United in Peace: An Interfaith Journey

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) celebrated an Interfaith Dinner on the 15th of March at Baitul Ata, Norcross. Mr. Naseer Humayun invited Nayyar Ahmad Khokhar to recite the Holy Qur’an.
Following the Quranic recitation, Faris Ahmad introduced the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC), highlighting that it is the 73rd sect of Islam. He shared that Islam is the fastest-growing religion in the world and explained that the AMC was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, India, in 1889. As he described, the religion's core principles are rooted in love, peace, and brotherhood; the community’s motto is “Love for All, Hatred for None.”
Talaal Tahir addressed the significance of righteousness and devotion in all Abrahamic religions, emphasizing that Islam is built on five pillars, with the Declaration of Faith being the foremost. He explained that this declaration affirms the belief that there is no God but Allah and that Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His messenger.
The first guest speaker, Yasir Latif Hamdani, discussed the cultural, religious, and physical genocide faced by the Ahmadiyya community in Pakistan, stressing that these atrocities often go unnoticed by government officials. He highlighted the harsh reality that in Pakistan, Ahmadis are not allowed to call their mosques "mosques," and the cultural persecution they face is even more severe. He called for greater awareness and action to stop these injustices.
State Senator Sheikh Rehman, the second guest speaker, reflected on the challenges faced by minority communities globally. He noted that whether in Pakistan or Palestine, it is increasingly difficult for minorities to thrive. As an immigrant, he expressed his support for the rise of immigration and solidarity among people of all backgrounds.
Imam Hammad Ahmad shared a profound message about the interconnectedness of humanity. He emphasized that while some may be born into comfort and privilege, the injustices and cruelties occurring in the world affect everyone, regardless of background.
He stated a quote from the Promised Messiah, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, and said, “Notwithstanding the hundreds of differences between us, we share one thing in common: we all believe in God, the Creator and the Master of the universe. Also, we belong to the same denomination of God's species and are referred to as humans. Thus as inhabitants of the same country, we are neighbors. This requires that we become friends with each other with purity of heart and sincerity of intentions. We should be kind to each other, and be mutually helpful. In the difficulties about religious and worldly matters, we should exercise such sympathy towards each other as if we have become limbs of the same body. My countrymen, a religion that does not develop universal compassion is no religion at all. Similarly, a human being without the faculty of compassion is no human. Our God has never discriminated between one person and another…This attribute of God teaches us the lesson that we, too, should behave magnanimously and kindly towards our fellow human beings and should not be petty of heart and illiberal.” (Paigham-e-Sulh)
He reminded the audience that, despite differences, we are all together on this planet, and the suffering of one impacts us all.
The program concluded with closing remarks from Mansoor Tahir, the President of the Georgia Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, who thanked the attendees for spending their evening with the community. The event was closed with a silent prayer, followed by evening prayers and dinner.
One of the guests, Ms. Tammy Horton-Rowe said, "It was a great and cohesive event. Although I am a Christian, we all work towards the same goal." Ms. Priscilla Fletcher said "This event was an eye-opening experience, allowing me to see the world differently. We are all different but yet the same." 118 guests attended the event, which was deemed a success by all involved.