ABC TV and Radio Conducts Interview with Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad conveys peaceful teachings of Islam and says that true Muslims can integrate in the West
On 4th October 2013, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was interviewed by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV and Radio.
During the 25 minute interview, His Holiness was asked a range of questions about Islam and the purpose of his visit to Australia.
In response to being asked about the message he was bringing to Australia, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Wherever I have the chance I will extend Islam’s message of love and peace throughout this society and across the country. The truth is that the state of the world today is extremely dangerous and so we must take steps towards peace otherwise the consequences could be disastrous.”
Upon being asked about the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Pakistan, His Holiness explained how Ahmadis were declared non-Muslim in 1974 and how during the regime of General Zia-ul-Haq further laws were passed that denied Ahmadis the right to practice even the very basic aspects of their religion.
His Holiness said that extremist clerics had huge ‘street power’ in Pakistan and they were spreading hatred against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat leading directly to the persecution and killings of Ahmadi Muslims.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Every couple of weeks I receive news that another Ahmadi Muslim has been murdered in Pakistan. Until and unless those obnoxious anti-Ahmadi laws are repealed this state of affairs will continue.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was also asked about the reaction of the Muslim world to the release of an anti-Islam film last year that provoked a violent response from a minority of Muslims in various countries.
His Holiness said that he condemned the film entirely, however he also condemned any form of violent reaction. He said the way to respond to such vile attacks was to highlight to the world the blessed character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and this is what the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat was doing under the leadership of its Khilafat.
In response to a question about perceived challenges for Muslims living in Australia or in Western countries, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“If Muslims practice the true and peaceful Islam then they will have no difficulty integrating into Western countries. We believe that Allah is for the entire world and that wherever the rights of His creation are usurped it displeases Him. Thus, it is the duty of true Muslims to spread love and harmony within society. If they follow such a path they will face no difficulties.”