Atta-ur-Rahman Khalid, Missionary, Dublin
At a time when anti-immigrant sentiment has been on the rise in Ireland, young Irish Ahmadi Muslims are leading by example – demonstrating through action the true Islamic values of charity, compassion and community integration.
Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ireland held its annual 5K Charity Walk on 22 June 2025, along the scenic Salthill Promenade in Galway. This year, funds raised are going towards supporting the Simon Communities of Ireland and the Croí Heart & Stroke Foundation.
In the lead-up to the event, the members have been actively volunteering their time to set up fundraising stalls across the country, engaging with the public to raise as much support as possible. The group of volunteers was diverse, including schoolchildren, university students and professionals such as IT workers and doctors, etc. – all generously offering their time to give back to their communities.
These efforts culminated in this event, with volunteers arriving early in Salthill to set up the venue. Members of Lajna Imaillah Ireland also organised a food stall, with all proceeds going directly to the two chosen charities.
Despite some rain before and after the event, the weather held up during the walk itself, with sunshine accompanying the over 100 participants, which included volunteers, community members and officials.
This year’s walk was notable not only for its cause but also for the dignitaries in attendance. Both the Mayor and Deputy Mayor of Galway City took part. The event was officially inaugurated by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Alan Cheevers, who said:
“It’s a great honour to be here today. This is my first engagement as Deputy Mayor of Galway City. I asked the mayor if it would be possible for my first event that I could launch the walk here today because of my connection over many years with the Ahmadiyya Community and I’m so happy to see so many of the community here today. […] It’s a fantastic day, and it’s great to be here, and long may it continue. I’m sure that your youth organisation within the Ahmadiyya Community will continue to do this over the years to come.”
The newly elected Mayor, Cllr Mike Cubbard, also addressed attendees on behalf of Croí, stating:
“First off, thanks for the invitation; it’s great to be here. There’s always a really strong welcome whenever I come here. I really enjoy the friendship that I get from the community here. […] Within Croí, we’re funded 90% by fundraising like this. So again, once you take off today as a community in the 5K walk, know the fact that you are helping save lives, and that is crucial. On behalf of all the team in Croí, I say, ‘Go raibh maith agaibh go léir’ – Thank you so much, and enjoy the afternoon.”
Ibrahim Noonan Sahib, Missionary-In-Charge of Jamaat Ireland, also delivered a speech and said:
“I would like to thank everyone here for making this walk possible because not only are we raising money for local funds and national charities, but it is also the fact that we want the people of Ireland, the people of Galway, to see that as a Muslim Youth organisation, and indeed our ladies organisation, that we care about this country, and we care about the people of this country, and that’s why we’re doing this.”This year’s walk has raised a total of €10,300 thus far, exceeding the target of €10,000.
The event also marked a major milestone for MKA Ireland: ten consecutive years of organising this charity walk. Since its inception in 2015, the Majlis has raised over €100,000 for Irish charities. You can support MKA Ireland in its fundraising efforts by visiting the event iDonate page: www.idonate.ie/event/AMYA5K25.