42nd Jalsa Salana Western Canada Draws Thousands to Calgary with Message of Peace and Unity

CALGARY — More than 5,000 people from across Canada and around the world gathered at the Genesis Centre in Calgary for the 42nd Jalsa Salana Western Canada, a two-day convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at that focused on peace, religious harmony, spiritual development, service to humanity and responsible citizenship.

The two-day gathering brought together members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community as well as political leaders, Indigenous representatives and members of Hindu, Sikh, Christian and Muslim communities. The participation of people from diverse backgrounds gave the convention a strong message of unity and peaceful coexistence.

Among the prominent guests were Imam Azher Haneef of the United States, Malik Lal Khan, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada, federal MPs Amanpreet Gill, Dalwinder Gill and Jasraj Hallan, Calgary Deputy Mayor Raj Dhaliwal, Alberta ministers Rajan Sawhney and Muhammad Yaseen, and Alberta MLAs Irfan Sabir and Gurinder Brar.

Several Indigenous leaders and representatives of different faith communities also attended the event.

The Jalsa provided an opportunity for religious and community leaders to discuss the importance of peace at a time when conflicts, intolerance and social divisions continue to affect communities around the world.

The presence of political representatives from different levels of government also highlighted the importance of dialogue between faith communities and Canadian institutions.

Malik Lal Khan, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada, played a central role throughout the two-day convention. He participated in the opening proceedings and delivered the concluding address, emphasising the importance of faith, moral values, service and peaceful relations within society.

Imam Azher Haneef, who travelled from the United States, also addressed the gathering, focusing on spiritual renewal and the importance of strengthening one’s relationship with God. His message connected spiritual development with the responsibility of individuals to contribute positively to their families and communities.

The convention featured a wide range of religious and educational sessions dealing with family values, truthfulness, respect for parents, spiritual development, humanitarian service and the responsibilities of Muslims toward their country and fellow citizens.

A strong emphasis was also placed on love for one’s country and responsible citizenship, reflecting the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at’s message that religious faith should encourage people to serve the country in which they live and contribute positively to society.

The participation of members of the Hindu, Sikh and Christian communities, along with Muslim and Indigenous leaders, added an important interfaith dimension to the gathering. Their presence demonstrated the value of bringing people together despite differences of faith, culture and background.

The convention also provided opportunities for visitors to learn more about Islam and the Ahmadiyya Muslim community through exhibitions, guided tours and dialogue sessions. These activities encouraged visitors to ask questions and engage in open conversations about religion, Canadian society and peaceful coexistence.

Women’s participation was another important component of the two-day programme, with dedicated sessions addressing spirituality, family life, women’s responsibilities and community service.

Speakers throughout the Jalsa stressed that peace cannot be achieved only through political agreements or government policies. It must also begin at the individual and family level through honesty, compassion, forgiveness, respect and a willingness to understand others.

The gathering’s message was particularly relevant to Calgary’s multicultural society, where people from different ethnicities, religions and cultures live side by side.

For the organisers, the Jalsa was not simply an annual religious gathering but also an opportunity to strengthen community relationships and promote a culture of dialogue and mutual respect.

The participation of MPs Amanpreet Gill, Dalwinder Gill and Jasraj Hallan, Deputy Mayor Raj Dhaliwal, ministers Rajan Sawhney and Muhammad Yaseen, and MLAs Irfan Sabir and Gurinder Brar demonstrated the broad community interest in the event.

With more than 5,000 participants attending from across Canada and internationally, the 42nd Jalsa Salana Western Canada concluded with a renewed call for peace, unity and service to humanity.

The two-day gathering sent a clear message from Calgary: in an increasingly divided world, dialogue, respect for different faiths and a commitment to serving humanity can provide a foundation for a more peaceful and united society.