Georgetown, Guyana — The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Guyana marked a historic milestone this past weekend as it hosted its 41st Jalsa Salana and laid the foundation stone for Bait-ul Noor Mosque in Georgetown, drawing together government officials, interfaith leaders, and community members in a celebration of faith and service.
The events were held on Sunday, February 1, 2026. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper!) had graciously appointed Lal Khan Malik Sahib, National Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Canada as special representative for the events. A delegation consisting of members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Business Association of Canada also accompanied the visit.
Preparations and Meeting with Nau Maubaeen
Prior to the main convention, respected Amir Sahib Canada inspected the setup for Jalsa Salana and met with various Nau Moubaeen on Friday, spending time with them and discussing their personal matters. Such direct engagement with new converts and attention to logistical preparations is critical. Traditionally, the inspection at Jalsa Salana is done to ensure organizational excellence.
Government Recognition and Interfaith Solidarity
The foundation stone ceremony attracted significant governmental and interfaith representation. The Honourable Zulfikar Ally, Minister of Public Service, Government Efficiency, and Implementation, attended on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana. Inspector Nafaste Morris represented Assistant Commissioner Simon McBean, Regional Commander of Georgetown.
The interfaith character of the gathering was evident in the diverse roster of speakers. Pandit Ubraj Narain, former Mayor of Georgetown, addressed the assembly alongside Neil Baccus, General Secretary of the Inter-Religious Organization of Guyana and representative of the Muslim Youth Organization. Sister Kinnari of the Brahma Kumaris and Maulana Badruddin Khan of Darul Aloom also delivered remarks, reflecting the spirit of religious harmony that has long characterized the South American nation.
Owen Trotz, a retired Senior Superintendent of Police, and Hafiz Laiq Ahmed Mushtaq Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge of Suriname, rounded out the guest speakers before respected Amir Sahib Lal Khan Malik delivered the concluding remarks of the Convention.
Recognizing the Next Generation
The convention also featured an award ceremony for students of Tahir Academy, a religious and academic institution run by Missionary Fahad Peerzada Sahib and his wife. Students from Atfal and Nasirat were recognized for outstanding performance and dedication, highlighting the Community’s investment in the moral and intellectual development of its youth.
A Mosque for Georgetown
The new mosque, to be constructed with assistance from Ahmadiyya Muslim Technical Association Canada, is expected to be completed in about a year.
At the foundation stone ceremony Maqsood Ahmad Mansoor Sahib, President and Missionary-in-Charge of the Guyana Jama’at, delivered a speech on the history of the Community in Guyana, tracing its development over four decades of presence in the country. The foundation stone was laid by respected Lal Khan Malik, Amir Jama’at Canada. After the ceremony, Respected Amir Sahib Canada delivered his remarks to the audience, which numbered about 200.
Prime Minister Reaffirms Commitment to Interfaith Harmony
The following day, on Monday, February 2, Prime Minister Mark Phillips, performing the functions of President, addressed the national observance of United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026, hosted by the Inter-Religious Organization of Guyana at the Muslim Youth Organization headquarters on Woolford Avenue.
In his remarks, the Prime Minister emphasized that interfaith harmony constitutes an essential pillar of national development, reinforcing the vision of One Guyana and supporting the country’s pursuit of peace, stability, and social advancement. He noted that teachings across all faiths highlight shared values of service, justice, and mercy.
The Guyana Jama’at, though small in number, continues to demonstrate the Community’s global ethos of service and integration, building bridges with government institutions and religious communities alike as it prepares to welcome a new house of worship to Georgetown.
