Dignitaries and 15,000 Delegates attend the closing session of the 34th
Ahmadiyya Annual Convention

MISSISSAUGA, ON, July 5 /CNW/ - The three-day, 34th Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada concluded on July 4, 2010 with representation from all levels of government, members of the media and over fifteen thousand delegates from across Canada.

In the keynote address delivered by Lal Khan Malik, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada, he highlighted patience and forbearance shown by the Community despite ongoing strong persecution and massacre of over 80 Ahmadis in Pakistan on May 28, 2010.

The violence and persecution against Ahmadi Muslims is continuing. Mr. Malik provided specific examples of daily persecution of Ahmadi Muslims in Pakistan.

The state condoned and legislated denial of Human Rights of Ahmadis in Pakistan is at the root of violence in Pakistan. Mr. Khan said that the response of Ahmadiyya Community is in accordance with peaceful teachings of Islam. Members of the Community will never resort to violence. All our efforts will remain peaceful and within the law.

Honourable Jason Kenney; Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Bob Rae, MP and many other members of parliament and legislative assemblies were present at the Convention. Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff sent a video message to the delegates. Mayors of several cities including Mississauga, Brampton, Bradford and Windsor Falls were among the representatives of municipal governments.

Representatives of various faith groups, professions, academia and the media were also in attendance.

All dignitaries offered condolence to members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and spoke highly of the peaceful contribution of the Ahmadiyya Community to the Canadian Society. They specifically commended the motto of the Community, "Love for All - Hatred for None".

In his address Mubarak Nazir, Vice President and Missionary In Charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada spoke about the concept of Loyalty to the Country. He stated that in accordance with the teachings of Islam, as interpreted by the Ahmadiyya Community, every person must remain loyal to his or her country of residence. This is mandatory upon each Muslim, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad has declared that loyalty to homeland is part of faith.

Awards and scholarships were handed out to Ahmadi Muslim students who excelled during the past year.

For further information: on the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Canada visit: www.ahmadiyya.ca; or www.alislam.org; Media Contact: Farhan Khokhar, Director - Communications, [phone], [email protected]