TORONTO, ON – From humble beginnings as refugees seeking solace from persecution, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada is not just thriving but setting an ambitious course for its future, rooted in profound gratitude for the peace and freedom found in their adopted homeland. A recent national gathering in Toronto underscored their remarkable growth and unveiled a bold vision to share Islam’s peaceful message with 12 million Canadians in the next three years.
The 47th Jalsa Salana Canada, the community’s annual convention, resonated with messages of blessing, responsibility, and an unwavering commitment to Canada. A key address rendered by Mr. Lal Khan Malik, National President of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada highlighted the foundational experience of migration, quoting the Holy Quran: “And whoever emigrates from his country in the cause of Allah will find in the earth an abundant place of refuge and plentifulness.”
“By the sheer grace of Allah, Canada has given us freedom,” a speaker passionately declared. “Freedom not only to believe and practice our faith as we wish, but also to preach it… anywhere in this blessed land.”
Indeed, the community’s journey since its official registration in Canada in 1966 has been one of significant growth. From just two Ahmadi Muslims in 1920, the numbers have swelled to over 40,000 active members (with some estimates reaching 100,000 across Canada), establishing a presence in all 10 provinces and the Northwest Territories. This expansion is visible in their infrastructure, with “over 20 purpose-built and look-alike mosques” across the nation, alongside numerous prayer centers and guest houses. Economically, many members, who once arrived with “little in their pockets,” now own “profitable businesses and have lucrative jobs,” a testament to the blessings they attribute to their migration.
This prosperity, however, is seen not as an end in itself, but as a means to fulfill a higher purpose: conveying the true message of Islam. The community’s spiritual leader, the Khalifatul Masih, has impressed upon them the urgency of this mission. A speaker recounted a powerful directive: “It all depends upon mindset. Don’t say we lack resources… You must work to the fullest within what you have to explore new avenues.”
Inspired by this guidance, the Canadian Jamaat has committed to a monumental goal: to share the message of Islam Ahmadiyya with 30% of Canadians – an astounding 12 million individuals – within the next three years. This isn’t just about statistics; it’s about demonstrating the beauty of Islam through personal example. “We showed them the teachings of Islam through the superiority of our character,” the speaker emphasized.
The community also engages in profound internal reflection, recognizing that true success extends beyond numbers and material gains. Addressing challenges such as rising divorce rates and the purity of financial earnings, the leadership calls for a “true transformation” beginning within each home. “Numbers may impress the world, but it is with character only that Allah is pleased,” a poignant reminder articulated at the gathering. This emphasis on individual moral upliftment is seen as the bedrock for their collective mission.
Beyond Canada’s borders, the Canadian Ahmadiyya community plays a vital role in global outreach, assigned by its central headquarters to establish new communities across the Caribbean, Central, and South America. Already, new Jamaats have blossomed in nine countries, with some now mature enough to operate independently under central guidance, while others remain under the nurturing care of the Canadian branch.
As the community looks ahead to its 50th Jalsa Salana, the call is for more than just survival or numerical growth. It is a rallying cry for profound change: “May Allah grant that when we gather for that 50th Jalsa Salana, we present ourselves not as a community that has merely survived 50 years in Canada… but as a community that has proven its worth through changed lives and strengthened families, demonstrating real progress in our character, in our homes, and our service to this nation.”
With a divinely guided leadership and a deep sense of responsibility, Canada’s Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is mobilized, inspiring its members to embody the true essence of Islam and contribute meaningfully to the fabric of Canadian society and beyond.