As its historic first centennial in America comes to an end, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA kicks off its second century in the U.S. with #TheMessiahAd – a full-page ad in the New York Times that shares the words of healing from its founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (on whom be peace). As the long-awaited Promised Messiah, Hazrat Ahmad called humankind towards God and towards a deeper responsibility to build ties of kinship with fellow human beings.
At a time when falsehood, divisions and injustices cripple our nation, #TheMessiahAd introduces Americans to the sage and highly timely advice, “Utter no falsehood, invent no lies, and cause no hurt to anyone.” His aim to revive Islam’s true and essential teachings also brings this world the antidote to the divisions and injustices spreading across the globe. #TheMessiahAd provides Americans with an opportunity to reflect on the Islamic precept to show human sympathy for all of God’s creatures.
The ad features further words of healing from The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace), who said:
“Believe in God as One without associate and have sympathy with God’s creatures and be of good conduct and think no ill. Be such that no disorderliness or mischief should approach your heart. Utter no falsehood, invent no lies, and cause no hurt to anyone, whether by your tongue or your hands. Avoid all manner of sin and restrain your passions. Try to become pure-hearted, without vice. It should be your principle to have sympathy for all human beings.”
This full-page ad in the New York Times is a bold invitation for Americans to embrace unity and kindness over division and hate. It also establishes the long-standing history of America’s oldest Muslim organization, which has been part of the fabric of the United States since its first missionary to America arrived in Philadelphia on February 15, 1920.
As Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA becomes the first Muslim organization to begin its second century in America, it does so by reaffirming its commitment to serving the people of this nation and standing with the people of this nation to heal together as one. The Khalifa (Worldwide Spiritual Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said it best when he addressed Americans during his visit in late 2018: “Whenever any of you stand in need of help, we pledge to be there to aid and assist, in whatever way we can. In times of grief and despair, we will always be there to wipe away the tears of our neighbors and to support and comfort them.”
