Venkat Raman
Auckland, February 1, 2021
Former President Mohammed Iqbal speaking at the Convention, with Priyanca Radhakrishnan and Bashir Khan seated on the stage.
The Islamic perspective of creating unity in the world was the highlight of the annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at held in Auckland last week.
The event, 32nd in an annual series was held at Alfriston College in Manukau, South Auckland with ‘Unity Among Nations’ as the main theme.
Among the Guests of Honour were Transport, Workplace Relations & Safety Minister Michael Wood, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities Minister Priyanca Radhakrishnan and community leaders.
Social harmony during crisis
Delivering the Keynote Address, Imam Mustenser Qamar emphasised the importance of social harmony and unity, especially in times of pandemic and crises.
“After the Holy Prophet Mohammed migrated to the city of Medina, he formed a covenant with the Jewish people, whereby Muslims and Jewish citizens could live together peacefully with the spirit of mutual sympathy, tolerance and equity. The covenant proved to be a magnificent charter of human rights and governance and ensured peace between the different communities living in Medina… freedom of belief and freedom of conscience were cornerstones of that treaty. Unity underpinned the agreement,” he said.
Ministers commend the community
Acknowledging the leadership of Ahmadiyya Jama’at, Mr Wood said, “I commend you for your work, putting on this Convention, the Peace Symposium that you hold every year, and everything else that you do not only to serve your own community but the causes of peace and justice in Aotearoa New Zealand.”
Ms Radhakrishnan, who is also Minister for Community and Voluntary Sector and Youth, said: “The theme that you have chosen for the Convention speaks highly of your commitment to promoting mutual understanding across faiths and cultures, and global solidarity.”
About 500 people, including political, community and faith leaders attend the Convention, which featured presentations on a variety of religious and social topics on ‘Unity Among Nations.’ It provided an opportunity for dialogue on the problems faced by the world with the advent of Coronavirus pandemic.
Earlier Mathew Abu Bakr from National Park recited a verse from the Holy Quran in Teo Maori, followed by an address by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at New Zealand President Bashir Khan.
A section of the audience with Imam Mustenser Qamar seated front left.
About the Ahmadiyya Community
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic and fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Qadian in India, the Movement now spans over 213 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Its motto of “Love for All, Hatred for None” is evidenced through the peaceful actions of its millions of followers. The New Zealand branch of the community was established in 1987. It is a registered charitable organisation which strives to be an active, integrated community within New Zealand society.
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