MISSISSAUGA: On June 26, 2009, fifteen thousand participants attended the opening of the 33rd Annual Conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, a three-day event being held at the International Centre, Mississauga (Derry and Airport Roads). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which is known worldwide for its motto, "Love for All, Hatred for None", has been hosting such conferences for over a century throughout the world.
The first day of the conference was opened with the Friday sermon and prayer service and was followed by a number of lectures during the evening session. During the sermon, Mr. Naseem Mahdi, the SVP of Canada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, spoke of the many achievements of the Community under the Divine leadership of the Khalifa. He reminded the audience of the mission of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that each member of the Community must practice and convey the true and peaceful teachings of Islam. Commenting on the rise in atheism, Mr. Lal Khan Malik, the President of Canada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community called on all participants to demonstrate the existence of God by living in accordance with His teachings of love and thereby being light of guidance for society. Mr. Saleem Rahman spoke of the many prophecies contained in the Old and New Testaments regarding the advent of the Holy Qur'an, Islam's holy scripture, and its claimed superiority over all other religious texts. Mr. Hadi Ali Chaudhry delivered a lecture on how the Holy Prophet Muhammad promoted the existence and the Unity of God.
On June 27, scholars will deliver presentations on the moral and spiritual excellences of the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and the companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, as well as on the correct interpretation and understanding of the finality of his prophethood.
Throughout the three-day event, which will conclude on June 28, in attendance will be special guests who will include representatives from all levels of government, including federal and provincial cabinet ministers, mayors, councilors, as well as representatives of various faith groups, professions, academia and the media.
Currently, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is lead by his fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. On July 5, 2008, Prime Minister Stephen Harper stated that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community represents "the true and benevolent face of Islam" and referred to its Khalifa as a "champion of peace."
The conference is open to the general public and admission is free. The programme begins at 10:30 a.m. on June 27.
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