By NARELLE COULTER
THE worldwide leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community visited Melbourne last week to spread his message of love for all and hatred for none.
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was guest of honour at a dinner in Mulgrave on Friday night hosted by the members of the south-east Ahmadiyya community.
The Ahmadiyya sect was founded in India in 1889.
Tens of millions of followers now live in more than 200 countries where they have founded Ahmadiyya mosques, schools and hospitals.
President of the Victorian chapter Javed Chowdhary said the evening at Princess Court Reception was an “historic occasion for Victoria” as it brought together community leaders, military and naval personnel, Ahmadiyya followers as well as representatives of a multitude of other faiths in the presence of the Khalifatul or Leader of the Faithful.
He said the Victorian Ahmadiyya community was on the “front foot” promoting the message of peace and harmony.
He said followers, who live throughout Casey, Greater Dandenong and the City of Frankston, were enthusiastic participants in Australia Day celebrations and interfaith dialogues.
They help fundraise for the Red Cross, give blood and volunteer in times of disaster.
Mr Chowdhary said the Khalifatul was in Australia to “foster absolute justice, peace and inter-religious harmony”.
True to his message, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the conflicts engulfing the Arab world, particularly Syria and Egypt, saying that there can be no lasting peace without justice for all and respect for the rights of the individual.
He said he feared that an attack on Syria by Western powers would lead to a third world war and urged Arab nations and organisations in the region to step in and seek peace.
“The Koran states that all attempts to establish peace between conflicting parties should be underpinned by true justice,” he said.
“Where the rights of all people are fulfilled only then will real peace and harmony be found.”
His said this was a “golden principle” for not only Muslims, but should be adopted by all as a universal truth.
“To establish peace, justice must prevail.”
He said Australia had a role to play in ensuring justice, peace and harmony prevailed for future generations.
“Future generations will thank you for the legacy you leave behind.”
