Mairaj Ahmad: Latest victim of religious persecution in Pakistan

Ahmadi Muslims have been under heavy persecution in Pakistan for many decades since the constitutional amendments declaring them as non-Muslims. Despite being the most peace-loving community, its members often face threats against their property, businesses and life from the clergy and their supporters alike with full impunity from the law enforcement and many at the highest levels of the government.

In such a recent incident on August 12, 2020, Mairaj Ahmad, an Ahmadi Muslim and local businessman was sadly ambushed and killed in Peshawar in a religiously motivated attack.

This murder followed a concerted hate campaign against members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community throughout Pakistan. At around 9:15 pm on August 12, 2020 Mr. Mairaj Ahmad, was shot dead in the city of Peshawar of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) Province. He was 61 years old.

Mairaj Ahmad was closing his medical store for the day when unknown assailants shot him at close range. He was laid to rest the morning of august 13, 2020 in the public cemetery in Rabwah, Pakistan. In compliance with current government issued Covid-19 SOPs, a large gathering of mourners attended his funeral to pay their final respects. He leaves behind a wife, three sons and a daughter.

His family had been the victims of a hate campaign for some time now, including on social media. He had also been recently struggling to hire employees at his shop, because of his faith.

The spokesperson of the Ahmadiyya Community of Pakistan, Saleem-ud- Din, condemned the murder and called it a religious hate crime. He also noted that the killing of Mairaj Ahmad comes after a significant campaign of hatred and incitement against Ahmadis which had made the members of the community more vulnerable to such attacks. He also said that the authorities and state institutions not only failed in their duty to curb hate speech against Ahmadi Muslims, but in many instances, they were active participants.

This serves only to embolden extremist elements and legitimizes hatred against Ahmadi Muslims, which in the worst instances leads to the murder of members of the community. Mr. Saleem-ud- Din demanded that the government to take notice of the murder of Mairaj Ahmad and ensure that justice is swiftly served.

Reach out for further information at the contact:

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Metro Detroit, Michigan

Imam Shamshad Nasir |909-636-8332 | Shamshad.Nasir@Ahmadiyya.us

Muhammad Ahmad | 248-677-1316 | Muhammad.Ahmad@Ahmadiyya.us

www.TrueIslam.com

About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans over 200 countries with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the oldest American-Muslim organizations.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad.

The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and re-institute morality, justice, and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.