Dear Brothers

Action

1. Petition: Our beloved Hudhur (abta) has instructed that we continue to push the ongoing petition and increase the number of signatures. Please visit, and encourage as many family and friends to also visit, the petition site and add your signatures. The petition link is: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/defend-respect-tolerance-towards-religious/ 

2. Comments: All members are also strongly encouraged to visit our new sitewww.theartofmisinformation.org.uk and add your voice to the discussions taking place there between Ahmadi Muslims and Atheists. Please also subscribe to the site so that you are up-to-date with all of the latest posts (to subscribe simply type your e-mail address into the subscribe box on the right hand side of the web page and click subscribe).

Background 

You should all now be aware that we have been running a campaign over the past week in response to the decision take by Atheist Society of UCL to post a cartoon depicting the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the Holy Prophet Jesus (as) having a beer (God forbid) at a pub frequented by some of the UCL students. 

To defend the honour of our beloved Prophets, a press release was issued along with a number of articles. Our message to the UCL Atheist Society was simply that they should use their right to ''freedom of speech'' in a responsible way which demonstrates both tolerance and respect. MKA also launched an e-petition a day after the UCL Atheist society launched a similar one. So far, our petition has attracted more than 1,400 signatures while their petition has in excess of 4,000 signatures. The Atheist society have now claimed victory in this matter.

Note

Members are reminded that when we are faced with abuse we should ensure that our responses are marked by wisdom and noble conduct. In this regard, the following quote from an article written by an Ahmadi author, Qasim Rashid, is of benefit:

''...this is not the first time Prophet Muhammad has been mocked in history, and it is wishful thinking to hope it will be the last. To set the record straight, Muslims who are only offended when Prophet Muhammad is depicted but turn a blind eye when other prophets are depicted are simply being hypocritical. Sounds harsh? Maybe. Is it true? Definitely.

Moreover, the Holy Qur'an clearly explains what to do when someone offends your faith. "And when thou seest those who engage in vain discourse concerning Our Signs, then turn thou away from them until they engage in a discourse other than that." (6:69) 

"Turn away from them." That's all. Not violence, not anger, not insulting responses. Simply turn away. This is the example Prophet Muhammad demonstrated in his own life, and this is the example every Muslim is bound to.

Lastly, but most importantly, members are reminded that our success is only possible through the power of prayer and sacrifice. Please offer Sadqa and pray that those hearts which burden a dislike for the concept of God and the Religion of Islam are moved towards love and tolerance.

Wassalam

Fahim Anwer