartedly anything that causes dissension.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide leader (Khalifa) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, will open the convention with his keynote address on Friday, and will speak on Saturday as well as on Sunday.

Contact: Basharat Nazir, +44(0)7703-483-384, media@ahmadiyya.org.uk

Source: Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK

Contact: Basharat Nazir, +44(0)7703-483-384, media at ahmadiyya.org.uk