16 July 2012

PRESS RELEASE

FIRST EVER CONVOCATION CEREMONY OF JAMIA CANADA TAKES PLACE IN HISTORIC EVENT

40 Graduates receive their Degrees from Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is pleased to announce that on 11 July 2012, the first Convocation Ceremony of Canada took place at the newly built Tahir Hall in Peace Village. The ceremony included graduates from the Classes of 2010, 2011 and 2012 and was presided over by the World Head and Fifth Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

After opening remarks from Principal Salim Akhtar and a report by Maulana Hadi Ali Chaudhry, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad presented 40 graduates with their ‘Shahid Degree’ Certificates and thus they were all enrolled as official of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

One of the newly qualified Missionaries, Ata‐ul‐Munem, was on assignment abroad and so Maulana Abdul Majid Tahir, the Additional Wakil‐ul‐Tabshir, accepted the award on his behalf.

Following the presentation, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered an inspiring address, in which he reminded the graduates of their vast responsibilities. His Holiness counselled them to never think their education was complete.

His Holiness said:

“Always remember that to get a degree is not enough but is in fact only the very first and small step. You have many more steps to climb.

Always remember that the key to your success is your humility. You should not just be the type of who guides or lectures others, but in fact you should make sure that every point that you try to inculcate in others has already been developed within yourself.”

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad instructed the graduates that they should never consider that they were working a standard nine‐to‐five job. Instead he said that their work was for ‘24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year’.

His Holiness continued by reminding the graduates that though they had been trained in the West, it was not necessary they would be assigned to Western countries.

Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said it was quite possible that they would be posted to Africa, South America or other developing parts of the world where there was a pressing need.

Speaking about the priorities of an Ahmadi Muslim Missionary, His Holiness said:

“Your purpose is religion. Your purpose is to spread the true teachings of throughout the world. Sometimes through your work you may come to meet high level politicians or dignitaries but such opportunities should never lead you to forget your basic purpose or to change your way of thinking. Never become attracted by worldly people or activities because that will lead you away from the pledge you have made to God Almighty.”

End

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