Members of Calgary’s Muslim community gathered on Saturday for a “Peace Parade” aimed at promoting understanding of Islam and celebrating the group’s contributions to Canadian history.

Around 100 participants marched along 8th Avenue in downtown Calgary, carrying signs, banners, and distributing free English translations of the Qur’an.

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Atthar Mahmood, vice president of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada (ISCC) and president of Muslims Against Terrorism, explained that the parade was intended to provide a platform for non-Muslims to ask questions and learn about Islam.

“Even if we teach one person, I think that the message goes a long way,” Mahmood said.

The ISCC, which operates 42 mosques across Canada—including five in Calgary—organised the event.

Mahmood expressed gratitude for Canada’s welcoming nature.

“Thanks (God) we are here … Canada is most welcoming (country). We appreciate it’s peaceful, and we participate in everything,” said Mahmood.

“As Muslims, we take part. We want to develop this country to the best we can — we have never done anything that is goes against the nation.”

The parade coincided with Canadian Islamic History Month, established in 2007 to honor and celebrate Muslim culture in Canada. The first mosque in Canada was built in Edmonton in 1938 and is now a preserved historical site.