The Federal President of Germany was the guest of honor at a ceremony marking the holy month of Ramadan and the centennial of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, attended by participants of the ALLATRA Movement
President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier and participants of ALLATRA International Public Movement from Germany attended a solemn reception honoring the holy month of Ramadan and the 100th anniversary of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, Germany
A solemn reception was held in honor of the holy month of Ramadan and the centennial of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, with the participation of Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. Built in 1924 by the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, the Wilmersdorf Mosque has long welcomed visitors from around the world, and this milestone became a significant event for interfaith dialogue. Participants of ALLATRA International Public Movement were invited as long-standing partners of the Lahore Ahmadiyya community, with whom they actively collaborate in strengthening interfaith dialogue, defending human rights, and fostering social unity — key topics of the evening.
Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed, Emir of the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement from Pakistan, and participants of ALLATRA International Public Movement from Germany at a ceremony honoring the holy month of Ramadan and the 100th anniversary of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, Germany.
Participants of the ALLATRA Movement had previously released a report on the recent restoration of the mosque and conducted an interview with Imam Amir Aziz. They had also organized joint events on human rights and climate issues, including presentations for ambassadors, at this remarkable venue, which also serves as a cultural and educational platform. Today, they had a special opportunity to attend this significant reception and join high-ranking representatives of Germany in sending a message of peace.
In his speech, Federal President Steinmeier highlighted the common traditions shared by religions and emphasized the importance of intercultural exchange between Christians and Muslims. He noted that fasting traditions, such as the Christian fast beginning on Ash Wednesday and Ramadan in Islam, serve as unifying elements. He also pointed out the evolution of religious and cultural customs, such as the adaptation of the Christmas Advent calendar into a Ramadan calendar among Muslims. This was underscored as a symbol of Germany’s vibrant religious diversity and the harmonious coexistence of different faiths.
Germany has long been home to a large Muslim community. Imam Amir Aziz of the Wilmersdorf Mosque spoke about this and reaffirmed the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement’s commitment to upholding and actively promoting the principles of a free and democratic society in Germany.
Speech by Federal President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier at a ceremony honoring the holy month of Ramadan and the 100th anniversary of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, Germany
Among the high-ranking guests were representatives of Christian churches, the Jewish community, Muslim organizations, diplomats, and members of the Berlin Senate. A particularly significant contribution came from historian Dr. Jonker, who spoke about the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and its longstanding commitment to interfaith dialogue and democratic values. Despite having a relatively small number of followers within the broader Muslim community, the Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement has made a disproportionately significant contribution to fostering peaceful coexistence.
Participants of the ALLATRA Movement engaged in discussions with diplomats, environmental experts, and other guests on pressing social challenges, particularly the protection of democracy and climate issues, as well as opportunities for collaboration to raise greater awareness of these topics. Special attention was given to the increasing frequency of natural disasters, their growing intensity, and their global consequences. Discussions with theologians also emphasized the shared values of world religions, which today serve as a key foundation for international unity and the search for solutions to the climate crisis.
Participants of ALLATRA International Public Movement from Germany and high-ranking guests at a reception honoring the holy month of Ramadan and the 100th anniversary of the Wilmersdorf Mosque, Germany
The ceremony concluded with a joint iftar — the breaking of the fast — which once again highlighted the importance of personal meetings and shared values in interfaith dialogue. This event became a significant symbol of human coexistence among different religious communities in Germany and contributed to strengthening mutual understanding and peace.
About ALLATRA International Public Movement
ALLATRA advocates for cooperation, mutual understanding, and the protection of fundamental human rights worldwide. As an independent non-commercial organization, it conducts comprehensive research on natural disasters and promotes international scientific collaboration to find joint solutions to global challenges and build a safe future for all.
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