More than 50,000 people from over 100 countries gathered in rural Hampshire this month for the 60th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The event, held against a backdrop of global conflicts, delivered a unified message that peace remains a choice and begins with justice. The convention featured a human chain Pledge of Allegiance on its final day, symbolizing unity against division and extremism.

His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the worldwide head and Caliph of the Community, addressed the gathering across all three days. He has previously carried the call for peace to the United States Congress, the European Parliament, and the UK Parliament. Emphasizing the link between justice and peace, His Holiness stated, "I firmly believe there is only one way to end these wars — by ensuring that justice prevails and that whatever settlements are made are based on equity, as opposed to what better serves the interests of external powers."

Rafiq Hayat, National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, highlighted the urgency of the gathering. "The world has not felt this dangerous in a generation," Hayat said. "When nations speak the language of force, someone must keep speaking the language of peace. That is why we gather, fifty thousand of us, from every corner of the earth, to say with one voice that humanity’s future lies in justice and unity, and not in war."

Convention Highlights

The proceedings were broadcast live and free-to-air worldwide via MTA International in up to 12 languages, with on-site translation in up to 20 languages. Key features of the event included:

• Global Pledge of Allegiance: Tens of thousands joined hands in a continuous human chain across nationalities.
• Keynote Addresses: Daily speeches by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad calling for peace through justice.
• Humanitarian Showcase: Exhibitions on relief work led by Humanity First in over 50 countries, including conflict zones like Gaza.

Event Details

Founded in 1889, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a peaceful, revivalist Islamic movement established in over 210 countries. Its UK chapter, founded in 1913, operates 150 branches and adheres to the motto "Love for All, Hatred for None."