Celebration of Martin Luther King Day Among Ahmadi Muslims

Martin Luther King is celebrated as America’s most iconic activist and leader who brought a huge movement in the nation in the 50’s and 60’s. Being a victim to the brutal racial segregation system himself, Martin Luther King had a vision to bring unity, peace and equality in this country for African Americans who suffered from racism, hatred, and violence. In 1963 he delivered an iconic speech aptly titled “I have a dream” during his march in Washington D.C where he fought and advocated for civil and economic rights of African Americans. He said, “I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit together at the table of brotherhood.” During his speech, Martin Luther King emphasized the need for brotherhood, peace and unity among both white and African Americans. He wanted to convey that all mankind was created equal regardless of their skin color and envisioned a unified and peaceful America.

Similar to Martin Luther King’s consistent emphasis on brotherhood, unity, equality and peace, the message of Islam resonates with all these aspects. Islam teaches that every human is created equally by God and no one is superior to the other in His eyes, except by the criterion of righteousness. According to the Qur’an God says, “O mankind, We have created you from a male and a female; and We have made you into tribes and sub-tribes that you may recognize one another. Verily, the most honorable among you, in the sight of God, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, God is All-knowing, All-Aware” (49:14). During his Farewell Sermon Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “All men, whatever nation or tribe they belong to, and whatever station in life they may hold, are equal.”

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah in 1889 actively spreads the message and teachings of Qur’an and Prophet Muhammad. It abides by the motto, “Love For All Hatred For None” whereby the community embraces unity, peace and brotherhood. This message is conveyed without violence, discrimination and any kind of hatred. As a community, we respect and embrace the diversity of religions and consider people from other faiths as our own brothers and sisters.

Islam is a religion of peace and it emphasizes that all mankind should be treated with the same level of respect regardless of their color or financial status because in God’s eyes no one is better than the other except by his righteousness.

Martin Luther King is respected by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community because he shared the same vision as Islam and our duty as Ahmadi Muslims is to continue spreading peace in the diverse communities around us and treat everyone fairly with respect and welcome everyone as brothers and sisters in our community.