Ahmadiyya Annual Convention

Speech by Sarah Ludford MEP delivered to Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK - 37th annual convention on Sun 27th Jul 2003

I am delighted to have this opportunity to address the 37th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. It is thoughtful and generous of the Ahmadiyya community to invite guests to share their jalsa and learn a little more about their faith. I had the pleasure to join you at your Holy Prophet Day in March 2001, but this is the first time my diary has allowed me to accept your invitation to the convention and I am pleased to be here.

Your spirit of openness and inclusiveness is all the more welcome as we live in challenging times for those who wish to champion pluralism and mutual respect. I am one such person and as Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for London I am grateful that my role allows me to promote such values on a daily basis. I am proud that my city - Europe's capital of diversity - has a multitude of different faiths, races and ethnic groups living side by side, and mostly in tolerance and enjoyment of their variety.

I believe that the very essence of the European Union is about tolerance, non-discrimination and the sheer celebration of people sharing a common civic space while nurturing their own cultural, linguistic and religious identity. Britain can and must lead in Europe the process of spreading understanding and ease in the practice of multi-cultural societies.

Practitioners of many faiths fall into the trap of preaching exclusivity and intolerance. (It can happen in regard to political as well as religious faith!). This is not only arrogant but highly dangerous because it can lead to conflict and even violence. We can look around the world and find examples of peaceful co-existence being shattered when resentment, rivalry, jealousy or ambition has fomented hatred of 'the other'. This is one of the major threats to global stability and security.

It is especially tragic when the message of love and compassion that characterises religious faith - and notably Islam - is perverted and twisted to become a message of anger and hostility. I am gladdened and inspired by the fact that the Ahmadis not only preach a message of love, friendship and understanding but practise it fully in the way you include and invite others to share your gathering. We need all the goodness we can find in today's world and I applaud you for your contribution, in Britain and worldwide, to community cohesion and the enjoyment of diversity that is such a precious asset.

Related Link:

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community website.