During the harsh winters of Toronto, Canada, an alarming number of homeless people lose their lives every year. The media reports that an average of more than 100 people without shelter are found dead. Shelters are at capacity throughout the winter and many vulnerable members are sent away due to unavailability of space. This issue, however big, unfortunately does not receive the attention it needs. The department of Khidmat Khalq under Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada had the opportunity to come up with a humble solution to this heart-touching issue. With the mere blessings of Allah the Almighty, along with the special prayers of Syedna Huzoor-e-Anwar (aa), Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada was able to launch a Shelter Bus, to help those in need of a warm shelter during the cold nights of the winter. Here are some key details of how this campaign started. Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada requested to use the Humanity First bus, which had already been modified to hold 20 beds, also convertible into a seating space for 40. The bus includes a kitchenette, a toilet, and storage space as well. On December 2^nd, 2019, a press release was issued for this campaign. And on December 3rd, in the presence of several media outlets, Respected Sadr Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada officially launched the Shelter Bus Campaign. The Shelter Bus will run till end of March 2020 in the spirit of serving humanity.

It is scheduled to be available for the homeless every night, from 8pm to 8am, for a period of three months. Khuddam from different regions volunteer to staff the bus every night. The Shelter Bus is providing a warm, secure space for rest, a hot meal, as well as sanitary kits including several necessary items for those in need. Since its launch, the Shelter Bus has been fortunate enough to help several homeless as well as provide winter items such as jackets and gloves. On a nightly basis, an average of 65 people visit the bus and benefit from the warmth, the meal, and the comfort of a bed. So far, over 800 visitors have taken advantage of this service and each of them has provided an incredibly positive feedback and many of them are now regulars on the bus. Some have claimed that this Shelter Bus is providing them with a safe space and a sense of belonging and they are grateful for the volunteers and their services.This campaign has been receiving much media attention and has been covered by multiple outlets, reaching an audience of over 4 million. Three stories were aired on TV, two on CTV and one on Global TV. The radio aired six stories on different radio channels. Furthermore, eight news stories were printed in different major and minor newspapers. Due to this media coverage, several individuals and organizations are contacting Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada and Humanity First on a daily basis to pledge various forms of donations, including monetary donations, food donations, as well as winter clothing and items’ donations. By the Grace of Allah, this initiative has been receiving a very positive response from all sides. Additionally, it is creating a sense of gratefulness, humbleness, dedication, and a sense of serving humanity among our Khuddam brothers. More and more volunteers are eager to help every night and partake from this blessed opportunity. May Allah ease the difficulties of this vulnerable group in our society and reward all volunteers abundantly. Ameen.

By Ansar Bharwana (Muhtamim Khidmat Khalq, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada)

With the sheer grace of Allah Almighty, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada held its Annual Ijtimā for Nau Mubā’i’īn on Sunday, February 2nd, 2020 in which 54 attendees participated. This event was mainly for those Nau Mubā’i’īn who are residing in the GTA and surrounding areas. InshAllah, the department of Tarbiyat Nau Mubā’i’īn will be holding similar events in other regions as well.

The Ijtimā was a half-day event starting form 11 AM until 5:30 PM and was held at Baitul Islam Mosque.

The program started with the recitation of Holy Qur`an which was presented by Abdul Tahman Aslambouli Sahib (Nau Mubā’i’īn) followed by translation by Derek Schierenberg (Nau Mubā’i’īn). A poem and translation was presented by Shazir Ahmad Sahib (Nau Mubā’i’īn) whose previous faith was Sikhism

Next, there was a video presentation about the trip of Nau Mubā’i’īn to London Markaz to meet with Huzoor (aa). After the video, two Nau Mubā’i’īn narrated their story of the acceptance of Ahmadiyyat was intently listened to by the attendees.

Respected Amir Sahib Jama`at Canada, Malik lal Kahn Sahib, gave a presentation on the topic of “Our Expectations of being an Ahmadi Muslim”, Amir sahib read Surah Al-Fatihah and word by word read out the translation and went into the commentary to inform the benefits of the Surah Al- Fatihah. The first session was concluded with Zuhr prayer and lunch.

After the prayers, a sports session was held including basketball and dodgeball.

The second session began with the offering of Asr prayer and the recitation of the Holy Qur`an was presented by Adam Alexander Sahib (Nau Mubā’i’īn). Two more recent Nau Mubā’i’īn’s presented their story of acceptance of Ahmadiyyat. A comprehensive speech on the Nizam Jama`at was given by Respected Syed Ahsan Gardezi Sahib (Secretary Tarbiyat Nau Mubā’i’īn). Afterwards, a question and answer session was conducted by Maurabi Silasa and the National Secretary. In the end, the program was concluded with the silent prayer by Muhammad Dawood Khalid Sahib (Missionary).

The Annual Ijtima was held in the coordination of Jama`at and Auxiliaries (Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Lajna Ima’illah) the total attendance was 54.

Muhammad Dawood Khalid Sahib (Muhtamim Tarbiyat Nau Mubā’i’īn)

By the Grace of Almighty Allah, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada was able to hold its first ever Trade Fair organized by the department of San’at – O – Tijarat.

The program commenced after Zuhr/Asr prayers. Sadr Majlis Khuddam Ul Ahmadiyya presided the opening session and brought attention to a famous discourse given by Hazrat Musleh Mau`ud (ra), in which he stated

This beautiful quote set the backdrop for an amazing event which featured 25 vendors from various construction and trade related industries. Representatives ranging from irrigation, painting, HVAC and more had a chance to network and meet Jama’at members from all walks of life. Khuddam and Ansar had the opportunity to gain valuable insight into specific trade industries and how they could themselves join and gain experience. Dozens of connections were made and relationships built that will allow members of the Jama’at to expand their network and venture into new territory with invaluable insight and guidance. The trade fair comes at a very crucial juncture in time for Canadians. It is estimated that by 2029, about 91,000 construction/trade workers are expected to retire.

This leaves a huge void and need for skilled tradesmen. This represents an excellent opportunity for newcomers as well as any Jam ‘at member looking to transition into the skilled trades.

By the Grace of Allah, an excellent platform was established through the Trade Fair to bridge members of the community with industry professionals. With the ever expanding shortage of skilled trades in Canada, a network has been created to allow growth and progression for those members willing to take action.

May Allah enable the Department of San’at – O – Tijarat to continuously serve members of the Jama’at by providing such platforms that can create synergies and allow members to network and learn from each other.

Alhamdulillah, we are at the closing session of our 32nd Annual National Ijtimā’. Khuddam have dedicated countless hours working tirelessly over the last few weeks and especially the past 3 days, to make it a success. The theme of the Ijtima` this year was “Namaz”.

By the Grace of Allah, this was a historic Ijtimā’. With the approval of Huzoor Anwar (may Allah be his Helper!), Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Canada for the first time broadcast the proceedings of this Ijtimā’ Live on MTA on Saturday, July 27 at 2pm.

The highlight of this Ijtimā’ was the presence of Respected Mulana Mubashir Ahmad Kahloon Sahib (Markaz Representative, Additional Nazir Islāh-o-Irshād Da’wat Ilallāh & Mufti Silsila Ālia

Ahmadiyya). The Ijtimā’ commenced on Friday July 26, with Friday Prayers. The Friday Sermon was delivered by Respected Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jama’at Canada.

In the opening session, Respected Mulana Mubashir Ahmad Kahloon Sahib delivered a very inspirational speech on the topic of “Obedience”. On Saturday, Khuddam enjoyed a very engaging and informational Question / Answer session with Maulana Sahib.

By the grace of Allah many new features were added to the Ijtimā’ this year that include:

A New and Improved Layout of the Ijtima Gah.

• Live Radio telecast
• Live Translation of all sessions in 3 languages
• Hot Air Balloon (due to strong winds could
• not fully happen)
• Regional BBQs
• Hot Seat competition
• Video Challenge
• Larger Patio
• Stem Cell Clinic
• New Cricket Ground
• Onsite Hot Jalebi

By the Grace of Allah the Publicity Team, Regional Qā’idīn, and Qā’idīn Majlis helped motivate 2357 Khuddam and 282 guests who joined us this year at the National Ijtimā’. Alhamdolillah, it was an increase of 124 Khuddam (6%) from last year.

May Allah make this Ijtimā’ a source of blessings and lasting self-reformation for all Khuddam,

Ameen!