DRIVE holds an Interfaith at the Serenity Christian Church

"Ahmadiyya Muslim community is peaceful and spread the peace and abide by the law of the land", said Imam Shamshad A. Nasir of Masjid Mahmood of Rochester Hills.

Detroit Regional Interfaith Voice for Equity event was held on Jan 18th, 2018 at Serenity Christian Church in Hazel Park, MI. The event started at 10 AM. Apostle John Harvey, the host of the event initiated the program with prayers followed by an Introduction of all the participants.

The chairman, Pastor Aramis Hinds, Breakers Covenant welcomed all the participants and provided a high-level overview on the group DRIVE (DRIVE is an interfaith, non-partisan regional collection of congregations in the Detroit Metropolitan Area (Wayne, Oakland, Macomb Counties). We believe that faith communities have a role in shaping a healthy, just, and equitable region for all the people who live here.

Imam Shamshad Nasir Regional Imam and Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Detroit area greeted the audience with happy new year and prayers that may God enable everyone to live with love, respect and peace. Imam Shamshad then clarified and explained the true teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat about peace, respect for each other and loyalty to one’s country in which they reside.

"We belong to a religious community (Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) and have no connection with politics. Based on the teachings of the Holy Qur’an, we follow our God, Prophet (peace be on him) and everyone in the authority. We are loyal to our country where we live with the goal of achieving peace in this world. We are thankful that we have freedom to practice our faith here, in USA” said the Imam.

Ahmadiyya Muslim community does not believe in strikes, rallies or protests against the government. Any such issues are dealt with dialogue, discussion and such interfaith events as being held today here at the Serenity Church.

There are many misconceptions about Muslims in this age and our goal is to meet and join such interfaith events to address these issues by sharing the knowledge, meeting each other and learn what we do.

Chairman Pastor Aramis Hinds, Secretary, Rev. Louise R. Ott acknowledged the message of Imam Shamshad Nasir and commented in favor and aligned with helping each other by joining hands.

Sec. Rev. Louise also announced we acceptance of the invitation of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to host an Interfaith gathering in their Mosque in Rochester Hills on March 15th, 2018.

In all, 35 members participated in the program. The program ended with prayers by Apostle John Harvey, followed by Lunch and Social hour.

Many religious leaders met with Imam Shamshad during social hour and expressed their feelings of gratitude.

One leader said, “I’m really inspired by your message and really looking forward to meet with your congregations”

Another leader said, “I am facing similar challenges as your community and really like to come to your mosque with my congregations to remove our misunderstandings.”