Muhammad Basharat, Missionary, Guadeloupe
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Guadeloupe hosted an Interfaith Dinner on 17 December 2025, at the Jamaat Mission House in Les Abymes. This gathering marked an important milestone in fostering dialogue and cooperation among the religious communities of the island.
In the beginning of the programme, a French-language video presentation introduced the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, its mission, global humanitarian efforts and its commitment to peace and service to humanity. The guests appreciated this introduction, which helped establish a thoughtful and respectful atmosphere for the discussions that followed.
Several distinguished religious leaders participated in the event, including Monsieur Philippe Guiougou, Catholic Bishop of Guadeloupe; Pastor Pierre Thiam, representative of the Protestant Church; Father Michel, priest of the Romanian Orthodox Church; Pandit Vishnu – Elie Shitalou, representative of the Sanatan Dharma of Guadeloupe (Hindu community); and Mr Jean Keller and Ms Christine Goh, representing the Baha‘í community. My humble self represented the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.
The atmosphere throughout the evening was one of warmth, openness and sincere dialogue. Each representative shared reflections from their tradition, highlighting the importance of unity, respect and shared responsibility for the moral and social well-being of Guadeloupe.
During the event, guests were also offered two books as gifts: The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam by the Promised Messiahas and World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
One of the most significant outcomes of the evening was the collective decision to begin working toward the establishment of an Interfaith Committee of Guadeloupe. All participants agreed that this initiative represents the first foundational step, with the intention to expand and include additional religious traditions in the future.
It is noteworthy that this dinner was the first gathering of its kind ever held in Guadeloupe, bringing together leaders from such diverse religious backgrounds in a structured spirit of friendship and collaboration.