On April 17, 2026, Lajna Ima’illah Calgary West attended an interfaith symposium hosted by the Sant Nirankari Mission at the Centre for Oneness in Calgary, Alberta. The evening centred on the theme “Women’s Mental Well-Being and Their Role in Nurturing Future Generations,” drawing approximately 250 women from a range of cultural and religious backgrounds.
The connection that opened the door to this participation came through Mubarika Kalim Sahiba of Calgary West, who introduced the event organizer to the President of Lajna Calgary West. That introduction set a warm and respectful tone for everything that followed.
The hall was beautifully arranged, and the program opened with a welcoming atmosphere. Speakers addressed women’s mental health across different stages of life, supported by visual slides that highlighted the emotional, social, and spiritual challenges women face.
A Qur’an exhibition and book stall
Lajna Calgary West had the honour of hosting a Qur’an exhibition and book stall at the symposium. Translations of the Holy Qur’an in Hindi and English were gifted to interested attendees, alongside a display of Islamic literature that included The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, Invitation to Ahmadiyyat, Noah’s Ark, and other foundational texts. Thirty-five books were gifted to interested participants over the course of the evening. The stall drew considerable interest and opened the way to meaningful tabligh conversations with guests who wished to learn more about Islam.
An Islamic perspective on women’s well-being
Aisha Safeer Sahiba of Halqa Calgary West delivered a well-received presentation on the Islamic perspective of women’s mental well-being. Her talk was articulate and descriptive, grounded in Qur’anic teachings and the guidance of Khilafat. She spoke of the spiritual foundations of emotional strength, the honoured role of women as nurturers, and the balance Islam encourages between personal well-being and family responsibilities. Her thoughtful delivery resonated strongly with those present.
Hospitality and thoughtful arrangements
Following the presentations, dinner was served to all attendees. The hosts showed exceptional hospitality, with volunteers in uniform serving guests directly at their tables and offering second helpings with warmth and attentiveness. A further thoughtful touch was the organized shoe management system at the entrance: guests removed their shoes on arrival and received a numbered ticket, which they used to collect their shoes at the end of the program, an arrangement that kept the space both clean and convenient for everyone.
A meaningful follow-up
The impact of Lajna Calgary West’s participation reached beyond the symposium itself. The engagement proved so fruitful that the very next day, a follow-up meeting was arranged at Baitun Nur Mosque by Rehana Yousaf Sahiba, President Lajna Ima’illah Calgary West, with the local Murabbi Sahib and the Calgary Regional President Sahiba. The meeting welcomed a delegation of ten members from the Sant Nirankari Mission, including representatives from their U.S. headquarters. During the gathering, Rehana Sahiba introduced the delegation to the significance of the Promised Messiah’s (as) book The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam. The group expressed deep interest in learning more, and nine copies of the book were gifted to them.
A shared evening of dignity and understanding
The symposium concluded with a panel discussion featuring representatives from multiple faiths. The respectful exchange of ideas strengthened interfaith understanding and drew out shared values surrounding women’s dignity, emotional health, and contribution to society.
The participation of Lajna Ima’illah Calgary West proved a positive and impactful outreach opportunity. The Qur’an exhibition, the distribution of literature, the Islamic presentation, and the follow-up engagement at Baitun Nur Mosque each contributed to the success of the initiative. Alhamdulillah, the experience strengthened community relationships and reflected the compassion and wisdom of Islamic teachings.
