DELTA – The local Ahmadiyya Muslim community opened its doors to people of all religious and ethnic backgrounds for the opening of their brand new Baitur Rahman Mosque in North Delta last Saturday.
The Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at and their Fifth Successor Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, addressed a Special Reception held to celebrate the opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque in Delta, British Columbia.
During his address, he reassured the audience that they had no reason to fear Ahmadiyya Mosques because they were built only for the worship of God and for the sake of serving humanity.
“I would like to proclaim and declare that this Mosque will prove to be a source of spreading love, affection, peace and brotherhood for all people irrespective of whether they are Ahmadi or non-Ahmadi or whether they are Muslim or non-Muslim. The doors of our Mosque will always be open to the people of all religions, because this Mosque is a means of manifesting God’s Grace, Mercy, Love and Compassion for mankind,” Ahmad said.
His also addressed the issue of Jihad by explaining that when permission for defensive war was given to the early Muslims, it was given as a means to protect all religions and all places of worship.
“In essence, it can be said that the first ever ‘Charter for the Protection of Religion and Religious Rights’ is found in the Holy Quran and it has been associated directly to the Mosque. In other words, whenever a new Mosque is built, a new chapter for religious freedom is opened,” he said.
Prior to the keynote address a range of politicians and dignitaries also took to the stage Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Associate Minister for Defence, read out a message on behalf of Prime Minister Stephen Harper congratulating the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at on the opening of the new Mosque.
Dr Andrew Bennett, Ambassador of Canada’s Office of Religious Freedom said he was amazed “by the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at and its commitment to Love for All, Hatred for None.”
Lois Jackson, Mayor of the Corporation of Delta said the Mosque had become “an instant landmark”. She said it was “a great honour to have Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad in the city.”
Liberal MP Judy Sgro said the fact that so many dignitaries were in attendance illustrated “the love and respect we all hold for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.” She said the Ahmadiyya Community was “an example for the entire world.
