Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Visits Irish National

Parliament

More than 20 Parliamentarians welcome Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to

Ireland

On 24 September 2014, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth

Khalifa, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad visited the National Parliament of

Ireland, the ‘Oireachtas’ at Leinster House in Dublin.

Upon arrival, His Holiness was received by the Captain of the Guard in Parliament, Comdt.

John Flaherty.

Thereafter, His Holiness was received by Sean Barrett, TD, Ceann Comhairle of the

Parliament (Speaker) in his official office.

During a 30-minute meeting, the Speaker welcomed His Holiness to Ireland and spoke of

his admiration of the peaceful message and positive contribution of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community to Ireland. They also discussed the current world situation and various other

matters.

Upon hearing that the Speaker had visited Africa on a number of occasions, whilst serving

as Minister of Defence, His Holiness recounted his own experiences of living in Africa

during the 1970s and 1980s.

Thereafter, His Holiness was escorted to a meeting with more than 20 Irish

Parliamentarians including both TDs and Senators.

During the meeting, the Parliamentarians welcomed Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to

Ireland and congratulated him on the forthcoming opening of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

Community’s Maryam Mosque in Galway.

Further, His Holiness answered various questions from the Parliamentarians through which

he was able to explain Islam’s true teachings to them.

His Holiness said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believed its Founder, His

Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad to be the Promised Messiah.

His Holiness explained that due to fact that Ahmadi Muslims believe their Community’s

Founder to be the Promised Messiah, they are heavily persecuted and discriminated against

in Pakistan and to a lesser extent in certain other countries.

During the meeting, His Holiness spoke about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s

commitment to peace and serving humanity.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Our Community is engaged in humanitarian work and relief projects

throughout the world. Despite the fact that we are persecuted and maltreated

in certain Muslim countries, we continue to serve and help those countries to

the very best of our abilities.”

In response to a question about why so-called ‘Muslims’ are perpetrating terrorist activities,

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“We do not believe in the violent Jihad that is being portrayed by terrorists

and militants. We do not believe in the Jihad of terrorism or extremism. Such

hateful activities are to be absolutely condemned.

Rather, we believe only in the Jihad of self-reformation and improvement; we

believe in the Jihad of peacefully preaching the Islam’s true teachings and we

believe in the Jihad of preaching peace itself.”

Following his meeting with the Parliamentarians, His Holiness was escorted to the galleries

of both the Lower and Upper Houses of Parliament where he observed the Parliamentary

proceedings.

In the Lower House, His Holiness observed Leaders Questions.

22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL UK

Tel/Fax: 020 8544 7678 Email: press@amjinternational.org

Twitter: @AhmadiyyatIslam