Reported by: Arshad Mehmood Khan

Majlis Ansarullah UK’s cycling tour across Europe aims to promote peace, harmony, and respect, gaining recognition from Jama’at members and external stakeholders alike. This year,

the campaign began in Glasgow on the early morning of September 5, 2024, as the cyclists set out towards the heart of Khilafat in Islamabad. Twenty cyclists from across the UK are participating in this remarkable journey, covering 600 miles in just 6 days, InshAllah.

Reception at Baitur Rahman Mosque, Glasgow

On the evening of Wednesday, September 4th, at 6:30 pm, Majlis Ansarullah Scotland hosted a reception for the riders at Baitur Rahman Mosque, Glasgow. The event welcomed a diverse audience, including politicians, interfaith leaders, Police Scotland, and friends of the Jama’at.

In preparation for this event, a month-long social media campaign was launched, and a dedicated committee was established to manage various aspects of the reception. The gathering saw 60 guests, including non-Muslims and leaders of other faiths, many of whom later expressed their appreciation for Majlis Ansarullah UK and the cycling initiative on social media.

Program Highlights

The program commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran and its English translation by Fakhar Ahmad Aftab, Murabbi e Silsila Glasgow, followed by an introduction to the event by Mr. Ahmad Owusu Konadu, Chairman of Beacon of Peace Scotland. A video highlighting the global Ahmadiyya Muslim community was shown, followed by an overview of the AMEA UK Cycling Club tours with pictures presented by club member Mr. Ali Khan.

Guest Speakers

The reception featured addresses by notable guest speakers, including:

  • Cllr Gordon Pryde – Scottish Labour, Councillor for Dunfermline North
  • Cllr Philp Braat – Scottish Labour, Councillor for Anderston/City/Yorkhill ward, and former Lord Provost and Lord Lieutenant of Glasgow
  • Commander Dave Pinder – Royal Navy in Scotland

Concluding Remarks and Dinner

The event concluded with a keynote address by Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad, Chairman of AMEA UK Cycling Club, followed by a vote of thanks from Dr. Abdul Hayee, Regional Amir of Scotland. The program ended with a silent prayer and a dinner, leaving attendees inspired by the commitment of the cyclists and the message of peace.

We hope that this event will continue to foster connections and understanding across communities as our cyclists journey towards Islamabad.