Canada PM Harper says new
mosque shows 'the true and benevolent face of Islam'
AHMADIYYA
MUSLIM JAMA’AT - SRI LANKA 619/4, Baseline Road, Colombo 9, Sri Lanka.
Canada's Prime Minister Stephen Harper (L) sits next to Head of Worldwide
Ahmadiyya Muslim community Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (R) during the
opening of their new Baitun Nur Mosque in Calgary July 5, 2008. The
mosque is 48,000 square foot (4,460 square metre) and is now the largest
in Canada with room for over 2000 worshipers.
The Supreme Head of the World-wide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Hazrat
Mirza Masroor Ahmad last Friday inaugurated the Largest Mosque in North
America, Baitun Nur in Calgary, Canada followed by Friday Sermon. Located
at 4353 54th Ave. N.E., south of Prairie Winds Park, the centre has
a price tag of more than $14 million contributed by the Community members.
Decades in planning and two years in construction, the mosque is reported
to be the largest in Canada with 48,000 square feet prayer area and
7400 square-foot multi-purpose hall. The community's financial sacrifices
have been remarkable. Homes have been re-mortgaged or sold, women have
contributed treasured jewelry and children have broken into their piggy
banks to help pay the bills.
On Saturday July 5th, the Community hosted a banquet celebrating the
inauguration of the Baitun Nur Mosque. Prime Minister Stephen Harper
participated in the event. The banquet was graced by the presence of
His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.
“Ahmadis are renowned for their devotion to peace, universal brotherhood
and submission to the will of God – the core principles of true
Islam,” said Prime Minister Harper. “They are also renowned
for working together to serve the greater good through social, health
and education initiatives, as well as mosque projects like this one.
And wherever they live in the world, Ahmadis are renowned for participating
in the larger community and peacefully co-existing with people of all
faiths, languages and cultures,” he added.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper further told the crowd that the Ahmadiyya
Muslim community knows the importance of tolerance and peace because
it has been the target of persecution itself since its founding in the
late 19th century.
“In this mosque, we see the love and benevolent faith of Islam,”
Harper said. “Ahmadis embrace Canada and Canada has embraced you.”
Opposition Leader Stephane Dion said the success of the Ahmadi community
in Canada, as captured by the sacrifices made to build the Calgary mosque,
is at the essence of what makes the country great.
“Canada will show the world that Muslim communities can flourish
in a secular state like ours,” Dion added.
He praised the Ahmadiyya community for teaching its followers that
loyalty to their new homeland of Canada is an integral part of their
faith.
Calgary Mayor Dave Bronconnier reminded the crowd of the cold, rainy
June day in 2005 when the mosque’s cornerstone was laid.
“What we see today is a testament to your faith and commitment
to the community. Your mosque is a proud new landmark on Calgary’s
skyline,” the mayor said.
Roman Catholic Bishop Fred Henry said Calgary Muslims and Christians
share a common spiritual journey in their worship of God.
“My Muslim brothers and sisters, we also have a common concern
for promoting moral values and addressing ethical concerns in our city
through our ongoing dialogue and our work together,” said Henry.
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