Aminata Touré, Sadr Lajna Imaillah France
On 27 September 2025, Lajna Imaillah France organised its 3rd national peace symposium at the Mubarak Mosque in Saint-Prix, on the theme “Contributing to Peace and Justice: Foundations of a Better World.”
The gathering brought together nearly 70 participants, including Mrs Céline Villecourt, Mayor of Saint-Prix and Vice-President of the Val-d’Oise Departmental Council, accompanied by two of her deputies.
The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by a presentation about Islam Ahmadiyyat and Lajna Imaillah. Three speakers then shared their insights on the theme.
The first speaker, Sister Caroline Clarisse, Franciscan Missionary of Mary, reminded the audience that “each of us, in our own way, is called to take action, to become an actor rather than a spectator,” emphasising that peace begins with personal commitment.
The second speaker, Mrs Anabela Barreto, President of the Saint-Raphaël Association, stated that “peace begins with social justice”, highlighting the importance of everyday solidarity.
Finally, Fatna Belarbi Sahiba, Naib Sadr Lajna Imaillah France, conveyed a message from my humble self. She reminded everyone that the need to work for peace has never been more urgent and that justice is the essential condition for the establishment of true peace, as taught in Islam.
Mayor Céline Villecourt also took the floor to commend the initiative of the Ahmadi women and their commitment to peace and a more united society:
“The fact that today’s initiative is supported and organised by women gives it a very special strength, for women often carry, at the heart of their daily lives, the values of peace, transmission, and solidarity.”
One participant shared:
“This day was both interesting and enriching, as it allowed us to discover different ways of approaching peace and justice. I greatly appreciated the diversity of the speakers and the way each of them shared her understanding of these values, offering all of us a meaningful reflection on how to live them.”
After the talks, participants were invited to learn more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat through several exhibitions. An interactive space titled “Express Yourself on Peace” invited participants to share, in writing, their reflections and hopes for a more peaceful world. Many sincere messages were left. The Mayor herself joined this collective expression, enthusiastically writing a personal note of encouragement for peace.
