The 13th National Meena Bazaar, hosted by the Women of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Ireland, was held successfully on May 4th, 2024, at St. Finians Community Hall in Newcastle. Around 135 women and children attended, including notable figures like Cllr. Louise Dunne and Cllr. Shirley O’Hara.
The community hall was decorated elegantly with colorful flags, creating a welcoming ambiance. The Women of AMA put effort into preparing a variety of homemade foods for sale, ranging from baked goods to refreshing drinks and savory snacks.
The bazaar also featured stalls offering henna designs, beauty services, Asian clothing, scarves, jewelry, and children’s games, providing entertainment for attendees of all ages. A notable aspect of the Meena Bazaar was the International Voices for Peace campaign, which has been promoted throughout Ireland. This initiative, led by the spiritual Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, is dedicated to promoting lasting global peace and resolving the conflict in Gaza. Additionally, an information stall was established at the bazaar to dispel misconceptions about Islam. Consistent with past years, one of the objectives of this Bazaar remained fundraising for local charities. This year, the event lent its support to ActionAid to assist the Palestinian community and 1050 euros were raised for this cause. Attendees commended the integration endeavors and charitable initiatives undertaken by the Ahmadiyya community.
Cllr. Louise Dunne remarked “I want to thank you so much for the invite to the Ahmadiyya Community event today – Charity for ActionAid and Gaza. It’s fantastic, there is a real buzz about the place, foods, the jewellery, the cakes, everything is really good. I love your quote, ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’, and your ‘Voices for Peace’ and I want to wish you all the best today and I hope you have a fantastic day and I look forward to spending some time with more of your women and children of the community.”
Community Garda Donagh Hanrahan shared her positive sentiment about being present at the event “Today’s event is brilliant. The ladies have been so welcoming, and the children are all great. I am a community Garda in the local area and it’s amazing to get involved in the Ahmadiyya Community.”
As a Muslim organization, AMA (Ahmadiyya Muslim Association) holds a deep commitment to serving humanity and enriching the local community. The Holy Qur’an, revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), serves as our guiding principle. Its verses underscore the significance of aiding those in need, regardless of their backgrounds or circumstances. Demonstrating love for God’s creation is integral to our faith, inspiring acts of kindness, compassion, and service.
Cllr. Shirley O’Hara commented after the event “I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation for the wonderful Meena Bazaar event organized recently for #ActionAid Ireland while contributing to the humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza. It was a delight to experience the vibrant atmosphere and to explore the diverse array of stalls featuring food items, handicrafts, clothing, handmade jewellery, and bookstands. Your dedication to creating such a warm and welcoming environment truly shines through in every aspect of the event. The effort and care you put into organizing it are evident, and I want to extend my gratitude for all your hard work. Events like these not only bring joy to the community but also foster a spirit of unity and understanding. Your commitment to promoting cultural exchange and inclusivity is truly admirable, and I feel privileged to have been a part of it”.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds the belief that the awaited Messiah has arrived in the person of its founder, His Holiness, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. His mission was to restore peace and justice, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling both the rights of God and those of fellow human beings. He said “Treat all the creation of God with such deep love as though they are your close family members. Treat mankind in the same way that a mother treats her child. This is the way you should be and not that you help someone only so that you can attain benefit later or take a favour in return.”
Guided by this principle, the women’s auxiliary of AMA actively engages in charitable initiatives year-round, reflecting on the Community’s motto of “Love for all, Hatred for none.” From volunteering to community integration efforts, such as distributing hampers to women’s shelter homes on Women’s Day and supporting the homeless, they are dedicated to nurturing compassion throughout the community.
Aligned with the saying of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that ‘Love of one’s nation is part of faith,’ AMA women proudly participate in events like the St. Patrick’s Parade in Dublin and Galway.
Looking ahead, the Women of AMA are steadfast in their dedication to continuing the annual Ladies Bazaar. Through this event, we strive to promote love, compassion, and understanding among all individuals, contributing to a more harmonious and inclusive society.
Pictured in main image: Donagh Hanrahan (Garda Lucan), Najia Malik (President AMA Women), Cllr. Louise Dunne, Nudrat Jahan (Vice President AMA Women)
Image 2 Nudrat Jahan (Vice President AMA Women), Cllr. Shirley O’Hara, Najia Malik (President AMA Women), Shamifa Zaheer (Vice President AMA Women), Ambreen Rauf (Event Coordinator)
