After hearing that her mosque would be hosting a Muslim peace event, Bushra Ahmad spread the word by inviting her sorority sisters and the people on her dorm floor.

On March 10, the St. Charles Room in the Danna Center filled with people interested in learning more about the Prophet Muhammad and the Muslim religion. The event, “Muhammad: Messenger of Peace,” was sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA.

Tahir Cheema, outreach secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s New Orleans chapter, said that all 73 chapters located worldwide participated in the annual event.

Cheema said this event provides a forum for people of different faiths, or of no faith, to come together and have a dialogue.

“We want to demystify Islam, dispel myths and misconceptions about Prophet Muhammad,” Cheema said.

The event started with a short video about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, and then keynote speaker Mubasher Ahmed gave a short presentation about Muhammad. After the presentation, Ahmed answered audience members’ questions.

“Every chapter celebrates the day of ‘Muhammad: Messenger of Peace.’ We do that in the month of March. That’s why it was given to me,” Ahmed said.

Ahmed said that events like this are a positive thing that can make an impact.

“The fear of Islam is removed and people can see the real picture which is love and tolerance and peace,” Ahmed said. “If one mind is changed, it’s better than no minds changed at all.”

Bushra Ahmad, biology freshman, said she was surprised with the number of people who ended up attending the event.

“I was surprised with the fact that even people from off campus and Tulane came to listen. It really touched me,” Ahmad said.