Local mosques invite Canadians to dialogue amid rise in Islamophobia and anti-Semitism

Canadians are invited to visit local mosques this weekend.

In response to what they are calling an “unprecedented rise of hate crimes leading to Islamophobia and anti-Semitism,” the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at Canada is putting on a nationwide “Bring a Friend to the Mosque” event Saturday and Sunday.

“This timely initiative aims to give Canadians an opportunity to address any questions or concerns based on the conflict in the Middle East,” the group said.

“The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama`at believes the only way to truly quell the tide of hate crimes is by providing much-needed education and having open dialogue with Canadians.” 

Dozens of mosques across the country are participating, with many in Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Ottawa, among others, opening their doors to guests.

In Delta, Imam Umran Bhatti with Baitur Rahman Mosque, says people are welcome to attend a dinner being hosted at the mosque Sunday evening. The menu features butter chicken, veggie options, and plenty of conversation.

Through organized events like this and by also just encouraging more people to come tour the mosque, Bhatti says he hopes he can help break down pre-existing stereotypes.

“Promote love for all and hatred for none is a fundamental basic teaching that we have,” he said.

“There’s always that fear and danger of something you don’t know,” he added.

He says people in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community are British Columbians and Canadians too, and he wants to open up the conversation so others can learn more about their faith.

“One of the ways to (turn) the tide of hate crimes is by providing much needed education and having open dialogue with our fellow Canadians,” Bhatti said.

According to the group’s website, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is one of the 73 sects of Islam, with 20 million members across 200 countries.

Those interested in joining in can register online at MosqueVisit.ca.