Meetings of Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at European Parliament
On 3rd and 4th December 2012 the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a series of meetings with political leaders and dignitaries from across Europe at the European Parliament.
In each meeting Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad conveyed Islam’s teachings of peace, mutual respect and tolerance.
Below are brief summaries of some of the meetings that took place.
Meeting with Dr Charles Tannock –
(MEP London & Chair of European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group)
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke about the persecution faced by Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan. His Holiness said that each month Ahmadi Muslims were being brutally martyred in Pakistan.
Charles Tannock MEP said he would continue to support the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in all respects. He said that earlier in the day he had met the Pakistani Foreign Minister and questioned her directly about the persecution faced by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that a key principle of humanity was that human beings should always being willing to help all those who are deprived.
Meeting Tunne Kelam –
(MEP Estonia & Vice-Chair of European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group)
Tunne Kelam said that the visit of Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to the European Parliament ‘was very important because it will enrich our understanding’.
Tunne Kelam briefed Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad about the political situation in his native Estonia.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said he was pleased to learn that Estonia had emerged from difficulties of the past and now had a stable Government.
Meeting with Claude Moraes –
(MEP and Vice-Chair of the European Parliament Friends of Ahmadiyya Muslims Group)
Claude Moraes MEP spoke of his honour at meeting Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. He said that the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was a ‘great leader who stood out from other religious leaders.’
Claude Moraes said that Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was particularly welcome at the European Parliament because he brought with him a message of peace and tolerance.
Meeting with Marina Yannakoudakis – (MEP London)
Marina Yannakoudakis said she had always admired the Community’s motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said in reply, ‘This is a message for the entire world’.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that as a Member of European Parliament Marina Yannakoudakis should try to spread the message of peace far and wide.
Meeting with European Parliament’s South Asia Delegation –
Jean Lambert (MEP London) and Phil Bennion (MEP West Midlands)
The MEPs briefed Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad about their recent official visit to Pakistan, whilst also pledging to help Ahmadi Muslims who are persecuted.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said an effort should be made to stop innocent children being radicalised in Pakistan. He said that many of the so-called Madrassas were not fulfilling their roles to provide religious education; rather they were indoctrinating children with extremist ideologies.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“Without a proper education people can be easily influenced and indoctrinated.”
Meeting with Norwegian Delegation:
Billy Taranger (CF Party), Ann Katherine Skgorshammer (MP – CF Party)
Billy Taranger spoke of his admiration for Ahmadi Muslims. In response Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that all good and sensible people would support the Community’s message of love, peace and harmony.
The politicians said they had seen visited the new Ahmadiyya Mosque in Oslo and that it was a source of pride to the Norwegian people.
Meeting with Ingrid Norstein –
(Labour Party Norway)
Ingrid Norstein spoke of her ‘delight’ at meeting Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. She said she had very good relations with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Norway and had read a lot about the Community recently.
Ingrid Norstein asked Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad how the Government of Norway could help the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. His Holiness responded by saying that Ahmadi Muslims believed that all citizens should have equal rights.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said Ahmadi Muslims were denied the right to vote in Pakistan due to unjust legislation and thus the Norwegian Government should work towards making sure all groups have the right to vote.
Meeting with Spanish delegation –
Jose Maria Alonso Ruiz, (MP), Pedro Carlavilla (Mayor of Meco) and Augustina Rubio (Barrister and Professor)
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad was briefed upon the current economic situation in Spain. His Holiness counselled that any money received as part of a bailout settlement from the European Union should be spent wisely and for the betterment of the Spanish people.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that he hoped that Spain’s economic situation would improve and that the country would progress.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also spoke about his fondness for Spain. He said that he enjoyed both Spain’s climate and its people.
Meeting with Garry O’Halloran –
(Barrister from Ireland)
Garry O’Halloran, a Barrister from Ireland, was introduced to Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and spoke about he had given up a political career to pursue a legal one. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed for his future success.
