Promotion of goodwill and understanding, respect for all religions, peace and harmony for mankind and interfaith dialogue are among the issues that would influence an important conference in Auckland this week.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of New Zealand is organising its annual ‘Peace Conference’ at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Pakruanga (13 Reeves Road), East Auckland on Saturday, October 20 at 4 pm, followed by dinner.
Jama’at National President Mohammed Iqbal said leaders representing various religions including Islamic, Hindu, Jewish, Buddhist, Sikh and other faiths will speak on ‘Justice and Equality: Key to Global Peace.
He said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community encourages interfaith dialogue, defends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam.
“We advocate peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. We firmly believe in the teaching of the Holy Quran that ‘there is no compulsion in religion and reject violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason.’
“This is our humble effort to bring members from various participating faiths together to listen, learn and reflect on the messages from various religions. We hope that this will make a difference towards a better understanding and tolerance amongst our communities in New Zealand,” Mr Iqbal said.
He said that the Ahmadiyya community resident in various parts of the world would be conducting similar peace conferences to emphasise the importance of communal harmony and the joy of living and working together.
The New Zealand headquarters of the Ahmadiyyas, based in Manukau (Auckland), has been organising the Peace Conference for the past nine years.
“New Zealand is at crossroads of cultural transformation and people should accept each other’s beliefs and avoid conflicts that exist in other countries. Auckland accounts for more than 100 ethnic groups and hence religious heads should promote peace and tolerance among the communities,” Mr Iqbal said.
Further details can be obtained from National Secretary (External Affairs) on (09) 5763511 or o21-1336146. Email: eqbalakhan@gmail.com
