A Message for Our Time — Page 29
29 Mosques—Centres Of Love & Peace are the neighbours of this mosque. Thus, instead of destroying the peace of society, true mosques are built to foster peace between the peoples of different communities and beliefs. In short, mosques are a place for Muslims to elevate their bond with their Creator, God Almighty, and to fulfil the rights of their fellow human beings. Any mosques that do not fulfil these paramount objectives are worthless and merely hollow shells that serve no purpose. Since its foundation, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has built mosques across the world and our history testifies to the fact that, wherever we build mosques, we endeav- our to fulfil the objectives that I have just outlined. Through our conduct and behaviour, we seek to practically manifest and live up to our community’s slogan of, ‘ Love for All, Hatred for None’. We seek to build ties of friendship with non-Ahmadis and non-Muslims. We strive for interfaith dialogue. We value and cherish our neighbours. We are ever ready to help those who are in need. We champion the rights of the weak and deprived. We are there to serve the community and to be loyal and faith- ful citizens. This is our faith and this is our teaching. This is why we build mosques. In light of this, I hope and pray that it is clear to all of you that a mosque is not something to be afraid of. A true mosque is not just a centre for people to worship God Almighty, but is also a stage for them to serve their fellow beings. Chapter 107, verses 5–7 of the Holy Quran state: