World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace — Page 60
60 one important thing. As we are all aware, these days the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, is being celebrated. If we rewind the clock 115 years to 1897, the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria was also being celebrated. At that time, the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sent a congratu- latory message to Queen Victoria. In his message, he conveyed both the teachings of Islam and he also sent a message of prayers for the British Government and for the long life of the Queen. In his message, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) wrote that the best quality of the Queen’s Government was that under its rule, all people were granted reli- gious freedom. In today’s world the British Government no longer rules over the Sub-Continent, but still the principles of freedom of religion are deeply entrenched in British society and its laws, through which every person is granted religious freedom. Indeed, a very beautiful example of this freedom is being witnessed here tonight where the followers of various different faiths, religions and beliefs have joined together in one place with a common aspiration of seeking peace in the world. Therefore, using the same words and prayers that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) used, I take this opportunity to offer heartfelt congratulations to Queen Elizabeth. As he said: May our congratulations filled with happiness and grati- tude to our compassionate Queen be conveyed. And may the honourable Queen always be kept happy and content. The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) further offered