Syed Abdul Samad, General Secretary Jamaat Finland
The Helsinki Book Fair 2025 was held at the Helsinki Fair Centre on 23-26 October 2025. This year’s fair set a new record with 104,516 visitors over four days, reflecting the growing interest in literature and cultural dialogue across Finland.
Like previous years, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Finland actively participated in the fair by setting up a book stall. The stall showcased a range of Islamic literature, including the writings of the Promised Messiahas, Khulafa-e Ahmadiyyat and translations of the Holy Quran. Visitors were warmly invited to ask questions and engage in discussions about Islam and Ahmadiyyat, resulting in numerous meaningful conversations.
In addition, khuddam and ansar continued tabligh efforts outside the Fair Centre, distributing brochures. Through both the stall and external activities, approximately 2,500 people received the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat during the event.
A major highlight of this year’s participation was a special presentation on one of the fair’s 17 stages, marking the launch of the newly published Finnish translation of the Holy Quran. The venue, with a seating capacity of 80, was filled beyond capacity, as many attendees stood to listen. The programme began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by its Finnish translation. Shahid Mahmood Kahlon Sahib, a missionary, then explained the global significance of the Holy Quran and emphasised the importance of making it accessible to everyone. After that, Ataul Ghalib Sahib, National President, highlighted the history of the translation project, which began in 2015. The programme was very well received, alhamdulillah.
A freelance Kurdish journalist visited the Jamaat’s stall and conducted an interview, asking insightful questions about the translation of the Holy Quran and the aims of the Jamaat. Following the discussion, he published a video report on his Facebook account, further extending the reach of the Jamaat’s message.
The overall response from visitors was highly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the Jamaat’s efforts to present Islam in its true, peaceful light.