What happens when faith meets courage, creativity, and tireless devotion? Something truly extraordinary unfolds.
For the first time ever, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association (Lajna Ima’illah) was blessed with the opportunity to host an exhibitor booth at the Barrie Women’s Show 2026—a major regional event attracting over 8,000 attendees and featuring 250+ women-led businesses and organizations. Designed to uplift women entrepreneurs and community initiatives, this platform became a remarkable avenue for local outreach and Tabligh.
Through consistent grassroots efforts, initial contact was made with the event organizers and introduced Lajna Ima’illah as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association. This initial step sparked curiosity, inspired Muslim women, and opened hearts to learning about the true status of women in Islam.
Every meaningful initiative comes with challenges—and this was no exception.
A devoted Tabligh team joined hands, and with the gracious approval of National Sadr sahiba Lajna Ima’illah Canada , this initiative moved forward. Volunteers worked day and night—during workdays, holidays, family trips, and winter breaks—driven purely by sincerity and love for faith.
As part of event preparations, organizers curated 500 swag bags—a valuable outreach opportunity. Our team decided to contribute 500 specially designed bookmarks highlighting Women in Islam, featuring the beloved guidance of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) Address to the German Press:
“My philosophy is that if women work outside the shade of men, they flourish better.” These pink, floral bookmarks, uplifting women of all cultures and faiths, also included links to alislam.org, reflecting how Khilafat guides us toward purposeful and dignified outreach. The journey to make this happen was not easy—but Allah the Almighty never lets sincere efforts go unrewarded. At a crucial moment, an unexpected call from a Tabligh Secretary in Toronto brought joyful news: 500 chocolates had been arranged for the swag bags. Alhamdulillah! A beautiful reminder of Jama‘at unity and divine help.
The booth itself was the result of thoughtful planning and creative collaboration. Despite harsh winter conditions, the team arrived for setup (2 days prior to the event), energized and ready. Over two full days (January 24–25, 2026), visitors engaged with displays highlighting inspiring Muslim women such as Hazrat Khadija (ra), Hazrat Ayesha (ra), Hazrat Amma Jan (ra), Maryam Astrolabe, and Khaula Sahabiyya, alongside Qur’an exhibitions and Jama‘at literature.
Interactive activities made the experience memorable:
- Live Cricut-made Arabic calligraphy bookmarks personalized with visitors’ names
- Complimentary henna, adding warmth and connection
- 3D-printed bookmarks (roughly 100+ donated by enthusiastic friend of a tabligh volunteer from Vaughan) bearing the empowering words of Huzoor (aba):
“Women have the potential to scale the greatest intellectual heights, and so you must never underestimate yourselves.”
Our theme, “Empowered Since 610 AD,” resonated deeply—reminding visitors and volunteers alike that Islam granted dignity, rights, and empowerment to women over 1,400 years ago.
Despite extreme cold and a snowstorm on Sunday, we witnessed the clear blessings of Khilafat—Allah the Almighty granted energy, safety, and special protection, and our devoted volunteers stepped out in minus temperatures, witnessing His help at every step. Such moments strengthen our conviction that under the guidance and prayers of Khilafat, even the most challenging circumstances become pathways for success. This experience reminded us that Tabligh requires courage, innovation, and the willingness to step beyond our comfort zones. With reliance on Allah and obedience to Khilafat, new avenues open and hearts soften.
The outreach gained wider visibility when Barrie Today, a local news media outlet, published the Letter to the Editor titled “Sisterhood, Faith Celebrated at Barrie Women’s Show.”
https://share.google/2nzSa5IxRojyuQXN0
The publication was also shared on X (formerly Twitter).
https://x.com/i/status/2021623502944838052
Readers are encouraged to visit the post, give it a like, and help amplify the message.
May Allah enable every Lajna member to rise with courage and conviction in the noble duty of Tabligh. This is a call to you—yes, you. Do not underestimate your worth. Reach out to your local Tabligh Secretary and offer your time, skills, creativity, or even a single sincere prayer. What may seem small to you can become a doorway to hearts. When we step forward for the sake of Allah, He opens paths we never imagined. May He accept these humble efforts and strengthen Lajna across Canada to continue spreading the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat with wisdom, love, and unwavering faith. Ameen.
JazakaAllah
Saima Shafaq
Barrie Painswick
Northern Ontario
