Religious Founders Day Highlights Shared Moral Values Across Faiths
Alhamdulillah, on October 31, 2026, Baitun Nur Mosque hosted Religious Founders Day under the theme: Moral Ideals in the Life of My Faith’s Founder. Representatives from six major world religions, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikhism, gathered to reflect on the moral teachings and exemplary lives of their respective founders.
The presenters explored how the lives, teachings, and examples of their founders continue to inspire and shape the moral values practiced within their communities today. Topics discussed included compassion, honesty, humility, justice, forgiveness, and service to humanity. Opening the event, Naeem Basheer sahib welcomed guests and members and provided background on the interfaith initiative, emphasizing its purpose as a platform for highlighting the common values shared among different faith traditions. He introduced Rishi Nager as the moderator of conference.
The event attracted approximately 220 guests and 150 members. The Guest of Honour was HW Mayor Jeromy Farkas, who commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Calgary for bringing together people of different faiths to celebrate the values that unite communities. He noted that religious freedom and mutual respect are among the strengths that make Calgary a vibrant and inclusive city. Following the event, Mayor Farkas shared his experience on social media, generating considerable public engagement and discussion.
Presenters expressed appreciation to Jama’at for organizing the program and providing an opportunity to share their perspectives. A recurring theme emerged from the presentations despite differences in religious traditions, the founders of the world’s major religions promoted remarkably similar moral values and teachings. Their messages emphasized compassion, justice, humility, forgiveness, and service to others, highlighting the shared ethical foundations that unite humanity.
Representing Jama’at, Murabbi Ataul Wahab Sahib spoke about the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). He explained that the Holy Prophet (sa) demonstrated the highest standards of moral excellence through his courage, patience, humility, generosity, compassion, forgiveness, and justice. From enduring persecution in Makkah to providing principled leadership in Madinah, he remained unwavering in his devotion to Allah and steadfast in serving humanity. He highlighted how the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) defended the rights of the vulnerable, treated all people with dignity regardless of social status, worked alongside his companions, and showed kindness toward children and the elderly. Even at the height of his success, he maintained a life of simplicity and humility. His forgiveness of former persecutors during the conquest of Makkah remains one of history’s most remarkable examples of mercy and magnanimity. As affirmed by the Holy Qur’an, his life continues to serve as a timeless example of how faith, humility, and selfless service can transform both individuals and society.
In his closing remarks, Muzafar Ahmad Sahib, Naib Local Amir – Calgary, expressed his gratitude to the panelists for sharing valuable insights into the moral ideals of their respective founders. He noted that their contributions had greatly enriched the conference and expressed his hope that attendees had gained a deeper appreciation of the common values shared across different faith traditions. He also thanked the audience for taking the time to attend and support the conference, emphasizing that the event’s success would not have been possible without their participation. As a token of appreciation, he presented gifts to the panelists before leading the closing prayer.
Following the formal proceedings, participants were invited to socialize over refreshments. Guests also had the opportunity to visit a Holy Qur’an Exhibition and bookstalls hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at and Centre Street Church. The event received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees. One participant, Victoria, expressed her appreciation for the Jama’at’s efforts in creating an environment where people of different beliefs could engage in meaningful and respectful dialogue. Another guest remarked that bringing together representatives of multiple faiths at a time when hatred and division appear to be increasing was both timely and commendable. Many attendees also praised the warm hospitality of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, noting that the welcoming atmosphere contributed significantly to the success of the event.
Religious Founders Day once again demonstrated the power of dialogue, mutual respect, and shared values in fostering understanding among people of different faiths and strengthening community bonds.
This report was prepared by Malik Agyemang, Secretary Tabligh, Calgary