LONDON, 22 September, 2012
LONDON, 22 September, 2012
PRESS RELEASE
WORLD MUSLIM LEADER CONDEMNS ANTI‐ISLAM FILM
Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at says that anger of Muslims is fully justified, but violent reaction must be condemned
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad speaks to assembled media about film
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifah, has called on Muslims across the world to peacefully unite in their opposition to the film ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ which has stirred up great resentment and anger amongst Muslims worldwide. He has also called for limits to free speech so that the religious sentiments of all people are protected.
During his weekly Friday Sermon, delivered from the Baitul-Futuh Mosque in South‐West London on 21 September 2012, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that Muslims across the world had been aggrieved and hurt by the film and also by the decision of a well‐known French magazine to once again print vile caricatures depicting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Media outlets including BBC National News, BBC Newsnight, Sky News, Sky Arabic, Reuters, the Press Association and various other organisations were in attendance and met with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad immediately after his address.
During his sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said it was an inherent fear of Islam that was the main motivation behind the anti‐Islam video and other similar attacks on the religion. He said:
“It is their inability to defeat Islam that is causing its opponents to resort to such vile acts which they try to justify on the basis of freedom of speech or expression.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was clear in his condemnation of the violent response witnessed in a number of countries by extremist Muslims. He said that the killings of innocent people including ambassadors and diplomats was completely contrary to the teachings of Islam; he said that damaging property or burning buildings was completely wrong and benefited no party, except those who wished to defame Islam.
Addressing the issue of freedom of speech, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that people should never be too proud to admit that there may be flaws in certain manmade laws or regulations. To treat freedom of speech as paramount at the expense of world peace and harmony was a flawed concept.
Speaking about the need to prioritise certain rights over others, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Let it not be that in the name of freedom of speech the peace of the entire world be destroyed.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also called on the leaders of the world and members of the public to reflect whether they were playing a role in causing hostilities to rise in the world by supporting, at all costs, the right of people to make films or caricatures that offend religious sentiments and hurt innocent people.
In reaction to such provocations, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad called on Muslims worldwide to display a collective and mature response. He said Muslim Governments and Muslims who live in Western countries should join together to promote the real and peaceful teachings of Islam and of the Holy Quran to the world. He said they should take a peaceful and united stand to defend Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) at every opportunity and at every level.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Muslims need to remember that extremism is not the answer to such provocation. Instead the answer is to reform oneself and to respond to the curses of the opponents by sending salutations on the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him).
And in worldly terms the Muslim world needs to unite and Muslims who live in western countries should fully utilise the power of their right to vote.”
His Holiness noted that in recent years such attacks on Islam were increasing and whilst the inappropriate reactions of certain Muslims had to be condemned, he said it should not be forgotten that it was often others were taking the first step in causing such disorder.
Addressing the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at to portray the true teachings of Islam to the world, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“We Ahmadi Muslims leave no stone unturned when it comes to serving humanity. For example last year, in response to a pressing need, we raised around 12,000 bottles of blood for the people of America and we are doing a similar blood drive once again currently. Thus we are giving blood in an effort to save lives, but by supporting the acts of vile and hateful people, others are making our hearts bleed with grief.”
The Khalifah concluded by speaking about how all attempts to undermine or mock the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were destined to fail. He said:
“It should be remembered that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at, the Promised Messiah, said that every victory comes from the heavens and that the heavens have decreed that the Prophet who the world is trying to insult will ultimately be granted a great victory in this world. And this victory will be achieved by winning the hearts of people.”
During the press conference that followed the Friday Sermon, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad told the assembled media that the love a Muslim has for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was unparalleled. He said that all people are hurt if their loved ones are mocked and thus any attack on the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) is sure to grieve all Muslims.
In response to a question about the violent protests following the release of the film, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that such protests were wrong and that the killing of any innocent people, including ambassadors and diplomats was completely contrary to the teachings of Islam. He said that all protests must be conducted within the scope of the law and remain peaceful.
Anti-Islam film: Head of Ahmadi community says anger of Muslims ‘fully justified’
Web Desk
Published: September 23, 2012
The head of the Ahmadi community said that anger of Muslims regarding the anti-Islam film is “fully justified, but violent reaction must be condemned,” a statement issued by their global community quoted him on Sunday.
Speaking to a media gathering, Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that the Muslims across the world should “peacefully unite in their opposition to the film” which has stirred up “great resentment and anger among Muslims worldwide.”
Ahmad also called for limiting free speech so that the religious sentiments of people are protected.
The statement quoted the Ahmaddiya leader as saying:
It is their inability to defeat Islam that is causing them to resort to such vile acts which they try to justify on the basis of freedom of speech or expression. Let it not be that in the name of freedom of speech the peace of the entire is destroyed.
He condemned the violent response witnessed in a number of countries by Muslims and the killings of innocent people including ambassadors and diplomats.
He said, “Damaging property or burning buildings was completely wrong and benefited no party.”
Correction: An earlier version of this article had construed that the Ahmadi community head meant “non- Muslims” when he said “their” during his address. The error is regretted.
The Times of India, India
Anti-Islam movie: Ahmadiyyas to hold peace conference
Yudhvir Rana, TNN Sep 26, 2012, 06.43AM IST
AMRITSAR: Even as Muslims across the world are fuming over controversial movie “Innocence of Muslims” that has hurt their religious sentiments, Ahmadiyyas have decided to hold a “peace conference” at their headquarters in Qadian in Gurdaspur district on September 30. This decision was taken following Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat world head Mirza Masroor Ahmad called on Muslims across the world to peacefully unite in their opposition to the movie.
Expressing differences over spate of violence and killing of innocent people following the release of trailer for the movie, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad condemned the violent response witnessed in a number of countries. He said, “The killing of innocent people, including ambassadors and diplomats, is completely in contradiction to the teachings of Islam.”
“Damaging property or burning buildings is completely wrong and benefited no party, except those who wish to defame Islam. We need to reflect if we are playing a role in fuelling hostilities or are we displaying a collective and mature response.”
He said Muslim governments and Muslims who lived in Western countries should join hands to promote the real and peaceful teachings of Islam and of the Holy Quran to the world. He said, “They should take a peaceful and united stand to defend Islam and the noble character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad at every opportunity and at every level,” he said.
Syed Tufail Ahmad Shahbaj, office in charge of press committee, Ahmadiyya Jama‘at, said they had invited representatives from all religions besides political leaders to participate in the peace conference.
Ottawa Citizen Newspaper
Ottawa Muslim leader condemns violence over anti-Islamic film
BY CHLOÉ FEDIO, THE OTTAWA CITIZEN SEPTEMBER 30, 2012
The Ottawa leader of a Muslim sect condemned the violent reaction to “an extremely foul and provocative film,” including bloody protests and the storming of a consulate building in Benghazi that killed the U.S. ambassador to Libya and three embassy staff.
During a Saturday evening gathering at the spiritual centre of Ahmadiyya Muslims in Cumberland, Imam Imtiaz Ahmed told members of his congregation that it’s possible to protest peacefully against “The Innocence of Muslims,” a 14-minute amateur film produced in the United States and released online.
“It is a disgraceful and vulgar action of the producer of the film that has caused unrest in the entire Muslim world. Each Muslim is reacting to it—they exhibit momentary passion by burning flags, causing damage and destruction, and attacking embassies,” he said. “By burning flags and burning property of an embassy and by killing an ambassador, do they think that they have had their reprisal? This is indeed against the teaching of Islam. This is not true Islam.”
The Ahmadis are a minority Muslim sect that encourage interfaith dialogue. The congregation in Cumberland is about 500 people, Ahmed said.
Ahmed joined a host of Muslim leaders across the globe that have criticized the defence that the film falls under freedom of speech.
“Any kind of vulgar expression about any sacred person of any religion, for that matter, does not constitute the freedom in any way at all,” Ahmed said.
Last week in London, the world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at called on all Muslims to unite peacefully in opposition to the film and condemned the violence. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also suggested there should be limits to free of speech to protect religious beliefs.
“Let it not be that in the name of free speech the peace of this entire world be destroyed,” he said
Awais Mehmood, president of the Ottawa congregation’s youth association, said he’s concerned about his family members in Pakistan, where AFP reported at least 21 dead and more than 200 injured in clashes about the film over the weekend.
“Islam teaches us about loyalty. The Holy Prophet, may peace be upon him, said loyalty to your homeland is part of your faith,” Mehmood said. “In Pakistan, what’s happening is they are damaging their own property, hurting their neighbours—this is not the way to express your view.”
Yasmin Malik, a leader in the women’s auxiliary, suggested a peaceful alternative.
“Instead of getting out and burning all these things—we don’t believe in it. We strongly believe in writing to get your message out,” Malik said.
Islamic leader condemns deadly protests against movie
9:48am Monday 24th September 2012
Thousands of worshippers turned out in force on Friday to hear their spiritual leader condemn violent protests across the world against an anti-Islamic film.
Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community gathered at the Baitul-Futuh mosque in London Road, Morden, to hear His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad deliver a one- hour sermon.
In a live global broadcast, he deplored the protestors’ actions and said a peaceful approach should have been used to condemn the film.
This month’s deadly violence in the Middle East, North Africa, Asia, and Australia was sparked by a 14-minute trailer for the amateur US-produced film Innocence of Muslims.
An actor in the footage—clips of which were posted on YouTube—portrays the Prophet Muhammad which is strictly forbidden in Islam.
Muslims have been further outraged by the film depicting Muhammad having sex with different women, and permitting the sexual abuse of children.
Speaking after his sermon, His Holiness said: “We cannot tolerate it, not even the smallest thing against the Prophet.
“Is it freedom of expression for somebody to insult your father in front of you? You will obviously retaliate.”
He also called for the ridicule of other religions to be made illegal.
His Holiness said the violent protestors were not following the true teachings of Islam and lacked leadership.
He added: “The way these Muslims are protesting is not the right way.”
The American-made film has sparked deadly violence across the Muslim world, including in Pakistan where 21 people were killed in violence on Friday, September 21.
On Saturday, a minister of the Pakistani Government told reporters he would pay $100,000 to have the U.S.-based movie producer killed, and even called for the help of terrorist organisations like Al Qaeda and the Taliban to catch the filmmaker, who is currently in hiding.
President of the Muslim Women's Association, Nasira Rehman, said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was “terribly hurt” and for someone to tarnish the reputation of the prophet was “heartbreaking.”
“Our hearts are bleeding,” she added.
On the protestors, she said it is not the duty of Muslims to punish those who “make mischief” and people should pray to God for a solution and not take matters into their own hands.
Worshipper Ahmad Murtaza, of Putney, said peaceful, intelligent debate would have been the answer.
He said: “The Prophet Muhammad is so dear to every Muslim.
“You are supposed to hold Muhammad closer to you than anyone you love—it is ingrained since childhood.
“You shouldn't violate the rights of others.
“Your freedom of expression ends where another person's nose begins.”
Ahmadiyya Muslims are themselves the target of persecution in hardline Islamic countries like Pakistan because they believed their spiritual leader is religion’s latest prophet, whereas most Muslims believe Muhammad was the last prophet.
In 2010, this newspaper exposed how members of the Ahmadiyya sect were open insulted and discriminated against by religious bigots in south London, who targeted their livelihoods and political candidates in Tooting.
Also that year, 93 Ahmadi worshippers were slaughtered by terrorists while they prayed in mosques in Lahore—including Muhammad Ashraf Bilal, a visiting businessman who lived in Sispara Gardens, Southfields.
Pak Ahmadi community leader says anger of Muslims over anti-Islam film ‘fully justified’
Islamabad, Mon, 24 Sep 2012ANI
Islamabad, Sept. 24 (ANI): The head of the Ahmadi community in Pakistan has said the anger of Muslims regarding the anti-Islam film produced in the United States, is “fully justified”, but has condemned the violent reaction to it.
“It is their (non-Muslim's) inability to defeat Islam that is causing them to resort to such vile acts which they try to justify on the basis of freedom of speech or expression. Let it not be that in the name of freedom of speech the peace of the entire is destroyed,” The Express Tribune quoted Mirza Masroor Ahmad, as saying in a statement.
Ahmad said that Muslims across the world should “peacefully unite in their opposition to the film” which has stirred up “great resentment and anger among Muslims worldwide”.
Ahmad also called for limiting free speech so that the religious sentiments of people are protected. He also condemned the violent response witnessed in a number of countries by Muslims and the killings of innocent people including ambassadors and diplomats. (ANI)
The film, made by an Israeli-American, which portrays Prophet Muhammad as a fraud, child molester and a womanizer, created furore across the Muslim world, resulting in violence and worldwide protests against America. (ANI)
Muslim leader calls for peace, limits to speech over incendiary video
By Graham Lanktree Metro Ottawa
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Fifth Khalifah, called on Muslims across the world to peacefully unite in their opposition to the film ‘The Innocence of Muslims’ Sept. 21.
After weeks of violence erupted over an amateur video criticizing the Muslim faith, members of Ottawa’s Islamic community will call for an end to the violence and limits to free speech at a meeting Saturday.
“It is against the teachings of Islam to burn flags, burn property and kill people—including an ambassador,” said Imtiaz Ahmed, an Islamic missionary and community leader. “There is a fine line between freedom of speech and hurting people’s sentiments. When we hurt people we have to draw a line on freedom of speech.”
Ahmed hopes to draw a crowd of 400 members of Ottawa’s Ahmadi community, a small Muslim sect persecuted in Pakistan, to share the message of rejecting violence.
“The best way to react is to pray to God the almighty for his help and be a role model,” he said. “Violence is not a solution to anything. We also condemn the video produced in America and the cartoons in France.”
On Sept. 21, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, a spiritual leader of the Ahmadi, called for limits to free speech so that the religious sentiments of all people are protected.
“We are grateful the Canadian government has given us freedom to practice our faith,” Ahmed said. “In my country we can’t even call ourselves Muslims,” he noted in reference to numerous and regular attacks on Pakistan’s 2 to 5 million Ahmadi.
“Each religion has respect for their own Prophet. Christians respect Jesus Christ, peace be upon him,” he said. “But sometimes ignorant clergymen use people for their own personal gains. Prophet Mohammed never taught us to go out in the street and create violence.”
Imtiaz Ahmed will lead a talk condemning violence Saturday, Sept. 29 at 5 p.m. at 2610 Market St. in Cumberland.
One News
New Zealand’s News Reporter: Garth Bray
But in Europe moderate Muslim leaders have been trying to stop the violence spreading to their region and it seems to be working so far. Our Europe correspondent Garth Bray has been given a rare access to a London mosque.
As American flags burn across Asia and the Middle East, in Paris where cartoons, of a naked Prophet Muhammad were published, call for calm word heeded. So too in Britain.
I was invited into this mosque so eagerly to show its moderate views that these two female reporters were welcomed also. The Khalifah condemned the filmmaker and cartoonists.
“Allah Almighty is going to fill hell with these people.”
Just as quickly, he reminded listeners that it is not up to them to punish the wicked.
“We do not believe in any type of violence and you have never observed or seen any Ahmadi involved in this type of protest and violence.”
The people who built this mosque in South-West London say it is the largest in Western Europe and that Muslims in a hundred nations would have heard the words spoken inside, calling on them to do no more than speak out against insults to their religion, like the cartoon and the film.
But their leader the Caliph admitted to me that there are many more Muslims prepare to do much worse.
He says:
“It is not anti-Western sentiment, more a case of others inciting violence to increase their own following. Of course, as the Head of a minority Muslim sect his words may not move many of them, nor quell the violence in places like Peshawar.”