Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth in New Zealand to take to the parks

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth in New Zealand to take to the parks, beaches and streets of Auckland forNew Year's Day clean up

31st December

The Youth Association of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community NZ, will gather its members from across Auckland, and continue its annual tradition of the New Year's Day clean up. The location chosen for this year's event, in liaison with City Parks Services, is the Mission Bay waterfront and surrounding parks in Auckland. In the wake of recent terrorist attacks in France and San Bernardino, there has been increased anti-Muslim rhetoric in mainstream and social media. Initiatives such as the clean-up day, will show the New Zealand public that the teachings of true Islam are not only peaceful but all encompassing, protecting the rights and welfare of animals, and the integrity of the environment.

The President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association of New Zealand, Azeem Zafarullah said, “The clean-up day is part of the true Jihad being undertaken by Ahmadi Muslims worldwide, under the guidance of the Khalifa of Islam, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. In stark contrast to the violent Jihad commonly practiced by religious extremists and viewed through the lens of the media, true Jihad literally means to struggle. It is a personal battle against one's inner temptations. The Greater Jihad as described by the Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of God be upon him) is a spiritual battle waged against one's corrupt and selfish desires with the objective of purifying the soul. One of the tools of this greater Jihad is selfless service. It is in this spirit of selfless service with which Ahmadi Muslim youth will take to the streets on New Year's Day to clean up their community after the festivities”.

Members of the public are welcome to approach the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association members on duty with any questions they may have about Islam. In the spirit of partnership, non-Muslim individuals and groups are also welcome to participate in the clean-up, which will start in the early hours of the morning at Selwyn Reserve, Mission Bay.

“New Zealanders are at the forefront of promoting peace, social harmony, building mutual respect and accepting individual differences. It is our responsibility as citizens to ensure New Zealand keeps leading in this regard. Every year, on New Year’s Day, our community members gather to offer a special early morning prayer for a year of peace and harmony in the world. The New Year’s Day clean-up is one of many initiatives we carry out in the true spirit of serving our country as taught by the true Islamic teachings. Our goal is to remove any misunderstandings of Islam with the message of 'Love for All, Hatred for None', said Mr. Zafarullah.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international revival movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 206 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. The New Zealand branch of this community was established in 1987 and has just over 400 members. It is a registered charitable organisation and endeavours to be an active and integrated community within New Zealand society.

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 reinstitute 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.

ENDS

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