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Ahmadiyya Muslim Jammat
Auckland, August 28, 2017
Representatives of different faiths came together last weekend to present their perspectives on the issue: ‘Loyalty to state or faith?’
The Conference, organised by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at its Bait Al Muqeet Mosque in Manukau, Auckland on Saturday, August 26, 2017.
Faith leaders representing Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Judaism and Islam, provided their views and those of their faith, and explained how loyalty to both faith and state is possible if one follows the teachings of their religion earnestly.
The speakers also acknowledged the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for providing a forum to discuss such topics. Tayyaba Khan, Manager Community Engagement at the Office of Ethnic Communities, was the chief guest at the well-attended session.
Islam misrepresented
“The religion of Islam is unfortunately being maligned, degraded and considered to give teachings which are incompatible with secular and democratic values. Some of the barbaric terrorist attacks in the West have been committed by so-called Muslims supposedly displaying loyalty to their faith over their nation or state.” Imam Mustenser Ahmad Qamar said.
Explaining how it couldn’t be further from the true Islamic practice he said, “Prophet Mohamed (Peace Be Upon Him) himself taught that ‘love for one’s nation is a part of faith.’ Thus, sincere patriotism is a requirement in Islam. To truly love God and Islam, requires a person to love his nation.”
Divided loyalty
Ahmadiyya Community New Zealand President Bashir Khan said, “The issue of divided loyalty is not new and there are parallels in history which show that every faith at some point has faced this challenge. New Zealand as a country encourages and celebrates diversity. Our purpose is to reach out – recognise and understand that diversity, and stand united! So today we present to you the opportunity to understand how all major faiths have managed this divided loyalty,” he said.
Positive role
Leaders of all faiths highlighted how religion can play a positive role in promoting peaceful co-existence and increasing cohesion in the society.
Members of Parliament Michael Wood, Kanwaljit Singh Bakshi, Dr Parmjeet Parmar and Mahesh Bindra attended the event, acknowledged and thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for providing a platform for a positive discussion to take place.
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Photo Caption:
Speakers at the Ahmadiyya Peace Symposium
(Picture Supplied)
