On Saturday the 14th of January 2017, the Ahmadi Muslim Women of the UK united to host the 8th annual Peace Symposium, hosted at the Baitul Futuh mosque in London –the largest mosque in Western Europe.  With guests ranging upwards of 600, the purpose of this Peace Symposium was primarily to bring together people from diverse faiths, backgrounds and circumstances to initiate a journey into the deeper and often misunderstood understandings and philosophies of Islam, in which they were indeed very successful.  Through these understandings, the Ahmadiyya Women’s Association aim to bring peace and unity to Britain.  The focus for this year’s symposium was ‘Faith and Loyalty to Britain – The Role of Women’.

 The Peace Symposium commenced at 4pm, upon which guests were graciously welcomed in to the mosque with refreshments, appetizers and joyful smiles from all those assisting with the event.  Following registration, the guests were taken upon an in-depth tour of the mosque complex as well as the Exhibition Ladies of the Ahmadiyya Community were given the opportunity to highlight some of the work they had done for their local community. This included raising money for charities such as Macmillan and the Red Cross, sending hampers to care homes, collecting for food banks as well as raising money for the Poppy Appeal. Subsequent to this, a welcome address was followed by charming speeches from various guests, taking place in the main hall of the mosque.  The spectacular event came to a conclusion with a profound Q&A session and an enticing dinner around 7:30pm.

Many esteemed members of our society attended the symposium and were full of compliments, tributes and praises for the admirable amount of effort Ahmadi women put in to do their part in making Britain a more peaceful, united place – they emphasised that their efforts do not go unnoticed and what a large positive impact Ahmadi women have and will continue to have on British society through their constant efforts by means of charity, integration and education.  These speakers included Baroness Williams of Trafford - Minister of State; Ms. Patsy Robertson- Vice Chair of the Commonwealth Association as well as Mrs Safiyya Salam - Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association.

Baroness Williams of Trafford said: “It’s so good to see so many women here to talk about the role we can play in promoting peace and integration. Whether we are mothers, religious leaders or politicians, we all have a role in establishing peace…Your dedication to your faith and your country is an inspiration for us all. Ahmadiyya Muslim Women demonstrate to me their importance to building strong communities. Thank You!” 

Moreover, Baroness Williams elaborated upon the government’s determinations in eradicating all forms of hate crimes in our society.

Mrs. Robertson, speaking on behalf of the Commonwealth Association, spoke about the advancements of women in Beijing society.  Moreover, she spoke upon the topic of hijab: “I really do believe that it is incumbent on Muslim and non-Muslim women to end this idea that wearing the hijab is an oppressive tool. We are educated women, we have to speak up and challenge these societal beliefs.”

Siobhain McDonagh MP further commended the Ahmadi women’s devotion to making Britain a more tranquil place: “I want to thank you for your contributions. I want to thank you for showing loyalty without condition to your country.”

Respects were paid to Councillor Maxi Martin, a firm supporter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, by Mrs. Nasira Rehman (National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association UK).   Whizz-Kidds was presented with a £5000 cheque to commend their praise-worthy devotion and commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities in Britain.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association UK’s efforts to bring peace and tranquillity to our communities through the tranquil teachings of Islam should indeed be applauded and we wish you all the blessings and prosperity to continue making as positive an impact as you currently are.

Aalia Qureshi, Nonsuch High School for Girls