By: Bushra Rashid
The Mississauga West chapter of Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s
Association held a very successful Demystifying Islam Event, which included the
Holy Quran Exhibition along with a #JeSuisHijabi campaign at the South Common
Community Centre on Saturday, May 14th. Both of these events have been held
across Canada to bring awareness to the people of Canada and across the world
that Islam really is a beautiful and peaceful religion. The purpose of this
event is to remove misconceptions that the media relays about Islam and women, through
exhibiting the Holy Quran. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at
is a dynamic, fast growing international revival movement in Islam. Founded in
1889, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at spans over 200 countries. Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jama’at is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long-awaited
Messiah has come in person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(AS) (1835-1908). |
| Holy Quran Exhibition |
The Exhibition showcased Holy Quran translated into
different languages, which makes it easy for the reader of any culture or creed
to understand and comprehend it. The Holy Quran is the same scripture that was
revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), 1400 years ago,
nothing has been changed or altered since then. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
has translated the Holy Quran into 74 different languages including Braille.
Sidra Saeed, one of the volunteers, stated
“Understanding the Quranic teachings
has become an urgent need in the society due to the large number of atrocities
committed in the name of Islam through terrorist organization”. She went on to
say “this open house allowed visitors to ask questions, regarding various
misconceptions of Islam and women”.
The #JeSuisHijabi campaign was launched by Ahmadiiya Muslim
Jama’at Canada in December 2015,in light of attacks on Canadian Mosques and
assaults on Canadian Muslim women. It is imperative that Canadians across the
country stand united in the face of these senseless acts of intolerance. The
#JeSuisHijabi campaign has been reported and telecasted throughout Canada. Many
guest were very eager to find out why women wear the Hijab, is it forced upon
them or is it a choice. Women wear the Hijab to cover up any natural beauty,
which is apparent. Hijab was worn by women of all major religions, for instance
Mary, mother of Jesus, is portrayed in many pictures with a head covering.
Orthodox Jewish women cover their heads after they are married, although they
shave their head and must wear a wig, because natural hair is portrayed as
beauty. One guest remarked by saying “I have always found women who wear the Hijab so much more beautiful than the ones who don’t.” Another young woman commented how she admires
our strength and our ability to hold onto our faith despite the constant
backlash that Muslims tend to receive. Hijab is not forced on the woman; it is
by choice or habit that she wears it. Saadia Malik one of the volunteers said
“I had the privilege of speaking to many guest who were interested to know why I
chose to wear the Hijab, and how I maintain my faith and my beliefs in this
current atmosphere of political upheaval and general Islamophobia.” This
campaign hopes to give Canadians an opportunity to hear from Muslim women
first-hand and understand what their faith and identity means to them.
Many of the guests who attended were very interested in learning
about Islam and its true teachings. They walked through the Holy Quran and the
literature booths, before asking questions. Some guests tried on the Hijab and
were impressed how good they looked.
The guest left with a positive attitude towards Islam, they
were so enlightened and grateful to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association for
organizing such an event that has made them aware of Islam in a whole different
aspect. The guests were given literature on Islam. Saadia Malik said,“It was so refreshing to see so many people who were so
interested in learning about Islam.”
Ahmadiyya Women's Association hopes to hold many more events
like this one in Mississauga to allow for our fellow Canadians to come together
and engage in a peaceful dialogue to better understand the Islamic faith.
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