On 11th November 2016, the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifah (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) delivered the keynote address at the Calgary Peace Symposium, hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada. More than 800 people, including over 650 dignitaries and guests, attended the event, including Canada’s former Prime Minister, Right Honourable Stephen Harper, the Mayor of Calgary, Naheed Nenshi, Provincial Minister of Human Services, Irfan Sabir and Federal Member of Parliament, Darshan Kang. Also attending were various senior representatives of the First Nations community, leading academics and media. We present below the keynote address delivered by His Holiness on this occasion.
Prior to the event, His Holiness held a meeting with Rt Hon Stephen Harper, during which the former Prime Minister thanked His Holiness for the continued commitment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to spreading peace and for its humanitarian efforts.
Following the conclusion of the event, His Holiness was also welcomed by a delegation from the First Nations community. The indigenous elders gave His Holiness a traditional welcome according to their customs and thereafter had a private audience with him.
During the private meeting the First Nations people mentioned that their community had never previously had any significant dialogue with the Muslim communities in Canada. In response to this, His Holiness said:
“I Hope and pray that now our Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada keeps closer contact with you and that our friendship grows.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba). Leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
His Holiness continued:
“I myself hope that I am able to visit your lands one day.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).
Upon this, the tribal leader responded by saying:
“Your Holiness, this would be a great honour for us to be able to host you.”
Tribal Leader from the First Nation’s Delegation.
Another member of the First Nations community said:
“Your Holiness, I was extremely moved by your speech earlier today. Your message was one of understanding and your words have opened my eyes to Islam because previously I had only heard that Muslims were extremists or terrorists. Now I know the truth.”
Member of the First Nations among the Delegation
Once His Holiness returned to UK, the International headquarter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community made a plan to fulfill the wish of His Holiness to make contact with Indigenous Communities across Canada and grow the friendship.
For this reason, the Ahmadiyya Muslims community has reached out and worked together with hundreds of First Nation Communities across Canada. We have held many events, friendship conferences, knowledge sharing and building bridges events as well as meetings to make our friendships grow.
