Head of Ahmadiyya community bemoans modern day slavery

The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has bemoaned the continued existence of slavery in these modern times with the powerful nations preying on the weaknesses of the less powerful.

“The powerful nations take advantage of the weaker nations and dictate their own preferred policies practically enslaving the developing countries. Sadly, the major powers take benefit and advantage of the natural resources of the poorer nations and do not give what is the due right of the weaker nations in return,” he said.

Hazrat Ahmad was speaking at a reception to celebrate the 50th Independence Anniversaries of Algeria, Burundi, Malawi, Rwanda and Uganda organized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Pan-African Association at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London at the weekend.

It was attended by dignitaries and guests representing a number of African countries in the United Kingdom.  Earlier, His Holiness held a meeting with a number of dignitaries including the High Commissioner of Uganda, Prof Joyce Kakuramatsi Kikafunda and Ghana’s Leader of the Opposition, Hon Nana Akufo-Addo.

Hazrat Ahmad said true Muslims and Muslim governments should always promote independence and help others gain freedom – whether it is personal independence or national independence.”

“Based upon Islam’s true teachings, Ahmadi Muslims strive and work towards the achievement of universal independence and self-determination, with the ambition that every single person in the world is able to live autonomously with fundamental freedoms, such as religious, political, national and civil freedom,” he added.

His Holiness said giving priority to national interests ahead of any personal interests was importance to national unity.

“We should always make sure that our differences, our personal egos and party interests are set aside for the greater good and rather prioritize national progress. When we think and act in this way our differences will not be a means of impairment but will actually play a positive role in our nation’s future well-being and development,” he added.

The Spiritual Leader of the Ahmadi Muslims expressed concerns about the spread of terrorism and extremism in Africa and warned that if extremist elements were able to “spread their networks of hatred” it would impede the progress and development of the continent.

Hazrat Ahmad said Africa, by the grace of Allah, has the ability to lead and guide the world. But Africa needed to work hard and stay united to realize this potential, so that instead of succumbing to enslavement, you are those who stand at the forefront of the world.”