ALHAJI ABDULAZEEZ ALATOYE APPOINTED AS NEW AMIR, AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT NIGERIA (UPDATED)

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June 27, 2023

All praise belongs to Allah, and may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

It is with deep pleasure I felicitate with the Muslim community in Nigeria and across the world on this day of ‘Id-ul-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice) of the year 1444/2023.

This annual festive occasion symbolically reminds us of the imperative of the need for total submission and obedience to the will of Allah and the need for us to reinvigorate our spirit of sacrifice. This resonates with the philosophy and essence behind the sacrifice of animals for submissiveness as He declares that:

“Their flesh reaches not Allah, nor does their blood, but it is your righteousness that reaches Him. Thus, has He subjected them to you, that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you. And give glad tidings to those who do good.” (Qur’an, 22:38).

Firstly, it is a special mercy of Allah that He keeps reminding us that we have no choice in having to willfully submit to Him as the rams sacrificed have no choice in submitting to us. Not the flesh, not the blood but the total submission is what is needed. This is one of the most compelling messages in this verse. If this symbol of submission is not there for remembrance, it would have been confined to literature and possibly history without current values. We will all die one day. The salient question will be whether we submit to the will of Allah or not. This question will be answered by each and every one of us.

Secondly, the act of righteousness is the underlining tone behind the sacrifice. It is only the righteousness that reaches Allah. Righteousness has eleven parts in the Holy Quran. It provides that:

“It is not righteousness that you turn your faces to the East or the West, but truly righteous is he who believes in Allah and the Last Day and the Angels and the Book and the Prophets, and spends his money for the love of Him, on the kindred and the orphans and the needy and the wayfarer and those who ask for charity, and for ransoming the captives; and who observes Prayer and pays the Zakat; and those who fulfill their promise when they have made one, and the patient in poverty and afflictions and the steadfast in time of war; it is these who have proved truthful and it is these who are the God-fearing.” (Qur’an, 2:178).

The third is the glorification of Allah for guiding us. The verse directs us to glorify Allah for His guidance to humility and submission to His will that will benefit us at the end of our life.

The Promised Messiah and Mahdi, (Hazrat) Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) in his Revealed Sermon (which he delivered on the Day of ‘Id-ul-Adha of 11th April 1901) stated that:

“the name “sacrifice” was reserved for these animals that are due to be slaughtered. In the Hadith, it is mentioned that, if a person fulfills this sacrifice with sincerity, piety, and deep faith, it becomes for him a means of attaining closeness to, and union with Allah, the Highest. These sacrifices are among the noblest acts of worship in the Shariah.”

Speaking further, he said,

“A Muslim is he who places his neck for slaughter at the altar of Allah, the Highest, and sacrifices the camel of his soul and places his forehead on the ground to be given up as an offering to Allah, and is never forgetful of death even for a moment.”

In the Eidul Adha sermon of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(atba); the 5th Khalifa of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat titled “Offer sacrifices for Allah as Abraham and his family did”, Huzooraa said we were celebrating Eid-ul-Adha to commemorate the sacrifices of Hazrat Abrahamas, his wife and their son Hazrat Ishmaelas. This was not an isolated act of devotion; rather, their sacrifices spanned a long period throughout their lives. Allah, Who is Most True to His Word, rewarded them for these sincerely offered sacrifices most magnificently: The land which was once deserted now brims with millions upon millions of people in fulfillment of the promise that Allah the Almighty made.

In light of the major challenges being faced in the world today, it is incumbent on mankind to imbibe and translate the foregoing lessons of the ‘Id-ul-Adha into practice in order to effect positive changes.

Currently, Nigerians have a new government, let us all pray for the success of the government. We need to make tremendous sacrifices and allow the government time to right a lot of the wrongs of the past in the interest of all.

May Allah accept and bless our sacrifices on this festive day and make the blessings therein permanent in our lives, country, and world.

Eid Mubarak.!!!

Alhaji Barr. Alatoye Folorunso Azeez
Amir (National Head)
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria

AMJN National Exhibition 2022

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October 28, 2022

NATIONAL EXHIBITION 2022

Welcome to National Exhibition 2022

It was Sara Sheridan who wrote:
“Without archives, many stories of real people would be lost, and along with those stories, vital clues that allow us to reflect and interpret our lives today.”
It is with this huge sense of preserving history that the Majlis Ansarullah Ahmadiyya Nigeria presents to the public an Exhibition titled: “National Exhibition 2022”.

The theme of the program is “Islam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Prints and Visuals”.

For full details pls follow this link

AIMAAN Holds U-18 Taekwondo Open Championship

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October 28, 2022

AHMADIYYA INTERNATIONAL MARTIAL ARTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (AIMAAN) IN CONJUNCTION WITH LAGOS STATE TAEKWONDO ASSOCIATION HOSTS THE 3RD AIMAAN UNDER -18 TAEKWONDO OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (EKO 2022).

The Ahmadiyya International Martial Arts of Nigeria (AIMAAN) U-18 3rd Taekwondo Open Championship was held on the 1st of October 2022, at Indoor Hall, Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos State. The One-day championship featured numerous athletes from different states, notable people from different Taekwondo Associations in the country and several Taekwondo clubs.

The first U-18 AIMAAN Open Championship was held in 2017 at Ojokoro, Lagos state. The second edition was held in 2019 at Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, Oyo State with a total number of 96 athletes from 3 states and 7 clubs, and 10 officials.

The third edition hosted a total number of 260 athletes from 6 states and 19 clubs with quality officiating by 45 Taekwondo officials. The championship could not hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the Global pandemic crises (COVID -19) that ravaged the world.
The event which was organized by AIMAAN under the coordination of Majlis Khuddam-ul Ahmadiyya Nigeria (MKAN) was done to give a sense of self-esteem, knowledge of self-defense, heightened mental and physical well-being of the athletes.

Most importantly, AIMAAN U-18 Open Championship featured athletes from different clubs and schools in Nigeria, numerous national and regional academies and martial arts organizations including Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Nigeria Taekwondo Black Belt College (NTBBC), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria (MKAN), Majlis Ansarullah of Nigeria (MAAN).

All athletes arrived at the stadium at exactly 6:00am, just like any other Taekwondo competitions, the athletes were weighed, and the competition started at exactly 8:00am.
The dignitaries at the event were Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria Alh. (Barr) Alatoye Folorunsho Abdul Azeez, Sadr MKA Nigeria Mr. Abdur Roqib Akinyemi, Lagos State Taekwondo Association, Chairman (Master Jimmy Ogunnowo), Lagos State Taekwondo Coach (Master Peace Ogunnowo), NTBBC Vice President GM Abdul Muhmeen (Big Abdul), NTF Vice President GM Tayo Popoola, GM Rafiu Ibrahim (King) among others.

260 athletes from 8 states (Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kebbi, Ondo, Kwara, Osun and the FCT) participated in the Championship with over 200 spectators within and outside Lagos state came to grace the AIMAAN U-18 3rd Open Championship. Winners of competitions in different categories were given medals and certificates.

PHOTO NEWS

REMEMBRANCE ( ALHAJI ISA ADEITE OLANREWAJU OLAYINKA 1930-2022)

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October 28, 2022

Innalillahi Wainna ilayhi rojiun.

We remember our father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Alhaji (Prince) Isa Adeite Olanrewaju Olayinka today as always. It is exactly 20 years today (29th October 2002) that you left this world and passed on to glory. (1930 – 2022)

A pioneer member of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Mushin Branch & Palmgrove zone.

A Builder of high repute, A Philanthropist, A Family Pivotal & A great Achiever.

Alhaja Sabitiu Olaide Olayinka – WIFE

CHILDREN
Mrs. Sikirat Folayemisi Akinsanya – France
Mr. Abdul Yakeen Oladele Olayinka – Lagos Mainland Circuit President
Mr. Abdul Fatah Owolabi Olayinka – Odogbolu Jama’at President
Mr. Tajudeen Adebukonla Olayinka – Idimu Jama’at Umur Amma Officer
Mrs. Nurullah Omobolanle Zubair – Lajna President Ajido Muqami, Badagry Circuit
Mrs. Khadijat Gbeminiyi Ghazal – Agunfoye Jama’at Member
Bro. Sulaiman Olanshile Olayinka – Deceased
Mr. Hussein Taiwo Olayinka – France
Mrs. Husseinat Kehinde Olayinka – United Kingdom.

Sunre ooo Lanrewaju omo Lubu, Omooba Moloda Agada L’Odogbolu.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community holds UK Islamic Conference

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Dr Qasim Akinreti

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August 4, 2022

The 2022 annual Islamic Conference (Jalsa Salana) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Association, UK, holds on 5^th to 7^th August in Islamabad, Alton, UK.

Due to COVID-19 constraints, the event is not open to external guests across the world, except for selected leaders of the Ahmadiyya Community and those residents in the UK. The Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Barrister Alatoye Azeez Folorunso is among the special dignitaries attending the conference in London.

However, members of the public are welcomed to join live proceedings of the programme which can be watched at various homes and Ahmadiyya mosques across the world via the Community’s satellite television channel, the Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, (MTA International) Also, Murhi International Television, MITV, and Gaskiya Cable TV will join other 20 television channels across Africa to broadcast the Islamic Conference live for three days.

In Nigeria, the Ahmadiyya Headquarters’ Central Mosque at Ojokoro, Lagos, and others across the country will play hosts to members and guests for the three-day proceedings.

According to the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah (as), the primary purpose of the Islamic Convention, which commenced since 1891 in Qadian, India, but now spread across the world, is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits, enhance their knowledge, promote mutual understanding and strengthen fraternal ties within the Islamic Community.

He said the gathering is not an ordinary human assembly, but a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine Help for the propagation of Islam, translating to an affirmative action the declaration contains in Quran chapter 4 verse 115 that, “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men. And whoso does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall soon bestow on him a great reward.”

The high points of the gathering are addresses to be delivered by the Supreme World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community, Hazrat Masr r Ahmad, khalifatul Masih, V, goodwill messages from world leaders, prominent scholars, and very important guests for three days, and the global acceptance of new members and renewal of commitment to Islam and e Ahmadiyya community – “the Global Bai’at”, a tradition noted in Islam – that will be performed by His Holiness on Sunday.

Other soul-inspiring topical issues in Islam and the global progress report of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community will also feature during the conference.

The live streaming of the Conference proceedings can also be watched or followed on the social media platforms such as www.alislam.org, www.mta.tv/africa, www. Youtube.com/africa Facebook Twitter, and Instagram. You can listen to online radio proceedings in www.voiceofislam.org

Qasim Akinreti Ph.D
Head, Media Team,
Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria

INSECURITY IN NIGERIA: THE ROLE OF MUSLIMS

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August 4, 2022

By Raqib Akinyemi

The primary duty of government is to ensure that security of lives of the citizens are protected and guaranteed under the law. The government is believed, required and expected to put a lot of energy therein to ensure the security of lives and property are guaranteed.

With recent attacks in Nigeria, the terrorists have the intrepidity to threaten the sitting President and a Governor of attack. We see reports of a series of attacks on some communities and persons which leave us pondering where is the way out?

At this critical time in our dear Nation, Nigeria, it is evident the only Being that can save us is God Almighty. Do not misunderstand me, that we as humans and government should not do the needful to restore peace to the land.

However, with these current challenges, it is the time we should be more submissive to Allah the Almighty and pray to Him to save us from the insurgencies and save our country from the people who cause mischief and chaos. We should preach peace. Whichever society we live in, people should point at us and say these are those who are steadfast in their faith and are the special servants of Allah the Almighty; and who remember the duties of man to Allah the Almighty, are none other than the Muslims. That they are those who live in harmony and peace with their neighbours; and regardless of religion and despite differences of ideologies, can act with justice; and must be the source of establishing world peace.

Currently, when the country is in turmoil, the responsibility is even greater. Everyone is only concerned with his own self and there is no one to look after others.

It is required that everyone be more security conscious, ensure we are safe as individuals and as a group. As Muslims, it is important to remind ourselves that everything happens by the will and wisdom of Allah the Almighty. When faced with trials and adversities, our beloved Prophet Muhammad SAW prayed to Allah the Almighty through constant invocations with the language of love and servanthood.

We can find many prophetic traditions that teach us what to pray and some guidelines on how to pray to protect ourselves, family members and loved ones. Some of these prayers are encouraged to be done routinely in the morning and afternoon, emphasizing the significance and benefits of such discipline.

Accordingly, we have been advised by our religious leaders to strengthen our faith in these difficult times and to increase our prayers and supplications to Allah the Almighty, on top of taking preventive measures to help contain this situation, including being vigilant.
The beautiful thing is that Allah the Almighty has promised to respond to our call upon Him.

وَقالَ رَبُّكُمُ اُدعُونِي أَستَجِب لَكُم
Your Lord has proclaimed, “Call upon Me, I will respond to you”
(Surah Ghafir, 40:61)

In situations like this, and others in general, Islam teaches us to stay in control by hanging on to the Mercy and Grace of Allah. I will mention a few narrations or supplications as taught by the noblest of mankind, Muhammad SAW, which, if we take them as customs, we will be saved from all evils.

As humans, we must seek from God Almighty whatever we want; as believers, we must believe in Him and that He will answer us.

Some of the Traditions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW:

 Narrated Abu Hurairah: That the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites Ha Mim Al-Mu’min – up to – To Him is the return (40:1-3) and Ayat Al-Kursi when he reaches (gets up in) the morning, he will be protected by them until the evening. And whoever recites them when he reaches the evening, he will be protected by them until the morning.”
Jami` at-Tirmidhi Vol. 5, Book 42, Hadith 2879

 It is narrated from the Prophet Whosoever recites Surah Ad-Dukhan all of it, and the beginning of Ha Mim Al-Mu’min (Surah Ghafir) till the verse Ilayhil Maseer (40:3) and Aayat Al-Kursi (2:255) in the evening, he is protected till he rises in the morning, and whoever recites them in the morning he is protected until evening.
(At-Targhib wat-Tarhib 390)

 Dua (supplication) for protection against every kind of harm

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ الَّذِي لَا يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الْأَرْضِ وَلَا فِي السَّمَاءِ وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ

Bismillahil-lazi la yadhurru ma’asmiHi shai’un fil ardhi wa la fis-sama’i wa Huwas-Sami’ul ‘Aleem

In the Name of Allah with Whose Name, there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in heaven, and He is All-Hearing and All-Knowing
(Sunan Abi Daud)

 Dua for total protection

اللَّهُمَّ احْفَظْنِي مِنْ بَينِ يَدَيَّ, وَمِنْ خَلْفِي, وَعَنْ يَمِينِي, وَعَنْ شِمَالِي وَمِنْ فَوْقِي, وَأَعُوذُ بِعَظَمَتِكَ أَن أُغْتَالَ مِنْ تَحْتِي

Allahummah-fazni min baini yadaiya, wa min khalfi, wa ‘an yameeni, wa ‘an shimali wa min fauqi, wa a’uzu bi’azomatika an ughtala min tahti

O Allah protect me from my front, behind me, from my right and my left, and from above me, and I seek refuge in Your Magnificence from being taken unaware from beneath me
(Sunan Ibn Majah)

 Dua after Leaving the House

Narrated by Anas bin Malik r.a, The Messenger of Allah s.a.w. said:

من قالَ يَعني إذا خرجَ من بيتِهِ: بِسمِ اللَّهِ، توَكَّلتُ على اللَّهِ، لا حَولَ ولا قوَّةَ إلَّا باللَّهِ، يقالُ لَهُ: كُفيتَ، ووُقيتَ، وتنحَّى عنهُ الشَّيطانُ

Bismillah, tawakkaltu ‘alAllah, wa la hawla wa la quwwata illa billah

“Whoever says (upon leaving his house): “In the Name of Allah, I place my trust in Allah, there is no might or power except by Allah”,’it will be said to him: ‘You have been sufficed and protected, and the devil will go far away from him”.
(Sunan At-Tirmizi)

 Seek For Forgiveness
There are also times when we face trials during traveling. The best of remembrance (Zikr) is to ask for forgiveness (Istighfar) from Allah the Almighty for our sins or shortcomings.

Abdullah bin Abbas r.a. narrates that Prophet Muhammad SAW stated:

مَنْ أَكْثَرَ مِنْ الِاسْتِغْفَارِ جَعَلَ اللَّهُ لَهُ مِنْ كُلِّ هَمٍّ فَرَجًا وَمِنْ كُلِّ ضِيقٍ مَخْرَجًا وَرَزَقَهُ مِنْ حَيْثُ لَا يَحْتَسِبُ

Whoever increases his prayers for forgiveness (i.e. istighfaar), Allah will grant him relief from every worry, a way out from every hardship, and provide for him in ways he does not expect.
(Musnad Ahmad)

The Holy Prophet Muhammad SAW as the best exemplary being, in the history of mankind, has guided us to always pray in seeking protection from Allah the Almighty. It is my belief, that being regular with these prayers will bring succor and victory to us all against the evils in the land.

We pray that Allah the Almighty keeps us safe from the challenges and trials of life.

Mr. Raqib Akinyemi is currently serving as the National President, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria (Ahmadi Muslim Youth Organization).

Jubilations as LASU Approves AMSA Chapter on Campus

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July 22, 2022

It has been a jubilation galore following the approval by the Lagos State University (LASU) of the registration of a Chapter of Ahmadi Muslim Students’ Association (AMSA) on the University campus on 20^th July 2022.

The letter of approval, signed and issued by Mr. Fashola T. O., the Senior Assistant Registrar, Students’ Affairs Division, at the instance of the Acting Dean, Students’ Affairs Division, officially notified the President of AMSA (LASU Chapter), Mr. Badmus Isa Taiwo, that “your request to register Ahmadi Muslim Students Association, Lagos State University Chapter has been APPROVED.”

It further noted that “This approval is subject to the ratification by the University Senate on the recommendation of the Students’ Affairs Committee, and it is renewable at the end of every academic session.”

In his reaction to the historic development, the Chapter’s President, a 400-level Islamic Studies student of the University, was quick to express his joyful emotions, stating that, “For over a decade, the past administrations of AMSA, LASU have tried to register the association on campus, but the University Authorities didn’t grant it.”

“Recently, however, my immediate predecessor, in the person of Comrade Hafiz Ismail Abdul Qadri, called me and gave some pieces of advice about the AMSA LASU registration. We started the struggle again since last semester. I submitted our application for registration more than three times.”

Narrating further, he said, “I was very happy when, while we’re preparing for our program (AMSA LASU FRESHER’S ORIENTATION) yesterday, I was called from Students’ Affairs Office that our approval letter is ready.”

Expressing his gratitude, he said, “I give thanks to Almighty Allah, because He is the One that makes this struggle comes to reality.”

“Also, I really appreciate some of our lecturers and brothers on campus. Dr Sa’eed Olurotimi Timehin, Mr. Bosun Jubril Akinde, Mr. Abdul Hakeem Akintobi, Dr Oyebo, Dr Edu, Mr. Popoola and Mr Balogun Ridwanullah (Saudibras) who are Ahmadi lecturers on campus. Also, Dr. Bello, who, although, is, actually, not an Ahmadi Muslim, but stood behind us during the registration struggle.”

In the same vein, while reacting to this achievement, Hafiz Abdurrofeeq Alaka, a former National President of AMSA Nigeria (2017-2019) and First Class graduate of LASU, said, “Alhamdulillah. It is a thing of joy to live to witness this achievement that directly affects the lives of Ahmadi Students within the campus.”

Speaking further, he recalled that, “Several attempts have been made previously and the mainstream body, i.e. Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has proven difficult to deal with. Despite our non-registered status in 2013, we managed to secure a hall within the campus for a program, bringing together AMSA members in Lagos State; but surprisingly, MSSN came and disrupted the whole program.”

“In 2017, we made another effort to get registered but we were, however, told by the LASU Muslim community to go and get a letter of recognition from MSSN. This was just a plan to frustrate our plans knowing full well that that was impossible. At any rate, we’re happy that, finally, justice has been served and we felicitate with the entire members of AMSA Nigeria for this breakthrough, he added.”

The purpose for establishing AMSA is “to build a membership base who shall serve as an agent of peace, equity and justice by imbibing in its members, beneficial knowledge and acute leadership skills necessary for the development of our society in the 21^st century.”

Other purpose of the association is “To develop members’ knowledge and intellect for objectivity on Islamic teachings and for active involvement in its propagation and practice,”

It also aims “To develop interest in social and humanitarian services and to lay the foundation of and work towards universal brotherhood,” among others purposes.

KOGI MUSLIM CLERICS URGE MUSLIM TO EMULATE PROPHET IBRAHIM IN OBEDIENT TO ALLAH

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July 11, 2022

Muslims around the world are told to demonstrate the faithfulness and obedient of Prophet Ibrahim towards Allah.

Muslim Scholars said if all Muslims can do what the prophet did by totally submitting to the will of Allah, Nigeria will be a better place

Eid al-Adha Sermon Summary 10th July 2022: ‘Attaining the True Spirit of Sacrifice of Abraham (as)’

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July 11, 2022

After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said:

The Sacrifice of Abraham (as) & the Sign of God Almighty’s Promise

By the grace of Allah we are celebrating the day of Eid al-Adha, that is the festival of sacrifice. During this celebration we commemorate the sacrifice of a father, mother and a son, which took place over a thousand years ago. It was the sacrifice of Abraham (as) who left his wife and child in a barren wilderness, solely because it was the instruction of God Almighty. The level of faith displayed by his wife when she came to know this was from His Lord was unwavering, as she was sure that He would take care of them. Indeed, Allah Almighty provided everything that they required, and this became the start of a new population.

His Holiness (aba) said that every year now millions of people travel to that place which was once barren, but is now a sign of the promise of God Almighty. Furthermore, from the progeny came the greatest of all prophets, the Prophet Muhammad (sa) who was sent as a warner and bearer of glad tidings for the entire world. He showed the world the manner in which one ought to commemorate the great sacrifice of Abraham (as) and his family, and so Muslims all around the world display their love for God Almighty and sacrifice for his sake because of this.

Uniting under the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as)

His Holiness (aba) then said that other than Islam there is no religion in the world, the followers of which are truly acting upon the teachings brought by their founder or prophet. There is no revealed book which remains in its pristine form, other than the Holy Qur’an. His Holiness (aba) said that even if many followers of Islam fail to act upon the true teachings of the Qur’an, Allah Almighty will always raise people who will follow it as is required. Thus in accordance with His promise, Allah Almighty sent the Ardent Devotee of the Holy Prophet (sa), the Promised Messiah (as) to complete the propagation of his religion. He came and challenged the entire world to bring forth any teachings which can compare to the Holy Qur’an, yet no one was able to do so successfully.

His Holiness (aba) explained that the Promised Messiah (as) came to show the world once again the true teachings of Islam, and to save the people from their self-concocted customs and innovations which were leading them away from the true spirit of Islam. Yet, instead of showing gratitude to God Almighty for this immense blessing, it is regretful to see that the Muslim world became staunch in their opposition to this appointee of Allah. Rather than uniting under this leader, Muslims are fighting amongst themselves, issuing edicts against each other and looting one another. His Holiness (aba) said that this Islam that they are presenting is not the true Islam. True Islam is of peace, love and harmony.

Celebrating True Eid by Spreading the Message of Peace & Accepting Promised Messiah (as)

His Holiness (aba) said that Abraham (as) prayed to God that the land becomes a place of peace and security, hence, the Muslims should realise that if they associate themselves with this holy precinct, and wish for this promise to be fulfilled, then they must harbour love, peace and harmony in their hearts rather than fight amongst themselves. Rather than opposing the Promised Messiah (as) who appeared in accordance with the prophecies of the Holy Prophet (sa) and committing injustices against his community, the Muslim world must celebrate the true Eid by spreading the message of peace and by joining his community. If they do not do so, then they can celebrate thousands of Eids and perform as many pilgrimages as they like, their Eids and pilgrimages will be that of those who oppose the teachings of Allah Almighty.

The Correct Way of Commemorating the Sacrifice

His Holiness (aba) stated that one should ponder as to whether the sacrifices of the Muslims can even gain any acceptance by Allah if they continue to commit grave injustices and perpetrate such persecution. What’s more, in certain areas of Pakistan announcements have been made that no Ahmadi is allowed to perform any sacrifice during the three days of Eid, be it for any reason. His Holiness (aba) said that when circumstances reach such a point then Allah Almighty also manifests His punishment. Ahmadi Muslims are actually those who understand the true spirit of sacrifice, and have pledged to sacrifice their lives, wealth, time and honour. His Holiness (aba) also addressed the Ahmadis to remain patient and that one day their patience would bear fruit, God willing, just as the patience and sacrifices of Abraham (as), Hagar (as) and Ishmael (as) bore fruit. They never let go of prayer and patience, and so the greatest blessings were manifested in the person of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his companions, who were from the progeny of Ishmael (as). So even today, Allah Almighty will not abandon anyone who is patient and makes sacrifices, He will certainly come to their aid. It is therefore our duty to submit to Allah even more and to increase our level of righteousness. We must strive to attain that spirit of sacrifice, if we desire to receive the pleasure of Allah and face our opposition.

His Holiness (aba) then said that the Promised Messiah (as) explained the manner in which one can reach this level of sacrifice when he stated that Allah Almighty has given examples for the commandments given to us. One is commanded to sacrifice oneself entirely, and the manifestation of that sacrifice is the animals we slaughter. Yet, it is not the blood nor the meat which reaches Allah, it is the righteousness in us. Hence, just as one slaughters an animal physically, they must be prepared to be sacrificed entirely for the sake of Allah. Only then will one’s prayers and sacrifices be accepted and only then will He remain with us.

Attaining Nearness to God Almighty & Analysing Our Standards of Sacrifice

Whilst explaining how to attain nearness to God Almighty, the Promised Messiah (as) explained that one must not associate any partners with Allah. But this does not only refer to physical statues and false gods. It refers to anything which comes in the way of getting closer to God and takes precedence. And so man has many deities which he becomes unaware of, that keep him away from getting closer to God. Hence, one must analyse their state in order to rectify it as soon as possible. Abraham (as) attained the high status by being ready to carry out a task which was painful to him, that is, to sacrifice his beloved son. And when one is prepared to actually make such a sacrifice, Allah Almighty removes them from harm.

His Holiness (aba) therefore said that during this Eid we must analyse our standard of sacrifice, loyalty, truthfulness and righteousness. The more we analyse ourselves as a community, the quicker the support and aid of Allah Almighty will arrive. Hence, we must pray that Allah Almighty increases us in our loyalty and fidelity, and that each and every man, woman and child reaches that level of sacrifice as displayed by Abraham (as), Hagar (as) and Ishmael (as).

Embodying the Same Spirit of Sacrifice & Dedication in this Day & Age

His Holiness (aba) said that he wished to answer a question which is often raised in the various meetings that are held, which is in relation to the upbringing of Waqf-e-Nau children. Many sermons have been delivered in this regard, but His Holiness (aba) explained that it is a great blessing that parents were able to present their children and dedicate them since Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) established the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. He said that as long as the community continues to possess loyalty and devotion, and as long as the system of Khilafat remains within the community, this manifestation of that sacrifice will live on. But at the same time, the parents who are dedicating their children must remember that this dedication requires a sacrifice, the like of that presented by Abraham (as) and his son Ishmael (as). When Abraham (as) told his son what he thought about this sacrifice his father was commanded to make, this righteous child immediately replied that he must fulfil what is asked of him and that he would remain patient. Hence, when dedicating their children, parents should do so in the same manner, and not just out of some temporary emotions. They should raise them to have the same righteousness and understanding as Ishmael (as) possessed, otherwise, they will grow up and say that they cannot live on a small allowance whilst serving the community, and consequently abandon their dedication. Hence, the physical and spiritual state of the parents must remain high from the beginning to the end if they wish for their children to remain prepared to continue their dedication. Furthermore, those who are part of this blessed scheme must always ponder over how they are to increase in their sacrifices, dedication, and righteousness so that Allah Almighty continues to look after their needs.

His Holiness (aba) prayed that parents are able to fulfil their role and that their children are enabled to make sacrifices for the sake of their faith. Rather than drowning in worldliness, may they be those who, out of full loyalty and sincerity, render their services.

Plea for Prayer

His Holiness (aba) said that we should pray for those imprisoned in the way of Allah, that they be released as soon as possible, that their families remain protected and are granted patience and forbearance. We should pray for the children of martyrs, for all life-devotees, and that Allah grants the best reward to those who are rendering their services. We should pray that we all increase in our level of righteousness, devotion and sacrifice.

Before leading the silent prayer, His Holiness (aba) conveyed his good wishes of Eid Mubarak to everyone and prayed that we may all be the recipients of Allah Almighty’s grace and that our sacrifices are accepted.

Source: The Review of Religions.

Eid al-Adha: Sacrifice Inhumanity for humanity to Realize Individual, National Development, Progress and Peace – Al-Hafiz Yunus Omotayo Tells Nigerians

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July 10, 2022