By Ishola Balogun

THE Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Nigeria, Dr.Mashuud Fashola has reiterated that jihad with the sword was not part of Islam, adding that all acts of insurgency and terrorism were not part of Islam and perpetrators should not be regarded as Muslims.

Dr Fashola reaffirmed this position while fielding questions from newsmen during a breakfast meeting with journalists at the organisation’s world co nference holding in Oakland farm, London yesterday. “T here is nothing like jihad with the sword in Islam. We have said this before and we will continue to say it. “

“We, the Ahmadiyya is like the vanguard of promoting peace in the world. Quoting from the hadiths, Dr Fashola said, “The Prophet never encouraged preaching Islam with violence, but by praying for the enemies to have a change of heart, by preaching with wisdom and good deeds. Anyone who go against this precept is not a follower of the Prophet and therefore cannot be a Muslim. You have to be kind and generous to people.”

He disclosed that delegates from the over 200  countries where Ahmadiyya is established around the world would participate in the conference, adding that the United Kingdom, Minister of Transport, Lord Tarik, Vice President of Serria Leone, Victor Foe, Ugandan Minister of Defence, among other world dignitaries would attend the event.

“So, it is fun to have this kind of large gathering of over 200 countries where Ahmadiyya is established.    Again the environment is   serene and comfortable. “The prophet said that there is blessing and reward in where Muslims are gathered”. It is great to have people of different culture and races here for this conference, Dr Fashola said.