Thousands attend the 37th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada, held inside the International Centre on Saturday, July 6, 2013.(Veronica Henri/Toronto Sun)

Source: The Toronto Sun

MISSISSAUGA – As many as 20,000 Muslims were expected at the International Centre this weekend to hear speeches devoted to peace.

The 37th annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslims in the GTA also drew 50 dignitaries, including Missisauga Mayor Hazel McCallion, long-time Toronto mayor Sen. Art Eggleton, Ontario PC leader Tim Hudak, all sharing the stage with a selection of speakers on Saturday.

The Ahmadiyya are a sect of Islam that preach world peace with a motto of “Love for all, hatred for none.”

They are persecuted elsewhere in the world — in Pakistan, they are seen as heretics and are not allowed to identify themselves as Muslims — and believe the Messiah returned as Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, who founded the sect… continue reading @ torontosun.com