Independence Day Celebrations & Muslims for Loyalty

It is once again that time of the year that many events have been scheduled to celebrate the 237th Independence Day. People from all walks of life are joining in the festivities at this occasion and American Muslims are no different.

In fact this year, all 73 Chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA are celebrating July 4th as the ‘Muslims for Loyalty Day” to show that American Muslims love this country just like people from any other faith do. 

This initiative comes under the community’s “Muslims for Loyalty” campaign to promote that loyalty to one’s country of residence is taught by the Islamic faith and that practices of Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) provide ample proof for it.

Talking about the purpose of this campaign, the National Vice President and Missionary In Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA  Naseem Mahdi said that, “The purpose of this campaign is to let every American know that one of the oldest Muslim organizations in America, here in the US since 1920, stands for loyalty to the United States of America.  We always have been and shall continue to be”.

Back in April, after the incident of Boston Marathon Bombings, the Ahmadi Muslims condemned this act of violence along with other fellow Americans. They firmly believe that loss of innocent lives that day went against the teachings of Islam that forbids Muslims from creating disorder.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community not only teaches this belief but also practices this belief of peace and non-violence in all 200 countries where it is established around the globe. This is why His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa (World Wide Spiritual Head) of the community was honored at a historic reception held at the Houses of Parliament in UK on June 11, 2013.

The event was held to celebrate 100 years of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, UK. The Deputy Prime Minister Rt Hon Nick Clegg who welcomed His Holiness, along with several Secretaries of State and Parliamentarians, said, “We all join with you… in celebrating the presence of your community here over a hundred years but also to celebrate the message the community has so quietly, steadfastly and with dignity been spreading and communicating for so long - one of peace, love and reconciliation.”

The British Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Rt Hon Ed Davey also present at the event said that, “It is a real privilege for us to host the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community today…it is absolutely fitting that so many MPs are here to thank you for being loyal and hard-working members of society.” 

And earlier on May 11, 2013, the  Khalifa was presented with the key to Los Angeles by the City Council “reserved only for the most honored people on the earth.” He delivered a keynote speech at this occasion where more than 300 politicians, academics and community leaders were present. The guests included the California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, and several members of the United States Congress.

U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu remarked that, “I am here because His Holiness stands against terrorists and war”, while the U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass declared him “a transformative figure who has promoted peace and tolerance across the world.”

It is the commitment to peace practiced by the Ahmadi community and its leadership that it strives to do whatever possible to remain law-abiding and productive members in their country of residence.

So keeping in view  the importance of July 4th, the Georgia Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community took part in the Pre-Fourth Celebration event organized by the city of Norcross on July 3 at the Historic Downtown Norcross. Although, the weather washed away the fireworks planned at the end of the event and some vendors cancelled their plans to come out, the Ahmadi booth was not only up and running but attracted a lot of visitors. Some other booths included the one by the Norcross Police Department, various food vendors and inflatable bouncy house for kids.

The beautifully decorated booth of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community quickly became a hot spot due to the free balloons, candy, American flags, and especially because of the free henna tattoos and face painting for the kids done by the very talented Ahmadi women. Live music by the Southern band “Mother’s Finest” became a great backdrop for a fun filled day to celebrate the Independence Day with the entire family.