The rise of extremism and hatred threatens the peace of our society. In too many instances this has resulted in violence and even murder. Where extremism is carried out in the name of Islam or any religion then it pains us even more, for as Muslims we know that all prophets came with a message of peace. It is therefore critical that we do not let extremists and extremist ideology divide us.
This campaign seeks to remove misconceptions and calls on all people of peace, including those of faith and of no faith, to come together and stand in solidarity against all forms of extremism. Standing together, united against extremism, for the sake of peace we pledge to preserve our bonds of friendship, to promote mutual respect and to build a peaceful society for all.
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Your motto – ‘love for all, hatred for none’ – shines from all you do. It is a message we would all do well to live by, especially as we build a stronger, more united future.
– Rt Hon Theresa May MP, The Prime Minister (2017-19)
Thank you for everything you do to bring about a more tolerant, more just, more respectful society. Let us work together to build on this.
– Rt Hon Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party (2015-2020)
Ahmadis are known for being a peace-loving community, with a strong emphasis on inter-faith integration. They also carry out excellent charity work - which was clear for all to see when they came to help with flood relief efforts here in Cumbria and elsewhere this Christmas.
– Tim Farron MP, Former Leader of the Liberal Democrats (2015-2017)
We need to come together across society and communities to combat extremism. The Ahmadiyya community has a proud track record of positive action in society, and this latest initiative will, I believe, play a valuable role in what is a big challenge for all of us.
– Rt Hon Chris Grayling MP, Leader of the House of Commons (2015-2016)
I very much support the continued efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, in London and elsewhere, to promote peace and cohesion in our country. I see this very clearly through my work as a constituency MP. It is all the more important in these difficult times that all parts of our society come together to demonstrate our opposition to extremism and our support for inclusiveness, peace and tolerance. The leading role that Ahmadiyya Muslims are taking as part of this is admirable, and typical of your community, which has so consistently promoted a message of peace, love and respect for all. “Thank you for all that you do, and I wish you every success with your campaign.
– Jane Ellison, Former MP for Battersea, Balham & Wandsworth (2010-17)
I am fully behind this initiative by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. This campaign very effectively highlights the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s total commitment to peace and opposition to violence and extremism. The campaign reminds us all that those who claim to commit acts of violence in the name of Islam are not real followers of the Muslim faith.
– Rt Hon Tom Brake MP, Lib Dem Foreign Affairs Spokesman and Chief Whip (2015-2019)
We are an incredible, inclusive and progressive nation where the diversity of our communities is our strength. I pay tribute to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community who have shown that devotion to faith is the foundation to a selfless desire to serve humanity driven by a deep sense of loyalty to our nation. At time of great human tragedy as we have seen recently with the terrorist atrocities in Paris, the Community has once again issued a resounding and resolute call of peace and unity against the dark forces of extremism which seek to divide us.
– Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the UN at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (2017 – Present)
"There is no place for hate and extremism in a modern and inclusive Scotland. Ensuring we all take a stand against it is an important part of creating a fairer country for all – something we are committed to as a government. I value the contribution that the Ahmadiyya Muslim community is making towards tackling extremism, promoting peace and building cohesive societies. Their work highlights the importance of coming together to create stronger, more inclusive communities which promote tolerance and understanding."
– Angela Constance,Cabinet Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equality, Scottish Government (2016-2018)The Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to mankind.” (Bukhari)
“Kindness is a mark of faith, and who-ever has no kindness has no faith.” (Muslim)
The horrific actions of extremists, who conduct their brutality in the name of Islam, have led many to question whether Islam advocates terrorism and violence. The truth, however, is that Islam and terrorism are poles apart as there is no justification in Islam for any form of extremism.
Religion is a source of guidance that leads mankind to be at peace with God and with each other. Islam teaches us that all prophets of God and all religions came with the same message of peace. Any action that creates disorder or destruction is completely contrary to the teachings of all prophets and certainly against the teachings of Islam. Therefore, a Muslim is one who strives to be at peace with all around him.
Extremism is therefore against all religions and Islam in particular. The very meaning of Islam is ‘peace’, security and giving a guarantee of protection against all forms of harm.
No. Islam strongly and unreservedly rejects and condemns terrorism in any form and for any reason, whether committed by an individual, group or government.
In fact, according to Islam, no religion can sanction violence and bloodshed of innocent men, women and children in the name of God, since all religions came from God Who sent His prophets to establish peace in the world.
Islam placed an obligation on every Muslim to uphold peace. This concept is so deeply rooted in Islam that the Holy Qur’an describes true Muslims as those who:
'…walk on the earth in a dignified manner, and when the ignorant address them, they say, ‘Peace!’ ' (Holy Qur’an Ch.25: V.64)
Furthermore the Holy Qur’an champions the sanctity of life:
'…whosoever killed a person … it shall be as if he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind' (Holy Qur’an Ch.5: V:33)
In his famous Farewell Sermon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, that God had made the lives, property and honour of every man sacred, stating:
‘…to take anyone’s life or his property or attack his honour is as unjust and as wrong as to violate the sacredness of this day, this month and this terrirory.’ (Sihah Sitta)
This leaves no doubt that there is no justification whatsoever for extremism or terrorism in the teachings of Islam.
No. First and foremost the Holy Qur’an clearly sets out the prohibition of taking of one’s own life.
'...And kill not yourselves. Surely Allah is Merciful to you. And whoso does that by way of transgression and injustice, We shall cast him into Fire, and that is easy with Allah.' (Ch.4: V:30-31)
This makes it clear that suicide is forbidden and is condemned by the teachings of Islam. When suicide is used as a mechanism to murder others then it becomes an even greater sin. Suicide bombing, therefore, is an abominable and heinous act that has no justification in the teachings of Islam.
No. The Holy Qur’an is very clear that mankind has a free choice in the matter of religion.
'There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, right has become distinct from wrong…' (Ch.2: V.257)
Muslims are encouraged to spread the message of Islam peacefully with respect and love. The Holy Qur’an is very clear that each person is free to follow or change the faith of his or her choice. Moreover if someone does not believe in God, they have a right to hold that view and cannot be forced to change or be punished in any way for that. According to Islam man is accountable for his beliefs to God alone. Muslims are reminded in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an that God has truly granted freedom of religion to all:
‘And if thy Lord has enforced His Will, surely, all who are in the earth would have believed together. Wilt thou, then, force men to become believers?’ (Ch.10: V.100)
This shows that Islam upholds freedom of religion for all and those who perpetrate evil, seek only to fulfil their selfish interests and their distorted views have no basis whatsoever in the faith of Islam.
His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is the Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His Holiness has continually advocated the peaceful teachings of Islam and has condemned acts of terrorism and extremism in various addresses throughout the world, including the UK Parliament, EU Parliament and the US Congress in Capitol Hill. A few extracts of his speeches are presented below.
“Those who fight wars in the name of religion are wrong when they say that they are fighting due to their relationship with God.” (London, 13 November 2010)
“…we must unite in our efforts to end all forms of extremism and prejudice, whether religious, racial or of any other kind.” (The 16th National Peace Symposium, Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, 9 March 2019)
“Islam is often branded an extremist religion that incites violence, and it is also alleged that large numbers of Muslims are disloyal to their countries, or seek to spread disorder within society. However, I consider such allegations to be false and unjust. Even though so-called Muslim terrorists claim to act in Islam’s name, I do not believe that we are witnessing a religious war; rather, the wars being fought and atrocities committed are only for geopolitical gains. The so-called Jihadi terrorists and extremist clerics serve only to tarnish the name of Islam and undermine the efforts of the vast majority of Muslims who are peaceful and law-abiding citizens. Unquestionably, from the outset, Islam has rejected all forms of extremism.” (The 15th National Peace Symposium, Baitul Futuh Mosque, London, 17 March 2018)
