MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 1 /CNW/ - Thousands of Muslims and Non-Muslim guests as well as international delegates attended the 31st annual convention of Canada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held at the International Center in
Mississauga (Derry and Airport Roads) from June 29th to July 1st, 2007, inclusive. Over 20,000 people, having traveled from all across North America, participated.

Canada Day celebrations included a rendition of the national anthem by young Ahmadiyya Muslim boys and girls recited to an enthusiastic flag-waving audience.

The three-day event presented a series of lectures by male and female scholars and educationists to promote and encourage the spiritual development of the participants as well as to address common misconceptions about Islam and its history.

On Sunday, July 1st, the President of Canada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community discussed challenges of family breakdown. Highlighting example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessing of Allah be upon him), he reminded each
spouse of their religious responsibilities based on love and mutual respect. Noting the unbearable financial and social cost of domestic disputes, Mr. Malik emphasized that society cannot achieve heavenly peace without
establishing domestic harmony.

Another lecture addressed the recently released and highly publicized books promoting atheism that are critical of religion and its adherents. This lecture dispelled the misconceptions and misinformation regarding Islam contained in these books and described what God means to Muslims and how they can go about searching for and finding Him.

Canadians from all walks of life interested in learning more about Islam and overcoming misconceptions regarding Muslims are attending this event. They will obtain a greater understanding of the true Islamic teachings on a range of issues as well as an appreciation of their historical context. Participants are also presented with an ideal opportunity to meet and interact with their fellow citizens, both Muslim and non-Muslim.

Many dignitaries representing different levels of government and constituencies within Canada attended. On Canada Day, the Honourable Premier Dalton McGuinty praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for its continuing efforts to reach out to Canadians and provide them with the true picture of Islam. The Honourable Greg Sorbara echoed his comments and noted community's contributions to Canadian society. Her Worship Mayor Susan Fennell praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's contributions to the city of Brampton and looked forward with eager anticipation to the completion of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mosque being built in her city. The Chief of York Regional Police, Armand
LaBarge as well as United States Consul General also graced the event.

Each year, the primary purpose of the annual convention of Canada's Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is to provide participants with an opportunity to broaden and deepen their understanding of Islam. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is committed to contributing to the multicultural mosaic by helping to achieve a better Canada and by encouraging both Muslim and non-Muslim Canadians to come together and live according to their creed, "Love for All,
Hatred for None."

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was established in 1889 by Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. He claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Mahdi whose advent was foretold by the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and whose purpose it was to revive the true teachings of Islam as contained in the Holy Qur'an and traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has millions of members and is established in over 180 countries. Its members are dedicated to
practicing and professing the peaceful and moderate message of Islam to the world and serving humanity. Notable members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are the late Sir Zafrulla Khan, President of the International Court of Justice (1954-61) and the late Dr. Abdus Salam, recipient of the Nobel Prize
for Physics (1979). The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Canada was established
in 1969, and its first annual convention was held in 1976.

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For more information contact

Mumtaz Butt, Manager Media Relations: (416) 616-0820;

10610 Jane St.
Maple, Ontario
L6A 3A2
Canada
Web: http://www.islamevents.ca/event/jalsa07

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