AHMADIYYA OPENS ULTRA-MODERN MOSQUE IN APATA
– Lays foundation of two others in Ogun State It was a historic week for the Nigeria Branch of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Worldwide as its National Head (Amir), Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez commissioned a newly built ultra-modern Mosque in Apata (Oyo State) and a newly renovated one in Ilaro (Ogun State) respectively. The Apata Mosque was single-handedly sponsored by a family. It is a two-storey building with the ground floor set aside for ablution area and car park. It will be recalled that the foundation laying stone of the ultra-modern mosque was done in 21st March 2021, barely six months ago. At a go, the Mosque could accommodate about 500 worshippers. The same donor also completed the building of a mission house at Jankata (Apata) branch of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria. It is a well-structured three-bedroom (ensuite) apartment meant for a would-be missionary for the branch. Similarly, the National Head also commissioned a newly renovated Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Central Mosque at Igbogidi, Ilaro, Ogun State. The foundation stone of the Mosque was laid in 2001 after the plot of land was donated by Late Pa Ajayi in the year 2000. Prominent members of the Ahmadiyya Community in Ilaro contributed immensely to the successful construction of the place of worship. Barr. Alatoye, after praying fervently for the donors emphasized the importance of building mosques and mission houses, stressing that spiritual blessings and everlasting rewards from Almighty God are attached to the noble initiative. He said: “It’s more rewarding if we strive to build houses for Allah than constructing so much flats for worldly financial gains. Let us follow the footsteps of companions of the Holy Prophet who constructed buildings for the sake of Allah. We should also ensure that our Mosques are well structured and attractive than even our personal houses. “The roles of the youths in recent times towards the building of the Mosques and Mission Houses can not be over-emphasized. They are proving to be the backbone of the Ahmadiyya Community. May Allah continue to shower blessings on them.” FOUNDATION STONE LAYING OF TWO MOSQUES AT OGUN STATE In the same vein, the foundation stones of two ultra-modern Mosques were laid at Iyesi-Ijaba and Iju-Onibukun (Ogun State) branches of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The Amir enjoined members of the Islamic body to put their trust in Almighty God alone and strive to complete the projects in no time, not minding the economic challenges facing the nation. “It is a known fact that the nation is presently facing serious economic challenges, but we should not be bothered. We are only experiencing trying times. Almighty Allah will always pave way for his people. Let us have the mindset of completing these projects soon,” Barr. Alatoye advised. AMIR INSPECTS ONGOING MISSION HOUSE PROJECT AT SABO, ILARO On the way back to the National Secretariat in Lagos State, the National President and his entourage inspected the ongoing mission house project at Sabo-Ilaro. The project is a storey-building. The Amir led a special prayer at the site. WORKING VISITS TO EDE, EJIGBO The National Head further made short trips to Ede and Ejigbo branches of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria to inspect landed properties, ongoing projects and familiarise with members of the community. In his address, Barrister Alatoye urged all and sundry to always display the good qualities of Ahmadi members and serve as role models to non-members in a bid to win more souls into the religious body. “Let me use this medium to request our teeming members to exhibit true teachings of Islam. We must work on our morals and characters such that outsiders will be willing to join the Ahmadiyya train. Let us convert people with the best of behaviors and good neighborliness,” the Amir posited. WORKING VISITS TO EJIGBO
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria Statement on Nigeria @ 61
The entire members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria thank Almighty Allah for the survival of Nigeria as a country and its people to date. We rejoice with Nigerians home and abroad on the celebration of the 61st independence anniversary. The Jama’at salutes the fighting spirits of Nigerians in the face of daunting challenges in the socio-economic, political and technological spheres. Let me make it abundantly clear that Islam as a religion has no room for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killing of human being, extortion of any kind or any act of wickedness against another fellow human being especially the aged, women and children. It is rather regrettable that despite the abundance human and material resources at our disposal, the country is wallowing in abject poverty, unemployment and under development due to lack of value system. Accordingly, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria urge Nigerians and government to renew our faith in the unity of purpose, peaceful coexistence and progress of the country. Pointedly, we are calling for political solutions to all agitations from contending groups. We believe if there is justice devoid of pretence and deceits, we are stronger as a country than smaller units. We advise our President, General Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, as a father for all to call all leaders of the agitators, some opinion leaders and leading traditional rulers to a crucial meeting to fashion the best peaceful and meaningful way forward. This needs to be done as urgently as possible. The Jama’at is equally worried over political developments in the country towards the build up to the 2023 general elections especially assassinations and attempted assassinations. We call on political parties to resolve their differences through an internal resolution mechanism. Politics should be taken as service to the people and not as a business of seizing power to make money through do-or-die means. Specifically, we advise that the electoral law under review should be looked at from transparent, reliable and beneficial ways. We join the call for the electronic transmission of election results in the interest of fair play and the best utilization of technology. The Jama’at noticed the spirited efforts of the government to tackle insecurity across the land. We believe the perpetrators of evil and crimes against humanity must be named, shamed, and face the wrath of the law. We pray fervently for a new order and more prosperous years ahead for Nigeria. Signed Alatoye Folorunso Azeez Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria
AHMADIYYA CONTINUES TO RECORD GIANT STRIDES FOR ISLAM AS WORLD KHALIFA OF THE COMMUNITY GIVES 2021 ANNUAL GLOBAL REPORT OF ACHIEVEMENTS
The Khalifatul Masih V and Supreme World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) has delivered a faith-inspiring address in which his holiness reported the annual progress and achievements of the Community on August 7th, the second day of the ongoing Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) UK 2021. At around 5pm, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V (aa) arrived at the main Jalsa Gah (Convention ground) mounted the podium and conveyed his salaam to everyone. He then delivered his historic address where he highlighted the milestones of the global achievements recorded by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Addressing the thousands of members of the Community at the convention, his holiness said, ‘in this session, I usually recount some of the blessings of Allah the Exalted upon the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, that we see and experience throughout the year. Despite only summaries being prepared of these blessings, I will only be able to present a portion of some of the facts and figures. Establishment of new Chapters [Jamaats]: By the grace of Allah the Exalted, this year, apart from Pakistan, 403 new chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community were established. In addition to these new Jamaats, the seed of Ahmadiyyat was planted in 829 locations for the first time, which means that a few or a couple of Ahmadis have entered the Jamaat in those locations. Nigeria is on top of the list of those countries where new Jamaats have been established. There, 89 new Jamaats have been established over the past years. Then, there are other countries of Africa and Europe. With relation to incidents of the establishment of new Jamaats, the missionary-in-charge of São Tomé reports that only three Islands of the country of São Tomé are inhabited. Jamaats have been established in the Islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and mosques have also been constructed there. By the Grace of Allah, this year, the Jamaat was also established on the third Island by the grace of Allah. Our missionaries went there. They preached and as a result of their preaching, ten Christians converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat. It is a small island with a population of less than a hundred. The missionary in Tanzania writes that some of our missionaries went to one of the villages of the country and they preached and propagated the faith. The people in the locality listened to the message of the Community very attentively and 60 people entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Upon this, the local imam phoned them and said that your people are coming here and creating disorder and people from amongst my community are entering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The imam started arguing with the local Ahmadi missionary and he said, what are you doing, trying to convert people from my locality? Because of course, the Muslim clerics are always concerned about losing their people as they earn their bread through those people. So, our Ahmadi missionary started preaching to that imam. As a result of the debate with the local imam, the people gathered there and started listening to the debate and thirty further people entered into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. That Sunni imam is sitting in his mosque idle because only a handful of people come to his mosque, whereas hundred or close to hundred people have formed a new chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community on that area and the nizam of the Community is established. In Guinea Conakry, the clerics of the Islamic League had threatened the local people of a village with regard to Ahmadis, saying that Ahmadis were disbelievers, God forbid. They said that Ahmadis did not have any relation with Islam and so people should not listen to them. However, when the message of the Promised Messiah (as) was preached to them and they were told of the prophecies related to the Latter-Day Messiah and Imam Mahdi, the entire village along with the local imam accepted Ahmadiyyat. The system of the Jamaat has now been established there. However the clerics of the Islamic organisation kept threatening the local villagers, they said that they had found new pleasure in their prayers, which they were unaware of before accepting Ahmadiyyat and that they would remain steadfast on this path. Establishment of new Mosques: In terms of the establishment of new mosques, which includes mosques that the Jamaat constructed as well as those that came into the possession of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community during the year, their number is 211. Ghana is on top of the list with most mosques being constructed there. Then, there are also other countries. In Belize, the first Ahmadiyya mosque has been constructed, which spans over an area of two acres and has a capacity of 220 worshippers. Its foundation was laid in December 2019. It is a very beautiful mosque. It has a mission house, the missionary’s office, a library as well as a guest room. There are two highways that go out from Belize City, one going towards Mexico and the other one towards Guatemala. This Noor Mosque is located on the highway that goes towards Guatemala. It is located at a distance of two miles from the city’s centre. After the mosque in Guatemala, this is the second purpose-built mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Central America. For the construction of this mosque, three brothers from Canada went there to volunteer. They also participated considerably in the construction of another mosque in Canada. These are Mansoor Sahib, Manzoor Sahib, Fareed Sahib and Mudassir Sahib. In any case, they went to Belize and worked towards the construction of the mosque. At first, the construction was estimated to cost 2.5 million US dollars. In the end, it only cost 125,000 US dollars as a result of these voluteers’ efforts. The local people also offered significant sacrifices for this project. In Zion, in the United States of America, there was a plan to construct a monument. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Zion wanted to make a
Ahmadiyya New Clinic in Kano Underway
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria has commenced the building of another Clinic in Kano for more improved health care services to the people of the State. The foundation laying ceremony was performed by His Royal Highness, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Emir of Kano, the Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, and the representative of Kano state Governor, the Commissioner of Health at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at complex along Zaria Road opposite the Kano Economic City. Once the new Clinic is completed, kano state will have three medical facilities and two schools for the overall benefit of the populace. Historically, the Foundation stone of the first Ahmadiyya Clinic in Kano was laid by late Royal Highness Alhaji Ado Bayero on 28 Dec 1968. It has now been upgraded to Ahmadiyya Hospital Kano. Before that, on 14 October 1967, Alhaji Aminu Kano; who was then the Federal Commissioner for Telecommunication visited Ahmadiyya Dispensary Apapa under the management of Retried Lt. Col Dr. M Y Shah described the activities of the Dispensary as “Wonderful work for humanity and peace.” On 19 February 1974, His Excellency, Alhaji Audu Bako, the Executive Governor of Kano State laid the foundation of Ahmadiyya College in Kano when Maulana Ajmal Shaid was the Amir of Nigeria. He was present at the occasion. This Secondary School has attracted many local and international awards to Kano through academic and sports laurels. Ahmadiyya Understanding of Islam The Amir, Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez used the occasion to reiterate the essence of understanding Islam from the perspective of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to the effect of service to humanity in all ramifications. He stated that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believed that Almighty Allah sends the Holy Prophet Muhammad as a mercy unto mankind. Therefore, in addition to upholding the five pillars of Islam and six articles of faith, a Muslim preoccupation is to be a mercy unto mankind by making life easier for them, to serve Allah in an atmosphere of peace. Accordingly, the Jamaat has a Non-Governmental Organization called Humanity First whose preoccupation include: 1. Global Health for all by building Hospitals and Clinics 2. Knowledge for All by building Schools 3. Orphanage Care 4. Water for life 5. Gift of Sight 6. Food security 7. Refugee Resettlement 8. Community Care; and 9. Disaster Relief. He noted that Humanity First through the present Medical Director of Ahmadiyya Hospital Kano has treated thousands of people on the “Gift of Sight “ scheme free of charge. Similarly, through the Principal of Ahmadiyya College Kano, Humanity First had sunk many boreholes in the suburb of Kano metropolis to provide drinkable water to those environments. Barrister Alatoye equally said that the Founder of Ahmadiyya Community laid emphasis on Islam as a religion of peace, hence the current Khalifa, spiritual head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community globally is preoccupied with how the world will achieve global peace and has made several tours before the Covid 19. Nigeria was one of the countries on the list before the outbreak, hence the visit was halted. His key message during the tours is how the world will embrace justice and peace and he has written many books on this. The Amir appreciated the cordial relationship among the Palace, the Kano State at large, and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for the realization of sustainable developments through the provisions of a Hospital, equipped with ultra-modern facilities, unique primary and secondary schools, and now a new clinic in Kano alone. Both the Emir of Kano and the Kano state government equally appreciated the gestures of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria.
2021 EID-UL-ADHA MESSAGE: OBEDIENCE TO THE WILL OF ALLAH – THE PEAK OF SACRIFICE
Ashhadu anlaa ilaha illallah wahdahu laasharikalahu wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan Abduhu warasuluhu. Ama’bad fauzubilliahi minashaitaani rajeem, bismillahi Rahmani Raheem. What is Eid-ul-Adha Eid-ul-Adha is a “feast of sacrifice” or submission to the wishes or will of Allah celebrated on the 10th day of Dhul Hijja or the 12 Lunar month. It means total submission to what Allah wants or wishes or will or directs. It has two components. The smaller component is the sacrifice or killing of ram. This smaller one reminds us annually or points to a bigger sacrifice. The bigger sacrifice is the sacrifice of one wishes, will, passion, ego, and pride for the wish of Allah which is very difficult. To surrender one’s disobedient tendencies, passion for greed, or selfishness for the instructions of Allah is very difficult except for the righteous or God-fearing. Elements of Sacrifices All praise belongs to Almighty Allah who has made us witness the 2021 Eid-ul-Adha or feast of sacrifice amidst various global and national challenges. This requires a high level of spirit of obedience to Allah. Without the spirit of respect, the spirit of obedience would not work. Without the spirit of humility, neither spirit of respect nor obedience will work. And without the spirit of righteousness or godliness, one cannot be humble. These are essential components of sacrifice. You cannot offer acceptable sacrifice without being righteous. Allah will not accept it. It is not all sacrifices that Allah accepts. In Suratul Maidah 5. 28 – Almighty Allah says that: ‘………….Allah accepts only from the righteous.” اِنَّمَا یَتَقَبَّلُ اللّٰہُ مِنَ الۡمُتَّقِیۡنَ…. Origin of Eid-ul-Adha Sacrifice Eid-ul-Adha or the festival of Sacrifice commemorates the obedience of Hazrat Ibrahim (as) and his son Hazrat Ismail(as) to the commandment of Allah. Hazrat Ibrahim(as) had a series of dreams in which he saw himself sacrificing his eldest son Ismail. He inferred that it was perhaps the will of God that he should sacrifice the life of his son. Hazrat Ibrahim(as), being most obedient to God, was about to sacrifice the life of his son Ismail, when God commanded him to stop and gave him the good news that he had indeed fulfilled His command. God was so pleased with Ibrahim because of his obedience that He multiplied his progeny into billions. He was also given the great honour of being the forefather of the Holy Prophet of Islam(sa). Those who are able to offer the sacrifice should remember the significance of doing so, as succinctly stated in chapter 22:38 of the Holy Qur’an: Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus has He subjected them to you, that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.” The act of sacrifice is symbolically reminding the person who offers it that as the animal is inferior to him so he, also, is inferior to God and should, therefore, be ready to sacrifice himself and all his personal interests and inclinations for the sake of God when he is required to do so. The same applies to a Muslim who desired to offer the sacrifice but could not, for economic reasons. The attainment of righteousness should be the goal of every Muslim. The Holy Quran further states: Verily the most honourable among you in the sight of Allah is the one who is most righteous among you. (49:40) Eid-ul-Adha is an occasion on which Muslims everywhere are encouraged to renew their commitment to making every kind of sacrifice for the spiritual, moral, social, and economic uplift of mankind and especially their own. If they make it a common cause and strive to manifest in themselves the attributes of God in accordance with the teachings and guidance of the Holy Quran and teachings of the Holy Prophet then, indeed, the message of Eid-ul-Adha would have borne fruit. Referring to attaining Taqwa and excelling in spirituality, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Promised Messiah(as) said that we should love Allah as if we have died in His way. Just as we slaughter animals, we should consider ourselves slaughtered in the way of Allah. When anyone’s Taqwa is less than this, then it is not a sufficient level of Taqwa. The significance of Eid-ul-Adha is obedience to the will of Allah and killing or suppression of one passion or greed. The current World-wide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in His Message of Eid-ul Adha said that “It is a reminder that one should sacrifice oneself for a greater good. This greater good that a Muslim should always be ready to sacrifice oneself for is the Almighty God, by way of sacrificing their time, wealth, honour, and life.” He further said “Understanding the true spirit of sacrifice is even more important in this day and age where some nations are usurping the rights of others; where the blood of human beings is being wasted for minor worldly goals. On the Eid Day – Remembrance and Gratitude – Eid Ground and Covid-19 Remembrance of Allah and gratitude to Him is the hallmark of that day. There is the exaltation of Allah to and from the Eid praying ground. One significant aspect of Eid-ul-Adha is the slaughtering of animals. On the day of Eid those Muslims who can afford to sacrifice an animal are enjoined to do so after Eid Prayer. However, this aspect should not be taken as a do-or-die affair. The offering of animal as a sacrifice is only incumbent upon those who can afford to do so. With the prevailing increase in prices of all consumables including animals, many Muslims may not be able to buy rams for the Eid. The Almighty Allah knows our individual capacity and does not burden us beyond it. No Muslim should resort to un-Islamic means to offer this sacrifice. We are grateful to Allah who out of His infinite mercy has given us the privilege to witness this year’s Eid-ul-Adha. We are
AHMADIYYA GRADUATES NINE MISSIONARIES
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Nigeria Branch has graduated nine (9) Missionaries at its School of Theology (Jamiatul-Mubashireen) located at Ilaro, Ogun State. The graduands who had successfully completed their four-year programmes comprised of five (5) Nigerians, three (3) Beninoise, and one Cameroonian. Their names are Adeyemi Habeebullah (Nigeria), Apooyin Abdulroqeeb (Nigeria), Gongola Abbas (Nigeria), Badrudeen Abdul Azeez (Nigeria); Ajakaye Mujtaba (Nigeria); Hafiz Ayeroumi Abdul Kabir (Benin Republic); Hafiz Ibrahim Shafii’ (Benin Republic); Isa Alabi Mustapha (Benin Republic) and Nuhu Yusuf Baba (Cameroon). Alhaji Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the National Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria who was the Chairman of Convocation Ceremony enjoined the newly graduated Missionaries to live up to expectation by displaying attributes and characters of a true reformer. Barrister Alatoye also urged the new Missionaries to always upgrade themselves morally and educationally by making researches and professing solutions to world crises. He added that it can only be possible through fervent prayers. “Today, I congratulate you all on your well-deserved convocation ceremony after four years of rigorous training at Jamiatul-Mubashireen. You have all chose to be reformers, therefore you should always display good attributes of reformers. Your work is a blessed and professional one. It has both worldly and divine rewards. You are on the track to teach the people to be Godly.” “Missionaries are researchers. You are expected to research on lasting solutions to the challenges facing the world. You must then support your solutions with prayers.” “You must preach with the goodness of your behaviors. Also train and retrain yourselves to be better. Always follow the right path and guard against evils from money and women. Above all, go to the field to reform the people with good characters and prayers,” the Amir stated. The National Head also sounded a note of warning to Jamia students generally in respect to the rules and regulations of the institution. His word: “The aim of the institution is to produce reformers of good repute and proud ambassadors of Ahmadiyya Community. Any candidate coming to Jamia must be steadfast, God-fearing and upright. We can’t afford to produce unfit missionaries to the society.” “When you are opportuned to be in Jamiatul-Mubashireen, do not attempt to violate the rules and regulations, the punishment is very stiff. Please follow all the rules guiding the institution.” The Acting Missionary Incharge, Maulvi Abid Abdul Waasi enjoined graduands to always request His Holiness for prayers and seek for his guidance on all their daily routines. Certificates of Excellence were later given to the graduating students. Academic and sporting event prizes were also presented to outstanding students. Prominent among the guests include the National leader Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Elders’ Forum of Ahmadiyya Community), Alhaji Abdul Waheed Adeoye and National leader Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Youth Wing), Dr. Sanni Taofeeq.
REMINISCING MY QADIAN JALSA EXPERIENCE
Maulvi Nurudeen Okubena By the special grace and mercy of the Almighty Allah, I was privileged to attend the 2018 Jalsa Salana Qadian, India. It was actually my first presence and experience in Qadian, the birthplace of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), the Promised Messiah and founder of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. As an African Missionary leaving the shores of Africa for the first time, I was filled with happiness and a great aspiration to see Qadian. On arriving at Qadian after a journey of several hours on road from New Delhi, and despite witnessing such cold weather for the first time in my life, the sight of Qadian was indeed pleasing and I was more pleased when I saw more than thirty (30) fellow Africans at the Conference with a very high spirit and great enthusiasm to participate in all the Jalsa proceedings. I was exceptionally marvelled with the spirit of brotherhood at the Jalsa and, most especially, with the high spirit of sacrifice displayed by the workers at the Convention. Both the young and old were always ready to offer every sacrifice for the comfort of the guests of the Promised Messiah (as). The volunteers on security duties were always there at every moment, even in the extreme cold of the night. May Allah reward them all abundantly. One great thing about Qadian was that everyone meets each other with cheerfulness and happiness. Most especially when some of our Indian/Pakistani brothers realised that an African Missionary, like myself, could speak and understand the language of the Promised Messiah (as); they all showed great love and affection. Another wonderful scenario I witnessed at Qadian was that, despite the extreme cold weather, you would find people very early in the dawn trooping in large numbers to participate in the Tahajjud (the supererogatory night Prayer). I could remember that while there, I tried on so many occasions to observe prayers at the Mubarak Mosque but, on every occasion, I was told the place is filled up. However, I eventually had the opportunity to do so. Alhamdulillāh! It was indeed pleasing to have the opportunity to pray at Baitu Dua, Baitul fikr and several other rooms of the Promised Messiah (as). One surprising fact is the enthusiasm and zeal in every attendee to get an opportunity to pray in these holy rooms, and one could see a feeling of contentment and conviction of acceptance of prayers in the countenance of everyone who had had the opportunity of praying there. While in Qadian, considering the distance we traversed to reach there, one thing that always struck my mind was how the message of the Promised Messiah (as) was able to spread from such a remote village to the entire world. This, therefore, further strengthened my conviction that he, indeed, was a Chosen One of the Almighty Allah. Another striking thing about Qadian is the feeling of tranquillity one experiences while there. One always feels secured in Qadian. And, even, adherents of other faiths who live nearby do how high level of love and affection to all Jalsa attendees. Also, witnessing the presence of the attendees at Jalsa who have traveled from different parts of the world, I could see the fulfilment of the prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiah that: يأتيك من كل فج عميق That is, “He shall come to you from every far region.” I was able to meet people from virtually all the continents of the world and everyone displayed a great level of love for the other. I was extremely pleased with the various speeches at the event. The facilitators were versatile and learned and the speeches were really soul inspiring. Qadian is a place to be visited by all, to experience the bounty and favours bestowed by Allah to the Imam of the Age. May the Almighty Allah give us all the grace to do so. Aameen Maulvi Nurudeen Okubena Head of Programming, MTA Africa, Nigeria Studios
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.
