Ahead of the forthcoming 67th Annual National Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria scheduled to hold in Ilaro Ogun State, its National Head (Amir), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez has paid a familiarization visit to the traditional ruler of the town, the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, MFR at his Palace in Ilaro.
The Amir was accompanied by the Missionary Incharge, Maulvi Afzaal Ahmad Rauf; Naib Amir (Deputy Head) Finance and Administration, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria (President, Elders Forum), Alhaji (Engr.) Abdul Waheed Adeoye; the Principal Ahmadiyya School of Theology, Maulvi Abdul Azeem Ahmed; National General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Iromini and Chairman Convention Organizing Committee, Engr. Qasim Oluwa.
Barrister Alatoye expressed profound gratitude to the King for accommodating the Muslim Organization’s institutions and members without rancour or intimidation. He added that the continuous hospitality being shown the Ahmadiyya Community was well recognised by the Supreme Head of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(May Allah be his helper).
He also delivered the peaceful message which the Supreme Head has been spreading and championing globally. The Amir later presented some Jama’at’s literature to the King and formally invited him to the forthcoming convention at Ilaro and also International Conference in the United Kingdom in 2020.
In his response, the Olu of Ilaro commended the good neighbourliness, support and cooperation of the Ahmadiyya Community in Ilaro Township and prayed for a successful regime of the new leadership.
His Royal Highness also thanked the organization for establishing institutions in Ilaro and further requested the community to site a University in the Town. He promised to attend the Conference in December 2019 and also link up with the global head of the Ahmadiyya Community in London soon.
Visit to Chief Imam:
The National Head also visited the Chief Imam of Ilaro, Alhaji Tajudeen Mustapha Adewunmi and thanked him for embracing and sustaining a peaceful atmosphere among religious leaders in the Town. He solicited for continuous peace and harmony among the religious leaders and members, noting that violence and enmity cannot be traced to the teachings of Islam.
The Amir further appealed to the Chief Imam to always use his good office to advise the government on good governance which should cut across road construction, provision of food and shelter and other social amenities that are beneficial to the masses. He later invited the Chief Imam to the Convention and presented him with some Jama’at’s books.
Accepting the formal invitation to attend the forthcoming Jalsa Salana, the Chief Imam described Ahmadiyya Community as a role model to other religious bodies due to its numerous educative programs and seminars; the proper upbringing of the children and financial sacrifices in the way of God Almighty.
He cited some of the organization’s seasoned scholars as good ambassadors of the Community, adding that their impacts are well felt positively among the non-Ahmadi Muslims.
The Chief Imam further requested for the establishment of Ahmadiyya Hospital/ Maternity which will comprise of female staff and where childbirth would be taking place.
Qualities of Ahmadi Members:
The Amir later led the Jumu’ah prayer at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Central Mosque, Sabo Ilaro and discussed on five (5) important qualities of an Ahmadi member.
He highlighted complete obedience to the institution of Khilafat, respect to the constituted authority, love for everybody, goodness to all and offering of five Daily Prayers as innate and vital qualities which must be imbibed and displayed by a true Ahmadi member anywhere in the world.
Barrister Alatoye emphasized that the success of Nigeria Jama’at totally depends on obedience to the laid down rules and regulations of the Community and all the directives of the global head.
