11th to 13th May 2024
Report by Usman Ahmed, serving as Qaid Tabligh, Majlis Ansarullah UK
Majlis Ansarullah UK organized the second Ride for Peace Cycle event with the help of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Spain from 11th to 13th May 2024. The first Ride for Peace event took place in Valencia in 2023. This year, the Ride for Peace was held around the scenic village of Pedro Abad, with Masjid Basharat being the focal point of the ride. Over the course of 3 days, Ansar cyclists completed a distance of approximately 250 km and scaled an altitude of almost 9,000 ft.
Departure and Prayers
On the 10th of May, cyclists gathered outside Mubarak Mosque, Islamabad, where immediately after the Friday prayers, they had a short audience with Hazrat Ameerul Mu’mineen Khalifatul Masih Al-Khamis (aba). Huzur Anwar prayed for them and for the success of the event.
Leadership and Participation
Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir sahib, Naib Sadr Saf-e-Dom and chairman of the Ansar Cycling Club, led the group as Ameer-e-Qafla. In addition to Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir sahib, 6 members of the National Majlis-e-Amla Ansarullah UK were also part of the group as cyclists and in supporting roles.
Unique Aspects
The event was unique in many respects:
- Held in Pedro Abad, where the first purpose-built mosque since the end of Muslim rule in the 15th century is located.
- Attended by a record number of 40 Ansar from the UK and 60 guest cyclists from Spain, with participants from France, Japan, and Africa.
- Supported by 13 Ansar members from the Isaar team and the Qaid Isaar Majlis Ansarullah UK, who managed Ziafat and guest arrangements for evening functions. Qaid Tabligh Majlis Ansarullah UK managed outreach events, promotion through social media, and encouraged Ansar to engage with the public to convey the true message of Islam.
Outreach Events
On the first and second days, outreach events with guest cyclists and local residents were held. The first event was attended by 80 guests, including mayors and dignitaries from Pedro Abad and surrounding towns. Ansarullah members organized an exhibition covering the history of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Spain, showcasing the Holy Quran and its translations, books of the Promised Messiah (as) and Khulafa-e-Ahmadiyyat, leaflets, and previous Ride for Peace events.
Historic Ride to Cordoba
On the third day, cyclists rode to the historic city of Cordoba, crossing the historic Roman bridge into the city. They were witnessed by many thousands of people and greeted by journalists at the end of the ride.
Media Coverage and Social Media Engagement
The event was covered in a regional newspaper, considered a mainstream news outlet of Cordoba and Andalusia. Three articles over the three days were published in the paper and on their website. Highlights of the ride and outreach programs were shared on social media (X platform) throughout the three days. A total of 271 social media posts generated 661 engagements and reached a potential audience of 69,000 people.
Faith-Inspiring Incidents
During the journey, cyclists were approached by members of the public who were curious about their mission. In Cordoba, cyclists, while exploring the city center in their Ride for Peace shirts, had the opportunity to introduce the event, its purpose, and Islam’s message of peace.
It was indeed the prayers of Hazrat Ameerul Mu’mineen Khalifatul Masih Al-Khamis (aba) that Allah Ta’ala blessed this event with success. May Allah Ta’ala accept our humble efforts and may each one of us become Sultan-e-Naseer of Khilafat and continue to convey the true message of Islam with greater zeal. Ameen.
Some highlights of the event are shown below: