Khalifa of Islam Ahmadiyya His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad has paid tribute to former MP and rights campaigner Lord Eric Avebury, who has died aged 87.
Lord Avebury had been battling illness for more than a year, He was known for campaigning for democratic and human rights. He was the MP for Orpington in Kent for eight years after winning a Commons by-election for the Liberals in 1962.He was respected across all faiths – he won the Secularist of the Year award in 2009, the same year he won the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize.
His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (left) with Lord Avebury (right)Lord Avebury was a close friend of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for over 30 years.He was a founding member of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Following his death the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph) of Islam , His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“I was extremely saddened to hear about the passing of my dear friend, Lord Eric Avebury earlier today. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I would like to extend my condolences to Lord Avebury’s wife, children and other family members.
Lord Avebury was a tireless campaigner for human rights and spent his life working towards establishing peace in the world. Indeed, it was his exemplary work in this field that led him to being the very first recipient of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace. Most certainly, Ahmadi Muslims across the world will miss Lord Avebury and will forever hold sentiments of deep respect for him.
I pray that God Almighty grants patience to Lord Avebury’s family and all of those left bereaved at this difficult and sad time.”
Ahmadi Muslims across the world also offered prayers in his memory and took to social media to offer their heartfelt condolences to the family of Lord Avebury.