Source: Standard FreeHolder –

CORNWALL — Muslims from across the country are on a campaign to educate small towns about the truths of their religion, and a few stopped in Cornwall this weekend.

Muneer Ahmad Khan came from Ottawa for the open house — held at the Cornwall Public Library — to explain why the campaign was launched after the accidental burning of Qu’rans at a U.S. military base in Afghanistan.

“We’re going to select towns … where people don’t get the opportunity to see Muslims in person,” said Khan. “It’s an opportunity to meet people in different towns.”

He said they believe education is key to overcoming division between religions and people groups, especially when tensions are high and media coverage of Islamic nations is widespread.

“The views they do have come from whatever source they have,” said Khan about the communities they visit. “We want to remove the misconceptions about Islam and all religions.”

The Toronto-based Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth of Canada, which is organizing the events, has been to Cornwall before, and plan to return often to connect with residents.

“In order to build relationships, it takes more than one meeting,” he said, adding that the group — 2,600 strong and focused on humanitarian work — wants to be involved with local fundraisers and community outreach events.

“We’ve adopted these towns,” he said. “We’re also there to help the community.”

Khan has been across the Ottawa region, as well as Kingston and Brockville, for similar events like those happening around the country — always in libraries. He said it’s an environment already conducive to learning and spreading knowledge.

“We don’t consider it volunteering,” said Khan. “We consider it our responsibility.”

The open house held this weekend was focused on Shari’a law, a controversial topic that many associate with the mistreatment of women. Several people were on hand to answer questions and explain various facets of Islam.

“If you take away one thing that helps benefit you in your life … that itself means this is a success,” said Khan.