Huzur Commissions 50th Ahmadiyya Mosque In Germany
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is pleased to announce that on Monday, 10th April, 2017, the World Head of the Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifa Masih V inaugurated the Aafiyat Mosque (Mosque of Peace and Security) in the German city of Waldshut-Tiengen.
It is the 50th Mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Germany.
Upon arrival in Waldshut-Tiengen, Huzur officially inaugurated the Mosque by unveiling a commemorative plaque and offering a silent prayer in thanks to God Almighty before leading the Zuhr and Asr prayers.
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Thereafter, a special reception, attended by 110 dignitaries and guests, was held to mark the opening of the Mosque, during which Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address in which he outlined the objectives of Mosques and explained the true teachings of Islam.
His Holiness began by appreciating the fact that Waldshut-Tiengen was a city comprising of people from many different ethnicities and backgrounds living together peacefully.
His Holiness said Islam taught people to set aside their differences for the common good and to live together with mutual respect.
He said that the Holy Quran’s teachings were a means of bringing people together, rather than driving them apart.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
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“We believe that prophets were sent to all nations and peoples and we believe in the truth of them all. Given that they were all sent by Allah, how could it be possible that He desired for conflicts and wars between the people of different faiths and beliefs?”
Addressing misunderstandings that exist about the wars fought during the early period of Islam, Huzur explained that permission for a defensive war was granted to the early Muslims only following a period of sustained persecution against them.
Furthermore, permission was granted in order to ensure the universal principle of religious freedom was established once and for all.
His Holiness referred to chapter 22 verse 41 of the Holy Quran, which states: “And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated.”
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Commenting on this verse, Hazrat Masroor Ahmad said:
“According to the teachings of Islam, it is compulsory for a true Muslim to stand ever ready to protect the places of worship of all religions, whether they be churches, synagogues or any other. It is incumbent upon a Muslim to live peacefully alongside the people of other beliefs and to treat them with love and kindness. These compassionate teachings of Islam are the basis for peace and unity in society.”
Huzur said the Holy Quran repeatedly instructed Muslims to serve mankind irrespective of religion or belief and based on these teachings the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had established numerous hospitals, schools and humanitarian projects in deprived parts of the world.
He continued, “The vast majority of the patients treated in our Ahmadiyya hospitals and the vast majority of students taught in our Ahmadiyya schools are Christians or other non-Muslims. We also provide scholarships and funding to talented students, who otherwise could not afford education, irrespective of faith. We do this because our religion teaches us that every person in the world has the right to an education.”
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Referring to the fact that the site purchased for the Mosque was previously the location for a market, “in the past, there was a market here where people would come to purchase material goods which we have now turned into a Mosque. Hence in future, people will come here not to buy material items but to acquire spiritual treasures through the worship of God Almighty. We will use this Mosque as a centre for people to gather in order to serve humanity.”
He added “where previously, you had to pay money to purchase goods, now you will receive gifts of love and kindness without having to spend a penny. Where before, the local people had to purchase material goods, now those who come to this Mosque to worship, will spend in the way of Allah to spread peace and compassion amongst society.”
Referring to the recent spate of terrorist attacks across the globe by extremists, His Holiness said that such attacks were taking place in the name of Islam, not only in the West, but also in Muslim countries, “the terrorists and extremists are falsely using the name of Islam to pursue their hateful and selfish vested interests. To achieve these ends they are murdering anyone who comes in their way. Therefore, the world stands in urgent need of tolerance, mutual respect and open-heartedness. The world needs to put into practice the motto which we Ahmadi Muslims proclaim of ‘Love for all, Hatred for none’.”
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Concluding his address, Huzur prayed: “may Allah enable the Ahmadi Muslims in this city to act according to the true teachings of Islam and to serve the people of this city in the best manner. I hope and pray that the reservations some people may hold about Islam are alleviated and that they see for themselves that true Mosques are symbols of peace and harmony.”
Earlier, a welcome address was given by the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Germany, Abdullah Wagishauser, followed by comments from guest speakers.
Representing the Mayor of Waldshut-Tiengen, Sylvia Dobler said: “I would like to welcome the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to Waldshut-Tiengen. It is a great honour and privilege for our city that you are here. Further, I would like to thank the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for opening the doors to its Mosque so that we can learn about your faith and beliefs.”
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Mayor of Lorrach, Dr. Michael Wilke said: “there is a lot of fear about Islam in the hearts of people today and there can only be one response which is to try to better understand one another’s faiths and to treat each other with mutual respect. We look forwarding to inviting Ahmadi Muslims to future events so that you can show Islam’s peaceful teachings and remove the fears that exist.”
Representing the Protestant Church, Father Rainer Stockburger said: “each religion has different traditions and practices and has its own sacred places and events. Rather than let differences cause division or conflict, we should seek to understand each other and show tolerance.”
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The formal session concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness, followed by dinner.
His Holiness was also interviewed by SWR TV and SWR Radio.
