Friday Sermon – Khalifatul Masih V – Mirza Masroor Ahmad – Year 2016
Peace be on you. I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. and I bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His Servant and Messenger After this I seek refuge with Allah, from Satan, the accursed. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful.
All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The Gracious, the Merciful. Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and Thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us in the right path; The path of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy blessings,
Those who have not incurred Thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray. As everyone is aware, I have just been on a tour of Canada, which consisted of approximately 6 weeks of programmes. With the Grace of Allah the Almighty, it was a blessed tour in every respect,
In relation to the Jama’at programmes as well as the programmes with non-Ahmadis. After the Jalsa Salana in Canada, I already mentioned the sentiments of attendees in relation to the Jalsa events, and various administrative matters and also expressed gratitude to Allah the Almighty for the blessings He granted,
At the Friday Sermon in the week following the Jalsa. Today, I will discourse on the remaining engagements and programmes. With the Grace of Allah, like many other chapters of the Ahmadiyya Community, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at [Community] Canada is continuously excelling in sincerity and devotion.
It is by the Grace of Allah that both boys and girls possess a spirit of doing outstanding work for the Community. Particularly in the field of press and media, the youth have worked extremely hard. They strove to introduce the Community on a far reaching platform
And Allah the Almighty has shown the fruits of their efforts. They already had good relations with politicians and governments officials, and new contacts were also added. However, this time around there was a distinct and noticeable improvement in relations with the media.
But ultimately, this was entirely the result of the Grace and Blessings of Allah the Almighty. They only put their finger into this work and Allah the Almighty filled it with countless blessings. The youth and the workers themselves even admit that the response from the media was far beyond their expectations.
Their previous efforts in the media involved trying to get any coverage on us in order for the Ahmadiyya Community and Islam to be introduced. However the press and media used to respond with a very negative attitude. On this occasion, the media would chase after us
Asking to get time to interview the Imam [Caliph] of the Ahmadiyya Community. However there was a lack of time and so only a certain number of interviews with the media could be given whilst we were compelled to apologise to the rest.
Now, our media team there should keep contact with all those we had to turn down. They should apologise to them in person or in writing as this is essential for future relations. Nevertheless, I will now present a summary of the sentiments of people from the various functions. With the Grace of Allah
Three new mosques were constructed but in two of these, the functions were held where non-Ahmadis were invited. An event was held at the Parliament, at York University I also delivered an address, there was a Peace Symposium in Toronto, as well as one in Calgary,
In which I delivered addresses and was able to present the teachings of Islam to the non-Ahmadis. By the Grace of Allah, in all these places, people appreciated the beautiful teachings of Islam. I will first briefly mention the media coverage in Toronto. Aside from the three interviews in Toronto, the most particular event…
Rather, mention of the University event will come later – There were three interviews, of which, one was by Global News, a well-known Canadian news network. The interview was broadcast and approximately 300,000 people watched it live, while 100,000 (by the time of this report) have watched it online.
In the same way, another interview conducted by CBC, which is a national news channel over there. A famous Chief Correspondent, Peter Mansbridge conducted the interview. The interview was broadcast two weeks after he took it and it aired for almost half an hour on national television.
As I mentioned, he is the most senior journalist from there and is held in very high regard. The interview consisted of detailed discussion on Islam, the situation in the world today, the coming of the Promised Messiah (as) and the terrorists in these days, who are defaming the name of Islam.
Much was spoken about, and some parts of this were broadcast whilst others were not, but nonetheless, very good coverage was given. Then in the same way, ‘Globe & Mail’ is a national newspaper- Regarding the first interview I mentioned, conducted by CBC, it is estimated that it reached 10 million Canadians.
Further, very detailed coverage was published in newspapers and also on the YouTube channel, through which it has reached 1 million people. Then, regarding the lecture, newspapers and magazines also covered this University lecture. This reached approximately 500,000 people. I will now mention the first programme that was held after the Jalsa,
In Ottawa, which is the Capital, the programme at Parliament. There were various engagements for almost the entire day at the Parliament, including meetings with people and other appointments. There was a separate meeting with the Prime Minister and then after, that there were meetings with other ministers.
These meetings were held in a very positive spirit and I extended my thanks to them for their continued cooperation with the Jama’at [Ahmadiyya Community]. My address there, in one of the halls of the Parliament house, was attended by Six Parliamentarians of the Canadian Government,
57 National Members of Parliament were present there, 11 Ambassadors of various countries, and the 1st Secretary of the US Embassy and a representative of the Libyan Embassy were present. The Minister of the Province of Ontario was also present. More than 30 dignitaries also attended, including the Chief of Staff and other ministers.
The Director of the Evangelical Fellowship, the Chief Communication Officer of the Canadian Red Cross, the Assistant Commissioner of the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), professors from Ottawa and Carleton Universities were present, and Deans and Vice Presidents were present also. Director of Canadian Council for Muslims,
Representatives of the US Government and various think tanks were all in attendance. Thus, it was an excellent gathering of those who consider themselves to run affairs in the world. I had the opportunity to discourse in light of the teachings of Islam. I also highlighted their double standards and conduct,
And said to not raise objections against only Muslims, but rather they should also look at their own actions as well. I said that sometimes turmoil in the world has been created by them. Nonetheless, I will present some of comments given by people after this event. A Member of Parliament Judy Sugro said:
“The address of the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community “was filled with advice on how to avoid a third world war. “It was explicitly clear that to save ourselves from this catastrophe, “we need to cooperate with one another and work hard.
She says that “We should convey this message that was given here to the entire world.” Then, another Member of Parliament, Kevin Vaughan, said that: “A diverse range of topics were covered in few words. “I was most impressed by the large number of references from the Qur’an
“cited by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community. “This was especially pleasing to someone like me, who has very little religious knowledge. I was able to increase my knowledge through this.” Every guest analysed different points made in the address according to their own way of thinking, and the points that stuck with them.
Similarly, the Ambassador of Israel was also in attendance, he remarked that: “This was a vital message for peace “and demonstrated how all religions should respect one another. “Today my view on Islam has been transformed. “I have greater appreciation and regard towards it.
“This speech should be published and conveyed to as many people as possible. “Following this message will enable for even the gravest problems in the world to be resolved. “I really admired the perspective on tolerance outlined in the address “and that the rights of all people must be fulfilled.
Whether they are Muslim or Jewish, everyone should be extended their rights.” Then, Senior Immigration Judge, and winner of the Sir Zafrulla Khan award, Louise Arabor, said the following: “In very clear terms the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community highlighted our shortcomings “and weaknesses, and also shed light on the problems in the Western world.
He said some of their actions are hypocritical and do not fulfil the rights of minorities.” Then, Member of Parliament Raj Sennee said: “He explained that Islam is a religion of peace and that those who do not follow this message are not true Muslims.”
Another Member of Parliament, Majid Juwahree, who is perhaps from an Arab country said: “He asked how can world peace be established? “This is a huge challenge that we heard in today’s message “and we have to resolve this together. “There are many other challenges such as the financial crisis, terrorism and so on.
We must tackle these with great efforts and with mutual cooperation.” Christie Duncan is a Member of Parliament and is the Minister of Science, who said, (there were general discussions with her and this was her personal opinion): “One who becomes a friend once is a friend for life.
“Many aspects were covered in the address, for example, peace and justice, the youth, “the United Nations and for us to work together for the betterment of humanity. The Ahmadiyya Community is to me like a kind and caring family.” Similarly, a Member of Parliament, Nicola Dioriyo, expressed his view in the following manner:
“It was a remarkable speech which briefly touched upon the various issues “prevalent around the world. “You spoke on the world crisis in light of the teachings of religion. “The Ahmadiyya community is an extraordinary organisation “and a model for other religious organisations.
“We were drawn towards the fact that we should be tolerant of each other’s faiths “and also that violence only fuels further violence. “If we all simply adopt one attribute of tolerance, then we can bring about a noble change.” He said, “I thought that the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community would come here
“and say a few customary words and after thanking everyone he would conclude his speech. “However, I have rarely ever heard a better address than that. “He [Head of Ahmadiyya Jama’at] touched upon all those issues that “we face in the world today; for example, climate change, economic issues,
“and the fundamental reason for civil war being injustice. “He also mentioned the solutions for the current problems and stated that “there should be no interference with anyone else’s religious rights. “He mentioned that there should not be the sale of arms and ammunition, “as is the practice of [some] western countries.
He says “By attending this programme, “I was overwhelmed to hear someone speaking on the topic of peace.” He says, “The world is being introduced to the real teachings of Islam and this is the way to proceed.” The German Ambassador [to Canada], Werner Wnendt said:
“The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community has painted a picture of a peaceful future, “the likes of which we all desire to see. “From his address we have come to understand that Islam is a religion of peace “and we can live at peace with all those coming to Europe.
“The key point of the speech was that all of us must make an effort “to improve the situation of the world and we must make this point true for all people that, every citizen has a right to live their lives accordingly.”
I also mentioned that governments have no right to interfere in matters of religion as well as other issues such as: the Hijab, or mosques, matters similar to these are often raised in Europe and are such that will cause disruption. Similarly, a Chief Imam of a mosque here and scholar, Muhammad Jabbar,
Originally from an Arab country, also attended the event. He said: “I am a Sunni Imam and I have no hesitation in admitting that “this speech has laid the foundations for establishing peace in the world. “The world is in dire need of this address.
“The speech of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community was full of wisdom “because he did not place the blame on a single party, in fact he stated that “the reason for the problems in the world today are due to the combined weaknesses of all parties.
“We must admit to our faults and shortcomings, and strive to make changes. This is a reminder of the Islamic injunction that no individual is free from weaknesses.” He says “It was a remarkable address and covered all those topics which are the need of time
“and offered an alternative to those who are involved in making laws. He further adds: “The teachings of Islam where made apparent in the most beautiful manner “and so many intricate matters were covered in such an exceptional way so that the sentiments of others are not injured.”
One of the guests, Garnerd Janice stated that: “the speech was very good, “in which it was mentioned how religion and religious leaders can play a role “in establishing peace and solving the current issues around the world. “A point which was mentioned, was how to control the sale of arms and ammunition
“through which we can all live in peace together. “It is normal for us to pass the blame on to others, “but the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community explained how western countries and others “can establish peace in the world by arranging their own affairs. A Sikh guest stated that:
“The ideas were presented in a parliament of the Western nations, that “the western countries have also played a role in contributing to the unrest in the world. “For example, he questioned as to how the arms “sold by the western countries ends up in the hands of the terrorists. “Another point highlighted was that
“out of the Canadian citizens who have travelled to commit terrorist acts, 20% are women. “In turn they will influence the generations of tomorrow.” He says: “I had never thought of this prospect. I also admired the fact that “he spoke with reference to the Holy Qur’an
“that we must fulfil our pledges and the trusts bequeathed to us. “Similarly he beautifully explained that, “the government office is also a trust, therefore government officials must fulfil the responsibilities owed to their duty.” He also said: “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community also mentioned that “the Muslim clerics are misleading the people
“and due to this there is an increase in the level of disturbances. “He also challenged the Western nations who claim that they stand for freedom of expression “and equal rights, that they must prove that they are in fact true in their claims “and abstain from interfering in matters concerning religion,
“for example: the ban of the hijab [veil] and ban on places of worship. He drew the attention of the West towards these matters in the most beautiful way.” These were some of the examples that I have presented from the Parliament hill event. There were numerous statements from ministers and others alike.
The event which took place at Parliament Hill received a lot of media coverage. The Prime Minister himself wrote on his tweet account: “I was pleased to meet the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad today in Ottawa” and also displayed a picture. This tweet was widely circulated.
Through newspapers, the coverage reached approximately 4.5 million people through different means. Similarly, in Toronto a Peace Symposium was organised in Awaan-e-Tahir, in which 614 external and non-Muslim guests attended, including; mayors, councillors, journalists, doctors, professors, teachers, lawyers and professionals from all walks of life and backgrounds were among those in attendance.
A Priest from the Presbyterian Church said after listening to my address at the Peace Symposium: “Today, I was moved by the address of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community “because this was a message of peace, love and hope. “It was not associated with a certain cast or creed,
“nor was it particular to the people of the East or the West, “in fact it was a message for the entire world. “This address was important, because in the world today “there are a lot of misconceptions and a lot of terror and fear is being spread.
“However, this speech today highlighted that there are more commonalities between us “as opposed to differences. “This is tidings of a grand scale, which the world should be made aware of.” Another guest, Greg Kennedy – whose sister recently accepted Islam – said: “Today, I came with my sister as she recently accepted Islam
“and I wanted to see what the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Community are. “On hearing the message of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community “I could not contain my happiness that my sister has joined a community “with such loving and caring people. I was delighted to learn the things I heard in the speech.”
Alongside talking about peace, I also mentioned the services carried out by the Jama’at [Ahmadiyya Community] throughout the world at this Peace Symposium. In the same way, A guest who also attended in the Parliament address, the president of the Nile Association, Muhammad Al Halawaji, he said:
“Today’s message was absolutely clear; that we should live together in peace “and not have any hatred for anyone. If we continue to show hatred to one another “then we can never establish peace. “When I heard the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community speak in parliament,
“I could not believe that a leader of a Muslim organisation could speak in such a manner. “He did not have an ounce of fear in him and spoke valiantly. “People were convinced that this indeed is the true teachings of Islam.
There are certain people behind the wars that are taking place today and exploiting this.” He then spoke about the motto Love for All, Hatred for None, stating: “this should be our guiding principle and this is the truth.” Then a member of the Zumeida Community, Abu Yusuf stated:
“Whatever I have seen and heard today has left a deep impact on me. “In his address, the Imam of the Ahmadiyya Community “mentioned many examples from the life of the Holy Prophet (saw) and advised us to act on them. “From the examples of the Holy Prophet (saw), the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community
“also demonstrated that he never coerced anyone to join Islam, “and explained how he (saw) served humanity. He also spoke about the teachings of Islam “in light of the commands of the Holy Qur’an, as it says in the Holy Qur’an: “’There is no compulsion in religion.’
“and also how the Holy Prophet (saw) ensured the rights of Christians, Jews and Hindus, whilst pointing towards the fact that we are all equal human beings.” Then, the third event took place in the University of York, which is counted amongst one of the biggest universities in Canada.
It contains eleven faculties and on the main campus approximately 53 thousand students study there. The university has more than seven thousand teachers on site and up until now more than 300,000 students have graduated from there. I enquired from the councillor and was informed that it is the third biggest university in Canada.
Amongst the attendees of the event, a gentlemen by the name of Cat Criger, who is Aboriginal Elder and member of the indigenous centre of the University of Toronto. He says, “Today’s day was a gift. I was extremely happy to hear all the points mentioned.
“All of us should work together for the peace of the world.” These people have also been deprived of their rights, or at least they believe that the government has not fulfilled the rights of the elder inhabitants. So he is saying: “We should work towards establishing peace in the world.
“The thing that appealed to me the most was that “whatever the Head of the Ahmadiyya community said, he spoke from the bottom of his heart. “Whenever someone speaks the truth from the bottom of one’s heart, it is always remembered. “He has travelled from the other side of the world
But he is presenting those teachings before the world that we all love and can adhere to.’’ A student by the name Cheryl Crease stated: “This was a splendid occasion in which we all learnt about the true teachings of Islam.
“I have now learnt some teachings of Islam and will not base anything on my thoughts alone, “in fact the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community spoke most eloquently on the ways to establish peace. “These points are very commendable “that Imam of the community especially highlighted the fact that we have many similarities.
It really appealed to me that we share common values.’’ A Professor from the journalism department of a different university sent all of his students to attend the lecture. A journalist by the name Yoser Al Barani said: “I enjoyed the fact that the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community spoke on ways
“to live together peacefully. In my profession as a journalist “I often write about women’s rights (being a woman herself), “but when a religious figure speaks about this topic, it takes on a new dimension. “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community explained the issues faced by the Muslim world
“stating with great clarity that other governments are controlling them. “It was great to hear that the Imam of the Community is perturbed when he reads about the current situation of the world.” Then a Priest stated: “All the teachings of the Holy Qur’an were presented in clear simple language.
“The part that appealed to me the most, was that the wars taking place throughout the world, “they are taking place with the aid of or under the supervision of other governments. If the powerful governments stop providing aid to them, it can all come to an end.’’
We then travelled to Saskatoon, where there were various press conferences organised as well as Jama’at programmes. There were no programmes arranged with external guests, but through the press, approximately, through various radio programmes and through the press the message reached around 1.78 million people.
Similarly ,there was the opening of the Mahmood Mosque in Regina. After the Friday prayers, on the same evening, there was a reception for the opening of the mosque which took place in a hotel. 200 guests attended, including the Premier of the Saskatchewan province,
Deputy Premier of Saskatchewan province, Regina city Mayor, the Minister for Public Safety, the Deputy Leader of the Opposition, all the former and current mayors of nearby cities, the Principle and Vice-Principle of the University of Saskatchewan, Head of Department for Religious Studies of the University of Regina,
Professors, priests, police chief and other professionals from all departments were present. A Professor of world religions said, after listening to the address at the opening of the Regina Mosque, that: “It was an outstanding speech full of wisdom and thoroughly absorbing address “which I heard in my capacity as a professor of world religions.
“What I liked about the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community’s address “is the unambiguous and practical message, “that if the world desires peace “then this cannot be achieved by neglecting the poorer nations who are in need. “In my opinion, the message of the address was very clear.”
He then said: “in my opinion, given the circumstances of the world “and the level of misunderstanding surrounding the Islamic teachings, “their message is extremely important. (i.e. what I spoke about in my address) “He has taken the responsibility to remove these misunderstandings, and “his message is vital for our multi-cultural and multi-religious society,
In order to increase the mutual love and understanding.” Then, a member of the Legislative Assembly in Saskatchewan, Paul Merrimen, he said: “Political and worldly events are different. In those events people stress upon their ideas “and try to impose them, however the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community did no such thing.
“I felt as if he was calling us towards him with the utmost love and affection. “He is such [a person] that is prepared to love everyone. “It is my opinion that true religion and spirituality is in fact this very idea. In other words, we should love our neighbours and help others.”
He is referring to the Islamic teachings with respect to neighbours that I mentioned there. He then stated: “it is vital that this type of community should build mosques, “who will spread the true teachings of Islam. “Especially since the residents of Saskatoon belong to various religious backgrounds
And so everyone should treat each other with respect and learn to tolerate each other.” Then, the Leader of the Opposition [party] in Saskatchewan, Trent Wotherspoon said: “It was a wonderful gathering today. “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community’s message was indeed very powerful and vital;
“it highlighted the commonalities that are found in our religions. “He told us that the principle of giving precedence to mankind, is something that “the Ahmadis in Canada keep at the fore. “The message of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community that
We should only like for others what we like for ourselves, is extremely important for all of us.” He further says “The message was about developing mutual understanding and establishing peace. The Head of the Ahmadiyya community has drawn our attention to those values “which we all need to try and adopt. These are values
“which will not only strengthen our town of Regina or our province, Saskatchewan, but in fact they will strengthen our country and the entire world.” Regarding media coverage in Regina, after the reception that was help after the inauguration of the mosque There was also a press conference with various television and newspaper outlets
And also included one to one interviews. There were approximately 6-7 different media outlets from television, radio and newspapers. And thus, as a result of the opening of the mosque in Regina and through the news reports that came through, regarding the press conference, the message of Islam was conveyed to approximately 1.97 million people.
Similarly, after Regina, the Bait-ul-Aman mosque was inaugurated in Lloydminster. This is a small area and mainly visited by those who trade in the oil industry. 49 non-Ahmadi Muslim guests participated in the reception [of the mosque] included the legislative assembly members of Saskatchewan, former members of parliament, the newly appointed mayor,
Mayors and deputy mayors from nearby cities, councillors, professors, teachers journalists and people belonging to various other professionals. The former Minister of Immigration and Defence, Jason Kenney, knows the Jama’at from a very long time and also knows me personally. He was also in attendance and said:
“Though the Ahmadiyya Community is relatively a small community “but they strive in doing good work and presenting the radiant image of Islam to the world. “In the current state of the world and the erroneous belief that Islam permits extremism “The Ahmadiyya Community is like a panacea,
“The Islam [represented by the Ahmadiyya community] is completely in accordance with Canada’s culture and is a guarantor of peace.” He further says: “I believe that the inauguration of the mosque “and the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community’s visit will become a means “of increasing the knowledge of the people of this whole area
And will also present to them the beautiful image of Islam.” He also added: “In today’s address, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community has replied “to all the negative thoughts that could have been entertained by people about Islam and the mosque. “The opening of the mosque is an extremely positive step
And completely in accordance with our values of religious freedom.” As I mentioned, he has a strong relationship with the Community, and when the incident of Lahore occurred and Ahmadis were martyred in Dar-ul-Zikr and Model Town, he was serving as a Minister at the time
And he was the first to call me to express his condolences. He also promised that he would try to bring the families of those who had been martyred to live in Canada. In this respect, he fulfilled his promise
And by the grace of Allah the Almighty nearly all of the martyrs’ families have moved to Canada. John Gormley, who is a host of a radio show was also among the guests and he said: “Many important points have been presented in regards to the role a mosque plays.”
Then, with reference to me, he said: “he said that the mosque is not just a place to worship in, “in fact it is a place for the whole of humanity to gather “and the Ahmadiyya Community is doing a lot of work in this regard.
“Whenever there is an incident of extremism, the Ahmadiyya Community is the first “to strengthen relations with one another and unite people of all faiths.” He further said: “he also gave us the message that the love of one’s country “is part of faith and is a teaching of Islam.
“The members of the Ahmadiyya Community are active members of the society “and wherever Ahmadis live, they fully integrate with others. “The members of the Community, wherever they may live, they constantly strive to strengthen the community there.” Calgary has a large Jama’at and the city itself is also very big
And our mosque there is very big and beautiful. A Peace Symposium was held there on 11th November after the Friday prayer. Approximately 644 people attended the function. The guests included: the former Prime Minister of Canada, who has only recently left office of Prime Minister;
Alberta’s Minister of Human Services; the former as well as the present Mayor of Calgary; former Minister Jason Kenney, who was mentioned earlier; the Dean and Vice Principal of the University of Calgary; various Mayors and Deputy Mayors from nearby areas; the President of Red Deer College;
Members of the Legislative Assembly and people from various other professions. Over 600 people attended and in this respect it was a good gathering which consisted of intellectuals. The former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper expressed his thoughts and said: “I have heard the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community delivering his addresses
On numerous occasions and he has always conveyed the peaceful message of Islam.” Expressing his thoughts after the address, he said, “this evening he did the same. This was an extraordinary message and which is something that is reflected in the members of his Community.”
He further stated, “the remarks of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community “are extremely important and vital and it is essential that everyone listens to them “because the extremists are bent on trying to defame Islam and the general public thinks that this is the true Islam.” He also said, “Islam means peace.
“The Khalifatul Masih said that the very meaning of ‘Islam’ is peace. “Islam means to love God Almighty and His creation.” He also said, “the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community shed light with great insight on many global issues, particularly the issues surrounding the Middle East”.
He then added, “this was a very difficult subject but he addressed it with great wisdom. “I would urge all those who have not heard the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community’s address that they should certainly listen to it.” Similarly, Naheed Nenshi Sahib, who is the Mayor of Calgary said:
“It was a very good address. The peaceful teachings of Islam were presented “with great courage and it was said that Islam does not allow any kind extremism. We welcome to hear such words from someone who is representing Muslims.” The mayor belongs to the Agha Ghani [sect].
Then, a Professor from the University of Calgary who attended the function along with his wife said: “This was a message of peace and is extremely vital. “We are originally Dutch and there is a saying in our language that ‘the unknown is unloved’.
“In other words, how can one love anything for which one has no knowledge of? “The same applies to Islam and when we learn of its reality then we begin to appreciate it. “Today, we had the opportunity to listen to the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community
“and as of today we have a better understanding of Islam and will love Islam more than before.” Then, the leader of the Alberta Party and member of the legislative assembly, Greg Clark, said: ‘It was a very impressive message, and timely message “which was in light of the current circumstances of the world.
“The people of Calgary and Canada have learnt that Islam is a religion of peace “and this is something that we should convey to others as well, that Islam is a religion of peace, because this is the truth.” Then, Brian Littlesheef, expressing his thoughts said: “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community’s address
“centred on the subject of establishing peace and this was indeed an excellent approach. “I had very little knowledge of Islam previously and was scared of it “and faced great predicament due to the negative coverage of it in the media. “I used to think that, does the Qur’an really promote disorder?
“However, today I have received the answer to my question. “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community presented references from the Holy Qur’an “and proved that Islam is a religion of peace. “Previously, whilst travelling if I ever met someone from the Middle East, “I would become fearful that perhaps he may commit a terrorist attack.
“However, today I have learnt that there is no reason to fear the teachings of Islam. “The message which has been given to us by the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community “ is extremely essential because a lot of disorder has been created in the world
“and the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community has told us that we should combat hatred with sympathy and love.” Then, a female guest, Kelley Sahiba said: “I could never have thought that I was going to attend such an important programme. “I was invited by a friend and was told that I must attend
And so I only came to make her happy.” (She is also a very well-educated and intellectual lady). “However, I am delighted that I attended. “I have never witnessed such a programme where everyone thinks positively. “The message of Head of the Ahmadiyya Community was excellent
“and even a person with little knowledge like me, was able to understand “that Islam is a religion which welcomes people of all nations, ethnicity and religion. Thus, we need not to fear Islam. If anything we need to try and get to know Muslims better.”
She further said: “I really liked the quotes of the non-Muslim scholars. (Here she is referring to the various quotes I read out from the works of orientalists such as Stanley-lane Pool, etc. who wrote about the Holy Prophet (saw) and how he established peace and displayed tolerance.)
“I really liked the quotes of the non-Muslim scholars which he presented and how he proved from his point of view that the Prophet of Islam was peace-loving.” Ahmadis should not only just bring their acquaintances to such functions but they should also inform them about the beautiful teachings of Islam
And through this it will open avenues for Tabligh. It should not be the case that you only speak of worldly affairs and mention nothing about Islam. Now, in this case, this was an old friend of hers and therefore she decided to honour her request
But the Ahmadi friend herself had not told her anything about Islam. Therefore, our young Ahmadi men and women should pay attention to this. An officer from Calgary’s police department, Bob Richard said: “The address was very interesting. The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community told us how Islam promotes multiculturalism.”
He said: “This is something that our society needs. “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community is uniting everyone “and is promoting interfaith dialogue. “The words of the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community have really touched my heart, “particularly when he spoke about international relations
“and how we can resolve these issues. He proved, with references from the Qur’an “that Islam is a religion of peace and Muslims have been taught to extend the hand of peace at all times, even if the opposing party has ill-intentions.” Another guest, Anila Li Yon, said: I really liked the fact that
“in the presence of the former Prime Minister, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community “told the western world that they must deal with justice “and in view of the current issues of the world they need to carefully look at their own actions. “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community is completely right when he said
That any one party cannot be held responsible for the current issues of the world.” The indigenous community of Canada which are the natives of the land and usually live in their own tribes but many of them have also come into the cities.
In any case, they are known as the First Nations and one of them, Lepo Shield said: ‘I liked how the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community showed great honesty and courage “while rebutting the allegations levelled against Islam that it teaches extremism.
“I also liked the fact that the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community quoted from the Islamic text i.e. the Holy Qur’an and proved that these allegations are wrong.” He further added: “The Head of the Ahmadiyya Community was completely right when he said
“that the western countries are providing weapons to the countries of the Middle East. “While speaking of the wisdom behind the wars in Islam, “the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community said ‘to stop [the] hand of oppression’. “I really liked this statement and will always remember it
I.e. the wars in Islam were fought in order ‘to stop [the] hand of oppression.’’ He also said: “I know that your Khalifa understands the meaning of cruelty and injustice very well and that is why I felt that the Khalifa can truly understand our pain.”
These people belong to various tribes and ten of their leaders attended the function and a meeting was also held with them. InshaAllah, various Tabligh programmes will be organised there and new avenues will open. The media coverage received in Calgary was through various news channels, TV, radio
And other media outlets. There was also around 8-10 newspapers who published the news and some of these were national newspapers. Thus, through the total media coverage from interviews and press conferences in Calgary, the message of Islam was conveyed to 5 million people. Out of the total media coverage during the tour of Canada,
32 television channels aired the news in 5 different languages through which 40 million people received the message [of Islam]. There were a total of 30 news reports on various radio channels in 6 different languages and in total 800,000 people received the message [of Islam].
227 newspapers in 12 different languages published the news and interviews and through this 4.8 million people received the message. 14.6 million people received the message through social media which is the electronic media form. Thus, according to the estimation of the people there if all the various media platforms are combined,
Then 60 million people received our message. All praise belongs to Allah. This is the grace of Allah the Almighty and we should be grateful for this grace and take great care of it, particularly the people of Canada should pay special attention to this, so that the grace of Allah continues to increase.
We should always remember that our intention should be to convey the message of Ahmadiyyat and the true Islam in every work of ours; it should be to establish the Unity of God in the world and so that the flag of the Holy Prophet (saw) is raised all over the world.
If that is the case, then Allah the Almighty will bless our endeavours. May Allah the Almighty grant us the ability to do this. I would also like to say to the Ahmadis in Peace Village and Abode of Peace because almost 99 percent of those living there, perhaps more, are Ahmadis.
I say to all those Ahmadis that they should try and create and maintain an atmosphere of Ahmadiyyat there and should try their level best to establish a model of true Islam. And the manner in which they displayed their love and devotion towards Khilafat
While I was there, they should continue to build upon it and excel in it. They should never forget their true objective, which is to build a relationship with Allah the Almighty and we should never become indolent in worshipping Him. May Allah the Almighty,
Grant them, and you all and also me – all of us – the opportunity to do this. All praise is due to Allah. We laud Him, we beseech help from Him and ask His protection; we confide in Him, we trust Him alone
And we seek protection against the evils and mischief of our souls and from the bad results of our deeds. Whomsoever He guides on the right path, none can misguide him; and whosoever He declares misled, none can guide him onto the right path.
And we bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah. We bear witness that Muhammad (saw) is His servant and Messenger. O servants of Allah! May Allah be merciful to you. Verily, Allah commands you to act with justice, to confer benefits upon each other
And to do good to others as one does to one’s kindred and forbids evil which pertain to your own selves and evils which affect others and prohibits revolts against a lawful authority. He warns you against being unmindful. You remember Allah; He too will remember you;
Call Him and He will make a response to your call. And verily divine remembrance is the highest virtue.