WESTLOCK – Members of the Edmonton chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were in Westlock Aug. 23 to help educate residents about Islam and remove misconceptions about the faith.
The exhibit at the Westlock Library was an opportunity for Westlock residents to learn what it means to be a Muslim with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Canada. Founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in Pakistan, the community eventually moved to Canada in 1966 and today is spread around the globe with millions of followers in 208 countries and has translated the Holy Qur’an into 114 different languages.
“Our (purpose) is to spread the message and bring awareness to the rest of the world what Islam is all about,” said member Sharif Malik. “Because there is a lot of negative media about Islam today, our job is to basically educate people and tell them what we’re all about. We have nothing to do with all the terrorist activities that’s happening overseas. That is not Islam.”
This is their first exhibit in Westlock and shared info about the faith, the movement, the message and guidance for mankind including teachings on peace, humanity, science, inter-faith and prophecies.
“Our organization has a central office in Toronto and then we have chapters throughout Canada, more than 75 chapters. We are here today to (share) the importance about the Holy Qur’an,” said member Muhammad Aslam Shad. “We are sharing this message because this is a need.”
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is now lead by a fifth successor, his Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who was chosen to be the global leader in 2003.
“Under his guidance, (we are) to reach all the small communities because we are established in big cities but not in small towns,” said member Zain Hafiz, noting the warm welcome they received from the community and their plans to return again one day.
“Our job is to provide a platform to the community. We are here and whoever wants to learn (more) they are welcome,” said Hafiz.
