America’s oldest Muslim organization to hold 66th annual convention on Aug 15

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, one of the nation’s oldest American Muslim organizations, celebrates its 66th annual Jalsa Salana Peace Conference in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

The event will take place August 15th to August 17th at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and is expected to draw about 5,000 people from across the country.

The three-day conference is open to people of all faiths, in order to further an accurate understanding of Muslims and Islam, and to advance peaceful methods of resolving conflicts. will include presentations on the following topics:

1. The Khalifa of Islam as the Solution to World Crises
2. An Urgent Call to Save America
3. Erring and Forgiving in Islam
4. Muhammad’s Examples of Mercy for His Companions
5. Examples of Khalifas of Islam Conquering Hearts through Love
6. Establishing a Living Faith in God
7. Practical Steps Towards Self-Reformation
8. Giving Precedence to One’s Faith Over Worldly Objects
9. Safety in the Fortress of the Messiah

Harris Zafar, a spokesman for the Ahmadiyya community, said the Islamic faith is founded on the use of dialog, education and community to peacefully solve problems and achieve justice.

He said the faith, according to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, opposes the use of violence to spread Islam, as is being done by some Muslims in areas including Iraq.

He further said there is no justification for violence that injures bystanders, even if they are governed by unjust leaders.

“We are at a critical point in a conflict-ridden world.” said Dr. Nasim Rehmatullah, National Vice President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.

“The world cries for a solution and we are here to offer that solution through dialogue, education, and a sense of community.”

The conference will focus on how to use prayer and faith to navigate today’s world and will educate attendees on Islam’s true teachings of peace and equality. Additionally, there will be blood drives, food drives, and clothing drives to address important human welfare issues. The general public is invited to attend.

A guest session open to the public will take place on Saturday afternoon with mayors, professors and representatives from Congress, the State Department, diplomatic corp, FBI and police departments in attendance. Local and national leaders will address the conference during this program.