Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA Welcomes His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad on his first trip to the West Coast.
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA welcomed the Khalifa of Islam yesterday, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, to Bait ul Hameed Mosque in Chino, California as part of his first trip to the West Coast . As the spiritual and administrative leader of the single largest and most organized Muslim organization worldwide, His Holiness advocates for global peace, absolute justice, a separation of mosque and state, and universal human rights.
In welcoming His Holiness with a special city proclamation, Dennis Zine, Los Angeles City Councilman, remarked, “Your Holiness, welcome to the city of angels—a fitting name on this historic day. Los Angeles is a melting pot for all religious and ethnic groups. We are honored to host you.”
His Holiness’ arrival at the Bait ul Hameed mosque on Saturday afternoon was broadcast live nationwide and to over 200 countries worldwide via Internet. “His Holiness is gracing America with his presence at a time when many young American Muslims struggle with their identity,” said Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA National Vice President Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, “and by his example of compassion and tolerance, His Holiness demonstrates that no conflict exists between being Muslim and being American.”
The Honorable Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff, received His Holiness yesterday, remarking, “Our city is the best place in America for Muslims to live.Your Holiness, your Community is strong. I wish to see thousands more Ahmadi Muslims living in Los Angeles.”
As part of his ten-day visit, His Holiness will meet with various federal, state and city officials, members of law enforcement, heads of consulates, thought leaders, professors and other dignitaries. On May 11, His Holiness will deliver a keynote address at the Montage in Beverly Hills centered around the topic of Islam, terrorism and human rights. Approximately 300 guests are expected to be in attendance.
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.
