MISSISSAUGA, ONTARIO — At a time when wars rage, societies are increasingly polarized, and distrust is becoming a defining feature of public life, more than 25,000 people are gathering in Canada with a message that stands in sharp contrast to the headlines dominating the world.
Their message is simple, yet profoundly ambitious: lasting peace begins not in government chambers or international summits, but in the human heart.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada has officially inaugurated its 48th Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention)—Canada’s largest and longest-running Muslim convention—bringing together thousands of participants, elected officials, faith leaders, academics, journalists, and guests from diverse backgrounds for three days dedicated to spiritual renewal, humanitarian service, and meaningful dialogue.
Held under the internationally recognized motto “Love for All, Hatred for None,” the convention seeks to transform faith into action by demonstrating that compassion, justice, and service are practical solutions to today’s global challenges.
A Different Response to a Troubled World
As violence, extremism, and social division continue to deepen across many parts of the globe, convention leaders urged Canadians to reject the politics of fear and embrace the values of empathy and understanding.
Speakers emphasized that peace is not an abstract ideal but a responsibility that begins with every individual. It grows within families, strengthens neighbourhoods, and ultimately shapes nations.
> “Hatred can never overcome hatred.”
That message echoed throughout the opening press conference, where leaders argued that only justice, fairness, compassion, and sincere dialogue can repair fractured societies.
Rather than allowing differences of religion, ethnicity, or ideology to divide people, the convention encourages participants to discover their shared humanity.
From 75 Participants to a Worldwide Movement
The story of Jalsa Salana reflects one of the remarkable growth stories in modern religious history.
The first convention was held in 1891 in Qadian, India, with only 75 participants at the invitation of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as).
Today, the annual convention is organized in more than 200 countries, while remaining faithful to its original purpose: strengthening the relationship between humanity and God while inspiring greater service to mankind.
Organizers say the remarkable global expansion demonstrates that a message centred on peace, compassion, and moral responsibility continues to resonate across cultures and continents.
One of Canada’s Largest Volunteer Operations
The convention is also an extraordinary example of community mobilization.
More than 5,000 volunteers have spent weeks preparing every aspect of the gathering—from accommodation, transportation, security, health services, sanitation, media operations, and guest reception to the preparation and serving of nearly 200,000 meals.
The operation functions almost like a temporary city—planned, built, and managed almost entirely by volunteers.
For organizers, this spirit of selfless service is more than efficient logistics; it is an expression of faith translated into action.
Peace Starts at Home
National President Mr. Lal Khan Malik reminded attendees that world peace cannot be achieved solely through diplomacy or political agreements.
Instead, he argued, peace must first be cultivated within the individual before extending to homes, communities, and eventually the international stage.
According to convention leaders, devotion to the Creator naturally inspires compassion toward His creation, creating the moral foundation upon which lasting justice and harmony can flourish.
An Open Invitation to Every Canadian
Unlike many religious gatherings that focus primarily on their own members, Jalsa Salana deliberately opens its doors to everyone.
Canadians of every faith—or no faith at all—along with elected officials, community leaders, scholars, journalists, and neighbours are invited to experience the convention firsthand.
Organizers believe that meaningful conversations, personal encounters, and genuine hospitality remain among the most effective antidotes to misunderstanding and prejudice.
More Than a Convention—A Call to Action
Beyond its speeches, exhibitions, and worship services, the convention represents a broader vision for society.
Its central message is that humanity does not need more division—it needs more dialogue.
It does not need more hatred—it needs more justice.
It does not need louder voices—it needs kinder hearts.
As thousands gather over the weekend, the 48th Jalsa Salana Canada seeks to demonstrate that peace is neither naïve nor unattainable. It is built deliberately—through faith, service, humility, and the courage to see every human being as worthy of dignity and respect.
In a world searching for hope, Canada’s largest Muslim convention offers not merely an event, but a compelling invitation: to replace fear with friendship, prejudice with understanding, and conflict with compassion.
Radio VOIB 