Global Muslim leader in Germany says fear of immigrants fuelling far-right is, in reality, fear of Islam

His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

Amidst a rise in far-right parties, the Caliph and world head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad laid out a powerful plan of action to combat frustrations of locals arising from a fear of immigrants.

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During Germany’s biggest Muslim Convention on Saturday, September 8, 2018, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Many local people are afraid that their societies are changing beyond comprehension and they feel that their nation’s resources are being disproportionately utilised in favour of immigrants. Whilst the term ‘immigrant’ is used, the real issue for most people is ‘Islam’ and the fact that the vast majority of immigrants to Europe are Muslims fleeing from war-torn countries in the Middle East.”

The Caliph outlined some of the ‘real causes of concern’ such as the financial burden of hosting immigrants, terrorists entering disguised as refugees and the fear based on recent reports that some migrants have sexually abused women. His Holiness called on governments to take strong measures to combat these issues and stressed that Islam should not be feared as it is a religion of peace.

Speaking of the concern that refugees are a financial burden, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Immigrants should consider themselves indebted to the nation that has accepted them. They owe gratitude to both the government and the public and the way to repay this favour is that they should not waste time seeking only benefits and allowances from the State. Rather, they should seek to contribute to the society as soon as possible… Where this will enable them to maintain their personal honour and dignity it will also be a means of relieving the burden on the State and removing the frustrations of the local people. Certainly, every Muslim should keep in mind that the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings be upon him) said that the giving hand is far greater than the one that takes.”    

His Holiness praised the decision of the German government to consider a new policy whereby asylum seekers would be required to do a year’s community service upon settling in Germany. His Holiness said it was praise-worthy as it “instils a belief that it is the duty of each person to serve their society and to help the members of the community.”

Addressing the accusation levelled at Islam, that it allows men to sexually abuse women, The Caliph said it was completely wrong and the government should take extremely strict measures against the perpetrators:

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Let me make it categorically clear that any Muslim who violates the honour of a woman or abuses her in any way is acting entirely against Islam’s teachings. Islam considers such behaviour as evil and has mandated exceptionally strong punishments for those guilty of such immoral and reprehensible crimes.”  

In terms of security concerns, His Holiness said that safety of the citizens of a country are ‘paramount objectives’ of a government and advised that if certain immigrants are suspicious, authorities should monitor them until they are satisfied that they no longer pose a threat.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

“Certainly, if there are any immigrants who come with the intention of spreading mischief or creating disorder they are directly contravening Islam’s teachings. Indeed, chapter 2, verse 192 of the Holy Quran states that whilst murder is a truly heinous crime, to spread disorder and to provoke hatred is a crime of even greater magnitude. Of course, this does not mean that to kill someone is a small or insignificant crime, rather it signifies that the ramifications of fuelling the flames of disorder in society are higher still. “

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated:

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also said that a true Muslim is he from whose tongue and hand all others are safe. How then can it be said that Islam is a religion that promotes violence or radicalism? How can it be said that Islam spreads disorder in society?”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad drew attention of the attendees towards helping genuine refugees and said:

“Society should not reject genuine refugees who are suffering through no fault of their own. Society should not cast aside innocent people who only want the opportunity to live in peace and who desire to be good citizens and follow the laws of the land in which they live. Instead, we should be there to give a helping hand to those whose lives have been broken, who have been tormented and who are utterly helpless, vulnerable and defenceless. Let us prove our humanity. Let us show our compassion. Let us be there to shoulder the burdens of those who are in desperate need.”