Faiths come together to say Peace for All. Crossing boundaries of ethnicity, race and religion, Faith is building bridges in Montreal, Quebec
On November 29, 2015 Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association of Montreal chapter hosted a symposium on the Religious Founders Day at 9899 Boulevard Saint-Michel, Montreal-Nord, QC H1H 5G7.
Ahmmadiyya Center, Montreal
Representative from Sikh, Christianity and Islam spoke about the Founders of their respective religions. A presentation was also made on Prophet Moses (peace be on him) the Founder of Judaism.
Ms Sarah Cherki explained the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) to whom God revealed the Holy book Quran.
Ms Cherki quoted various quotes from the Holy Book and explained that killing an innocent life in Islam is like killing entire mankind. Love and sincerity to ones country is part of Muslim faith. Belief in all prophets and respect for all places of worship is mandatory for Muslims. Islam is the first religion to give rights of inheritance to women. Men and women in Islam are equal. To obtain education is a duty of a Muslim man and a Muslim woman. A man is allowed to have up to four wives if he can maintain them with equal rights love and provisions. He is responsible for providing all the children form all wives. The prerequisites to such marriage are so strict and full of such responsibilities that very few Muslim men have more than one wife. However such commandment safeguards children’s rights and is very beneficial in many situations, for example when a wife can not bear children.
She explained the concept of Jihad. The greatest Jihad in Islam is a continuous personal effort to reform oneself. Jihad with sword is only a minor form of Jihad and only a limited defense war which has been allowed as a last resort when all other options have failed. It is allowed only when Muslims are denied the right of freedom to practice their religion which is not the case in Middle east war. Such Jihad is to prevent destruction of places of worship including mosques, churches and synagogues. It is not a war fought for worldly gains and political reasons as it is happening in Middle east today. It prohibits killing innocent citizens, women and children and spoiling crops, resources and places of worship.
Ms Sarina Meyer from Presbyterian College explained the foundational creeds of Christianity; the Holy Trinity and Salvation through Grace alone. She explained how God humbled himself to become a human in form of Jesus (peace be on him) to forgive sins of mankind and give them salvation. She explained the sufferings Jesus faced in the hands of Jews of the time. Ms Meyer was questioned about place of accountability in Christianity and that how such creed will help an individual to stay away from sin. Ms Meyer also said that Churches tell their audience that Islam is not terrorism.
Ms Amanjot Kaur Spoke on various aspects of Hazrat Baba Guru Nanak Sahib, the Founder of Sikh religion. Baba Ji mitigated the difference of lower and upper class or the cast system. He brought the message of peace and equality. The Holy Book Guru Grunth is the guiding light for all Sikhs to live a life of high morals.
An exhibition on the Holy Quran with translations in different languages was displayed for audience to read its teachings in their own language and remove misconceptions.
Mrs Amtul Noor Daud, president Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association of Canada gave closing remarks with thanks to all the representatives. She said that the brutal activities in Middle East are politically motivated and are not aligned with Islamic teachings.
Answering a question Mrs Daud highlighted the community services of Jamaat Ahmadiyya in Canada through Humanity First and their Khidmat-e-Khalaq (social service) department in settling Syrian refuges as well as providing assistance in many other social spheres. Answering another question Mrs Daud pointed towards continuous efforts of Ahmadiyya Muslim community to reform youth and prevent radicalization in country.
At the end Mrs Daud requested all the audience to spread the message of peace to the world outside with courage and honesty. For only then such a symposium would have served its purpose.