OBALADI OF AFON PAYS COURTESY VISIT TO AMIR AMJN
Courtesy visits Obaladi of Afon to Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso AbdulAzeez at National Headquarters, Ojokoro, Lagos. With Obaladi Babade, Missionary Ikumapayi Abdul Jelili; Circuit Missionary Afon, Babade Yusuf; Missionary Bankole Jamiu, Circuit Missionary Ayetoro, and Bro Omidokun Abdul Lateef, Circuit President, Afon.
NEW YEAR GOODWILL MESSAGE BY THE AMIR OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT OF NIGERIA
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.
The Truth Newspaper@ 70 Years: Reminiscing the Pioneering Muslim Newspaper in Nigeria
Just like the Presbyterian Reverend, Henry Townsend had pioneered the first-ever newspaper in Nigeria with the founding of Iwe Iroyin in 1859 (Philip Onuoha (2015), History of Nigerian Mass Media, National Open University of Nigeria, p. 21), The Truth Newspaper enjoys historical relevance of being the first and longest-running Muslim Newspaper established in Nigeria seventy years ago, precisely, in December 1951, by the prominent expatriate Muslim Missionary and Journalist, Maulvi Naseem Saifi Sahib. Maulvi Saifi Sahib served as the Chief Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria and West Africa for twenty years, from 1946 through 1966. As such, The Truth Newspaper was not only used as an official newspaper of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, but has ever been used as a means of actualizing media contribution of Islam to the religious, literary, social, and educational development of Nigeria in particular, and humanity, in general. It is interesting to note that, initially, the newspaper was being published monthly and entitled The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin from August through November 1951 (The Nigeria Ahmadiyya Bulletin, The Nigeria Branch of the Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Qadian, September 1951, Vol 1. No. 2.) It, however, acquired its nomenclature of The Truth in December of the same year, and, subsequently, began to publish weekly henceforth (The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1). More interestingly, a host of historians and chroniclers of the history of media in Nigeria have reckoned with the pioneering place of The Truth Newspaper in the trajectory of Muslim newspapers publication in Nigeria. For instance, in the page 26th of his pioneering work published in 1968 and titled, Landmarks of the Nigerian Press – An Outline of the Origins and Development of the Newspaper Press in Nigeria (1859 to 1965), the renowned media scholar and practitioner, Increase H. E. Coker acknowledged that “The only regular Muslim newspaper was the one started in Lagos at this period and entitled Truth. It was pioneered by the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, Lagos branch, which continues to subsidize its production.” Incidentally, Ahmadiyya is also reputed for pioneering in Nigeria the first Muslim-established school that combined both Islamic and secular education. Again, it also pioneered Muslim hospitals through the establishment of the first Muslim medical dispensary in Nigeria in 1961 and continues to run a number of schools and hospitals, and clinics across various states in the country till today. (Centenary History of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, (2016), p. 175). To continue with our tracking of the memory lane of The Truth Newspaper, it is exciting to note that the noble mission of this Newspaper, as stated by the veteran journalist-founder in its maiden edition, is that it aims at “calling humanity toward the Creator of the Universe” and “inviting every soul to the fountainhead of peace – Islam.” This is “the message that THE TRUTH has pledged to impart to every soul in West Africa in particular and the rest of the world in general” (Our Message, Editorial, The Truth Newspaper, December 1951, Vol. 1, No. 1, p.3). The newspaper pages feature News segments, From the Holy Quran, The Friday Sermon, Special Interviews, Features, Photo News, Children’s Corner, Our Women, Personalities, Yoruba and Hausa Columns, and Sports pages. From any evaluation of media history in Nigeria, three factors should evidence the long history of media relevance, contribution, and popularity of the The Truth in Nigeria: (1) the fact that, regardless of being a foreigner, its founder was elected as the first Vice-President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists for many years, the Treasurer of the Nigerian Press Club and an Executive Member of the Guild of Newspaper Editors (Naseem Saifi, My Hearty Thanks, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5th August 2016, p.13). His contemporaries in the newspapers industry are the revered Segun Osoba, Late Alhaji Kayode Jakande( John West) Late Bisi Onabanjo( Ayekoto Fame) Late Alade Odunewu( Allah De)Late Muslim Kola Animashaun ( The Voice of Reason, Late Bisi Lawrence( BizLaw). Secondly, that the first Nigerian staff of The Truth Newspaper, Mr. Yisa A. Safi, was offered Federal Government Scholarship for journalism at the then London Polytechnic in October 1953 by the then British Colonial Administration in recognition of the contributions of The Truth in Nigeria. At the completion of the study, he returned to serve the country under the Federal Ministry of Information till his death in 1969 (Z.O. Elias, First Nigerian Ahmadi to Serve The Truth Passed Away, The Truth, Friday, MAY 30 – June 5, 1969, p. 7). Thirdly, and in contemporary history, the current chairman of the editorial board of The Truth Newspaper, Dr. Qasim Akinreti, has been the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Lagos State Council from 2017 through December 6, 2020. He is a member Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, and The International Press Institute, IPI. Dr Akinreti has contributed his quota to the growth of the Nigerian media through practice and teaching and research. One of his latest co-authored books is entitled “The Secrets of Online/Multimedia Journalism: A handbook for African Journalists. Currently, he is the Deputy Editor of Digital Media, Voice of Nigeria. From the above, it is not surprising that Maulvi Naseem Saifi once reminisced how, while traveling by sea in the company of Nigeria’s first indigenous President, Nnamdi Azikwe, (himself a journalist and publisher of the renowned nationalist newspaper, The Pilot), he “was surprised to hear him (Azikwe) talk about The Truth; he knew almost everything about it, even the press where it is printed.” (Naseem Saifi, My Hearty Thanks, The Truth Newspaper, Friday, 5th August, 2016, p.13). Today, taking the advantages offered by the postmodern-day Information Communication Technology (ICT) through online journalism, The Truth Newspaper has since 2016 begun its online publication via www.thetruth.ng. This has continued to avail the immediacy, frequency, and global reach of its publication. Observably, through its news stories, editorials, features, and opinion columns, etc., the newspaper has been renowned for its coverage of a wide range of issues of
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 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
AHMADIYYA NIGERIA HEAD BAGS GLOBAL AWARD
By Aliyu Usman The International Chartered World Learned Society, a worldwide independent organization, self-governing, pan-discipline educational charity with one of its aims to provides public benefits including expert scholars’ advice on a variety of public issues related to sciences, engineering, health sciences, arts, humanities, social sciences and so on has seen Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez the current Leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaát in Nigeria as worthy of its international award. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez was honoured with the Golden Award as “the most Notable and Top Distinguished Leader of the 21st Century” by the International Chartered World Learned Society, a United States-based organization, with offices in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. He has also been conferred with the Life Fellowship of the Society in the field of Law, Accounting, and Taxation. While conferring the award on Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the World Grand President of the Society, UNESCO Laureate Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, noted that the recognitions were based on Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez’s immense contributions to the global knowledge industry in particular in the area of Law, Accounting, Taxation and religion of Peace. The insignia of the awards included certificates, Golden Frame, a muffler, a golden medal, a plaque and other instruments of the Society which were presented in recognition of “the avocation, enthusiasm, and reputation” of the honouree. While congratulating Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez on behalf of the World Grand Board of Directors, ICWLS, including Prof. Sir Sarfraz Lloyd of Oceania, Prof. Sir Abhiram Kukshreshtha of Asia, Prof. Sir M. Howard Pilley of Europe and Prof. Sir Luis Emilio Abad of the Americas, Prof. Aremu urged the recipient not to relent in his efforts of adding value to humanity. According to Fellow of Cambridge Scholar Publishing, UK, the UNESCO Laureate, Prof. Sir Bashiru Aremu, who is also the Vice Chancellor Crown University Int’l Chartered Inc, Santa Cruz, Argentina, world partners, and constituent campuses and online programs described Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez as a shining example of diligence, excellence, and competence from whom the present and future generations will continue to draw inspiration and emulate as well. While responding to the presentation of awards, Alh (Barr) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez appreciated the World Grand President and the ICWLS World Grand Board of Directors for deeming him worthy of the honour. He stressed that he considered the honour on behalf of his family, Muslim, Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide that he is currently serving as one their Leader in Nigeria apart from being Lawyer and Chartered Accountant. He also expressed willingness to leverage the membership of the consortium in achieving the tripartite mandate of his new incoming university (Proposed Minaret University in Nigeria ) viz teaching, research, and community service. Prof. Aremu said, “Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, HND, BL, LLB, FCTI, FCA, FNIM. FSM, ACIArb, is the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria from 1 July 2019 to date. Prior to that, he was the Naib Amir, South West Region of Nigeria. “He had served in various positions such as the National Secretary Maal, National Internal Auditor, National Ameen. He had also served as the Vice-Chairman, Humanity First Nigeria, Naib Jalsa Officer, and Secretary Nusrat Jehan Board Nigeria at one time or the other. “Azeez Alatoye is a Senior Partner of Ascension Consulting Services. He has responsibility for the Business Development, Operational Excellence, and Practice Management of the Firm. Azeez is a: “Barrister & Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria & member of the Nigerian Bar Association. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria & A Chartered Tax Practitioner Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management); and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK. Bachelor of Law Degree holder from the University of Bradford UK Holder of Higher National Diploma in Accountancy, Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin. Ordinary National Diploma, Polytechnic of Ibadan. “He trained with Z.O. Ososanya (HLB International) in 1993 before joining Coopers & Lybrand (C&L) in 1994. With the merger of C&L & Pricewaterhouse in 1998, Azeez joined PricewaterhouseCoopers in July 1998 and rose to the level of Senior Manager in July 2005. “In September 2005, He joined Akintola Williams Deloitte where he worked as a Senior Manager in the Oil & Gas, Tax Advisory & Regulatory Services, West African Operations until 30 June 2007. “In July 2007, Azeez was admitted as a Partner in Ernst & Young to head the Energy, Chemical & Utilities Tax Sub Unit & Business Tax Compliance Services for West Africa. This he did up to June 2009. “On 1 July 2009, Azeez, with two other senior colleagues co-founded Saffron Professional Services where he was the Chief Operations Officer (COO) and Oil & Gas and Solid Minerals Tax Partner, the position he held up to 31 July 2012, with any others”, he said. Prof. Aremu said, ” Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, HND, BL, LLB, FCTI, FCA, FNIM. FSM, ACIArb, is the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria from 1 July 2019 to date. Prior to that, he was the Naib Amir, South West Region of Nigeria. “He had served in various positions such as the National Secretary Maal, National Internal Auditor, National Ameen. He had also served as the Vice-Chairman, Humanity First Nigeria, Naib Jalsa Officer, and Secretary Nusrat Jehan Board Nigeria at one time or the other. “Azeez Alatoye is a Senior Partner of Ascension Consulting Services. He has responsibility for the Business Development, Operational Excellence, and Practice Management of the Firm. Azeez is a: “Barrister & Solicitors of the Supreme Court of Nigeria & member of the Nigerian Bar Association Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria & A Chartered Tax Practitioner Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management); and Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK. Bachelor of Law Degree holder from the University of Bradford UK Holder of Higher National Diploma in Accountancy, Kwara State
