Free Speech

Terrorists have once again used and maligned the name of Islam for their heinous acts of violence. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims and the people of France. There is no room for violence and terrorism in Islam. The word ‘Islam’ literally means ‘peace’ and ‘security’. Therefore, a true Muslim is peaceful and strives to establish peace and harmony in the world. Anyone who perpetrates any form of extremism or terrorism acts against the teachings of Islam.

True Islam teaches that every human being has the right to freedom of speech and religion without the threat of coercion or punishment. This understanding stems directly from the Holy Quran, which declares, “There is no compulsion in religion” (2:257). As an American Ahmadi Muslim, I recognize that everyone has a legal right to free speech, but with that right comes a great responsibility. Prophet Muhammad championed free thought and expression.

The worldwide spiritual leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Caliph has repeatedly condemned all forms of terrorism and extremism. In a press release issued after the horrific attacks in France, the Caliph says, “We must all join together to root out all forms of extremism and to encourage mutual understanding and tolerance. From our perspective, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will spare no effort in our mission to foster a better understanding of the true and peaceful teachings of Islam in the world.”

Reach out for further information at the contact:

Imam Shamshad Nasir |909-636-8332 | Shamshad.Nasir@Ahmadiyya.us

Muhammad Ahmad | 248-677-1316 | Muhammad.Ahmad@Ahmadiyya.us

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Michigan

1730 W Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309 |www.TrueIslam.com

Twitter: @AMCDetroit Facebook: facebook.com/AMCDetroit

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and re-institute morality, justice, and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.