The Regina Muslim community had an extra special Friday afternoon sermon as they welcomed Caliph Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmed.
The world leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at met with Premier Brad Wall and other dignitaries as his part of his month-and-a-half long Canadian visit.
The Caliph is visiting the province from London, England and he has not been in Saskatchewan since 2004. That visit did not include a stop in Regina.
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Two years after its ground breaking ceremony, the Mahmood Mosque, located just off Victoria Avenue East opened its doors Friday afternoon.
Zeeshan Ahmed is the imam of the Mahmood Mosque and said it was built by volunteers who took two years out of their own careers to build the Ahmadiyya Muslim community landmark.
“It is the first purpose built mosque in Saskatchewan. And the unique thing about this mosque is it is the only mosque in North America that has been built soley by volunteers,” Zeeshan said.
The inaugural sermon and prayers were led by the Caliph.
The principle teachings of Ahmadiyaa Muslims include humanity first and love for all.
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“The true teachings of Islam is peace, love and harmony, right. That is what we have been practising and preaching and convaying everywhere,” the Caliph said.
He added that extremists are not the proper image is Islam.
“This is not the true Islam, which his being portrayed or practiced.”
He wants to inspire all Muslims to work together, to overcome the assumption that Islam is not a religion of extremists.
“It does not frustrate me, but it makes me work harder than before. And that is what I require of my community members, so that they remove this misconception from the mind of the people.”
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmed said Friday evening’s reception with Premier Brad Wall would be one to spread the message of Ahmadiyya.
After the reception, the Caliph will lead a Friday evening sermon at the Mahmood Mosque. His next stop on his Canadian tour is Lloydminster.
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