Faiths Join To Talk About Peace
One World Many Faiths brought together representatives of different faiths to present the importance of peace in their religion.
There’s a great need for peace in the world at the moment, with conflicts happening in Ukraine, Yemen and Gaza among many. The need to spread the message of peace was why the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Aldershot and surrounding areas hosted an interfaith event inviting local people to join them on Sunday at St George’s church in Badshot Lea.
Recitation of the Holy Qur’an and a video introduction into the background of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and its work was shown before the Buddhist monk Ven Khenpo Karma Tsultrim began by saying that Buddhism teaches that everyone deserves eternal peace which is still needed, with ignorance and lack of understanding being a main cause of suffering in the world. He went on to explain that peace must be built by becoming free from negativity and embracing love, compassion and wisdom.
Shalomolaikum is a common Jewish greeting of peace which is very close to the Arabic greeting of Assalaamoalaikum. Jewish texts teach compassion and peace and the entire Torah is for the sake of ‘Shalom’. In Judaism there are three things that preserve the world – truth justice and peace.
Reverend Stella Wiseman from the Parish of Badshot Lea and Hale was next and showed one of the beatitudes in Christianity is ‘blessed are the peacemakers’. With so much conflict around the world, often caused by humiliation , learning to love one another as God loves each of us is a solution, and that peace teaches us love patience and understanding.
Scholar Ibrahim Ikhlaf began by saying that without returning to God, one cannot attain peace which, in Islam, is the outcome of justice. It’s not might which is right, it is right which is might.
Referring to the situation in Palestine, Mr Ikhlaf was unequivocal in his condemnation of the actions of Hamas on 7th October as well as Israel’s ongoing retaliation, saying “what Israel is doing is against the spirit of the Torah”. He continued, “we should not take sides, we should take the side of justice which will lead to peace.”
The event included the Voices For Peace campaign which was started by worldwide spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, in response to the ongoing conflict and suffering in Israel and Gaza. The campaign, running on social media as #VoicesForPeace, calls for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages and working towards a lasting peace based on justice.
After the faith presentations, Labour party Parliamentary candidate for Aldershot, Alex Baker, had the opportunity to speak to the audience paying tribute to faith based communities. She said more events like this were needed as they showed we have more in common than not. She continued by saying that as people of faith it’s really important to use your vote.
The Mayor of Rushmoor, Cllr Clive Grattan thanked the faith speakers and volunteers putting on the event, and commenting on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s voluntary work such as helping food banks, fundraising etc. He added his hope that everyone would work towards world peace together.
Vice president of AMA UK, Attaul Qudoos Ahmad, was the the final speaker and read some quotes of His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, concerning the ongoing situation in Gaza. He concluded by commenting that working together hand in hand sends a powerful message.
After the formal programme, guests had time to chat with their hosts and learn about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community over a meal.
More information about voices for peace can be found here:
Read related posts on the Voice of British Muslim Women blog:
https://voiceofbritishmuslimwomen.co.uk/?s=Voices+For+Peace+&submit=Go
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