Canada’s newest and largest mosque opened on July 5th in Calgary and was praised by Prime Minister Stephen Harper as an architectural treasure which demonstrated the true and benevolent face of Islam. The mosque was built by the Ahmadiyya community, a Muslim sect persecuted in some countries because of their differing understanding of the line of prophets. Harper added that this community knows first-hand what it is to experience persecution and discrimination based on your religious beliefs. Mr. Harper and Liberal Leader Stephane Dion were among the hundreds (National Post listed 5000 present) who attended the opening, alongside the group’s global spiritual leader, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. The mosque complex is more than 4300 m2 and includes a community centre, classrooms, office space, kitchen, dining room, children’s area and a multi-purpose hall. It cost nearly $15 million CAD to build, with 8 million coming from local Calgarians. Ahmadiyya from around Canada also chipped in. Mr. Dion stated that Canada will show the world that Muslim communities can flourish in a secular state like ours.
