"Muslim Pope" Delivers Historic Address from Southern California

California Lt. Governor and leading members of U.S. Congress praise His Holiness

The Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, delivered the keynote address at a special lunch reception in his honor at the Montage in Beverly Hills on May 11, 2013.  More than 300 politicians, academics and community leaders attended, including the California Lieutenant Governor, Los Angeles City Councilman and mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, and several members of U.S. Congress.

His Holiness delivered the keynote lecture inviting all Americans and all people to unite against extremism, intolerance, and terrorism. “The very meaning of ‘Islam’ is peace, security, and giving a guarantee of protection against all forms of harm and evil, His Holiness said, “[and] the Qur’an has clearly stated that Islam is a religion of peace that has nothing to do with terrorism or extremism.”

“On behalf of the State of California and our Governor,” said California Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, “we recognize today in Honor of His Holiness.” While praising His Holiness’ contributions to peace and humanity, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca called the holy founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad the Messiah, “a great reformer who championed peace.” The Los Angeles City Council, led by Councilman Dennis Zine and Council Eric Garcetti, presented His Holiness with the golden key to the city, declaring, “This Key is reserved for only the most honored people on Earth.” U.S. Congresswoman Julia Brownley praised His Holiness as “One of the greatest ecumenical leaders of our time.” U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu added, “I am here because His Holiness stands against terrorists and war.”

His Holiness also unequivocally condemned the act of terrorism in Boston, offering, “My sympathies are with the victims of the Boston bombing. We condemn that attack in its entirety.” His Holiness added, “I believe in that One God who is the Lord of all nations, all races and all religions, and so it becomes impossible that I could ever develop any hatred in my heart for any nation, any race or any religion.” 

His Holiness stated, “Today, when we the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community raise the slogan of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ as a means to establish global pace, we do so directly in fulfillment of the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the practice of the Holy Prophet [Muhammad].” “The Holy Prophet [Muhammad] was so consumed by his desire to serve humanity,” said His Holiness, “that if any person, whether Muslim or non-Muslim, called him for the mission of serving humanity, then he would most certainly join them in their effort...” His Holiness cited the Quran 22:40-41 to demonstrate that Allah only permitted Prophet Muhammad to fight in self defense, and to protect all houses of worship—Cloisters, Churches, Synagogues, and Mosques. His Holiness added that Islam condemns all forms of religious violence, and any war in which innocent lives are lost, often referred to as “collateral damage.” 

His Holiness implored all people to view Islam through the lens of justice, not through the acts of extremists. “True justice and fairness requires that rather than judging Islam in a prejudiced manner or by making false assumptions based on hearsay,” said His Holiness, “a person should study the religion and try to develop an understanding of its teachings before criticizing it and [Prophet Muhammad].”

His Holiness concluded his address by imploring world leaders to hold fast to the tenets of absolute justice in all affairs, to unite against extremism and intolerance, and warned that failure to do so invites a third world war, the likes of which will be far more destructive than the previous world wars.

His Holiness will conclude his West Coast tour in the coming days. Below is a list of those who spoke at the event in recognition of the Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

1.     Gavin Newsom, California Lieutenant Governor

2.     John Chiang, California State Controller

3.     Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff

4.     Charlie Beck, Los Angeles Police Chief

5.     U.S. Congressman Dana Rohrabacher

6.     U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass

7.     U.S. Congresswoman Julia Brownley

8.     U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu

9.     U.S. Congresswoman Gloria McLeod

10.                        Eric Garcetti, L.A. City Councilman and Mayoral Candidate

11.                        Dennis Zine, L.A. City Councilman 

Background:  The Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is the worldwide spiritual and administrative leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is firmly established in more than 200 countries. His Holiness is Islam’s only Khalifa – the Islamic world’s equivalent to the Pope – and Islam’s leading figure to promote peace, condemn violence, and fight for universal human rights.

 This is a Press Release issued by Ahmadiyya Muslim Community U.S.A