MONTREAL, QC – On Saturday, February 28, 2026, the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) Montreal branch achieved a milestone by hosting a dual-purpose event titled “Iftar & Black History Month.” Held at the Al Nusrat Mosque, this gathering marked a historic occasion as it was the first time an event of this nature and scale was organized at our mosque in Montreal.
The program was designed to bridge the spiritual blessings of Ramadan with the celebration of Black History Month, which is observed throughout February across North America. The event began after the Asr prayer at 4:25 PM and continued with an evening of education, reflection, and community bonding.
Upon entering the mosque, guests were greeted by a visual display of banners featuring prominent Black and other influential figures. These banners served as a tribute to the contributions of Black men and women to global civilization and Islamic history, providing an educational backdrop that sparked many conversations among attendees.
Alhamdulillah, the event was amazingly successful, drawing approximately 140 guests from a wide array of backgrounds, including individuals of African, Asian, Caucasian, Moroccan, and Algerian descent. While guests of African heritage formed the majority, the diversity reflected the universal message of Islam. Including members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the total attendance reached approximately 450 people.
To ensure a high turnout, extensive promotion was conducted via Eventbrite, Facebook, X, and the official Government of Canada Black History Month website. Personal outreach played a crucial role, which led to numerous inquiries regarding registration and the mosque’s activities. Feedback indicated that for the vast majority of guests, this was their very first visit to an Ahmadiyya mosque.
The formal program featured three insightful presentations:
- The Heritage and Historical Figures of Islam: A deep dive into the lives of Bilal ibn Rabah (ra) and the modern-day courage of the Martyrs of Burkina Faso.
- The Significance of Ramadan: An explanation of the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting and its role in fostering empathy.
- Hidden Histories and Future Prospects: This session highlighted the pioneer missionary to America, Dr. Mufti Muhammad Sadiq (ra), Al-Hajj Ahmad Rashid, and the transformative humanitarian impact of Humanity First across the African continent.
The event was further graced by a special guest speaker, the Honorary President of the Malian Association of Canada, who shared reflections on the importance of such inter-community gatherings.
The proceedings were recorded by MTA Montreal and are scheduled for broadcast on the MTA News channel, allowing the message of the event to reach a global audience.
The evening concluded with the breaking of the fast (Iftar) at 5:41 PM, followed by Maghrib prayer and a communal dinner. The atmosphere remained brotherly and festive until the Isha prayer at 7:30 PM. This landmark event not only celebrated Black history but also successfully opened the doors of the Al Nusrat Mosque to the wider Montreal community, fostering new friendships and clearing misconceptions about Islam.
A Culinary Journey Through Africa
The spirit of the evening extended to the dinner table, where guests were treated to an authentic culinary experience. In honour of Black History Month, the menu featured traditional African delicacies, including Yassa (a savoury marinated chicken with onions), Foutou Banane (mashed plantains), Sauce Graine (palm nut soup), and Alloko (fried plantains).
For many non-African attendees, this was their first time tasting these traditional dishes. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with guests expressing their delight at the rich flavours and the warmth of African hospitality. This shared meal served as a beautiful conclusion to the event, proving that food is indeed a universal language that brings diverse cultures together.
