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      <h3>Worldwide Muslim Leader Visits US to Engage 10,000+ Followers</h3>
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      <i>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;By: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community<br>
      Posted: 2008-06-22 06:10:02</i>
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      Several thousands greeted the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as he arrived to the US last Monday. Ten thousand more American followers are expected to converge in Harrisburg this weekend (June 20-22), starting on Friday, as His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad presides over the 60th Annual Convention of the US branch. The visit is part of his world tour in celebration of 100 years of spiritual leadership (i.e. Khilafat) in this dynamic Muslim Community. The key message of His Holiness, referred to as the 'Khalifa,' is to promote peace through a unified leadership in Islam.  <br><br>The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has a worldwide membership exceeding tens of millions in over 189 countries. It was founded in 1889 by his Holiness Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, who claimed to be the spiritual second advent of Christ and the Promised Reformer awaited by the Muslims. The institution of Khilafat was started in 1908 immediately after his demise. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Muslim organization to lay claim to a divinely elected Khalifa. His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad is the fifth Khalifa - elected in 2003 - and currently resides in London. He has received international press for his non-violent stand against bigotry and persecution.  <br><br>(see Times of London, June 14, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/faith/article4132236.ece)  <br><br>In response to opposition by honorable Pennsylvania State Rep. Daryl Metcalfe in recognizing the Ahmadiyya Convention on grounds that "the Muslims do not recognize Jesus Christ as God," it should be noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reveres Christ as a righteous Prophet of God who, according to their holy book the Quran, solely preached the unity of God.  <br><br>The Khalifa will preside over the 60th USA Convention at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center (2300 North Cameron Street, Harrisburg). Highlights include (1) a special 'Muslims for Peace' event for guests on Saturday (June 21) at 3:30 PM and (2) a historic concluding address by the Khalifa with dignitaries, guests, and members on Sunday (June 22 at 11:45 AM; see Sunday program details online at http://www.ahmadiyya.us/convention2008)
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