In an era marked by escalating conflicts and geopolitical tensions, the world finds itself passing through a phase of unprecedented uncertainty. According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, there are currently 56 active conflicts worldwide—the highest number since the end of the Second World War. These conflicts have become increasingly internationalised, with 92 countries engaged in wars beyond their borders,[1] showing how wars today are interconnected and can quickly draw in other nations.
Although there have been calls for peace, such initiatives fall short, often owing to political agendas and vested interests. In such circumstances, the world has long yearned for a voice that would prioritise peace above all else—a leadership that transcends borders and advocates for universal harmony.
For over two decades, such a voice has resonated through the efforts of the Khalifa and Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba, who has consistently championed the cause of peace, calling upon nations and world leaders to strive for harmony and end conflicts.
Being the bearer of a spiritual office described in the Holy Quran as one that transforms fear into peace—namely, Khilafat[2]—it is no surprise that the efforts of His Holiness encompass all the principles required to establish lasting peace in the world.
Two decades of unheard warnings
As evident as it is, the current global state of turmoil is not the result of an overnight phenomenon. Rather, it is the consequence of years—or even decades—of ignoring the fundamental requirements of justice and equity.
Amidst this steady decline, and throughout the world’s gradual drift towards its current precipice of crisis, the Ahmadiyya Khalifa has consistently warned and guided the world leaders, pleading for a change in course before it is too late.
In May 2003, barely weeks after being elected to the office of Khilafat, His Holiness assessed the state of international affairs at the time and warned that the world was hurtling towards a horrific catastrophe.[3] In 2004, His Holiness initiated organising Peace Symposiums with the purpose of reminding heads of states and decision-makers about the utmost importance of concerting all their efforts towards establishing peace.
While his concerns were often characterised as pessimistic, His Holiness continued his mission with great courage and consistency. Over the past two decades—and now exceeding them—he has travelled to numerous countries and addressed global leaders and influential policymakers, calling them to urgently redirect their focus towards the pursuit of peace.
From the European Parliament in Brussels to Capitol Hill in Washington DC, from the British Parliament in Westminster to the Dutch and New Zealand Parliaments, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba has taken the message of peace and justice to the very chambers where decisions shaping the fate of millions are made.
Besides, His Holiness has also personally penned letters to many of the world’s most influential leaders. Among the recipients were then-President of the United States Barack Obama, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and the heads of state of the United Kingdom, France, Japan, Canada, India and several other nations. In each letter, His Holiness implored these leaders to use their influence and authority to end cycles of violence and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.[4]
Unfortunately, the world paid little attention to his words.
The looming threat of a third world war and nuclear catastrophe
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba has consistently and unequivocally warned that the trajectory of global affairs is steering humanity toward a catastrophic third world war.
He has highlighted the formation of international blocs and alliances, where conflicts between two nations could rapidly escalate into global confrontations involving their respective allies. Similarly, His Holiness has pointed out the similarities between the economic turmoil of the 1930s—which preceded Word War II—and the current global economic instability, specifically raising concerns about history repeating itself.
Moreover, given the unchecked proliferation of nuclear weapons, His Holiness has emphasised the high likelihood that any future global conflict would be nuclear in nature. With numerous countries now possessing nuclear arsenals far more destructive than those used during the Second World War II, the potential for unprecedented devastation looms large.
In fact, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba has been a steadfast advocate for nuclear disarmament, challenging the notion that nuclear weapons serve as effective deterrents. Recent geopolitical tensions have borne out His Holiness’ warnings, as nations have started issuing nuclear threats,[5] underscoring the reality that these weapons, rather than ensuring peace, pose an existential threat to humanity.
The critical need for justice and the failure of the United Nations
The responsibility of preventing another world war has, in large part, been entrusted to the United Nations—an institution established in the aftermath of the Second World War with the primary goal of maintaining international peace and security. However, as global conflicts multiply and escalate, it is becoming obvious that the United Nations is failing to fulfil its foundational purpose.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba has repeatedly addressed this failure, pinpointing a fundamental flaw: the absence of justice.
His Holiness has often drawn a compelling comparison between the United Nations and its predecessor, the League of Nations. The League was formed after World War I with the noble aim of preventing future global conflicts. However, due to inherent injustices in its structure and decision-making processes, it failed disastrously—leading directly to the outbreak of the Second World War. Millions perished as a result.
Regrettably, His Holiness argues, the United Nations is treading the same path. Despite its global stature, the UN has repeatedly failed to uphold fairness and equality among its member states. Far from being a neutral arbiter of justice, it is structurally skewed in favour of a few powerful nations.
The most glaring example of this imbalance lies in the Security Council, where five nations hold permanent membership—along with the exclusive privilege of veto power. This arrangement creates an inequitable system where a handful of countries can override the collective will of the majority. As His Holiness has observed, this dynamic enables dominant powers to enforce their national interests, often at the expense of truth, justice, and the rights of weaker nations.
Moreover, His Holiness has pointed to the historical misuse of the veto power, demonstrating how it has often been employed not to preserve peace, but to aid in injustice. In his landmark address at the European Parliament in 2012, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba stated:
“If we look at the voting history of the United Nations we find that the veto power has not always been used to help those who are being oppressed or who are acting in the right way. In fact, we have seen that the veto power has, on certain occasions, been misused to help and assist in cruelty, rather than to prevent it.”[6]
More recently, during the 2024 National Peace Symposium held in the UK, His Holiness took an even firmer stance, declaring that the dream of establishing justice cannot be realised as long as the veto power exists.[7]
He has consistently emphasised that justice is a non-negotiable prerequisite for peace. Unless and until the global order is restructured to ensure fairness and equal rights for all nations, the goal of a peaceful world will remain tragically out of reach.
A determined advocate of peace
As the global climate worsens each day—politically, economically, and morally—and the world inches closer to an unimaginable catastrophe, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba remains a determined and unwavering voice for peace. He continues to speak out against every injustice, every step towards war, and every failure to maintain peace.
On one occasion, reflecting on his own efforts to prevent conflict, His Holiness remarked that he was unsure whether his words were having any impact on world leaders or if his endeavours were even valued. Nevertheless, he affirmed his resolve to continue fulfilling his duty to try and save the world from destruction.
This unwavering determination for peace, even in the face of apparent disregard, exemplifies the true virtue of the Khalifa. It clearly shows that every word and deed of His Holiness is motivated not by any hidden agenda, but by a sincere desire to prevent suffering and save humanity.
In a recent meeting with young members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness shared his deep concern that world leaders are not listening to the urgent calls for peace. Yet he warned that if they continue down this reckless path and a world war breaks out, even the powerful nations—those who presume that they would be safe—will not escape the devastating consequences.[8] The horrors of war will spare no one.
In short, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba stands today as one of the world’s most consistent and courageous advocates for peace. With wisdom grounded in justice, and compassion rooted in faith, he continues his mission to guide the world away from destruction and toward a future of hope.
Let us pray that the world finally heeds his voice—before it is too late.
END NOTES
[1] Global Peace Index 2024, by Institute for Economics & Peace
[2] Holy Quran 24:56
[3] Friday Sermon dated 9 May 2003
[4] Many of these addresses and letters of His Holiness have been compiled in the book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace
[5] Putin Issues Warning to United States with New Nuclear Doctrine, in Reuters, 20 November 2024
[6] The Key to Peace—Global Unity, Address at the European Parliament, 4 December 2012, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace, p. 111
[7] Building a Sustainable Peace, keynote address at Peace Symposium UK 2024
[8] Mulaqat with members of Nasiratul Ahmadiyya (Young Ahmadi Girls’ Auxiliary) from Germany
0 Comments