Canada: Ahmadiyya Muslim group knocks on doors, preaches love rather than hatred

Being a Canadian Muslim can be a special challenge during the month-long fast of Ramadan, when Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours. It's especially tough when dealing with the longer hours of sunlight during a Canadian summer.

Faraz Khan, left, and Numan Yahya of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at
Youth Association Faith Outreach program are shown at the group's
open house held at the Stratford Public Library Saturday.
Photo: RITA MARSHALL The Beacon Herald

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Beacon Herald
By Rita Marshall | August 15, 2011

Islamic group preaches love rather than hatred

When Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at members knocked on Stratford doors this past winter, most residents wanted to know more about "jihad."

Noman Khalil, part of Ahmadiyya's youth association faith outreach program, said jihad refers to an internal struggle to be just.

"That's the actual jihad, not the one the other Muslims are representing," he said.

Explaining jihad and other aspects of Islam to the larger community was the group's mission at an open house Saturday at the Stratford Public Library.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community was founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889. The Ahmadiyya community regards him as a prophet, which distinguishes the sect from other branches of Islam.

Their slogan is "Love for all, hatred for none."


At the library, large displays explained Qur'an teachings on peace, justice, science and other faiths. Free copies of the Qur'an and books related to the Ahmadiyya sect of Islam were available, and members were on hand to speak with anyone who had questions.

"We try to show them the true teaching of Islam doesn't allow killing, terrorism," Khalil said.

The group also wants to emphasize that Muslims co-exist with the larger community.

"We are just like them," said Faraz Khan. "We are a peace-loving community."

Khalil said the Qur'an orders Muslims to show loyalty and respect for the countries they live in.

"If I'm Muslim, I have to be a true Canadian," he said.

Being a Canadian Muslim can be a special challenge during the month-long fast of Ramadan, when Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink during daylight hours. It's especially tough when dealing with the longer hours of sunlight during a Canadian summer.

Khalil said although Ahmadiyya open houses across Ontario were not specifically scheduled for Ramadan, sharing the Qur'an while still observing the fast was a good challenge for the group.

"Our throats are drying out," he admitted, but said Muslims get used to working and studying while fasting.

"We've had enough practice," he said.

"The fast is all about self restraint," explained Khan. He said that foregoing food and drink gives a fasting Muslim insight into the lives of people who are chronically hungry, as well as heightening a Muslim's appreciation for the blessings in his or her life.

"When you break a fast you thank God for everything," he said.

The group has brought their "Love for all, hatred for none" message to over 950,000 people in Ontario since November 2010. Along with the open houses, Khalil said the group is planning two bicycle trips, one from Ottawa to Toronto and the other from Windsor to Toronto, meeting with officials and residents along the way.

"Peace should be spread," he said.

Khalil said anyone wanting more information can visit www.alislam.org.

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