AFTER JALSA, WHAT NEXT?
The long-awaited Jalsa Salana started and ended with thanks to Allah, with a population of thousands of people who came from far and wide, within and outside the country. Many may think that after these three days of spiritually uplifting lectures, Darood on the Holy Prophet (saw), prayers and congregational Tahajjud, we only head home and wait till the next Jalsa before we come together for such again. Now the question is: Is the Jalsa really over? Even when it is glaring that the Jalsa has ended, members and non-members should have it in mind that physically the Jalsa has ended but spiritually it has not. It is our duty and responsibility to work on the lectures delivered at the Convention instead of allowing the knowledge to waste. The theme of the just-concluded Jalsa is “EFFECTIVE WAYS OF CALLING PEOPLE TO ALLAH”. Several lectures relating to this theme were delivered by respected scholars of the Jama’at. An example of such lectures delivered is “Tabligh: A divine responsibility upon every Muslim”, quoting the verse of the Holy Quran to buttress this point (Q 5:68) “O, Messenger! Convey to the people what has been revealed to thee from thy Lord; and if thou do it not, thou hast not conveyed His message at all. And Allah will protect thee from men. Surely, Allah guides not the disbelieving people”. Two of the topics delivered are: “Exemplary Devotion in the Field of Tabligh: The Models of Hazrat Musab bin Umair (rd) and Hazrat Ghulam Rasul Raji Ki Sahib (rd)” and “Propagation of the Message of Islam using Modern Resources”. Looking at the above-mentioned topics, it is important to note that the point mostly emphasized is “TABLIGH”. Now, as Ahmadis what is our plan for Tabligh? How well do we intend to increase the number of new converts coming into the fold and how do we intend to carry out this task of Tabligh? Just as Allah the Almighty says: And who is better in speech than he who invites men to Allah and does good works and says, ‘I am surely of those who submit?’ (41:34) The act of Tabligh does not compulsorily lie with the missionaries alone but all members of the Jama’at: teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, nurses, entrepreneurs or whatever profession you are into, calling people to Allah does not stop you from achieving your personal goals. Now that the internet has gone a long way to bring people from far and wide together, members can make use of this tool as an effective way of doing Tabligh. It is pertinent to note this point that Huzoor (atba) has instructed the Amir Sahib to get at least a thousand Bai’at within a stipulated time, as we all know this cannot be achieved except with our active cooperation. May Allah enable us to discharge this duty as expected. Ameen
AUCHI MONARCH EXTOLS AHMADIYYA COMMUNITY’S GLOBAL PEACE DRIVE
Amidst the lingering crises among the world’s superpowers, a prominent traditional ruler, the Otaru of Auchi Kingdom, Alhaji Aliru H. Momoh (Ikelebe III) has commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for its continuous campaign on global peace and religious tolerance. The monarch made the speech during the official visit of the Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Folorunso Azeez Alatoye to the Otaru’s Palace in Auchi. Alhaji Momoh, who expressed his displeasure over the current state of affairs in international politics especially among the Muslim World, showered encomiums on the worldwide head of Ahmadiyya Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (May Allah be his Helper) who has been championing the campaign against imminent Third World War and the need to embrace global peace. He described the Muslim Organization as one of the few who have been carrying out divine instructions on peaceful coexistence, truthfulness, and justice. He, therefore, enjoined other religious groups to follow suit. His words: “The current state of affairs in global politics is a call for concern. The world is in disarray and the powers are treading the paths of a Third World War. It is on this basis that I commend the global peace campaign of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Its global head has continued to advise world leaders to embrace peace. “Generally the mission and vision of Ahmadiyya Community are worthy of emulation. It is essential for Muslims all over the world to follow Divine teachings and instructions in the Holy Qur’an like the organization. We must all act on our preaching and eschew lies and deceit. The world will definitely be at peace when we embrace truthfulness, justice, and peaceful coexistence. That is why we have made it a rule in Auchi Sacred Kingdom to stand firm and do justice always.” Objectives of Ahmadiyya Community The National Head, while delivering his speech summarised the aims, objectives, and activities of the Ahmadiyya Community in Nigeria and globally. Aside from upholding the true tenets and teachings of Islam, Barrister Alatoye said the Community also focuses on the spiritual, moral and physical wellbeing of the people, irrespective of their ethnic groups, religious affiliations, culture, languages, and belief system. He said: “It is incumbent on us as a Muslim organization to cater for the wellbeing of the masses irrespective of their religious leanings and differences. That is why we have established a non-governmental organization Humanity First International which caters to the needy and the downtrodden. Some of the focal points include education, health delivery, water for all, eye for all, disaster recovery and provision of relief items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).” The Amir appreciated the monarch for granting the delegation audience at short notice and his continuous support and cooperation with members of the Jama’at in Auchi Kingdom. He also used the opportunity to formally invite the Otaru to the International Conference of the Community in the United Kingdom later in the year with an opportunity for a private meeting with the Supreme Head. Reconstruction of Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital Auchi Barrister Alatoye, in his speech, also vowed that the Community will soon commence the reconstruction of a health facility in Auchi. He had earlier visited the hospital site which was built on a large expanse of land measuring 600m by 600m. Amir Addresses Auchi members The Amir held a brief meeting with members of Ahmadiyya Community at the Ahmadiyya Central Mosque, Auchi where he emphasised complete obedience to the institution of Khilafat. He also discussed His Holiness goodwill message to the last Jalsa Salana held at Ilaro and urged members to always make references to the keywords mentioned therein – Peace and Love. He believed members will only succeed in winning more converts into the fold if these attributes are in place. Barrister Alatoye further admonished members to improve on their level of spiritual, physical, moral and financial sacrifices in the way of Allah. Visit to Ahmadiyya Hospital Ijebu-Ode The National Head and his entourage also paid a visit to Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospitalinspected the facility with a view to improving it. Imosan Land The team proceeded to Ijebu-Imosan to inspect the Jama’at land covering 65Acres. The land is being proposed to be used as Minaret International University College of Agriculture. Among the entourage of Amir to the two-day official tour include the Missionary Incharge, Maulana Afzaal Ahmad Rauf; the Naib Amir (Deputy National Amir) Finance and Administration, Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole; Naib Amir Ta’leem & Tarbiyya (Education & Moral Training), Alhaji Tajudeen Onabanjo; the Medical Director, Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital, Ojokoro, Dr. Sami Ullah Tahir; and former Naib Amir Special Duties, Alhaji Ahmed Al-Hassan.
WHY I ATTENDED AHMADIYYA CONVENTION IN THE U.K. – ETSU NUPE
The Etsu Nupe and the Chairman Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr.) Yahaya Abubakar, CFR has revealed the major reason for honouring the invitation to attend the International Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held in the United Kingdom last year. Speaking at his Royal Palace in Bida, Niger State during the visit of the National leadership of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria led by the Amir (National President), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, the traditional ruler disclosed that the inner impetus to have first-hand information thereby correcting the wrong impression about the Muslim Community made him attend the Conference. It would be recalled that the Etsu Nupe with other four members of his family attended the 2019 Annual Convention in the U.K. where they were given a befitting reception, and also had the rare privilege of meeting the Supreme Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(May Allah be his Helper). Dr. Abubakar expressed his delight over his experience in the U.K. as he was able to ascertain the truth about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and its belief system which were in conformity with the tenets and true teachings of Islam. He affirmed that those attacking the Muslim organization are ignorant of its belief system and activities. Consequent to his findings, the traditional ruler informed that he summoned all leaders of Muslim sects in his domain and educated them properly. His words: “The motive behind attending the international convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the U.K. was to actually seal the trust I had in the Jama’at and to have some clues about her belief system. I got to know that the organization believe in one God and that the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu alaehim wasalam ( was the seal of all prophets. The Community also promotes peaceful co-existence which Islam preaches, so what else? “I was really impressed and convinced after that visit. Those giving wrong allegations and are attacking the Ahmadiyya Community do that out of ignorance and sensitization. I had to gather all the leaders of Muslim organizations in my Kingdom to the palace and educate them properly after my arrival from the United Kingdom. Ever since then, they (Muslim leaders) have changed positively and are now relating to themselves peacefully.” General advice for Muslim leaders: The Etsu Nupe admonished religious leaders generally to eschew all forms of hate speech and disseminate the true teachings of Islam, notably the Peace Message which the Ahmadiyya Jama’at preaches across the globe. “Before now, some of these scholars spent much time preaching against other sects than the time spent on disseminating true teachings of Islam. This trend has changed anyway after the orientation. Let us preach on five daily prayers, Hajj, and current affairs in the society. Avoid hate speech and re-awaken followers on Islamic affairs. Let us always appreciate what God has given us and refrain from anger, jealousy, envy and embrace peaceful co-existence. This will no doubt improve the spirit of brotherhood among us,” he opined. Highlights of Amir’s Speech: Barrister Alatoye while delivering his speech expressed his profound gratitude to the Etsu Nupe for honoring the 2019 U.K. Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) which has further bolstered the Jama’at’s relationship with members of Nupe Kingdom. He further solicited the Etsu’s full support and cooperation towards disseminating the peaceful message of the Jama’at across the country, taking into consideration current happenings in international politics. “We thank His Royal Highness for attending our international Jalsa Salana 2019 in the U.K. It’s a huge blessing for the Jama’at in all sectors. Let me use the opportunity to emphasize that the Ahmadiyya Community is very much concerned about the spreading of a peaceful message. That is why His Holiness has been moving across the world to deliver peace messages to world leaders. Aside from this, the Jama’at is also concerned about the welfare of the masses, hence the establishment of Humanity First International which focuses on the provision of food, shelter, health services, education, disaster recovery, among others for the less-privileged. We humbly request for His Royal Highness’ full support for the actualization of these programmes, starting with the spreading of peace messages across Nigeria,” Barrister Alatoye requested. His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) Visit to Nigeria: The Amir also used the occasion to solicit Etsu Nupe’s full support for the coming of His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) to Nigeria, especially playing an active role on His Holiness(May Allah be his Helper) meeting with the Nigeria President, National Assembly, and top government officials. Barrister Alatoye later prayed for the protection of lives and properties and abundance of blessings in the Nupe Kingdom. He then presented Jama’at literature and other gift items to the Monarch. Some of the entourage of Amir include the Missionary Incharge, Maulana Afzaal Ahmad Rauf; the General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Iromini and the National Secretary External Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu.
WHY WE MUST LIBERATE NIGERIA FROM THE TRAGEDIES OF ISLAMOMANIA AND ISLAMOPHOBIA
As current affairs in Nigeria show, there is no doubt that the state of the nation is at a critical crossroads. From the lingering challenges of state and human security to the persisting issues of political economy, the rising uproar about alleged regional marginalization and the call for restructuring for a true federalism, the crises of electoral politics, the spate of corruption, unemployment and poverty, and the conflict of ethnic and religious identity and expression etc., Nigeria is presently facing challenges that are combining to threaten and bedevil the corporate political, economic, social and religious existence of the country and her citizens. Without underestimating the criticality of each of the aforementioned myriads of challenges, this piece focuses on addressing what it views as the tragedies of religion in Nigeria – the monsters of Islamomania and Islamophobia – which have been eating deeply into and dividing and destroying the fabrics of the individual and corporate existence of Nigerians. Of course, the primacy of addressing religious issues in Nigeria should be easily informed by the fact of the centrality of religion in every ramification of the personal and corporate existence of Nigerians, and particularly, the divisive and destructive impacts religious crises have always had upon the country. In his Ethno‐religious Identity and Conflict in Northern Nigeria (2010), Eyene Okpanachi, making reference to Smyth and Robinson (2001), opined that “Nigeria is usually characterized as a deeply divided state in which major political issues are vigorously and or violently contested along the lines of the complex ethnic, religious, and regional divisions in the country.” This is understandable. For, as a December 18, 2012 report conducted by Pew Research Centre shows, 97.2% of the population of Nigeria is under the grip of religion. More instructive is I. Enwerem’s assertion in his 1995’s A Dangerous Awakening – The Politicization of Religion in Nigeria (published by IFRA, Ibadan) that, “religion has always been important in Nigeria and in Nigerian politics.” In fact, Paden J. once aptly declared in his Faith and Politics in Nigeria (2008) that, “the intensity of religious identity in Nigeria is regarded as one of the highest in the world.” Evidently, Paden’s claim is supported by the fact that as Eyene Okpanachi again opined, “Nigerians are more likely to define themselves in terms of religion than any other identity. Indeed, according to the authoritative May-June 2006 survey conducted by the Pew Forum on “Religion and Public Life”, 76% of Christians say that religion is more important to them than their identity as Africans, Nigerians or members of an ethnic group. Among Muslims, the number naming religion as the most important factor is even higher (91%).” Proceeding with the thrust of this piece, in simple terms, this writer views Islamomania as expressive of the psychological state of the narrow-minded, hardliner, extremist Islamists who digest Islam like opium with an unbridled poise to express and preach the religion or introduce and enforce its Sharia Law upon others in a rather radical, fanatical, coercive and do-or-die manner. On the other hand, Islamophobia connotes non-Muslims’, particularly Christians, irrational and unfounded fear of, prejudice against and hatred for Islam and Muslims. Apparently, the twain phenomena represent aberrant psycho-social complexities that have become deeply rooted in the psychological perception and empirical expression of or reaction against Islam by some elements in Nigeria over the decades, with an increasing proportion in recent times. Evidently, as both the past and ongoing trends have shown, whether it was the Muslims’ Maitatsine crisis that resulted in over 2,000 loss of life in the 1980s, the bloody crises of Sharia introduction that trailed Nigeria’s return to democratic dispensation in 1999, the menace of Boko Haram insurgency that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands and internally displaced over two million Nigerians, the instances of angry outbursts, and sometimes violent reactions, against the legitimacy of the Nigerian secular, democratic system and constitution by some extremist Muslim individuals and groups, or the various cases of intra-religious theological and ideological skirmishes among Muslim individuals, sects and denominations in the country, Islam has been an object of Islamomaniac expressions in the hands of some so-called Muslim elements. While these developments may be attributed to gross misconception and misinterpretation of Islamic Scripture, Prophetic traditions and early historical events on the part of such individuals or groups, there is no doubt that they constitute sheer misrepresentation and, in fact, an immense disservice to the image of Islam. Similarly, from the side of the non-Muslims, it is apparent that whether it is the Christians’ incessant cases of prejudice against and hullabaloos over Muslim women hijab dress, the uproar over the introduction of Islamic banking system, the entrenched instances of prejudicial stereotyping of Muslims, or the recently increasing outbursts alleging an Islamization of Nigeria agenda, in reaction to various cases of political appointments by the government of the day or its participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation summit or the menace of herdsmen banditry, etc., Islam has continued to be a victim of Islamophobic perceptions and reactions by non-Muslim Nigerians. Disturbingly, these phenomena (in a country where unholy romance between religion and politics has seen constant politicization of religion and religionization of political issues) have not only continued to heat up the Nigerian socio-religious space but are increasingly turning the country into a hotbed of catastrophic intra/inter-religious and socio-political suspicion, mistrust, clashes and commotions, resulting in the threat against national solidarity, coherence and unity of the country as well as socio-political and religious peace, harmony and security of life and the State. Expediently, with the deepening inter-religious suspicion and mistrust and the rising socio-religious and political tensions in the country, if we must reconstruct Muslims’ expression of, and non-Muslims’ reaction to, Islam as a socio-political and religious ideology; if the Nigerian government and people are genuinely desirous of uniting the various religions and ethnicities under a harmonious socio-religious co-existence; and if the government must ensure the security of the state and its people and save human lives from carnage, public infrastructure from destruction and Nigeria’s political solidarity and sovereignty from collapse, then the issues of
AHMADIYYA COMMUNITY VISITS KWARA GOVERNOR
In continuation of its official familiarization visit to government officials and first-class traditional rulers in the country, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria led by the Amir (National President), Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez paid a courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Kwara State, Mallam Abdul Rahman Abdul Razaq at the Presidential Lodge in Ilorin, Kwara State. The visitation was also part of the preparations towards the coming of the Worldwide Head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(May Allah be his Helper) to Nigeria to further promote peaceful coexistence among the people of varied religions, cultural differences, and languages. In his address Barrister, Alatoye felicitated with Governor Abdur Razaq for eventually emerging as the 20th Governor of the State against all odds, and prayed for the successful regime. “Even though we have written “Letter of Congratulations” to Your Excellency, let me use this opportunity to physically congratulate you on your well-deserved victory at the governorship polls. By the Grace of God, you are the 20th Governor of Kwara State in 2020. May you succeed as the Governor in all respect,” the Amir prayed. Barrister Alatoye further stated that the Ahmadiyya Community preaches and practices the true teachings of Islam and shuns all acts of violence globally. Aside from this, he said the Muslim Organization engages in humanitarian services through “Humanity First International” a non-governmental organization that specializes in the provision of food for all, water for all, education for all, skills acquisition, disaster relief program among other humanitarian services. “The Ahmadiyya Community is a Muslim Organization which upholds and teaches the true tenets of Islam across the globe. In addition, the Community is concerned with the welfare of the people and thus provide humanitarian services for all without any discrimination,” he said. Reasons for Visitation: The Amir informed that the Supreme Head has been delivering a message of peace to world leaders in a bid to achieve a peaceful and harmonious co-existence. He added that His Holiness had the intention of visiting the country for the promotion of his Peace Message to the Government and well-meaning Nigerians, hence the need to prepare the ground by contacting top government officials and peace-loving Nigerians. He, therefore, solicited the governor’s full support and cooperation towards the visit of His Holiness by using his influence to ensure that the supreme leader addresses the Presidency and National Assembly. Barrister Alatoye also invited the governor to the forthcoming annual convention of the youth wing of the organization coming up in Offa, Kwara State on April 11, 2020, and also the Annual Conference of the organization at Ilaro in December 2020. While reiterating the Jama’at’s full support and backing to the state government, the Amir thanked the governor for granting the courtesy call at a short notice, presented him with Jama’at literature and prayed for God’s protection and guidance. Ahmadiyya Community: A Non-Violent Sect The Executive Governor while reacting described the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as a non-violent organization with peace-loving membership. He recalled his relationship with the Community at the Ahmadiyya College Agege, Lagos. He expressed his delight over the visitation which was held on Friday, a day of supplication. He added that the Kwara State government will continue to partner with Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in all sectors and promised to attend the youth convention in Offa. His words: I welcome you all to Kwara State on a beautiful Friday, a day of supplications. I had known the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for several years because I had a stint at Ahmadiyya College Agege. I had known it to be a violent free Muslim organization. The Kwara State government will continue to associate itself with the Ahmadiyya community. The message of peace and morality which the Jama’at preaches is very important at this crucial period in Nigeria and the world at large. In as much as these are the messages of the organization, I will be attending the programme in Offa. We shall also be giving full support to the coming of the Supreme leader to Nigeria.” The Journey so far in Kwara State Governor Abdul Razaq used the occasion to recap the activities of the new government in Kwara State since its inception and submitted that it was a new beginning in Kwara across all sectors, notably education and health units. On education, he stated that previous administrations did not invest in the sector since 2013 and this has led to the deplorable state of both public and secondary schools. He, however, informed that efforts are on to revive the all-important sector in the State. “Since 2013 nothing has been done. You need to visit our schools and you will discover that basic things such as water, textbooks, and sanitation are not there. Leaking roofs and the number of students per classroom is ridiculously high. “For instance, a classroom in a Secondary School in Ilorin West has about 100 students. How do you want them to learn? It is disgraceful. For the schools to keep up, they had to cheat. That is why we had issues with the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) which we are trying to put behind. “We are going to reconstruct no fewer than 100 primary and secondary schools. They need immediate and urgent attention. But as they say, a journey of 1,000 Kilometers begins with a step. So, we are starting with fixing of 31 schools.” The governor added that the government is also striving to improve the health sector and power generation in Kwara State and that social investment program will commence this month to improve the economic status of Kwarans.
AMIR VISITS KWARA FORMER GRAND KHADI
The Amir and his entourage paid a courtesy visit to the former Grand Khadi, Sharia Court of Appeal, Kwara, Alhaji Solihu Oloruntoyin Muhammad and thanked him for accepting His Holiness invitation in November 2017 to attend the International Conference of Ahmadiyya Community in the United Kingdom. Alhaji Muhammad appreciated the Jama’at’s efforts in honouring and visiting him. He opined that he is studying the books about the Jama’at and taking his time. He also expressed his love for the Jama’at’s activities and policy of silent prayers.
