2021 EID MESSAGE: AMIR PROFERS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS TO NATIONAL CHALLENGES

Bismillahir Rahmanir Raheem AMIR’S 2021 EID UL FITR MESSAGE Tashaahuud, Ta’’awuz, Basmallah, Suratul Fatha. ADORATION TO ALLAH We give all adorations and greetings to Almighty Allah who has granted us the will and strength to fast the 29 days fasting in the holy month of Ramadan which just ended. Alhamdulillah. CALLING BLESSINGS ON THE HOLY PROPHET MUHAMMED (SAW) We call for Allah’s blessings on the Holy Prophet (saw) who is a mercy unto mankind and the seal of all prophets. He has brought us spiritual, moral, and physical ways of behaving in the most peaceful ways which Ramadhan taught all Muslims. If all Muslims are peaceful in Nigeria and worldwide, Nigeria and the world will be a place of peace for all to live. IMAM OF THE AGE We call for peace of Allah on Imam Mahdi (as) who is the Imam of the age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) whose advent was foretold by the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saw), the holy founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat worldwide. May Allah be please with him and all the followers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) who had passed away. KHALIFA AND THE UMMAH May Allah be the Helper of Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, the Word-wide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat word-wide in his continuous quest for global peace. BLESSINGS OF RAMADHAN Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and Muslims all over the world. It is an ordinance or a commandment of Allah. It is one of the mandatory instructions of Allah in the Holy Quran. It is not optional for those who fall within the categories of those who should fast. Whoever is matured, healthy and not on journey must fast during this holy month of Ramadhan. This shows fasting is a unique exercise and one that has been enjoined by the creator not only for the Muslims but for all others who have followed one prophet at a time or the other. Fasting offers us an opportunity to deeply reflect over ourselves and the type of relationships we have with other human beings on one hand and with our creator on the other hand. Allah says in the holy quran chapter 2 verse 184: ‘’O ye who believe, fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you that you may attain righteousness’’. The object of fasting is attainment of righteousness. Righteousness means nearness to Allah, doing of good and avoidance of all evils. The question to ask ourselves is whether we have attained righteousness or not during this just concluded month of Ramadhan. And if yes, how do we retain them without going back to any evil deeds whatsoever. This is a month of acceptance of prayers and the night of lailatul qadri or night of destiny. For our prayers to be accepted, Allah commanded us to listen to Him and have faith in Him. May Allah accept our prayers. ADMONITIONS TO THE GENERALITY OF MUSLIMS. We are expected to be more faithful in ALLAH, fearful of His glory, hold in Him in awe due to His majesty, we are supposed to be graduating from a training school in a metaphorical sense, and be able to itemize what we have achieved. We should be cognizance of the evil we are dropping. We should be discerning of the new virtue(s) we are assuming or embracing after Ramadan. We should be a new better creation now and forever. We should be magnanimous, kind-hearted, and more tolerant as we were during the month of Ramadan. Our prayers to Allah and religious devotions should be sustained to show that we have perpetually benefited from the month.  Reverting to our evil ways is like losing it all. ADVICE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE SAKE OF HUMANITY We call on the government; Federal, State, and Local to urgently address the concerns of the citizens of the country. No one needs to be told that there is tension, indeed, great tension in the land over what concerns the people. These concerns are many but a few of them are: The unrest in the country caused by insecurity, evil perpetrated by the notorious BOKO Haram, and now the latest addition banditry and herdsmen. Cases of kidnapping for ransom and unwarranted killing: Many innocent citizens have been kidnapped for no reason other than that they want ransom paid. Many were killed in the process. This is not expected in a country where there is good governance. A government and her agencies should provide security for the people and also secure their property. Hunger: There is hunger in the land as most farmers are not able to access their farms due to the terrorism of the herdsmen as it happened at Ibarapa and many other locations. Mass unemployment of the teeming youths in their millions. Jobs are not being created. This poses a grave danger and the easy platform for the recruitment of bandits and Boko Haram sympathizers. This avenue should be urgently blocked. Payment of interest at an alarming rate. This is to the extent that there is little or no income at all for the government to prosecute any project whatsoever as all the income of the nation is used to pay interest to few individuals plunging the country into spiritual war with Allah and his Prophet. Nigeria Oil Revenue projected for 2021 is ₦2.01trillion. The Non-Oil revenue is ₦1.49trillion both totaling ₦3.50 trillion. Meanwhile, interest is ₦3.32 trillion leaving only ₦180 billion for other expenditures. Statutory transfer alone is ₦500billion meaning that Nigeria has to borrow to fund those statutory transfers. Non-debt expenditure is ₦5.64trillion while Independent & Other source income is ₦4.48trillion leaving N1.16 trillion in deficit. It is zero funding for the capital of ₦4.13 trillion. Overall income is ₦7.98 trillion and overall expenditure is ₦13.59tillion.  The deficit is ₦5.61 trillion. Debt is now been raised at interest to fund revenue non-productive expenditures.   This keeps forcing Nigerian debt up. Government must avoid land and interest payment

IT’S A DOUBLE-HEADER FEAT FOR AHMADIYYA COMMUNITY AT APATA BRANCH

Sunday, 21st March 2021 will no doubt remained a memorable day for Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria as the Amir (National Head), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez commissioned a new Mosque and laid the foundation stone of another one at the Apata (Oyo State) branch of the organization. The new Mosque is located at Bembo Area of Aba-Alamu, Apata, Oyo State. The land was donated by Pa Rauf Adekola and the foundation stone was laid on the 19th October 2019 by the then Central Missionary for the region, Maulvi Sadiq Raheem, and Branch President, Alhaji Teslim Oniyide. A total of 109 donors contributed to the construction. The Mosque can conveniently accommodate 75 worshippers at a go. Speaking at the commissioning event, the National Head appreciated the efforts of the donor and contributors towards the quick completion of the Mosque project after the former Mosque was demolished due to road expansion at Bembo Area. “It is a good sign for us all. Let us all strive to contribute financially and spiritually in the way of Allah like the donor who ensured that we establish a place of worship after the former one was affected by road expansion. “Let’s strive to always please God and improve the condition and sizes of our Mosques in order to accommodate more worshippers as much as possible especially during Jumu’ah service,” the Amir said. Foundation Stone Laying of Apata Central Mosque The Amir later proceeded to lay the foundation stone of the new Ultra-Modern Central Mosque at Apata and blessed the project with prayers. The Mosque project, which is being single-handedly sponsored by a family, is a story-building with the ground floor set aside for Car Park. When completed, it will conveniently accommodate hundreds of worshippers at the same time. Barr. Alatoye reiterated the need for all members to reform themselves internally and eschew personal grudges and differences in order to win more converts into Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. “We should always think big on how to expand our Mosques across the country. Also, there is a need to put into practice what we preach to outsiders. Let’s move on from personal grudges and fighting. We will progress and convert many people when we embrace peaceful coexistence.” “Let us always pray for the elevation of all members. It will be a good omen when this happens. Let us look for money in a legit way and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the organization. Let’s imbibe humility and do away with arrogance”, the Amir reiterated.

MINARET UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION STONE FINALLY LAID

With the gracious approval and blessings of its Supreme Head, Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih V, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has eventually laid the foundation stone of the Minaret International University, Ikirun, Osun State. The much-anticipated foundation stone laying was performed by the Executive Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, witnessed by top dignitaries including government officials, traditional rulers, and personalities across the country. Recall that the organization had embarked on the University Project in 2017 with the processing of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and documentation with the National Universities Commission. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community known to be a pioneer of Muslim education in Nigeria intends to establish a world-class tertiary institution for the intellectual and manpower development of human resources for sustainable socio-economic development nationally, regionally, and internationally. The University will also focus on environmentally sustainable growth and development of all aspects of agriculture, energy and transportation infrastructure, water and natural resources manufacturing and processing, management sciences, engineering, communication technology, humanities as well as scientific and technological research relevant to global development problems and challenges. Governor Oyetola lauded Ahmadiyya Community for its roles in educational development as well as humanitarian services within the country and across the globe. He believed education and religion are timeless and potent instruments for the development and transformation of society. “The expediency of these two tools is even more compelling today that the society requires moral and ethical rebirth. It is therefore heartening that Minaret International University is combining religion and education to build the character of our youths and help them to acquire knowledge to deliver the future that we desire. “Our Administration considers education and good moral standing as essential tools for building leaders of tomorrow and ensuring sustainable development. In line with the belief of the State that government cannot solely provide the education the State needs, successive governments have encouraged willing individuals and groups to establish schools at all levels. Consequently, Osun is home to top-notch tertiary institutions that are making their contributions to the development of the State and the nation. “The establishment of Minaret International University is a welcome addition to this family. As a notable knowledge-seeking and religion-savvy institution known for its tradition of excellence, I have no doubt that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at will build a University that is a Centre of excellence in deed and in truth. I am also persuaded that the organization will produce graduates who will be problem solvers and job creators. “Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria has proved over the years to be a frontline Muslim organization in the propagation of the Islamic faith. It has also demonstrated an irredeemable commitment to the peace, progress, and welfare of the people and State of Osun and the nation. These contributions are traceable to the visionary leadership of the organization. “On behalf of the Government and people of Osun, I appreciate the leadership of this notable organization for its services to humanity and the decision to site this University in Osun, which will further expand access to tertiary education and also contribute to the development of our State,” the governor added. The Amir (National Head) of the organization in Nigeria, Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, in his address, heartily appreciated the good support and neighborliness of the State government and the host Community towards the success of the foundation stone laying event. “We are most grateful to the host Community of Ikirun, the immediate past Akirun of Ikirunland, His Royal Majesty, Late Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji II, and the Osun State Government for the strong support to the actualization of this dream. Most importantly, we are very grateful to His Holiness, the worldwide Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for his kind approval of the University to be sited at Ikirun in Osun State. “MIU is owned by 215 Countries where Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been formally established. It is the first of its kind globally, innovative University with a difference designed to promote academic excellence, moral discipline, and the spirit of selfless service for the advancement of socio-economic development, the emancipation of the people, and commitment to global cooperation for development and unity of humanity. “The philosophy of MIU is to guard against alcoholism and drug addiction, ensure banishment of cultism, embrace theory and practical/work approach, practical entrepreneurship training, embrace sports, physical fitness and martial arts and strict enforcement of moral discipline. The tuition fees will be moderate and affordable for brilliant students,” Barr. Alatoye stated.

Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria have Honour of Virtual Meeting with World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

The National Amila of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya have an official meeting with His Holiness On 7 March 2021, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a virtual online meeting with the National Amila (Executive) of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Auxiliary), as well as regional Qaideen. His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Amila members joined the meeting virtually from the Lajna Hall in Ojokoro in Lagos, Nigeria. During the 40-minute meeting, all present had the opportunity to speak to His Holiness and the National Amila members were able to present a report about their respective departments and to receive the guidance and instructions of His Holiness on a range of issues. As the meeting concluded, His Holiness emphasised the importance of devising comprehensive plans to assist with the moral and spiritual enhancement of the members of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “All your Mohtamimeen (National Secretaries) should study the constitution of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and see exactly what their duties are. Thereafter, you should make your plans according to the constitution. In your next Amila meeting you must analyse what are the shortcomings of your work and where you must strive to improve. So make a countrywide plan and then work hard to achieve your targets.”

Lajna Imaillah Nigeria have Honour of Virtual Meeting with World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Encourage every girl to get higher education” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad On 21 February 2021, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a virtual online meeting with members of the National Amila (Executive) of Lajna Imaillah Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Auxiliary). His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Amila members joined the meeting virtually from the Lajna Hall in Ojokoro in Lagos, Nigeria. During the meeting, His Holiness outlined the various responsibilities assigned to the respective Lajna Amila members and gave guidance on improving the activities of their departments. Speaking to the Secretary Nasirat, responsible for the moral and spiritual training of girls up to the age of fifteen, His Holiness said that their department should keep a good record of how many girls are engaging and taking part in the initiatives that were being run by the national department. His Holiness also encouraged exercise and instructed the Secretary Sehat-e-Jismani, responsible for Health and Fitness, to ensure that the Amila members should lead by example and exercise regularly. During the meeting, the Secretary Sanat-o-Tijarat, responsible for Trade and Industry, showed some of the products that the Lajna Imaillah members from across the country had made, such as bags and other items. The secretary highlighted that the Lajna Imaillah members are being assisted in making a living and are being supported in starting their own businesses. They had also assisted local society during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later in the meeting, reiterating the importance of gaining higher education, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Encourage every girl to get higher education.” As the meeting concluded, His Holiness outlined his expectations of Lajna Imaillah. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “You have a huge task in front of you and I hope Lajna can achieve it and if you do, it will also encourage the men to be more active. You have to push them! My expectations with Lajna are more than the men. So I hope you fulfil my expectations. May Allah the Almighty bless you in every respect. Allah bless you all.”

National Majlis-e-Amila in Nigeria have Honour of Virtual Meeting with World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

His Holiness gives guidance on a wide array of administrative and religious matters On 20 February 2021, the National Majlis-e-Amila (Executive) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Nigeria were granted a virtual official meeting and audience with the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad for the very first time. Also present were the principals of Ahmadiyya Muslim Schools in Nigeria, doctors serving in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospitals in Nigeria and Missionaries serving in the country. His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Amila members joined the meeting virtually from the Lajna Hall in Ojokoro in Lagos, Nigeria. During the almost 60-minute meeting, all present had the opportunity to speak to His Holiness and to receive the guidance and instructions of His Holiness on a range of issues. Speaking to the National Talim Secretary, responsible for the Education of the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, His Holiness said that the department should guide Ahmadi Muslim students throughout their education. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “You should form a counselling and guidance committee. The purpose of the committee will be to guide and counsel the students who are secondary school-going students and guide them what further education they can pursue according to the local conditions and the local requirement.” His Holiness also advised the National Tarbiyyat Secretary, the secretary responsible for the moral training of Ahmadi Muslims, to ensure Ahmadi Muslims living in Nigeria were observant of all Islamic teachings. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Each and every Ahmadi Muslim should be very particular and punctual in offering five times daily prayers, should be very particular in reciting the Holy Quran, should be very punctual and regular and particular in reading some books of Hadith and of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). You should prescribe some book also for the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that they can read – those books which have been translated into English – so they can read and know what the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) is; what did he say, what does he want from us and how an Ahmadi Muslim should behave.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated: “If the Tarbiyyat department is active and you have done your job appropriately and in the best manner, then quite a number of other departments will run smoothly.” His Holiness also instructed that in each and every chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria there should be a local missionary and so, His Holiness said, a detailed plan should be made in this regard to outline how to train missionaries to fulfil this target. Furthermore, His Holiness said that every Amila member should commit their time for a two-week Waqf-e-Arzi period whereby the Amila members dedicate their time for helping teach the Holy Quran to the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community or to convey the message of Islam to the wider public. As the meeting concluded, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed for the attendees and said: “As I have already guided some of the secretaries, they should work hard according to my instructions and identify where you are lagging behind and see how you can improve. May Allah the Almighty bless you all.”

100 Years Ago… – Discussions and Dutch, American and Nigerian Ahmadi converts

Al Fazl, 26 April 1920 The following letter of respected Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib Nayyar, which comprises of many good news, reached us late for some reasons. So, it is being published now. We hope friends will read it with great interest. (Editor) Islam of young Walandesi A young Walandesi i.e. a resident of Holland (also known as Dutch) was under the tabligh of Ahmadi missionaries for quite some time. He was first brought to us by our new zealous brother, Mr Olaf Ibrahim Faith. He regularly attended the Sunday Jalsas and continued to compare Christianity and Islam. He studied the book of the Promised Messiahas, Teachings of Islam, carefully read the conditions of Bai‘at, and after thorough deliberation and research, abandoned Roman Catholicism and converted to Ahmadiyyat by saying لآ اِلٰہَ اِلَّا اللہُ مُحَمَّدٌ رَّسُولُ اللہ [There is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger] with full sincerity of heart. His Dutch Christian name was Johannse Hendrikos Petros von Ostefan. Since he was the first Ahmadi in the country of Holland, he was named Mahmud after the blessed name of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II to bring good fortune. All praise belongs to Allah! New Nigerian and American converts Allah Almighty is directing noble souls towards Ahmadiyyat by His own grace and opening the doors of tabligh in countless countries. Moreover, the Messiah of the All-Powerful God is engaged in catching white and black birds in abundance. The following four new brothers are proof of this: 1. S Brown AOE, secretary of United African Brotherhood, who is an educated person of a respectable family, belongs to the chieftains of the Igbo nation. As he became a Christian as a child, he started to love Christianity. Inspired by the support of Allah Almighty and the sermons of the Ahmadi missionaries, he was convinced about the truth of Ahmadas by heart and being honoured with the Islamic name of Aziz, became an ardent Muslim. Alhamdolillah! 2. Mr T Howard is a Nigerian. He has left Christianity and has been given the Islamic name, Sarwar. 3. IA Sensi became an Ahmadi Muslim after correspondence and studying literature. 4. Welford N Diaz of Jamaica (America), an intelligent and wise young man, abandoned Christianity and converted to Islam. By the grace of Allah, he has become Muhammad from Diaz. All of them met the missionaries through Mr Aziz Brown and Dr Ahmad Haley. They accepted the truthful religion and gave the proof of their pious nature. Table talk It is customary in the UK that people talk to each other on various matters while eating or drinking tea. These scenes from the centre of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat located in London, often being very interesting, bring joy and happiness to the hearts of the admirers of اسمہ احمد [Hazrat Ahmadas]. Thus, one such scene is depicted on this piece of paper for the readers of Al Fazl [where it was initially published] and the following lines are presented as a gift from Nayyar, the bearer of the message of sunrise from the West: Tea is on the table and new convert Ahmadis are sitting in chairs. Discussions on religious issues are taking place. Each person, in his or her own style, is expressing the feelings and emotions that are flowing after drinking of the goblets of Ahmadiyyat, which were distributed among the fresh, passionate hearts. Listen to these discussions very attentively because I will ask you a question aft er the following table talk: Muhammad Suleiman Faith: (To Hassan Thomason, who got up aft er drinking tea). Brother, what is that in your pocket? Hassan Thomason: (Takes out the translation of the Holy Quran’s first chapter). This is my sword, which is always by my side. Muhammad Suleiman Faith: (Conversing to the friends) He is an extraordinary Ahmadi and in my opinion (standing up enthusiastically), if a person is not very well-educated and is a simple soldier like Hassan who believes in Tawhid [Oneness of Allah], prophethood of Muhammadsa Rasulullah [Prophet of Allah] and the messengership of the Promised Messiahas, then he is an Ahmadi Muslim for certain. Daud Faith: (He is a well-built gigantic person). Let’s build a British Ahmadiyya football team. Ibrahim Faith: And plan a match with a church team. (Laughter) Maulvi Fateh Muhammad Sayal: (Speaking to Miss Harvey [this lady is still a Christian]) Miss Harvey! You write it down that in 50 years, Islam will spread throughout the UK, Insha-Allah. Muhammad Suleiman Faith: Write down that in three years’ time, there will be at least 250 ardent educated Ahmadis here and in 12 months, Miss Harvey will accept Ahmadiyyat. Brothers! After reading these cordial emotions and noble humour, I request you to question those who love Lahore and visitors of Peshawar (Peshor), whether these are the results of a deadly poison or an elixir? An interesting discussion Dr Ahmad Haley’s discussion with a priest: Priest: Are you not a Christian? Dr Sahib: I’m a Muslim Priest: Oh! You are a Muhammadan. Muhammad was a black man. Dr Sahib: Yes sir, and Jesus Christ was also a black man. A surprised lady Some days ago, when I went to Liverpool to see off Hazrat Mufti Sahib, I had the opportunity to carry out tabligh to a Canadian lady at the Lord Nelson Hotel. Beholding Ahmadi missionaries and hearing the true message, where this lady acknowledged the truth, she said the following words in surprise: “Is it not strange that we used to send missionaries to the East, but now you have come to make us Muslims from the East.” Jalsa in Hyde Park Last Sunday at 4:30pm, an open air meeting i.e. a Jalsa in the open was held at the gate of Hyde Park. Brother Muhammad Suleiman Faith made the following announcement in a loud voice, which God has given to this zealous youth: “Ladies and gentlemen! We are here today to proclaim that God is One, Muhammad is His messenger and that salvation is not dependent on anybody’s sacrifice, but rather on faith and good deeds. We announce that God has commissioned Ahmadas of Qadian as a prophet

Fighting Hunger this Ramadan

By Frasat Ahmad – Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, serving in USA Our world works in strange dichotomies and stark contrasts. Gluttony and starvation, for example, exist hand in hand today. In one part of the world, a plump child stuffing his mouth with food runs the risk of a plethora of health complications, while in another part of the world, a starving child with a skeletal body desperately desires food. Right now, 820 million people across the world are wondering where their next healthy meal will come from. Where does Ramadan fit into all of this? From today, hundreds of millions of Muslims will choose to forego their meals every day, from dawn to dusk, for a month, for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is upon us. As our stomachs singe in hunger, Muslims are reminded that hundreds of millions of starving souls are forced to feel this burn every single day, with no end in sight. Have you ever wondered why we are taught that the gates of Paradise are opened in Ramadan, whilst the gates to Hell are closed? Perhaps our paradise lies in putting ourselves through a form of temporary torment and putting ourselves in the shoes of those less fortunate.  We are taught that we can shield ourselves from Hell, even by giving half a date in charity. Muslims know well that the Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) generosity in Ramadan would gain the intensity of fierce wind. But are we putting this into practice? It is a powerful lesson to learn. As we unashamedly fill our plates to the brink with delicious food, we must remember those who haven’t even had a bite to eat in days. As we unbuckle our waist belts to give room to our bursting bellies, we must think about those who have to tighten their waist belts because they have no food to eat. And as they tighten their waist belts, we must not tighten our fists. It is what Prophet Muhammad (sa) taught. God Almighty will one day ask us, “O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. Did you not know that had you fed my servant, you would surely have found Me with him?” (Muslim) It is also what the Second Coming of Christ, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) taught: “You should show love and compassion to all people. Allah commands us to feed the hungry, free those shackled in bondage, pay off the arrears of those mired in debt, shoulder the burdens of others and fulfil the rights of sincere love owed to mankind.” These words must not fall upon deaf ears. Empty rituals to remain hungry will serve no good unless they are paired with practice. On 10th April, 2020 Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) stated: “For these are indeed the days to serve humanity; and as the Promised Messiah (as) has instructed, ‘You must inculcate within yourselves the spirit of compassion.’ Again, these are the days to serve humanity.” Thankfully, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide has not turned a blind eye to these instructions. Its USA Youth Association served more than 22,500 meals to the needy and helped 3,400 families with free food and medicine delivery in March alone. Its Youth Association in UK has thus far helped 5,800 households, providing them with food and medicine, alongside supporting 43 local councils, charities and food banks. And other countries are following suit. Pandemic or no pandemic, the followers of the Promised Messiah (as) will forever continue to “bandage the wounds of those in pain, to remove the anxieties of those who are distressed and to show love and compassion without any desire for recognition or worldly reward.”

A Conversation with Qamar Suleman sahib

By Abid Khan Introduction Over recent weeks, we have been told time and time again that we are living in ‘unprecedented times’. Despite the media’s propensity to exaggerate or sensationalise, this time their assertion feels right. Unlike Ebola or Zika or other viruses that caused panic and fear in recent years, Covid-19 has not been limited to a few nations or a particular region but has spread far and wide and, at the time of writing, is continuing to place much of the world in a state of paralysis. Speculative green shoots indicating light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel are slowly starting to emerge, wherein some countries are hopeful that the peak of the pandemic may have been reached. However, in reality, it is far too early to say and fears of a deadly second or third or even a fourth wave abound. The virus has also had substantial effect on the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Jamaat events have been cancelled or postponed across the world. We have entered Ramadan unable to visit our Mosques. Yet, with the Grace of Allah, the direct link of Ahmadi Muslims with Khilafat continues through Huzoor’s Friday Sermon, which continues to be broadcast on MTA International – albeit in an empty Mosque for the time being. Almost every Ahmadi I have spoken to has said they have learned, above all, during this period that we must never take the blessings of Allah the Almighty for granted ever again. Each year, at this time, many preparations for the Jalsa Salanas in the UK and Germany begin in earnest. Yet, currently it remains entirely unclear when or if it will be possible for them to take place. Time will tell. Till then, I wish to share some memories of last year’s Jalsa UK and Jalsa Germany in the coming weeks. I start with a conversation I had with Syed Qamar Suleman sahib, Wakil Waqf-e-Nau, who attended the 2019 Jalsa Salana UK as an official representative of Tehrik-e-Jadid Pakistan. As the son of (late) Sahibzada Mir Daud Ahmad sahib and (late) Sahibzadi Amatul Basit sahiba, Syed Qamar Suleman is a member of the family of the Promised Messiah (as) and the maternal grandson of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra). He is also the cousin of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). Qamar Suleman sahib, affectionately known as ‘Babbi’, to his friends and family, is also a relative – my Khaloo – the husband of my maternal aunt, Lubna Amatul Kabir, who also travelled to attend last year’s Jalsa. One of my earliest vivid childhood memories is of waking up one morning in the late 1980s to see my mother, (late) Sajida Hameed, panicked as news reached us that Khaloo Babbi had been shot by a burglar at his home in Rabwah. Thankfully, with the Grace of Allah, he recovered well. Furthermore, in the early 2000s, I spent some time with him during personal visits to Pakistan. In fact, he was the person who somehow persuaded me to take hold of a menacing looking snake and to abseil from a rather steep Rabwah mountain. Last summer, I took the opportunity to speak to him about his personal opportunities to observe Khilafat and some of the lessons he had learned during decades of service to the Jamaat. Childhood memories As we spoke, I asked Qamar Suleman sahib to share his memories of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) as a child. He told me how they had competed in Atfal competitions and how he remembered one particular competition about cleanliness in which Huzoor came first. He also reminisced about having had the opportunity to do overnight security duties with Huzoor in Rabwah during their late teenage years and early twenties. He told how he had been on walks with Huzoor to Ahmad Nagar, farmland near Rabwah, and how it would sometimes suddenly start pouring with rain. Instead of being perturbed, he told me that Huzoor would enjoy the rain even if he became drenched. As he told me these stories, I wished I could have been there as a boy to see and know Huzoor during his formative years. (Qamar Suleman sahib meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) in Canada 2016) Qamar Suleman sahib said: “During childhood I saw Huzoor a lot as our families were close relatives and neighbours. Huzoor’s defining feature at that time, which made him stand apart from other children, was that he was mature beyond his years and whatever task or job he was given he would take seriously and complete it with diligence. Unlike most teenagers or youngsters who get excited or do things in haste, I always found that Huzoor approached things in a calm and meticulous way. Furthermore, even in our childhood and teenage years, I always found that there was weight to the words of Huzoor, even though he was a young boy like us.” Qamar Suleman sahib continued: “I am not saying that Huzoor was always serious or reserved. In fact, he displayed a very good sense of humour but his jokes were always decent and would never cross the bounds of decency or appropriateness. Furthermore, unlike some other children, Huzoor never made a cruel joke or spoke in a way that could hurt the feelings of others. This was something that always marked him apart.”  A different relationship After listening to his youthful memories, I asked whether his relationship with Huzoor had changed with the progression of time. In answer, Qamar Suleman sahib said: “I continued to have the opportunity to spend time with Huzoor in the years after he returned to Pakistan from Ghana. For example, once we travelled together along with two other people from Rabwah to Sindh by train. It was an extremely enjoyable journey in which the four of us booked a carriage on the lower level of the train. I recall that a Jamaat Murrabi (Missionary) also happened to be on the train but he had booked a seat on the upper level. The Murrabi was rather heavy-set and

From the Brink of Death to Witnessing Almighty Allah and Being Granted a New Life

Part 1 – By Ibrahim Ikhlaf (life devotee of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) Introduction  Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand), our beloved master and guide is like a whole of which we are just a part. Indeed we will perish if we break away from him. I am unable to fully describe my suffering and the near-death experience I went through when I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a few weeks ago. I am extremely grateful to all our brothers and sisters who prayed earnestly for us. The prayers of all our brothers and sisters who are like the limbs of the body of Khilafat were heard, because Allah the Almighty responded and accepted the supplications of our Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand). Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand) supplicated earnestly and lo, Allah, the  Bestower of Life revived me from death and granted me a new life. During my illness, I deeply felt that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand) beseeched Allah the Almighty with such sincerity, love, faithfulness and unshakeable resolve that Allah the Supreme created the antidote and changed His Destiny. His will took on a different shape and the cool breeze of the Healer and Protector started to blow. Indeed, I blame myself for my ailment. On different occasions in the past has Huzoor told me: “Ikhlaf sahib, you seem not to sleep more than 3-4 hours; you have to sleep 6 hours as the body has a right over you. I am telling people to work and as far as you are concerned I am telling you to sleep; buy a sofa bed for your office, close the door and sleep in the afternoon for half an hour to one hour to complete the 6 hours!” Although by Allah’s Grace I am extremely obedient to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V’s (may Allah strengthen his hand) instructions, I somehow unconsciously and unintentionally continued to sleep 2, 3 or 4 hours maximum and worked around 18 or 19 hours daily.  Although my body is strong, it was impossible to maintain a strong immune system. “I was drowning” Some days before being admitted to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, I experienced some symptoms related to coronavirus, so I isolated myself completely. Every limb of my body was aching extremely. I could neither sit nor stand; I was extremely exhausted and gradually I started to wheeze. During the evenings I had a high temperature. My whole body would sweat and I started to feel drowsy and dizzy. In the meantime, my respected wife Reem also started to feel unwell and showed symptoms. We thought to ourselves: “Could this be the coronavirus? And if we are afflicted by COVID-19 then how will I disclose this?” This was because, unfortunately, some people considered this to be like the sign of the plague during the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him)’s lifetime. They assumed that one who gets infected is weak in faith. We prayed, cried and beseeched Allah the Almighty not to be afflicted with the coronavirus. While I isolated myself, I continued to perform my Jamaat work from home. However, the illness exacerbated and on Thursday morning I started coughing blood and had a fever reaching 40°C. Ultimately Allah the Almighty bestowed upon me such high resolve that I told my wife: “Whether it’s coronavirus or something else, it seems I can’t survive and I am about to leave this world; please call the ambulance and call respected brother Mian Waqas sahib (Sahibazada Mirza Waqas Ahmad) and tell him to humbly request Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba to pray for me.” Mian Waqas sahib later that day informed my wife that Huzoor is praying for Ibrahim. I was immediately admitted to the hospital where an X-ray and blood tests had been taken. Meanwhile, a throat swab was taken to detect for coronavirus. I informed brother Abid Khan sahib about my situation and he sent a text message informing me that Huzoor, not yet aware that I had COVID-19, was praying for me and recommended I should give Sadqa, while myself and my family should take homeopathy. This of course strengthened me and gave me hope. Throughout the day, my illness worsened as my lungs became filled with inflammatory material and were unable to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream, reducing the body’s ability to take on oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. It seems I ended up with severe respiratory conditions including pneumonia accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. I felt as if I was drowning and death was approaching me rapidly. As if the fever approaching 40°C was not yet enough, I discovered that the room temperature was extremely high as the nurses had forgotten to switch the heater off that was blowing hot air and I was unaware of it. I was gasping for air. In general, I love the weather around Fajr time as the level of oxygen is very high. I told the nurse to open the window and I felt the oxygen entering my lungs, which gave me some comfort. Beseeching the Almighty At that moment, I prayed fervently to Allah, while my eyes were filled with tears that coursed down my cheeks: “O, Allah the Most Supreme, throughout my life You saved me from all calamities. O, Allah, You know that I dedicated my Life to You and I am fully aware that You are my lifelong Friend Who has always been with me since childhood.  Because of my faith in the Promised Messiahas, the Imam and Prophet of our Age I, for Your sake, lost all my family members [with the exception of my mother and siblings who are Ahmadis]. “I was attacked once by 300 to 500 Sunnis in a mosque who severely beat me up and left me for dead because of my faith and You saved me. Moreover, there was once a conspiracy to kill me; someone attacked me, because of my faith, aiming with a brick to smash my head, but You made

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For more than one hundred years the Ahmadiyya Muslim community has been leading a peaceful revival of Islam. From the time it was founded in India in 1889 it has enjoyed an unrivalled record for peace and for its efforts to build cohesive societies.

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