By Dr. Tayyab Ahmad Mansoor, UK
Earlier this year pictures appeared in the media of three British teenage girls, with bags in hand as they left the UK to join the so-called ISIS caliphate. These photos taken at the airport terminals and other such photos keep on resurfacing in all forms of media. It is sad that such British youth have been duped by extremist propaganda to join the terrorist groups in Syria. Worryingly, some reports have claimed that hundreds have now left for Syria. This has resulted in an ongoing debate over why and how it has happened? Who has groomed these youth to the extent that even the parents were not aware of what their children were up to? Amazingly, some even blame the security forces, saying that they are not doing enough to stop them. Everyone has their part to say and everyone has their own reasoning, but at the end of the day, it is extremely tragic.
But I do wonder why doesn’t the media focus on the true Islamic Caliphate, rather than what ISIS claims – which is evidently neither Islamic nor a Caliphate? The true Caliphate I am referring to is the Caliphate of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, established more than one hundred years ago. Currently based in London the Fifth Caliph of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has routinely addressed the issue of extremism and outlined the methods to root it out. In events, such as Peace Symposiums and in addresses to parliaments around the world, His Holiness has spoken about how to tackle injustice and extremism and how to engender peace. These events have been attended by high profile figures from all fields of life, including politicians, diplomats and faith leaders. Many, from different backgrounds, have expressed appreciation about the efforts of His Holiness to promote peace and refer to him as a “man of peace”. However, somehow, the media misses the opportunity to highlight this positive example of Islamic Caliphate.
In a few weeks, thousands of people from all over the world will be travelling to the UK to join the Ahmadiyya Muslim Caliph at the Annual Convention of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The convention includes speeches by a number of parliamentarians, civic leaders and diplomats from different countries. The Caliph of Islam, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad will deliver keynote addresses at the convention with guidance on the true pathway to peace. I just wonder whether the media, which has been continuously highlighting the photos of few misguided travellers to Syria, will be able to show the thousands of travellers arriving in UK to join a Caliphate of Peace?
Dr Tayyab Ahmad Mansoor holds a Doctorate in Pharmacy and has authored numerous publications in scientific journals, for which he is also a reviewer. He has an interest in contemporary and scientific issues and been a national youth leader in Portugal. He is currently based in London and can be reached @DrTAMansoor