Interfaith Peace Symposium, 2020

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's Auxiliary (AMWA) Georgia chapter hosted the first Interfaith Symposium about "Peace" on March 7th at their mosque Baitul Ata in Norcross. On an international platform, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been organizing interfaith Peace Symposiums in London, U.K. under the guidance of the community's worldwide spiritual head, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad. The organizers from AMWA-GA intend to bring together women from diverse backgrounds on the theme of "Peace”. Their objective is to highlight the role of women in terms of achieving peace not only in their daily lives but also, in their communities.

The Peace Symposium started with an introduction to the program by Saima Ahmad followed by recitation of the Holy Quran. Introduction about Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) was given by Amtul Muid who welcomed guests and explained that Ahmadi Muslims believe that the messiah has come in the personage of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. Muid also said without justice there is no peace and our motto “Love for all Hatred for None” speaks for it. We respect all prophets of God.

Saima Ahmad gave a presentation on AMWA. Ahmad showed a video of a 17-year-old Ahmadi Muslim girl who opened her mosque door and ushered in students running from an alleged stabbing/shooting at their Wisconsin high school and letting in dozens before she herself went in. Ahmad said that sometimes heroes wear hijab (head covering). She stated that we are mothers who are raising children to be good citizens. We hold food drives, blood drives, coat drives and strive to promote peace. We are scientists, engineers, students, writers, doctors, and survivors of persecution.

Mehmooda Rehman, president of AMWA GA chapter, gave welcome remarks by thanking all honorable guests whose presence at a mosque showed that they are open-minded. Rehman said that God is pleased when His creation shows love to each other and explained that the Arabic word for mosque is Masjid which means house of prayers. Masjid means prostration and a total place of humility where people bow before God.

The first speaker of the program was Neeru Singh who said that Sikh people also believe in one creator and peace to her means respect oneself, respect others, and keep one’s mind in control.

Laura Friedman from Temple Beth David said that we are here in solidarity even though we are different. She said peace and religion can be beneficial if we express ourselves peacefully. We need to stop filtering everyone and should stay away from conflicts.

Amtul Wadood who represented AMWA explained the Qur’anic verse in which peace means being truthful, compassionate, and just. Wadood said that people believe that violence is caused by religion but rather it is chaos which is leading to violence and the media are propagating it against religion.

At the end of the session, questions were asked by the guests. First, was that what is the greatest trouble for AMC and why? Amtul Wadood said that the biggest struggle for AMC is the laws against us in South Asia which makes it difficult for us to practice our own religion. We are considered blasphemous if we say Salam (greetings in Arabic). Then someone asked if mediation is an important part of Islam. Wadood said that yes, Muslims pray five times every day and ask God for guidance.

Mehmooda Rehman closed the session by thanking God, speakers, guests and all volunteers. She stated that women are the same no matter what religion they follow.

Guests recorded their comments about the event. One of the guests said, “very well organized and my favorite was to see the Qur’an in different languages. I cannot believe that it was free and I will be attending next year.” Tami Olsen said, “AMWA members worked hard in preparing for it and speakers did a fabulous job.” Tamara Jones said, “Just a note of gratitude. Very informative. It’s a wonderful spirit here.” A total of 125 women attended the event.