Spiritan Conference of Circumscriptions of African and the Islands (SCCAI)

A Warm Reception at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Pemba, Zambia

A Warm Reception at the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Pemba, Zambia

A testimony by Fr. Remmy Banda, CSSp, Zambia Coordinator for Dialogue · Pemba, 27 September 2026

Every genuine relationship begins with an encounter.

In this spirit, on Sunday, 27th September 2026, I, Fr. Remmy Banda, CSSp, in my capacity as Zambia Coordinator for Dialogue, paid a fraternal visit to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Pemba District. This was shortly after concluding a retreat at the UCSCA (Union of Circumscriptions of Southern Central Africa) Novitiate, which is located approximately 3km from the Mosque.

The visit reaffirmed the positive relationship we share with our Muslim brothers and sisters, who are always ready to engage in dialogue and collaboration. It was particularly important for me, providing an opportunity to build friendships through personal encounter.

I was warmly welcomed by Mr. Muhammad Munene, a community member, who later introduced me to the Imam, Faiz Yaqoob, a most gracious and joyful man. He ushered me into their visitors’ parlour and kindly offered me a seat. We enjoyed a good moment of interaction.

Fr. Remmy Banda and Imam Faiz Yaqoob at the entrance of the Ahmadiyya Mosque, Pemba
At the entrance of the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Pemba District.

Our conversation helped me learn more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad in 1889 as a revival movement within Islam, emphasising its essential teachings of peace, love, justice, and the sanctity of life. Today, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is present in over 212 nations across all continents under one divinely appointed leader, His Holiness, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper).

Imam Yaqoob took time to share many insights, including his warm interactions and affection for our confreres working in the same area. I was edified to learn that Islam upholds complete freedom of choice for each individual, as the Holy Qur’an states: “There is no compulsion in religion” (Qur’an 2:256).

As a sign of friendship, he presented me with a gift: a book written by their Caliph, Mirza Masroor Ahmad, titled ‘World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace,’ together with a leaflet summarising the core teachings of the Community.

Cover of the book World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace by Mirza Masroor Ahmad
The gift received: ‘World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace’ by Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

We exchanged contact details, and the Imam kindly opened doors for future engagements in areas of common interest. We look forward to continued fraternal dialogue and collaboration in the service of peace.

Fr. Remmy Banda, CSSp
Zambia Coordinator for Dialogue

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