Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, condemns cruelties against Palestinians, the vile act of Quran-burning in Sweden and also addresses the riots in France
The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has expressed his sorrow and regret at the lack of unity amongst the Muslim world and expressed his view that the weakness of the Muslim Ummah is enabling the opponents of Islam to target Muslims.
Speaking during his Friday Sermon at the Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Tilford, on 7 July 2023, His Holiness highlighted the ongoing oppression of Palestinian Muslims, the latest incident of Quran burning in Sweden and the French riots following the police killing of teenager Nahel Merzouk.
In relation to these incidents, His Holiness said the only way for Muslims to bring an end to the unjust targeting of Islam is for the Muslim community worldwide to unite together to bring an end to all forms of sectarian hatred and division.
Speaking of the ongoing situation in Palestine, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“We should pray for the Palestinians. May Allah create ease and relief for those oppressed people. May He grant them leaders who fulfil their rights, guide them properly and free them from the injustices being perpetrated against them. The cruelties they are facing have reached extreme levels, but no one is there to protect or guide them. If only the Muslims of the world would unite, they would be freed from these trials and tribulations.”
Condemning in the strongest terms the latest incident of the burning of the Holy Quran in Sweden, which took place last week, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“In Sweden and other countries, people have been given completely free rein to say whatever they wish (against Islam) in the name of freedom of expression. Under this pretext, they are cruelly toying with the sentiments of Muslims through vengeful acts that cause deep distress to Muslims. Their actions are cruel and abhorrent, whereby they defile the Holy Quran or use vulgar words about the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). In this regard, Muslim governments are also to blame for the dire situation that Muslims find themselves in because it is their disunity which has allowed the anti-Islam powers to act in these vile ways. If the Muslims have taken a stand or reacted (to the Quran burning), it will only be a temporary reaction that will have no lasting impact. Therefore, we must pray fervently for the Muslim leaders and the Ummah. There is a dire need for prayers.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also spoke of the recent riots in France resulting from the killing of teenager Nahel Merzouk and said:
“Muslims are also being targeted in France. Nonetheless, in recent days the violent reaction of certain Muslims (following the killing of Nahel Merzouk) and those who joined them is not the right approach. Nothing can be achieved by causing destruction. Rather, Muslims must ensure that their actions remain in accord with the teachings of Islam at every juncture. For only when the words and deeds of Muslims match the teachings of Islam will they attain peace and success. Anyway, we should pray especially for the Muslims and the wider world that Allah the Almighty may protect all peoples from injustices and that there is peace in the world and that everyone may understand the crucial importance of fulfilling one’s responsibilities towards one another. Otherwise, the world is rapidly moving towards a grave catastrophe.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:
“It is being claimed that (in France) much is being done to support the teenage victim. However, the reaction of the public tells a different story. It has been reported that online fundraising was set up for both the boy killed and the police officer. And according to those reports, the funds raised for the boy are only a fraction of what has been raised in support of the police officer. May Allah have mercy and allow these people to implement justice and may the Muslims unite.”