People of all faiths would learn more about Islam and Ahmadiyyat at a forthcoming three-day conference in Auckland.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand Inc is organising the event from January 26 to 28, 2013 coinciding with the Auckland anniversary weekend at their premises located at 20 Dalgety Drive (Wiri) at Manukau Central.
Jama’at President Mohammed Iqbal said that the 23rd annual Conference, known as ‘Jalsa Salana,’ will commence at 11 am on January 26 with a special session for members of all faiths.
First Conference
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Founder Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad organised the first conference in the North Indian state of Punjab in 1891.
“Since then, our Centres located throughout the world conduct such conferences. It is customary for us to invite guests from other communities to attend the event,” Mr Iqbal said.
Eqbal Khan, National Secretary (External Affairs) of the Jama’at hoped that Members of Parliament, community and religious leaders and others would also attend the special session.
“Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at is a movement within Islam established to revive and represent the true benevolent teachings of the religion,” he said.
According to Mr Khan, Hazrat Mirza proclaimed that God had told him that this Jalsa was no ordinary gathering but one with special blessings and that it would flourish with age.
Meetings worldwide
“True to that promise, this event, from its humble beginnings with 75 members, has grown over the years. The Jalsa Salana is held in almost every county where the Jama’at has been established, with thousands of members in attendance. These include large gatherings in the US, Canada, Germany and UK.
“Jalsa Salana is held in London every year in July. More than 50,000 members of the Jama’at from 50 countries attended the convention in 2010, at which our spiritual Leader and Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Community Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered his address.
Eight members from New Zealand Jama’at attended this event.
Hazrat Mirza said that the primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to experience religious benefits.
“They may enhance their knowledge and due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, the Exalted, their perception (of Almighty God) may progress.
Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this Community.”
Growing Religion
According to Wikipedia, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 and is today spread over 193 countries with membership of tens of millions of people. Its current international headquarters is in London.
This Islamic organisation believes that the long-awaited Messiah was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian. He was stated to the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the Divine Guide, whose advent was foretold by Mohammed the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him).
Islamic Revival
Ahmadiyyas believe that “God sent Ahmad like Jesus to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace.”
The followers say that his advent ushered in an unprecedented era of Islamic revival.
“He divested Islam of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings. He also recognised the noble teachings of the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha, Confucius, Lao Tzu and Guru Nanak, and explained how such teachings converged into the one true Islam.”
The Organisation also believes that “Jihad by the sword” has no place in Islam.
Further information can be obtained from Mr Khan on (09) 5763511 or 021-1336146 Email: eqbalakhan@gmail.com
