Ahmadi Muslims Youths to Participate in ANZAC Day Activities

Media Release: 24th April 2019

Ahmadi Muslims Youths to Participate in ANZAC Day Activities

Muslims across New Zealand will be attending the dawn and civic parades on ANZAC day to demonstrate their love and loyalty to the country.

The President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association New Zealand (AMYANZ), Mr Azeem Zafarullah said:

“We have actively participated in ANZAC day dawn and civic parades for a number of years now, helping to organise the remembrance parades and work closely with the RSA. We have also been fortunate enough to lay wreaths to honour and remember those who made sacrifices for the freedoms we enjoy in this country.”

When asked about the significance of this year in the context of the Christchurch Mosque attacks and the Sri Lankan Church attacks, he said:
“There is an increasing anti-Muslim and Islamophobic movement, the ideology of which is very dangerous and spreading like a poison. Due to the barbaric acts of terrorism committed in the name of Islam by organisations such as ISIS, there are many people around the world who believe that Islam is incompatible with the west; they believe you cannot be a patriotic and loyal citizen whilst being a Muslim. We wish to demonstrate the contrary through our actions by continuing to serve our country and honour those who have done the same.”

Members of the AMYANZ will be present at ANZAC services in Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington and Christchurch. “Ahmadi Muslims across the world demonstrate their loyalty in their respective countries. Whether it be through raising funds through the poppy appeal in the UK, helping organise the events with local RSAs, laying wreaths or even simply wearing the poppy with pride; we have started a worldwide campaign called ‘Muslims for Remembrance’ with a website www.muslimsremember.org and the hashtag #MuslimsForRemembrance.

It is important to highlight this and drive a counter narrative to the divisive attitude of extremists on both ends of the spectrum”, says Mr Zafarullah.

The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Caliph, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has reminded Ahmadi Muslims across the world on numerous occasions about the importance of loyalty to one’s country of residence. In one of his sermons he said:

“Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one’s country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace.”

Mr Zafarullah concluded his statement by reminding the responsibilities placed on Muslims:

“The Islamic teachings place great emphasis on love and loyalty to one’s country of residence. Accordingly, before any of our events, our youth take a pledge to be ready to sacrifice their lives, wealth, time and honour for the sake of our country and nation. Our inspiration for all our humanitarian services, our displays of loyalty and voluntary work is always our faith.”

“Remember, it is said that an estimated four million Muslims either fought or served in some capacity during the Great War. They also demonstrated that loyalty to both one’s faith and country are important and go hand in hand for Muslims.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889 by Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in Punjab, India, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community spans over 210 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Its motto of ‘Love for all, hatred for none’ is evidenced through the peaceful actions of its millions of followers. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavors to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.

ENDS

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