Mercy4Mankind (M4M) is part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) that takes its inspiration for its charitable initiatives from the example of the Founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He has been referred to in the Holy Quran as ‘Mercy for all the Worlds’ and this is reflected in his teachings and practice. He was a source of peace and mercy for all and left behind teachings encouraging his followers to do the same. He sought to protect the rights of the oppressed and subjugated, he elevated the rank of women in a society which despised them, he established the rights of animals and even trees.
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be on him) sought to help people regardless of their faith. He established a treaty within the city of Medina, where people of various faiths lived, and he laid the blueprint of interreligious tolerance by not differentiating between people based on their faith. His mercy extended to all and he taught kindness towards animals and said that even planting trees was a charity. Hence, Muslims find mercy was the very fabric of this holy person.
Under the banner of Mercy4Mankind, AMYA seeks to tread upon this noble path by helping those in need by actively partaking in charity challenges throughout the year. It seeks to promote integration as encouraged by the Holy Founder of Islam, who said that love for one’s country is part of faith. Each year thousands of its members, young and old alike, run, hike, cycle or walk to raise money for charities. Not only does this promote values of kindness and service to humanity amongst Canadian Muslim youth, but it also serves to break barriers and brings our Canadian society closer together at a time we seem to be moving further apart.