Venkat Raman –
While a majority of Aucklanders would have been relaxing and enjoying New Year’s Day, a small group of 30 youngsters were at out in the streets, cleaning and quietly praying for all us in the world to live in peace and harmony.
They were representatives of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), a part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at (AMJ), who began the first day of 2016 at 4 am offering prayers for world peace, following which they began their cleaning campaign.
The campaign included voluntary cleaning of streets, reserves and beaches at Mission Bay near Central Auckland, with the support and guidance of City Parks Services.
Clean initiatives
AMJ National Vice-President and Media Liaison Officer Bashir Khan said that such activities were not new for the Muslim community.
“Our young people volunteered their services and completed their tasks in time for the public to enjoy the facilities in Auckland on New Year’s Day. We Muslims believe in ‘Love for All, Hatred towards None’ worldwide in the name of Islam. This is the third year that our youth have carried out this initiative in the true spirit of serving our country and fellow citizens,” he said.
Tamaki MP Simon O’Connor (National) was among those who expressed their appreciation to the young members of the Ahmadiyya community.
Peaceful Islam
Mr Khan said that there has been increased anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainstream and social media following the recent terrorist attacks in France and San Bernardino (USA).
“Initiatives such as the ‘Clean-up Day,’ will show the New Zealand public that the teachings of true Islam are not only peaceful but all-encompassing, protecting the rights and welfare of animals, and the integrity of the environment,” he said.
‘True Jihad’
AMYA President Azeem Zafarullah described the Clean-up Day as “a part of the true Jihad undertaken by Ahmadiyyas worldwide, under the guidance of the Khalifa of Islam, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
“In stark contrast to the violent Jihad commonly practiced by religious extremists and viewed through the lens of the media, true Jihad literally means ‘to struggle.’ It is a personal battle against one’s inner temptations. The Greater Jihad as described by Prophet Mohammed is a spiritual battle waged against one’s corrupt and selfish desires to purify the soul. One of the tools of this greater Jihad is selfless service. It is in this spirit of selfless service with which Ahmadi Muslim youth will take to the streets on New Year’s Day to clean up their community after the festivities,” he said.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavours to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.
Further information about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association can be obtained from Bashir Khan on 021-778425. Email: bakhan.amj@gmail.com or from Azeem Zafarullah on 021-024774409. Email: mzazeem@hotmail.com
Photo Caption: The young volunteers from Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association
