On October 27, 2024, Lajna Ima’illah Toronto West Region hosted a unique interfaith dialogue at the Ahmadiyya Abode of Peace’s multipurpose hall, exploring “Understanding Suffering Through Faith Perspectives.” The event, attended by over 40 guests from diverse religious backgrounds alongside 100 community members, included interactive exhibitions and a formal session featuring Buddhist, Christian, and Islamic viewpoints on suffering.
The program began with a meet-and-greet session where guests explored 3 thought-provoking exhibitions. A Holy Qur’an display featured translations in five languages, interactive tools, and thematic cards on peace, justice, and human rights. The Peace Booth offered a symbolic tree for peace pledges, a virtual reality Kaaba experience, and educational insights addressing misconceptions about Islam. A Women’s Rights exhibit used an innovative rotating cube to highlight issues like forced marriages and domestic abuse, complemented by real-life stories accessible via qr codes.
The main session opened with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an from Surah Al-Baqarah, verses 154-158, and its English translation, followed by presentations from three distinguished speakers. Dr. Ranjini George (Professor, University of Toronto’s School of Continuing Studies) shared the Buddhist perspective, reflecting on the noble truth of suffering, acceptance, and finding joy amid challenges. Angela De Caro (an experiences children’s pastor) discussed the Christian view, attributing most suffering to human choices, referencing Adam and Eve, and emphasizing free will. Khaula Sattar, a member of the Jama’at’s outreach team, represented the Islamic perspective. She provided insights from the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and highlighted the power of prayer as a spiritual remedy for suffering.
The event concluded with an interactive question-and-answer session, deepening attendees’ understanding of suffering through various faith lenses. Organized with the help of 40 dedicated volunteers who worked for two months, the dialogue fostered interfaith harmony and mutual respect. May Allah bless all those who contributed to its success and inspire future endeavours to build bridges across faith communities. Ameen!