Souvenir on Baitur Rahman Mosque USA Inauguration

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AJIJ~~\~!Jl~ Masjid Baitur Rahman fir D

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In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.The mosques of Allah shall be visited and welJ..main..tained by such who believe in Allah, and the Last Day, and pay the Zakat, and fear none but Allah.It is these who are likely to reach the goal being guided aright.Al Qur'an 9: 18 And all places of worship belong to Allah alone; so call not, along with Allah, upon anyone else.Al Q ur 'an 72: 19 For me the entire earth is made a mosque and a source of purity.A Saying (Hadith) of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (p ea ce and bl ess in gs of Allah be on hi m).

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The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam An Introduction The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is a religious organization, international in its scope, with established branches in 143 countries in Africa, Americas, Asia, Australia, and Europe.At present, its total membership exceeds 10 million worldwide, and the numbers are increasing day by day.Within the last 12 months (from August 1993 to July 1994), more than 400,000 persons joined the Movement.This is the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history.The Ahmadiyya Movement was established in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835 - 1908) in a small and remote village, Qadian, in the Punjab, India.He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days, the Awaited One of the world community of religions.The Movement he started is an embodiment of the moral and spiritual values.It encourages interfaith dialogue, and diligently tries to correct misunderstandings about Islam in the West.It advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths.It firmly believes in and acts upon the Qur'anic teaching: "There is no compulsion in religion." It strongly rejects violence and terrorism in any form and for any reason.The Movement offers a clear presentation of Islamic wisdom, philosophy, morals and spirituality as derived from the Holy Qur'an and the practice (Sunnah) of the Holy Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).Some Ahmadi members, like late Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan (who served as the first Foreign Minister of Pakistan; President of the 1 6th General Assembly of the U.N.O.; President and Judge of the benevolent message of Islam - peace, universal brotherhood, and submission to the Wi ll of God - in its pristine purity.Hazrat Ahmad proclaimed Islam as the "Remember that nothing happens on this Earth unless it has been so International Court of Justice, at the Hague), and Dr.Abdus Salam (the Nobel Laureate in Physics in 1979), have also been recognized by the world community for their outstanding services and future religion of man: "Remember that nothing happens on this Earth unless it has been so willed in Heaven.And, it is God of Heaven who revealed to me that ultimately it will be the religion of Islam which will conquer the hearts of people." willed in Heaven.And, it is God of Heaven who revealed to me that ultimately it will be the religion of Is lam which will conquer the hearts of people." achievements.After the demise of its founder, the Ahmad1yya Movement has been headed by his elected successors - With this conviction, the Ahmadiyya Movement, within a century, has reached the corners of the Earth.Wherever the Movement is established, it endeavors to exert a constructive influence of Islam through social projects, educational institutes, health services, Islamic publications and construction of mosques, despite being bitterly persecuted in some countries.Ahmadi Muslims have earned the distinction of being a law-abiding, peaceful, persevering and benevolent community.The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was created under divine guidance with the objective to rejuvenate Islamic 1 Khalifas.The present Head of the Movement, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, was elected in 1982.His official title is Khalifatul Masih IV He has launched several social projects to help poor countries in Africa, and under his personal supervision and guidance the Movement has translated the Holy Qur'an in more than 50 major languages of the world.In 1982, he initiated a project to build mosques in 5 cities in the United States with an estimated cost of 2.5 million dollars.The Ahmadi Muslims in the United States responded to his appeal by having Mosques and Islamic Mission Houses in 22 cities with donations of more than 10 million dollars.Masjid Baitur Rahman, by the grace of Allah, is one of them.

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The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement And His Mi ss ion "How can that Ummah peri sh when I am at its beginning and the Me ssiah at it s end!" A Saying of the Holy Prophet Muha mm ad (peace and blessin gs of A llah be on him) Th e Ahm a di yya Mu s lim Co mmunit y is a wo rldwid e progressive Movement within th e broa der spec trum o fl slam.Its fo und er, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, was bo rn on February 13, 1835, at Qadian (No rth e rn India) - a sma ll to wn which lacked all mode rn facilitie s of communication with th e rest of the world.Sin ce his childh oo d, he showed an extr ao rdin a ry indiff erence to materi al va lu es.He dedicated most of hi s time e ith er in th e s tud y of th e Holy Qur'an or in supplication tO God Almig hty.In th e late ninetee nth c entury , in Indi a, th e aggressive and often offensive C hri stian a nd Hindu co nt entions again st Islam and its Prophet (peace and blessin gs of Allah be o n him) were a matter of d ee p conc ern to Hazrar Ahmad.He grieved extremely at th e pitiable state of th e Mu slim masses who we re un a bl e to defe nd th e honor of th e ir Prophet and th e glo ry o f th eir faith.Hazrat Ahm ad t oo k over th e responsibility to defe nd Islam.From abo ut 1872, he began to emer ge as a reputable scholar, an el oq ue nt speaker and a disting ui shed pr eacher in Islam.In 1882, he r ece ived a divine r ev elation th at he had been commissio ned as th e Refo rm er to re-establ is h fa ith in one Go d and th e Proph et h oo d of Muhamm ad (peace and blessin gs of Alla h be o n him).In 1889, he cl aimed th at he was th e Promised Messiah and th e Mahdi wh ose ad ve nt in th e la tt er days h ad been prophesied by th e Holy Prophet of Isla m.O n March 23, 1889, he fo und ed th e Moveme nt.H az ra t Ahmad 's cl aim to be th e Promised Messiah raised a public outcry sin ce Mu slims a nd Chri stians generally believed that he was to desce nd from heaven ph ys ically in t he person of Jesus C hri st (peace be on him ).Thi s claim also made him an o bj ect of ridicule in the eyes of th e o rth odox Mu slims.Th e Ahm adiy ya Muslim C ommunit y was to be recog niz ed as a dynamic re li gious for ce championing th e cause of Islam, de s pit e bitter and at times viole nt o pp ositio n.A hm adi Mu slims demons tr ate a commitment to th e be tt e rm e nt of mankind.Th e ir spirit of selfless servi ce is deeply ap pr eciated universa ll y.2 J Ha z rat Mirza G hulam Ahmad (1835.1908) Th e mission of th e fo und er of th e co mmunit y was to revi ve a nd rekindle ma nkind 's fa ith in G o d, to work fo r th e renaissan ce of Islam, to gat her a nd unit e all faiths und er its bann er, to reca ptur e Islam's lost moral exc el lence and glor y, a nd to re in st itut e its tru e teachin gs.In fulfillme nt of his divinely assigned role of the Prin ce of Peace, his mission was to inculcate am ong mankind t he spirit of toleran ce, good will a nd tru e broth e rho od , and to abolish hatr ed a nd discrimination based on race, colo r, creed , c ul t ur e, s tatu s, language or nationalit y.He established Ahm adi yya Mu slim Co mmuni ty to serve o th ers throu gh se lfl ess sacrifice, devotion and love.

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So Says The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) The gist of our faith is: 'There is no God to be worshipped but Allah, Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah." Our paradise is in our God.Our highest delight is in our God for we have seen Him and have found every beauty in Him.This wealth is worth procuring though one may have to lay down one's life to procure it.That leader of ou rs from whom radiates all light.His name is Muhammad, he is the one, who has captivated my heart.Indeed, I am sold, entirely, on this light.Wholly and completely am I devoted to it.In my mind there are no reservations! He alone is the one that counts; while I amount absolutely to nothing.This alone is the basic truth, this alone the final verdict! I have been made to understand that of all the Messengers, the one who gave the most perfect and purest of teachings, full of wisdotn, and the one who exhibited in him the noblest of human qualities is the Holy Prophet Muhammad, our lord and master (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).If you want that God shou ld be pleased with you in heaven, unite and be one like two brothers of the same mother.Nobler is he among you who forgives the sins of his brother more than others and doomed is he who is stubborn and does not forgive.He has nothing in common with me.None of the true Muslims who ever liv ed maintained that force should be employed in the spread of Islam.On the other hand, Islam has always flourished on the strength of its inherent qualities of excellence.Righteousness means that a person should, to the best of his abilit y, discharge his responsibilities regarding his faculties and covenant of faith with God as a sacred trust.Also he sh ou ld pay full regard to what he owes to his fellow human beings and to all that is created by God as a trust imposed on him.That suffering which pleases God is better than that pleasure which displeases Him.That defeat which pleases God is better than the victory which earns His displeasure.I proclaim to all Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Aryas, that I have no enemy in the world.I love mankind with the love that a compassionate mother has for her children; even more so.I am the enemy of on ly the false doctrines which kill truth.Human sympathy is my duty.My principle is to discard falsehood.I reject paganism, wrongdoing, misconduct, injustice and immorality.The Holy Qur'an is a miracle the like of which never was and never will be.The age of its blessings and bounties is everlasting.It dictates of truth and human nature.The doctrines it propounds are so perfect and well founded that they are entirely supported by powerful and irrefutable evidence.Its injunctions are based on nothing but the truth.It s teachings are completely free from adulteration or idolatry, innovation and creature worship.

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Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad Kbalifatul Masib IV A Profile Hi s Holin ess Hazrat Mir za Ta hir Ahm ad, th e pre se nt Supreme Head of the wo rldwide Ahmad~ yya Mu slim Community, was b or n on December 1 8, 1928, in Qadian, a small village in northern India.After g radu a tin g from the ]amia Ahmadiyya, th e religiou s training co llege of the Ahmadiyya Community, he spe nt some years at th e School of Oriental & African Studies of th e U ni versity of Lo ndo n, En gland.Upon hi s r etu rn t o Paki s t a n , h e formally dedicated his life to th e serv ice of I s la m.The following tw o decades saw him imm ersed in the serv i ce of th e Moveme nt in va ri ou s capaci ti es - ord in a r y worker, coordina t o r, organ ize r and head of va ri o u s institutions.situation in Pakistan forced His Holiness to move to En g land, from where he ha s si n ce been dir ec tin g the activities of th e M ovement in 14 3 co untrie s arou nd the globe.Ha zrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad is a widely tra velled man a nd a k een observe r of other cultures, groups and societies.His Friday sermons are tape-recorded a n d distributed to all Ahm adi Mu s lim s around the world r eg ul a rl y every week.The se se rm on s are also being telecast live to the r est of the world through sate llite r elays and are being watched by Ahmadi audiences in all th e co n tinents.These se rm ons serve as a guide and source of knowledge to Ahmadi Mu s lim s to conduct their lives on Islamic p rin ciples.Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad is an avid r eader In Jun e 1982, h e was el ected to his sup r eme pos1t1on, fo rm a ll y designated as KhaLifatul His H oliness Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad and takes keen interest in modern scientific knowledge.He is also a fo rceful writer in prose Masih {literally "S uccessor of the Messiah") and thus became the fourt h Successor of th e fou nd er of the Movement, Hazrat Mirza Gh ulam Ahmad.In 1984, the ex igencies of the politico-religious and, occasionally, expresses himself in verse.His books, Murder in the Name of Allah and Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues, have been widely acclaimed.

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Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam Some Contributions and Services To di sseminate and impleme nt teac hin gs of Islam, th e Ahmadiyya Mov ement is en gaged in a variety of projects.Th e Moveme nt ha s so far: Participated in num erous humanit arian and charita bl e services off e ring fo od, medicine, cl o th es, and shelte r to th e po or , war-vic tim s and dr ough t-s tricken nations.C ons tru cted 3 ,122 new mos qu es around the world.• Established 496 Islamic mission houses.• Published the Ho ly Qur ' an with tran slations in 54 main languages of the world.Published selected v er ses fr om th e Holy Qur ' an in 11 7 languages.• Co ns tru cted 30 medical clinics a nd hospitals in und erdeveloped co untrie s."We will surely guide in Our ways those who strive after Us.Verily Allah is with those who do good." (Al Qur'an 29:70) Publis hed a very compr ehensive 5 volume commentary of the Holy Qur ' an in English, including a bi ography of the Holy Pro phet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be on him), ex haustive ind ex and a g en eral introdu c ti on with c ro ss- references ro th e verses.Publis hed a selection of Ahadith, th e Say in gs of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace a nd blessin gs o f Allah be on him) in 11 7 languages.Institut ed 34 7 schools, mo stly in Afric a.Established a glob al Islamic o utr each pro g ram throu gh satellite co mmuni catio n system, relaying Friday Se rm ons (Khutbat) in seven languages, a nd fea turin g daily pro gram for Asian and Europ ea n co untri es.Worldwide Branches Established in 143 Countries Abu Dhabi · Afghanistan • Albania • Algeria • Angola • Argentina • Australia • Austria • Bahrain • Bangladesh • Belarus • Belgium • Benin • Bhutan • Brazil • Brunei • Bulgaria• Burkina Fasu • Burma • Bunindi • Cameroon • Canada • Cape Verde Islands • Chad • China • Chuuk • Columbia • Comoros • Congo • Cook Islands • Denmark • Dominican Republic • E!,rypt • Ethiopia • Rji • Finland • France • Gabon • Gambia • Germany • Ghana • Greece • Guam • Guatamala • Guinea • Guinea Bissau • Guyana • Holland • Hong Kong • Hungary • Iceland • India • Indonesia • Iran • Iraq • Ireland • Israel • Italy • Ivory Coast • Jamaica • Japan • Jordan • Kazakistan • Kenya • Keri Basu • Kuwait • Lebanon • Liberia • Libya • Lithuania •.Madagascar • Mala\'i • Malaysia • Mal dives • Mali • Marshal Isl ands • 5 Mauritania · Maurmus • Mexico • Miconesia (Ponape) • Mongolia • Morocco • Mozambique • Naru • Nepal • New Zealand • New Calen<lonia • Niger • Nigeria • Norway • Oman • Pakistan • Palestine • Papua New Guinea • Philippines • Poland • Portugal • Qatar • Raisul Khema • Renien • Romania • Russia • Ruwanda • Saudi Arahia • Senegal • Sierre Leone • Smgapore • Solomon I:.lands • Somalia • South Africa • Spain • Sn Lanb • St.Lucia • Sudan • Suriname • Sweden • Switzerland • Syria • Tahiti • Tanzania • Tataristan • Thailand • Togol and • Toke Lau • Tonga • Trinidad •T unis • Turkey • Tu\'alu South Pacific • USA • Uganda • Ukraine • Ummul QU\·ain • United Arab Emirates • United Kingdom • Uzbekistan • Vanuatu • West Samoa • Yemen • Yugoslavia • Zaire • Zambia • Zimbabwe

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Message of Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalife Masih IV Suprt:me Head of the \Xorld -Wi.le Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on the occas 10n of the mauguratton of Masjid Baitur Rahman The b uildin g of places of wor s hip, su ch as mosques, dedicated entirely to the one and only one God, is i ndeed among the noblest of tasks.But alas, th e places of worship are somet imes built with mixed intentions.They are n ot always enti rely and purely dedicated to the wo rs hip of Allah alon e.Isl am stands out among religions in its total commitment to t he unity of God.Yet it does not permit its adherents to interfere with th e beliefs a nd practices of the idolatrous religions.The principle teaching in thi s regard without comprom ise, is given in the fo ll owing verse of the Holy Qur'an: JJJt j ~r'fJ~ ,,..;t' ,, ~ J, ;,J "There is no compulsion in religion." This contains, indeed, the fundamental principle of freedom of re li gious practices and beliefs.Thi s principle also implies that those \vho believe in the unit y of God cannot be denied t he ri ght to worship m the mo sques.The doors of the Muslim mosques ~----------------------------------~ 6 must, therefore, always remain open to the followers of all re li gions who belie\'e in th e unity of God.As far as physical access is concerned, even the idolaters are not deni ed.That which is forbi dden is only to pay homage to anyone else besides God.The Muslim places of worship must entirely remain dedicated to God alone in all sincerit y.There is no doubt that this grand, spacious and beautiful building is extremely impressive and is a treat fo r the eyes to behold.Yet, it must be remembered that , according to Islam, the status of a place of worship in the sight of Allah is not r elated to phys i ca l grande ur or outstanding architectural design.The greatne ss of a mosque depends entirely on the fear of God and th e si n ce rity with w hi ch th e worshippers bow and prostrate therein.H owever, it is permissible to build large, spacious, simple but beautiful mosques, such as this one for whose inaugurati on we have a l 1 gathered here today.This is an issue tha t relates to the deep-rooted intentions that precede every human project.

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If the mosque incidentally also happens to be attractive and beautiful, without the element of lavishness, it is not disapproved in Islam.Alhamdolillah - all praise be to Allah - I can say with great confidence that those who participated in the building of this mosque did so entirely to win Allah's favour and had no baser motives.The first house of Allah ever built in the U.S.A.was by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at in 1922.Since then, we have been able to add 28 more mosques or centers of worship.It is a small number but the work is quickening in pace with the passage of time.Out of the total, 22 were added list of those who performed outstanding work with regard to the collection of funds: Hazrat Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, the ex-Amir and Missionary In-Charge of U.S.A.His strenuous tours for fund raising have been truly impressive.He must be nearing 90 years of age and yet, by the Grace of Allah, he works like a young man.God bless him and all the workers in whatever capacity they worked.May the posterity also remember them with prayers when they read this brief mention of their services on this stone-tablet.Allah, however, does not need any inscription to remind Him.I have no doubt that He only between 1983 and 1994.We are ·planning to build many more in the coming years to keep pace with the expansion of our Jama' at.I do hope and pray that the sacrifices of all those who have generously participated in the building of this humble yet great house of God will find favour with their Lord.This mosque has been built at a cost of 4.25 million dollars, which has been provided almost entirely by the members of the U:S.A.Ahmadiyya Jama'at.A large share of the credit goes to the association of Ahmadiyya doctors and surgeons who provided more than half of the "The ways of Allah are strange.In His sight, sometimes, small contributors are held bigber and closer in His love than those who have offered will always shower His blessings on those who have participated with profound sincerity only to please Him.May He always remain pleased with them.Along with those who have made outstanding financial contributions, there are also others who have only been able to offer small sums, but with pure love and deep sense of sorrow that they could not offer more.The ways of Allah are strange.In His sight, sometimes, small contributors are held higher and closer in His love than those who have offered more.He knows best and to Him we should all turn with prayers that He should entire expenses.The president more.He knows best and to Him we should all turn with prayers that He should ignore our shortcomings and forgive our sins and accept our offerings, small -0r big, pure or defective, with mercy and graciousness." ignore our shortcomings and forgive our sins and accept our and office bearers of the Ahmadi Medical Association should especially be remembered in our prayers.Among them there are some whose personal sacrifices are phenomenal.As for the rest of the Jama'at, a large majorit~ of them participated to the best of their capacity, with enthusiasm and a spirit of dedication that has touched my heart The Amir of U.S.A., M.M.Ahmad Sahib, and his team, who worked diligently under his able leadership, are also to be remembered in our special prayers.Outside the executive, there is one name which I would personally like to add to the offerings, small or big, pure or defective, with mercy and graciousness.May He grant us the opportunity to be able to achieve the very noblest of expectations related to the houses of His worship.Mirza Tahir Ahmad Khalifatul Masih IV October 14, 1994 ?::::::::::::::::::::~::::::::::~~::::::::::::::::::::~

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AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN AMERICA ''Our task today is to herald the news in all directions; he who has a noble soul surely comes!" Mr.Muh ammad Alexander Russell Webb The First American Co nv ert to Islam The Un it ed States of America is one of those countries whic h was bl essed with t he message of true Islam through the Promised Messiah himself.Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad first conveyed the message of Islam to the American people t hrough a pamphlet mailed to thousands of laymen and clergy in Europe and America in the year 1885.This created a considerable interest in Islam among various section s of t he Americans.A journalist, Mr.A le xander Russell Webb, who later became American Consu l in the Philippines, became deeply interested and started correspondence with Hazrat Ahmad.In a letter dated February 24, 1887, Mr.Webb wrote to the Promised Messiah:"...it occurred to me that I might, through your aid, assist in spreading the truth here.If, as you say, the Muhamaden is the only trne religion why could 1 not ace as its Aposde or Promulgator in America..." Consequently, Mr.Webb accepted I slam and became an active (The Promised Mcmah) missionary of Islam, established seven Islamic branches in various cities in the United States, and in 1893, founded a publication, "The Moslem World".In h is letter of condolence upon the death of t he Promised Messiah, Mr.Webb wrote:" Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad accomplished a great undertaking and conveyed the light of truth to hundr eds of hearts, which it cou ld not have reach ed ot herwise.More t han twenty years ago I started my correspondence with him and ever since then I have been deeply affected by the fearless ea rn estness with which he conti nu ed to spread the t ruth in the pursuance of his purpose.Without a doubt God Almighty had chosen him for t hi s gr eat enterprise whi~h he fulfilled completely.I am sure t hat he will enjoy the companionship of the saints a nd prophets in heaven." The Chicago Mosque In 1922, the first Ahmadiyya Mosque was estab li shed in C hicago at 4448 Wabash Av- en u e.The money for this project was do- nated by Ahmadis in India.8 Hazrat Dr.Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (May Allah be pleased with him) T he Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam began its regular mission in the U.S.A.in 1920 under the direction of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmood Ahmad, the Second Successor of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, of Qadian, India.The first Ahmadiyya Muslim missionary in America, Hazrat Dr.Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, arrived in New York on February 25, 1920; but he was detained in Ellis Island, New York.He was asked to wr ite to the President of the country.The Secretary of State replied on behalf of the President conveying his permission to him to preach Islam in the United States.Soon after his arrival, D r.Sad iq estab li shed t he first Headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam in C hicago, Illinois.

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Message of the Amir, U.S.A.It is Allah's great bounty and mercy that He has enabled the small number of Ahmadi Muslims of U.S.A.to triple the number of new mosques and mission houses in the U.S.A.since 1983.The moral and spiritual devaluation which has taken place in the West, the misconceptions about Islam so widely and unjustly held by so many through ignorance of its true message and teachings, attracted the attention of Hazrac Khalifar:ul Masih N and he called upon the U.S.A.Jama' at for a renewed commitment and resolve to redouble our efforts for the spread of Islam's true message.One specific target given was to collect 2.5 million dollars, outside the budget, for the construction of mosques or acquisition of mission houses to serve as Centers for the task ahead.The Jama' at's response was splendid and heart warming.Its members and in particular members of the Ahmadiyya Medical Association, contributed generously.The amount contributed was indeed many times the high target fixed by Hazrac Khalifa cul Masih and increased the number of mosques and mission houses from 7 to 29 during the last decade or so.The latest addition is this Washington Mosque whose inauguration (on October 14, 1994) is being blessed by Hazrac Khalifatul Masih IV, the Supreme Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Community.Our gathering today is not so much a celebration as it is a symbol of our renewed commitment and resolve to make this inspiring mosque 9 a center for righteousness, carbiyyac (training) and spread of Islam.It should be made into a shining minaret which dispels all darkness and sweeps away all misconceptions and false notions about Islam.The divine message brought by Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa, the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) be spread and practiced throughout in its purity.Violence, tyranny and terrorism all now associated with Islam in people's mind in the West are in fact violation of Islamic morality, its code of conduct and its laws.The suffering humanity should be rid of its ailments and strife through the renaissance of true Islam for which Hazrat Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam and a servant of the Khatamun Nabiyyin, the Holy Prophet of Islam, established the Ahmadiyya Jama'at under divine command.May Allah bless our humble efforts to fulfill the task which lies ahead and enable us to win back the lost glory of Islam, spread its teachings and divine message and usher an era of peace, interfaith harmony and service of the suffering humanity.M.M.Ahmad A:mir, U.S.A.October 14, 1994

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I c I i lillllll lllllit I "..1- 1 D D • • - 1l1 11 ,...--- - - 11- 1 - 1 • • "Say, My Lord bas enjoined justice.And fix your attention aright at every time and place of worship, and call upon Him, making yourselves sincere towards Him in religion.As He brought you into being, so shall you return." (Al Qur'an 7:30)

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Masjid Baitur Rahman Salient Features The Masjid is located in Montgomery County, Maryland, at the intersection of Good H ope Road and Briggs Chaney Road, in the corridor between two main highways - Columb ia Pike and New Hampshire Avenue.It is fifteen miles north ofWashington, District of Co lumbia, and five miles o ut side the National Beltway.The area g iv es the feeling of an ecumenical spi ritual mosaic as there are more than two dozen churches, temples a nd re li gious centers in its vicinity belonging to various Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist denominations.The two-story building of the Masjid, with a lower level basement for administratiYe use, is on an eleven-acre parcel ofland.The total constructed ar ea is 22,000 square feet Th ere are two additi ona l structures on the land, one for th e residence of Im am and th e other for a satellite eart h-station contro l location.Adjacent to the building is a parking l ot for 125 car s.The exteri or of the Masjid is made of almost 200 pieces of panels of exposed precast concrete in off.white color, with dark green Kirkstone band under the cornice and over the dome's drum.The dome is 24 feet in diameter with stainless steel claddings, twenty-five feet above roof leve l.There is a minaret, ninety feet tall, also with a stainless steel clad top.Arched windows of the upper level are gracefu ll y designed above square and rectangular windows, decorated spandrels and grill s.The dome also has small arch ed glass windows for natural li ght to reach the interior of the Masjid.The design of the Masjid combi nes gracefu ll y the architectural elements of the East and the West It exhibits both the Washington's neoclassical architecture style as well as the eastern Islamic traditional features, and makes it a simple yet dignified and beautiful place of worship.The prayer halls in the upper two levels can accommodate approximately 1300 worshipers at a time.As the Islamic liturgical worship, Salat, involves different postures of human body, including prostration - to express complete submi ss i on to God, there are no seats in the prayer halls.Instead, green carpet rows are laid down, wall to wall, for the comfort of the worshipers.Th e second floor has, under the dome, a semicircular opening above the Mehrab (where the I mam stands to lead the prayer) to make the interior of the dome visible from the first floor as well and to maximize the reach of natural li ght The upper prayer hall is designated exclusively for the ladies.It has a glass sem icircul ar wall through which the Mehrab and the dome are visible.For the convenien~ ofladies with sma ll children, there are additional rooms including a nursery.Both the upper floors have spacious hallways, Wuzu (ablution) areas, and access to elevators for the handicapped.The basement has office rooms for the National Headquarters and local officials of the Washington Metropolitan community, with an open multipurpose space in the middle.It also has a spacious kitchen well-equipped with modern utilities and a dumb-waiter to take food to either of the two upper floors.Areas are reserved fo r audio-video control, translation and a library, while the prayer halls have projectors, screens and televisions installed to watch and listen to religious sermons and discourses.The Masjid is equipped to receive international religious programs relayed by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Television, London, through satellite system, and the programs in the Masjid can also be relayed throughout North and South Ame rica via international satellite communication systems.I

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Messages and Proclamations on the occasion of the inauguration of Masjid Baitur Rahman Friday, October 14, 1994 On Friday, October 14, 1994, to honor the inauguration of Masjid Baitur Rahman, the American Flag will be raised at the Capitol on the request of the Honorable Congresswoman, Leslie L Byrne, member of the U.S.House of Representatives.The same flag \\'ill be presented to the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, l.J.SA.to be raised in front of the Masjid Baitur Rahman.Congressional Achievement Award Congressman Kweisi Mfume, U.S.House of Representatives Letters and Messages Congresswoman Leslie Byrne, U.S.House of Representatives Congressman Steny Hoyer, U.S.House of Representatives Congresswoman Eleanor Norton, U.S.House of Representatives Ruth Dawson, Resettlement Coordinator, Lutheran Social Sen-ices Resolutions The Senate of Maryland The City Council of Baltimore, Maryland The 23rd Legislative District, General Assembly of Maryland Winter Haven Homeless Shelter Program, Burtonsville, Maryland Citations Governor William Schaefer, Stare of Maryland President Mary Pat Clarke, City Council of Baltimore, Maryland Proclamations Mayor Sharon Kelly, District of Columbia Mayor Patricia Ticer, Alexandria, Virginia Mayor Kurt Schmoke, Baltimore, Maryland Mayor John Mason, Fairfax, Virginia Mayor W.Edward Bohrer, Jr., Gaithersburg, Maryland Mayor Frank Casula, Laurel, Maryland Ma~or Andrew Hanko, New Carrollton, Maryland May0r Edward Sharp, Takomo Park, Maryland The Council of Prince Georges County, Maryland The Council of Montgomery County, Maryland l • ;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;:::;;;;;;;;;;;;;;1 2 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~-

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Qtnngr.enninnal Adti.eu.em.ent Awarh ille it lterebn known to all tftat <ltongre.s.sman 1Kw£i.si ftllfum.e off.er.s fti.s.sine.ere.st congratulation.s to AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN ISLAM, INC.in recognition of THE INAUGURATION OF BAIT-ur-REHMAN MOSQUE <ltongre.s.sman flll{fum..e ext..enh.s be.st wi.slte.s on tlti.s memorable occa.sion anh hirect.s tlti.s re.solution be pre.senteh on tfti.s 14TH ban of OCTOBER 19 94 •

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LESLIE L.BYRNE 11TH OISTJUCT.VIRGI NIA CO MMl nlE PUBLIC WORKS ANO TRANSPORTATION SUICO MM ITilES SUft fAC ( TlllANSl"O"TATIOH WAUft AlSOURCU ANO ENVIRONMENT INVEST IGATI ON S AN D OvtRSIGHr CO MM ITIH POST OFFICE AND CIV IL SERVICE SUICO MM1 nu CO Mf"[ NSATIO N ANO E M fl"lOYH BEHHllS Mr.M.M.Ahmad National President <!ongrt.5.5 of tbt Wnittb ~tatt.5 J)oust of l\tprt.Stntatibt.5 Masbington, 18({ 20515-4611 September 14, 1994 Ahmadiyya Movement In Islam, Inc.2141 Leroy Place, N.W.Washington, D.C.20008 Dear Mr.Ahmad: WA SHINGTON OFflCE 1609 lO N CWOlllTH BUILDING WA SH INGTON , DC 20515 ( 202) 225-1'92 FAX (202) 225-227 4 7620 LITTLE R1vo Tu111NP1JCt: Sum 203 ANN ANDAU , VA 22003 (703) 7 50-199 2 FAX 750-2888 It is my sincere pleasure to recognize the on-going humanitarian and spiritual work of the Ahmadiyya Movement.This glorious Bait-Ur-Rahman Mosque stands as a monument to the efforts of believers exercising their faith through deed and word.We, in the Washington area, have become richer since the global Ahmadiyya Movement planted its compassionate and charitable seeds in the fields of poverty, crime and destitution which plague these United States.Your noble acts to house the homeless, reach out to the refugees of war, clean-up our environment and build alliances with other faiths, are a testament to the inspiring and humanitarian qualities of Islam.On this auspicious occasion, celebrating the fruits of many years' labor, I salute the congregation of Bait-Ur-Rahman for adding yet another brick to this community's temple of values and righteousness.While October 14, 1994 may signify the end of one kind of work, it most certainly marks the beginning of other more challenging tasks.I know you welcome God's work and will carry out his will to the best of your abilities.May God continue to bless us with the devotion and piety of Ahmadiyya Muslims.Sincerely, Le ie L.Byrne ember of Congress PRINTED O N R£CYClEO PA.PEA

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5TENY HA M ILTO N HOYER 5TH DISTRICT, MARYLAND Dear Friends: U.S.HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES October 14, 1994 It is with great pleasure that I welcome Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad and the members of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam to the inauguration of "Bait-ur- Rehman" the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque.This is a great day for all the members of the Ahmadiyya Moveme nt world wide.As someone who has great regard for freedom of religion and its meaningfulness as a founding principle of our Nation, I truly appreciate the diversity that the Ahmadiyya Movement brings to our Country.The tenentes of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, such as the rejection of violence, tolerance and understand among followers of different faiths, are admirable beliefs.When benevolent doctrines like these are practiced our Nation can only benefit.Wishing you the best and with kindest regards, I am Sincerely yours, < STENY }5oy~-,_._._ __ NOT PAINTC:O A T GOVCA NM CNT CXPC N SC --------------------------------------~1 5 ------------~------------------~~~~

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ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON DISTRICT 01' CoWMBIA CONGRESS OP THE UNITED STATES HOUSE or REPRESENTATIVES WASHINGTON, D.C.20515 October 14, 1994 WELCOME I would like to welcome all those attending the inauguration of "Bait-ur-Rehman", the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque.At a time when spiritual guidance and social responsibility is critical, I look forward to your commitment to our community.As a strong advocate for breaking down barriers that divide us, I applaud your efforts to promote peace, tolerance, love, and understanding among followers of different faiths.I am happy to be a part of this organization.Eleanor Holmes Norton

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LUTHERAN SOCIAL SERVICES OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL AREA 4406 Georgia Avenue, N.W.Washington, D.C.2001 1 Tel: (202) 723-3000 · Fax (202) 723-3303 October 14, 1994 The Refugee Resettlement Program of the Lutheran Social Services extends its warmest congratulations and best wishes to the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam on the occasion of the inauguration of the "Bait-Ur-Rahman" mosque.The Ahmadiyya Movement is currently supporting the work of our program resettling refugees from Bosnia and other countries in the Washington Metropolitan area.Furthermore, the Youth Organization (Khuddam Ul Ahmadiyya) is actively involved in assisting refugees to adjust to life in Maryland and Virginia.We hope you continue to strive for the promotion of peace, tolerance and understanding among people of different backgrounds.Best wishes for the opening ceremony and the years ahead.Sincerely, Ruth Anne Daw son Resettlement Coordinator

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OF ~esolution ~e it qereb~ knofnn to all tqat 'mqe ;§enate of ~artiland offers its sincerest congrntulutions to "BA IT-UR-REHMAN" MO S QUE in recognition of THE DEDICATION OF THE MOSQUE WHICH SERVES THE AHMADIYYA MUS L IM COMMUNITY , WE SALUTE THE MEMBERS WHO So LOVING LY SERVE T HOSE I N NEED.MAY THEIR FAITH AND COMMUNITY GROW IN SPIRIT, LOVE AND HAPPINESS ! 'mqe entire members~ip extends best fnisqes on tqis memornble occusion and direds tqis resolution be presented on tqis 14TH du~ of OCTOBER ~{.Sruh )("o luhon

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QI he I <!Ii t tJ <!Io u n c i I o f ~ n lt into r r 3Rrsolution ~e it qereht;Z kno£nn to nll tqnt 'C!:qe Cf itt;Z <1Iouncil of ~nltimore offers its sincerest congrntulntions to HIS HOLINE SSJ HAZRAT MIRZA TAHIR AHMADJ KHALIFATUL MASIH IV in recognition of THE CO MM EMORATIO N OF HIS HOLINESS VISIT TO THE STATE OF MARYLANDJ U.S.A.TO DEDICATE THE BAIT - ur - RAHMAN MOSQUE 'C!:qe entire membersqip extrnos hest £nisqes on tqis mcmornble occnsion nno oin~ds tl:is resolution he presenteo on tqi s 14th OZI t;Z 0 f __ O_C_TO_B_E_R -g;._- g4 0.nfW(S \ MARV PAT CLAR KE.Hrsolutiun 431 3 PRESIDENT MARY PAT C LARKE COUNCILMAN CARL ST OKE S AND ALL MEMBER S

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offers its siu.cerest.cougrntuhdious to "BA IT-UR-RE HMAN" TH E AHMADIYYA MU SL IM MO SQ UE itt re.cognition of CELEBRATI N G ITS INAUGURATION ccn:4e entire histri.ct extenhs hest fuis4es on t4is memorable o.c.cnsion nnh hire.cts ±Iris resolution he presenteh on t4is 14rn hnu of _ ~ oc""-'-'ro"'"""s.......ER ~- 19.....9..L..4 __ ~11olufum __ _ :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: 22 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::~

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AHMADIYYA MOVEMENT IN ISLAM RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Ahmadiyya Movem ent in Islam, Inc.was founded to promote peace, tolerance and understanding among people of different backgrounds.WHEREAS, the Ahmad i yya Movement is supporting the work of the Winter Haven Homeless Shelter Program in the Laurel area.WHEREAS, the Youth Group of the Movement has been actively involved in assisting with the homeless shelter.RESOLVED, the Winter Haven Executive Board recognizes the "Bait -ur- Rehman" Ahm adiyya Mo s que in Silver Spring and acknowledges the work of the Ahm adiyya Movement in the community.APPROVED BY THE WINTER HAVEN EXECUTIVE BOARD ON THE 21st DAY OF SEPTEMBER IN THE YEAR 1994.- SIGNED BY : / W inter Haven Homeless Shelter Program 151 21 McKnew Road Burton sville, MD 20866

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"BAIT-UR-REHMA N " AHMADIYYA MUSLIM MOSQUE , ~rrrting: t/Ji 1l~ ~ the inauguration of the largest Mosque in the Washington M etropolitan area...in honor of the significant cpntr i bution that your follow e rs have made to the betterment of the community and the great State of M aryland; and as as expression of our admiration, gratitude and great respect on this v e ry special oc c a s ion, e.<..14th da y r/ October (,,t' ,//,,.u.:uuul l v1.f' 'll,uu/ , uland Ninety - fou r AJ] _dk.., )? ~~ ~ Jr:i~

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City of Baltimore PRESIDENTIAL CITATION I, Mary Pat Clarke, President of the Baltimore City Council, do hereby present this President's Citation to HIS HOLINESS1 HAZRAT MIRZA TAHIR AHMAD1 KHALIFATUL MASIH IV IN RECOGNITION OF THE FRIENDSHIP ESTABLISHED BETWEEN THE AHMADIYYA MUSLIM COMMUNITY AND THE CITIZENS OF BALTIMORE In witness whereof, I have affixed my signature to this Citation on this memorable occasion.Given under the Corporate Seal of the City of Baltimore, this ___ 1 _ 4_ th __ day of OCTOBER in the year one thousand nine hundred and --'-9_4 __ _ ------------------------------ 25 ~------~------------------~

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T H E D J STRICT 0 1r COLUMB I A WAS lll NGTON, D.C.2000 1 S HARON PRATT KELLY HAZRAT MIRZA TAHIR AHMAD DAY OCTOBER 14, 1994 BY THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA A PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the Abmadiyya Movement in Islam , Incorporated will sponsor an inauguration ceremony andjalsa at the Bait-ur -Rebman Mosque; and WHEREAS, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad was born in Qadian, India and is the grandson and fourth elected Khalifa (successor) of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who founded the Ahmadiyya movement; and WHEREAS , Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad bas served as a member of the Central Executive Directorate of the International Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, as President of Majlie-e - Kbudam-ul - Ahmadiyya, and on the Board of Directors of the Fazle Umar Foundation; and WHEREAS, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community continues to promote humanitarian service to mankind , brotherhood, peace and harmony among all faiths : NOW, THEREFORE, I THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA , I do hereby proclaim October 14, 1994, as "HAZRAT MIRZA TAHIR AHMAD DAY " in Washington, D.C., an/,\upon all the residentsolthiscltytojoinmelncelebration.~ - (/~ k SHARON PRATT KELLY MAYOR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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PROCLAMATION 8~ MAYOR.KURT L.SCHMOKE Q§SU}NATING OCTOBER 14, 1994 AS "AHMALUYY j\ MUSLIM MOSQUE DAX.~ ' _ IN BAIJIMORE WHEREAS, lhe citizens of Baltimore ,1re pr·oud to join the Ahmad1yya Movement in ce l ebrating "/\hm;:idiyya Muslim Mosque Day;" ?.nd WHEREAS, the Ahmadiyya Muslim comrr1un1ly was founded ITl•),..e lhan e nc hundred years ago in Qadi.m (lndi;:i); and WHEREAS, ,_'\hmaciiy1a Mrivement li;:is pl;:inled its (:omj:•assicnale "nd c:harilnble seeds ;n the fir-Id.;; of 11overt·~'.crime and home!es~ness; am...! WHEREAS, the Cily of Baltimore extends our admiration and gr-rttitude on this very special occasion.NOW, fllERErOHE, I, l'UHl L.SCHMOKE, MAYOR OF THE Cl fY OF BAL I IMORE, do hereby proclaim October 14.1994, as "AHMl\DIYYA MUSLIM MOSQU[ DAY'' IN BALTIMORE, and do urgP all citizens to join in lhis celebration.IN WI I NESS WI IEr~[OF, I have hereunto sel my hand and caused the Greal Seal of the Cily of Gallimore to be affixed this fourteenth day of October, one thousand nine hundred and ninety - four.

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P R 0 C L A M A T I 0 N WHEREAS, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a worldwide movement in Islam, was founded more than one hundred years ago in Qadian, India; and WHEREAS, Alexandria is home to many members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community; and WHEREAS, the Supreme Head of the Islam, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Tahir inaugurating the Bait-ur-Rehman Mosque Maryland, on October 14, 1994; and Ahmadiyya Movement in Ahmad, is officially in Silver Spring, WHEREAS, this will be one Washington Metropolitan area congregation of Muslims who are the United States; and of the largest mosques in the and will attract a large the fastest growing minority in WHEREAS, this Islamic Movement advocates peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths and rejects the use of force in matters of faith according to the teachings of the Holy Quran; NOW, THEREFORE, I, PATRICIA s.TICER, Mayor of the City of Alexandria, Virginia, and on behalf of the Alexandria City Council, do hereby proclaim October 14, 1994 , as: •AHMADIYYA MOSQUE DAY• and the week of October 9 through 15 as Ahmadiyya Mosque Week in the City of Alexandria.IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Alexandria to be affixed thi s 7th day of October, 1994.ATTEST: 9af;k L J)f tL-t PATRICIA S.TICER MAYOR On behalf of the City Council of Alexandria, Virginia

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PROCLAMATION WHEREAS ; The Ahmadiyya.Movement was founded by Hazra.t Mirza Ghula.m Ahma.d in India.over one hundred ye a.n ago; a.nd WHEREAS ; This Isla.mi& movement advocates pea.ct, tolerance, love and understa.nding a.nd provides help and supervision at homeless shelun a.nd food drives, works with Habita.t for Humanity , a.nd a.ssim refugees from a.II na.tions; and WHEREAS; We welcome the Supreme Hea.d Ha.zrat Mir:JJ Tiihir Ahmed who will officially ina.ugura.u tl1e Ba.it-ur-&hma.n, the Abmadiyya Muslim Mos1Jue locaud in Silver Spring, Mary- land.NO W, THEREFORE , I, John Ma.son , Mayor, do hereby proclaim Frida y, October 14, 1994 in the City of Fairfax a.nd urge a.II our residents to join in a wish for pea.ce a.nd ha.ppiness in the future.Done this sixteenth da.y of Sepumber, 1994 in the City of Fa.irfa.x.City of Fairfax, Virginia

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l Q Gaithersburg Proc{amation Of the Mayor and City Council of Gaithersburg recognizing the inauguration of BAIT-UR-REHMAN Wfiereas, the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889;and Wfiereas, the world-wide Ahmadiyya Movement is now estab li shed in 140 countries and started its work in the Un it ed States of America in 1922; and Wfiereas, in celebration, the Ahmadiyya Muslim community along with the Supreme Head are coming together to inaugurate Bait-ur-Rehman, the largest mosque in the Washington Metropoli- tan area; and Wfiereas, the City of Gaithersburg recognizes the conununity involvment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community through their work with the homeless and needy: f){sJw, rrfierefore, I, W.Edward Bohrer, Jr., by the authority vested in me as Mayor, do hereby recognize tfi'e inauguration of located in Silver Spring, Maryland.Procfaimec£ this 14th day of October, 1994.

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OFFICE OF THE MAYOR WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: FRANK P.CASULA (301) 725-5300, EXT 124 (410) 792-9047 (BAL TO) (301) 953-9694 (M ETRO) (301) 317-6940 (FAX) P R 0 C L A M A T I 0 N 8103 SANDY SPRING ROAD LAUREL , MARYLAND 20707-2502 The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889; he claimed to be the Messiah of the latter days whose advent was predicted in scriptures of principal faiths; and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad advocated the true teachings of Islam -- of peace, tolerance, love and understanding among followers of different faiths; and The inauguration of "Bait-ur-Rehman" the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque located in Silver Spring, Maryland will take place on October 14, 1994; and This will be the largest mosque in the Washington Metropolitan area and will attract a large congregation of Muslims who are the fastest growing minority in the Unites States; and The world wide Ahmadiyya Movement is now established in 140 countries and started its work in the USA in 1922; NOW, THEREFORE, I, FRANK P.CASULA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF LAUREL, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM October 14, 1994 as AHMADIYYA MOSQUE DAY and ask our citizens to join in expressing our sincere best wishes for joy, peace and happiness in the coming years.Mayor

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By the Mayor of the City of New Carrollton, Maryland A Jrnrlamatinn WHEREAS: WHEREAS: WHEREAS: AFDIADIYYA MUSLIR MOSQUE DAY OCTOBER 14, 1994 the Ahmadiyya Mu - slim Community, a world-wide movement in Islam, was founded more than one hundred years ago in Qadian (India); and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is very involved in their communities by supporting homeless shelters, running food drives and assist~ng in various programs for the needy, sucn 4 as the "Chris ' tmas in April II program run in Prince George's County; and ' I • " ·l on October 14, 19941 the · Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Incorporated, wi~l sponsor an inauguration ceremony and jamaat; and NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANDREW C.HANKO,.Mayor of the City of New Carrollton, Marylapd, ~ do hereby proclaim October 14, 1994 as.ABMADIYYA )msLIR ' llAY•..-....·:r '· ~ : "\ "...,...,.ll ?.,,."\ and urge all qi'~ilzens ··~ tp ~1.r~o · efnize this event and participate.f~:~ ~ ~p9~Y.;~ '\ 'i~.otiservance.IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have h~reunt6 set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of New Carrollton, Maryland to be affixed this Fifteenth Day of September in the Year of Our Lord, One Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety-Four.~~ Mayor

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MAYORAL PROCIAMATION NO.1994- 3 RECOGNIZING THE COMMUNITY OF THE BAIT-UR-REHMAN WHEREAS, the American Ahmadiyya Muslim communities panicipate in: supervision of homeless shelters, organization of food drives for the needy, assistance to refugees from war and oppression in cooperation with their Christian brethren, and ecological improvement ejfons, among other contributions to society at large; AND WHEREAS, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of the Washington Metropolitan Area will fonnally open its new mosque, the Bait-ur-Rehman ("House of the Gracious Lord"), on Friday, October 14, 1994, at 15000 Good Hope Road, Silver Spring, Maryland; AND WHEREAS, the establishment of the Bait-ur-Rehman Mosque is the culmination of great ejfons of our Ahmadiyya Muslim neighbors.NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDWARD F.SHARP, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF TAKOMA PARK, MARYLAND, do hereby proclaim the appreciation of the members of the Takoma Park Community of the manifold ejfons of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for assistance to and beuerment of persons of all ancestries and religious faiths in the Washington Metropolitan Area, and do hereby convey the best wishes of the Takoma Park Community to our neighbors, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of the Washington Metropolitan Area, on the occasion of the opening of its new mosque.DA TED this 6th day of September, 1994.AITEST: Thomas H.ESpinosa Acting City Clerk Mayor

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~ lETrorlanmtion WHEREAS, on OCtober 1 4, 1994 the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam inaugurates the new " Ba i t - u r- Rehman • Mosque in Silver Spring ; and WHEREAS, " Bait - ur - Rehman " wi ll st a nd as the largest mosque in the Wash ington Met r opoli t an area; a nd bring together a large congregation of Muslims who a r e a rapidly growi ng part of the American population; und WHEREA S , the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded by Hazrat Mizra Ghulam Ahmad a nd has existed fo r 105 years; and WHEREAS, the Ahmudiyya Musl i m community seeks to promote peace and unde r standing among f ollowers of d if fe r ent faiths and is actively involved in commu n i ty se r vice p r ograms and projects w hich benefit humanity ; and WHEREAS, the Prince Geo r ge ' s County Council is honored to have this opportu n ity to welcome the Sup r eme Head of the w orldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim commu n i t y , Haz r at Mi r za Tahir Ahmad , who will travel to the United States to conduct this inauguration ceremony.NO W, THEREF ORE , Be It Proclaimed by the Prince George ' s County Council that the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is congratulated on the inaugurution of the new " Bait - ur - Rehman " Mosque and the members of this Movement are commended for their commitment and wished great success in the future.:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::;;;;:;:: 34:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::..

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THE COUNTY COUNCIL OF montqomeQy county maQylanb The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam was founded by llazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in India in 1889 and is now established in 140 countries; and lnternationally, the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam operates forty hospitals and 390 schools in the West African countries of Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Liberia, and ~ambia; and Locally, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization provides help and supervises ho~ele~s shelters; organizes tood drives for the needy; and helps the refugees from Bosnia, Somalia, Vietnam, and Haiti; and WHEREAS The l.' orldwlde Ahmadiyya Muslim community has completed the building of the "llait-ur-Rehman" Mosque, located in Silver Spring, Maryland; and WHEREAS The Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, is officially inaugurating the "l:l ait-ur-Rehman" Mosque on October 14, 1994.NOW, TllEIU:FORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the County Executive and the County Council of Montgomery County, Maryland hereby proclait:l OCTOBER 14, 1994 DEDICATION DAY FOR THE "BAIT-UR-REHMAN" MOSQUE IN MONTGOMERY COUNTY AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the County Executive and the County Council welcome the Supreme Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, to Montgomery County.Signed this ~~-2_6_t_h~~~ day of ~~~-A_u~g~u~s~t~~~ ~ - in the year ~-1_9_9_4~~ County Executive -------------------------------------------- 35 --------------------------------------------~

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Mosques and Ahmadiyya Centers in the U.S.A.Historical Dateline 1982-1994 Hatrat Mirta Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV, makes an appeal to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Communic, in the United States to build new mosques and Islamic outreach centers in five cities, namely, Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles , New York, and Washington, D.C.The projected cost is $2.5 million.The community responds enthusiasticall,.National Mosque Committee and Local area Committees are formed.A National Mosque Fund is established; pledges and contributions start.A property ~s purchased in Philadelphia, Pennsykania fo r $42,000.Selection process for the National Mosque site starts.B1 August, a total number of 301 individuals pledge $1.3 million and donations of $18 7, 000 are received.One Ahmadi member completes building a mosque in Tu cson, Arizona at a cost of $ 11 0,000.Thi s is known as th e Y ousuf Mosqu e.ln Glen Ellyn (a C hicago suburb), Illinois, a res id ential property on a 5-acre parcel of l and is acqui red fo r $290,000 and is used as a place of worship and a mission house.ln Chicago, an adjacent house to the first Ahmadiyya mosque at Wabash Avenue is purchased fo r $20,000 fo r future extension of the mosque.ln Detroit, Michigan, a building on a 7-ac re parcel of land is purchased for $125,000 to be used as a mosque and a mission house.ln Boston , Ma ssachusetts, a 2-ac re parcel of land is donated to the Movem ent fo r cons tru ction of a mosque.ln York, Pennsylvania, a two-story building is acqui red fo r $40,000.Its upper story is dedicated to be the Noor Mosque and the ground level is used as an Islam ic o utr each center and a librar y.In New York, a school building is purchased for $450,000 and dedicated as Baitul Zafar Mosque and a mission house.In Zion, Illinois, a mission house is acquired for $42,000.A 4.75-acre parcel of land is p ur chased near Los Angeles; plans are initiated to build a mosque with a 10,920 square feet con st ructed area.In New Orleans, Louisiana, a building is purchased fo r $43,000 to be used as a mosque and a mission house.A 9.6-acre parcel of land is purchased /err $300,000 in Montgomer'J Count) , Maryland, 5 miles outside Washing- ton National Beltwa1.Khuddamul Ahmadiyya starts cleaning up the area.Ahmadi architects and consultants work closely with the National Mosque Committee to develop plans and designs /err the Washington National mosque.Hatrat Khalifatul Masih IV visits the U.S.A.and lays down foundations at both the Los Angeles and Washington mosque sites.Meanwhile in Dayton, Ohio, a residential house 1s purchased fo r $20,000 as the missionary's residence.In Pittsburgh (a San Francisco suburb), Ca lifornia, a property is acquired for $250,000 to be used as a mosque and a mission house.In Clifton, New Jersey, a property is purchased fo r $240,000, and is dedicated to be a mosque and a mission house.Hatrat Khalifatul Masih IV visits the U.S.A.during the Ahmadiyya Centenary Celebration.The l..ajna (Women Auxiliary) Organitation of New York pledges $30,000.One individual member from the Los Angeles ]ama'at donates $100,000.Hatrat Khalifatul Masih IV adds a personal gift of $3,000.Masjid Bait-ul-Hameed is complete in Los Angeles, California, at a total cost of $1.3 million.On August 7, H azrat Khalifacul Masih lV inaugurates the mosque.

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Mosques and Ahmadiyya Centers in the U.S.A.Historical Dateline (continued) (continued) During the inauguration of Masjid Bait-ul- Hameed, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV makes an appeal for $2.5 million, specificalZ, for the Washington National Mosque.A property is purchased in Rocheste r, New Yo rk, fo r $91,000 to be used as a mosque and a community center; it is nam ed "Baitun Naseer." In Portland , Oregon, some members of the Ahmadi yya Mu sl im community build a mosque at a cost of $300,000 and dedicate it to the Ahmadiyya Moveme nt in Islam.A Washington·based firm, Bass and Mickle, Architects, is hired to develop initial concept plans and design of the Washington National Mosque.The schematic design of the mosque is prepared, and initial cost estimates are prepared lry the architects.In Houston, Texas, a building is purchased fo r $50,000 to be used as a place of worship, miss\on house and the mi ssionary's residence.The Washington National Mosque architectural drawings and necessar:y documents are submitted to the Montgom- ery Count) Officials for the building permit.Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV reviews the design, and some important improvements are identified to be incorporated in the design.A major change is from a red brick structure exterior design to a precast concrete exterior in off-white color.In Boston, Massachuse tt s, some members are working on an Ahmadi yya Co mmunity Developme nt , and the Moveme nt gives $20,000 for its l and development and utilities.&vised construction design and documents are completed for the Washington National Mosque.In Chicago, Illinois, it is decided that the first American Ahmadiyya Mosqu e, established in 1922, be completely recons tru cted at its historical location under the name of Th e Sadiq Mosque.In St.Louis, Missour i, a property is purchased fo r $350,000 but the local zoning l aws do not permit its use as a place of worship.The Washington National Mosque cost projection reaches $4 million.The Amir U.SA., Sahibtada M.M.Ahmad, makes a special appeal to the members of the Ahmadi:y:ya Medical Association to bear the cost substantialZ,.The response of the members of the Association is most enthusiastic and generous.The members of the Ahmadi:y:ya Medical Association donate more than $3 million towards the Mosque Fund.On September 11 , 1993, ground breaking is celebrated and collective pra:yer is made for successful completion of the project.Construction of the mosque starts.A spacious building is purchased near Miami, Fl or id a, for $160,000 to be used as a pl ace of worship and a mission house.A prope rt y is purchased on a 4-acre parcel of land in Cha rl ot te, North Ca rolin a, to be used as a place of worship and a mission house.The land is dedicated for the futu re site of a mosque.Construction of Masjid Baitur Rahman - the Washington National Mosque and the National Headquarters - proceeds as scheduled.On Ma:y 7, two bricks , on which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV said special pra-yers, are laid under the Mehrab of the mosque.B-y the end of September , the construction is completed with the Grace of Allah.On Frida-y, October 14, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV inaugurates Masjid Baitur Rahman.On Saturda :y, October 15, the 46th Annual Conference of the Ahmadi:y:ya Movement in Islam , U.S.A.wiU take place on its grounds.In Chicago, Illinois, an additional building is purchased at a cost of $85,000, to be kn own as the Van Buren Center, fo r Friday prayers and community meetings.With the G race of Allah, the Sadiq Mosque is complete at the historic location of the fi rst Ahmadiyya Mosque in the U.S.A., at 4448 S.Wabash Avenue in Ch icago, Illinois.Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV wi ll inaug ur ate the Sadiq Mosque on October 23, 1 99 4.lnsha'Allah Ta'ala.

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National Executive Committee Amir Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Naib Amir I: Alhaj Muzaffar Ahmad Zafr Naib Amir II : Dr.Ahsan Ullah Zafar Trustees Rashid Ahmad, Abid Haneef, Dr.Hamid-ur-Rahman Missionaries Mirza Mahmood A hmad, Mubasher Ahmad, Mukhta r Ahmad Cheema, Azhar Haneef, lnamul Haq Kausar, Syed Shamshad A.Nasir, Zafar A.Sarwar Secretaries General Secretary..............................Or.Masoud Ahmad Ma lik Assistant General Secretary.............................Ka limullah Khan Secretary Mosque Fund....................Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad Secretary Tabligh.................................Nasir Mahmood Malik Assistant Tabligh Secretary................................Munir Hamid Secretary Ta' leem........................................Abid Haneef Secretary Tarbiy'yat............................Or.Kha li l Mahmood Malik Secr eta ry Finance................................M ubarik Ahmad Ma li k Additional Secretary Finance...........................Syed Shoaib Ahmad Add itional Secretary Finance (Sp.)....................Or.Nasim Rehmatull ah Assistant Secretary Finance (Satellite)......................Dr.Wajeeh Bajwa Secretary Tahrik - e - Jadid.............................Falahud Din Shams Secretary Waqfe Jadid.............................Anwer Mahmood Khan Secretary Wasaya..............................Dr.Syed Abdul Majid Shah Secretary Public Relations........................Al-Haj Dhu l Waqar Yaqub Secretary Rishta Nata...............................Aftab Ahmad Bismil Secretary Social Services..........................Allah Bakhsh Chaudhry Secretary Publications............................Dr.Lt Col.Fazal Ahmad Secretary Property.............................Lt.Co l.Sai ed Ahmad Ma li k Secretary Audio-Video............................Dr.Abdul Hakeem Nasar Secretary Tajneed...................................Athar Bashir Malik Secretary Waqfe-Nau............................Dr.Mabarak Ahmad Shah National Auxiliaries Sadr Lajna lmai ll ah...............................Amtul Hakim Abdullah Sadr Khuddamul Ahmadiyya..........................Dr.Qamar A.Shams Sadr Ansarullah...................................Dr.Karimullah Zirvi National Mosque Committee(s) Chairman: Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad, Amir, USA Members: Manzoor Rahman, Or.Mir Daud Ahmad, Dr.Mir Mubarak Ahmad, Suleman Mohammad, Tariq Amjad, Rashid Choudhry, Raja Khaliq, Buland Akhter, Nasir Chughtai, Athar Malik, Saeed Malik, Masood Malik, Mubarak Malik, Ta li b Abdu l Aleem, Or.Abdul Majid Sha h, Shahid Malik ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::: ~ 38 ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: ::::: ::::::::::::::::::::

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Ahmadiyya Muslim Communities in the U.S.A.Regional Missionaries and Local Jama'at Presidents Missionary National Headquarters Zafar Ahmad Sarwar Tel: 301 -879-01 10 North-East Region Mukhtar Ahmad Cheema T el: 71 8-776-23 43 Fax: 718 -4 79- 3346 South-East Region Mubasher Ahmad T el: 41 0-66 4 -27 47 Fax: 41 0-664-2747 Mid -East Region Mirza Mahmood Ahmad Tel: 513-268-9730 Fax: 513-268-0279 Mid-West Region Azhar H aneef Tel: 708-790-0804 Fax: 708- 790-0886 Mid-South Region Syed Shamshad A.Nasir Te l: 713-896-8989 Fax: 713-896-8989 West-Coast Region lnarnul Haq Kausar Tel: 909-627-225 1 Fax: 909-627-6308 Jama' at Metro Washington, DC Boston, MA Hartford, CT North J ersey, J New York, NY Philadelphia, PA Rochester, NY Wi lli ngboro, NJ Alabama/ Tennessee Baltimore, MD Miami, FL North Carolina South Carolina/ Georgia Pittsburg, PA York, PA Athens, OH Cleveland, OH Columbus, OH Dayton, OH Detroit, Ml Chicago, IL Milwaukee, WI Sr.Louis, MO St.Paul, M Zion, IL Amarillo, TX Austin, TX Dallas, TX Houston, TX New Orleans, LA Tulsa, OK Los Angeles, CA Merced, CA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA San Diego, CA San Francisco, CA San J ose, CA Seat tl e, WA Tucson, AZ 39 President Dr.Hi dayat Ahmad Khan Abid Haneef Manzoor Mannan Dr.l mtiaz A.Chaudhary Nazi r A.Ayaz Munir H amid Dr.Nasee r A.Tahir Dr.Ahsan U.Zafa r Dr.Mian M.Abbas Abdul R.Fauzi Abd ul Basit Nasi r Ahmad Perwaiz As l am J ami lu r Rahman Naweed A.Bhatti Bas harat M.Mirza D r.asim Rehmatullah Naseer Wasim Alhaj Muzaffar A.Zafr Dr.Bashiruddin K.Ahmad Fa la hu d D.Shams Nasru ll ah Ahmad Munir Ahmad Dr.Mohammad A.Khaliq Bashir L Rahman Sa l eem A.Hayat Shafiq U.Rehman Akram Chaudhry Munim A.Naeem Bas hir ud D.Shams Abdur R.Momen Dr.Hamid U.Rahman Abdur R.Rashid Munir A.Malik Dr.Aftab A.Syed Sa rd ar G.Khan Ibrahim Naeem F eroz Khan Arshad Ahmad Aasim Z.Bashiruddin Muhammad I.Qureshi Teleph one 301-621-6436 617 - 273-1090 203-794-9304 908-842-7742 718-263-0717 215- 4 55-0812 71 6-385- 1 87 4 609-466-901 4 205-880- 2 360 410-665-9370 305-760- 4 713 704-596-8202 803-531-4993 41 2-682-7535 7 17 -545-411 4 61 4- 593-8801 216-593-6530 614-798-1119 513-263 -44 90 810-641-912 1 708-382-5 434 414 -962-6839 314-261-9783 507-345-3653 708-295-6308 806-359-3786 512-255- 7097 817-430 -4 317 713-360-97 55 601-264-1518 918-743-11 14 714-997 -1 008 209-383-6766 602-963-9203 503-64 5-4 7 72 916-759-9910 619 - 579-3921 415-658-91 74 4 08-226-5731 206-285-646 7 602-88 4- 8964

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Ahmadiyya Muslim Communities in the U.S.A.Mosques and Mission Houses National Headquarters Illinois (cont'd.) New Jersey Oregon Chicago (cont'd.) North Jersey Portland Silver Sp ring, MD 2134·36 N.Yan Buren Avenue Baitul Wahid Ri.."'.van Mosque Baitur Rahman Mosque Chicago, IL 60612 291 Crooks Avenue 9925 S.W.35th Drive 15 000 Good Hope Road Tel: 312·226·0500 Clifton, NJ 07011 Portland, OR 97219 Silver Sp rin g, MD 20905 Tel: 201 ·340-4637 Tel: 503·644·5833 Tel: 301·879·01I0 2 S 510 Route 53 Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 Willingboro Tel: 708·790·0804 24 Bridge Street Pennsylvania Arizona Willingboro, NJ 08046 Zion Tel : 609·877-2833 Philadelphia Tucson 2103 Gabriel Street Nasi r Mosque Yousuf Mosque Zion, IL 60099 New York 5120 N.10th Street 250 West Speedway T el: 312·7 46·5585 Philadelphia, PA 19140 Tucson, AZ 85705 Tel: 215-455-4655 Tel: 602·624-4100 NewYorlc Louisiana Baitul Zafar Pittsburgh 86- 71 Pa lo Al to Street California Hollis, NY 11423 Nur Mosque New Orleans Tel: 718-479-3345 2522 Webster Avenue 38 17 Calarado Av enue Pittsbur gh, PA 15219 Los Angeles Kenner, LA 70065 Tel: 412-682-4066 Battul Hameed Mosque T el: 504-464-9837 Rochester 19 41 Ramona Avenue Baitun Naseer Yorlc Chino, CA 91710 Maryland 564 Merchants R oad Noor Mosque Tel: 909-627·2252 Rochester, NY 14 609 334 S.Geor ge S tr eet Tel : 716-428.7760 Baltimore York, PA 17404 San Francisco 44 06 Ga rrison Boulevard Tel: 717-843-3162 520 Pa cifica Avenue Pittsburg, CA 94565 Baltimore, MD 21215 North Carolina Tel: 41 0.664-27 47 Tel: 510-4 58·9098 Texas Charlotte Michigan I 1205 Ham bright Road Houston Florida Hunterville, NC 28269 T el: 704·948·0811 8121 Fairbanks Whiteoak Road Miami Detroit Houston, TX 77040 Baitul Muzaffar Tel: 713·896·8989 Ba1tun Naseer 8218 Wyoming Street Ohio 6841S.W.185 Way Detroit, MI 48204 Ft.Lauderdale, FL 33332 Tel: 3 I 3·933·9850 Washington, DC Tel: 305-680-0228 Cleveland Baitul Ahad Missouri 297 Center Road American Fazal Mosque Illinois Bedford, OH 44146 2141 Leroy Place N.W.Tel: 216- 4 39 -444 8 Washington, D.C.20008 St.Louis Tel: 202·232-3737 C hicag o Sadiq Mosque Dayten Sadiq Mosque 4401 Oakwood St reet Fazl-e-Umar Mosque 4448 S.Wabash Avenue St.Louis, MO 63121 637 Randolph Street Wisconsin Chicago, IL 60653 T el: 314·381-4850 Dayton, OH 45408 Tel: 31 ~-268-8281 Tel: 513-268-0279 Milwaukee 5600 W.Fond du Lac Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53216 Tel: 414-462-2535 Published by the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, U.S.A.under the supervision of Sahibzada Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad, the Amir, U.S.A.Jama'at Ediror-in·Charge: Mubasher Ahmad Production Manager: Nasir M.Malik Editorial Staff: Anwer Khan, Kalimullah Khan Production Assistant: Mozaffar M.Malik Photographer/ Artist: Rashid Arshed Printed by the Malook Enterprises, Inc., Michigan

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The Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam Some Comments and Views Gus Yatron, Chairman, Subcommittee on Human Rights and Internati on al Organizations."As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Human Rights and International Organization, I have had the pleasure to become more aware of the tremendous contributions that the ten million Ahmadi Muslims have made to the count ries and societies in which they live.Ahmadis have enriched all of our lives with their participation in the entire realm of positive human endeavor.In education, medicine, law and other professions, in the arts and culture and in philan- thropy, the work of the Ahmadi Community ha s been manifested.My admiration fo r the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is heightened by the fact that in some 11 7 count ries the Community faces various forms of discrimination and persecution.Yet, the Ahmadi people remain a peaceful, persevering and benevolent Community." Dr.Garth N.Jones, Professor of Public Policy and Administration, University of Alaska, Anchorage."Ghulam Ahmad was an exemplary religious figure, a seeker of truth who contributed much to the advancement of Islam.In fundamental beliefs, Ahmadiyyat is a very compassionate and tolerant religion.Ghulam Ahmad required that his fo ll owers refrain from injuring any person , no matter what his or her religion." Dr.B.B.Beach, Secretary General, International Religious liberty Association."The Ahmadiyya Community has endeavored to exert a constructive influence through social projects, educational institutions and health services.Its missionary zeal is to be commended and so is its call for universal brotherhood.Ahmadis has been tested by the fire of persecuti on and the ice of discrimination.I like their emphasis on friendship, equality, tolerance and their opposition, in con- trast to some ot her religious leaders, to bigotry and fanaticism.I welcome the Ahmadiyya support to human rights, including religious liberty - th e basic human right which undergrids and supports all other human rights." Dr.Stanley E.Brush in The Encyclopedia of Religions."The organization and missionary achievements of the Movement are remarkable.The latter represents the most successful Islamic proselytizing effort of the twentieth century and led to the establishment of branches in Europe, North America, the Caribbean, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Basin.The vigor of its missionary ent erp rise arose from the audacious universalism and self- confidence of Ghulam Ahmad, which imparted a global dimension to the spiritual vision and the ability of his early followers."

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