Freedom of speech and liberty of expression are important pillars of the society but these should not be misused to create tension, polarising people, a religious leader has said.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at NZ Inc President Mohammed Iqbal said that an intensive wave of indignation and anguish was sweeping through the world and that people were attacking each other’s faith in the name of freedom of speech.
“The uproar such freedom of speech creates, followed by counter-reaction is very concerning. Whether the act is in the form of offensive caricatures or a slanderous movie made against the Prophet Mohammed; whether it is an attack on churches or temples or ridiculing any holy character or belief, these acts are unacceptable and affects us as well,” he said.
Mr Iqbal was speaking at the ‘Interfaith Peace Conference’ held in Auckland at the Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Pakuranga (13 Reeves Road) on October 20.
The Conference, which coincided with the ‘Week of Prayer for Peace’ held between October 14 and 21, aimed to bring together religious leaders and people of various faiths to work for the common good of all New Zealanders.
National concern
Mr Iqbal said the world had become a global village and that such waves of verbal and other protests spread quickly, and could destroy peace, if wickedness is not openly condemned.
“We must join as one force to keep New Zealand free from any divisive philosophy that impedes our country’s peace, stability and economic growth.
“By working together, we can give our families and our people a coherent, vibrant and peaceful environment to live in and prosper,” he said.
Quoting the Holy Quran, Mr Iqbal said, “Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness, and fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do.”
Islamic Principles
According to Mr Iqbal, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes in peace and harmony and is in preserving true religious beliefs, freedom of conscience, and protection of human rights.
The community follows the true principles of Islam that lead to peace in every aspect of life,” he said.
“Our Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad divested Islam of fanatical beliefs and practices that took Muslims away from the real Islam. He also recognised the noble teachings of the great religious founders and saints, including Zoroaster, Abraham, Moses, Jesus, Krishna, Buddha and Guru Nanak, and explained how such teachings converged into the one true Islam.” Mr Iqbal said.
Celebrate plurality
Members of Parliament Phil Goff, Ross Robertson, Dr Cam Calder and Su’a William Sio were among the guest speakers.
Mr Goff said that some ‘historic differences from people’ have disappeared because of their desire for equality, peace and harmony, he said and cited Catholics and Protestants as example.
“We should be able to celebrate our differences, religious diversity and cultural plurality and enrich our society of values. We should avoid unnecessary bickering and conflicts. Despite uttering ‘Shalom’ and ‘Assalam Alaikum’ (both denoting peace), the Israelis and Palestinians are at war for decades. The world will be a better place if we treat each other equally,” he said.
Social partnership
Dr Calder said that a member-country of the Asia Pacific region, New Zealanders should work together for peace, equality, harmony and justice.
“We must work in partnership with other friendly countries to fight extremism, terrorism and other sinister forces. We should also build better relationship with the media and the society,” he said.
Mr Robertson, who is Labour Party’s spokesperson for Disarmament said people around the world were more worried about autonomy that ‘connection.’
“Our most important task is to make the secular world understand the religious values and sentiments of people of various faiths,” he said.
Keynote speakers
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at NZ Inc had organised the annual conference, held this year under the theme, ‘Justice and Equality- a Key to Global Peace.’
Among the key speakers were Ram Lingam (Muslim), Venerable Carolyn Lawler (Buddhist), Tipene Daniels (Judaism), Reverend Bruce Keeley (Christian), Verpal Singh (Sikh) and Maulana Shafiq Ur Rahman (Islam).
As written in these columns earlier, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at NZ Inc is currently constructing a new Mosque at its property in Manukau.
Estimated to cost $3 million, the Mosque, stated to be the biggest in New Zealand, is expected to be ready in 2013.
“In addition to many internal projects, our Jamaát is engaged in several projects to promote community and social welfare. These include financial support to the families of the victims of the Pike River mines disaster, Christchurch earthquake, rehabilitation of people in disaster-struck areas overseas, assistance in migrant resettlement programme, raising funds for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and donating blood,” Mr Iqbal said.
