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 the one-day meeting at the Panmure Community Centre Hall (7 Pilkington Road) in Panmure on November 5 at 3 pm, leading up to dinner at 630 pm.
Jama’at National President Mohammed Iqbal said people representing the Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Sikh, Islamic and Jewish faiths will speak on the broad theme of ‘Peace, Loyalty and Tolerance through Religion’ at the Conference.
“This is our humble effort to bring together members of various faiths to listen, learn and reflect on the messages from their respective religions. We hope this will make a difference towards a better understanding and tolerance amongst our communities in New Zealand,” he said.
He said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths.
“We believe in the Quranic teaching that there is no compulsion in religion. Islam rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason,” he said.
Mr Iqbal said that the Peace Conference aimed to establish and enhance relationships with other faith groups and discuss key religious principles, educate people on the true teaching from the various faith groups, work to promote peace, love and unity.
Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, a religious teacher, established the Ahmadiyya Community in 1889 in Qadian, a village in Punjab, India. He claimed that he was the ‘Mujaddid’ (Divine Reformer) and the Messiah of 19th Century Islam.
His followers believe the prophecies regarding the advent of the ‘Promised One’ in the latter Days in the Scriptures of all major religions have been fulfilled.
As well as Australia and New Zealand, the Community is present in Africa, North America, South America, Asia and Europe.
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, tolerance and loyalty among the communities,” he said.
For further information, call External Affairs Head Eqbal Khan on 021-1336146 or General Secretary Dr Nadeem Ahmad on 021-2422394.
