Lajna Imaillah UK’s annual Peace Symposium was held on 13 June 2026 at the Baitul Futuh Mosque Complex and welcomed around 570 women, including 150 guests from a wide range of faiths, cultures and backgrounds. Under the theme “Justice, Tolerance and Compassion – Women Uniting for Peace”, the event provided a platform for dialogue, interfaith engagement and reflection on the values that unite humanity.
From interactive exhibitions and guided mosque tours to inspiring keynote speeches and charitable initiatives, the symposium demonstrated how peace is strengthened through understanding, service and meaningful human connection. A local resident, Anna Lyn Catral, described feeling “very excited and privileged to be invited”, while returning guest Suzy Webb reflected, “I don’t like people falling out over religion. If we all loved our neighbour, it would be a beautiful world.”
The exhibition hall encouraged learning and participation. Informative displays explored themes including “The Status of Women in Islam and Peace Through Unity and Compassion.” The Islamic calligraphy exhibition proved particularly popular, allowing guests to trace Arabic phrases using traditional calligraphy tools. Nearby, visitors learned about the significance of the Islamic veil, with many choosing to try on a hijab and take home a souvenir photograph. Other exhibits highlighted translations of the Holy Quran into numerous languages, educational resources that promote greater understanding of Islam and the work of Humanity First.
Reflecting on her experience, Danish visitor Malwina Jechna remarked, “Many people came from different religions and races. […] I like how inclusive the event is and it made me feel welcome.”
One of the highlights of the symposium was a series of guided tours introducing guests to the Baitul Futuh Mosque. They were also introduced to the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the institution of Khilafat and the Jamaat’s worldwide humanitarian efforts. Stops included the MTA studios and Voice of Islam Radio, offering a glimpse into the media outreach. Within the main prayer hall, guests learned about Islamic worship and the mosque’s environmentally sustainable design.
Jannie Stanford described the tour as one of her favourite parts of the day, while Jihane Duchen praised both the welcoming atmosphere and the clarity of the explanations provided.
Formal programme
The formal programme opened in Tahir Hall with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a welcome address by Farzana Yusuf, National Secretary Tabligh. After this, a short film highlighted the organisation’s longstanding commitment to education, charitable work and community service. Reflecting the Islamic principle of serving humanity, the symposium also presented charitable donations of £2,000 each to three organisations: Baytree Centre, Little Lives UK and the Rural Refugee Network. Representatives from the Baytree Centre spoke movingly about their mission to tackle inequality, observing that despite the challenges facing society, events such as the Peace Symposium demonstrate that “the fabric of compassion and humanity can always be rewoven.”
Various guests delivered speeches during the event.
Dr Irene Morlino, Visiting Fellow in the Department of International Relations at the London School of Economics, addressed the growing humanitarian crises facing the world. She emphasised that humanitarianism is not simply the delivery of aid, but a moral responsibility grounded in humanity, impartiality and respect for human dignity.
Professor Joanna Newman MBE FRSA, Provost of SOAS University of London, focused on the vital role of women in promoting justice, tolerance and compassion. Following the event, Professor Newman described it as “wonderful” to see so many women united around such a strong message of interfaith harmony and peace.
The concluding address was delivered by Dr Qurratul-Ain Anni Rehman Sahiba, Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK. Reflecting on the symposium theme, she spoke about the urgent need for justice, tolerance and compassion in an increasingly divided world. Drawing on Islamic teachings, she explained that lasting peace can only be achieved when justice is extended to all people, regardless of faith, nationality or background and when compassion takes precedence over self-interest. Quoting the Promised Messiah (as), she reminded the audience that a religion that does not inculcate universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly, a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human at all. Highlighting the unique role of women as educators, mothers, leaders and community builders, she spoke of their ability to strengthen families, nurture resilience and inspire positive change. She urged guests to pursue the rights of others with the same commitment with which they pursue their own and concluded by stressing the collective responsibility of all to create a more peaceful future for generations to come.
Following the formal programme, guests shared a meal together, continuing conversations that had begun during the exhibitions and tours.
First-time visitor, Theresa Stokes, reflected, “Everyone is so friendly here. I love the motto ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’. We should have more of that.” Linda Brown said the event had transformed her perceptions, while returning guest Ieva Zemgulyte praised the thoughtful and well-researched presentations. Sarah Racham described the day as “extraordinary and emotional.” Another guest, Christina Cattaneo, observed that women of different ages, faiths and backgrounds had come together because “we all agree on similar things, such as peace.”