Hawzah News Agency - The importance of interfaith collaboration was the focus as thousands of people went to the largest annual Muslim convention in Western Canada on Saturday.

All were welcome to the workshops and prayers at the Jalsa Salana convention at the Sarcee Seven Chiefs Sportsplex on Tsuut’ina Nation this weekend.

Harim Ahmed said that in addition to the event building character in young people, it helps boost awareness about Islam.

“This is our method of how we’re essentially going to save the world,” the 14-year-old said.

The convention breaks down walls about the religion, he explained.

“We are very clear about that terrorism and violence [have] absolutely no place in Islam. Islam is a very peaceful religion,” Ahmed said.

Conferences like this can show the community what Islam is really about, he added.

“We’re showing what Islam can actually be, what Islam actually is, rather than what’s happening in the media, how terrible that’s being shown.

“Islam is a religion of peace. ISIS, other terrorist organizations have nothing to do with Islam. Literally, the word ‘Islam’ means peace. That’s all we’re trying to do.”