A large number of Ahmadiyya community members gathered in Mississauga to attend opening ceremonies of their annual convention.

The 41st annual Jalsa Salana 2017 of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada kicked off at the International Centre in Mississauga on Friday (July 7).

Led by the Jama’at’s U.S. vice-president, Imam Azhar Haneef, Canadian president Lal Khan Malik, and missionary in-charge (Canada) Khalil A. Mubashir, the three-day convention opened with a flag-hoisting ceremony.

Condemning the action of ISIS, Malik said the terror group claims to be a Muslim organization, but it has nothing to do with Islam.

“They have killed innocents, they have killed defenceless people, they haven’t shown mercy for those who are in need of help … this is not Islam,” said Malik.

The yearly gathering, which started more than 100 years ago in the town of Qadian in India’s Punjab province, is a tradition of Ahmadiyya community.

The event features information exhibits where visitors can obtain religious information. It also provides networking, socializing and discussion opportunities.

In June, the Jama’at also hosted an event at the Brampton City Hall to celebrate Eid al-Fitr festival.

The three-day annual convention was to run until Sunday.

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