The national amila of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Norway met with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual mulaqat, on 5 December 2021.
After conveying his salaam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked, “Is this the national amila?”, to which the National Amir, Zahoor Ahmad Sahib responded in the affirmative. Huzooraa then led everyone in dua (silent prayer). During the mulaqat, all amila members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and give a brief report and update of their duties.
The first to speak was Missionary-in-Charge, Shahid Kahloon Sahib who stated he was also serving as the secretary of rishta nata (marriages) and naib amir. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa enquired how many matches matured under the rishta nata department this year; to which Shahid Kahloon Sahib replied that only two matches matured.
Shan Ahmad Syed Sahib, General Secretary reported that there were 14 jamaats in Norway. He stated that the total tajnid (census) of Norway Jamaat was 1,737. Huzooraa asked him if he received reports on time from the various jamaats. Shan Ahmad Syed Sahib replied that around 50% of the reports were sent regularly. Huzooraa, hearing this, mentioned that as there weren’t that many jamaats in Norway, and as the country was rather small, it should be easy to obtain reports.
Shan Ahmad Syed Sahib said that the reason why reports were not sent regularly was because of issues arising from a new digital platform that had been introduced. Huzooraa explained that the new system should have only been activated once it was completed, and until then, the old system should have been used.
Faisal Suhel Sahib, Secretary Tabligh (Peaching) was next to present his report. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa enquired what target had been set for tabligh. Secretary tabligh replied that the bai‘at target set for the year was 20. Faisal Sahib reported that in the last year, one person did bai‘at and 21 in the past three years. He added that during the pandemic, online programmes were held; however, he stated that he had devised a three-month plan in which tabligh would be done individually, various tabligh stands would be set up and other jalsas would be held.
Huzooraa enquired from secretary tabligh if any literature was also distributed, to which he replied in the affirmative and added that literature had been distributed via mail all throughout Norway with only one province remaining.
Whilst speaking with Abdul Monim Nasir Sahib, Secretary Tarbiyat (Moral Training), Huzooraa asked how many people usually came to the mosque to offer Salat in congregation. Abdul Monim Nasir Sahib replied that the attendance in the mosque was not high due to the uncertainties regarding the pandemic. He stated that around 20-25 people attended the mosque for Salat. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa then asked if people at least offered Salat in congregation at home; to which the tarbiyat secretary said that the majority of people did offer Salat in congregation in their homes.
Abdul Monim Nasir Sahib further said that around 62% of Jamaat members offered the five daily prayers with regularity. As it was not 100%, Huzooraa asked, “Are five prayers obligatory upon a believer or two or three prayers?” Abdul Monim Nasir Sahib replied that five prayers were obligatory and said that efforts were being made in this regard.
Huzooraa said to tell people, “If you are Ahmadi Muslims, then properly fulfil its rights. Simply swearing allegiance and entering the fold of the Jamaat is not an achievement; the basics – the basic tenets of Islam – should at least be followed.”
Owais Mahmood Sahib, Secretary Talim (Education) reported that there were 180 students out of which 95 were currently studying at universities, and 85 were doing A-levels. He further added that he did not have the figures for the students below A-levels.
Huzooraa asked if students were counselled and guided as to which profession they should pursue and the career paths and professions they were interested in. Owais Mahmood Sahib replied that due to the pandemic, it was not possible; however, various methods were used to help guide them. He further reported that there was a total of 31 students in medicine.
Shahid Ahmad Dar Sahib, Secretary Isha‘at (Publications) reported that various kinds of Jamaat literature were provided through the isha‘at department such as the literature which was distributed throughout Norway as mentioned by the tabligh secretary. He added various books were also sent to libraries and some books were also being translated. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired if any magazine was being printed, to which Shahid Ahmad Dar Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that Lajna, Khuddam and Ansar had their own magazines which were printed.
Speaking with Mohammad Mohsin Basit Sahib, Secretary Sami-o-Basri (Audio and Video), Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that the department should produce documentaries and programmes showcasing the beautiful country of Norway. “Send some programmes or a documentary to MTA. Norway is a beautiful place [covering] a vast area”. Mohammad Mohsin Basit Sahib replied in the affirmative and said that he would.
Nabeel Qamar Sahib, Naib Secretary Umur-e-Kharijah (External Affairs), was next to present his report. Huzooraa enquired how many members of parliament he was in personal contact with. Responding, he said that there were around 5-6 members of parliament umur-e-kharijah was in close contact with.
Jamil Ahmad Qamar Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Ama (General Affairs), whilst presenting his report, said that one of his tasks was to help guide members in finding employment.
“This is the primary task,” Huzooraa said. “Solving disputes is the secondary duty. The main task is to take care of members of the Jamaat, guide them properly, help them with employment etc., find out what the household situation is of those who are unable to make ends meet, and then, if there is anyone in financial difficulties, finding a solution for them and a job”.
Huzooraa asked Secretary Ziafat, Mubarak Anwar Sahib what was cooked and prepared for the amila members. Mubarak Sahib replied that rice, lamb korma, lamb roast and sarson ka saag were being served, but they had not been prepared in-house.
Next, Tariq M Qureshi Sahib, Secretary Maal (Finance) and Rafi A Minhas Sahib, Additional Secretary Maal had the opportunity to present their report and a brief outline of their duties. Speaking with them, Huzooraa discussed various budgetary matters. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked Rafi Sahib if all amila members paid the right amount of chanda; to which the secretary replied in the affirmative.
Razi A Minhas Sahib, Secretary Wasaya (Wills), reported that there was a total of 395 musis in Norway. Huzooraa asked if the 50% target was met, to which Razi A Minhas Sahib answered in the affirmative and said that he had recently become secretary and that the target was achieved before he became secretary. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if Khawaja Abdul Momin Sahib was the secretary before him, to which he replied he was.
Huzooraa explained that as the 50% target was accomplished, it should continue to increase.
Basharat Ahmad Sabir Sahib, Secretary Talim-ul-Quran & Waqf-e-Arzi reported that Quran classes were held twice a week in which the missionarytaught the Holy Quran’s translation and thereafter, Basharat Ahmad Sabir Sahib taught the tajwid. Huzooraa encouraged all amila members to take part in waqf-e-arzi also.
Speaking with Nisar Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa enquired how many took part in Tahrik-e-Jadid, to which he replied that 1,046 people took part in this blessed scheme. Huzooraa further emphasised that people should be made aware of the importance of Tahrik-e-Jadid.
Naeem Ahmad Basharat Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Jadid reported that the amount promised was 502,000 NOK and added that usually, “the income” was greater than the amount promised. Hearing this, Huzooraa said, “It is a collection, not an income.” Huzooraa further said that this was not a business. People sacrificed their wealth to give chanda.
Speaking with Saifur Rahman Sahib, Additional Secretary Waqf-e-Jadidand Tarbiyat Nau Mubai‘een, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if he was a new convert, to which he said that he was not. Huzooraa then asked how he was able to understand the various problems new converts encountered. Responding, Saifur Rahman Sahib said that he spoke with them. He reported that there were 24 new converts recorded in the last three years in Norway.
Huzooraa emphasised the importance of teaching the new converts how to pray and recite Surah al-Fatihah.
Ather M Qureshi Sahib, Secretary Jaidad (Properties) reported that the Jamaat had three buildings and a small plot of land in Northern Norway.
Shahid Umar Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau, whilst presenting his report, said that there were 237 waqifeen-e-nau out of which 30 had completed studies and started working. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa enquired how many of them were serving the Jamaat, to which he replied that around three to four were serving the Jamaat. Huzooraa asked if any waqifeen had studied in Jamia Ahmadiyya. Shahid Sahib responded in the affirmative and said that 10 waqifeen had graduated Jamia.
Next, Muqarrab A Mekan Sahib, the internal auditor presented his report. Hearing his name, Huzooraa quoted the following verse from an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas:
وہى اس كے مقرّب ہیں جو اپنا آپ كھوتے ہیں
“Only they are close [muqarrab] to Him who lose their own selves.”
Huzooraa asked him if he reviewed financial documents, to which he replied in the affirmative.
Abdul Hai Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway, whilst presenting his report, said that there was a total of 423 khuddam in Norway. He said that the majority of khuddam were working and studying.
Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Norway, Rana Naeem Ahmad Khan Sahib reported that there were 305 ansar in Norway. He added that the majority of ansar had retired from work.
After this, Zahoor Ahmad Sahib, National Amir requested that some amila members had a few questions they wished to ask Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Huzooraa graciously accepted this request.
Rafi A Minhas Sahib, Additional Secretary Maal stated that it had been noted that, despite drawing people’s attention towards chanda, some people would apologise and say that they were unable to give chanda. He said that when they were then told to write to Huzooraa to request leave or get a concession regarding chanda, many people hesitated. He asked Huzooraa what could be done.
Answering, Huzooraa said that they should be encouraged to give chanda with love. Huzooraa further said that even if they were having to pay at a reduced rate, they should continue to give nonetheless. Huzooraa added, “It is our job to explain, there is nothing else we can do.”
Rafi A Minhas Sahib stated that some people hesitated when it came to get a concession. Hearing this, Huzooraa stated that they may write a letter directly to him.
Basharat Ahmad Sabir Sahib, Secretary Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi asked how to develop the love of the Holy Quran within the hearts of members of the Jamaat.
Huzooraa replied that the tarbiyat secretary had stated earlier that around 62% offered the five daily prayers with regularity. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that Salat was a basic tenet of Islam, and if that wasn’t being offered with regularity, it meant that their children – observing and learning from their elders – would also not offer Salat with regularity.
Huzooraa said that attention was not being directed to this important commandment of Salat, and the recitation of the Holy Quran came later. Huzooraa instructed to keep telling people about this and draw their attention towards this. When they read the Holy Quran, only then would they learn about the commandments in it. If one was not reading the Holy Quran which is a means of guidance, then how would one understand his or her purpose, obligation and duty. So, Huzoor emphasised that people’s attention should be brought to this. “This is the commandment of the Holy Quran: ذَكِّرۡ, ‘admonish’, and continue to admonish. ‘Thou art not [appointed] a warden over them’. God commanded to admonish,” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said.
Shahid Umar Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Nau stated that some children – atfal – up to the age of 15 were well behaved; however, as atfal entered Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and got older, their contact with the Jamaat weakened and they slowly moved away. He asked Huzooraa what could be done in this regard.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered that programmes should be devised that attracted them so that their connection with the Jamaat and the mosque remained. “Do not cling to outdated methods; rather, devise such a plan that will attract them”, Huzooraa said.
Huzooraa added that they should allocate a young naib (assistant) with them and devise a plan of how to keep young children who were drifting away from the Jamaat connected to it.
Further, Shahid Umar Sahib said it was observed that young Norwegians started working from the age of 14 or 15. Likewise, Ahmadi children were also getting jobs which were on Saturdays and Sundays. He said that for this reason, they were unable to attend Jamaat events on the weekends.
Huzooraa answered that if young children were told about their responsibilities, then they wouldn’t do this. Huzooraa said that Norwegian parents told their children that if they wished to go out and indulge themselves, drink and have girlfriends etc., then they would have to do that with their own money. Therefore, Norwegian children started getting jobs, Huzooraa explained. If young Ahmadis wished to do work, they should pursue a decent job and their primary intention for doing so should be the welfare of mankind.
Huzooraa emphasised that those children who had had proper tarbiyat understood their responsibilities and priorities.
In the end, Sadr Ansarullah, Rana Naeem Ahmad Khan Sahib requested Huzooraa if the Ansarullah amila and zaeems could come to the UK to meet with him. Huzooraa smiled and said, “Now, a new [Covid] variant has started again. How can they come? If you are able to have a [virtual] mulaqat sitting there, even that would be a big achievement.”
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to everyone and the mulaqat successfully ended.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)