"Extremists are creating havoc and seek to destroy those who disagree with their dogma"
The world leader of an Islamic community has appealed to all Muslims to unite against terror and ‘jihadist’ violence.
The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said those who yearn for peace should not countenance anyone who sought to cause mayhem.
In May, more than 200 Ahmadi Muslims were murdered and injured in a gun, grenade and suicide attack on two mosques in Lahore.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, said: “Those who love and yearn for peace should stand united against terror and ‘jihadist’ violence. Extremists are creating havoc and seek to destroy those who disagree with their dogma. We will continue to respond with patience and prayer and never give up our belief and trust in God.”
Mr. Ahmad urged all Muslims to “always strive to be the standard bearers of the true Islam - and have love for all and hatred for none.”
He went on to say that “Allah created all the worlds and is The Master of all creation. Those who commit murder in His name will only incur His wrath. Those who kill will bear a heavy burden for God has proclaimed that to take one life of an innocent is like murdering all of humanity.
“We are a community of peace, even in the face of such adversity. By spreading a message of peace, we can extinguish the flames of hatred.”
Rafiq Hayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK added that the purpose of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been, for over a century, to propagate the peaceful practice of Islam - a mission that is opposed by extremists.
“Those who murder in the name of Allah, and those who incite others to hatred, are not only enemies of Islam but of all of humanity. Through Ahmadiyya, the renaissance of Islam has begun and it is through purity of faith and enlightened thinking - not intolerance and prejudice- that the beauty of our faith will be seen. Though we are stricken with grief and we all know of someone who has lost a loved one in the terrorist attacks, we remain steadfast and prostrate ourselves before Allah for divine protection and justice.”
