Supports President’s call to remain united against all religious extremism
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA commends President Obama’s powerful remarks against extremism at the annual prayer breakfast. In recognizing that terrorism has no religion the President stated, “And lest we [Christians] get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ. In our home country, slavery and Jim Crow all too often was justified in the name of Christ.”
Furthermore, at a time of rising Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination and violence, President Obama reinforced his commitment to serving America’s religious minorities: “And if, in fact, we defend the legal right of a person to insult another’s religion, we’re equally obligated to use our free speech to condemn such insults — and stand shoulder to shoulder with religious communities, particularly religious minorities who are the targets of such attacks.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA has long advocated for religious tolerance, pluralism, and respectful dialogue. “As Muslims and as Americans, we celebrate President Obama’s compassionate support for religious tolerance, pluralism, and respectful dialogue,” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, National Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. “Islam and Prophet Muhammad teach us to work together with all people to promote peace and mutual respect. We remain committed to working together with President Obama and all Americans towards a stronger and more tolerant nation.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA implores the President to continue his efforts to combat anti-Muslim discrimination in America—both in the private sector and among government officials.
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 206 countries with membership exceeding 160 million. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the first American-Muslim organizations.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.
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