Alhamdulillah, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and members of Bai’t ul Kareem Mosque, Cambridge, had the honour of participating in the City of Cambridge Canada Day Parade for the very first time.
The City initially declined the Jama’at’s application, citing a municipal policy against religious organisations participating in the parade. The Jama’at respectfully appealed, explaining its long-standing role in Canada’s multifaith and multicultural fabric through community service, charitable initiatives, interfaith dialogue and civic engagement, and clarifying that participation would be entirely non-proselytising, focused on Canadian pride, service to humanity, and the message of “Love for All, Hatred for None.” Just days before Canada Day, the City reconsidered and approved the Jama’at’s participation.
Volunteers moved quickly to prepare. A parade banner was designed featuring the names of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and Bai’t ul Kareem Mosque alongside the message “Building Peace and Serving Humanity.” Participants wore their Khuddam and Ansar scarves for a unified appearance while carrying Canadian flags, and arrangements were made for senior members unable to walk the 1.7-kilometre route to travel by accompanying vehicle.
Approximately twenty members of Khuddam, Atfal, Ansar and Lajna Ima’illah gathered at the staging area by 9:30 am. The parade began at 11:00 am, with the Jama’at’s group positioned in the first section:
Missionary Mubashir Badar Sahib, Nabeel Ahmad Rana, Dr Ahmad Imran, Mustafa Ahmad Rana, Mubarak Ahmed, Tariq Mahmood, Mamoon Malik, Farhan Ahmed, Saifullah, Mohammad Burhaan Ahmad, Abdul Azeez, Mahmood Ahmed Basil, Mohammad Arsalan Ahmad, Abdul Muqit Azeez, Afifa Rida Badar, Maqbool Ahmed Naz, Muhammad Saad Sultan, Saarib Ahmad Badar, Mohammad Tanveer Ahmad, Mubarak Ahmad Shahid, and Mubashir Ahmad.
Despite the warm weather, thousands of spectators lined King Street. As the group marched through downtown Cambridge, participants chanted “Long Live Canada!”, a slogan spectators met with applause, cheers and, in many cases, joined chanting themselves.
Following the parade, participants returned to Bai’t ul Kareem Mosque for a Canada Day Community Celebration, including a formal ceremony, community barbecue and family activities. The mosque grounds were decorated with Canadian flags, Elliott Street was temporarily closed for attendee safety, and a bouncy castle and cotton candy awaited the children.
Around 60 guests and dignitaries attended, including the Chief and Deputy Chief of Police and their families, Member of Parliament Matt Strauss, Regional and Municipal Councillors, faith leaders, academics and neighbours, alongside approximately 120 members of the Jama’at.
The formal programme opened with the recitation of verses 12 to 14 of Surah Al-Hujurat by Brother Abdul Azeez, followed by an English translation and brief commentary by Missionary Mubashir Badar Sahib on how the Qur’an’s teachings of human equality, mutual respect and knowing one another resonate with the values of Canada Day. Nabeel Ahmad Rana, MC for the event, welcomed the audience and delivered a Land Acknowledgement recognising the Indigenous peoples of the region, after which a group of Ahmadi Muslim children led everyone in singing O Canada.
Younger members of the Jama’at then took to the stage. Young Mubariz Ahmad spoke on “My Favourite Things About Canada,” reflecting on the peace, opportunities and freedoms Canada offers its youth. Representing Lajna Ima’illah, Azeez Muhsinat delivered “What Canada Means to Me,” on the country’s diversity, inclusiveness and the opportunities it has given countless families. Hassaan Bangash, representing Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, spoke on “How Canada is a Hope for the World,” reflecting on Canada’s example of peaceful coexistence amid rising global conflict.
The keynote address, “Love of Homeland: A Blessing, A Duty and a Responsibility,” was delivered by Missionary Aneeq Ahmad Sahib, Imam of Bai’t ul Kareem Mosque, who reflected on the Islamic teachings of loyalty to one’s country, gratitude for peace and freedom, and every citizen’s responsibility toward Canada’s welfare and prosperity. Several elected officials, community leaders, faith representatives and academics also brought greetings, commending the Jama’at for its commitment to peace, community service and fostering understanding among people of different backgrounds.
Dr Ahmad Imran, Local President of Bai’t ul Kareem Mosque, closed the formal programme with a vote of thanks to all guests, volunteers, organisers and participants. Missionary Aneeq Ahmad Sahib then led everyone in silent prayer, before guests enjoyed a community barbecue prepared by the local Khuddam, and children continued to enjoy games, the bouncy castle and cotton candy.
A highlight of the afternoon was the ceremonial cutting of two Canada Day cakes by the Chief of Police, joined by other dignitaries. Many local neighbours and first-time visitors spoke warmly of the hospitality shown, the organisation of the event, and the value of bringing together people of different faiths, cultures and backgrounds.
Insha’Allah, may Allah continue to bless these efforts as a means of fostering peace, understanding and goodwill in our society. Ameen.
In the picture, from right to left are:
1. Doug Craig, Regional Councillor, Waterloo Region and former Mayor of Cambridge
2. John Wayne Goodman, Deputy Chief, Waterloo Regional Police Service
3. Chantel Huinink, Regional Councillor, Waterloo Region
4. Chief Mark Crowell, Chief of Waterloo Regional Police Service
5. Dr. Matt Strauss, MP Kitchener South—Hespeler
6. Dr Ahmad Imran, President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Cambridge
7. Colleen James, Regional Councillor, Waterloo Region
8. Nabeel Ahmad Rana, Canada Day Event Coordinator
9. Mohamed Asklany, Staff of MP Kelly DeRidder (Kitchener Centre)
