“ISIS is doing things in the name of Islam, which is wrong. We want to show that our religion is beautiful; it shows peace. We want to spread that peace by sharing it with others. So sharing it with the seniors was one of our ways to do that.”
Source/Credit: Meridian Booster
By Phil McLachlan | August 29, 2016
Fifteen children from the Lloydminster chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community came to Pioneer Lodge to demonstrate their culture, sit and socialize with the seniors and spread happiness through good company and conversations.
In a couple of weeks, Muslims around the world will be celebrating Eid. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believes it is important to educate people about their customs so that if they hear coverage of the event or see prayers in person or on TV, they will understand why they do these things.
“In Islam, it is customary that when you are celebrating something, when you’re happy for some occasion, you share that happiness with others as well,” said Tariq Azeem, Imam (Missionary) for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “The purpose of this event was to share the happiness with the seniors as well.”
Showing an example of these prayers, one youth member led in a prayer with three other volunteers, explaining every step as they went.
Kamran Rajput was chosen to be the prayer leader, as he is one of the more mature members of the youth group. Becoming involved in the Ahmadiyya community through family tradition, Rajput was encouraged to take part in the youth group. Looking to the future, he hopes to become a missionary, very much like Tariq Azeem.
“Terrorism is out there,” said Rajput. “ISIS is doing things in the name of Islam, which is wrong. We want to show that our religion is beautiful; it shows peace. We want to spread that peace by sharing it with others. So sharing it with the seniors was one of our ways to do that.”
Rajput has learned over the years that sacrifices in life are nessisary, and he often practices putting others before himself.
“Say you have $10, and you can buy only for one person,” he said. “But you see there is another person that is needing it too. You give that money to him, he needs it more than you.”
16 year-old Shehroze Afridi was introduced to this community by his family when he moved to Canada from Pakistan at the age of five. He believes he has learned a lot about himself and those around him.
“I think it’s important, because if I participate, then I gain knowledge,” said Afridi. “In turn, I help others to gain knowledge as well. I think everyone should have knowledge.”
The Ahmadiyya youth group has visited the Pioneer Lodge twice now, and looks forward to continuing this practice in the future. Throughout the entire year, this youth group has traveled all over Canada to places such as Bamff, Toronto and more. Those over the age of 16 can also pursue this as far as the UK.
Vaqas Qureshi is the team leader for the Lloydminster Ahmadiyya youth group, and has been for the past six years. Involved in sports, education, arts, studies and community events, the youth group is kept busy throughout the entire year. The biggest lessons taught to the youth are respect, love, as well as religious practices.
“Humanity is the first thing we teach,” said Qureshi. “It doesn’t matter what religion, what nation or what colour you are. You have to give respect to every person, and you have to understand. Only these values are those we try to teach our kids.”
Next year the youth group looks forward to visiting Dr. Cook, and Dr. James Hemstock senior care facilities, as well as sharing their religious views with anyone willing to listen.
“Right now, the political condition around the world is becoming serious,” said Qureshi. “This is why we believe that we have to sit and listen to each other. As a society, it doesn’t mean every person should have the same religion. We have to accept every person, every religion, every ethnicity. Everyone is an independent human being. We cannot force anyone to do anything. You can force, but you cannot change their hearts. To change their hearts you have to be their friend.”
Read original post here: Canada: Celebrating culture in preparation for Eid in Lloydminster
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