National loyalty and a history of fighting extremism has inspired young muslims to collect money for this year’s poppy appeal, a spiritual leader claimed.

Members of the Morden and Southfields-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Assocation (AMYA) will again be helping the Royal British Legion with its annual Remembrance Day collection after raising more than £20,000 last year.

The head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, said it was important to pay tribute to the valuable role Britain played in the fight against fascism.

He said: "Muslims are obliged to be loyal to the country in which they live.

"Honouring those who fought to defend and safeguard one's country is an important principle of Islam and in fact is an important principle of peace - especially when it is carried out with a sincere heart and for the sake of winning God's pleasure."

Ahmadi muslims have faced their own fight against religious extremists in countries like Pakistran and Indonesia where worshippers have been killed by extremists who are against the Ahmadi interpretation of Islam.

The charity drive has received the backing of London Mayor Boris Johnson, ant both Merton MPs, Stephen Hammond (Wimbledon) and Siobhain McDonagh (Mitcham and Morden).

Mr Hammond said: “I was delighted to attend the opening of the Poppy Appeal and congratulate all the members of the Ahmadiyya community who will be collecting over the next few days.

“The sacrifice made by so many so that we can live in freedom and peace transcends race, religion and politics and is something we should all commemorate and remember.”

Russell Thompson, director of fundraising at The Royal British Legion, said: “We are proud to be an organisation that stands shoulder to shoulder with people of all faiths and backgrounds.

“The money they raise will make it possible for the Legion to provide our beneficiaries with £1.4million every week in direct welfare support.”

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