Arshad Mehmood Khan, Jamaat Glasgow
In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty states:
وَ اَقِیۡمُوا الۡوَزۡنَ بِالۡقِسۡطِ وَ لَا تُخۡسِرُوا الۡمِیۡزَانَ
Meaning, “So weigh all things in justice and fall not short of the measure.” (Surah al-Rahman, Ch.55: V.10)
Today, most of the evils humanity is confronted with are rooted in the violation and deprivation of human rights.
No doubt, in the dark corridors of history, we hear echoes of deep protest against human sufferings and exploitation. No doubt, in these very corridors, sometimes we also see a chink of light of hope for man in the form of charters, such as the Magna Carta, English Petition of Rights, The Virginian Declaration of Rights, American Bill of Rights and so on and so forth.
However, when we critically look at these various documents, we may face disappointment. We soon realise that they are after all, not what humanity expected them to be. They disappoint not so much in what they say, but in what they leave out to say.
In this context and the current political and religious situation of the world, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow held a virtual event on the topic of “The man who championed human rights”.
On 25 October 2020, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Glasgow held a virtual event to condemn the acts of extremism and unite under the banner of “Love for all, hatred for none”.
It was discussed and agreed by the speakers of different faiths, communities and political background that Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, showed great respect towards humanity without considering colour, faith and race.
The online programme was broadcast on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter live etc.
A committee was formed a month ago and different tasks were allocated to each member to start work, for example audience attendance, approaching different faith groups and African unions based in Scotland, IT logistics, social media campaigns, invitations to dignitaries, and press and media etc. The chairman of the committee was Ahmed Owusu-Konadu Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Glasgow.
The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran and its English translation. The event had an audience of more than 1,200 participants online from across the world and from all walks of life.
An introduction to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya was presented by Ahmed Owusu-Konadu Sahib.
Then a speech titled, “Prophet Muhammadsa as a champion of human rights” was delivered by Rawahuddin Arif Khan Sahib, a missionary.
Next, Rev Peter Gill from the Church of Scotland also delivered a speech.
The keynote address was delivered by Muhammad Ibrahim Ikhlaf Sahib, Outreach Director Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK.
Then Rt Hon Alison Thewliss MP (for Glasgow Central Scotland) also delivered a speech.
The closing remarks and a vote of thanks was presented by Abdus Samad Khan Sahib, President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow.
After the event, attendees and speakers tweeted in appreciation of the programme. In this way, the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached thousands in Scotland and worldwide.
The keynote speaker and other participants of this programme condemned the recent attacks in France and the Islamophobia row.
The whole event can be viewed on Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland’s official YouTube channel: