2nd edition 2017

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF AHMADIYYA IN NIGERIA: A BRIEF APPRAISAL - PAGE GIABA Holds Conference for Religious Leaders in Nigeria

Lajna Imaillah Nigeria Atfal, Nasirat Commemorate Holds 5th Annual Special Days Across Nigeria Tarbiyyah Seminar

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Friday, 12 May 2017 (CE); 15 Sha’ban 1438 (HQ); 12 Hijrat 1396 (HSh); Vol. LXVII, No. 2 NGN 150

AHMADIYYA YOUTHS HOLD 44TH ANNUAL CONVENTION 2

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1. Cross section of members of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria at the Symposium of the 44th Annual National Convention of MKAN in Ikirun on April 15, 2017 2. The Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji; Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Dr. M.A. Fashola; and Sadr MKAN, Engr. Saheed Aina at the Symposium of the 44th Annual National Convention of MKAN in Ikirun on April 15, 2017

Requisites and Etiquettes of Majlis-e-Shura To the representatives, Huzur (aba) said their responsibility is not just for the two or three days of the Shura conference but for the whole year until the next set o f r ep r es en ta tives a r e chosen. Therefore they need to continually self-reflect; they ought to be sincere worshippers of God who stand firm on taqwa and when no clear guidance is found in the Holy Quran or the Sunnah, they seek Allah’s guidance through p r a y e r . T h e s e representatives are chosen by means of positive inference, therefore they have an obligation to honour the trust.

Khalifa of Islam Calls for Curb on Arms Trade; Urges Dialogue among Nations “Rather than erecting walls that keep us apart, we should build bridges that bring us closer together”

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he World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad has urged world leaders to take action to end arms race. The Khalifa said this in his keynote address at the 14th National Peace Symposium hosted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. The event was held at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London with an audience of more than 1,000 people, from 30 countries, including over 600 non-Ahmadi guests comprising Government

Ministers, Ambassadors of State, Members of both Houses of Parliament and various other dignitaries and guests.

During the event, His Holiness presented Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima bomb survivor and peace activist, with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace in recognition of her outstanding efforts in campaigning for nuclear disarmament.

During his address, His Holiness condemned the recent terrorist attack in London as a “barbaric atrocity” and labelled all forms of extremism and

terrorism as a complete violation of Islamic teachings.

F u r t h e r, H i s H o l i n e s s expressed his grief at continued warfare in the Muslim world, as well as voicing his fears about increasing tensions in the rest of the world. His Holiness also called on world powers to curb the sale of weapons and arms.

Referring to the attack in Westminster, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “First of all, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to all those affected by Wednesday's terror attack at Westminster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the

people of London at this tragic time. On behalf of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, I wish to make it categorically clear that we condemn all such acts of terrorism and we offer our heartfelt sympathies to the victims of this barbaric atrocity.”

His Holiness said it was a cause of great regret that extremist Muslim groups had turned certain Mosques and Madrassas into “centres of extremism”, which had fuelled fear and misconceptions about Islam amongst non-Muslims. In stark contrast, Holiness said that an inherent part of the worship of

God was to serve mankind and to live peacefully with the people of all faiths and beliefs.

Based on these Islamic teachings, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had established humanitarian projects in various parts of the world, each serving mankind and bringing relief to those in need.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: “In this way, rather than becoming frustrated and prone to extremism, they will grow to be responsible and 2

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News Khalifa of Islam Calls for Curb on Arms Trade; Urges Dialogue among Nations Continued from Page 1

faithful citizens of their nations.

Where they will personally develop, they will also help their nations progress and inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

His Holiness said that despite the teachings of Islam being categorical in rejecting indiscriminate attacks or killings, many people associated Islam with violence or warfare.Countering the narrative of extremists, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that, “no matter what terrorists may claim, under no circumstances are indiscriminate attacks or killings ever justified. Islam has enshrined the sanctity of human life in chapter 5, verse 33 of the Holy Quran, which states: 'Whosoever killed a person it shall be as if he killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind'.”

He continued: “Islam is that religion which has forever enshrined the universal principles of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience and freedom of belief.

Therefore, if today there are socalled Muslim groups or sects that are killing people, it can only be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Their barbaric acts are a complete violation of everything that Islam stands for.”

His Holiness also spoke about certain individuals or groups from amongst non-Muslims who are “fanning the flames of division and hostility” and cited a Foreign Policy article that described Islamophobia as an 'industry' in itself. His Holiness called on world leaders to speak with wisdom and integrity at all times.

“Regrettably, we often hear politicians and leaders making needlessly inflammatory statements that are beholden not to the truth, but to their own political interests.”

His Holiness rejected the allegation raised by certain prominent figures that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) massacred those who did not accept Islam. He said that the Founder of Islam (peace be upon him) only fought as a last resort in order to defend the institution of religion and to establish the principle of universal freedom of belief.

According to him, “the allegation that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) was a belligerent leader or a warmonger is an injustice and cruelty of the very highest order and such false claims can only grieve the hearts of the millions of peaceful Muslims worldwide.

History bears witness to the fact that with every fibre of his being, the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) sought peace and reconciliation.”

His Holiness also said there are some journalists and prominent personalities who are “swimming against the tide of falsehood” by writing about Islam with justice and integrity, and quoted Ruth Cranston, a prominent 20th century

author, who wrote in the 1949 book, World Faith: “Muhammad never instigated fighting and bloodshed. Every battle he fought was in rebuttal. He fought defensively in order to survive.”

His Holiness also praised the response of Prime Minister, Theresa May following the Westminster attack. He said: “I would like to highly commend our Honourable Prime Minister for quoting some verses from the Holy Quran and condemning certain accusations that were levelled against Islamic teachings.”

Speaking about one of the causes of extremism, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said that a number of reports suggested that some Muslim youths had been radicalised as they felt their religious beliefs had been mocked and ridiculed in the Western world.

He however noted that: “in no way does this justify or excuse them and they remain culpable and responsible for their actions. Yet common sense dictates that we should not pour petrol on an open flame. Rather, we should seek mutual understanding, respect the beliefs of others and try to find common ground.”

His Holiness mentioned the “golden principle in the cause of peace” mentioned in chapter 3, verse 65 of the Holy Quran, which encourages people to focus on those beliefs that unite them by stating: “Come to a word equal between us and you”. “Thus, the Quran has taught us how to build a peaceful multicultural society, where people of all faiths and beliefs are able to live side by side.

The key ingredients are mutual respect and tolerance.”

Referring to the theme of the Peace Symposium 2017, 'Global Conflicts and the Need for Justice', His Holiness said a lack of justice had “plagued every segment of society” and that whilst it was undeniable that today certain Muslim countries are at the “epicentre of wars and cruelties”, it was wrong to say that the rest of the

The Khalifa cited numerous reports indicating increased tensions between the United States and China, and similarly between the United States and Russia.

Speaking about the need for mankind to pull together, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “The need of the hour is for us to knock down the barriers of fear that divide us. Rather than erecting walls that keep us apart, we should build bridges that bring us closer together… We must stand up against all forms of oppression, hatred and use all our capabilities to try and foster peace in the world.”

He continued: “Sadly, with the passing of time, it seems that we are losing our ability to listen and to tolerate opposing views and

of communication and facilitating dialogue is essential, otherwise the world's malaise will only get deeper… Instead of pointing fingers and blaming one another, now is the time for solutions.”

T h e r e a f t e r, H i s H o l i n e s s condemned the international arms trade, which he said was a means of fuelling warfare and ensuring that the world remained bound within a perpetual cycle of violence. “In my opinion there is one ready-made solution that can have an instant impact and begin the process of healing the world. I refer to the international arms trade, which I believe has to be curbed and restricted. Whilst the primary interest of every nation should be the well-being of mankind and achieving peace, it is a sad truth

pursuit of wealth invariably take priority over such concerns.”

His Holiness deemed the argument that the sale of weapons may 'encourage' peace by working as a 'deterrent' to be “completely senseless” and said such justifications had “caused the world to become embroiled in a never ending arms race”. He also said that no nation should think it is “immune from danger” because history taught that wars “evolved rapidly and often unexpectedly”.

His Holiness warned of the risks of nuclear warfare, which he described as “unimaginable” and called on mankind to think long and hard about the type of world it wished to bequeath to future generations.

Speaking of the potential

war, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Rather than leaving behind a legacy of prosperity for our coming generations, we will be guilty of leaving behind only sorrow and despair. Our gift to the world will be a generation of disabled children, born with defects and intellectual disabilities. Who knows if their parents will even survive to care and nurture them?”

“Always remember that if we seek to pursue our own interests at all costs, the rights of others will be usurped and this can only lead to conflict, wars and misery. We must all reflect and understand the precipice upon which we stand.”

Concluding, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed: “My message to the world is to look at tomorrow, and not just today. Let us leave behind a legacy of hope and opportunity for our children, rather than burdening them with the horrific consequences of our sins. I pray that God grants sense to the people of the world and that the heavy clouds that loom above us give way to a bright and prosperous future.”

Prior to the keynote address, various dignitaries spoke about the importance of peace and the critical state of today's world.

Rafiq Hayat, the National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK, offered his condolences to the victims of the Westminster attack and paid tribute to PC Keith Palmer who sacrificed his life for the sake of defending the nation's democracy.

Silvio Danio, Executive Director of Religions for Peace, from Italy, said: “I want to thank you, Your Holiness, in a very special way, because listening often to your talks and very many interventions in many parts of the world, you have not only been a promoter, not only a creator of what we badly need today, that is a culture of dialogue, you have been a champion of this, you are an example.”

Ms. Setsuko Thurlow, recipient of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for the Advancement of Peace, said: “In attempting to learn about your organisation's history, mission and activities, I learned with pain of your struggle and suffering from religious discrimination and persecution.

Yet, in spite of that, you have chosen the principles of nonviolence, peace and justice and exemplify them in your daily lives through your motto of love to all and hatred to none. What an enlightened role model you are to the world community.”

Further, Father David Standley, representing the Archbishop of Southwark, read out a message from the Vatican in support of the Peace Symposium.

The event concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness.

Both before and after the proceedings, His Holiness met personally with various dignitaries and guests and also held a press conference with members of media.

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The Friday Sermon A summary of the Sermons of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V

Requisites and Etiquette of Majlis-e-Shura

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elivered by the Head of t h e Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Huzur) quoted Hadhrat Alira and said that counsel should be sought from those who are sensible and those who worship God. Huzur said representative for the Shura are appointed on the basis of compliance to the Nizam e Jama'at, financial sacrifice and worship of God. This puts a great responsibility on the members of the Community to appoint representative for Shura on the basis of taqwa rather than personal friendship or relations.

Huzur (atba) based His Friday Sermon today on verse 160 of Surah Al Imran (3:160) and gave a discourse on the requisites and etiquette of Majlis e S h u r a , (Consultative Body).

Huzur said in Pakistan the appointment for Shura representatives would have been made by now, however those who have yet to select their representatives should be mindful that Allah commands that trusts should be handed over to those who are deserving. Huzur said these people are prospective advisors to the Khalifa therefore much care is needed and those who clearly and evidently appear undeserving or those who seek self-promotion should not be chosen.

H u zu r s aid th e Shura in Pakistan is commencing today and there will be subsequent Shuras in other countries around the world.

Huzuraba said the department of Shura is most significant in helping the Nizam e J a m a ' a t (Administrative system of the Community) and the Nizam e Khilafat. In light of Quranic guidance and the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (saw) Hadhrat Umerra said that there is no Khilafat without Shura.

Huzur said as the above verse explains it is not essential to endorse the Shura proposal held by the majority; at times the suggestion of the minority etc forms the decision and once the decision is made then trust must be put in Allah.

Although the verse addresses the Holy Prophet (saw) but the inference is the ummah. In this age after the advent of the Promised Messiah as and according to the prophecy of the Holy Prophet (saw) Khilafat on the precept of prophethood

has been established, therefore the connotation in the verse is that the Khalifa will have kindness for his community. It is due to special grace and mercy of Allah that the institution of Khilafat and that of the Community is flourishing and the connection people of the Community have with the Khalifa is also a grace of Allah; it is a mutual flow that is established by following the Sunnah.

To the representatives Huzur said their responsibility is not just for the two or three days of the Shura conference but for the whole year until the next set of representatives are chosen. Therefore they need to continually self-reflect; they ought to be sincere worshippers of God who stands firm on taqwa and when no clear guidance is found in the Holy Quran or the Sunnah, they seek Allah's guidance through prayer. These representatives are chosen by means of positive inference therefore they have an obligation to honour the trust.

Explaining the hypothetical point whereby some are chosen for Shura by other yardstick/standards than the requisite, Huzuraba hoped and prayed that they also abide by taqwa and honour The Khalifa is commanded to consult in the trust of Shura. Huzur prayed that may matters of importance, be kind and to he not be given people with worldly pray. When consulted, people are motives. commanded to be of virtuous intent and When a Shura proposal is approved by give their suggestions abiding by taqwa. the Khalifa of the day and is introduced

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News Ahmadiyya Youths Hold 44th Annual Convention

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he Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, has called on the Nigerian people including the Ahmadis to respect the law of the land so that corruption and corrupt practices, which have eaten deep the Nigerian fabrics, can be minimized.

Speaking at the 44th Annual National (Ijtema) Convention of the Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya, Nigeria held at Science High School, Ikirun, Osun State between 13th and 16th April, 2017, Amir explained that corruption has become a very rational profitable business in Nigeria where enforcement of law is taken with levity. He said that most people do not know that a man who steals what belongs to some people is responsible for the 'deaths' of millions of people even though they are alive.

Whereas, he said that Islam is strict in the enforcement of law guiding the people and commands equity and justice for peace and tranquility to reign in the society irrespective of colour, caste and position.

Meanwhile, Muallim Abass Agbaje, delivering a lecture on the theme of the Convention “Equity, Justice and Good Conscience: the True Creative Principles”, posited that Nigerians are the architects of the economic system that ensure the prosperity of few and the

austerity and poverty of a whole lot more. Nigerians are the accomplices of social systems that elevate some and subjugate others by imposed labels and institutionalized discrimination.

To restore equity, justice and good conscience among the people, Agbaje said Nigerians should be the catalysts for sustainable development, providing an enabling environment for all without any shade of discrimination; Nigerians should drown the selfish motives that controls our hearts in the ocean of love and brotherhood; Nigerians should carry the message of the Promised Messiah (as) to the corners of the world, championing the glorious hymn of 'love for all, hatred for none' and Nigerians should participate in politics to show that governance is possible without devious gimmicks, that politics need not be dirty if we want to change our ways, that we need to inject the principles of equity, justice and good conscience to rid ourselves of the insidious influence of greed, deception and corruption.

The Convention, by God's grace, witnessed the presence of dignitaries from across spheres of life ranging from politics, government and religion to traditional and youth organizations.

Imam Lere Yusuf, one of the renowned religious leaders in Osun State, said that Ahmadiyya was introduced to

them during youthful days in a wrong way, reason they didn't join the sect then.

While commending the MKA Nigeria for this laudable youth programmes, Imam Yusuf confidently said Islam is free and unadulterated in Ahmadiyya unlike other sects, admitting that it is only Ahmadiyya that is spreading the messages of peace across the world to ensure peace and harmony among people.

He added: “The only future and hope of Islam I see is in Ahmadiyya. Because of that, I am giving my children to Ahmadiyya for their moral and spiritual training and development.”

Other Majalis who registered their presence at the Convention include: MKA Uganda, Ghana and Benin Republic.

Goodwill messages were received from Huzur Aqdas (atba), MKA Germany, United Kingdom, USA, Australia, Gambia, Republic of Ireland, Switzerland, Netherlands and PAAMA UK, among others.

In his goodwill message, Khalifatul Masih V (atba) reminded the Majlis members to guide people of all nations to true islam especially at this period when there are attacks against Islam in the world because Ahmadiyya only projects the true face of Islam positively.

He said MKA Nigeria should ensure no soul is lost from the faith in that it will

amount to a waste of resources.

Other events held to mark the 44th Ijtema include the 2day free health exercise where

over 650 people were treated on various ailments and over 60 were given free medical glasses to aid their sight.

Besides, MKA Nigeria paid

courtesy visits to motherless/orphanage homes, home of special disabilities and Nigeria Prisons Service to share in the moods of these

NSCDC, NBTS Praise Ahmadiyya Efforts, as Youths Donate Blood

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he Oyo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), CC Shem Obafaiye has applauded the courage and good works of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, emphasizing on the need for proactiveness in the publicity of the organization. Mr. Obafaiye said this when leadership of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Oyo State paid him a courtesy visit.

He said: “Organization like you need to be proactive in publicizing its programmes and information adequately. I, on behalf of NSCDC, pledge my support for the Majllis Khuddam.”

Earlier, the State Qaid, Bro Abdul Akeem Awe in his speech, mentioned the youth organisation's lined up programmes, stressing on the 'Stop the Crime campaign', an initiative of MKAN. He also used the medium to inform the Corps on the series of Majlis' activities which include humanitarian

services, traffic control, welfare visits and dignity of labour, among others. A presentation of gift items was done which includes Jama'at literatures and calendar 2017.

In the same vein, a Majlis delegation, led by the State Qaid, paid a courtesy visit to the Oyo State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology.

The visit, according to the State Qaid, was to extend a warm greeting to the commissioner for his good works in ensuring a better education for the people of Oyo state and to also seek approval for an outstanding project of the organization tagged 'Stop the Crime Campaign'. The project was thereby approved after passing through necessary procedures. A plaque of

excellence was presented alongside Jama'at literatures and 2017 Calendar.

The courtesy visits were part of efforts to sensitize government functionaries on activities of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at and its auxiliary bodies.

In another news, members of the Oyo State Majlis Khuddam also donated 170 pints of blood at the National Blood Transfusion

Service (NBTS) and University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan Blood Banks.

The Dil'at that made up the total 67 which donated at UCH blood bank were Apata, Coca-Cola and Oluyole-Ona-Ara while those that donated 103 pints donated at

NBTS were Ibadan, Omi-Adio and Akinyele Dil'at.

Both centres appreciated sincerely the usual efforts of the majlis to ensuring a 'Save a Life Drive' and also sent letters of appreciation to the State Majlis Headquarters.

AMSA Poly Ibadan Orientates New Students

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o acquaint the newly admitted Ahmadi Students into the institution with ways to tread on to achieve successes in both academic and religious lives on campus, Ahmadi Muslim Students' Association of The Polytechnic Ibadan held its 2017 orientation programme at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Sango-Barracks, Sango, Ibadan.

The event, tagged “Acme of Education and Religion”, had the presence of two prominent guest lecturers Bro Daud Dikko and

Muallim Dhunurain Bello who delivered speeches on the topics “Our Purpose on Campus” and “Level of Spiritually on Campus”.

While 39 students registered their presence, other dignitaries include Bro Lawal Taofeeq, HOD, Purchasing and Supply Department of The Ibarapa Polytechnic; Alhaji F.O. Salam, Circuit President, Coca-Cola; Muallim Abdul Fattah Tijani, Circuit Missionary, Coca-Cola and AMSA National/State executives.

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News

Council Manager, Ilesa North East LCDA Hands Over Classrooms

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he Council Manager, Ilesa North East LCDA, Osun State, Mr. Yakubu Oni has reiterated the efforts of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola's led administration in the state towards the promotion of quality education across the state as well as commitment to enhance good neighborliness and bilateral cohesion with the St. Lawrence's Middle Schools I & II. The Council Manager made this known at the formal handing over of a two blocks of two (2) classrooms each to the authority of St. Lawrence's Middle School II, Imo, Ilesa recently..

O n i s aid , th e development was sequel to a complete renovation of

the classrooms that were dilapidated, already abandoned (not in use) and in return for a block ceded to the permanent site of the new LCDA. According to Oni, "It was on 8th March, 2016 that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who is the Governor of the state, announced the creation of 31 new Local Council Development Areas, little did the people of Ilesa North East LCDA know that dividends of grassroots governance would soon get to them".

Oni said further that, it has become a thing of joy for the residents of the Council area today as the incumbent administration in Osun has brought government into their midst without stress.

He assured that, the Ilesa

North East LCDA in its own capacity and in collaboration with the state government would continue to work for the development of all and sundry in the area.

In a brief comment by a philanthropist of the school, Mr. Adebayo Jimoh, applauded the vision of Mr. Governor for

creating the LCDA to bring benefits of governance closer to the people.

He wished the new LCDA more success and further friendly relations with the school and enjoin people to continue to demonstrate their unalloyed support to the state government.

An interdenominational

prayer session was later held at the LCDA Secretariat for development of the LCDA, progress in Osun as well as good health for President Muhammad Buhari and enduring peace in the nation at large.

Among dignitaries present were community leaders, including Chief

Olowookere, Chairman, Local Government Creation Committee and other members, religious clerics from both Islam and Christianity represented by Alh. Kayode Olawuyi, Chief Imam,Imo and Pastor John, CAN Chairman, Ilesa East Local Government respectively among others.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth UK Stage Peace Rally US soldiers can now wear

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embers of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA), the UK's largest Muslim Youth organisation, including young Muslims from the Islamabad community in Sheephatch Lane, Tilford, stage a peace rally with hopes of demonstrating “the true, peaceful teachings of Islam and the commitment of British Muslims to peace and harmony”.

The rally was held in the wake of an attack on the British Parliament in March.

The remembrance gathering attracted

hundreds of members of the Ahmadiyya youth association, many of whom are trainee Imams.

They held banners carrying slogans such as 'Love for all, Hatred for none' and 'Muslims for humanity', and wore tshirts with 'I am a Muslim Ask me anything' printed on them, inviting the general public to share their thoughts and concerns about Islam.

Imam Farhad Ahmad, a member of the AMYA said: “'By turning out in such large numbers, we Ahmadi Muslims hope to demonstrate the true, peaceful teachings of

hijab, turbans, beard

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Islam and the commitment of British Muslims to peace and harmony.

“The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessing of God be on him, called on Muslims to be loyal to their nations and to always treat all people, of all backgrounds, with equal love and humanity.

'”With our tee-shirts, we hope to engage with the general public and foster greater unity through open and honest dialogue. We want to show people the peaceful Islam that we follow and denounce the perverted version of Islam promoted by hate preachers.”

new directive by the United States Army has okayed the use of hijabs and turbans by servicemen and women for religious reasons. The directive also okayed beards and dreadlocks for soldiers.

The directive by the Secretary of the Army, Eric Fanning, however, stressed that the hairstyles must be uniform and neat.

According to The Atlantic, the new directive is largely in response to litigation and advocacy from Sikh servicemen who wear beards and turbans for religious reasons, and

who wanted to be able to keep them while actively serving.

Noting that “the new regulations are a response to a long-standing issue within the military”, the report explained that over the years, military officers have regularly dealt with requests for religious exemptions to various rules.

After several servicemen sued the Army for refusing to allow them keep turbans and beards, the army, began conducting studies about the feasibility of broader exemptions, leading up to the directive.

Prophecies for Sustenance of Islam justice to be entrenched on the world instead of war?

All the above posers are caps which do not fit anyone else other than the khalifah of Mahdi (as). No wonder, perchance this is why Allah has succinctly describe the situation as seeing people entering the RELIGION OF ALLAH in troops that phrase has two sides to it. First, it talks relatively in the world of religion and the true religion of Allah stands out unambiguous. It is Islam! On the other hand, in the comity of Islam there are many sects. Yet Allah chose the phrase to identify which is the religion of Allah. In order substantiate this assertion, if you compare the verse two of Suratul Maun (chapter 107)of the holy Quran, therein Allah did not specify or differentiate religions. Hence Continued from Page 8

Allah says '' hast thou not seen him who rejects religions?” Here the gracious God did not ascribe any religion to Himself but simply talks of religion in general sense .Allah did not say in the verse under consideration, hast thou not seen him who rejects the religion of Allah?

But in suratul Nasr, Allah gave serious attachment to the kind of religion talked about by saying ''thou seest people entering the religion of Allah”. Hence with the numerosity of sects in Islam, there is going to be one that have strong link with Allah and therefore reflecting the features of the religion of Allah talked about.

Albeit when you wonder over some sayings of the holy prophet Muhammad (saw) you can find some correlation in this connection regarding the fate of various sects into which Islam will be sub-divided. You cannot fail to agree

that the saying of the holy prophet is inconsonance with verse 3 of chapter 110 under reference. The messenger of Allah is reported to have warned, after comparing the fates of the former faiths with that of Islam. He prophesied that his own community will be divided and broken into 73 sects. Behold all of them will go to hell except one and by contrast and inference that one is synonymous to the religion of Allah into which people will be flocking, referred to by Allah (swt).

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News GIABA Holds Conference for Religious Leaders in Nigeria AbdulGaniyy Adiamoh

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h e A m i r o f Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria, Alhaji Dr. Mash-hud Adenrele Fashola and National Tabligh S e c r e t a r y, D r. S a h e e d Olurotimi Timehin were among the participants of the 2 day National Sensitization Seminar for Religious Leaders and Institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Combating the Financing of Te r r o r i s m ( A M L / C F T ) , organised by the InterGovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) held in Kaduna, Nigeria from 19th to 20th April, 2017.

GIABA is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the mandate to protect the economies of member States from the laundering of the proceeds of crimes and to promote regional cooperation to combat money laundering and terrorist financing. As part of its efforts to achieve its mandate, GIABA from time to time organize sensitization seminars for critical stakeholders in order to ensure that they become advocates of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism in their spheres of influence.

The objective of the Religious Leaders'

Conference was to raise the awareness level of religious leaders on their role in the fight against Money Laundering (ML) and Terrorist Financing (TF) and to build strong partnership with Faith Based Organizations (FBOs) on actionable points to curb violent extremism and promote peaceful coexistence in the society.

A total of 45 participants consisting of religious leaders, institutions and faith-based organizations (FBOS) across the country participated in the seminar in view of their valuable contribution as guardians of faith and the tremendous sway their institutions hold amongst their followers. Noting that faith obviously appeals to people on emotional levels and gives voice to a wide range of community concern, GIABA opined that religious leaders could make specific contributions to overcoming the menace of ML/TF and transforming public understanding, attitudes and behavior by using persuasion as a strategy.

The seminar was delivered by experts and GIABA faculty through discussions and presentation of the theme entitled “The Role of Religious Leaders in Preventing Money Laundering and Terrorist

Financing”. Other topics of discussion included Money laundering and terrorist financing risks and vulnerabilities associated with religious organizations; Religious Institutions as a tool for promotion of Peaceful coexistence; Risk of terrorist abuse in non-profit organizations; and Promoting Tolerance and Preventing Violent Extremism''.

At the end of the session, participants issued a communiqué with the following recommendations to help in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing cases; ?

Religious leaders would continue to advocate and shun corruption and utilize methods beyond prayer, with the emphasis on work and worship; ?

More frequent sensitization and awareness programs should be held for faith based organizations; ?

Umbrella bodies of faith based organizations should continue to be empowered and assisted by government agencies, to adopt self-regulatory measures to be owned and monitored by them in order to avoid perceived governmental interference; ?

As a follow up, the religious leaders should form a committee that will assist members at the grassroots in sensitization and compliance

Lajna Imaillah Nigeria Holds Dr. Enahoro Bags Award 5th Annual Tarbiyyah Seminar

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he women group of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Lajna Imaillah Nigeria held her 5th annual Tarbiyyah seminar in a grand style with over 600 members in attendance.

In his speech at the event, the Amir, head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, Nigeria Dr. Mash-hud Aderele Fashola advised Muslim women to take seriously the attainment of the hereafter rather than worldly affairs. He further said that a pious person is the most successful person on earth and for there to be reformers, then there is the need for virtuous women to give birth to virtuous children.

In a lecture delivered on the topic “Upholding the Dignity of Wo m a n h o o d , H a j i a T. A .

Fagbolade said female are not inferior to men rather women are the pillar behind the man's success as partners.

She pointed out the chapter of

the Holy Quran that says “Women have right over men as men have right over women, noting that Allah has promised both men and women paradise equally. “Islam does not say that there is a difference between a man and a woman in personality, rather the only difference is in the work they do,” she noted.

She also said that using hijab is an act of worship, and it is also a way of preventing the girl child from all sorts of abuses.

According to her, using the hijab does not diminish the girl in any way.

In her own lecture, Mrs. Olumuyiwa Rufai who talked on “Violence against Women, Rape and Sexual Assault on Young Ones” explained that sexual or rape could be perpetrated by anyone to anybody irrespective of sex and age. She said recent statistics showed that 80% of victims know their abusers. She therefore advised parents to be

observant, friendly with their child and educate them on sexuality. Mrs. Rufai further highlighted the teaching of Islam to limit co-mingling among male and female children.

Noting that there are several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) who assist victims of sexual abuse to get over their trauma, she called on victims to report to the authorities when they are abused, as it is a crime against their fundamental human rights.

The Sadr Lajna Imaillah, Dr. Basirat Olajumoke Dikko urged mothers to train and retrain their wards to become better Muslims.

She also called on all mothers to become good examples to their children.

Participants expressed their delight at the programme and expressed their wishes to become better mothers and better women in the society.

T

he Vice President of African Veterinary Association, Dr. Gani Enahoro has been given a distinguished alumnus award at the just concluded University of

Ibadan Veterinary students graduation.

The former National President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association bagged the honor because of his enormous

commitment to the country's and Africa Veterinarian associations.

The event took place at the institution's main auditorium on Thursday, 30th March, 2017.

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FRIDAY,12TH MAY 2017

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HolyVerses The Holy Qur’an In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful And it is by the great mercy of Allah that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough and hardhearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters of administration; and when thou art determined, then put thy trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him.

Commentary

The verse gives an insight into the beautiful character of the Holy Prophet, of which the most effable and prominent trait was his all-comprehensive mercy. He was full of the milk of human kindness and was not only kind towards his Companions and followers but was also full of mercy for his enemies who were always on the look-out to stab him in the back. It is on record that he took no action even against those treacherous hypocrites who had deserted him in the Battle of Uhud. He even consulted them in affairs of State.

The verse also constitutes an effective answer to the charge of the hypocrites that the Holy Prophet attached no importance to their advice and did what he liked. The Quran refutes this charge by saying that if the Holy Prophet had not been kind and gentle towards them, they would have left him long ago. Thus their continuing to remain with him falsified their accusation and proved that the Prophet's treatment of them was very kind and that in conformity with the divine command (see also 42:39) he used to consult them regarding affairs of State, with the result that many of them afterwards repented of their deeds and became sincere Muslims. The injunction about consultation contained in the present verse, although general in application, refers to the hypocrites of Medina in particular.

It may be noted that Islam stands alone in including the institution (consultation) among its fundamental principles.

It lays down as a rule that both the prophet and his successors should, whenever necessary, consult their followers in important affairs of state. A religion claiming to be universal is bound to contain such a teaching; for persons of different classes and different communities continue to enter its fold, and if these are consulted in matters of moment, it is calculated not only to add to their experience and practical wisdom, but also to increase and keep alive their interest in affairs of State. This is why the Holy Prophet used to consult his followers in all important matters, as he did before the Battles of Badr, Uhud, and Ahzab, and also when a false accusation was brought against his wife, Aisha.

Baihaqi reports: "Certainly Allah and His Messenger did not stand in need of the advice of anybody, but God has made it (the seeking of advice) a source of mercy for men. those who hold consultation will not stray away from the path of rectitude, while those who do not are liable to do so" Abu Huraira says: "The Holy Prophet was most solicitous in consulting others in all matters of importance (Manthur, ii.90) 'Umar, the second successor of the Holy Prophet, is reported to have said: "There is no Khilafat without consultation" (Izalat al -Khifa 'an Khilafat al-Khulafa). Thus the holding of consultation in matters of consequence is an important injunction of Islam and is binding on both spiritual and temporal Chiefs, though they are not bound to accept that consultation, as words, when thou art determined, then put thy trust in Allah, show. The Khalifa must seek the advice of leading Muslims, but the final decision always rest with him. He is not bound to accept in full or in part the advice tendered to him by a majority of them. This view has ever been held by the main body of Muslims throughout the centuries and finds ample support in the sayings of the Holy Prophet as well as in his practice and in that of his Rightly - guided successors.

The objection, that if the Khalifa is not bound to act upon the advice of the majority, what

is the use of his seeking advice, or of others offering it, is unwise and beside the point. The verse gives to the Khalifa the right to reject advice if he is convinced that it is in the interest of religion or the community to do so. Normally, he respects the views of the majority, but the Islamic or (Shura or Mushawarat) is not a parliament in the sense in which the word is generally understood in the West. Islam enjoins only consultation and not decision by votes, which are two different things. consultation is meant to help the Khalifa to know the views of his followers and to enable him to respect them as far as possible. it is not at all intended to tie his hands. it is on record that the Holy Prophet rejected the advice of the majority of his followers on certain occasions, and on others he even refused to accept their unanimous opinion.

For instance, regarding the treatment of the prisoners of Badr he accepted the advice of Abu Bakr and rejected that of ' Umar, ' Abdullah bin Rawaha and Sa'd bin Mu'adh (Musnad, i 283). At Hudaibiya, he signed the treaty in clear opposition to the advice of his companions (Bukhari, ch. on Shurut.) Similarly, Abu Bakr discarded the almost unanimous advice of the Muslims by sending the expedition to Syria under Usama, immediately after the death of the Holy Prophet (Athir, ii. 139). In contrast to this, it is also on record that the Holy Prophet sometimes sacrificed his own view to that of his followers as he did in marching out of median for the Battle of Uhud.

The context of the verse, however, shows that here the injunction was primarily meant with regard to the hypocrites, and nobody could say that the Holy Prophet was bound to do what the hypocrites advised him.

The advantages of consultation are: (1) The Khalifa or the Amir comes to know the views of his followers. (2) He is helped in arriving at a correct decision. (3) Representative Muslims get an opportunity to think about, and take personal interest in, important state affairs, thus receiving most useful training in matters of administration. (4) The Khalifa is enabled to judge the mental and administrative capabilities of different individuals, which help him to assign the right work to the right man (5) It enables him to know the aptitudes, aspirations and tendencies as well as the moral and spiritual condition of the different members of his community, and thus he becomes able to effect an improvement, wherever necessary, in his people.

The meaning of expressions like, put thy trust in Allah, is generally misunderstood. In the language of the Quran (trusting in God) does not consist in disregarding the material means of doing a thing. on the contrary, as taught by Islam means that a person should first make use of all the resources at his command and then place his trust in God to bless his efforts with success, believing all the time that the means can be successful only if and when God wills it and that the true cause and the real source of all success is God alone.

The words, put thy trust in Allah, as used in the present context, also hint that if the Prophet or the Khalifa were to be bound to accept the counsel of his followers, it would be against the spirit of (trusting in God). In fact, one who is bound to act in accordance with the advice of another cannot be said to be trusting in God so far as acting on that advice is concerned.

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Prophecies for Sustenance of Islam By: R.S.A BANJO

W

hen the help of Allah comes and the victories And thou seest men entering the religion of Allah in troopsGlorify thy Lord with His praise and seek forgiveness of HimSurely, He is Oft-Returning with compassion. (Q110 Vs 1-3) I have always looked at the above Surah of the Quran with optimism of great propensity and exhilaration.

Much as the chapter is seemingly seen as addressing the Holy prophet of Islam(saw), its scope and coverage goes beyond that. The Surah, like other Surahs of the Holy Quran, has a great network of potentialities that spread beyond and after the prophet of Allah (saw), thus fulfilling the predictions contained therein.

First and foremost, let us highlight the clauses and phrases specially selected and used in the passages by Allah. These are: help of Allah come and the victory; thou seest men, entering the religion of Allah; glorify thy Lord and seek forgiveness of Him. It must be understood that the glad tidings given Muhammad (saw) were fulfilled to the letter. The Surah personifies the recipient then and thereafter. The question then is could all the good news have expired and ended with the Holy prophet Muhammad (saw). The answer is a capital No! Could it be said that after the demise of the Prophet (saw), no help and victory comes to Islam? Could it be imagined that after the Prophet, there was no one that could have been playing the role of witnessing the entrant of the people into the fold of Islam as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) used to do? Could it be considered that after the return of the Prophet to his Lord, none among his followers glorifies Allah with His praise and seeking forgiveness?.It will be recalled that after the demise of the Messenger of Allah (Saw) and when everything seemed to be at a dead end, Hadhrat Abu Bakr (ra) emerged, by Allah's grace, as the first successor to Muhammad (saw). Which religious functions were left unattended to by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)?.There was none except that there was no additional revelation to the scripture from the One-High. Were victories and the help of Allah not accompanying all his actions? Weren't he witnessing or seeing people entering Islam by Allah's grace. Was Abu Bakr as khalifah, not receiving or taking Biat, oath of Allegiance from the new converts into Islam?

History tells that the first thing the entire Muslim Ummah did was to take the Biat from the new leader given them by Allah. That was his first, primary assignment. No doubt Abu Bakr(ra) would have regularly asked for forgiveness from Allah not for only for himself but the entire community. Also, he would have continued to glorify Allah with His praise. He would have done this in line with the teachings of his leader, the Prophet (saw),and as a trust. Thus all the promises, prophecies and glad tidings given to Muhammad (saw) were fulfilled and actualised by extension by his first successor-Abu Bakr (ra).

By the emergency of Hadhrat Umar (ra) the second Khalifah, he assume the mantle of leadership and the responsibilities of the office of the Prophet of Allah (saw) and Abu Bakr (ra), the first khalifah, devolved on Umar (ra). On his appointment and or election, all the Muslim World took the Biat from him as representative of Prophet mMuhammad (saw). He lived up to and beyond expectation. He too was not bereft of the help of Allah and victory. Hadhrat Umar (ra) did witness, on behalf of the Prophet (saw) men entering the RELIGION OF ALLAH. As the Khalifah, one of his obligations was accepting and taking Biat from people entering Islam thenceforth. Even certain undertakings were done on his

behalf by his appointees everywhere.

Similar success stories were told of the Third and Fourth Khulafah, HadhratUthman and Hadhrat Ali (ra) respectively in spite of the volatility and the turbulency of the time. They both stood in the position of Allah's Prophet and performed all the functions of the office of Khalifah as were done by their predecessors, Hadhrat Abu Bakr andHadhrat Umar (ra).

Succeeding generation of Muslim leaders fall in line with the predictions of Allah's Prophet accord with Allah's programme contained in chapter 32 verse 6 of the Holy Quran: “He will plan the divine ordinances from the heaven unto the earth; the share raise it go up to Him in a day, the duration of which is a thousand years according to what you reckon.''

After the first three centuries of Islam accompanied by various degree of successes, achievements and drawbacks, little was heard of Islam's progress for about one thousand years thereafter. Islam fell into a deep swoon, not slumber and seemed to be in a doldrums for that long. The situation persisted until Allah The Almighty in His wisdom decided to reveal Himself to the world through the advent of the Mahdi and The Promised Messiah.This is in person of HadhratMirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) of Qadian as Allah's Appointee and Prophet and as the second return of Isa Ibn Mariam (ra) as well as a follower of the Holy Prophet (saw).These phenomena were in accord with the predictions of Allah's Messenger, Hadhrat Muhammad (saw).

Allah the Almighty, had foretold emergence of Hadhrat Mirza Ahmad (as) to Prophet Muhammad (saw), describing the advent of Ahmad (as) as synonymous to Hadhrat Muhammad's(saw) appearance. Quran chapter 62 verse 3 states:''He it is who has raised among the unlettered people a messenger from among themselves who recites unto them his,and purifies them and teaches them the book and wisdom , although they had been before in manifest misguidance . And among others from among them who have not yet joined the, He is the mighty the wise.�

Explaining this revelation, the Holy Prophet did not leave his followers in doubt regarding the personality being talked about, and of his appearance when asked on the direction of the revelation contained in the verse quoted above.

Aside several other clarifications on the subject of someone like him appearing in the later days, the most distinctive is the prophecy on the eclipse of the moon and the sun (2 eclipses) taking place in the month of Ramadhan. The Holy Prophet describe the phenomenon as unusual because it has never happened since creation of the world by Allah nor would there be a second of its kind before the end of time.

The appearance of Imam Mahdi and promised messiah (as), andall the prophecies about his advent came to limelightagain. In order to differentiate his office from the office from the immediate successors (Khulafat Rashidun) of the holy prophet (saw) he was vouchsafed thousands of prophecies in support of his claim. By Allah's command, he established a community and took the oath of allegiance, Biat, from his followers. His impact and contributions to Islam compared with the people of his time and beyond were unequalled and unsurpassed. He wrote many books in defence and explanation of Islam, and championed the faith. He demonstrated the high status of prophethood through his regular night prayers, and cries over the precarious state of mankind, and the position of the Muslim world,

beseeching Allah on their behalf.

As the elect from the One, Most High, he witnessed influx of people into the fold of Islam. Islam began to regain its enviable position. Evidently as a sign of the help of Allah and the victory, he began a rescue operation of Islam from the jaws of its many desperate leaders.

What else could have enhance the yeoman activity of a lone man other than help from Allah?.

Hazrat Ghulam Ahmad, the promised messiah and Mahdi, unveiled face and beauty of Islam to the world in its pristine form. He silenced opponents from within Islam and other faith. He overawed all opposition by way of reasonable arguments and irresistible proofs. And in response to his lamentations, plight and behest to savage humanity from the consequences of his rejection, Allah gave him revelation assuring him of outstanding successes because He, Allah, was with him. Some of such revelations include ''I shall convey thy message to reach all the corners of the world '' and another one saying ''kings shall seek blessings from thy garment''.

After the death of Hadratmirza Ghulam Ahmad (as), his community suffered the same fate as was witnessed by followers of the seal of prophet hood, Muhammad (saw).

The unexpected calamity shook the community to its very foundation. But Allah did not leave the nascent community and the community of His elect to suffer disintegration. Hazrat Hakeem Nurudeen (ra) was elected as the first khalifah and successor of Imam Mahdi. In consequence all members of the community took Biat from the new leader. He worked assiduously to keep the community of the messiah in line as one indivisible entity. He looked after the wellbeing of the Jamaat, prayed for the members and carried out other functions required for the office. At the demise of the first khalifah of Mahdi, Allah brought about the second manifestation of His glory promised the Mahdi(as) by the ascension of Hazrat Mirza Basherudin Mahmud Ahmad to the post of the Khalifa. He took Ahmadiyya to great height beyond imagination in different areas of its operations. He embarked on massive Tabligh programme by setting up institution for the training of missionaries and preachers and arable studies of religions. Products of the institution were later posted to oversee for the propagation of Islam. By and large the omniscient God re-enacted the institution of khalifah which had become moribund in the early dispensation of Islam.

The second khalifah of the messiah was succeeded by the third and fourth, Hazrat mirza Nasir Ahmad and Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad respectively, and currently by the fifth one in person of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad who is presently engaged in the vigorous Islamic evangelism the world like his predecessors. The message and impact of Ahmadiyya can be felt in all parts of the world. Imagine the influx and inflows of people into the religion of Muhammad, and of course, religion of Allah.

Where else in the world is this development taking place? Where else can you find anyone that could be said to be witnessing people entering the religion of Allah in troops world wide? Who else can be called the defender and champion of Islam worldwide? And who is concerned and engaged in giving praise to the Allah with His glory and seeking forgiveness of Allah for all the unfolding successes? Which person is taking the Biat from the followers of the holy prophet of Muhammad(saw) scattered all over the globe? And above all who is the preacher preaching love, peace and 5

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

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Op-Ed The

Truth

The Concept of Shared Governance in Islam

I

n his 1983 essay, The Trouble with Nigeria, literary legend, Chinua Achebe noted that the problem with Nigeria was “simply and squarely a failure of leadership”. To paraphrase him, when the leaders are vision less, the society regresses. In his book, Achebe discussed the themes of tribalism, 'false' image of Nigeria as a nation, the Nigerian style of leadership, patriotism, social injustice and cult of mediocrity, indiscipline, corruption, and many others. These problems are a handful. And as it was true of them in 1983, so it is true of them in present times.

However, it would be unfair to heap the whole blame on the leaders if truly the followers had chosen them in a democratic setting as ours. This brings us to acknowledge the symbiotic relationship between leadership and followership for the progress of societies.

As Muslims, we find guidance in the Holy Quran, when Allah says: “Verily, Allah commands you to make over the trusts to those entitled to them, and that, when you judge between men, you judge with justice. And surely excellent is that with which Allah admonishes you! Allah is All-Hearing, All-Seeing” [4:59].

Among the many meanings this verse could be

The

applied is that governance or holding a position of power is a trust, and that trust should be given to those who are best suited to manage them. It will be a fault of electors if they deliberately elect people who could not be just when holding positions of authority. The failure of leadership will also be a failure of the followers to choose the right leaders.

In admonishing the Prophet (saw), Allah says:“And it is by the great mercy of Allah that you are kind towards them, and if you had been rough and hard-hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters of administration; and when you are determined, then put your trust in Allah. Surely, Allah loves those who put their trust in Him” [3:160].

In this verse, Allah enjoins kindness and forgiveness towards followers. Most importantly

for the purpose of governance, Allah called on leaders to consult with followers in matters of administration. In the end, leaders should put their trusts in Allah.

Thus, in this verse, the leaders and followers become equal stakeholders in the governance of the society. When leaders call for consultative forum, it is important that people's representatives are those who can handle the trusts placed on them; they should be able to act with justice and offer advice that would fulfil the trusts placed on them. By following this pattern laid by God, the society will progress, and the engineers of such a society will earn reward from Allah, the Almighty.

May Allah make us partakers of His Grace.

Amin.

AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT NIGERIA “ Dost thou not see how Allah set forth the smilitude of a good word? it is like a good tree whose root is firm and whose branches reach into heaven. It brings forth its fruit at all times by the command of its Lord. And Allah set forth smilitudes for men that they may reflect.” - Q chp 14:25-26

Truth

PUBLISHER Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria CHAIRMAN, EDITORIAL BOARD AbdulWahhab Matepo

SECRETARY TO THE BOARD AbdulHafiz Omoyele MANAGING EDITOR Qasim Akinreti, PhD EDITOR AbdulGaniyy Adiamoh ASSISTANT EDITOR Roqeebah Dikko MEMBERS Saheed Timehin, PhD AbdulAzeem Ahmad Taofeeqah Fagbolade Taoheed Shoboyede AbdulWasiu Udi Qasim Adam, PhD Aisha Maishanu Jamil Abubakar AbdulGaniyy Babalola

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Within a period of 100 years, this community has developed from a few individuals in 1916 to an organization that has been described as the pioneer of Muslim education in Nigeria

It continues to devote its energies to promote positive human values, and contribute generously to the society at large The AHMADIYYA COMMUNITY today in NIGERIA IS currently in: 36 states, 53 circuits and 493 Branches Spread across the country

THE TRUTH / FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

PAGE 10

L-R: Chief Imam Aworiland, Alhaji Muhammed Sadiku Buhari; Chief Imam, IIaro Central Mosque, IIaro, Alhaji Sheik Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi; Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola and Naib Amir, Special Duties, Alh. Ahmed Al-Hassan, Photos by Isa Bayoor Ewuoso during a courtesy visit to the Chief Imam in IIaro Ogun State.

His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad after inaugurating the AlAin Mobile Eye Clinic at the Baitus Sabuh Mosque in Frankfurt.

The mobile clinic will soon depart for Africa, where it will provide a range of essential eye treatments, including cataract surgery, to people living in some of Africa's most remote towns and villages

L-R: Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, AbdulWaheed Adeoye; Dr. Omoyele; Naib Amir Special Duties, Ahmed Al-hassan; Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama;at Nigeria, Dr Mash’hud Fashola; Prof. Fatai Fehintola, during his inaugural lecture at the University of Ibadan, in April 2017.

Newly wedded Mr & Mrs Atikullah Akewugberu with families and friends at the Walimatul Nikkah held in Abeokuta.

Grand-breaking ceremony of Minaret International University Ikirun Osun State.

The Amir Dr. Moshhud Fashola at the GIABA -organised conference for religious leaders held in Kaduna recently.

L-R: Naib Amir, Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Al-Hassan; Chairman, Ahmadiyya National Education Commission (ANEC), Alhaji Mikail Odukoya; Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola and Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Waheed Adeoye, during the 1st Seminar organised by ANEC in Lagos recently

: L-R: Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Abdul Waheed Adeoye; Alhaji Salam Yusuf (Baba Ijebu); The Permanent Secretary, Government House, Kwara State, Alhaji Abdulfatai Adebiyi; Circuit President Abuja, Dr Lateef Busari; Naib Amir Special Duties, Ahmed Al-Hassan and Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr Mash’hud Fashola, at the opening ceremony of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Kwara State Conference Room, Library and Book Shop donated by the families of late Alhaji Busari and Alhaji Nuhu in IIorin.

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

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PAGE 12

Features

Rejoinder to Imam Sulaiman a.k.a Mario Joseph By: Alh. M. M. Giwa

I

mam Sulaiman a.k.a. Mario Joseph claimed the Holy Quran converted him to Christianity in a video that is viral in the social media online. The video contained half truths, misrepresentations and lies about Jesus in the Holy Quran, Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad among others.

Let me give a brief introduction of Mario Joseph from the video. He claimed his parents came from Turkey and settled in India in the South Kereland. He said he was working in a Masjid (Mosque) as an Imam (as a parish priest).

According to him, somebody from his congregationasked: Who is Jesus? And He then decided to go and read the Holy Quran from cover to cover to really know who Jesus was. And so that was how the Quran converted him to Christianity as a result of his findings about Jesus Christ from the Holy Quran.

Now to the points raised by Mario Joseph. I would try my best to answer the points raised point by point where possible. a) Firstly, he claimed, the Quran contained 6666 verses. This is not correct. The Quran contains 6236 verses. This speaks volume, how a former Imam of a Mosque could not know the actual number of verses in the Quran. b) Secondly, he said the Quran gave preference to Jesus over Muhammad. It is not so. He said Muhammad was mentioned 4 times by name and Jesus 25 times. That was his reason for the above conclusion. The fact of the matter is that the Quran was revealed to Muhammad.

Muhammad was with his people. They knew about his childhood and adulthood, so the Quran does not need to tell us about this. The Holy Quran told us mostly about previous prophets of God and their people so that we could learn from them. The life and death of Christ was shrouded in mysteries and the Quran cleared these mysteries and that was why the name of Christ was mentioned 25 times. For instance, the name of Joseph was mentioned 27 times, Abraham 69 times and Moses 136 times in the Holy Quran. Did that make them superior to Jesus or Muhammad? I am sure, no Christian would be ready to accept that Joseph, Abraham and Moses are superior to Jesus. You could now see how mischievous and dishonest Mario Joseph was. (If we follow his yardstick, it means Joseph, Abraham and Moses are superior to Jesus).

I would like to itemize other points raised by Mario Joseph and try my level best to answer them point by point. c) Jesus was called Kalimatullah (or Word of God) in the Quran. d) Jesus was called Ruhullah (or Spirit of God) e) Jesus was called Isa Masih (or Jesus Christ) f) Jesus spoke in the cradle? g) Jesus created a life bird with mud? h) Jesus cured the night blind, leprous and gave life to the dead? i) Jesus went to Heaven;he is still alive and will come back according to Quran? j) Is Jesus Son of God or Slave of God? k) 'If you have doubt concerning the Holy Quran, ask the people of Book'(Q10: 95). l) He said it is written in the Quran to fight and kill one who rejects Islam.

The Word of God and the Spirit of God I wonder why Mario Joseph and some Christians are confused about the 'Word of God' and 'Spirit of God'.

He said Jesus is the 'Word of God' and 'Spirit of God'

according to the Quran and Muhammad is not. Let me be honest and frank with you and I am emphasizing this that all prophets of God and righteous people are all the 'Words of God' and 'Spirits of God'. I, that I am addressing you, I am the 'Word of God and the 'Spirit of God'. Let me explain myself. God uses His word 'Kunfayakun' or 'Be! and it is' to decree whatever He desires to make. You see millions of couples cohabit for several years without issues. This is because God has not decreed that they should have children with His word 'Kunfayakun'or 'Be! and it is'. When over 60 years ago, my father cohabited with my mother and it resulted in my pregnancy, it was because God had decreed it with His word 'Kunfayakun'.

That is why I am the 'Word of God'. And Almighty God decided later to breath His spirit into my embryo and I became the 'Spirit of God' (indicating that the soul now resides in my body). It is not something out of the ordinary. Even John, the Baptist was filled with the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) from his mother's womb (See Luke 1:15). This is not said about Christ in the Bible.

If Jesus had actually spoken as an infant, history and the Bible would have recorded it, but they did not. The Bible only reported that Jesus spoke with wisdom and intelligence in his youth with teachers in the temple (vide Luke 2:46-48).

Did Jesus create a life bird from clay, heal the sick, the night blind, the leprous, and did he actuallygive life to the dead?

Before proceeding, I would like to mention that the Holy Quran,unlike the Bible (or other Religious Books), is meant for the pure of heart and those endowed with spiritual insight to grasp its true and deeper meaning.

Now to the verse in question: Quran 3:50 goes thus:

“And will send him as a messenger to the children of Israel (to say) 'I come to you with a sign from your Lord, which is, that I will fashion out for you a creation out of clay after the manner of a bird, then I will breathe into it a new spirit and it will become a soaring being by the command of Allah; and I will heal the night blind and the leprous, and I will quicken the dead, by the command of Is Jesus the Messiah (Christ) according to the Holy Allah, and….”

Quran?

Nobody is disputing the fact that Jesus is the I would like to give the commentary of the above Messiah. He is the anointed prophet sent to the Israelites verse from the Holy Quran with the English Translation during his dispensation. For the Holy Quran confirmed and Short Commentary of the Holy Qur'anedited by that Jesus is the Messiah (Isa Masih).See Q3:49. But one GhulamFarid and (Published under the auspices of of the meanings of'Messiah' in Arabicis a person who HazratMirzaTahir Ahmad, Fourth successor to the travels a lot. For Jesus traversed a lot of distant lands in Promised Messiah and Head of Ahmaddiya Movement in search of the lost 10 tribes of Israel to discharge his Islam) page 140. mission. Hence he is called the 'travelling prophet' (vide It goes thus:“If Jesus had really created birds, there is to Kanzul-Ummal and pages 63 and 64 of Jesus in India by be no reason why the Bible should have omitted to HazratMirzaGulam Ahmad). mention this, particularly when the creation of birds was a Did Jesus speak in the cradle ? miracle the like of which had never been shown before by The verse in reference is Q19:30 and it reads thus: any Messenger of God… The whole clause, 'I will fashion There upon she (Mary) pointed to him (Jesus). They out for you a creation… become a soaring being' would (Elders of the Jews) said'How can we talk to one who is a mean that if ordinary men of humble origin but possessing child in the cradle?' the inherent capacity for growth and development came into contact with him and accept his message, they would Let me give you a little background to the story that led to undergo a complete transformation in their lives. From the above verse. You see the Elders of the Jews accused men groveling in the dust and not seeing beyond their Mary the mother of Jesus of committing adultery as a material cares and mundane concerns, they would become result of the virgin birth of Jesus. I would like to give the converted into birds soaring high into the lofty regions of commentary of the above verse from the Holy Quran with the spiritual firmament. And this is exactly what English Translation and Short Commentary edited by happened. The humble and despised fishermen of Galilee Malik GhulamFarid (Published under the auspices of under the impact of the enabling precept and example of HazratMirzaTahir Ahmad, Fourth successor of the their master, began soaring high like birds, preaching to PromisedMessiah and Head of Ahmadiyya Movement in the world of Israel the word of God”.

Islam) page 649. It goes thus: “The prophets of God are spiritual physicians, they give “The words 'she pointed to him' indicate that Mary knew eyes to those that have lost spiritual sight, and hearing to what answer Jesus would give if the Elders of the Jews those who are spiritually deaf, and they restore to life, addressed their questions to him. These words may also those who are spiritually dead (Matt. 13:15). In this case indicate that Mary knew that if she declared herself the word 'Akmah' (or night blind) would mean such a innocent nobody would believe her. The only evidence of person as possesses the light of faith but being weak of her innocence was her son. She meant that such a holy and resolve cannot stand trials… Similarly, the word 'Abras' righteous son whom God had endowed with such noble (leprous) would, in the spiritual sense, mean one who is qualities could not be the result of an immoral union that imperfect in faith, having particles of diseased skin among his virtues and good qualities by themselves constituted a healthy ones. The clause, 'I will quicken the dead', does not sufficient vindication of her innocence. When Mary, on mean that Jesus actually brought the dead to life. Those being taunted by the elders of the Jews, directed their actually dead are never restored to life in this world. Such attention to Jesus, they disdained to talk to Him and a belief is diametrically opposed to the whole Quranic contemptuously said, how could they talk to 'a child in the teaching (2:29; 23:100-101; 21:96; 39:59-60; 40:12; cradle' meaning a mere boy, who was born and brought up 45:27). The marvelous moral transformation that God's before their very eyes? Elders of people are wont to talk messengers bring about in the lives of their followers is like that when invited to learn wisdom from one who is termed “raising the dead to life”, in spiritual terminology. much younger to them in age. The words merely constitute an expression of contempt and disdain for To be continued in the next edition Jesus”.

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

THE TRUTH

PAGE 13

Features The Growing Cases of Child Abuse: Role of the Muslim Family By: Hafis Bello

T

he topic of child abuse gained priority among other topics I have in mind for this edition, and this is due to the fact that abused children will only produce a deformed society that lacks human value! This is because abused children tend to loose self-confidence, self-worth and ability to take decisions that will ultimately impact on their personal lives, families and the society at large.

Child abuse refers to the physical maltreatment or sexual molestation of a child. The World Health Organization distinguishes four types of child abuse: physical abuse; sexual abuse; emotional and psychological abuse; and neglect.

Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force against the child that results in – or has a high likelihood of resulting in – harm for the child's health, survival, development or dignity. This includes hitting, beating, kicking,slapping, biting, strangling, scalding, burning, poisoning and suffocating. Much physical violence against children in the home, schools and other locations is inflicted with the object of punishing such as Cane, koboko, pankere, etc. Often, physical abuse of a child can lead to physical and mental difficulties in the future, including revictimization, personality disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, dissociative disorders, depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, eating disorders, substance abuse, and aggression.

Sexual abuse refers to the participation of a child in a sexual act aimed toward the physical gratification or the financial profit of the person committing the act.

Effects of child sexual abuse on the victim(s) include guilt and self-blame, flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia, fear of things associated with the abuse (including objects, smells, places, schools, doctor's visits, etc.), self-esteem difficulties, sexual dysfunction, chronic pain, addiction, self-injury, suicidal ideation, somatic complaints, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, other mental illnesses including borderline personality disorder and dissociative identity disorder, propensity to re-victimization in adulthood, among other problems.

The American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children (APSAC) defined emotional and psychological abuse as the spurning, terrorizing, isolating, exploiting, corrupting, denying emotional responsiveness, or neglect. It is viewed as a repeated pattern of caregiver behavior or extreme incident(s) that convey to children that they are worthless, flawed, unloved, unwanted, endangered, or only of value in meeting another's needs. This type of abuse is as harmful as sexual or physical abuse. Victims of emotional abuse may react by distancing themselves from the abuser, internalizing the abusive words, or fighting back by insulting the abuser. It could also result in lack of self-

confidence.

Child neglect is the failure of a parent or other person with responsibility for the child, to provide needed food, clothing, shelter, medical care, or supervision to the degree that the child's health, safety or well-being may be threatened with harm.

Neglect is also a lack of attention from the people surrounding a child, and the nonprovision of the relevant and adequate necessities for the child's survival, which would be a lacking in attention, love, and nurture. Thus, neglectful acts include: 1.

Supervisory neglect: characterized by the absence of a parent or guardian which can lead to physical harm, sexual abuse or criminal behavior; 2.

Physical neglect: characterized by the failure to provide the basic physical necessities, such as a safe and clean home; 3.

Medical neglect: characterized by the lack of providing medical care; 4.

Emotional neglect: characterized by a lack of nurturance, encouragement and support; 5.

Educational neglect: characterized by the caregivers lack to provide an education and additional resources to actively participate in the school system; and 6.

Abandonment: when the parent or guardian leaves a child alone for a long period of time without a caregiver or babysitter.

7.

Neglected children may experience delays in physical and psychosocial development, possibly resulting in psychopathology and impaired neuropsychological functions including executive function, attention, processing speed, language, memory and social skills The Nigerian Case In addition to the various forms of child abuse patterns indicated above, the introduction of young girls into street trading and child labour further increases the vulnerabilities of the girls to sexual harassment. Sexual abuse of young girls in Nigeria is linked child labour. Also, some of the prevailing conditions in Nigerian schools, baby factories, and medical centres promote child sexual harassment.

It is common knowledge that some pedophile teachers, uncles and neighbours abuse children. Some of these perpetrators rely on the immoral scenes on TV screens as well as the exposure of children to pornographic contents in abuse of technological gadgets such as mobile phones Child sexual abuse in Nigeria is an offence under several sections of chapter 21 of the country's criminal code.

Specially, the recently passed Sexual Offences Bill notes that 'A person who commits an offence of defilement with a child between the age of sixteen and eighteen years is liable upon conviction to imprisonment for life.'

Observations on changing family system Parents work tirelessly to ensure success

of the children 1.

Both fathers and mothers now work long hours (sometimes 5am to 11pm) in an attempt to meet economic needs of the family leaving the children in the care of neighbours or family members who sometimes abuse the children 2.

Despite the long working hours, parents are still unable to meet up with the economic expectations and family satisfaction that were enjoyed several years ago when mothers dedicated more time for the kids, and fathers take responsibility for family finances 3.

A growing number of Nigerian children are abused by religious clerics, missionaries, uncles, teachers and in some cases, the father! The likelihood of these abuses increases when the perpetrators know that the parent(s) are not close-by to watch over their kids.

The Muslim Family Like all other aspects of human live, Islam has provided clear solutions to family system. The Quran states: 'And mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years; this is for those who desire to complete the suckling.

And the man to whom the child belongs shall be responsible for their (the mothers') food and clothing according to usage. No soul is burdened beyond its capacity. The mother shall not make the father suffer on account of her child, nor shall he to whom the child belongs make the mother suffer on account of his child, and the same is incumbent on the heir…' Q 2.234 The verse clearly indicates that the baby should be well fed and looked after, while the father should work towards providing the needs of the family- finances, accommodation, clothing, feeding, etc In another verses, the Quran states: "Men are the maintainers of women, because Allah has made some of them to excel others...” (4:35). "... And women have rights similar to the rights of men in a just manner, and the men have a degree (of advantage) over them..."

(2:228).

The first verse (v4.35) further buttressed the responsibilities on the husbands while V2.288 cautioned men against any form of ego or superiority feelings. Each has a role which he/she will be questioned about its fulfillment. The role is beautifully espoused in the hadith below: Abdullah ibn Umar reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Every one of you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.

The leader of people is a guardian and is responsible for his subjects. A man is the guardian of his family and he is responsible for them. A woman is the guardian of her husband's home and his children and she is responsible for them.

The servant of a man is a guardian of the property of his master and he is responsible for it. No doubt, every one of

you is a shepherd and is responsible for his flock.”

Source: Sòahòih? ò al-Bukha?ri? 6719, Sòahòih?

Muslim 1829 To the husbands and fathers: Al-Tirmidhi Hadith 3252 Narrated by Aisha ; Abdullah ibn Abbas Allah's Messenger (saws) said, "The best of you is he who is best to his family, and I am the best among you to my family.

To the wives and mothers: The hadith of Ibn Majah and al-Nasa'i that a man came to the Prophet (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) and said, "O Messenger of Allah! I intend to go on a (military) expedition, but I have come to ask your advice." He said, "Is your mother alive?" He said, "Yes." He said, "Then stay with her, for the Garden is under her feet."

This latter hadith is declared to be sahih by al-Hakim, al-Dhahabi and al-Mundhiri. -Kashf al-Khafa', no. 1078; Al-Da'ifah, no.

593.

Men who want to have good scale of good deeds are those who are most kind to their women. While women who are qualified to have such a garden (of their children) below their feet are those who play their roles as wives and mothers.

Concluding remarks: 1.

Each parent has unique role. One is not subservient to the other, and there is no conflict of roles but complementarily 2.

Women are allowed to work in as much as such work does not affect their roles and duties to the family, and does not expose the children to abuses. For instance, we have professionals service such as lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers, businesswomen, etc that could allow for such flexibilities. Even in the West, a growing number of women now work from home either as ICT consultants, selfemployed, entreprenuers, etc 3.

The father should make extra and honest efforts in providing for the family.

4.

Both parents should support each other towards promoting love in the family.

5.

Both fathers and mothers are responsible for the physical, moral and spiritual wellbeing of the child.

May Allah continue to guide our affairs and make us true followers of the Quran and the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). May He accept our efforts and forgive our shortcomings.

Amin thumma Amin.

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

THE TRUTH

PAGE 14

Features Hundred Years Of Ahmadiyya In Nigeria – A Brief Appraisal

by Taoheed Ola. Shoboyede

D

EVELOPMENT O F T H E JAMA'AT FROM 1 9 4 0 After all the debilitating crisis of the 1930's, which reached its frightening climax and glorious denouement in 1940, it then became crystal clear, who the real loyal, sincere and committed members of the Jama'at were, especially with the revalidation of their bai'at, as directed

by H azrat K halifatul M as ih II (r.a.) then.

With the re-incoporation of the Jama'at in 1941 and rejuvenation of its membership, the Jama'at was then established on a sound and promising footing, still under the Imarat (leadership) of Maulana F. R. Hakeem. The stage was, from that moment, set for the Jama'at's progress in leaps and bounds so much that, despite the Second World War which took place soon after, the expansion of the Jama'at to many parts of the country was not hampered much, especially with more expatriate Missionaries then being sent to Nigeria from the Centre.

A NEW ERA OF THE JAMA'AT'S DEVELOPMENT ( 1 9 4 5 – 1 9 6 5 ) The third and, of course, the longest serving Amir and Missionary Incharge(at least, up to date) of the Nigeria Jama'at, Maulana Noor Muhammad Naseem Saifi (THE PEN WIZARD), assumed duty and his two-decade tenure actually witnessed what could conveniently be termed: A YET-TO-BE-MATCHED chapter in the historical forward march of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria.

This is because it was during this period that the qualities of the Jama'at-i-Ahmadiyya, not only as THE REAL PICTURE OF THE TRUE ISLAM, but also as AN INDISPENSABLE AGENT OF ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT in any society in which the Jama'at is established, were actually brought to public focus and the Jama'at was therefore, warmed into the hearts of all those who mattered in the Nigeria larger society then.

During this period, Amir Naseem Saifi brought his specialties (as a Writer, Orator, Public Relation Expert, Schemer and Team Player) to bear on the Nigeria Society; interacting freely and closely with eminent personalities, either in government, media, business or/and social circles, so much that he then became the besought-of-all these Who-is-Who for his inputs in whatever they were doing or intended doing, rather than he running after them, either for any favour or recognition.

Hence, he was either an architect/originator or major contributor to the establishment of a good number of developmental interest groups/bodies such as: Nigeria Union of Journalists, Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Council of Muslim Schools Proprietors (through which two Teachers Training Colleges and a Muslim International School were established), Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, as well as being a member of some governmental Committees at different times.

Apart from many booklets and pamphlets published and distributed by the Jama'at during this period, the first and longest enduring Muslim Newspaper in Nigeria (THE TRUTH) was also established in December, 1951, as well as being a part of the pioneering team in Radio Broadcasting by Muslims in Nigeria. In fact, there was hardly any government functionary or agency which Maulana Naseem Saifi did not interact freely and closely with, either at the National or Regional level.

This developmental trend continued unabated through the Imarat of Maulana Alhaji Naseerud-deen Ahmad and Maulana Fazli-llah Anweri, up till 1972 when Maulana Muhammad Ajmal Shahid (a.k.a. NO PROBLEM), another workaholic, assumed duty as the sixth Amir and Missionary Incharge of the Nigeria Jama'at.

Continued from the last edition

His ten-year tenure (1972 – 1982), which was later tagged: “A Decade of Progress”, in a Publication, also witnessed giant strides in the progressive march of the Jama'at, especially in the areas of Mosque Building, Book Publishing, Books/Qur'an Exhibitions and Distributions, Up-grading of the Jama'at Printing Press from its erstwhile Letter Press system to a Modern Off-Set Printing Outfit, Sponsored Radio Programmes (VOICE OF ISLAM) and Annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) for Ahmadi Muslim Children during their long vacations.

It was also during this period that the auxiliary organizations of the Jama'at (Lajnah, Khuddam, Ansarullah, as well as their Atfal/Nasirat subsidiaries) were re-organized on the International standard, Jamai'ah Ahmadiyya (then Ahmadiyya Missionary Training College) was established at Ilaro, Ogun State and acquisition of a vast expanse of land at Ojokoro, for development as “Ahmadiyya Colony/Settlement” ( GREAT FORE-SIGHTEDNESS it really was then!) and m a n y m o r e .

GOLDEN ERA OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA'AT I N N I G E R I A The golden era of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria actually commenced in 1970 when the Jama'at started enjoying the luxuries of playing hosts to the Khulafa of the Promised Messiah/Imam Mahdi (a.s.) in the country.

It was Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III, Mirza Hafiz Nasir-uddeen Ahmad(r.a.) who blazed the trail for the glorious visits of Khulafa-i-Masih to Nigeria. It was during this his epoch-making visit of 1970 that the now famous watchword/motto of the world-wide Jama'at: --LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED FOR NONE—was first introduced to the Nigeria Ahmadi Muslims and the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, for the establishment of series of Educational and Health Care Institutions in different part of Africa was i n a u g u r a t e d .

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III also met and held discussions with the Nigeria youngest Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon(rtd.) during this visit.

He visited Nigeria the second time in 1980, according to him, to assess the progress made so far by the Jama'at after h i s f i r s t v i s i t i n 1 9 7 0 .

Impressed by the standard he met of the Jama'at during the visit (in 1980), Huzur (r.a.) delivered a landmark Speech which was afterwards published as a Book, tittled: A M E S S A G E O F H O P E .

Huzur also made a historic visit to Victory High School, Ikeja, where he met and addressed about One thousand five hundred Ahmadi Muslim children (boys and girls) who were camping for their Annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), with their more than two hundred handlers, comprising, mainly Khuddam and Lajnah.

A M A J O R T U R N I N G P O I N T A major turning point was reached in history of the Jama'at in Nigeria, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (raheemahullah) came visiting the country in 1988, during which he graciously presided over the Jama'at Majlis Shoora of that year, and during which the first Nigerian Amir and Missionary Incharge, in person of Maulvi Abdur Rasheed Ahmad Agboola, was graciously appointed for the Jama'at. May be fortunately or unfortunately (I cannot really say), he was the LAST to hold that office (combined), because since after his vacating the seat, what the Jama'at has been having have been NONMISSIONARY AMIR; starting with Alhaji (Engr.)

Hussein Oyekanmi Sunmonu, to Alhaji Muhammad Mahmud Maishanu and now Alhaji (Dr.) Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, which now necessitated having the office of Missionary Incharge separate from that of the A m i r .

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (raheemahullah) also met and

held mutual discussions with eminent Nigerians such as: the then Military Head of State, General (rtd.) Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; the Nigeria Business Magnate, Chief (late) Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola; and the leaders of the Ahmadiyya Movement-in-Islam of N i g e r i a , a m o n g o t h e r s .

Huzur also laid the foundations of some Mosques at different locations in the country, including that of the h e a d q u a r t e r s , O j o k o r o .

The Nigeria Jama'at has also been blessed with the visit of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (Ayyadahollah bi-nasrihil Azeez) twice: in 2004 and 2008 (for the Centenary Khilafah Jalsa at Abuja, and all these visits have always elicited so many developmental projects and programmes for the progress of the Jama'at in different parts of the c o u n t r y .

It is worth mentioning at this juncture, that the Nigeria has also joined the rest of the Ahmadiyya world in commemorating the Centenary of the following mileposts in the historical journey of the Jama'at: Centenary of the establishment of Ahmadiyya in the world ( 1 8 8 9 – 1 9 8 9 ) .

Centenary of the twin eclipses as great signs for the coming of Imam Mahdi (1895 – 1995).

The Great Conference of all Religions, the Paper Presented at which was published as : THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM (1896 – 1 9 9 6 ) .

C O N C L U S I O N There is no gainsaying the fact that Jama'at-i-Ahmadiyya has evolved through different stages, sweet and sour, and has come a very long way over the years to reach its p r e s e n t s t a g e .

After all, there was a time in the chequered history of the Jama'at when the then One-floor Mosque at 21/23 Ojogiwa Street, Lagos was more that enough to accommodate all participants of the Jama'at's Jalsa Salana (Annual Conference). Later, it was moved to Muslim Teachers Training College, Suru-lere, Lagos; later Ahmadiyya Settlement, Ojokoro via Agege; then to Ilaro and Abuja. Yet, all the Centres being used at present for the Jalsa Salana, either Ilaro or Abuja, may also prove to be in-adequate in the near future, considering the everincreasing influx of people joining the Jama'at and a t t e n d i n g t h e J a l s a S a l a n a y e a r l y.

A time there was also, when the whole annual budget of the whole Nigeria Jama'at was only a few TENS OF POUNDS and a little while later, a few TENS OF THOUSAND NAIRA. If today, the budget of the Jama'at runs into three-digits millions of naira, it is an evidence that Allah the Almighty is STEADILY AND SOLIDLY, not only BEHIND, but also WITH the Jama'at. To Allah the Almighty be all the glory and praise!

This feat, though monumental as it is, at least, to a great extent, however, does not really call for jubilations, but continuous PLANNING, RE-STRATEGIZING and PRO-ACTIVENESS. This is because the progress and achievement of the Jama'at have, not only stunned many of its detractors, but has also woken up in some of them, mischievous envy and antagonism. If therefore, the Jama'at relaxes and is not pro-active, it may be that we will only be dwelling on past glories, with little or no new feat b e i n g a d d e d .

May Allah the Almighty keep us steadfast in His cause that has pleased Him to choose for us, continue to elevate us from one divinely- ordained height to the other and from generations to generations, even yet unborn.

ALLAHUMMO AAMIN. The stage was, from that moment, set for the Continued on page 19 Jama’at's progress in leaps

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

THE TRUTH

PAGE 15

Features The Popular Phrase………In-sha-Allah!

By: Hafis Bello

The popular phrase “in sha Allah”, God willing, became headline news a few months ago when a young man was removed from a plane for saying it loudly while talking to his uncle over the phone, and it was perceived as 'potentially threatening'.What followed was huge interest in the phrase “in-shaAllah”, that led to a New York Times article called “In-sha-Allah is Good for Everyone” where the article writer, Wajahat Ali, portrays the sad reality of what In-sha-Allah has come to mean these days: “Most commonly, in-sha-Allah is used in Muslimmajority communities to escape introspection, hard work, and strategic planning and instead outsource such responsibilities to an omnipotent being, who somehow, at some time, will intervene and fix our collective problems.”

If you ask any non-Muslim who lived in a majority Muslim country, they would tell you how much they dread hearing the phrase “In sha Allah” from government officials or colleagues because they believe it will not happen. I even remember a senior non-Muslim colleague yelling at somebody saying “No, I don't want to hear In-sha-Allah! Tell me, will you do it or not?” In which, the reply was “In sha Allah”!

So, how did In-sha-Allah devolve into this status and become so abused and misused? What is the true meaning of In-sha-Allah? How can we restore the status of In-sha-Allah to its respectful place? This is what we will delve into in this article.

We read in the Holy Quran chapter 18 verses 24 and 25: And say not of anything, 'I am going to do it tomorrow,' unless Allah should will………….

And, thus, the phrase “In-sha-Allah” became part and parcel of a Muslim's lingo.

The wisdom behind saying in-sha-Allah The scholars reflected on these verses and drew three pearls of wisdom from them: 1. We say in-sha-Allah to avoid lying When we say “I'll do something tomorrow”, and for any reason we are not able to do it, technically we have lied and broken a promise even though circumstances were not in our favor. To stay truthful to our word, we say “In-sha-Allah” so that if something does happen that was out of our control – we do not end up lying.

2. We say in-sha-Allah to stop regret Let's say we planned a big day tomorrow with lots of to-dos, and for some reason when tomorrow came, things did not happen as planned. By the end of the day, we would normally feel regret and remorse that we had not achieved what we set out to achieve. But, if “In-sha-Allah” is said while planning to-dos, we will have this calm realization that Allah did not will it, and it did not mean to happen. Thus, no need to regret, and we can move on and plan for the next day.

3. It is asking permission from Allah When we say in-sha-Allah, we are essentially

asking permission from Allah to make this happen as we have planned (Whenever I finish planning my calendar for the following week – I make sure to add a sincere “in-sha-Allah” because I deeply believe without His help and support I can't get much done.)

This form of supplication embedded within in-shaAllah connects our plans to our spirituality and the Divine.

When we look at the reasons above, we would realize how far we have come in misusing in-shaAllah. It is time to ask ourselves why? Why are we misusing in-sha-Allah so much?

The fear of saying 'NO' is our biggest driver to abusing in-sha-Allah No one likes to say no. It comes across as disrespectful, it makes others feel bad about themselves, and we do not look good. So, as Muslims we have figured a 'genius' way to say no without saying no: just say “In-sha-Allah!”

It helps us argue – quite intelligently – that we had the intention to do something, but “Oh well, Allah did not will it, therefore I don't need to feel bad about it.”

Let's have a different, but deeper look. When we say in-sha-Allah and we do not have the sincere intention or resolve to do what we say we are going to do, we are essentially disrespecting Allah . Why? Because if we say in-sha-Allah and put zero or minimal effort towards fulfilling what we have said we would do, we are then – by definition- blaming Allah for our laziness!

As Muslims, we believe that Allah gave us free will and choice. Our Creator also gave us a mind/body to use to get things done. If something was out of our control and it stopped us from doing what we had said we would do, then yes, Allah did not will it. But if we had not put the effort in the first place, then how can we suggest that Allah did not will it?

Learning how to say NO instead of misusing insha-Allah We need a serious positive re-brand as Muslims for the word in-sha-Allah. We must reach a point where when someone hears in-sha-Allah, it should sound less like a joke, and more like “Yes! Definitely!

Unless I'm struck by a lighting, I'll get it done”. And for that to happen, we need to learn the art of saying 'NO'.

There are three main techniques to use to say “No” instead of “In-sha-Allah” and still sound polite: 1. Delay While coming across a colleague in the elevator who invites us to a meeting the same afternoon, our normal reaction may be to say “In-sha-Allah” (whilst deep inside, we know we will not attend). So instead of saying In-sha-Allah, we can tell him “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.”

2. Divert When marked by the boss to work on a brand new project we are not interested in or have no experience in, we would rather avoid working on it. Instead of

saying in-sha-Allah in such cases, we can let him/her know that “I'm not the best person for this project because of XYZ reasons,” and can suggest someone else who can contribute better to the project.

3. Shrink It's an important client meeting that last 3 hours; they ask us to join. Our portion is only 30 minutes.

Instead of telling them “In-sha-Allah, I'll join”, we can simply suggest to them that we would attend for the first half an hour because that is the part most relevant to us and we have commitments to complete.

It is not hard to say 'NO' once we have practiced it a few times. In fact, people will appreciate us more than when we misuse in-sha-Allah and break promises.

How can managers/employers encourage a positive use of In-sha-Allah?

Individuals trying to improve how they use in-shaAllah would only make a small difference in rebranding in-sha-Allah although it is a good start!

What would be more effective is if a cultural transformation happens at work, especially in Muslim majority institutions/countries, that is led by managers/employers who educate their employees on better ways of saying in-sha-Allah and NO. Few practical tips below: 1. Education on the word in-sha-Allah Feel free to share this article with your colleagues/peers/subordinates and let a discussion begin in the workplace on the misuse of the word Insha-Allah and how to improve upon it. Make them realize the cost of abusing in sha Allah not only from a spiritual standpoint but also in terms of loss of productivity due to lack of clear communication.

Give Feedback when In-sha-Allah is misused: As a manager when you hear the phrase In-sha-Allah being misused; give feedback (publicly and privately), therefore letting them realize that they shouldn't take In-sha-Allah lightly and you're holding them accountable for their promises.

2. Make it easier to say “No” In some company cultures, it becomes career suicide to say “no” to your boss/manager. Take the pressure off from employees by making them realize that saying a legitimate “no” is better than lying and abusing In-sha-Allah.

Conclusion The phrase In-sha-Allah is a powerful and deeply spiritual phrase that if used properly can really help us understand the link between our work/lives and the unseen world of Allah's will. I pray that this article sheds some light on how we should use insha-Allah, and therefore we can start to save this phrase from becoming a practical joke among Muslims and non-Muslims, and instead we restore the dignity and sanctity of it.

(Courtesy BBC)

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

THE TRUTH

PAGE 16

News

Humanity First Donates Food Materials to IDP Camp By: Hafiz Yunus Omotayo

T

he Humanity First Nigeria in collaboration with the Humanity First, Canada, was in the Internally Displaced Person s [IDP] Camp located in New Kuchi ngoro, Airpor t Road, Abuja o n Saturd ay, the 11th of Februa r y , 2017, where i t donate d food materi a l s worth over N2 million to the 1, 570 IDPs in the Camp. The humanitarian visit, led by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Humanity First Nigeria, Dr Y A Habeeb and flanked by other members of the Organisation among who were Dr. Qasim Akinreti, the National Publicity Secretary, AMJN, Alhaji Abbas Owolabi, Hon. Isiaka O. Popoola and

Hajia Sunmonu, was well covered by an array of members of the Press from various print and electronic media outlets such as the Daily Trust, Voice of

their religious, racial and ethnic backgrounds. He mentioned that the organization has been at the forefront of rendering selfless services such as

hundreds of people in Kano had regained their sight through HF eye surgeries.

While lamenting the deplorable conditions of the IDPs, he stated that the

Nigeria, MITV, TVC and STV, among others. In his address to the IDPs, Dr. Y A Habeeb introduced Humanity First International as a brainchild of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at and an international humanitarian organization that renders purely humanitarian services to the people irrespective of

provision of free medical services, eye surgeries, drilling of boreholes and donation of relief materials etc, to the affected people both at the global and local levels. He said that HF Nigeria in collaboration with HF Canada had drilled boreholes in seven states of the Federation. He further noted that, from October 2016 to January 2017,

present humanitarian gesture being rendered by the Humanity First to alleviate the plight of the insurgence affected-people was not the first of its kind by his organisation, noting that his Organization has paid several earlier visits to various IDP Camps across the country among which are those located at Durumi and Maiduguri etc.In his

interview with the press, Dr. Habeeb said Humanity First is motivated to selflessly bear the suffering of others with a view to championing the cause of Islam which institutionalized Z a k a t [mandatory poor rate] and a d v o c a t e redistribution of income in order to bridge the gap between the haves and the haves not and to alleviate the plight of the deprived in the society.

W h i l e responding to the IDPs' complaint concerning the government's delay to fulfil its promise of resettling them back home, the Chairman aligned his Organization with the call on government to expedite effort to fulfill its promise, while at the same time, consoled the IDPs to exercise more patience as the issues of resettlement and rehabilitation involve huge challenges which the government would have to adequately address in due

Inna Lillah wa inna ilaihi rajiun QamarAbdul Kareem 1965 – 2017.

He was the Acting National Secretary, Audio Visual. He w a s o n t h e A n s a r u l l a h delegation to Cote d'Ivoire to attend the annual Ijtema of that country's Majlis Ansarullah He took ill on arrival and passed away the same day, Friday 14th April 2017. Inna Lillah wa inna ilaihi rajiun .

Bro. Abdulkareem was a very active member of the Jama'at, always ready to take on responsibilities wherever he was. In his days in Manchester, United Kingdom, he was reputed as one of the first to arrive for Jama'at programmes including charity walks, Ijtemas and Jalsa Salana.

He used to arrive weeks for the Jalsa Salana for MTA, electrical and cleaning duties.

In a attribute, a Nigerian Ahmadi in the United Kingdom described Bro. Abdulkareem as man of few

course.

The Chairman further advised the well-meaning public and other humanitarian NGOs to not relent in rendering similar selfless services to the IDPs. In his acknowledgement of the Humanity First's services, the representative of the IDP Camp's Leader, Mr. Aiga Ayuba, who spoke in Hausa Language and identified himself as a native of Gwoza LGA in Borno State, thanked the Organization for the food materials it donated to bring joy and happiness to their hearts. Similarly, Mrs Ladi Mataiz, the Camp's woman leader and also a native of Gwoza LGA, while addressing the audience in Hausa language, rendered heartfelt gratitude to the Humanity First.

At the end, while presenting the relief materials which include bags of rice, kegs of vegetable oil, indomine, shoes and clothing materials among others, Dr. Habeeb exhorts the IDP leaders to ensure that the materials are delivered to, and shared equitably among, the affected people.

words but massive actions, who left an excellent footprint in Manchester.

“Many of his good works are still being enjoyed in the new Mosque” The late Qamar Abdulkareem is survived by his wife, and two children.

THE TRUTH

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

PAGE 17

Children’s Corner Introduction to Salat (Prayer) Types of Prayers There are four types of Prayer as follows: Fard Prayers: The Arabic word, Fard, means obligatory. Fard Prayer is performed in congregation behind an Imam preferably in a mosque. But when one is unable to offer it in the Mosque or in congregation, one can offer it alone in one's home or another place. There are five daily Fard Prayers. It is a very serious sin in the sight of Allah to intentionally miss a Fard Prayer. However, if one happens to miss unintentionally, one may offer it as a Qadaa Prayer, i.e., a Missed Prayer.

Waajib Prayers: These Prayers are regarded as Waajib (necessary), but not obligatory. The Witr, Eid-ul-Fitr and Eidul-Adhya Prayers are the waajib Prayers. It is a sin to intentionally miss a waajib Prayers, but if one happens to miss it unintentionally, he is not required to offer it as a Qadaa Prayer.

Sunnah Prayers: it was the practice of the Holy Prophet of Islam (saw) to offer additional Prayers before and after Fard Prayers. These are called Sunnah Prayers. It is very rewarding to offer these Prayers, but to miss them intentionally is act of disapproval in the sight of Allah.

Nafl Prayers (Nawaafil) : These additional but optional Prayers are preferably performed in one's home, and in as many numbers as one likes. By offering them, one can achieve further blessings of Allah. Moreover, the Sunnah and Nawaafil Prayers make good any shortcomings in the performance of Fard Prayers. Tahajjud Prayer is among the Nawaafil Prayers (described later in this section). It is reported in Ahadith that our beloved Holy Prophet (saw) used to offer Nawaafil very frequently. They should be performed two raka'aat at a time.

One can perform as many Nawaafil Prayers as one likes.

Raka'aat A raka'ah is one whole series of postures which starts from standing and ends with prostration. If we stand twice it means we have prayed two raka'aat. If the Prayer is composed of

four raka'aat, we have to sit down after two raka'aat and recite at-tashahhad and then stand up without ending our Prayer and complete our four raka'aat by saying two more raka'aat.

There are five daily Prayers, each of which should be performed at its own appointed time. But in exceptional circumstances, when Prayer at five separate times is not practicable, the midday (Zuhr) and afternoon (Asr) Prayers can be joined together. Similarly, after sunset, Maghrib and Ishaa' Prayers can also be joined.

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THE TRUTH

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PAGE 18

The Friday Sermon A summary of the Sermons of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V

Requisites and Etiquette of Majlis-e-Shura Continued from page 3

in the Community then it is the duty of the representatives to see if it is being properly implemented or not. If they fail to keep an eye on this they are not fulfilling their obligation and even if they get away with it in this world by making excuses, Allah shall definitely hold them to account.

Huzur said the Promised Messiah as has said that your brothers in faith are also your neighbours. Therefore each officeholder should remember that every Ahmadi is their neighbour; at times when office-holder is the cause of hurting an ordinary Ahmadi, it causes them to stumble.

Huzur said vigilance to ensure the decisions are implemented facilitates progress of the Community; it creates a clear advancement, a clear awakening.

Office-holders need to demonstrate excellent model in civility and morals so that people replicate the high standards.

Regarding obedience to the Khalifa, if they are not fully attentive in implementing what is required then they could be imperceptibly viewing the decision of the Khalifa in negative light.

Commenting on the situation when a decision is not implemented properly and is then re-introduced as a proposal (according to the rules after duration of three years) Huzur said this shows incapability and apathy. The national and the local office-holders should analyse this and assess why the implementation had not taken place. Huzur said there should be a specific time during Shura to discuss this particular point.

Huzur said an analysis should be done and the method of the Jama'ats who endeavour and do well should be reviewed so that others also get an opportunity to improve; however there should be no personal criticism and only the departmental work should be reviewed and a strategy should be made to avoid the re-introductions of proposals after three years, which is counterproductive.

Huzur said to the Shura representatives that they should be mindful that in the eyes of the Community they are the best section of the Community who have been entrusted to serve the Community and it is expected that their standards of worship of God, of fulfilling the rights of others and of obedience to the Khalifa would be very high. This is why the Shura representatives and the officeholders should evaluate the standard of their worship; worship of God is fundamental and seeing that Salat is obligatory for the ordinary Ahmadi, the

The opportunity to serve should not be looked upon only as a status; it is only eminent when taqwa is adhered to.

Huzur said during the Shura discussions one should not be swayed by anyone's oratory etc but should reflect over all its aspects before giving suggestions. Once Huzur said, Office-holders need to the decision of the Khalifa of the day is made on the Shura proposal, whether in demonstrate excellent model in civility and its original form or with changes, its morals so that people replicate the high implementation should be pursued. standards. Regarding obedience to the Huzur reiterated that effort should be Khalifa, if they are not fully attentive in made to enhance the sense of

responsibility and the Shura

implementing what is required then they representatives as well as others should could be imperceptibly viewing the decision spend the time engaged in prayers; being of the Khalifa in negative light.

office-holders should try that all their Salat are observed in congregation.

Having being chosen as the key people in the Community and given responsibilities, if they did not pay attention to the mainstays of faith then what service could they render and what suggestions and proposal could they give. Huzur said they should be honest in their money dealings and should be sincere in their dealings with their neighbours. Expounding this point

alert and sharp is not going to bring about the triumph of Ahmadiyyat or indeed any revolution; those come to pass with prayers.

Huzur read an inspiring extract from the writings of the Promised Messiah and said that if Shura representatives, those who serve the Community and the office holders kept in view the significance of abiding by taqwa, the standards of the Community would go up.

Huzur prayed that may those who are been given the opportunity to serve the Community in any which way, be sincere helpers to the Khalifa of the day.

FRIDAY, 12TH MAY 2017

THE TRUTH

PAGE 19

Features

Hundred Years Of Ahmadiyya In Nigeria – A Brief Appraisal

and bounds, so much that, despite the Second World War which took place soon after, the expansion of the Jama'at to many parts of the country was not hampered much, especially with more expatriate Missionaries then being sent to Nigeria from t h e C e n t r e .

A NEW ERA OF THE JAMA'AT'S DEVELOPMENT ( 1 9 4 5 – 1 9 6 5 ) The third and, of course, the longest serving Amir and Missionary Incharge(at least, up to date) of the Nigeria Jama'at, Maulana Noor Muhammad Naseem Saifi (THE PEN WIZARD), assumed duty and his two-decade tenure actually witnessed what could conveniently be termed: A YET-TO-BE-MATCHED chapter in the historical forward march of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria.

This is because it was during this period that the qualities of the Jama'at-i-Ahmadiyya, not only as THE REAL PICTURE OF THE TRUE ISLAM, but also as AN INDISPENSABLE AGENT OF ALL-ROUND DEVELOPMENT in any society in which the Jama'at is established, were actually brought to public focus and the Jama'at was therefore, warmed into the hearts of all those who mattered in the Nigeria larger society then.

During this period, Amir Naseem Saifi brought his specialties (as a Writer, Orator, Public Relation Expert, Schemer and Team Player) to bear on the Nigeria Society; interacting freely and closely with eminent personalities, either in government, media, business or/and social circles, so much that he then became the besought-of-all these Who-is-Who for his inputs in whatever they were doing or intended doing, rather than he running after them, either for any favour or recognition.

Hence, he was either an architect/originator or major contributor to the establishment of a good number of developmental interest groups/bodies such as: Nigeria Union of Journalists, Newspaper Proprietors' Association of Nigeria, Council of Muslim Schools Proprietors (through which two Teachers Training Colleges and a Muslim International School were established), Muslim Students' Society of Nigeria, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, as well as being a member of some governmental Committees at different times.

Apart from many booklets and pamphlets published and distributed by the Jama'at during this period, the first and longest enduring Muslim Newspaper in Nigeria (THE TRUTH) was also established in December, 1951, as well as being a part of the pioneering team in Radio Broadcasting by Muslims in Nigeria. In fact, there was hardly any government functionary or agency which Maulana Naseem Saifi did not interact freely and closely with, either at the National or Regional level.

This developmental trend continued unabated through the Imarat of Maulana Alhaji Naseerud-deen Ahmad and Maulana Fazli-llah Anweri, up till 1972 when Maulana Muhammad Ajmal Shahid (a.k.a. NO PROBLEM), another workaholic, assumed duty as the sixth Amir and Missionary Incharge of the Nigeria Jama'at.

His ten-year tenure (1972 – 1982), which was later tagged: “A Decade of Progress”, in a Publication, also witnessed giant strides in the progressive march of the Jama'at, especially in the areas of Mosque Building, Book Publishing, Books/Qur'an Exhibitions and Distributions, Up-grading of the Jama'at Printing Press from its erstwhile Letter Press system to a Modern Off-Set Printing Outfit, Sponsored Radio Programmes (VOICE OF ISLAM) and Annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) for Ahmadi Muslim Children during their long vacations.

It was also during this period that the auxiliary organizations of the Jama'at (Lajnah, Khuddam, Ansarullah, as well as their Atfal/Nasirat subsidiaries) Continued from Page 14

were re-organized on the International standard, Jamai'ah Ahmadiyya (then Ahmadiyya Missionary Training College) was established at Ilaro, Ogun State and acquisition of a vast expanse of land at Ojokoro, for development as “Ahmadiyya Colony/Settlement” ( GREAT FORE-SIGHTEDNESS it really was then!) and m a n y m o r e .

GOLDEN ERA OF AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT I N N I G E R I A The golden era of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria actually commenced in 1970 when the Jama'at started enjoying the luxuries of playing hosts to the Khulafa of the Promised Messiah/Imam Mahdi (a.s.) in the country.

It was Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III, Mirza Hafiz Nasir-uddeen Ahmad(r.a.) who blazed the trail for the glorious visits of Khulafa-i-Masih to Nigeria. It was during this his epoch-making visit of 1970 that the now famous watchword/motto of the world-wide Jama'at: --LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED FOR NONE—was first introduced to the Nigeria Ahmadi Muslims and the Nusrat Jehan Scheme, for the establishment of series of Educational and Health Care Institutions in different part of Africa was i n a u g u r a t e d .

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih III also met and held discussions with the Nigeria youngest Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon(rtd.) during this visit.

He visited Nigeria the second time in 1980, according to him, to assess the progress made so far by the Jama'at after h i s f i r s t v i s i t i n 1 9 7 0 .

Impressed by the standard he met of the Jama'at during the visit (in 1980), Huzur (r.a.) delivered a landmark Speech which was afterwards published as a Book, tittled: A M E S S A G E O F H O P E .

Huzur also made a historic visit to Victory High School, Ikeja, where he met and addressed about One thousand five hundred Ahmadi Muslim children (boys and girls) who were camping for their Annual Islamic Vacation Course (IVC), with their more than two hundred handlers, comprising, mainly Khuddam and Lajnah.

A M A J O R T U R N I N G P O I N T A major turning point was reached in history of the Jama'at in Nigeria, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (raheemahullah) came visiting the country in 1988, during which he graciously presided over the Jama'at Majlis Shoora of that year, and during which the first Nigerian Amir and Missionary Incharge, in person of Maulvi Abdur Rasheed Ahmad Agboola, was graciously appointed for the Jama'at. May be fortunately or unfortunately (I cannot really say), he was the LAST to hold that office (combined), because since after his vacating the seat, what the Jama'at has been having have been NONMISSIONARY AMIR; starting with Alhaji (Engr.)

Hussein Oyekanmi Sunmonu, to Alhaji Muhammad Mahmud Maishanu and now Alhaji (Dr.) Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, which now necessitated having the office of Missionary Incharge separate from that of the A m i r .

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (raheemahullah) also met and held mutual discussions with eminent Nigerians such as: the then Military Head of State, General (rtd.) Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida; the Nigeria Business Magnate, Chief (late) Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola; and the leaders of the Ahmadiyya Movement-in-Islam of N i g e r i a , a m o n g o t h e r s .

Huzur also laid the foundations of some Mosques at different locations in the country, including that of the h e a d q u a r t e r s , O j o k o r o .

The Nigeria Jama'at has also been blessed with the visit of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (Ayyadahollah bi-nasrihil Azeez) twice: in 2004 and 2008 (for the Centenary Khilafah Jalsa at Abuja, and all these visits have always

elicited so many developmental projects and programmes for the progress of the Jama'at in different parts of the c o u n t r y .

It is worth mentioning at this juncture, that the Nigeria has also joined the rest of the Ahmadiyya world in commemorating the Centenary of the following mileposts in the historical journey of the Jama'at: Centenary of the establishment of Ahmadiyya in the world ( 1 8 8 9 – 1 9 8 9 ) .

Centenary of the twin eclipses as great signs for the coming of Imam Mahdi (1895 – 1995).

The Great Conference of all Religions, the Paper Presented at which was published as : THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE TEACHINGS OF ISLAM (1896 – 1 9 9 6 ) .

C O N C L U S I O N There is no gainsaying the fact that Jama'at-i-Ahmadiyya has evolved through different stages, sweet and sour, and has come a very long way over the years to reach its p r e s e n t s t a g e .

Afterall, there was a time in the chequered history of the Jama'at when the then One-floor Mosque at 21/23 Ojogiwa Street, Lagos was more that enough to accommodate all participants of the Jama'at's Jalsa Salana (Annual Conference). Later, it was moved to Muslim Teachers Training College, Suru-lere, Lagos; later Ahmadiyya Settlement, Ojokoro via Agege; then to Ilaro and Abuja. Yet, all the Centres being used at present for the Jalsa Salana, either Ilaro or Abuja, may also prove to be inadequate in the near future, considering the everincreasing influx of people joining the Jama'at and a t t e n d i n g t h e J a l s a S a l a n a y e a r l y.

A time there was also, when the whole annual budget of the whole Nigeria Jama'at was only a few TENS OF POUNDS and a little while later, a few TENS OF THOUSAND NAIRA. If today, the budget of the Jama'at runs into three-digits millions of naira, it is an evidence that Allah the Almighty is STEADILY AND SOLIDLY, not only BEHIND, but also WITH the Jama'at. To Allah the Almighty be all the glory and praise!

This feat, though monumental as it is, at least, to a great extent, however, does not really call for jubilations, but continuous PLANNING, RE-STRATEGIZING and PRO-ACTIVIENESS. This is because the progress and achievement of the Jama'at have, not only stunned many of its detractors, but has also woken up in some of them, mischievous envy and antagonism. If therefore, the Jama'at relaxes and is not pro-active, it may be that we will only be dwelling on past glories, with little or no new feat b e i n g a d d e d .

May Allah the Almighty keep us asteadfast in His cause that has pleased Him to choose for us, continue to elevate us from one divinely- ordained height to the other and from generations to generations, even yet unborn.

ALLAHUMMO AAMIN.

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The Truth “And say, Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away; falsehood does indeed vanish away fast.

“Every morning should be a witness for you that you spent the night with righteousness, and every evening should testify for you that you went through the day with the fear of Allah in your heart.”

- The Promised Messiah

Holy Qur’an 17:82

50th Ahmadiyya Mosque in Germany opened in Waldshut-Tiengen T he Ahmadiyya

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

churches and synagogues and

said: “The vast majority of the

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Muslim Community

said: “We believe that prophets

mosques, wherein the name of

patients treated in our

continued: “Where previously,

Earlier, a welcome address was

is

to

were sent to all nations and

Allah is oft commemorated.”

Ahmadiyya hospitals and the

you had to pay money to

given by the National President

announce that on 10 April 2017,

peoples and we believe in the

Commenting on this verse,

vast majority of students taught

purchase goods, now you will

of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

t h e Wo r l d H e a d o f t h e

truth of them all. Given that they

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

in our Ahmadiyya schools are

receive gifts of love and kindness

Community Germany, Abdullah

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community,

were all sent by Allah, how could

said: “According to the teachings

Christians or other non-Muslims.

without having to spend a penny.

Wagishauser, followed by

the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His

it be possible that He desired for

of Islam, it is compulsory for a

We also provide scholarships and

Where before, the local people

comments from guest speakers.

Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor

conflicts and wars between the

true Muslim to stand ever ready

funding to talented students, who

had to purchase material goods,

pleased

and harmony.”

Representing the Mayor of

Ahmad inaugurated the Aafiyat

people of different faiths and

to protect the places of worship of

otherwise could not afford

now those who come to this

Wa l d s h u t - Ti e n g e n , S y l v i a

Mosque (Mosque of Peace and

beliefs?”

all religions, whether they be

education, irrespective of faith.

Mosque to worship, will spend in

Dobler said: “I would like to

Addressing misunderstandings

churches, synagogues or any

We do this because our religion

the way of Allah to spread peace

welcome the Head of the

that exist about the wars fought

other. It is incumbent upon a

teaches us that every person in

and compassion amongst

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Security) in the German city of Waldshut-Tiengen. It is the 50th

society.”

Mosque of the Ahmadiyya

to Waldshut-Tiengen. It is a great

Referring to the recent

honour and privilege for our city

spate of terrorist attacks

that you are here. Further, I would

Upon arrival in Waldshut-

across the globe by

like to thank the Ahmadiyya

Tiengen, His Holiness officially

extremists, His Holiness

Muslim Community for opening

inaugurated the Mosque by

said that such attacks were

the doors to its Mosque so that we

unveiling a commemorative

taking place in the name of

can learn about your faith and

plaque and offering a silent

Islam, not only in the West,

beliefs.”

prayer in thanks to God

but also in Muslim

The Mayor of Lorrach, Dr.

Almighty before leading the

countries. “The terrorists

Michael Wilke said: “There is a

Zuhr and Asr prayers.

and extremists are falsely

lot of fear about Islam in the

T h e r e a f t e r, a s p e c i a l

using the name of Islam to

hearts of people today and there

reception, attended by 110

pursue their hateful and

can only be one response which is

dignitaries and guests, was held

selfish vested interests. To

to try to better understand one

to mark the opening of the

achieve these ends they are

another's faiths and to treat each

Mosque, during which Hazrat

murdering anyone who

other with mutual respect. We

Mirza Masroor Ahmad

c o m e s i n t h e i r w a y.

look forwarding to inviting

Muslim Community in Germany.

delivered the keynote address in

Therefore, the world stands

Ahmadi Muslims to future events

which he outlined the objectives

during the early period of Islam,

Muslim to live peacefully

the world has the right to an

in urgent need of tolerance,

so that you can show Islam's

of Mosques and explained the

His Holiness explained that

alongside the people of other

education.”

mutual respect and open-

peaceful teachings and remove

true teachings of Islam.

permission for a defensive war

beliefs and to treat them with love

heartedness. The world needs to

the fears that exist.”

His Holiness began by

was granted to the early Muslims

and

kindness. These

purchased for the Mosque was

appreciating the fact that

only following a period of

compassionate teachings of

previously the location for a

Waldshut-Tiengen was a city

sustained persecution against

Islam are the basis for peace and

market, Hazrat Mirza Masroor

comprising of people from many

them. Furthermore, permission

unity in society.”

Ahmad said: “In the past, there

different ethnicities and

was granted in order to ensure the

His Holiness said that the Holy

was a market here where people

backgrounds living together

universal principle of religious

Quran repeatedly instructed

would come to purchase material

peacefully. His Holiness said

freedom was established once

Muslims to serve mankind

goods which we have now turned

Islam taught people to set aside

and for all.

irrespective of religion or belief

into a Mosque. Hence in future,

Referring to the fact that the site

their differences for the common

His Holiness referred to chapter

and based on these teachings the

people will come here not to buy

good and to live together with

22 verse 41 of the Holy Quran,

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

material items but to acquire

mutual respect. He said that the

which states:

had established numerous

spiritual treasures through the

Holy Quran's teachings were a

“And if Allah did not repel

hospitals, schools and

worship of God Almighty. We

means of bringing people

some men by means of others,

humanitarian projects in

will use this Mosque as a centre

together, rather than driving them

there would surely have been

deprived parts of the world.

for people to gather in order to

apart.

pulled down cloisters and

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad

serve humanity.”

put into practice the motto which

The representative of the

we Ahmadi Muslims proclaim of

Protestant Church, Father Rainer

'Love for all, Hatred for none'.”

Stockburger said: “Each religion

Concluding his address, Hazrat

has different traditions and

Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed:

practices and has its own sacred

“May Allah enable the Ahmadi

places and events. Rather than let

Muslims in this city to act

differences cause division or

according to the true teachings of

conflict, we should seek to

Islam and to serve the people of

understand each other and show

this city in the best manner. I hope

tolerance.”

and pray that the reservations

The formal session concluded

some people may hold about

with a silent prayer led by His

Islam are alleviated and that they

Holiness, followed by dinner.

see for themselves that true Mosques are symbols of peace

The Truth Published by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria and printed by Raqeem Press. Office: Km. 27, Abeokuta Expressway, Ojokoro, Lagos State. TELEPHONE: 09051133553; ADVERTS: 07068820428; CIRCULATION: 08027382429; EMAIL: thetruthnewsnigeria@gmail.com; EDITOR: ABDULGANIYY ADIAMOH. All correspondence to P.O. Box 418 Lagos 100101. ISSN 0311 5975