Ahmadiyya Nigeria tasks NASS on development-oriented bills
The National Amir (President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Abdul Azeez Folorunso Alatoye, has urged the National Assembly (NASS) to focus on bills and issues that improves the well-being of the people of the country. Azeez made this call while reacting to issues on the state of the nation during a press briefing to announce the forthcoming 67th Jalsa Salana (Islamic conference) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Alatoye enjoined the legislators to focus more on bills about developments in all facets of Nigerian life rather than being distracted with the Social Media and Hate Speech Bills. “It is of great importance to focus on issues that affects the people directly rather than legislating on issues that has already be catered for in the constitution of the country,” he said.He noted that there is enough provision in the constitution that cater for what the National Assembly is giving attention as of now. “As a lawyer, I believe there are enough extant laws in the Nigerian constitution that adequately take care of these two bills. At present we have libel law and defamation, cybercrime law and other criminal laws that can effectively accommodate any misdemeanor on the use of social media platforms and extreme comments capable of inflaming passions and causing disunity in the country.” He further stated that the democratic system of government that the country runs is expected to have the interest and welfare of the people at heart. Thus, much attention should be given to the welfare the people and policies that will aid the development of the people. He urged the National Assembly not to get distracted with things the constitution has already taken care of.“Since democracy is about the people, I urge the National Assembly to focus more on bills about developments in all facets of Nigerian life rather than being distracted with the Social Media and Hate Speech Bills.” Meanwhile, Alatoye appreciated the effort of the Federal Government on the infrastructural development of the country and urged them to do more for the good of the citizenry.He said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria commends the commitment of the Nigerian Government to the railway transportation system. The free railway transportation between Lagos and Abeokuta is laudable. We urge the government to exert the same positive attitude to general infrastructural developments across the country.”’ In line with the core values of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community “Love for all Hatred for None”, the 2019 edition of Jalsa Salana slated for 20th December to 22nd December will focus on the Holy Quran Chapter 16 verse 126 “Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from his way, and He knows those who are rightly guided”. Highlights of the two-day events are praises of Allah and the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), message from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, Goodwill messages from the Nigerian President and State Officials, Religious Leaders, Lectures, Special Prayers, and Academic Awards. Prominent invited guests expected at the event are: President Muhammadu Buhari, Vice President, Yemi Osibajo, Speaker, Nigeria House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, His Deputy, Alhaja Naimot Salako, Governor of State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaq Adegboyega Oyetola, Deputy Governor, Lagos State, Engineer Obafemi Qadri Hamzat, among others
100 Years Ago… – News highlighting the progress of Ahmadiyyat
Al Fazl, 3-7 June 1919 Hazrat Master Abdur Rahim Nayyarra The peaceful teachings of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the practical display of sincerity and loyalty by Ahmadis towards Britain is generating feelings of love in the hearts of several officials. This phenomenon is not confined to India but in fact, it can be observed outside of India as well. Hence, a friend states [from the UK] that a person who had been living with an Ahmadi from a long time went to a British officer in order to find work. When the officer began to interview the applicant and asked about his place of residence, he replied that he lived with an Ahmadi. Thereupon the following discussion took place: Officer: Are you an Ahmadi as well? Applicant: [Afraid that the officer might be offended by the name of an Ahmadi] No sir! Officer: It is strange that you have been living with an Ahmadi for such a long time, but you have not accepted the truth. Go and become an Ahmadi first and come back (on a certain date). We are grateful to Allah the Almighty that several officials have reverance for the honesty, sincerity and loyal sentiments of Ahmadis. A pious judge News has come in from a foreign country that opponents have filed a false case against Ahmadis. Before appearing in court, the Ahmadi lawyer handed over several books of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to the judge in order to inform him about its beliefs. The honorable judge read these books and said: “Before reading these books, I used to believe that the Holy Prophet[sa] was (God forbid) a dishonest and deceitful person. However, after going through these books, my point of view changed, so much so that my wife and I began to constantly repent and in fact, we became quite perturbed for our wellbeing.” May Allah the Almighty enable him to become an Ahmadi Muslim. An officer’s life saved The young man who saved the life of Lieutenant […] at Hafizabad railway station was Bashir Hayat Ahmadi, son of sub-inspector, Muhammad Hayat Sahib Ahmadi. We are proud at the loyal act of this Ahmadi gentleman. The promulgation of Ahmadiyyat in Rohilkhand Hafiz Syed Mukhtar Ahmad Sahib Mukhtar Shahjahanpuri writes: “During the past three years, Ahmadiyyat has progressed and continues to advance parallel to the increase in intensity and vehement opposition in several districts. Since the initiation of opponents’ gatherings, 40 individuals have accepted Ahmadiyyat in Pilibhit Bareilly and Shahjahanpur. The increase in numbers of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat during the past three years has never been witnessed before, even in decades long periods. “It becomes evident from the current climate that as the rising opposition causes difficulty and brings about the loss of wealth and life for Ahmadis, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, it also serves as a remarkable means for the progress, promulgation and introduction of Ahmadiyyat. “The present condition is such that in the last week of April, 15 individuals of Bareilly accepted Ahmadiyyat. Today, two young men of Shahjahanpur sent their requests of Bai‘at. Their acceptance of Ahmadiyyat will be a source of blessings for the Ahmadis of Shahjahanpur, Insha-Allah. Among these gentlemen is Syed Qutbuddin Sahib, son of Maulvi Syed Muinuddin Sahib who translated the book Napoleon Azam. It is quite fascinating that in the same week, when the wording of Maulvi Muinuddin Sahib’s translated book was presented in the article discussing an earthquake as a proof for the meaning of war to also be taken from the word ‘earthquake’, Syed Qutbuddin Sahib entered the pale of Ahmadiyyat.” Syed Qutbuddin Sahib’s request of Bai‘at “Syedi [my master] and Maulai [my leader]; Assalamo Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu!During the past three months, I became well informed by reading the fine works of Jariyullah fi Hulalil Anbiya [the champion of Allah in the mantle of all the prophets], the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias and several books of beloved Huzoor [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra]. I carried out discussions about Ahmadiyyat and listened to certain discourses. I attended non-Ahmadi gatherings that were conducted here this year and read several books of theirs. Moreover, I compared some books to each other. Consequently, Allah the Almighty granted me strength to reach this conclusion that Hazrat Jariyullahas [the Promised Messiahas] was truthful and honest in all his claims. Thus, I respectfully request beloved Huzoor to bless me with the honour of Bai‘at and pray for me to remain resolute and steadfast. Your servant, Syed Qutbuddin.” Syed Shujaat Hussain Sahib’s request of Bai‘at “Syedi [my master] and Maulai [my leader]; Assalamo Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuhu! I had the opportunity to examine several books of the Promised Messiahas here. Once I finished reading Kitab-ul-Bariyyah, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, the truth became completely manifest upon me and I was fully satisfied that the Promised Messiahas was truthful in all his claims. Now, I wish that beloved Huzoor [Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra] bless me with the honour of Bai‘at and pray that I remain resolute and steadfast. Wassalam; Your humble servant, Shujaat Hussain of Shahjahanpur, Overseer at the Court of […].”
Ahmadiyya Beliefs
Overview The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a community of Muslims who believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadianas (1835-1908) was the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. Ahmadis believe that he was the foretold reformer for the latter days, promised in both Islamic and non-Islamic religious texts. For while it exults in material progress, the world finds itself in an age of spiritual darkness. Ahmad claimed to be the light for this age, to guide seekers of truth into spiritual enlightenment. His followers now number in the tens of millions, spread over 200 countries of the world. Though they are persecuted bitterly in some parts of the globe, and deemed heretical by many an established cleric, their cause continues to find progress in every quarter of the globe. Having translated the Holy Qur’an into over 70 languages, their mission is to spread the original peaceful teachings of Islam throughout the world. The community has now 4 international satellite television channels, spreading the peaceful and rational message of the Prophet Muhammadsa throughout the globe. Its literature and missionary efforts have been hailed as pioneering in the USA, Europe and Africa in particular. In recent years, the message of the Promised Messiahas has become more widely heard in the Middle East, with unprecedented numbers of Arabs joining. What can explain the success of such a religious community, perhaps the only in the world to rely entirely on the donations of its own adherents? How can we explain the success of a spiritual movement that is bitterly opposed by many governments and religious orders alike? Perhaps the answer lies in divine support for a refreshingly rational and peaceful presentation of Islam, with a message that satisfies the mind and moves the heart. Beliefs This page will explore the beliefs of Ahmadi Muslims, exploring both similarities and differences with our Non-Ahmadi ‘Sunni’ and ‘Shia’ brothers and sisters. A brief summary follows: Ahmadi Muslims believe in the Five Pillars of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, the superiority of the Qur’an over all other texts, the station of Muhammadsa as Seal of the Prophets, the pre-eminence of the Rightly-Guided Khulafa, the high station of the Prophet’ssa companions, and all the other major aspects of Islam agreed upon by the 4 major schools of Sunni Islam. We also believe in the lofty station of the immediate descendants of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa , while not ascribing inherent divine leadership to them. Ahmadi Muslims differ from contemporary Sunni & Shia Muslims in a few important areas: Death of Prophet Jesusas Ahmadi Muslims believe that Jesusas was a Prophet like other Prophets. As such, we do not accept the idea held by many clergy today that Jesusas has ascended to heaven, and is waiting to return with sword in hand, to herald a bloody end to the world. Ahmadi Muslims deem this belief a dishonour to the peaceful and rational teachings of Islam, and trace this belief’s origin in Muslim thought to an era long after that of the Prophet Muhammadsa , when great numbers of Christians entered into the fold of Islam. Such beliefs find no basis in the Qur’an or the authentic traditions of the Qur’an and are in fact refuted by them. Based on Qur’anic, Biblical, and historical records, Ahmadis believe that Jesusas survived the crucifixion attempt on his life, escaped the clutches of the Roman Empire, and fled East to the lands of Tibet and India. There he preached to the lost tribes of the House of Israel, before dying at the age of 120 in Kashmir. There his tomb is to be found, venerated by the local population as the tomb of Jesusas , who visited the land 2000 years ago. Second Coming of Jesusas There is a clear prophecy in the Qur’an about the second appearance of the Prophet Muhammadsa in the Latter Days. There are also explicit prophecies of the Prophetsa regarding the Second Coming of the ‘Messiah, Son of Mary,’ as well as references to the arrival of the ‘Imam Mahdi.’ To Ahmadis, all these prophecies relate to different aspects of the same Prophetic figure in this era. As Jesusas has passed away, the ‘second coming of the Messiah’ can only have a metaphorical and symbolic meaning: in the same way that Jesusas was the Messiah for the Jews in the 14th century after Moses, the prophecy foretells a messianic figure for the Muslims appearing in the 14th century after the Prophet Muhammadsa . The character of both respective communities would be similar. The Jews in the time of Jesusashad become extremists, with many supporting a terrorist movement known as the Zealots who sought to overthrow the ruling Roman Empire and establish a Jewish state. In the same way, the Muslim clergy of today adhere to extremist beliefs, often showing support to extremist groups who seek to overthrow western government by violent means. Moreover, the metaphor of the ‘Second Coming’ indicated that the character of the respective Messiahs would be similar. Whereas Jesusas came with a teaching of compassion and tenderness to a hard-hearted Jewish nation, so too would the Muslim Messiah come with a teaching of peace and sympathy to a hard-hearted Muslim nation. Thus the Second Coming was symbolic, indicating that there would be a spiritual affinity between the Jewish Messiah and the Muslim Messiah. Not only this, but Ahmadis believe that the prophecies of the Imam Mahdi indicate that he would also be the Messiah, and would be a spiritual manifestation of the Prophet Muhammadsahimself. Taken together, both the Qur’an and the narrations tell us that the Mahdi and the Messiah are two aspects of the same individual. This individual would be a spiritual reflection of the Prophet Muhammadsa himself. For Ahmadi Muslims, that individual was the Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadianas . Finality of Prophethood The Holy Qur’an calls the Prophet Muhammadsa the ‘Seal of the Prophets’. It is often claimed that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas contradicted this by claiming to be a Follower-Prophet himself. This is a misconception based on the idea that the term the ‘Seal of the Prophets’ means that there would be literally no
Future of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria: Beyond the first century
The root of Ahmadiyya Nigeria Muslim Jamaat was planted in 1916 when the spread of the message of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Ghulam Ahmad was brought to the newly amalgamated Northern and Southern protectorates in Nigeria. Ahmadiyya took its root in 1889 in Qadian, now Pakistan while its flame has since spread the message of peace across all corners of the world. The 64th annual convention (Jalsa Salana) that marks our 100 years anniversary celebration calls for a deep reflection on the contributions of the Jamaat to Nigeria’s development. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has contributed immeasurably to the spread of Islamic teachings and moral parsimony in the most populous black nation since its debut in a century. With 493 branches across all states in the federation, the Jamaat has widespread acceptance and highest membership in Africa and ‘Top Ten’ among other nations across the world. Ahmadiyya has scored first in many areas of human endeavours in Nigeria. The Truth, the first Muslim newspaper established by the Jamaat in 1966 still publishes regularly till date. Muslim elementary and secondary institutions were pioneered for western, moral and Islamic teachings. In the area of healthcare, Ahmadiyya has contributed in no small measure with the establishment of hospitals, yet the first by any Muslim organization in Nigeria. Ahmadiyya youth has fully participated in virtually all youth programmes in Nigeria. Our members have excelled in all spheres of human endeavour. However, the theme of this convention, “Redefining Moral Revolution for Sustainable Peace and Development: Post-Hundred Years of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria” is a reflection of the current events in our ever-changing world replete with corruption, violence/terrorism and moral decadence. Without moral regeneration in our society today, there will be no meaningful development. Ahmadiyya Jamaat will continue to support efforts to redefine our moral revolution, including creating and maintaining sustainable peace and development. Ahmadiyya has taken giant leap in our quest to creating a nation devoid of vices inimical to our nation’s growth through the training of our youth on moral principles in our schools. We have sponsored radio and television programmes including periodic programmes organized for Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, political and religious affiliations to impart moral teachings. Our members are ambassadors who carry the message of peace in their daily endeavour, living up to our principle of “Love for All, Hatred for None”. Our nation’s growth is no doubt inhibited by myriad of vices that bedevil us. Redefining our moral principles must be done now to avert national calamity. The federal government’s effort to rid the country of corruption is a good step in the right direction. We however need to do more. Our school curriculum must be reviewed to include moral teachings for our pupils. The youth must be taught the creed of ‘hard work that pays’ to stem corruption while those who have pillaged our resources must be prosecuted and duly penalized having betrayed the trust reposed in them. Governments at all levels must be fair to all in accessing and distribution of nation’s resources. Equal employment opportunities and social security must be provided for our women, unemployed youth and the aged. Only in this way can we attain sustainable peace for meaningful development. Oguntayo is of the Publicity Committee, Centenary Celebration, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamat, Nigeria. Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/11/future-ahmadiyya-nigeria-beyond-first-century/
100 years of Ahmadiyya in Nigeria: A brief appraisal
“…….and if He(Allah) intends good for thee, there is none who can repel His grace…….”(Q. 10: 108) The history of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria in 1916 (formally), for there are some evidence of its having been heard of in the country as early as between 1913 and 1914), was more of circumstantial (borne out of the condition of the Muslims at the time) rather than as a result of a yearning for true religion (Islam) by most of the pioneering converts. This explains why some of the pioneer members broke away from the Jama’at between 1920 to 1924, on various flimsy excuses, to form their own groups/societies, even without having really had any fair understanding of what Ahmadiyyat was really about; having had just a little taste of the Jama’at Administrative standard from the first expatriate Missionary to Nigeria, Malana Abdur Raheem Nayyar. It needs to be recalled that the first five years of the establishment of the Jama’at in Nigeria (1916 -1921) was a period when it was the pioneer members, who were not yet trained in the principles and values (Nizam) of the Jama’at, who were the sole determiners and decision-makers on how the Jama’at was then to be run and at what pace, with little or no input from the Jama’at headquarters, then ONLY based in Qadian, India, which was also the Seat of the Khalifa. Their main and major contact with the headquarters during this early period was through some books and pamphlets being sent to them from Markaz for their guidance, and occasional letters or Tele/Cablegrams on some minor issues. In other words, though they signed the baiat of the Jama’at, they continued to administer the Jama’at along the same line in which they were administering their erstwhile Muslim Literary Society, which later metamorphosed into the foundation of the Jama’at; as there was no well-groomed Ahmadi Missionary to train them. This situation also, perhaps, explains why there was no record/evidence of the Jama’at ever spreading beyond the Lagos Island during this period. However, the establishment of the time it took place in Nigeria (1916 to be specific), twenty-seven years after its inauguration by Allah through the hands of the Promised Messiah (a.s.) in 1889, whatever form or coloration it might assume then, was a clear fulfillment of Allah’s assurance to the Promised Messiah (a.s.) in 1886 that: “I Shall convey thy message to all the corners of the earth.” It was also a vindication of the divine ordination of Hazrat Mirza Ghu-lam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah/Imam Mahdi (a.s.). After all, Allah Himself vows that: “If he had forged (and attributed) any saying to Us, We would Surely, have seized him by the right hand, And then, surely, We would have cut his life vein; And not one of you could have Held (Our Punishment) off him.” (Q. 69: 45 – 48) The First Test of Faith The first test of faith, loyalty, and commitment came on the…
