Syed Shamshad Nasir, Missionary, USA
Muhammad Ahmad Sahib of Detroit reports that Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Detroit held its tarbiyat event on 25 and 26 December 2020. This year, the programme was conducted virtually due to Covid-19. Detroit, Dayton and Columbus chapters participated in this programme, making this a regional event for the Midwest region.
This programme is a continuation of the tradition from previous years and was organised by a team that included the missionary Shamshad Nasir Sahib, Sadr Jamaat Maqbool Tahir Sahib, Secretary Tarbiyat Azhar Ahmad Sahib along with local presidents from Dayton and Columbus jamaats, auxiliary heads of Lajna, Khuddam and Ansar of all three chapters.
The two-day programme traditionally is held in the Mahmood mosque; however, this year, it was held virtually in conjunction with the Spiritual Fitness Camp. The purpose of both programmes is to provide a platform for tarbiyat matters as well as spiritual training for members of the community.
Members from all auxiliaries participated to enhance their knowledge on a wide array of topics.
Event preparations started many weeks prior. The preparations included the programme draft, selection of topics for speeches, speakers and the overall programme timeline. The duration of the programme was shortened this year due to its virtual nature.
The event started on 25 December with Tahajud prayer followed by Fajr prayer at home with families and then listening to the live Friday Sermon on MTA, delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
The opening session was started with a recitation from the Holy Quran and then a poem. Maqbool Tahir Sahib, President Detroit Jamaat, presided the opening session and delivered his opening remarks. In his opening remarks, he emphasised the importance and blessings of Khilafat.
Following the opening session, the Atfal and Nasirat session was presided by Murabbi Atfal Detroit Jamaat, Naeem Ahmad Sahib. The session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Atfal pledge, a poem, followed by speeches from all three jamaats. Atfal and Nasirat equally participated in the session from all three jamaats.
Various tarbiyat topics were covered including “Importance of daily prayers”, “Existence of God”, “Virtual school”, “Status of men and women in Islam”, “Importance of writing letters to beloved Huzooraa” and “Qualities of an exemplary Ahmadi child”.
At the end, Shamshad Nasir Sahib summarised the Friday Sermon of Huzooraa, delivered on 25 December 2020. He also provided some advice to children regarding the etiquette of speeches during jamaat programmes.
The session was concluded with final remarks and announcements for the second day’s programme. Overall, the programme had a particularly good attendance and participation with over 129 families in attendance.
The second day’s session started with Tahajud prayer, followed with Fajr prayer. Lajna from all three jamaats conducted their one-hour session where Nasirat also joined them. This session was started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, the Lajna pledge and a poem.
This was followed by speeches on various topics that included “Acceptance of prayers”, “Challenges of life and Allah’s love”, “Expectations from lajna”, “Blessings of financial sacrifice” and “Importance of purdah”.
This session was presided by Sadr Sahiba Lajna Detroit Jamaat and concluded with her final remarks. According to her report, more than 150 Lajna and Nasirat joined this session.
After Isha prayer, a combined session was conducted. This session was joined by all auxiliaries. The session was started with recitation of the Holy Quran, the Ansar pledge, followed by a poem.
Speeches included “Acceptance of prayers” by Muhammad Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tabligh Detroit Jamaat, “Challenges of life and Allah’s love” by Ata Ilahi Sahib of Detroit Jamaat, “Expectations from a Nasir” by General Secretary of Dayton Jamaat, Zaki Ahmad Sahib, “Expectations from a Khadim” by Hassan Syed Sahib of Columbus Jamaat, “Prayers and Efforts” by Secretary Tarbiyat Columbus Jamaat, Javed Yameen Malik Sahib and “Early Marriage – parents responsibility” by Mansoor Qureshi Sahib of Detroit Jamaat.
Khuddam and Ansar from all three jamaats attended the session. This session was presided over by Faheem Rana Sahib of Detroit Jamaat. More than 120 families attended this session.
The concluding session was presided by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad Sahib. It started with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by poem. Shamshad Nasir Sahib welcomed Amir Sahib and introduced him to the programme.
Following this, Secretary Tarbiyat Detroit Jamaat Azhar Ahmad Sahib presented the event’s report to Amir Sahib.
Amir Sahib delivered then delivered a motivating and thought-provoking speech related to tarbiyat matters, highlighting why it is so important to hold such programmes regularly and the importance of participation in them by all Jamaat members. He advised parents to bring up their children and give them good training right from the childhood according to the teachings of Islam and sunnah of the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa. When parents do not put any efforts to attach themselves and their children to the system of the Jamaat and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, such negligence can have adverse effects.
Amir Sahib provided valuable advice from the writings of the Promised Messiahas about taqwa and supplications and prayed that Allah the Almighty helped everyone to be true followers of the Imam of the age and that we all become recipients of the blessings of following the teachings of the Promised Messiahas.
At the end, Amir Sahib concluded the two-day programme with silent prayer and thanked the organisers.
Shamshad Nasir Sahib thanked Amir Sahib for taking time from his schedule to join the members for this programme.
Secretary Tarbiyat Detroit Jamaat worked hard for organising this programme. He was supported by tarbiyat secretaries from Dayton and Columbus along with the auxiliary heads and halqa nigrans of all three chapters.
By the grace of Allah, the programme went very well and members participated and benefited. Overall, the feedback was positive.
May Allah the Almighty bless and reward abundantly all those who worked hard to make the programme a success.