Perturbed by the high rate of early marital break-ups among young couples within the Jama’at, the Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeeez has hinted that the parents, especially the fathers cannot absolve themselves from blame on the problem.
The Amir made the assertion at the 44th Annual National Ijtema (Convention) of the Majlis Ansarullah Silsila ‘Aliya Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Elders’ Forum) held at Bells University of Technology, Ota, Ogun State.
He opined that the genesis of the incessant marital conflicts and divorce could not be unconnected to the unruly and unimaginable behaviours of some fathers who maltreat and disrespect their wives in the presence of the young ones.
According to him, all Ahmadi parents are expected to live above board in matters relating to harmonious marital life, adding that it is incumbent on all members to be tolerant and train their wards in the Islamic way of life.
His words: “Marital crises among young couples in the Jama’at is a concern to the management. It is rampant these days, hence the need to collectively proffer solution. The character of some Ansarullah members towards their wives is extremely terrible and appalling. To make matters worse, these behaviours are being displayed in the presence of the young ones who are yet to marry.’’
‘’Let us get this right. The way we treat our wives is the same way our sons will treat their wives, and the response our wives give us is the same response our daughters will give their husbands. We as fathers should be good and kind to our wives. Let us all reform ourselves and set good examples for our children. Above all, let us be tolerant with our wives. Majlis Ansarullah is like the brain box of the Jama’at. We are the fathers of all. Let us transform ourselves first so as to transform the nation. Excellent and moral behaviours should be our qualities. Let us always obey the instructions of Khalifah to get things done progressively. And let us uphold respect for the rules and regulations of the Jama’at.’’
Inner Reformation: Key to Real Ethical Revolution
The Amir speaking on the theme lecture titled: “Inner Reformation: Key to Real Ethical Revolution” highlighted that some of the impediments to reformation can be linked to the strength of resolve and will-power to implement reformation in practice. These impediments, according to him, are Environmental influence, family influence, non-challant attitudes, correlation between habit and practice (smoking, drinking, etc.), keeping immediate and short-term matters in view, classification of sins as major and minor, human relations and customs as well as whole family reformation.
To reform our daily practices, Amir said members must instill in themselves three-fold aspects of character which are: the strength of resolve, correct and proper knowledge, and strength to implement. He added that the strength to reform others can only occur after individual self-reformation.
‘’Our triumph is not in subjugating anyone nor indeed is it to attain worldly objectives. It is to make the world submit to God and His Messenger. The state of reformation of practices is the same. Some people have to instill strength of resolve, some are in need of strength to implement but for some, the burden is too much and for them, the society has to play its role, Jama’at has to play its role, the auxiliaries have to play their role,” Barr. Alatoye submitted.
Self-Reformation is highly critical
The Sadr (Head) of Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Engr. Abdul Waheed Akanji Adeoye implored elders of Ahmadiyya Community to reform themselves properly before delving into revolutionizing the world.
He said: “As believers in and followers of the Reformer raised by Allah for this age, we have the herculean task of revolutionizing the entire world, so that, not only the whole of mankind might recognize the only Creator of the entire universe but also imbibe and live by the nature and spirit of this Creator. But this we cannot effectively and successfully accomplish the task except we ourselves are properly and adequately reformed; both individually and collectively.”
Other Faith-Inspiring Lectures
The three-day programme also featured thought-provoking and faith-inspiring lectures delivered by scholars within the Jama’at and these include: “A True Caller to God: Holy Prophet(SAW) as an Excellent Model,” delivered by Muallim Muhammad Qasim Oyekola; “Our Home, Our Future” by Alhaji Abdul Ganiy Oladipupo; “Excelling in Doing Good,” by Barrister Muhammad Bashir; “All of Us Need a Model” by Maulvi Naseem Butt;” and “The Need for the Imam,” by Muallim Abdul Hadi Babarinde. Darsul Hadith, Darsul Quran, Malfoozat, Shoora (Deliberation) and Health Talk on Diarrhoea Disease and Ischemic Heart Disease also took place.
Educational Events
Educational events such as Quran Recitation Competition, Qaseedah Competition, Speech Contest, Quiz Competition and sporting events like 100m Race, Power pull, Table Tennis and concentration Race, were also held.
Free Medical Camp:
Another highlight of the Annual Ijtema is the Free Medical camp where 843 members of the public benefitted from Blood Pressure Checks, Fasting and Random Blood Sugar Checks, Visual Acuity Test, Free Reading Glasses, Health and Nutritional Counselling. The medical camp was held at the Primary Health Centre Iju, Ogun State.
Other Personalities at the Ijtema
Other dignitaries at the event include: the Chief Imam of Ota, Imam Muhammad Sidik Buhari; Commissioner of Police Ogun State represented by SP Omikunle Abdul Waheed; Acting Missionary In-charge, Maulvi Adnan Tahir; Naib Amir Finance & Administration, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Naib Amir Tabligh & Tajneed, Dr. Busari Abdul-Lateef; Naib Amir Ta’leem & Tarbiyya, Alhaji Tajudeen Onabanjo; General Secretary AMJN, Alhaji Abbas O. Iromini; immediate Past Amir, Dr. Mashhud A. Fashola; Sadr Majlis Khuddam Nigeria, Engr. Saheed Aina and immediate past Naibeen Amir.
Over 2,400 members of the auxiliary body across the country attended the gathering.
