On Friday October 23, 2015, 170 young boys from around the U.S. came to Washington D.C. to meet with Congressmen and Senators to discuss an anti-bullying law and introduce “Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya”. Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya is the Youth auxiliary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.
Most of the children stayed overnight at Bait ur Rahman Mosque, the Mosque also serves as the U.S. headquarters of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Early Friday morning the kids made their way to Capitol Hill on two school buses.
A press conference was held in the Capitol Building which was attended by Congressman Mike Honda of California. He spoke about his experiences of being bullied and spoke highly of the young boys who had come from long distances to stand up against bullying. Sobaan Iqbal, an 11 year old youth, spoke of his personal experience with bullying. One of the Youth leaders Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry, spoke about Islamic solutions to bullying.
Friday Prayers at the National Mall
Over 70 Congressional offices were visited by the Ahmadi Muslim youth. Kids met with their local congressmen and senators in groups of 3-4 Atfal and provided background information on the anti-bullying bill and why they were advocating for it.
Friday Prayers were held on the National Mall just across from the Capitol Building. After Friday Prayers, the entire youth group went to the White House.