Thousands of Muslims Honor America in Richmond Amid Global Conflicts, Calling for Peace and Service

Richmond, VA — Against a backdrop of global conflicts and rising religious persecution, nearly 10,000 Muslims from across the United States gathered in Richmond, Virginia, over the Fourth of July weekend for the 75th Jalsa Salana (annual convention), hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA. This milestone gathering centered on the theme “The Giving Hand,” focusing on what American Muslims can do to better their country through acts of service, compassion and civic engagement.

The annual convention became both a vibrant celebration of American freedom and a powerful call for peace, justice and humanitarian service. The event drew a diverse group of lawmakers, policymakers, faith leaders and scholars, who praised the Community’s steadfast dedication to improving American society, even as Muslims worldwide face increasing hostility. Numerous U.S. lawmakers, from both parties, sent messages of goodwill and support, recognizing the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as a vital force for unity and compassion.

During the gathering, the 2025 Ahmadiyya Muslim Humanitarian Award was presented to U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) for his courageous advocacy for human rights and the rule of law. Accepting the award, Senator Van Hollen stated:

“I want to thank you for your shared commitment to ending the humanitarian disaster and war in Gaza and for freeing all the hostages. At a time that is too often dominated by the loudest and angriest voices, members of your community have broken through the noise as a voice for peace, especially for your global Voices for Peace campaign and lifesaving work in Gaza by Humanity First USA. We must work to build peace, dignity and self-determination for all people.”

Throughout the weekend, speakers underscored how the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” and the spirit of “The Giving Hand” exemplify a vision of faith that contributes profoundly to American society.

Virginia State Senator Ghazala Hashmi reflected on the significance of the convention’s timing and mission: “I had the honor of joining Jalsa last year. It left a lasting impression on me. We’re honored you chose Richmond for this event. What better time to celebrate than this weekend, when America honors freedom on July 4th, we celebrate a universal truth: Love for All, Hatred for None, the motto of the Community, championed by His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad,” said Senator Hashmi.

Virginia Delegate Joshua Cole emphasized that the community’s ethos resonates with America’s own founding ideals: “As the Qur’an (49:13) reminds us, nations and tribes were created so we may know one another, and the most honorable are the most righteous. You belong here. This is your country. Together, we’ll continue to champion: Love for All, Hatred for None.”

Virginia State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg welcomed the convention to Richmond, stating: “There’s no better place than Richmond for this gathering, just a few hours away from the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom. ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ is a principle we can all live by.”

Virginia State Senator Saddam Salim praised the community’s seamless organization and spirit of service: “I’m struck by the incredible volunteer spirit, seamless logistics and warm hospitality. Your ‘Jalsa Cares’ initiative reflects your motto of ‘Love for All, Hatred for None.’”

Virginia State Senator Kannan Srinivasan echoed the theme of unity: “Your community is truly an example of how love has the power to bridge any divide…I’m grateful for the service the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community provides—here in America and across the world.”

Richmond Mayor Danny Avula commended the community’s global leadership for peace. “Your community’s local leader, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is one of the leading Muslim voices for peace, and I hope the leaders throughout the globe will embrace that message.”

Dr. Scott Weiner of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom highlighted the stark contrast between the community’s values and the persecution it faces globally: “Ahamdi Muslims face persecution in countries like Algeria, Egypt, Afghanistan, Yemen and Pakistan based on false blasphemy charges—heartbreaking for a peaceful people. We stand with the community. It’s truly inspiring to witness a community so deeply rooted in peace, service and faith.”

“At the Jalsa Salana USA, I stand with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community—an inspiring force of compassion in a world that feels increasingly cold. You model mercy and justice not as abstract ideals, but as daily, lived commitments,” said professor Heather Ferguson of Claremont McKenna College in California.

Amid rising global tensions, the 75th Jalsa Salana showed how faith communities can both celebrate American values and strive for global peace, dignity and humanitarian service to truly embody the spirit of “The Giving Hand.”

About the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community:
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans 213 countries with tens of millions of members. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is the oldest American Muslim organization.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings.