Lajna Imaillah Nigeria have Honour of Virtual Meeting with World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Encourage every girl to get higher education” – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad On 21 February 2021, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad held a virtual online meeting with members of the National Amila (Executive) of Lajna Imaillah Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Auxiliary). His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Amila members joined the meeting virtually from the Lajna Hall in Ojokoro in Lagos, Nigeria. During the meeting, His Holiness outlined the various responsibilities assigned to the respective Lajna Amila members and gave guidance on improving the activities of their departments. Speaking to the Secretary Nasirat, responsible for the moral and spiritual training of girls up to the age of fifteen, His Holiness said that their department should keep a good record of how many girls are engaging and taking part in the initiatives that were being run by the national department. His Holiness also encouraged exercise and instructed the Secretary Sehat-e-Jismani, responsible for Health and Fitness, to ensure that the Amila members should lead by example and exercise regularly. During the meeting, the Secretary Sanat-o-Tijarat, responsible for Trade and Industry, showed some of the products that the Lajna Imaillah members from across the country had made, such as bags and other items. The secretary highlighted that the Lajna Imaillah members are being assisted in making a living and are being supported in starting their own businesses. They had also assisted local society during the Covid-19 pandemic. Later in the meeting, reiterating the importance of gaining higher education, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Encourage every girl to get higher education.” As the meeting concluded, His Holiness outlined his expectations of Lajna Imaillah. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “You have a huge task in front of you and I hope Lajna can achieve it and if you do, it will also encourage the men to be more active. You have to push them! My expectations with Lajna are more than the men. So I hope you fulfil my expectations. May Allah the Almighty bless you in every respect. Allah bless you all.”
National Majlis-e-Amila in Nigeria have Honour of Virtual Meeting with World Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
His Holiness gives guidance on a wide array of administrative and religious matters On 20 February 2021, the National Majlis-e-Amila (Executive) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Nigeria were granted a virtual official meeting and audience with the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad for the very first time. Also present were the principals of Ahmadiyya Muslim Schools in Nigeria, doctors serving in the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospitals in Nigeria and Missionaries serving in the country. His Holiness presided the meeting from his office in Islamabad, Tilford, whilst the Amila members joined the meeting virtually from the Lajna Hall in Ojokoro in Lagos, Nigeria. During the almost 60-minute meeting, all present had the opportunity to speak to His Holiness and to receive the guidance and instructions of His Holiness on a range of issues. Speaking to the National Talim Secretary, responsible for the Education of the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria, His Holiness said that the department should guide Ahmadi Muslim students throughout their education. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “You should form a counselling and guidance committee. The purpose of the committee will be to guide and counsel the students who are secondary school-going students and guide them what further education they can pursue according to the local conditions and the local requirement.” His Holiness also advised the National Tarbiyyat Secretary, the secretary responsible for the moral training of Ahmadi Muslims, to ensure Ahmadi Muslims living in Nigeria were observant of all Islamic teachings. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Each and every Ahmadi Muslim should be very particular and punctual in offering five times daily prayers, should be very particular in reciting the Holy Quran, should be very punctual and regular and particular in reading some books of Hadith and of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). You should prescribe some book also for the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that they can read – those books which have been translated into English – so they can read and know what the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) is; what did he say, what does he want from us and how an Ahmadi Muslim should behave.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad further stated: “If the Tarbiyyat department is active and you have done your job appropriately and in the best manner, then quite a number of other departments will run smoothly.” His Holiness also instructed that in each and every chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria there should be a local missionary and so, His Holiness said, a detailed plan should be made in this regard to outline how to train missionaries to fulfil this target. Furthermore, His Holiness said that every Amila member should commit their time for a two-week Waqf-e-Arzi period whereby the Amila members dedicate their time for helping teach the Holy Quran to the members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community or to convey the message of Islam to the wider public. As the meeting concluded, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed for the attendees and said: “As I have already guided some of the secretaries, they should work hard according to my instructions and identify where you are lagging behind and see how you can improve. May Allah the Almighty bless you all.”
Fighting Hunger this Ramadan
By Frasat Ahmad – Missionary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, serving in USA Our world works in strange dichotomies and stark contrasts. Gluttony and starvation, for example, exist hand in hand today. In one part of the world, a plump child stuffing his mouth with food runs the risk of a plethora of health complications, while in another part of the world, a starving child with a skeletal body desperately desires food. Right now, 820 million people across the world are wondering where their next healthy meal will come from. Where does Ramadan fit into all of this? From today, hundreds of millions of Muslims will choose to forego their meals every day, from dawn to dusk, for a month, for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan is upon us. As our stomachs singe in hunger, Muslims are reminded that hundreds of millions of starving souls are forced to feel this burn every single day, with no end in sight. Have you ever wondered why we are taught that the gates of Paradise are opened in Ramadan, whilst the gates to Hell are closed? Perhaps our paradise lies in putting ourselves through a form of temporary torment and putting ourselves in the shoes of those less fortunate. We are taught that we can shield ourselves from Hell, even by giving half a date in charity. Muslims know well that the Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) generosity in Ramadan would gain the intensity of fierce wind. But are we putting this into practice? It is a powerful lesson to learn. As we unashamedly fill our plates to the brink with delicious food, we must remember those who haven’t even had a bite to eat in days. As we unbuckle our waist belts to give room to our bursting bellies, we must think about those who have to tighten their waist belts because they have no food to eat. And as they tighten their waist belts, we must not tighten our fists. It is what Prophet Muhammad (sa) taught. God Almighty will one day ask us, “O son of Adam, I asked you for food and you fed Me not. Did you not know that had you fed my servant, you would surely have found Me with him?” (Muslim) It is also what the Second Coming of Christ, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) taught: “You should show love and compassion to all people. Allah commands us to feed the hungry, free those shackled in bondage, pay off the arrears of those mired in debt, shoulder the burdens of others and fulfil the rights of sincere love owed to mankind.” These words must not fall upon deaf ears. Empty rituals to remain hungry will serve no good unless they are paired with practice. On 10th April, 2020 Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper) stated: “For these are indeed the days to serve humanity; and as the Promised Messiah (as) has instructed, ‘You must inculcate within yourselves the spirit of compassion.’ Again, these are the days to serve humanity.” Thankfully, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide has not turned a blind eye to these instructions. Its USA Youth Association served more than 22,500 meals to the needy and helped 3,400 families with free food and medicine delivery in March alone. Its Youth Association in UK has thus far helped 5,800 households, providing them with food and medicine, alongside supporting 43 local councils, charities and food banks. And other countries are following suit. Pandemic or no pandemic, the followers of the Promised Messiah (as) will forever continue to “bandage the wounds of those in pain, to remove the anxieties of those who are distressed and to show love and compassion without any desire for recognition or worldly reward.”
A Conversation with Qamar Suleman sahib
By Abid Khan Introduction Over recent weeks, we have been told time and time again that we are living in ‘unprecedented times’. Despite the media’s propensity to exaggerate or sensationalise, this time their assertion feels right. Unlike Ebola or Zika or other viruses that caused panic and fear in recent years, Covid-19 has not been limited to a few nations or a particular region but has spread far and wide and, at the time of writing, is continuing to place much of the world in a state of paralysis. Speculative green shoots indicating light at the end of what has been a very dark tunnel are slowly starting to emerge, wherein some countries are hopeful that the peak of the pandemic may have been reached. However, in reality, it is far too early to say and fears of a deadly second or third or even a fourth wave abound. The virus has also had substantial effect on the activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Jamaat events have been cancelled or postponed across the world. We have entered Ramadan unable to visit our Mosques. Yet, with the Grace of Allah, the direct link of Ahmadi Muslims with Khilafat continues through Huzoor’s Friday Sermon, which continues to be broadcast on MTA International – albeit in an empty Mosque for the time being. Almost every Ahmadi I have spoken to has said they have learned, above all, during this period that we must never take the blessings of Allah the Almighty for granted ever again. Each year, at this time, many preparations for the Jalsa Salanas in the UK and Germany begin in earnest. Yet, currently it remains entirely unclear when or if it will be possible for them to take place. Time will tell. Till then, I wish to share some memories of last year’s Jalsa UK and Jalsa Germany in the coming weeks. I start with a conversation I had with Syed Qamar Suleman sahib, Wakil Waqf-e-Nau, who attended the 2019 Jalsa Salana UK as an official representative of Tehrik-e-Jadid Pakistan. As the son of (late) Sahibzada Mir Daud Ahmad sahib and (late) Sahibzadi Amatul Basit sahiba, Syed Qamar Suleman is a member of the family of the Promised Messiah (as) and the maternal grandson of Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra). He is also the cousin of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba). Qamar Suleman sahib, affectionately known as ‘Babbi’, to his friends and family, is also a relative – my Khaloo – the husband of my maternal aunt, Lubna Amatul Kabir, who also travelled to attend last year’s Jalsa. One of my earliest vivid childhood memories is of waking up one morning in the late 1980s to see my mother, (late) Sajida Hameed, panicked as news reached us that Khaloo Babbi had been shot by a burglar at his home in Rabwah. Thankfully, with the Grace of Allah, he recovered well. Furthermore, in the early 2000s, I spent some time with him during personal visits to Pakistan. In fact, he was the person who somehow persuaded me to take hold of a menacing looking snake and to abseil from a rather steep Rabwah mountain. Last summer, I took the opportunity to speak to him about his personal opportunities to observe Khilafat and some of the lessons he had learned during decades of service to the Jamaat. Childhood memories As we spoke, I asked Qamar Suleman sahib to share his memories of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) as a child. He told me how they had competed in Atfal competitions and how he remembered one particular competition about cleanliness in which Huzoor came first. He also reminisced about having had the opportunity to do overnight security duties with Huzoor in Rabwah during their late teenage years and early twenties. He told how he had been on walks with Huzoor to Ahmad Nagar, farmland near Rabwah, and how it would sometimes suddenly start pouring with rain. Instead of being perturbed, he told me that Huzoor would enjoy the rain even if he became drenched. As he told me these stories, I wished I could have been there as a boy to see and know Huzoor during his formative years. (Qamar Suleman sahib meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) in Canada 2016) Qamar Suleman sahib said: “During childhood I saw Huzoor a lot as our families were close relatives and neighbours. Huzoor’s defining feature at that time, which made him stand apart from other children, was that he was mature beyond his years and whatever task or job he was given he would take seriously and complete it with diligence. Unlike most teenagers or youngsters who get excited or do things in haste, I always found that Huzoor approached things in a calm and meticulous way. Furthermore, even in our childhood and teenage years, I always found that there was weight to the words of Huzoor, even though he was a young boy like us.” Qamar Suleman sahib continued: “I am not saying that Huzoor was always serious or reserved. In fact, he displayed a very good sense of humour but his jokes were always decent and would never cross the bounds of decency or appropriateness. Furthermore, unlike some other children, Huzoor never made a cruel joke or spoke in a way that could hurt the feelings of others. This was something that always marked him apart.” A different relationship After listening to his youthful memories, I asked whether his relationship with Huzoor had changed with the progression of time. In answer, Qamar Suleman sahib said: “I continued to have the opportunity to spend time with Huzoor in the years after he returned to Pakistan from Ghana. For example, once we travelled together along with two other people from Rabwah to Sindh by train. It was an extremely enjoyable journey in which the four of us booked a carriage on the lower level of the train. I recall that a Jamaat Murrabi (Missionary) also happened to be on the train but he had booked a seat on the upper level. The Murrabi was rather heavy-set and
From the Brink of Death to Witnessing Almighty Allah and Being Granted a New Life
Part 1 – By Ibrahim Ikhlaf (life devotee of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) Introduction Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand), our beloved master and guide is like a whole of which we are just a part. Indeed we will perish if we break away from him. I am unable to fully describe my suffering and the near-death experience I went through when I was diagnosed with COVID-19 a few weeks ago. I am extremely grateful to all our brothers and sisters who prayed earnestly for us. The prayers of all our brothers and sisters who are like the limbs of the body of Khilafat were heard, because Allah the Almighty responded and accepted the supplications of our Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand). Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand) supplicated earnestly and lo, Allah, the Bestower of Life revived me from death and granted me a new life. During my illness, I deeply felt that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah strengthen his hand) beseeched Allah the Almighty with such sincerity, love, faithfulness and unshakeable resolve that Allah the Supreme created the antidote and changed His Destiny. His will took on a different shape and the cool breeze of the Healer and Protector started to blow. Indeed, I blame myself for my ailment. On different occasions in the past has Huzoor told me: “Ikhlaf sahib, you seem not to sleep more than 3-4 hours; you have to sleep 6 hours as the body has a right over you. I am telling people to work and as far as you are concerned I am telling you to sleep; buy a sofa bed for your office, close the door and sleep in the afternoon for half an hour to one hour to complete the 6 hours!” Although by Allah’s Grace I am extremely obedient to Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V’s (may Allah strengthen his hand) instructions, I somehow unconsciously and unintentionally continued to sleep 2, 3 or 4 hours maximum and worked around 18 or 19 hours daily. Although my body is strong, it was impossible to maintain a strong immune system. “I was drowning” Some days before being admitted to Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey, I experienced some symptoms related to coronavirus, so I isolated myself completely. Every limb of my body was aching extremely. I could neither sit nor stand; I was extremely exhausted and gradually I started to wheeze. During the evenings I had a high temperature. My whole body would sweat and I started to feel drowsy and dizzy. In the meantime, my respected wife Reem also started to feel unwell and showed symptoms. We thought to ourselves: “Could this be the coronavirus? And if we are afflicted by COVID-19 then how will I disclose this?” This was because, unfortunately, some people considered this to be like the sign of the plague during the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him)’s lifetime. They assumed that one who gets infected is weak in faith. We prayed, cried and beseeched Allah the Almighty not to be afflicted with the coronavirus. While I isolated myself, I continued to perform my Jamaat work from home. However, the illness exacerbated and on Thursday morning I started coughing blood and had a fever reaching 40°C. Ultimately Allah the Almighty bestowed upon me such high resolve that I told my wife: “Whether it’s coronavirus or something else, it seems I can’t survive and I am about to leave this world; please call the ambulance and call respected brother Mian Waqas sahib (Sahibazada Mirza Waqas Ahmad) and tell him to humbly request Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih Vaba to pray for me.” Mian Waqas sahib later that day informed my wife that Huzoor is praying for Ibrahim. I was immediately admitted to the hospital where an X-ray and blood tests had been taken. Meanwhile, a throat swab was taken to detect for coronavirus. I informed brother Abid Khan sahib about my situation and he sent a text message informing me that Huzoor, not yet aware that I had COVID-19, was praying for me and recommended I should give Sadqa, while myself and my family should take homeopathy. This of course strengthened me and gave me hope. Throughout the day, my illness worsened as my lungs became filled with inflammatory material and were unable to get enough oxygen into the bloodstream, reducing the body’s ability to take on oxygen and get rid of carbon dioxide. It seems I ended up with severe respiratory conditions including pneumonia accompanied with restlessness and anxiety. I felt as if I was drowning and death was approaching me rapidly. As if the fever approaching 40°C was not yet enough, I discovered that the room temperature was extremely high as the nurses had forgotten to switch the heater off that was blowing hot air and I was unaware of it. I was gasping for air. In general, I love the weather around Fajr time as the level of oxygen is very high. I told the nurse to open the window and I felt the oxygen entering my lungs, which gave me some comfort. Beseeching the Almighty At that moment, I prayed fervently to Allah, while my eyes were filled with tears that coursed down my cheeks: “O, Allah the Most Supreme, throughout my life You saved me from all calamities. O, Allah, You know that I dedicated my Life to You and I am fully aware that You are my lifelong Friend Who has always been with me since childhood. Because of my faith in the Promised Messiahas, the Imam and Prophet of our Age I, for Your sake, lost all my family members [with the exception of my mother and siblings who are Ahmadis]. “I was attacked once by 300 to 500 Sunnis in a mosque who severely beat me up and left me for dead because of my faith and You saved me. Moreover, there was once a conspiracy to kill me; someone attacked me, because of my faith, aiming with a brick to smash my head, but You made
The Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Delivers Special Live Message Instead of Friday Sermon Amid Government Restrictions on Gatherings
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered a special message from his office in place of the weekly Friday Sermon due to Government restrictions amid the Coronavirus pandemic. Due to the current coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad did not deliver a Friday Sermon this week and instead delivered a special live message to Ahmadi Muslims worldwide through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s satellite TV channel, MTA International. The message was also live-streamed. Speaking from his office in Tilford, Surrey, His Holiness prayed for the health and wellbeing of the entire world and instructed Ahmadi Muslims to focus upon prayer and to use their time at home productively. Furthermore, he instructed them to follow all Government instructions and to maintain social distancing. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Due to the widespread coronavirus pandemic, several governments across the world have placed social restrictions, including the British government where I reside… As a result, it means that the Friday prayers cannot be offered in the Mosque at this time and so I decided, after consultation, that I should address you through a live message.” His Holiness said that Ahmadi Muslims should continue to offer their Friday prayers within the confines of their own homes in those countries where restrictions on religious services had been ordered by the authorities. His Holiness said, where this would enable them to fulfil their religious obligations it would also enable Ahmadi Muslims to increase their religious knowledge, whilst preparing sermons to deliver within their homes. His Holiness also said Ahmadi Muslims should seek to spend this period productively by reading the Holy Quran as much as possible, as well as the various books and publications of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Furthermore, they should watch as many programmes broadcast by MTA International as possible. His Holiness emphasised that special care should be given toward improving one’s domestic life and helping one’s children progress in their religious upbringing at this time. His Holiness laid particular emphasis on the importance of prayers. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “During this period increase even more your supplications and prayers, as it is through sincere prayer that we can gain the blessings of God Almighty and attain spiritual and physical wellbeing. This is what the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has taught us, that even in such circumstances, as we are currently facing, it is of paramount importance that we seek the forgiveness of Allah the Almighty, purify our hearts and busy ourselves in good deeds. Allah the Almighty has made prayers a great tool for us to utilise and so we should seek to come into the shelter of Allah the Almighty through them.” His Holiness went on to quote several traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) which show that under exceptional circumstances praying at home was the practice of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). His Holiness prayed in conclusion of his address and said: “May Allah soon rid the world of this pandemic and may the people of the world fulfil their obligations towards humanity and may they all come to recognise God Almighty. May Allah enable us all to do so.”
From the Brink of Death to Witnessing Almighty Allah and Being Granted a New Life – Part 2
By Ibrahim Ikhlaf (life devotee of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) A Dangerous Incident On Monday the nurses reported that I, while in the ICU, removed unconsciously the tube which went all the way through the windpipe. They stated that two nurses tried to stop me but I was too strong. This dangerous act hurt my throat extremely and I am grateful to Allah that I did not damage my windpipe and throat. I had to suffer pain in my throat for at least three weeks and I am Alhamdulillah gradually recovering from it, although some pain still lingers. As mentioned in the previous part of this article, Huzoor (may Allah strengthen his hand) repeatedly told Farooq Aftab sahib to bring me some homeopathic medicines and that it should reach me even if a few drops had to be put in my mouth. However, despite much effort, it appeared to be an impossible task as many procedures were involved in this matter. But finally by Allah the Almighty’s Grace the consultant agreed and requested for a family member’s permission, in this case my wife Reem, on which she of course agreed and told the consultant that Ibrahim himself will be so happy to have this homeopathic medicine. On Monday afternoon around 3:45PM, Dr Tahir Nasser delivered the homeopathic medicine and one of the senior nurses who saw the happiness on my face asked me what I had. I responded that this is a homeopathic medicine. Strange enough, she became upset, her face changed and she turned away from me. I did not really like that and thought: “People are so strange; if they are unable to prove Allah’s existence then they deny Him and when they are unable to prove the benefits of homeopathy then they deny it.” Insha’Allah this story will show that homeopathy is an extremely effective medicine. In order to please my most beloved Khalifa (may Allah strengthen his hand) and make him happy, while in a very weak state, I called Farooq Aftab sahib using a video call and showed him that I had received the homeopathic medicine and took them in front of him and in front of the nurse. The Miraculous Move to Islamabad My dearest brothers and sisters, reflect and reflect again; during those days some thoughts ran through my mind: “Who informed Huzoor to move from London to Islamabad; just imagine how extremely difficult it would have been during this pandemic if the move had not taken place!” London has become a “hotbed” for the coronavirus; academics have put London as the most ‘at risk’ of coronavirus compared to any other major European city. How difficult would it have been for Huzoor and his staff to perform all the Jamaat work in London in such a small, confined and narrow space without having immediate open spaces or parks, which are nowadays very unsafe and risky in London as it’s so difficult to keep at a distance from people among many other reasons! Is it not a miracle that the move took place at the right moment and the right place? Nobody knew how future events were to unfold; had anybody at that time predicted coronavirus? We can just say: Subhan’Allah how the Khalifa of the time is guided by Allah in every step he takes for the benefit of the Divine Jama’at. A Christian Nurse After this I had been moved to another ward, where I had to stay the whole night. There I became much more conscious and it was difficult for me to move physically as I discovered that the nurses had put four lines on my body to extract blood. Two lines connected to each of my wrists, one to my arm and one to my neck. In the late evening, a young nurse came as usual to give me some medicine and she seemed to be very moral and dignified. I was extremely exhausted and she asked me: “What can I do for you?” I said spontaneously: “Pray for me”. She responded: “I will, I promise!” She then went and before opening the door I called her and said: “You want to pray for me; can I ask you something: are you Christian or an atheist?” She responded: “I am a Christian and very strong in my faith. I grew up in a Christian home.” I felt that strength returned to my weak body as I was about to defend the honour of my God, Who is One and has no partner. I told her: “I want you to know that I am a Muslim. You as a Christian believe in God, the Father; Jesus the son and the Holy Spirit. We as Muslims also believe in God, the Father, who we call Allah, one and the same God. We believe that Jesusas was a great Prophet and a great Messiah, but he was just a human being and metaphorically a son, while the Holy Spirit is the Holy Spirit. You see this is the reality of the Trinity, which has been misunderstood. Therefore, if you want to pray for me then pray to God, the Father and please do not pray for me to Jesus, as we respect him immensely, but he was just a human being and a Prophet of God. If you pray to God, the Father, then you will see that your prayers will be accepted and I will pray for you.” She looked at me in an extremely emotional way as if about to cry and said: “This is the first time I have come to know about Islam. I never knew this. And how did you know that I have faith?” She controlled her emotions and went! It was a strange occasion and I was not even aware of my wife’s dream in which she saw that a Christian nurse named Noora was taking care of me in the hospital with compassion and love. At the same time, she tried to convert me. By Allah the Almighty’s Grace I remained
How Covid-19 is forcing policymakers to tackle homelessness
The coronavirus is serving as an equalizer by revealing the broken parts of developed countries writes Ayilah Chaudhary. The latest shelter-in-home/stay-at-home mandates have fundamentally changed the lives of much of the world’s population by containing people in their homes. Yet the situation for people experiencing homelessness is uniquely vulnerable – lacking proper shelter, sanitation and healthcare, the peak rate of COVID-19 infection among the unhoused is 40 percent, according to data compiled by researchers at University of Pennsylvania, UCLA, and Boston University. Ever since the start of the worldwide outbreak, policymakers and advocates warned of the factors that place homeless people at far more risk than the rest of the population. Not only do homeless people often have untreated mental health issues and underlying medical conditions, but a considerable amount routinely abuse drugs and alcohol. Compounded with chronic stress, this weakens their immune systems while increasing the rampancy of conditions that worsen the virus’ symptoms, such as lung disease. To make matters worse, in the United States homelessness disproportionately affects people of colour, and shelters that are spacious enough to permit social distancing are virtually nonexistent. Ironically, the shelter-in-home mandates are inapplicable to the unsheltered, who often sleep on streets or in crowded tent encampments. The dire consequences of COVID-19 on the homeless have not gone unnoticed by local and state governments; some governments are subsidizing temporary housing costs, while others are resisting pleas to allocate funds. “Please consider the morality of those decisions. Consider the moment we’re in and the ethical question you’re being called and asked upon. Consider your station in life and in history. All of us will be judged,” said Gavin Newsom, Governor of California, when announcing the state’s “Project Roomkey,” an initiative in which the government will pay 75% of costs associated with housing certain homeless people. On any given day prior to COVID-19, upwards of 150,000 people were experiencing homelessness in California. Similar solutions were enacted across the world, particularly in major cities where homelessness is pervasive. In mid-March, London Mayor Sadiq Khan’s office provided 300 rooms to vulnerable homeless people and began working with hotels to block-book rooms at a discounted rate for the coming months. In New York City, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced at a press conference that 6,000 homeless individuals would be relocated into empty hotel rooms. Though sleeping bags and tents still dot the streets of these major cities, governments have even begun enforcing restrictions to prevent surges in homelessness. Predicting that the coronavirus-induced recession could leave many without jobs and with missed rent checks, certain cities are banning evictions or offering rental voucher money. In doing so, policymakers and advocates have begun to conquer homelessness, which was previously thought to be either impossible, inevitable, or both. But urban homelessness was a crisis well before the spread of coronavirus, and some have argued that the pandemic would simply replace the current homeless population with another post-recession tidal wave of rough sleepers. But after the failed attempts of activists pushing for quality-of-life laws to protect those on the streets, what has suddenly motivated governments to treat homelessness as a public health priority? In a matter of weeks, the people huddled in hallways or camping in metro station corners are now being offered temporary housing at scale. Up until now, homelessness was seen as both a sociopolitical inevitability or a human rights issue unacceptable in purportedly progressive countries. The unacceptable was tolerated, and arguably enabled by certain economic conditions, until the indiscriminate COVID-19 showed how it could threaten the livelihood of the remainder of the society. Then, homelessness evolved from a human rights issue to a public health issue, and solutions, however short-term, were enacted with little delay. In a certain sense, the pandemic has forced the government to consider protections for vulnerable populations that otherwise would not be at the forefront of the conversation. The contagious and indiscriminate nature of COVID-19 serves as an equalizer by revealing the broken parts of seemingly developed countries. Minimum wage workers in fast-food and grocery stores are often uninsured and underpaid, but are performing crucial tasks at this uncertain time. As Newsom emphasizes, COVID-19 can and will show the morality of society’s decisions in this point in history. When the pandemic subsides, will governments allow working classes, who many currently regard as first responders, remain uninsured? Will homeless people continue to be perceived as a tolerable inevitability and be expected to return to the streets, even after their vulnerabilities have been brought to light? Ayilah Chaudhary is a journalist based in California, who has written in the past for Al Jazeera, USA Today and other respected outlets
‘Apathy to change: Will this crisis end like the last one?’
Global crises often result in waves of reformations – will Covid-19 be the straw that breaks the back of apathy and lead to meaningful change? By Farhad Ahmad, staff member at the Press & Media Office of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community I would hate to be a killjoy whilst you’re reminiscing about the good old days before Covid-19 but I must ask, were we not already standing on the brink of a financial crisis even before this lockdown? Covid-19 is undoubtedly having an unprecedented impact on the sinking of our economic ship, yet as late as 31 January 2020 – when it was not yet considered a major global threat – Kaushik Basu, former Chief Economist of the World Bank wrote, “The World Bank has just warned us that a fourth debt wave could dwarf the first three (1982, 1997, 2008).” Whilst crises inspire dreams of the ‘golden past’, they are also said to rouse reforms. Where was the meaningful reform following the 2008 credit crunch? Unsustainable debt was the chief reason for the last financial crisis – yet a decade later in 2018, total global debt had risen to an historic peak of almost 230% of GDP. Comparing the past decade with the decade that followed the Great Depression, former Governor of the Bank of England, Mervyn King, states: “The Great Depression was followed by political upheaval and, in economics, an intellectual revolution. This time around, we’ve got the political turmoil but no comparable questioning of the ideas underpinning economic policy.” Is our apathy to consequential change so entrenched that we first need a crisis on the scale of the Great Depression before realising it may be time to scrutinise or question the very basis of our economic, political and philosophical system? If so, it appears the current situation offers us a unique chance to re-evaluate. As noted economist Nouriel Roubani writes, the shock to the global economy from the COVID-19 pandemic has been ‘faster and more severe’ than either the 2008 global financial crisis or the Great Depression. The financial crisis and Great Depression took three years to play out, this crisis is not yet three months old. A new era and a new global order In Forbes, Daniel Araya writes: “We are witnessing a restructuring of the global economic order that could lead to an entirely new civilization… Just as revolutionary movements have emerged in the past, so the combination of disease and economic contraction will provoke a new era and a new global order.” If this analysis is correct, the potential for positive or negative change is huge. On the positives, a new awakening could lay the foundations for badly needed reform. Speculating about our future unknown, if the resolve exists to realise our potential as a civilisation, the political will and resolve to reform must go far beyond a few minor tweaks to the economic system. Indeed, we witnessed small and incremental changes after the 2008 crisis that were clearly not significant enough to tackle the fundamental forces that led up to the crisis. The economic system does not exist in a vacuum. It draws life from systems so familiar to us, namely: capitalism, electoral democracy, human rights. The West prides itself on freedom of thought and the ability to export ‘democracy-building’ projects, yet the real challenge rests in its willingness to grow, adapt and challenge the relevance and effectiveness of its own systems. As George Monbiot put it, to challenge ideologies such as capitalism today is equivalent to ‘secular blasphemy’. You see, we must be willing to open our minds up to tough questions about our own strengths and weaknesses. Why not dare to venture into a genuine quest for alternatives? Increasingly, critics argue that we should not assume that today’s economic and political models are all perfect or inalienable. Mr Monbiot writes that “capitalism, by assuming material prosperity is the best way to achieve happiness… transformed our culture and society towards exploitation and violence.” Are the pillars of democracy holding up? Take electoral democracy. How is it holding up to the challenges of the 21st century? Economist-statistician Harold Hotelling published a paper in 1929 considered a pivotal resource in the study of electoral democracy. In the words of Mr Basu, Hotelling’s paper “showed that political parties have a propensity to drift closer to each other, eventually creating a scenario in which there is little difference between the ‘left’ and the ‘right.’ This theory implied that over time all politicians will cater to the median voter.” Rather than seeking the median voter, today’s political parties are pandering ever more to extremes traditionally located in the political hinterland. Democracy is most certainly under threat, but are there not fundamental problems that need to be addressed for a comprehensive solution? How will the systems which enable the rich to have enlarged influence upon politics and the media – cited as the backbone of democracy – be rearranged to allow greater trust in the institutions holding up democracy? These are questions we must envisage to be a part of wider reform narrative. Are Modern views on human rights really set in stone? Modern views on human rights are considered to be set in stone, yet they too must be viewed from a global perspective. Dr. Seth Kaplan, an academic at Johns Hopkins University makes an interesting observation in Foreign Policy that Westerners have played an “extraordinarily large role” in the academic work developing human rights. As a result, human rights have become part of a modernist vision in which cultural normal from one part of the world have been converted into so-called ‘universal rights’, whilst “African, Asian, and other non-Western human rights institutions and laws are marginalized.” For example, when it comes to human rights, certain countries have legally proscribed the right of women to cover their heads or parts of their faces. One can’t help but wonder if the same human rights ‘’warriors’’ would raise similar objections to women doctors wearing PPE face masks? No wonder then, that a colonial tendency to impose one part of the world’s ideology onto others without consideration for local realities, in a connected world where countries are interdependent, is causing frustrations to build
Parenting in a Pandemic: Am I Doing it Right?
By Mansoor Clarke, staff member at the Press & Media Office of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community With schools shut and recent governmental announcements indicating no sign of imminent reopening, online classes and homeschooling have seen a significant rise. But when it comes to educating the nation, what is the best approach, and how can we as parents know if what we are doing for our children is enough? Speaking about the impact of COVID-19 on the schooling system in the UK, Waqar Ahmedi, a Secondary School teacher from Birmingham explains the circumstances that many educators find themselves in: “The effect of school closures due to the coronavirus has been enormous, impacting both teachers’ normal way of working, and students’ normal way of learning. Millions of pupils are now having to learn without the direct support of their teachers, and whilst work continues to be set and some teaching also done online…they do not and cannot replace the physical classroom environment that teachers and students are so used to.” Waqar is one of thousands of teachers across the UK who is being forced to stay at home due to lockdown, but while this is a huge change in the day to day life of millions of students and teachers alike, there are many ways in which children of all ages can continue to learn and be engaged at home. Creating the outside world inside “If your child wants to be at the zoo, try and make an environment for it. Go on Youtube and watch videos of different animals, make fact files, talk about them, draw them. Feed off of their prompts,” said Naila Ahmad, a Reception class teacher based in South London. “Listening is key,” she continued, “If they want to make a home for a bug they found, then provide them with some paper, some sticks, some leaves and leave them to create. If they want to make something, give them boxes, tape, different containers and see what they can come up with. That’s real learning, and it can be done at home,” she said. Structure is the key Many parents with older children have similar concerns. But Waqar, who is also a father of three, including an A-level student, says that it’s about structuring the day and utilising what you have at home: “The best thing to do is set a routine that combines learning, exercise, praying and relaxation. Remember one routine may work for some, but not for others, so establish one that is suited to your children’s age, temperament and interests. There is plenty for the children to be doing in the home, it’s all about managing time, keeping them engaged whatever they do and making it as productive as possible,” Waqar said. Attiya, a mother of four from Leicester, agrees and says that while each child is different and has different needs, regularity, consistency and family time are key. “In my experience, each child is different and should, therefore, have an individual timetable setting out their day, this consistency and structure helps a lot with learning. Similarly, breaking things up into shorter sessions and smaller activities works much better than long sit-downs. I find that by giving each child their own place within the house it helps keep them concentrated and calm when it’s time to learn. This, of course, is balanced by a lot more time dedicated to family orientated activities like mealtime, games and the daily prayers,” she said. Setting an example Nassar Bhunno, a teacher from South London says that, ‘Parents are the real teachers,’ and that setting a personal example and maintaining communication with the children is crucial: “Be the person you want your child to grow into because they will copy both your good and bad habits. Explain things enthusiastically and encourage them to ask questions. Let them know that you are listening to them – if you won’t listen to your child, how can you expect them to listen to you?” It is also necessary to foster an open environment within the home says Naila. She says: “Children of course, are at the centre of this all – remember we as adults are struggling with isolation but children are also finding it hard. Help them learn, let them relax and create an atmosphere at home of love and care so that your children can open up to you as they would to their teachers.” What can communities do? As demand for online content increases, organisations such as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (AMC) have stepped up to the mark in providing support for the public. Nadimur Rahman, a Former Assistant Head Teacher with more than 18 years of teaching experience, is also the UK National Secretary of the AMC’s Education Department. He explains the efforts he is overseeing to ensure everyone has access to education: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK is leading a programme delivering free online lessons for students. An exhaustive schedule of lessons has been drawn up, covering a variety of national curriculum, GCSE and A level subjects and taught by professional teachers. Within just two weeks of launching, 100 teachers and more than 1,000 students have registered. 4,500 bookings have already been made for the 140+ lessons offered, with children from all over the world taking part,” he said. Initiatives such as the one headed by Nadim are crucial in maintaining an environment of learning. Waqar says that where we should utilise the online resources available, we must also be conscious about how much of our day is spent in front of a screen. “Teachers are providing or referring students to resources specific to their subjects. The BBC is also developing a comprehensive set of learning resources on its Bitesize section. In addition, look at the Ta’lim website for a list of useful websites for home learning. But children also need attention and love. That can’t be achieved with everyone fixed on screens. Parents will need to change their own habits if they wish to see an improvement in those of their kids,” Waqar said. How do students feel? Fareed (16) and Anam (18) are both
