“I am a Muslim, ask me anything,” read a sign that many students passed while walking through Luther College last week.

“We’ve done this a couple years in a row now during Islamic Heritage Month, which (happens) in Canada during October,” said Madeeh Rehman, Spokesperson for Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. 

“We try (to) hold some events throughout the city that promote awareness about who Muslims are in general.”

The exhibition displayed informational signs, books and headscarves called hijabs. People were also invited to get temporary body art called henna applied to their hands.  

“These events are to educate and bring awareness to who we are, and combat some of the negative stereotypes that have been out there for the last few decades or so,” said Rehman.

“I think a lot of people (believe) that we’re very intense, that our religion is the only religion, and that we have to be very strict on our aspect, which is not true. Islam, as a religion, is very flexible,” he said. 

Missionary for Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Khalil Tanvir, was also at the booth to answer questions. 

“There is no compulsion in Islam,” said Tanvir. “We (can) introduce Islam, but we do not have any right to force others (to) accept this religion.” 

Interactions had during the exhibitions over the years have mainly been positive.

“Genuinely seeing people have a curiosity to learn when they approach you is definitely one of the better aspects of (running the exhibition),” said Rehman. “It reminds you that not all people (are) against each other (and that) some people are willing to learn.”

Last year, University of Regina student, Emma LeClair, ended up engaging in conversation at one of the booths for over an hour. 

“(I had a) very positive experience,” said LeClair. “I was fed. I was henna’d, and I learned a lot,” 

LeClair also received a pink hijab. She was taught how to wrap it, and was even allowed to keep it. 

“I think it’s easy for people to hate or be scared of something or someone that they don’t know a lot about,” she said. “And once you sit down with somebody and have a face-to-face conversation and hear their experiences, it kind of opens your eyes,” 

Those answering questions about being Muslim often feel enlightened themselves after the conversation is done.

“(The exhibition) does not only give us the opportunity to inform about our teachings, (but allow other people to) teach us about their teachings,” said Madiha Masawer, President of  Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association. “So, it’s learning together, understanding together and celebrating the diversity that we have.” 

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at will continue to hold exhibitions to educate people willing to learn. 

“The fact that we’ve been able to reach as many people as we have and teach even one person, I think, is a success,” said Rehman. 

Beyond the exhibitions, the people of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at community have also volunteered in Regina by planting trees as well as participating in food drives and blood drives.