Saskatoon

Ahmadiyya Muslims celebrate 50 years in Canada

Saskatoon celebrations get underway Wednesday at 6 p.m. CST in the city's Civic Square in front of city hall.

About 1,000 Ahmadiyya Muslims live in Saskatoon.

Ahmadiyya Muslims pray at mosque. They are celebrating the organization's 50th anniversary in Canada on Wednesday. (Tanya Birkbeck/CBC)

The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Saskatoon is gearing up for a big celebration Wednesday to mark its 50th anniversary in Canada.

The group was first formed in 1889 and follow the teachings of a Muslim reformer, who they believe is the promised Messiah.  Imam Khalid Minhas is the spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslims in Saskatoon, whose membership is around 1,000 people.
Imam Khalid Minhas is standing looking at the camera.
Saskatoon Imam for the Ahmadiyya Muslim community Khalid Minhas, which is holding celebrations in Civic Square Wednesday evening. (Submitted by Imam Khalid Minhas)

"We believe in building bridges between communities," he said.  "We believe in getting involved and helping each other, rather than being secluded."

The group has held several open houses at its mosque so non-Muslims can come and learn about Islam.

Celebrations for the 50th anniversary get underway Wednesday evening at Civic Square in front of city hall.