BLOOD DONATION: AHMADI YOUTHS KEEP REDEFINING ISLAM
AbdulQadir Olanrewaju The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Organization (Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya) Oyo State continues her welfare service by coming out immensely to mark her first quarter of blood donation exercise for the year 2021 which was held on the 27th March 2021 at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Ibadan. Having known as the largest blood donor group, the organization which was led by the State Coordinator, Mr. Muftau Hussein donated a total of 142 pints of blood in aim to keep upholding the “give blood, save lives” mantra as part of her efforts to help people in need and a way of preaching the motto of her community “love for all, hatred for none”. Humanitarian services have been of high regard and integral part of her faith as all kinds of services that promote peace and goodness are what Islam enjoins and what its peaceful teachings detail. The Donors consist of members from her seven branches in ibadan which are Akinyele, Omi Adio, Coca Cola, Ibadan, Apata, Oluyole/Ona Ara and Monatan.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria Holds Tabligh Summit
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria has held a Tabligh Summit at Monatan, Ibadan. The Summit, which was chaired by the Amir sahib Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alh. (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez sahib, was to discuss the effectiveness of Tabligh, impact of Tarbiyyat on Tabligh, Retention of Nao Mubain, and Operations of Tabligh teams. The summit was attended by the Missionary in Charge, the Naib Amir Finance and Admin, the General Secretary of the Jama’at, the Sadr of Majlis Ansarullah amd Khudammul Ahmadiyya, The National Tabligh Secretary, Circuit Presidents, Central Missionaries, Circuit Missionaries of the South western states. The attendees of the summit had the opportunity to ask questions, and suggest possible solutions to various challenges. All questions and suggestions were attended to by the Amir sahib and resolutions were made through which a communique would be prepared and shared for implementation by the Jama’at.
AHMADIYYA OPENS ULTRA-MODERN MOSQUE IN BADAGRY
Condemns Owo Massacre in Strong Terms It was a huge landmark and historic day on Sunday, 19th June 2022 as the National Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barr. Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez commissioned an Ultra-Modern Central Mosque at Ajagamibo Avenue, Aradagun Badagry in Lagos State. The worship centre was built with state-of-the-art facilities, tiled both within and outside, embedded with good-looking minarets, and surrounded by attractive flowers in a serene and spacious environment. Ahmadiyya Mosque Baitul-Fatah, at Ajagamibo Avenue, Iworo/Ajido Road, Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State Named ‘Baitul-Fatah Mosque’, the place of worship can easily accommodate over 600 worshippers at once. The foundation of the Mosque was first laid in October 1980 by the then head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, His Eminence Ajmal Shaheed Ahmad. The foundation stone was re-laid on Saturday 19th February 2022 by the Badagry Branch President of the Muslim Organization, Pa. M.B Okubena. Hence the mosque project was completed in a record four-month. The Mosque was built and donated by one of the blessed families of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Popoola family in honor of their late father Alhaj Abdul Fatah Atanda Popoola who was a staunch and devoted member till his demise in 1982. L-R: Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. Addur Roqib Akinyemi; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B; Alhaji Adegbola Ismail; Bro Ojo Abdul Waheed,; Alhaji Lakunle Bello and others welcome Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque at Aradagun, Badagry. Picture 1: Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez planting a tree, at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State. Picture 2&3: Amir, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez led the prayer, with him, Naib Amir Finance&Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. Addur Roqib Akinyemi; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B and others. Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez (5th left) led prayer, with him, Naib Amir Finance&Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Adeoye Abdul Waheed; Former Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Al-Hassan; Circuit President Badagry, Pa Okubena M.B; Guest lecturer, Missionary Olowonmi; Pa Popoola and others. In his address, the National Head of the Muslim organization lauded the initiatives of the Popoola family, stressing the importance of Mosque building and its aftermath rewards in the hereafter. He added that all places of worship must be sacred centres void of evil acts. Alhaji Alatoye further admonished worshippers to always have pure and sincere minds when observing prayers in Mosques as this is pleased with Almighty God. Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez welcome Oba Abdurrahman Ogabi Aradagun Ibeke at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State. Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez welcome Oloye Falola, Bale Aradagun, at the commissioning of Baitul-Fatah Mosque Aradagun, Badagry, Lagos State. “THE REWARDS FOR BUILDING MOSQUES IN HONOR OF OUR LATE LOVED ONES ARE IN MULTITUDES. IT IS A LIFE-TIME REWARD. THE INITIATIVE OF THE POPOOLA FAMILY IS HEREBY COMMENDABLE”. “We must worship in the Mosque with our hearts filled with love, kindness, and piety. Everything we do in the Mosque must be Godly. May Allah accepts our sincere prayers,” he prayed. Guest lecturer, Missionary Olowonmi Abdul-Qahhar; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez; Naib Amir Finance/Admin. Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Oloye Falola, Bale Aradagun and others. Owo Massacre highly condemnable Alhaji Alatoye also used the opportunity to, once again, condemn in strong terms, the brutal attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State. He stated: “It is difficult to believe any group of individuals could have the audacity to attack a place of worship filled with human beings who were gathered to worship God, the Almighty. This is the peak of an affront against God and man that will never go unpunished. There is no absolutely no justification whatsoever for any group of people to engage themselves in such a callous and dastard act.” “Even in the face of a defensive response to an act of war, the Holy Quran expressly forbids believers from attacking places of worship, children, women, and priests.” The Amir further informed that the youths of the organization joined others in donating blood to the surviving victims of the barbaric attacks. He thus urged the police force to fish out all the perpetrators and their masterminds and made them to face the full wrath of the law for their devilish acts.
AMJN National Exhibition 2022
Welcome to National Exhibition 2022 It was Sara Sheridan who wrote: “Without archives, many stories of real people would be lost, and along with those stories, vital clues that allow us to reflect and interpret our lives today.” It is with this huge sense of preserving history that the Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria presents to the public an Exhibition titled: “National Exhibition 2022”. The theme of the program is “Islam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Prints and Visuals”. For full details pls follow this link NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2022
AIMAAN Holds U-18 Taekwondo Open Championship
AHMADIYYA INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (AIMAAN) IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAGOS STATE TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION HOSTS THE 3RD AIMAAN UNDER -18 TAEKWONDO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (EKO 2022). The Ahmadiyya International Martial Arts of Nigeria (AIMAAN) U-18 3rd Taekwondo Open Championship was held on the 1st of October 2022, at Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State. The One-day championship featured numerous athletes from different states, notable people from different Taekwondo Associations in the country and several Taekwondo clubs. The first U-18 AIMAAN Open Championship was held in 2017 at Ojokoro, Lagos state. The second edition was held in 2019 at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State with a total number of 96 athletes from 3 states and 7 clubs, and 10 officials. The third edition hosted a total number of 260 athletes from 6 states and 19 clubs with quality officiating by 45 Taekwondo officials. The championship could not hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the Global pandemic crises (COVID -19) that ravaged the world. The event which was organized by AIMAAN under the coordination of Majlis Khuddam-ul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (MKAN) was done to give a sense of self-esteem, knowledge of self-defense, heightened mental and physical well-being of the athletes. Most importantly, AIMAAN U-18 Open Championship featured athletes from different clubs and schools in Nigeria, numerous national and regional academies and martial arts organizations including Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College (NTBBC), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria (MKAN), Majlis Ansarullah of Nigeria (MAAN). All athletes arrived at the stadium at exactly 6:00am, just like any other Taekwondo competitions, the athletes were weighed, and the competition started at exactly 8:00am. The dignitaries at the event were Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Alh. (Barr) Alatoye Folorunsho Abdul Azeez, Sadr MKA Nigeria Mr. Abdur Roqib Akinyemi, Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Chairman (Master Jimmy Ogunnowo), Lagos State Taekwondo Coach (Master Peace Ogunnowo), NTBBC Vice President GM Abdul Muhmeen (Big Abdul), NTF Vice President GM Tayo Popoola, GM Rafiu Ibrahim (King) among others. 260 athletes from 8 states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kebbi, Ondo, Kwara, Osun and the FCT) participated in the Championship with over 200 spectators within and outside Lagos state came to grace the AIMAAN U-18 3rd Open Championship. Winners of competitions in different categories were given medals and certificates. PHOTO NEWS
REMEMBRANCE ( ALHAJI ISA ADEITE OLANREWAJU OLAYINKA 1930-2022)
Innalillahi Wainna ilayhi rojiun. We remember our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Alhaji (Prince) Isa Adeite Olanrewaju Olayinka today as always. It is exactly 20 years today (29th October 2002) that you left this world and passed on to glory. (1930 – 2022) A pioneer member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Mushin Branch & Palmgrove zone. A Builder of high repute, A Philanthropist, A Family Pivotal & A great Achiever. Alhaja Sabitiu Olaide Olayinka – WIFE CHILDREN Mrs. Sikirat Folayemisi Akinsanya – France Mr. Abdul Yakeen Oladele Olayinka – Lagos Mainland Circuit President Mr. Abdul Fatah Owolabi Olayinka – Odogbolu Jama’at President Mr. Tajudeen Adebukonla Olayinka – Idimu Jama’at Umur Amma Officer Mrs. Nurullah Omobolanle Zubair – Lajna President Ajido Muqami, Badagry Circuit Mrs. Khadijat Gbeminiyi Ghazal – Agunfoye Jama’at Member Bro. Sulaiman Olanshile Olayinka – Deceased Mr. Hussein Taiwo Olayinka – France Mrs. Husseinat Kehinde Olayinka – United Kingdom. Sunre ooo Lanrewaju omo Lubu, Omooba Moloda Agada L’Odogbolu.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds UK Islamic Conference
The 2022 annual Islamic Conference (Jalsa Salana) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, holds on 5th to 7th August in Islamabad, Alton, UK. Due to COVID-19 constraints, the event is not open to external guests across the world, except for selected leaders of the Ahmadiyya Community and those residents in the UK. The Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Azeez Folorunso is among the special dignitaries attending the conference in London. However, members of the public are welcomed to join live proceedings of the programme which can be watched at various homes and Ahmadiyya mosques across the world via the Community’s satellite television channel, the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, (MTA International) Also, Murhi International Television, MITV, and Gaskiya Cable TV will join other 20 television channels across Africa to broadcast the Islamic Conference live for three days. In Nigeria, the Ahmadiyya Headquarters’ Central Mosque at Ojokoro, Lagos, and others across the country will play hosts to members and guests for the three-day proceedings. According to the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (as), the primary purpose of the Islamic Convention, which commenced since 1891 in Qadian, India, but now spread across the world, is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits, enhance their knowledge, promote mutual understanding and strengthen fraternal ties within the Islamic Community. He said the gathering is not an ordinary human assembly, but a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine Help for the propagation of Islam, translating to an affirmative action the declaration contains in Quran chapter 4 verse 115 that, “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men. And whoso does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall soon bestow on him a great reward.” The high points of the gathering are addresses to be delivered by the Supreme World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hazrat Masr r Ahmad, khalifatul Masih, V, goodwill messages from world leaders, prominent scholars, and very important guests for three days, and the global acceptance of new members and renewal of commitment to Islam and e Ahmadiyya community – “the Global Bai’at”, a tradition noted in Islam – that will be performed by His Holiness on Sunday. Other soul-inspiring topical issues in Islam and the global progress report of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will also feature during the conference. The live streaming of the Conference proceedings can also be watched or followed on the social media platforms such as www.alislam.org, www.mta.tv/africa, www. Youtube.com/africa Facebook Twitter, and Instagram. You can listen to online radio proceedings in www.voiceofislam.org Qasim Akinreti Ph.D Head, Media Team, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria
Eid al-Adha Sermon Summary 10th July 2022: ‘Attaining the True Spirit of Sacrifice of Abraham (as)’
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said: The Sacrifice of Abraham (as) & the Sign of God Almighty’s Promise By the grace of Allah we are celebrating the day of Eid al-Adha, that is the festival of sacrifice. During this celebration we commemorate the sacrifice of a father, mother and a son, which took place over a thousand years ago. It was the sacrifice of Abraham (as) who left his wife and child in a barren wilderness, solely because it was the instruction of God Almighty. The level of faith displayed by his wife when she came to know this was from His Lord was unwavering, as she was sure that He would take care of them. Indeed, Allah Almighty provided everything that they required, and this became the start of a new population. His Holiness (aba) said that every year now millions of people travel to that place which was once barren, but is now a sign of the promise of God Almighty. Furthermore, from the progeny came the greatest of all prophets, the Prophet Muhammad (sa) who was sent as a warner and bearer of glad tidings for the entire world. He showed the world the manner in which one ought to commemorate the great sacrifice of Abraham (as) and his family, and so Muslims all around the world display their love for God Almighty and sacrifice for his sake because of this. Uniting under the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as) His Holiness (aba) then said that other than Islam there is no religion in the world, the followers of which are truly acting upon the teachings brought by their founder or prophet. There is no revealed book which remains in its pristine form, other than the Holy Qur’an. His Holiness (aba) said that even if many followers of Islam fail to act upon the true teachings of the Qur’an, Allah Almighty will always raise people who will follow it as is required. Thus in accordance with His promise, Allah Almighty sent the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as) to complete the propagation of his religion. He came and challenged the entire world to bring forth any teachings which can compare to the Holy Qur’an, yet no one was able to do so successfully. His Holiness (aba) explained that the Promised Messiah (as) came to show the world once again the true teachings of Islam, and to save the people from their self-concocted customs and innovations which were leading them away from the true spirit of Islam. Yet, instead of showing gratitude to God Almighty for this immense blessing, it is regretful to see that the Muslim world became staunch in their opposition to this appointee of Allah. Rather than uniting under this leader, Muslims are fighting amongst themselves, issuing edicts against each other and looting one another. His Holiness (aba) said that this Islam that they are presenting is not the true Islam. True Islam is of peace, love and harmony. Celebrating True Eid by Spreading the Message of Peace & Accepting Promised Messiah (as) His Holiness (aba) said that Abraham (as) prayed to God that the land becomes a place of peace and security, hence, the Muslims should realise that if they associate themselves with this holy precinct, and wish for this promise to be fulfilled, then they must harbour love, peace and harmony in their hearts rather than fight amongst themselves. Rather than opposing the Promised Messiah (as) who appeared in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet (sa) and committing injustices against his community, the Muslim world must celebrate the true Eid by spreading the message of peace and by joining his community. If they do not do so, then they can celebrate thousands of Eids and perform as many pilgrimages as they like, their Eids and pilgrimages will be that of those who oppose the teachings of Allah Almighty. The Correct Way of Commemorating the Sacrifice His Holiness (aba) stated that one should ponder as to whether the sacrifices of the Muslims can even gain any acceptance by Allah if they continue to commit grave injustices and perpetrate such persecution. What’s more, in certain areas of Pakistan announcements have been made that no Ahmadi is allowed to perform any sacrifice during the three days of Eid, be it for any reason. His Holiness (aba) said that when circumstances reach such a point then Allah Almighty also manifests His punishment. Ahmadi Muslims are actually those who understand the true spirit of sacrifice, and have pledged to sacrifice their lives, wealth, time and honour. His Holiness (aba) also addressed the Ahmadis to remain patient and that one day their patience would bear fruit, God willing, just as the patience and sacrifices of Abraham (as), Hagar (as) and Ishmael (as) bore fruit. They never let go of prayer and patience, and so the greatest blessings were manifested in the person of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions, who were from the progeny of Ishmael (as). So even today, Allah Almighty will not abandon anyone who is patient and makes sacrifices, He will certainly come to their aid. It is therefore our duty to submit to Allah even more and to increase our level of righteousness. We must strive to attain that spirit of sacrifice, if we desire to receive the pleasure of Allah and face our opposition. His Holiness (aba) then said that the Promised Messiah (as) explained the manner in which one can reach this level of sacrifice when he stated that Allah Almighty has given examples for the commandments given to us. One is commanded to sacrifice oneself entirely, and the manifestation of that sacrifice is the animals we slaughter. Yet, it is not the blood nor the meat which reaches Allah, it is the righteousness in us. Hence, just as one slaughters an animal physically, they must be prepared to be
AHMADIYYA OPENS ULTRA-MODERN MOSQUE IN BADAGRY
Condemns Owo Massacre in Strong Terms It was a huge landmark and historic day on Sunday, 19th June 2022 as the National Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Barr. Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez commissioned an Ultra-Modern Central Mosque at Ajagamibo Avenue, Aradagun Badagry in Lagos State. The worship centre was built with state-of-the-art facilities, tiled both within and outside, embedded with good-looking minarets, and surrounded by attractive flowers in a serene and spacious environment. Named ‘Baitul-Fatah Mosque’, the place of worship can easily accommodate over 600 worshippers at once. The foundation of the Mosque was first laid in October 1980 by the then head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, His Eminence Ajmal Shaheed Ahmad. The foundation stone was re-laid on Saturday 19th February 2022 by the Badagry Branch President of the Muslim Organization, Pa. M.B Okubena. Hence the mosque project was completed in a record four-month. The Mosque was built and donated by one of the blessed families of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – the Popoola family in honor of their late father Alhaj Abdul Fatah Atanda Popoola who was a staunch and devoted member till his demise in 1982. In his address, the National Head of the Muslim organization lauded the initiatives of the Popoola family, stressing the importance of Mosque building and its aftermath rewards in the hereafter. He added that all places of worship must be sacred centres void of evil acts. Alhaji Alatoye further admonished worshippers to always have pure and sincere minds when observing prayers in Mosques as this is pleased with Almighty God. “The rewards for building Mosques in honor of our late loved ones are in multitudes. It is a life-time reward. The initiative of the Popoola family is hereby commendable”. “We must worship in the Mosque with our hearts filled with love, kindness, and piety. Everything we do in the Mosque must be Godly. May Allah accepts our sincere prayers,” he prayed. Owo Massacre highly condemnable Alhaji Alatoye also used the opportunity to, once again, condemn in strong terms, the brutal attack on worshippers at St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo in Ondo State. He stated: “It is difficult to believe any group of individuals could have the audacity to attack a place of worship filled with human beings who were gathered to worship God, the Almighty. This is the peak of an affront against God and man that will never go unpunished. There is no absolutely no justification whatsoever for any group of people to engage themselves in such a callous and dastard act.” “Even in the face of a defensive response to an act of war, the Holy Quran expressly forbids believers from attacking places of worship, children, women, and priests.” The Amir further informed that the youths of the organization joined others in donating blood to the surviving victims of the barbaric attacks. He thus urged the police force to fish out all the perpetrators and their masterminds and made them to face the full wrath of the law for their devilish acts.
HUMANITY FIRST PARTNERS LAJNA IMAILLAH NIGERIA TO RESTORE EYE SIGHT AS IT JOINS GLOBAL CENTENARY ANNIVERSARY.
Humanity First Nigeria, with funding support from Humanity First Canada, joined the Women Servants of Allah in Lajnah Immaillah Nigeria to conduct thirty free cataract eye surgeries in Abeokuta. Humanity First International manages the global gift of sight campaign through the organization of eye surgery outreaches worldwide. The recent expedition was held at the State Hospital Abeokuta Ogun State on the 24th and 31st of May 2022. Six eyeglasses were also given to indigent patients whose eyesight disorder did not warrant surgical interventions. The selection process for the beneficiaries was conducted using Google forms data submission, screening, and selection of the best-suited candidates for surgery from 70 applications. The beneficiaries included 20 females(amongst which was a 12-year-old girl), and 10 Adult males ranging from ages 17 to 86. The free eye cataract operations was highly appreciated by the beneficiaries. It was part of activities commemorating the Centenary celebrations of Lajnah Immaillah worldwide. Gift of Sight Photo Gallery
