Report: Peace Symposium by Majlis Ansarullah Tahir Region

Event Details:

  • Date: 17th November 2024
  • Venue: York Garden Library, SW11
  • Attendance: 130 (60 guests, 70 Ansar)

Under the instruction of Nazim Ala Sahib, an annual peace symposium was organized in Tahir Region. After formal approval from Qaid Sahib Tabligh UK, preparations began, and a plan was outlined, including the event date, time, venue, and invitations.

Preparations:

  • A working committee of 15 Ansar was formed.
  • A regional Tabligh committee meeting was held on 4th November 2024, with 18 of 22 members attending. Plans for the upcoming Ashra Tabligh and Peace Symposium were discussed.
  • Tasks included:
    • Inviting 5 guests and 5 Ansar from each Majlis.
    • Printing and distributing proper invitation cards.
    • Advertising the event on Eventbrite, leading to 55 registrations.
    • Forming various teams: setup, wind-up, food serving, reception, and registration.
    • Organizing a Quran exhibition.

Nazim Ala Sahib managed guest invitations, including speaker guests, MPs, and the Mayor of Wandsworth. Although MPs and the Mayor could not attend, confirmations were received from:

  • Mr. Harbns Singh Mehta (Sikh community representative)
  • Mr. Martyn Rule (Christian community representative)
  • Sister Syeda Islam MBE (Chair, Older People’s Forum, Wandsworth)
  • Raza Ahmad Sahib (Murabi Silsila)

Venue Setup:

  • Venue handed over at 3 PM.
  • Sheikh Naeem Sahib and Waheed Ahmed Minhas Sahib led the setup team of 10 Ansar.
  • Tasks included arranging banners, tables, chairs, and the projector system.
  • Audio-visual setup by Shafique Zahib Sahib.
  • Video recording handled by M. Waseem Zahid Sahib; photography by Mohammed Zubair Sahib.

Reception and Registration:

  • Reception led by Abdul Rashid Vitol Sahib, greeting guests and guiding them to the registration desk.
  • Refreshments (tea, coffee, juice) were served.
  • Registration desk overseen by Syed Nasir Safeer Sahib, introducing a consent form for social media use.

Quran Exhibition:

  • Managed by Khalis Sahid Virk Sahib and his team.
  • Display included 60 books, including Man of God and Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. Books were distributed to guests.

Programme Highlights:

  • The event formally started at 5 PM, hosted by Saeed Bhatti Sahib (Nazim Tabligh).
  • Recitation of the Holy Quran with English translation by Mr. Ahmad Yanfel Sahib.
  • Reading of the Promised Messiah’s letter to Queen Victoria.
  • Speakers:
    1. Mr. Harbns Singh Mehta (Sikh community): Peace from a Sikh perspective.
    2. Mr. Martyn Rule (Christian community): Peace according to the Bible.
    3. Sister Syeda Islam MBE: Perspectives on peace.
    4. Mr. Raza Ahmad Sahib (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community): Need for peace, supported by a presentation.
  • Short documentary on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
  • Huzur’s (aba) message on peace was shared.
  • Q&A session, with panelists addressing audience queries.
  • Gifts presented to speaker guests by Syed Shakeel Ahmed Sahib (Regional Amir).
  • Vote of thanks by Waheed Ahmed Sahib (Nazim Ala).
  • Concluded with silent prayer by Raza Ahmad Sahib at 6:20 PM.

Dinner:

  • Dinner served buffet-style, with speakers hosted at the main table.
  • Managed by Mudassar Rehman Sahib (Nazim Isar) and the Ziafat team.

Acknowledgments:

  • Special thanks to Lajna Imaillah for their cooperation and inviting guests.
  • Gratitude to Naeem Ahmed Sahib (Sadr Jama’at Clapham Junction) for his support.
  • Appreciation for those who contributed but could not attend, especially Ataul Ala Zafer Sahib.

Feedback: Guests expressed gratitude for the event. Notable feedback:

“Your presence, participation, and insightful questions truly made the event a success. Thank you for your support and engagement.” — Syeda Islam MBE, Chair, Wandsworth Older People’s Forum

The event showcased the spirit of unity, collaboration, and the message of peace among diverse faiths and communities.