On 19 May, the local Jamaat of Nairobi organised a Quran class, which was held in the Jamaat mosque in Nairobi. The programme began immediately after Asr prayer that was conducted at 5pm Kenyan time. The class was moderated by Sheikh Asif Toheed Sahib.
The verses recited were Surah al-Hijr, chapter 15, verse 27-61. The entire discourse was centered on the creation of man, Iblis and Jinn. Sheikh Asif Sahib explained in detail the deeper meaning with reference to explanations of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’sra translations. He explained the creation of man from clay, which metaphorically meant than man’s nature was inclined to receive revelation. He explained that the Jinn connotes those people who do associate or do not like associating with the others instead remain in solitude.
The programme continued until Maghrib prayer, when members broke their fasts together in the Ahmadiyya Hall. This was followed by Maghrib prayer and dinner. A total of about 96 members attended the programme.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Argentina, for the second time, had the opportunity to participate with a stand in the International Book Fair, which was held from 25 April to 13 May in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The International Book Fair of Buenos Aires is the most important cultural event in Argentina and is considered as one of the most significant book fairs in the world with more than one million visitors each year.
By the grace of Allah, we had the opportunity to present at our stand the translation of the Holy Quran in various languages and different Islamic literature in Spanish language.
During the book fair, thousands of people were introduced to the true Islamic teachings and the advent of the Promised Messiahas.
More than 100 people left their personal details to continue staying in contact with the community and to find out more about Islam. Furthermore, during the book fair, two conferences were held. The first conference was held on 5 May under the heading “I am a Muslim – do you have any questions?”. More than 80 people participated with great interest in this conference and were given the opportunity to get the answers to their questions and doubts with regard to Islam.
The second conference “Jesusas in Islam” was held on 12 May, in which 65 people participated. Aside from our local members and friends of the Community here in Argentina, three Ahmadi brothers from Uruguay and one Ahmadi brother from Germany came to help us during the book fair. May Allah reward the efforts of all the volunteers.
Humanity First Germany, in cooperation with Humanity First Bosnia, organised a food security project, this time in the refugee camp of Sarajevo.
Regional Director of Humanity First for the Balkan Peninsula, Zubair Khalil Khan Sahib and local volunteers of Humanity First Bosnia amicably organised all the matters related to camp management.
Currently, this refugee camp is managed by UNICEF and IOM. Local humanitarian organisation Pomozi.ba undertakes all the routine matters pertaining to refugees. At present, 800 refuges belonging to different nationalities are housed in the camp.
At the request of Humanity First Bosnia, Humanity First Germany sponsored the project with 350,000 euros. Food items were delivered to the camp management. According to the management, this donation will facilitate about 3,000 meals for the refugees.
On arrival, the camp manager welcomed the Humanity First officials. Then a tour and briefing of the camp activities were done by IOM and Pomozi officials.
Alhamdolillah, this kind gesture of Humanity First was appreciated by all concerned and it was hoped that such cooperation would continue in future also.
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Guadeloupe held a Quran exhibition from 17 to 19 May 2019 in Pointe a Pitre.
Guadeloupe is a small Caribbean island in Central America and a province of France. The Jamaat was established in Guadeloupe in 2016 and Luqman Ahmad Bajwa Sahib is the first missionary in Guadeloupe. Jamaat Guadeloupe consists of 5 members.
In preparation for the exhibition, Patrice Mayeko, a local Ahmadi, and Luqman Ahmad Bajwa Sahib, missionary in-charge, handed out 500 invitations to the people of Guadeloupe.
Guadeloupe’s national news outlet published a report with a picture of our previous exhibition of 2017.
In the exhibition, we had the Holy Quran in over 30 different languages on display for the locals to visit and ask questions on various matters relating to Islam.
The exhibition was visited by over 55 people, which, for a small island such as Guadeloupe, is quite a significant amount. This event was visited by a priest from the protestant church. Many people who visited the exhibition, at first, came with a different image of Islam. However, after the exhibition, many of their misunderstandings about Islam were cleared.
This event was visited by a priest from the protestant church. Many people who visited the exhibition, at first, came with a different image of Islam. However, after the exhibition, many of their misunderstandings about Islam were cleared.
During the exhibition guests were given the opportunity of leaving feedback behind.
A protestant priest wrote: “Thank you for this exhibition, which allows us to find the truth.”
A non-ahmadi Muslim woman wrote: “Excellent initiative to allow Guadeloupian people to discover the true Islam”
A theologian researcher wrote: “It was a great pleasure to have this rich and pacific exchange. Hope to exchange views soon again.”
Madame Corinne wrote: “A very good initiative to clarify and make known a religion; very good explanations by the imam.”
President of Malta delivers speech and lauds efforts of the Ahmadiyya Community
Laiq Ahmed Atif
Malta Correspondent
On Friday 31 May, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Malta hosted an Interfaith Ramadan Iftar Dinner and its 11th Annual Peace Symposium collectively on the theme Ramadan & Peace: The Concept of Fasting in Religions and invited distinguished guests and faith and community leaders to join in the celebration. The President of the republic of Malta, His Excellency Dr George Vella and his wife were the special guests.
The event brought together guests from different walks of life to join the important discussion about the purpose of fasting in religions, to celebrate the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Islam and break the fast with the community. All major faiths were represented at the event.
The aim of the interfaith gathering is to promote a deeper understanding of Islam and other faiths and to inspire a concerted effort towards lasting societal peace.
The programme began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. In his opening address, His Excellency Dr George Vella spoke about the need of interfaith harmony, dialogue and understanding, and he congratulated the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for such a unique event that brought together people from diverse backgrounds, including religious leaders, and said:
“It is with great pleasure that I am meeting with members of the Muslim community to celebrate the breaking of the fast together. I wish to congratulate Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for taking such an openminded approach to celebrate the traditional Islamic Ramadan, and promoting unity by inviting us all here today to share with you the breaking of the fast, irrespective of our religious beliefs.”
He further said: “Ramadan is a period where one exerts self discipline. It is a time to impose self-control on oneself. It is an occasion to redirect the heart towards understanding others and sympathise with the needs of others. It is a time to be generous with those less fortunate than us. It is a time when one explores to find true satisfaction, a deep personal examination on our strengths and our weaknesses. It is a form in which one can experience spiritual awakening, and hopefully strengthen one’s conscience to do better in life.”
Highlighting the importance of peaceful coexistence, he said: “I call on everybody to cherish, celebrate and to promote the peaceful and amicable relationships between the different communities found on these beautiful Islands we call our home.”
His Excellency concluded by saying, “Allow me once more to appeal to all of us to reaffirm our strong belief and nourishment of dialogue, mutual understanding and inclusion. Let us reaffirm Salam (peace) as our ultimate and final objective. Assalamo Alaikum.”
In this event, Rev Dr Joseph Ellul, Chairman of the Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the Archdiocese of Malta, talked about a Christian perspective on fasting while Mr Gordhan Mohnani spoke about the concept of fasting in Hinduism. Rev Ioan Iftimia of the Rumanian Orthodox Church, Rev Sodo of Zen-Buddhism and Archimandrite Nathanael Felesakis of the Greek Orthodox also contributed briefly.
Imam Laiq Ahmed Atif, President Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Malta delivered the closing address, discussing the spiritual objectives and the philosophy of fasting in Islam. The session concluded with a recitation of prayers from the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.
After the breaking of fast and Maghrib prayer, a buffet dinner was served.
The feedback from the event was overwhelmingly positive and it was successful in portraying the true image of Islam and promoting dialogue and understanding. Maghrib prayer, which was offered in congregation, was a unique experience for the non-Muslim guests, and for many it was their first experience in their lives to witness how Muslims prayed.
One Christian guest said: “It was a unique experience in my life. The melodious recitation touched my heart. I prayed with you and I prayed for you.”
One guest commented: “It was a great evening with a lovely group of people believing in similar visions; strangers becoming friends. May God bless your fantastic work!”
One religious leader said that he was very much moved by this wonderful experience. He said this practical example was the real essence which the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had shown with love, care, warmth and friendship; it was truly amazing. “Many a time we don’t find words translated into actions, because, it is easier said than done, but you proved so with your practical example. I really admire your hospitality and willingness to embrace all people.”
One diplomat commented: “Thank you for your kind invitation to a heart opening event, and a great opportunity to realise that people who truly love God will always speak one language. Ramadan Mubarak.”
Talking about the organisation, one guest wrote: “Excellent organisation and very insightful panel of keynote speeches. This was a truly inspiring moment of interfaith exchange, allowing for fruitful dialogue and increasing understanding. I felt that I personally have learnt a lot. Congratulations on your outstanding work.”
On Friday, 17 May 2019, His Excellency Alhaj Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Vice President of the Republic of Ghana visited the Mangoase Zonal Headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, Ghana.
Dr Bawumia had iftariwith members of the community in Mangoase Jamaat and also prayed Maghrib and Ishawith them. He was accompanied by ministers of state as well as leading members of the ruling party.
The vice president and his team were received at the forecourt of the mosque where hundreds of Ahmadi Muslims from Gomoa Mangoase Township and its immediate surroundings had gathered and had iftariwith him.
He was welcomed on behalf of the Jamaat by Alhaj Abass Bin Wilson, General Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission Ghana, who expressed gratitude to the vice president for visiting a local branch of the community.
Addressing the gathering after the Maghrib and IshaSalat, the vice president said that his visit was to take advantage of the blessed month of Ramadan to fraternise with Muslim brethren across the country and solicit for their prayers.
“Being a Muslim”, he said, “I am aware that the month of Ramadan is the holiest and most blessed month of the year, which is why I found it necessary to visit fellow Muslims and request for their prayers for Allah’s blessings and guidance.”
He entreated all and sundry to pray for the government and the people of Ghana, as well as for the peace and progress of the country.
On Sunday 26 May 2019, the local Nairobi Jamaat successfully held its Khilafat Day Jalsa. The event was held at the local Jamaat mosque which serves as the national headquarters, located along Murang’a Road.
The event started immediately after Asr Salat, with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by its English translation by Mualim Nasir Hadji Sahib. After that was an Urdu Nazm by Tahir Ahmad Sahib and Shabbir Chanzu Sahib.
Thereafter was a short speech by a Tifl, Aahil Sheikh explaining what the institution of Khilafat is and who the Khalifa is. The second speech was on the essence of Khilafat Day by Athar Bhatti Sahib. In his speech, he stated that the real essence of Khilafat is obedience to the institution of Khilafat.
The third speech, in Swahili language, was about Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra life as the first Khalifa of Holy Prophetsa which was delivered by Ismail Bakari Sahib. In his speech, he narrated the pious life history of Hazrat Abu Bakrra.
The last speech, delivered by Ismail Juma Sahib was about the institution of Khilafat in the Holy Quran, with extracts from the sayings and writings of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas and Khulafa regarding institution of Khilafat and its significance. Thereafter, the amir and missionary in-charge of Kenya delivered the concluding remarks. In his remarks, Amir Sahib gave a gist of Huzoor’saa Friday Sermon of 24 May 2019. The event ended with silent prayer led by Amir sahib. A total of 95 participants attended the Jalsa.
5 June 2019, London: After delivering the Eid Sermon at Baitul Futuh Mosque, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa headed to the Fazl Mosque.
Being his first visit to the Fazl Mosque after the shift to Islamabad, it was another joyous moment on the festive occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr 2019.
Huzooraa attended a lunch that he was hosting for his greater family.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the Fazl Mosque, bringing back many pleasant memories of over 16 years when he would lead prayers in this mosque.
Local residents of the area – once the Muqami region for being home of the Jamaat’s markaz – were overwhelmed and moved to have Huzooraa in their midst.
Bearing in mind what Huzooraa said in his dars yesterday regarding Ahmadis in Rabwah who have been waiting for the last 35 years for the moment when circumstances become favourable enough to welcome Khalifatul Masih once again, we should all – wherever we live in the world – be thankful that we as Ahmadis have Khalifatul Masih. Wherever he lives, he thinks of us. He cares for us, he remembers us, he prays for us. What else can we ask for! Allah bless our Imamaa with eternal peace, comfort and security.
After his arrival at Baitul Futuh Mosque, Morden a little after 10:00 GMT on Wednesday, 5 June, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa led the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer after which Huzooraa delivered the Eid Sermon.
Huzooraa said that over a hundred years ago, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a sermon, the subject of which applies even today. Huzooraa said that he would use the subjects mentioned in that sermon in his Eid Sermon.
Talking about Eid and true happiness, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that true happiness connotes the gathering together of people, for instance in the form of marriage, birth of a new born child or other such get-togethers. Festivals are also joyous occasions as people gather together. Thus, Huzooraa explained, man is a social being who lives with other people and does not cast himself away from society.
However, there are those who suffer from depression or who prefer to cut off from society. Even to such people, doctors advise that they should socialise and surround themselves with people as much as possible.
Thus, for the expression of sadness, one prefers to be alone, whereas for expressing delight and joy, one prefers to be among people.
As Islam is the natural religion, it desires for us to gather together on Eid and partake of the joys and happinesses at this occasion. The foundations of this gathering were laid when a dear servant of Allah proclaimed:
“O man, surely I am a messenger of Allah for you all.”
There were eids during the time of various prophets such as Mosesas, Davidas, Jesusas and others. Those eids were limited to their specific locations. However, the larger Eid was when Allah commissioned His dear Prophetsa to gather mankind at one hand.
All prophets were sent for their specific locations at their specific times; Jesusas at one stage said that he would not cast bread to dogs that came from outside.
The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was told:
ْوَ اَمَّا بِنِعْمَتِ رَبِّکَ فَحَدِّث
“As for the favour of your Lord, remember it often.” The unique aspect of the Holy Prophet’ssa prophethood is that not only did he not refuse giving to others, rather his custom was to spread blessings in each household. His appearance in this world was the greatest eid. Through the Prophetsa, religion was completed and divine teaching was perfected.
In one place, explaining this, the Promised Messiahas explained that the Prophetsa was sent to this world to create one community of the many communities that dwell on this earth, thus reflecting the unity of God and the uniqueness of the prophethood of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa in that he was the sole prophet sent for the whole world.
It is to this aspect that the following verse of the Holy Quran points out:
“He it is Who has sent His prophet with guidance and the religion of truth so that He may make it prevail over all others.”
In keeping with this theme, we will truly witness Eid when the entire world gathers at one hand through the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. Thus, where the responsibility of experiencing the true eid in this day and age has been assigned to us, we should assess ourselves and realise our duties.
The Promised Messiahas, at one place, explained that we should, in all circumstances, remain loyal to Allah and remain occupied in serving His religion. His Jamaat should be watchful over taking care of the rights of their fellow beings and through our loyalty, we should attempt to please Allah, by means of obligatory and voluntary prayers and deeds.
There is a dire need for us to pay attention to our responsibilities as servants of the Holy Prophetsa and his servant, Promised Messiahas.
Jesusas at one place prayed for a prophet who would gather the whole of mankind at one place and thus bring unity in humanity.
Huzooraa said that a lot of focus is spent on new clothes and celebrations on this joyous occasion. The delight behind this is because Allah has instructed us to do so. However, when we look at this celebration, we are not gaining any material benefit, although we may be obtaining spiritual benefit, provided we celebrate Eid in the true manner. Thus, at this occasion, we should bear in mind that we are celebrating a far more exalted cause; we are celebrating the purpose of the advent of Prophet Muhammadsa and his servant, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.
Today, the world is petrified of the slogan Allahu Akbar due to extremists and radicals. However, we should disclose the reality of such words so that the entire world feels delight in repeating and uttering the words:
“I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah; And I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and messenger.” Instead of the world cursing the Holy Prophetsa, they should be taught in a manner so they feel comfort in invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsa.
Huzooraa prayed that may Allah bring that day closer when the world invokes blessings on the Holy Prophetsa.
There is a drastic change in the world’s attitude towards Islam and religion. Huzooraa said that he receives many letters from Africa saying that such and such person was a polytheist, but they eventually accepted Ahmadiyyat in Islam.
Huzooraa prayed that may Allah enable us all to follow the guidance given by the Promised Messiahas in The Will (Al Wasiyyat) in which he said that we should, to the best of our abilities, represent him and his Jamaat before the world in order to draw them closer to the truth.
Towards the end of the prayer, Huzooraa congratulated the entire Jamaat present and watching on MTA all around the world.
Huzooraa then asked the Jamaat to pray for asiran-e-rah-e-Maula (prisoners in the way of Allah who are going through difficult circumstances), Shuhada (martyrs) and their families and children, missionaries (that they may be able to serve the cause of Islam Ahmadiyyat with great passion and dedication), all Ahmadis in general (that Allah may keep everyone in His protection from all evils) and Muslims in general (that Allah may enable them to hearken to the Messiah of the age).
