Call for debate in British Parliament following the murder of Asad Shah

A Member of U.K Parliament has called for a debate in the British House Commons to discuss the rising persecution against the Ahmadiyya community in the UK, the call comes after an Ahmadi shopkeeper was killed in a “religiously prejudiced” attack in Glasgow last month.

Mr. Shah, 40, belonged to the minority Ahmadiyya sect of Islam which has faced persecution from other Muslim groups in countries like Pakistan and Indonesia.

Tanveer Ahmed, 32, from Bradford, is accused of killing Mr. Shah and in a very unusual move, Mr. Ahmad claimed responsibility for the murder and issued a statement saying he killed Mr. Shah because he “disrespected Islam”.

Now Mr. Shah’s local Member of Parliament Stewart McDonald is calling for a debate in the British Parliament to discuss the persecution faced by Mr. Shah’s Ahmadiyya community in the UK and around the world.

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for Glasgow South, said:

“When the House rose for summer recess, that evening a local shopkeeper Asad Shah in my constituency was tragically killed.

“He was a much loved gentle and friendly man. He will be sorely missed by many in the south side of Glasgow

“He was also a member of the Ahmadiyya muslim community and the police have identified there is religious aggravation behind the killing.

“Can we have a debate on the persecution that the Ahmadiyya community face in this country and around the world and also discuss what the government is doing to tackle this cancerous form of sectarianism?”

In reply, Chris Grayling, Leader of the House said he was well aware of the religious community Mr Shah came from and he praised its work.

“I know the Ahmadiyya Muslim community well. I’ve met His Holiness and leading members of that community.

“I know the good work they do in our country, I know the positive role they try to play in our community. I know the way in which they want to bridge gaps between different communities in this country.

“The fact before his death he had published a message of goodwill to Christians is a sign of what a Valuable part of our community the Ahmadiyyas are.

“They are persecuted around the world we should always be willing to be their defenders.”

Another member of the UK Parliament Siobhain McDonagh has also spoken out against the brutal murder of Asad Shah. Siobhain who is the chair of All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has requested a meeting with the British Home Secretary to discuss the murder of Mr. Shah, and how to prevent violence against Ahmadi Muslims in the UK.

View Comments

mostedo209 says:

April 15, 2016 at 3:05 AM

As our founder had described the British as "mohsins" in his respect for the English, then in India for their fairness, in dealing with gratitude and respect towards humanity, we still gladly salute your attitude today !!!
May the fairness of this law deal justly in our favour today as well , Inshallah !!
We will surely outshine the negativity against us and serve The God gifted Jamaat of Hazrat Mirza Gulam Ahmad Qadiani with juvilence and dignity for all peoples, countries and governments however cruel they may spell against us , Inshallah !!
We will deal equally justifiably and with respect to bring our message to every nation in the most peaceful ways we can !!
We are winning hearts and minds with peace and harmony inviting humanity under One Gracious God like the Holy Master (SAW) himself did for the whole of humanity in his tenure , Alhamdolillah !!!
May God almighty help the government of the British Isle to be at forefront in serving justice for humanity inshallah !!
We will surely continue to be at the forefront in promoting peace and harmony for this country and the world at large, however small in number we may be, against our enemies, the Mullahs of hatred and jealousy !!!
Alhamdolillah !!!
God Bless the British Isles !!
God Bless Ahmadyyat !!
Abdul Ghaffar Amosah-Mensah says:

April 15, 2016 at 1:28 PM

Allah subhana watAllah has promised victory for Islam Ahmadiyyat, and this victory will surely come through the constant hate and prosecution we receive from the other sect of Islam. The world is gradually seeing the light of Islam through Ahmadiyya. May the Gracious lord continue to shower his blessings on Islam Ahmadiyyat and the world at large. Amen
Raheem, M.A says:

April 15, 2016 at 3:03 PM

This is a good initiative by Mr. Stewart McDonald SNP MP and his co parlismentarians,it will help in a long way in curbing the activities of religious bigotry and extremism of some people whose religious trademark is preaching hatred and violence in their places of worship. They have caused many havocs and disorder in some Muslims countries,such as Pakistan, Indonesia, Afghanistan, Iran,just to mention afew. killing and maiming inoccent people and claiming that their own brand of Islam is the only acceptable and any other one is non Muslim and deserves to be killed.They have arrogated the power to determine who is a true Muslim and who is not to themselves.They should not be allowed to spread their tentacles to the West.All lover of peace should support any move being taken by the government to protect innocent people from these religious fanatics. Kudos to the British Parliament.
Zubair Khan says:

April 15, 2016 at 5:18 PM

“The fact before his death he had published a message of goodwill to Christians is a sign of what a Valuable part of our community the Ahmadiyyas are.“They are persecuted around the world we should always be willing to be their defenders.”
Above words have been said from deepest core of the heart as such have direct impact. Well said Mr Chris Grayling. Bold, truthful, honest and courageous people like you are in fact are the true assets of not only UK but of whole humanity.
Ahsan Ahmedi says:

April 16, 2016 at 12:58 AM

It's vital important to ensure that sectarian intolerance that exist in countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh and others is nipped in the bud and at the very least stopped before it's becomes embedded in this country. There have been ample evidence in the past where this has surfaced but the first such killing changes what we are dealing with. MCB as ever whilst denouncing the killing are still dragging their feet over this with their continued insistence of creating division by calling us non-muslims and refusing to call our places of worship "Mosques". They have alliances with Deobandis and Khatme nabuwat groups who call for killings of Ahmadies in Pakistan and bangladesh and other countries as the recent Radio 4 programs by Michel Owen Bennet have revealed. All such sympathizers need to be brought to account and the Parliament debate will go a long way to doing just that.