Ansar Ride for Peace – Ottawa to Baitul Islam

Day 3: Baitul Mahdi, Durham to Baitul Islam, Vaughan (Majlis Ansarullah Ijtima)

On Saturday morning, the cyclists awoke with a profound sense of excitement and gratitude to Allah for what they had accomplished over the preceding two days. Following Fajr prayer, the group enjoyed a nourishing breakfast arranged by the local Ansar members of Durham Region—complete with croissants, toast, butter, jam, boiled eggs, and hot tea with sugar—while packing dates and Gatorade as on-the-road fuel. As the team prepared to roll out at 6:30 AM on this faith-driven convergence, riders tuned in via headphones to the live broadcast of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’s (may Allah be his Helper) address to the ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana Germany 2026 (https://www.alhakam.org/huzoor-addresses-women-jalsa-salana-germany-2026/).

In his inspiring address, Huzoor (aba) reminded believers that the Promised Messiah (as) had come for two fundamental purposes: “to establish the Oneness of God and fulfil His rights through worship, and to create love and compassion between people so that believers become examples for others.” Huzoor (aba) urged everyone to eliminate hatred and rancour, placing faith above all worldly comfort and pursuits. These blessed words provided immense spiritual elevation as the team assembled for silent prayer (Dua) outside Baitul Mahdi Mosque before embarking on the final stage.

The final leg toward Baitul Islam was a 47.3 km journey traversing the rolling hills of Durham and York regions. Departing Baitul Mahdi westbound along Highway 7 and Major Mackenzie Drive through Markham, Richmond Hill, and Vaughan, the peloton navigated morning traffic and hilly terrain with exceptional discipline. Powered by their “super-secret weapon”—cycling water bottles specially prepared with plain sugar by Awais Mahmood Sahib following the latest evidence-based sports nutrition science for high-octane endurance—the fast group locked into smooth pacelines on the flats, while easing the pace on climbs so the peloton ascended in unison, leaving no brother behind. Riding with vigilance and unity, the team reached Peace Village safely ahead of the morning proceedings.

As the riders approached the corner of Teston Road and Jane Street, they were greeted by an exhilarating sight: over three dozen fellow Ansar cyclists waiting to join them. These cyclists had set out early Saturday morning from regions across the Greater Toronto Area—including contingents from Brampton, Kitchener, Toronto (Abode of Peace), and Bradford—covering between 15 km and 40 km to converge at the Ijtima. The shared sense of camaraderie and brotherhood was palpable. Regardless of the distance traveled, mechanical gear, or cycling experience, the entire unified peloton of 48 Ansar riders formed a faith-driven convergence to ride through the gates of the Baitul Islam complex together as one united body.

As the cyclists entered the Ijtima grounds, they were greeted by thunderous slogans of Nara-e-Takbeer (Allahu Akbar) and heartfelt prayers welcoming them. The riders were deeply humbled to be officially received by Respected National Amir Jama’at Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib, National Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, and hundreds of welcoming brothers. In that emotional moment, every trace of muscle fatigue and soreness vanished, replaced by profound gratitude to Allah Almighty for granting good health, endurance, and safe passage to all participants.

The most senior rider on the multi-day tour, Abdul Qudoos Chaudhry Sahib (Ottawa East, age 50), reflected on the experience:

“When I first heard about the ride from Ottawa to the Ijtima, part of me wanted to take it on as a personal challenge, but the distance also felt daunting. I nervously signed up for the Kingston-to-Ijtima leg, and Alhamdulillah, Allah granted me the strength to complete the entire journey. It was a truly transformative experience, forging lifelong memories and brotherhood with my fellow Ansar.”

Ansar Cycling Chairman, Yahya Ahmad Khan Sahib, explained the deeper vision behind the initiative:

“Our primary purpose as members of Majlis Ansarullah is to become sincere helpers of Allah and Khilafat. Preserving our physical health and stamina in the mature stages of our lives is a vital means to fulfilling this higher purpose.

We embarked on this cycling Safar to the National Ijtima in accordance with the guidance of the Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat, who have consistently encouraged Ansar to maintain an active lifestyle and embrace cycling. Our sincere hope was that by demonstrating this commitment, brothers across Canada would feel inspired to begin their own cycling journeys. May Allah enable us all to follow the blessed guidance of our beloved Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper)!”

Following the grand arrival, the national flag of Canada and the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat were formally hoisted, officially inaugurating the 39th National Ansarullah Ijtima. On Saturday, the dedicated Cycling Exhibition at the Ijtima Resource Centre attracted hundreds of visitors, featuring interactive smart-trainer demonstrations, routing resources, and expert maintenance tips that generated widespread enthusiasm among attendees of all ages.

As the chapter closes on this historic Ride for Peace, the cyclists expressed sincere gratitude to all the volunteers whose tireless efforts ensured the journey’s success. Foremost among them was Mubarak Ahmad Siddiqui Sahib (Ottawa West), an avid cyclist and outdoorsman, who devotedly drove the support vehicle the entire way from Ottawa to Peace Village, providing critical mechanical, nutritional, and safety support. The cyclists also extend heartfelt appreciation to the local Jama’ats and Majlis Ansarullah chapters in Ottawa West, Kingston, and Durham Region for their exceptional hospitality. May Allah the Almighty abundantly reward all organizers, hosts, and participants. Ameen!

Ride Summary & Verified Telemetry (Strava Data):