Epigraph:

And as for those who strive in Our path — We will surely guide them in Our ways. And Indeed, Allah is with those who are of service to others. (Al Quran 29:70)

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:5-9)

 

Under the theme: “God in the 21st Century,” a Conference of World Religions will open at the Guildhall in London on Tuesday, February 11, 2014, as a unique platform for international faith leaders to bring to the fore the distinctive contribution that religion can make towards peace, which the world so desperately needs.

 

Oganized by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Conference will be attended by more than 500 participants from the world of religion, politics and diplomacy, as well as specialist NGOs involved in the promotion of peace and reconciliation, according to a press release from the Ahmadiyya Muslim in Ghana.

 

The release said Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Spiritual Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will deliver the keynote address at the Conference.

His Holiness is a passionate advocate for universal human rights and global peace and has delivered speeches to the British Parliament, Capitol Hill and European Parliament on the themes of peace and justice.

 

Hazrat Masroor Ahmad has also written letters to world leaders, urging them to inculcate a true sense of justice and peace in international relations to avoid regional conflicts from engulfing the entire world. Among the guest speakers are Archbishop of Southwark in Britain; Most Rev. Kevin McDonald; Rabbi Prof. Daniel Sperber, representative of the Chief Rabbi of Israel; former President of Ghana, Mr. John Agyekum Kufuor; Attornery General of Britain, Hon. Dominic Grieve QC, as well as representatives of Hinduism and Budhism, the release added.

 

According to the release, the world has become increasingly divided and restless with hostilities and conflicts ever-present in spite of all the achievements and progress of the past century. The struggle for supremacy of world powers and the spiraling threat of extremism are playing havoc with the world as it lurches perilously from one crisis to the other.

In such a scenario, where political solutions appear to be lacking, does religion have anything to offer? 

Zubair Khan

Source: themuslimtimes.org (feb. 10, 2014)