Iftekhar Ahmed, Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre
The United Kingdom finds itself grappling with the lasting effects of its colonial past, in which it was confronted with a multitude of ethnicities and religions. The recent disturbances in the coastal town of Southport, triggered by a terrible act of violence and made worse by a storm of false information, have painfully revealed the ongoing problem of Islamophobia that continues to deeply affect Western society. As an Ahmadi Muslim, I feel a strong duty to look at these troubling events through the experiences of our Community and the enduring wisdom found in Islamic teachings.
The brutal killing of three innocent young girls in Southport – a terrible tragedy that should have brought the nation together in shared sorrow – became the trigger for long-hidden tensions to explode. In an alarmingly short time, a harmful mix of lies began to spread rapidly: it was carelessly claimed that the perpetrator was a Muslim asylum seeker who had secretly entered the country. This hurtful misinformation, made louder and more widespread by the constant noise of social media, unleashed a flood of xenophobic and Islamophobic feelings. These emotions had long been simmering just below the surface of Western society, waiting for a chance to burst out.
As mosques, which should be places of peace and spiritual reflection, came under attack, and the night sky glowed with the unsettling light of burning vehicles, it was impossible not to be reminded of some of the most shameful and cruel chapters in human history. The frightening ease with which parts of society accepted this simplistic and dangerous story of Muslims as a supposed threat echoes the excuses used to control entire populations during the time of colonial expansion. It serves as a stark and sobering reminder that the ghosts of a supposedly bygone era, with all its associated prejudices and unfairness, still linger in the Western mindset, whispering their harmful messages of fear and distrust.
For Ahmadi Muslims, this renewed surge of hatred is especially painful and personal. Our community has long suffered persecution, from the harsh and systematic oppression we face as Ahmadis in Pakistan to the more subtle forms of discrimination we encounter as Muslims in the West. We understand, perhaps better than most, the devastating human cost of the poisonous ideology of religious intolerance, and we recognise the deep dangers of allowing fear and ignorance to control public discussions.
Yet, even in the midst of darkness and despair, small rays of hope stubbornly shine through, lighting a path towards healing and coming together. As the founder of our community—the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas—clearly stated, “Hence, my faith, which I make clear again and again, is that Islam consists of two parts: first, that we should obey God Almighty, and secondly, that we obey the kingdom that has established peace and given us shelter under its protection against the cruelties of the tyrants; and that kingdom is the British Government.” (Testimony of the Holy Quran, pp. 130f)
This unwavering commitment to being loyal to both faith and country is not a contradiction, as some might hastily assume, but rather a harmonious combination. It provides a model for positive integration that allows us to honour both our rich spiritual heritage and our important responsibilities as citizens.
We saw this principle in action, brought to life in its most inspiring form, as communities across Britain spontaneously came together after the violence, united in their determination to reject hatred and embrace compassion. People of all faiths and backgrounds stood side by side, forming a human chain of solidarity, to protect mosques and offer comfort and support to those targeted by this wave of senseless hate.
In Southport itself, where the discord initially erupted, Muslims responded to the hate not with anger or blame, but with acts of extraordinary kindness and humanity, giving water to volunteers selflessly working to clean up the mess and damage left behind by the rioters. In doing so, they embodied the timeless wisdom found in the Holy Quran, which urges believers to “Repel [evil] with that which is best.” (Surah Ha-Mim as-Sajdah, Ch.41: V.35)
These remarkable acts of solidarity, freely given and born out of a spirit of genuine love and understanding, serve as a powerful and much-needed rebuke to those who seek to divide us along lines of religion, ethnicity, or ideology. They are a testament to the unbreakable strength of the human spirit and a timely reminder that the threads of compassion, empathy, and shared humanity that bind us together are far more numerous and infinitely stronger than the forces of fear and hatred that can tear us apart.
However, as encouraging as these moments of unity are, we must not allow them to lull us into a false sense of security. The events in Southport, as disturbing and disheartening as they have been, have also shone a harsh and unforgiving light on deep-rooted issues that demand our urgent attention and united action.
We must face head-on, with unwavering determination, the harmful influence of false information and hate speech, particularly on social media platforms, which in far too many cases, have become breeding grounds for extremism of all kinds. We must challenge, at every turn, the cynical statements of opportunistic politicians and far-right agitators who shamelessly exploit the worries of a world struggling to come to terms with its changing identity in the post-colonial age.
As Muslims living in a country that has offered us safety and the freedom to practice our faith without fear, we have a special responsibility to fully engage in this vital work of healing and reconciliation. We must double our efforts to be active, engaged, and visibly positive members of our communities, reaching out to our neighbours, building bridges of understanding, and participating fully in civic life. Through our actions, both big and small, we can effectively show the true, peaceful, and compassionate nature of Islam and counter the ugly caricatures and harmful stereotypes that have been unfairly painted of our faith by those who spread fear and division.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s motto, “Love for all, hatred for none,” has never been more relevant, more necessary, or more urgently needed. It is more than just a saying; it is a clear call to action, a timely reminder that in the face of hatred, we must respond with love; in the face of unfamiliarity, with awareness; and in the face of division, with unity.
As we move forward, let us find inspiration and guidance in the wise and compassionate words of His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, the Fifth Caliph and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat: “Muslims are commanded to defend and protect all religions and places of worship rather than cause them any harm.” (“The Critical State of the World – What is the Blueprint for Peace?”, www.reviewofreligions.org, 13 March 2024)
This profound statement, rooted in the very heart of our faith, holds the key to building a more just, fair, and harmonious world for all.
The path ahead, as we all know too well, will be full of challenges. The ghosts of bygone days, with their tempting whispers of prejudice and intolerance, are not easily driven away, and the work of genuine reconciliation is a long, difficult, and often thankless task. But as we engage in this noble struggle, let us draw strength and hope from the timeless words of the Holy Quran: “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you tribes and sub-tribes that you may know one another.” (Surah al-Hujurat, Ch.49: V.13)
Our differences, rather than being a source of division and conflict, are in reality a precious opportunity for mutual understanding, respect, and growth.
In this crucial moment of crisis, Britain stands at a crossroads, facing a clear choice. We can choose to give in to the tempting but ultimately destructive forces of division, fear, and blame, or we can find the courage and the moral imagination to embrace the promise of a truly diverse and inclusive society, one that recognises, respects, and celebrates the inherent dignity and worth of all its members. As Ahmadi Muslims, as Britons, and above all, as fellow members of the human family, let us choose the latter path. Let us dedicate ourselves, tirelessly and without reservation, to building bridges of understanding, to challenging hatred and prejudice wherever we encounter them, and to creating a future where the echoes of colonialism are finally and decisively silenced by the sweet tone of a united, just, and compassionate society.