‘Muslim Parliament is a Mistake’ Says Islamic Leader

LONDON -

- Tens of Thousands of Ahmadiyya Muslims Urged to Show Good Citizenship

- Convention Dates: July 24 - 26, 2009

30,000 Muslims gathering in Hampshire for Britain’s biggest annual Islamic convention are to be told by leaders that respecting the country they live in and following the laws of the land is an act of faith.

In a wide-ranging address about the role of a Muslim living in a non-Muslim land, the head of the UK branch of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will urge members to uphold family values, to lead good moral lives and to contribute to the well-being of society.

Rafiq Hayat, the head of one of Britain’s oldest Muslim communities - that established the first purpose-built mosque in London in 1924 - said a Muslim’s loyalty to the country of residence was a matter of faith:

“In countries, such as the UK, where the laws are just and freedom of faith was enjoined, Muslims have a duty to contribute to the well-being of the society.

“In countries that mirror Islamic principles in providing for the needs of their citizens, Muslims should not press for the establishment of an alternative Authority or so-called Islamic Parliament. Muslims should instead call for existing Muslim countries in the world to also observe the real Islamic principles as laid down in the Holy Quran and thereby grant freedom of religion, Human Rights and equality to their people.”

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

“As the Quran says, you have been raised for the good of mankind - not just for the good of Muslims.

“Love of your country is a part of your faith. And, compliance of the laws of the land is a part of Sharia.

“Of course there should be no laws which interfered with a person’s right to his own personal worship. But if it was so, as Ahmadis have demonstrated in Pakistan, Muslims should endure the hardship or emigrate and not cause unrest.”

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