Canada: Ahmadiyya Muslim Community shares faith and promotes peace

"We don't have any interest in converting anyone. You can convert someone's mind, but not their heart. We're here to promote peace and to condemn terrorism."

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | US Desk
Source/Credit: Paris Star | Canada
By Casandra Bellefeuille | March 18, 2011

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were in Paris on Friday to promote world peace and a better understanding of the Ahmadiyya beliefs.

On March 23, 1889, the Promised Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, took the first initiative that resulted in the foundation of Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. To celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of this faith, the Ahmadiyyas hold Jalsas (conferences or meetings) in various communities across the province. The largest one of its kind in southern Ontario is held at the University of Waterloo. Hundreds of believers of all religions gather to discuss their faiths. The purpose of the meetings is to create awareness of all religions.

"The Ahmadiyya community doesn't believe there is a monopoly on religion. We're the only religion that believe when you die, whatever your faith, you'll be judged accordingly," explained Adam Alaxandr.


Alaxandr, along with Rehan Sharif, Kashif Khokhar and Asad Qadir, went door-to-door in Paris to provide residents with literature on Islamic beliefs, and to dispel misconceptions of terrorism in connection with the Muslim faith. They plan to share their faith in over 20 communities across Ontario in three days.

"We don't have any interest in converting anyone. You can convert someone's mind, but not their heart," said Alaxandr. "We're here to promote peace and to condemn terrorism."

Alaxandr said the biggest obstacle the Ahmadiyya community faces is people's fear of terrorism.

"People feel what they know is certain. We are asking people to judge Muslims by Islam, rather than judging Islam by Muslims," he continued.

What's most important, according to Alaxandr, is that the Messiah states there will be no more religious wars. The war with the sword has ended, but the war with the pen has begun. The Holy Qur'an encourages people to greet others with peace— Salam Alaikum (peace be upon you).

The Ahmadiyya is one of 73 Islamic beliefs. The biggest difference between the beliefs, said Alaxandr, is that the Ahmadiyya believe that God sends Profits. All other Islamic beliefs dictate that Muhammad was the last and final Profit.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is known around the world for its motto, "love for all- hatred for none."


-- @wsayed

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