2 The Review of Religions – August 2005 The following press release was issued by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association following the terrorist attack in London on 7th July 2005 For Immediate Release “London Terror Bombings – An Act Against Humanity” Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community July 7, 2005, London – The Spiritual Head of the 200 million strong Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, today, strongly condemned the deplorable acts of terror in London. Reacting to the terrorist acts Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: ‘The events of this morning constitute pure acts of violence and terror and I condemn these unequivocally. The perpetrators have demonstrated a total disregard for the sanctity of human life and an obsession for violence. These heinous acts are against humanity and have no justification whatsoever. Terrorism of any kind has no place in religion. Islam is no exception, for it is a faith that professes peace and respect for all. Indeed, the Holy Qur’an likens anyone who takes the life of innocent people, as one who has committed a crime against all of humanity.’ Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also conveyed the sympathies of the community to the victims of the tragedy: ‘l wish to extend the sincere condolences of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to the families who have lost loved ones in this human tragedy. They, together with hundreds who have been injured by these violent acts, are all in our prayers at this time. We share in their grief. May God Almighty grant fortitude to them all.” [end of release] Notes to editors 1. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is based in over 175 countries of the world and is renowned for its services to the community in the fields of education and health. 2. This is the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history. The Ahmadiyya Movement was established in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908). He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days, the Awaited One of the world community of religions (The Mahdi and Messiah). The Movement he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam – peace, universal brotherhood, and submission to the Will of God – in its pristine purity. 3. Wherever the Movement is established, it endeavors to exert a constructive influence of Islam through social projects, educational institutes, health services, Islamic publications and the construction of mosques, despite being bitterly persecuted in some countries. Ahmadi Muslims have earned the distinction of being a law-abiding, peaceful, persevering and benevolent community. 4. The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was created under divine guidance with the objective to rejuvenate Islamic moral and spiritual values. It encourages interfaith dialogue, and diligently defends Islam and tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West. It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths. It firmly believes in and acts upon the Qur’anic teaching: ‘There is no compulsion in religion’ (Ch.2:V.257). It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason. 3 PRESS RELEASE The Review of Religions – August 2005
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