The Voice Of Islam Radio

Thank you so much to The Voice Of Islam Radio for having me on today. It was a pleasure quickly explaining British Islamophobia as a matter of systemic racism as part of today's Drive Time Show : https://lnkd.in/eQMvhMe7

Peace, Not War! Islam's Response to Extremism First and foremost, it's vital to understand that Islam, at its core, is a religion of peace. The very word "Islam" is derived from the Arabic root "salaam," meaning peace. Our holy book, the Holy Qur'an, emphasizes that taking an innocent life is akin to killing all of humanity (5:33). This foundational principle firmly rejects any form of terrorism or unjustified violence. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded by His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in 1889, has consistently championed this peaceful interpretation of Islam. Our motto, "Love for All, Hatred for None," encapsulates our commitment to fostering harmony and rejecting violence in all forms. But how do we reconcile this with the violent acts committed in the name of Islam that we see in the news? As Ahmadi Muslims, we believe these actions stem from misinterpretation of Islamic teachings and often have more to do with political, economic, or social grievances than with religion itself. The concept of jihad, often misconstrued as "holy war," actually means "struggle" in Arabic. For us, the true jihad is the inner struggle against one's own evil inclinations and the peaceful struggle to spread the message of Islam through logic, reason, and personal example – never through force or violence. The Promised Messiah, His Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), declared over a century ago that militant jihad was no longer relevant in the modern age. He emphasized that the time for intellectual and spiritual jihad had come – a jihad of the pen, not the sword. This peaceful approach is not passive. Ahmadi Muslims actively work to counter extremist narratives within Muslim communities and beyond. We engage in interfaith dialogues, participate in humanitarian efforts, and strive to be model citizens in our respective countries, demonstrating through our actions that true Islam promotes peace and social harmony. Critics might argue that the Qur'an contains verses that seem to promote violence. However, it's crucial to understand these verses in their historical and textual context. Many such verses were revealed during times of defensive warfare, when the early Muslim community faced existential threats. They are not blanket commands for aggression. Moreover, the Holy Prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) life provides numerous examples of forgiveness, mercy, and peaceful coexistence with people of other faiths. As Ahmadi Muslims, we strive to follow his example in our daily lives and interactions. No doubt, Islam unequivocally rejects terrorism and unjustified violence. Our faith calls us to be ambassadors of peace, to spread love and understanding, and to work tirelessly for the betterment of all humanity. What are your thoughts on this? Do you believe that religion promotes peace or is it the cause of terrorism and violence? #VoicesforPeace #LoveForAllHatredForNone #IslamicTeachings

Missed our interview with Jeremy Corbyn on ways to foster global peace? Click the link below to hear his thoughts on the actions of individuals and communities needed in supporting peace-building efforts. https://lnkd.in/eKKEWK4g

Jeremy Corbyn speaks on how war and conflict fuel a global cycle of injustice. #VoiceforPeace

#EidulAdha is a time for Muslims to reflect on the virtues of sacrifice and generosity. Let us remember the significance of this festival and spread love and kindness. #Eid #Eid2024

The World Court has ordered Israel to immediately cease its military offensive on Rafa in Gaza, a landmark ruling for justice and peace in the region - so why does injustice continue? #voicesforpeace

Did you know? Hajj is one of the oldest pilgrimages which dates back to over 4,000 years, tracing roots to the Prophet Abraham (pbuh) and his son Prophet Ismael (pbuh). #FunFacts #Islam #Hajj2024 #Eid

Did you know? Hajj is one of the largest annual gatherings in the world, attracting millions of Muslims from over 180 countries. #FunFacts #Hajj2024 #Islam

Experience the Journey of a Lifetime 🌟 Join us as we capture the spiritual essence of Hajj – a pilgrimage of faith, devotion, and unity. #Hajj2024 #Islam #IslamicTeachings #Pilgrimage #Mecca #Eid #Eid2024

Israeli rejection of ICC's arrest warrants for war crimes, coupled with US condemnation, highlights the urgent need for justice in Gaza. #voicesforpeace