Amir AMJN

The entire members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria heartily rejoice with Nigerians and the government on the occasion of the new year 2022 that just started. Just like the year 2020, the year 2021, was also a challenging one for the country, no thanks to the ravaging COVID-19 pandemic especially with the discovery of OMICRON Variant. The efforts of the government and the health institutions in curtailing the pandemic are well commended. The masses are further urged to implement all COVID-19 protocols to further stop the spread of the OMICRON Variant. The Jama’at further recognized and applaud the indomitable spirit for survival and resilience of Nigerians in the face of daunting challenges in the socio-economic, political, and technological spheres. The religion of Islam has no room for terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, ritual killing of human beings, exploitation of any kind or any act of wickedness against one another. The government, as a matter of urgency, is urged to be more proactive towards eliminating the social vices which are now daily occurrences in the country. The high level of poverty, unemployment, and under-employment are still serious challenges to Nigerians, in spite of the abundance of both human and material resources at our disposal. It is incumbent on all levels of government to provide affordable food, health care facilities, shelter, security, and good road network for the populace. On the part of Nigerians, they should not lose faith in the present government and continue to support her with prayers and good deeds. They should also be alive to their civic responsibilities. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria also uses this medium to admonish Nigerian government on corporate and all-embracing governance, maintenance of equity and justice as well as fair play. No region should be segregated or denied rightful needs. This act will no doubt, bring about peaceful coexistence and progress to the country. There should be justice for all. Leaders of all agitators should be invited for a meeting in a bid to address all contending issues in an amicable way. The government is urged to eschew nepotism, religious bigotry among other ills. Pointedly, as the 2023 general elections draw nearer, the Jama’at hereby advises the President, General Muhammad Buhari GCFR to ensure a hitch-free election exercise at all levels. All necessary machinery must be put in place to achieve free and fair elections. All political parties must resolve their differences internally. Politics should be seen as a game of numbers and not a do-or-die affair. No eligible voters should be disenfranchised. Nigerians must be allowed to exercise their civic duty without any form of molestation. Electoral malpractices must be totally wiped out. Government should ensure appropriate electoral reforms are duly signed into law. Conclusively, the role of religious bodies towards the attainment of our dream country cannot be over-emphasized. Religious leaders must continue to preach peace and unity. Religious Centres must be Holy places void of social vices and where worshippers are well enlightened on a true value system. We pray fervently for a new order and more prosperous years ahead for Nigeria. Signed: Alhaj (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez Amir (National Head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria.

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