Ahmadiyya Muslims to hold major convention in Galway

By Kernan Andrews

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, Ireland will hold its 11th Jalsa Salana, or annual convention, this Sunday, at Clayton Hotel.

The day-long event will be attended by community members from across Ireland. It will officially begin with a flag hoisting ceremony in the morning in which the Irish Tricolour, and the flags of the four provinces will be raised, along with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community flag.

The convention proper begins at 12 noon and will be addressed by Imam Ibrahim Noonan, the community’s Irish Imam based in Galway where the community is building its first mosque, Masjid Maryum (The Mary Mosque).

The conference will also be addressed by scholar, Moulana Munir Uddin Shams who will be travelling from London. The deputy mayor, local TDs, councillors, and members of An Garda Siochana will also attend and address the convention.

“The theme of this year’s convention is mainly in relation to the Galway Mosque,” said Ahmadiyya spokesman,” Imran Ahmed. “Work has begun already at the site in Ballybrit and we hope to complete it in a year’s time. The convention will also focus on how to revive Islam as religion of peace, tolerance, and learning.”

A book stall and exhibition on the community’s history in Ireland and key Islamic beliefs and topics will also be on display which will be open to all community members and guests during the convention.