THE Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at has called on nations of the world to toe path of peace and desist from fueling actions that could trigger another World War.
The Managing Director of the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya (MTA) International, Sir Munir-ud-din Shams, who made the call during a visit to Nigeria, said justice should be upheld and equal rights be given to all countries, but there shouldn’t be violence either against Muslims or non-Muslims.
The MTA boss, who inspected new facilities at the Ahmadiyya Nigeria headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos, including healthcare facilities, digitised MTA studio and solar system, urged peace worldwide.
In his message to Nigerians, Shams said it is important to entrench the culture of peaceful and harmonious coexistence among the diverse ethnic groups and religious persuasions.
He implored the Nigerian government to ensure good governance at all the tiers of government, emphasising that viable economic reforms should be pursued and realised in the interest of the citizens.
“The fundamental human rights of the citizens, especially freedom of thought, conscience, religion and media, should be entrenched and protected,” he stated.
Introducing a newly launched book titled ‘World Crises and the Pathway to Peace’, Shams said the worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, assessed the current state of the world and described it as turbulent.
According to him, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad views the contemporary times as a period when global economic crisis manifests newer and graver dangers, and bearing “similarities to the period just before the Second World War continue to be palpable and it seemed clear that the events are moving the world at an unprecedented pace towards a horrific third world war.”
He declared that all people should be granted equal rights without prejudice, as a foundation for harmony between different groups and nations, and for the establishment of peace.
Shams said: “Today, we find that there is division and separation between powerful and weaker nations. For example, in the United Nations, we find that there is a distinction made between certain countries. Thus, in the Security Council, there are some permanent members and some non-permanent members.
“This division has proved to be an internal source of anxiety and frustration and thus we regularly hear reports of certain countries protesting against this inequality. Islam teaches absolute justice and equality in all matters.
“Powerful and rich countries should not usurp the rights of the poor and weaker countries in an effort to preserve their own rights, and nor should they deal with the poorer nations in an unjust fashion.
“On the other hand, the poor and weaker nations should not seek to inflict harm on the powerful or wealthy nations whenever the opportunity arises. Instead, both sides should endeavour to fully abide by the principles of justice. Indeed, this is a matter of crucial importance in maintaining peaceful relations between countries.”
He called on the developed nations to put aside vested interests and help the less developed and poorer nations with selfless attitude and spirit.
“If all of these factors are observed, then true peace will be established,” he stated.
The Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Azeez Alatoye, urged the United States not to take over the territory of another country (Gaza), so as to ensure that peace reigns.
He urged the Nigerian government to create a robust economy for the citizenry to enjoy and as well increase the economic purchasing power, even in the wake of increment in prices of commodities.
He bemoaned the spate of insurgency in Nigeria, saying that the action is a crime against humanity and has nothing to do with jihad.
On the controversies raging over the establishment of Shariah court, Alatoye said Shariah is constitutional and has been in existence all over the country for several years.
He explained that Shariah law is strictly for Muslims and not for non-Muslims. The MTA has about nine studios in Africa and broadcasts in various languages across the continent.
The coordinator of the MTA, Nigeria Studios, Dr Qasim Akinreti, said: “We are trying to give access to everyone, preach peace and contribute to the economic development of the country.”
Akinreti said the MTA is working on strategic partnerships with the NTA, MITV, TVC and AIT to bring them into the mix of what Ahmadiyya is doing.
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