Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, delivered a keynote address in Los Angeles where he was presented with the golden key to the city. Over 300 politicians and community leaders attended the event. In his address, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad emphasized that Islam teaches peace, human rights, and respect for all people. He condemned recent acts of terrorism and called on non-Muslims to objectively study Islam's true teachings. He warned that growing conflicts risk greater destruction than the two World Wars unless justice and equality are established worldwide.

1. Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat delivers Historic Address
in Southern California
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented with key to Los Angeles
The Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat and Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor
Ahmad delivered the keynote address at a special reception held in his honour at the
Montage in Beverly Hills, LA on 11 May 2013.
More than 300 politicians, academics and community leaders attended, including the
California Lieutenant Governor, mayoral candidate Eric Garcetti, and several members of
the United States Congress.
During the event the Los Angeles City Council presented Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
with the golden key to the city, declaring:
“This Key is reserved for only the most honoured people on Earth.”

2. In his keynote address Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said the American people had no
reason to fear Islam because it was a religion that advocated peace, universal human rights
and a respect for human dignity.
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“There is no doubt that the acts of terrorism or extremism some so-called
Muslims perpetrate have nothing whatsoever to do with the true teachings of
Islam. The very meaning of ‘Islam’ is peace, security and giving a guarantee
of protection against all forms of harm and evil.”

3. The Khalifa also took the opportunity to unequivocally condemn the recent Boston
marathon terrorist attack and to offer his condolences saying:
“My sympathies are with the victims of the Boston bombing. We condemn
that attack in its entirety.”
Speaking about Islam’s commitment to equality and humanity for all people, Hadhrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad said:
“I believe in that One God who is the Lord of all nations, all races and all
religions, and so it becomes impossible that I could ever develop any hatred
in my heart for any nation, any race or any religion.”

4. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad also used his address to implore all people to view Islam
through the lens of justice, rather than through the acts of extremists. He called on non-
Muslims to judge Islam only after studying its teachings in depth and after observing the
character of Muslims who adhere to its original teachings
The Khalifa gave examples from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and
blessings be upon him) to illustrate the Prophet’s love for all of mankind and his
unparalleled levels of compassion, tolerance and justice.

5. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
“The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was held captive and
enslaved in his heartfelt distress and desire to save the people of the world
from destruction. And so it is a cause of great injustice that many people
today try to stain his blessed character by saying that, God forbid, he brought
teachings of cruelty, oppression and injustice.”
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded his address with a stark warning about the state
of the world by saying:
“The direction the world is moving in suggests that the dark shadow of war is
being cast over a very large part of the globe. If war breaks out then countless
innocent women, children and elderly people will all die. The destruction will
be greater than was witnessed in the previous two World Wars.”

6. Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
“The key to peace is to stop cruelty and oppression wherever it occurs with
justice and equality. Only when this principle is followed will global peace
develop. This will only happen when the people of the world come to
recognise their Creator. It is my ardent hope and prayer that the entire world
urgently comes to understand the needs of the time before it is too late.”
A number of dignitaries also took to the stage to welcome Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to
Los Angeles and to congratulate the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat on its continued
commitment to developing peace and tolerance globally.

7. Gavin Newsom, California Lieutenant Governor said the presence of Hadhrat Mirza
Masroor Ahmad meant it was a “special day” and he thanked His Holiness for “sowing
the seeds of possibility to the entire world.” He also said the people of LA “do not
tolerate diversity, we celebrate it”.
U.S. Congresswoman Julia Brownley praised His Holiness as: “One of the greatest
ecumenical leaders of our time.”
U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu added, “I am here because His Holiness stands
against terrorists and war.”
U.S. Congresswoman Karen Bass said “His Holiness is a transformative figure who
has promoted peace and tolerance across the world.”
Lee Baca, Los Angeles County Sheriff said “Your Holiness, you are a worldwide
spiritual leader. You have made a huge impact in all parts of the world and so
we are all drawn to you today for the sake of wisdom.”
The reception was preceded by both a Press Conference and a private meeting between
Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad and various dignitaries.