Invitation to a mosque: we welcome people of every faith and none

Sir, – Ireland has been my home for 26 years. I found a welcoming society here, married and made my family’s home in this country. I remain deeply grateful for that welcome.

The sentencing last Friday of three men who planned a terrorist attack on Maryam Mosque in Galway has been a sobering moment for our community. I thank An Garda Síochána for preventing the attack and protecting our congregation and neighbours. The fear of knowing that our place of worship was targeted does not disappear with a sentence.

As national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland, I want to share our response and invite readers to meet us.

Maryam is Mary, the mother of Jesus, honoured by Muslims and Christians alike. At the mosque’s inauguration in 2014, our spiritual leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, said, “All of our mosques are centres of peace and harmony.”

Our young volunteers have raised more than €100,000 for Irish charities since 2015, supporting organisations including Croí, COPE Galway and the Galway Simon Community. Caring for our neighbours is part of our faith and our life here.

Our motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None”, will continue to guide us. We will keep welcoming visitors, serving our neighbours and building friendships across faiths and backgrounds.

Every person should be able to worship without fear. We ask political and community leaders to speak clearly against hatred and help ensure that all our children grow up feeling safe and at home in Ireland.

To anyone who wishes to visit Maryam Mosque, ask questions or simply meet their neighbours, our invitation is sincere. People of every faith and of none are welcome. – Yours, etc,

DR MUHAMMAD ANWAR MALIK,

National president,

Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland.