Source/Credit: Sentinel Review
By John Tapley Ingersoll Times | May 10, 2011
NORWICH – A group of Muslims was knocking on doors in Norwich on Saturday, May 7, to raise awareness about Islam and clear up misperceptions about the religion.
"We're here to introduce what Holy Qu'ran is, what Islam is. Islam is not violent," said Farhan Ahmad, a member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Canada, based in Maple, Ont. "It's just knowledge. It's not like we're trying to convert anyone. It's (raising) awareness."
The group had a display about their beliefs set up in the program room at Norwich Public Library Saturday while several members went knocking on doors. The display included information on Islam's perspective on everything from evolution to the possibility of extraterrestrial life.
Besides speaking directly with people, the group handed out copies of The Holy Qu'ran in English and other books and literature about Islam to those interested in reading more.
The group launched its awareness campaign about a year and a half ago.
Earlier this year, volunteers distributed booklets about Islam in 45 communities, including Norwich, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Port Hope and St. Thomas. Now they are following up by knocking on doors in each of the communities.
Some people perceive Islam as a religion that promotes terrorism, and that isn't the case, Ansar Raza said.
"Our fundamental principle is peace and non-violence," he said, pointing out their motto is love for all, hatred for none. "Armed struggle for conversion is totally prohibited."
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Canada has hosted interfaith conferences for 30 years where representatives from all beliefs are welcome, including atheists, Raza said.
"This is vital for us that we know each other more and understand each others' beliefs," he said.
There are an estimated 25,000 Ahmadi Muslims in Canada and millions more in 190 countries around the world, Raza said. They are persecuted in Pakistan and other countries for their condemnation of terrorism.
Jihad is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Islam among people they meet at the door, Ahmad said. He explained that the true meaning of Jihad is not about armed struggle against others but an internal struggle with yourself.
"People don't really want to talk about it because they're talking to a Muslim," he said. "We inform them what Jihad (really) is and it clicks (with them) right away, they understand Islam means peace and prosperity."
Groups like al Qaida and the Taliban are extremists who have corrupted the meaning of Jihhad, said Ahmad.
"These people have misinterpreted Jihad and they're using it for their own benefit, really," he said, pointing out that Islam is not the only religion in history to suffer from extremism. "There's nothing holy about what's happening in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We all know extremists don't have any religion. If they were following the exact rules that Islam has on the table, they wouldn't do what they did."
Ahmad said Islam teaches that, "if you kill a single human being, it's as if you killed all of mankind."
Bill Robinson of St. Thomas was among the group that came to Norwich on Saturday.
A Caucasian who grew up Protestant and converted to Islam four months ago, Robinson said he was looking for answers to his faith questions when an Ahmadiyya brochure turned up in his mailbox.
He contacted the group for more information and they were able to answer all is questions, which led him to decide to become a Muslim.
"This is the nicest group of people I've ever met," he said, explaining that he was never pressured to convert and invited to ask any questions he wanted. "I've learned more in four months than I did in years (as a Protestant)."
He said his decision to become a Muslim has given him peace.
"It's a family," he said. "It's not just a bunch of people who get together (once a week). It's the right path for me. I'm happier than I've ever been."
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