Editor,
As an Ahmadi Muslim woman, Remembrance Day carries layered meaning for me. It鈥檚 a day to honour those who sacrificed their lives in pursuit of peace and justice. But, in today鈥檚 political climate鈥攚here divisions and misconceptions around identity, religion, and patriotism are at an all-time high鈥攎y reflections extend beyond the sombre memorials. They encompass a profound commitment to peace rooted in faith, humanity, and the courage to challenge narratives that fuel division.
In a world marred by tensions, wars, and ideological battles, Remembrance Day invites us to examine the roots of true peace. It is a call to remember not only the fallen but also the cause for which they fought鈥攁 cause that, if rooted in justice, is indeed noble.
The Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, spoke of justice as the foundation of lasting peace, saying, 鈥淕od desires that sympathy for mankind and righteousness should always remain the central objective of all our thoughts and actions鈥� (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 183).
As Ahmadi Muslims, we believe that true peace cannot emerge from violence, aggression, or hollow patriotism, but must be built on a foundation of compassion, justice, and humanity. This belief drives Ahmadi Muslims to actively champion peace and oppose all forms of injustice, even if doing so makes us vulnerable to misunderstandings or criticism.
Our spiritual leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, has consistently reminded us that in times of unrest, true Muslims are called to be 鈥渁mbassadors of peace.鈥� He said, 鈥淲hile others consider warfare as the solution, we only seek peace, justice, and harmony between all people and all nations鈥� (Address to Dutch Parliament, 2015). This conviction brings us to the front lines in fighting for justice鈥攏ot with weapons, but with words, actions, and the courage to live out the peaceful teachings of Islam
Today, as an Ahmadi Muslim woman, I honour Remembrance Day by acknowledging the power of unity and compassion. I am aware of the unique role Muslim women play in embodying and spreading this message of peace, despite being under-represented or misinterpreted in the broader discourse on freedom and sacrifice.
Through my faith, I am reminded of my responsibility to counter harmful narratives about Islam and to advocate for peace rooted in mutual respect and understanding. In this polarized world, I believe Remembrance Day should not only be about honouring the past sacrifices but also about committing to building a future free from war. This is a future where peace is prioritized over power, and unity is chosen over division.
As I stand alongside my fellow Canadians to remember the sacrifices of those before us, I do so with a heart full of prayers for a future of lasting peace鈥攁 peace built not by the might of the sword, but by the strength of compassion and justice. In reflecting on Remembrance Day, may we all remember the power of true peace and strive, each in our own way, to live up to this noble legacy.
Amara Waqas
