Interfaith symposium held by Lajna Imaillah, Alberta, Canada

Barayah Khawaja, Secretary Ishaat, Lajna Imaillah, Edmonton East, Canada

On 6 October 2025, Lajna Imaillah Alberta hosted its annual interfaith symposium, bringing together women from Edmonton, Lloydminster and surrounding communities. Over 200 attendees, including community members and guests of diverse faith backgrounds, gathered for an afternoon of connection, reflection and meaningful dialogue.

The symposium featured a series of exhibitions that highlighted Islamic history, service and scholarship. Guests were welcomed by an Islamic Heritage Month display, celebrating 1,500 years of Islamic tradition and honouring the contributions of women from the era of the Holy Prophet Muhammad^sa to Ahmadi Muslim women.

Exhibitions highlighted the Jamaat’s humanitarian work through Humanity First, including donations for local shelters and care packages for those in need. A Holy Quran display featuring translations in over 200 languages invited guests to explore authentic Islamic teachings, including on women’s rights and hijab. Alongside it, a “Promised Messiah^as Exhibition” showcased the life, mission and writings of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad^as and the prophecies regarding his advent.

The symposium focused on “The Coming of the Messiah”. It opened with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by remarks by moderator Amna Sahar Sahiba and introductions to speakers from Buddhist, Christian, Jewish and Ahmadi Muslim communities. A video showcased the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s humanitarian work in Alberta and the leadership of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa, emphasising unity, compassion and the revival of true Islamic teachings.

Four speakers shared perspectives from Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Ven Dhamma Chintha offered Buddhist insights rooted in decades of teaching and counselling. Reverend Britt Aerhart spoke from a Christian lens, emphasising compassion in faith. Netta Phillet represented the Jewish community, highlighting interfaith harmony and women’s roles in faith traditions. Nadia Mahmood Sahiba, Sadr Lajna Imaillah Canada, presented the Islamic perspective, emphasising women’s leadership in fostering peace and unity.

The event concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by closing remarks from Regional Sadr, Samina Mian Sahiba, and a silent prayer.