Syed Mukarram Nazeer, Canada Correspondent
The city of Brampton is home to the Mubarak mosque of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, located about 20 km west of the Bait-ul-Islam mosque. Close to 10,000 Ahmadis call it their home. They are active members of the city, giving back in any way possible. This includes cleaning parks, raising funds for the local hospital and actively participating in local civic life.
The city of Brampton recently recognised this by renaming a city park as the “Ahmadiyya Park”. The formal ceremony took place on 24 September 2022.
The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation. The opening remarks by Mayor Patrick Brown, who recognised the services of Jamaat Canada in his city, were given next. He mentioned the raising of over $100,000 to support various community and charity programmes that the Jamaat achieved and appreciated the setting up of multiple Covid-19 vaccine clinics, food drives and blood donation clinics at the Mubarak mosque. He concluded by saying that he hoped the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would also feel the love from the city of Brampton and thanked the Jamaat for all they have done in Brampton.
The mayor was followed by a long list of dignitaries, each of whom appreciated the contributions of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in Brampton. These included federal ministers and members of parliament, provincial ministers and members of provincial parliament, regional councillors, city officials, police and fire chiefs and local media personalities.
Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib, delivered a speech at the end and emphasised the vital role parks play in the lives of residents. He said:
“It is a place to bring together families, children to play, or just to take a break from a hectic day. To know that our Brampton neighbours will find peace and sanctuary to reflect and play right here in Ahmadiyya Park gives us immense feelings of gratification.”
He thanked mayor Patrick Brown, regional councillor Michael Palleschi and Brampton City Council for the naming of Ahmadiyya Park. He also thanked all the dignitaries and members of the Jamaat for attending.
On behalf of the government of Canada, a member of the federal parliament from Brampton North, Ms Ruby Sahota awarded Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee pin to amir sahib Jamaat Canada for his outstanding commitment and services.
Souvenir pens engraved with the Jamaat logo, “Ahmadiyya Park Brampton” and “Love For All Hatred For None”, were gifted to dignitaries and guests.
Over 650 individuals attended the historic ceremony.