Islam & Europe - Peace, Identity & Integration — Page 9
All distinguished guests, Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu – peace and blessings of Allah be upon you all. First of all, I would like to thank all of our guests, who have accepted our invitation and joined us here today, even though much has been said against Islam and its founder in recent years. In fact, a concerted attempt has been made to spread hatred and misinformation about Islam and to malign the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). In light of this, your attendance at this religious event, hosted by a Muslim community, testifies to your open hearts and broad-mindedness and for this, I can only commend and thank you. I pray that this generous and tolerant spirit always remains within you and that it spreads much further afield so that the people of all communities can live together in peace and with a spirit of mutual love and respect. We, Ahmadi Muslims, firmly believe that religion is a personal matter for every individual. It is a matter of the heart and no THE NEED FOR OUTWARD AND INNER PEACE