A Message for Our Time — Page 31
31 Mosques—Centres Of Love & Peace When they see this mosque or meet the people who worship here, they will soon realise that there is no need for any apprehension or trepidation. Whilst it is easy to make such statements, I am convinced you will soon attest yourselves to the fact that Ahmadi Muslim practice what they preach and are people who not only proclaim Islam’s teachings of peace, but who uphold them. It is my firm belief that the local community will soon realise that what I have said about the objectives of mosques are not sugar-coated words masking a bitter pill, but represent the honest truth. At this time, I would also like to say that it is up to all mem- bers of society, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, whether reli- gious or non-religious, to work together for the peace and pros- perity of the world. Rather than making allegations against one another, or pinpointing each other’s flaws and weaknesses, we should open our hearts to others and show grace and compassion. Instead of attacking each other’s religions and needlessly provok- ing one another, it is the urgent need of the time that we exhibit mutual respect and tolerance. True and long-lasting peace cannot suddenly develop with the click of our fingers; rather, it requires us to focus upon those things that unite us and which bring us together, rather than letting our differences divide us and break our societies. I truly believe that we are passing through a critical juncture in the history of the world where, both at a national and inter- national level, the world is becoming increasingly polarised and divided. We stand upon the brink of disaster and so now is the time to take a step back and focus all of our energies on protecting the