The thing that first struck me was the jovial nature of the Muslim men as they wandered through the heart of Moss Side. Men of all ages and some with walking difficulties or disabilities marched on in the name of Allah and for the cause of raising money for uk based charity.
The Peace Walk is organised annually and appears in a different town or city where followers of the faith come together to raise money for local and national charities. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association encourages faith and the importance of charity within your own local community. This religious group hold firm to their heritage whilst looking to embrace and integrate in modern day Britain. To date the members had collected £131000 with promises totalling almost a quarter of a million pounds. This money was soon to be distributed back in to the community through local and National initiatives.
“Love for All, Hatred for None” is the motto with which the The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community preaches. I was soon invited up to the Mosque by Mr Ahsan Ahmedifor some food and to watch the presentation of cheques to local charities.
Mr Rafiq Ahmad Hayat, the national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association welcomed local dignitaries and handed out the cheques.
The presentation party included The Deputy Lord Mayor of Manchester Cllr Susan Cooley, Greater Manchester’s Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd, MP Jake Berry, MP Kate Green and over 50 representatives of 23 charities.
I had a great experience meeting members of the faith and thank everyone who made me welcome during the day.
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