The mosque is open to all residents, and is also open for the community, free of charge, to hold events there like Christmas markets or community meetings.
Source/Credit: Orlean Star
By Kelly Snider | April 13, 2016
Culture. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at celebrated 50 years in Canada on April 5, and members of the mosque based in Cumberland gathered at City Hall to recognize this milestone.
"We have achieved this milestone, that we spent 50 years in Canada and we can call Canada our home and we are very much grateful," said Imtiaz Ahmed.
"For that, we serve Canada in various capacities. We pledge to not only reciprocate but for the next 50 years double, triple, even quadruple what we've done."
The mosque in Cumberland has been established for 20 years. It is a branch from the Canadian headquarters, in Vaughan.
The group initially bought a piece of land in Cumberland on Dunning Rd. to do the prayer service, but then bought Riverview Public School to continue their prayer service.
Ahmed said the mosque is open to all residents, and is also open for the community, free of charge, to hold events there like Christmas markets or community meetings.
Cumberland Councillor Stephen Blais said the group's principals are ones Canadian's should embrace every day.
"Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at has been an amazing addition to the wonderfully diverse community we love in Cumberland."
Awareness
Ahmed said they have done several campaigns to bring awareness to fellow residents and Canadians across the country.
First, the group is always opening their doors to the community.
"We open our doors to the mosque so our neighbours and our friends can see for themselves what we do. So there is transparency there."
Ahmed said they also worked with different groups and churches in Cumberland to hold prayer services together, like on Remembrance Day.
Following the tragedy on October 22, 2014, the group launched the campaign Stop The crISIS to raise awareness on putting an end to radicalization.
"The community denounced the terrorist attack and launched this successful campaign," explained Ahmed. "Several programs were conducted in Ottawa and across the country, against radicalization."
He continued saying that there was fear amongst the public, which is why they set up their next campaign to help counter it: Meet a Muslim Family. Local residents were welcomed into a Muslim family's home to learn more about each other.
"It was a successful campaign," said Ahmed. "The family and host families would meet and there would be a better understanding that we are Canadian, just like anybody else. Stereotypes that apply to you can apply to me. Our religion may be different but we're all Canadian."
Every year, the group celebrates Canada Day at the mosque as well.
"The motto for the community is love for all, hatred for none. It is something we live by and this is what Canada is all about."
Ahmed said if any resident in the community has questions or would like to visit the mosque can contact him at imtiaz.ahmed@ahmadiyya.ca.
"The mosque and community centre is always open for our Canadian brother and sisters. We want to extend the invitation."
Read original post here: Community gathers for Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at celebration
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