Landmark mosque in south London calls for world peace

The National Peace Symposium, held at the largest mosque in Western Europe, is a key event of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and 2014 marks the 11th Symposium to date.

The theme for this year is 'Khilafat, Peace and Justice'.

More than 1,000 guests are expected to attend the event, including Secretaries of State, parliamentarians, diplomats, faith and civic leaders, and representatives from numerous charities and faith communities.

The call for peace will be made by His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, at the landmark Baitul Futuh Mosque in south London.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Caliphate has been in existence for more than 100 years and for the last 30 years it has been based in London.

The symposium symposium promotes a deeper understanding of Islam and other faiths and seeks to tackle head on the issue of Khilafat and its role in the world today.

His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said:

"One hundred years on from the First World War as we pray for those who gave their lives for their country, it is our duty to honour their memory by striving for peace, so that their sacrifices do not go in vain," he added.

During the symposium, the Khalifa will also present the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace, which was launched in 2009.

Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, founder and Chief executive of Mary's Meals, previously claimed the prize for his outstanding work to provide food and education to children across the developing world.

Rafiq Hayat, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, said: