Holy Qur’an Exhibition in Joensuu, Finland | 21 April 2026

On 21 April 2026, an exhibition of the Holy Qur’an was inaugurated in the city Library of Joensuu, Finland, which will continue in the display for next three weeks. This is the first exhibition of the Holy Quran in Joensuu city.

A total of 36 translations of the Holy Qur’an in different languages have been displayed including the recently published Finnish translation of the Holy Qur’an by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Finland.

The exhibition was formally inaugurated by the Mayor of Joensuu, Mr Jere Penttilä. The event was attended by the Director of the local library, Ms Suvi Pirnes-Toivanen, distinguished guests, and individuals from local Joensuu jama’at.

In his opening remarks, Mayor Penttilä described the exhibition as a highly positive and commendable initiative. He mentioned that the Holy Qur’an is not merely a religious text but has, for centuries, served as a source of faith, moral guidance, and knowledge for millions of people.

He further noted that such exhibitions bring people closer together through knowledge, curiosity, and mutual respect. The exhibition encourages reading, understanding, and dialogue—values that are essential for an open and democratic society. At the conclusion of his address, he thanked the organisers & participants, expressing hope that the exhibition would offer meaningful insights and inspiration to visitors. He then formally declared the exhibition open.

Also present at the event was Mr Aaro Virolainen, a reporter from the local newspaper Karjalainen, who covered the exhibition and conducted an interview with the imam of Ahmadiyya community Finland, Mr. Shahid Mahmood Kahloon.

During the interview, Mr Kahloon introduced the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, the advent of the Promised Messiah and his teachings. He conveyed the Jamaat’s global motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None,” and emphasised that the teachings of the Holy Qur’an encourage peace, love, and that loyalty to one’s country is part of our faith.

He further explained that the purpose of such exhibitions is not merely to display copies of the Holy Qur’an, but to foster constructive dialogue between different cultures and religions, promote mutual respect, and create an environment in which people can better understand each other.

He also highlighted that when individuals read the Holy Qur’an in their own language, they are able to directly comprehend its true and beautiful teachings.

The news alongwith the interview of imam of Ahmadiyya community Finland was published in digital version of Karjalainen on Thursday 23 April while in printed version on 24 April. Karjalainen has a readership(print) of 80,000–100,000, while its digital reach is significantly higher, with tens of thousands of daily online users. It is estimated that approximately 1000 visitors benefit from the exhibition in the library everyday.

For the organisation of this exhibition, the imam of Ahmadiyya community of Finland, Mr Shahid Mahmood Kahloon, along with Mr Basharat ur Rahman (National Secretary Tarbiyat) and Mr Shafiq Ahmad Shahid (National Secretary Hospitality), travelled approximately 450 kilometres to Joensuu and made the arrangements.

Local members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Joensuu, along with Mr Umair Ahmad Shahid (National Secretary publications), also extended their full support, contributing to the successful organisation of the exhibition.