Spreading the message of ‘love for all, hate for none’, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has set up its stall at the ongoing Pune Book Festival at the Fergusson College grounds.
One of the books promoted at the stall is ‘World Crisis and Path to Peace’ containing the speeches and letters of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the current ‘Khalifa’ or global spiritual leader of the international Ahmadiyya Muslim community. The book addresses global peace and interfaith harmony, said Ansar Ali Khan, a Pune-based activist of the Ahmadiyya community.
“Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has addressed various platforms, including the United Nations Parliament, the European Parliament, the German Military Headquarters, and the Capitol Hill of the United States, delivering profound messages of truth, justice, compassion, and spirituality. He has offered effective solutions to global conflicts. and have written letters to world leaders and religious figures urging them to work for global peace,” said Khan.
The stall also carries books on the Holy Quran, the life and character of Prophet Muhammad and women’s rights in Islam.
“The response has been overwhelming. Many visitors have taken our books and interacted with us at the book fair,” said Afrid Ahmad, a ‘missionary’ of the Ahmadiyya community.
The Pune Book Festival, organized by the National Book Trust, was inaugurated by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on December 14. The festival will conclude on December 22.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded in Punjab, India in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Ahmadis regard Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the ‘Promised Messiah’, “a subordinate prophet among the followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad to unite mankind in the last days”. But Ahmadis are often called “non-Muslims” by mainstream Muslims who believe Muhammad is the last prophet.
Spread over 200 countries, Ahmadiyya is considered a peaceful community. But they have been suffering oppression in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Indonesia and other countries.
“The Ahmadiyya population in Pune is only 250. Siraj Ahmed Gidde is our president in Pune. We have never faced any ill-treatment in the city. The local police and officials of various agencies have maintained good contact with the community to ensure that we do not face any problems,” said Khan.
The community is participating in various social activities in Pune. Community members said they have been actively helping people in need during the Covid-19 outbreak.
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