RAMADAN: THE NINTH OF THE TWELVE

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April 20, 2019

Members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria has been advised to embrace the principle of justice, equity and fairness as a way of showcasing the true recognition of Almighty God.

Giving this admonition was the Amir (National Head) of the organization Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola during the 4^th Eastern region Jalsa Tarbiyyah (Moral Training Convention) held at the Conference Hall of MOM Civic Center, Warri Delta State.

Dr. Fashola said it is incumbent on all members of Ahmadiyya Community to exhibit the beautiful traits of Prophet Muhammad (saw) and those of the Promised Messiah (as) if truly they are reformers of the world and have the zeal of winning more converts into the fold.

While speaking on the theme of the convention “Recognition of God: A True Means of Salvation, “ Amir emphasized: “The purpose of our existence is to test us whether we recognize Almighty God. If we do not recognize God, we are inviting the wrath of God. Recognizing God means we have to stick with justice, equity and we must shun all forms of discrimination.”

Delivering his lecture on the theme of the programme, Dr. Sa’eed Olurotimi Timehin, the National Tabligh (Preaching) Secretary of the Muslim organization said that the world presently struggled with multifaceted issues and challenges such as poverty, globalization, liberalization, democratic pluralism, privatization, secularization, and religious resurgence, and that leaders at local, national and global arena have all strived relentlessly to find lasting solutions to those crises in their different ways thereby attaining the salvation they seek.

“Throughout the world, from the far Eastern countries of Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Korea to North, East, West and South African countries; from the Middle East to Central Asia, and from Europe to America, crises of varying dimensions are perennially experienced and the whole world weeps for salvation from poverty, ignorance, insecurity, illiteracy, hate and several other unpalatable situations and conditions.”

Dr. Timehin said the primary solution and the most important key to salvation in all spheres of human experience are righteousness attained through recognition of God in His Essence, Attributes, and Decrees. He added that the true recognition of God can only be achieved by God’s Grace and the Grace is tied to the personality of Prophet Muhammad (saw) whose life is regarded as a total reflection of God’s limitless Grace and a complete manifestation of His Mercy.

“The transcendent and immanent dimensions of the Divine Being are linked with the personality of the Holy Prophet (saw). While God is Transcendent in His glory and Majesty, His immanence is manifested by the prophet (saw) in whose conduct and actions, the Divine Will is manifested in practical terms. God is thus not a being that is seen physically and neither are His anthropomorphic description in the scriptures to be taken literally. The prophet is the cosmic bridge towards a complete appreciation of His essence.”

In recognition of God and socioeconomic wellbeing of the people, he said God-consciousness or recognition of the Divine is the missing link between human systems and socioeconomic behaviors both at individual and governmental levels, the more reasons why political analysts, economists, and social theorists are all trying today to rediscover the missing ethical link.

“It is the absence of moral systems that are not driven by a true recognition of God that has continued to lubricate the wheel of corruption in our social universe and it is a known fact that more than ninety percent of our economic travails have its roots in individual and corporate corrupt practices.”

“All corrupt acts emanate from non-recognition of God and His design for this world. Because corruption undermines national and communal harmony and prevents the actualization of maximum good for the highest number, it is undesirable from a utilitarian perspective, repugnant from a moral perspective, unjust from the perspectives of equity and fair play, and culpable from a legal standpoint.”

The major solution to corruption, according to him, is the institutionalization of justice, kindness and charitable deeds to kith and kin.

Meanwhile, Maulvi Abdul Lateef Ilori spoke extensively on the topic:” Making Salat a Constant Companion: A True Source of Material and Spiritual Success,” while Maulvi Zafrullah Mustapha delivered a speech on the topic: “Overcoming Tabligh Challenges in Eastern Region: Lessons from Successes of the Early Missionaries.” The General Secretary Alhaji Abbas Iromini also delivered a lecture on the topic: “Building a Harmonious Family as a Basis for a Peaceful Society” while a lecture on “Renewable Energy: The Next Phase to Energy Solution “ was delivered by Mr. Abdul Samad Idowu.

Economic Summit

Another major highlight of the convention is the business summit, the first of its kind. According to the Naib Amir (Deputy National President) Eastern Region Dr. Abdul Gani Enahoro, the aim of the summit is to enlighten members on how to become successful economically without losing their spirituality and the fear of God.

“This business summit is a new way for us and we have selected a panel of speakers and discussants for two sessions, and they would take us through the windy road of how to become successful in business without losing spirituality and the fear of Allah, as we navigate through this very troubling period of our country’s history, full of temptations. “

The economic summit featured Managing Directors of multinational companies, CEOs of Private and Government sectors, Economists among others and they all engaged in panel discussions on how to make headway economically in this unpredictable Nigerian society.

Agriculture expert Mr. Zaid Abdullah of the Lagos State Government presented a paper on “Investment in Agriculture- The Value Chain and Opportunities.” There was also a paper presentation on “The Guiding Principles for Survival in Business Without Corruption in a Mono-Product Economy “ and “Islamic Ethics in Business and Commerce.”

Factors Militating Agriculture in Nigeria

One of the discussants Alhaji Abdul Azeez Alatoye, the Naib Amir South West and the Chief Executive Officer Ascension Consulting Firm said the major problems facing agriculture in the country are lack of competent people and absence of trustworthy Nigerians that will handle the sector decently with fear of God.

The Executive Secretary Nigeria Sugar Council Dr. Abdul Lateef Busari highlighted inadequate knowledge on agriculture, storage problem, inadequate infrastructure and absence of regulators as some of the factors affecting the sector. He enjoined governments at all levels to fund the sector and improve on the processing and storage facilities. He also advised the government to improve on the transportation system and regulate the sector once it has been liberalized to cut the excesses of those in charge of the sector.

Managing staff members in a complicated business environment

With the terrible environments, we found ourselves, the CEO of Mabstar Project Limited Alhaji Mufadhil Bankole urged Managing Directors of companies to live above board and hold regular meetings with their staff members regularly to discuss issues affecting the company. He said MDs must be competent and friendly with the fear of God and must put in place a strong monitoring system to check the excesses of staff members. He further advised the would-be entrepreneurs to start on a very small scale and should never take loans to start a business.

Above all, Alhaji Bankole said all owners of the business must live with the commandments of Almighty God and be regular in five daily prayers.

Funding of business

To Dr. Habeeb Yaqeen, the Naib Amir North and the CEO of Al-Azhar International College Lokoja Kogi State, funding is not a problem in a business set up but personality issue. He added that people can have access to Central Bank loans but must have reached a certain stage in their businesses.

He submitted that Islamic banking system would have been the panacea to funding issues but unfortunately, the country is not ripe enough for such facility until we change our conditions, that Nigerians must be prepared to be productive.

The Amir further enjoined members to have in-depth knowledge of any business they intend to venture into and put in place monitoring and supervision mechanisms. He said MDs should give targets to staff members and give sanctions to erring members. He advised them to uphold justice and equity, and be nice to workers. He later advised that members should not underrate the spiritual aspects, that prayer is essential to all sectors.

Edo State Governor Goodwill Message

The Executive Governor of Edo State His Excellency, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, in his goodwill message commended the Muslim organization for its efforts in promoting global peace and providing selfless services to the people.

“I want to profoundly commend your efforts of a long history in propagating global religious tolerance, education, and provision of social services to guarantee better living for humanity.”

“There is no denying the fact that the values you espouse are very meaningful in deriving the ideal world of peaceful coexistence, shared economic prosperity, globally enlightened citizenry, religious and cultural tolerance, security and enhanced better living for mankind.

“I am particularly grateful that the focus of this annual regional conference is focusing on very pertinent issues which we must all keep collaborating to address. We are all aware that there is currently an enormous challenge in trying to provide adequate jobs for our teeming unemployed youths. The unemployment challenge remains one of the main focuses of our administration which we are assiduously working to nip with the transformational reforms we have set on course. Therefore we welcome and regard as very salutary such endeavors like yours, aiming to equally address the issue of soaring unemployment.”

The governor who was represented by Comrade Kadiri B.S also appreciated the organization for organizing a two-day free medical exercise which was carried out through its charitable body Humanity First International in Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State late 2018.

“Our administration remains highly grateful for your wonderful support and the great works you are undertaking in Edo State and indeed Nigeria in general.”

Other dignitaries that attended the three-day conference include Mr. Monday Maduekwe Secretary Christian Association of Nigeria Delta State chapter; Superintendent Ibrahim Idris Naido, representative of Delta State Commissioner of Police; Hon. Mrs. Shola Daibo member Delta State House of Assembly; Chief Imam Warri Central Mosque Alhaji Rasheed Ajisafe; Leader of Hare Krishna Delegation Mr. Bibhatsu Days and Alhaji (Barr.) B. Emiko Chairman Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Delta State.

More than 500 members of the organization across the Eastern Region and other parts of the country participated in the programme.

Ahmadi Youths Hold 46th Annual Convention in Lagos

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April 16, 2019

All roads will lead to Federal Science and Technical College Yaba Lagos State between Thursday 18th and Sunday 21st April 2019 where the Majlis Khuddam-ul- Ahmadiyya (Youth Wing) Nigeria will be holding her 46th Annual National Ijtema (Youth Convention).

The convention which was tagged “Eko 2019” commenced with press conference and media interviews where the national president (Sadr) of the group Engineer Saheed Aina, together with the members of the local organizing committee shed more lights on the aims and objectives of the conference.

The media interaction will be followed by free health care delivery services to members of the public within the environs and beyond. The Muslim organization is known worldwide for providing free health services to the people on a regular basis.

Several topical issues, educational competitions, and sporting events completions had been lined up for the four-day convention. Among the lectures to be delivered are: “Blessed Ways of Preaching Islam by the Holy Prophet (saw)” to be delivered by Maulvi Nurudeen Okubena; “Trust and Leadership as Exemplified by Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)” by Alhaji Muhammad Waa’iz Apooyin; “Tabligh and Revival of Islam” by Dr. Sa’eed Olurotimi Timehin; ” Tabligh Strategies in an increasingly Dynamic World” by Haafiz (Missionary) Yunus Omotayo; “Islam and Humanity” by Missionary (Barrister) Uthman Muhammad Rabiu; and “Tabligh by Companions of the Promised Messiah(as)” by Maulvi Mubarak Bello.

Educational competitions such as Qur’an recitation competition, speech contest, quiz competition, message delivery, and Qaseedah competition will also take place at the convention. Also expected to hold are sports competitions like football, taekwondo, power pull, table tennis, athletics, scrabble and Dart.

Lagos State Governor His Excellency Akinwunmi Ambode is the special guest of honor while the Amir (National Head) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria Dr. Mashhud Adenrele Fashola will be the Chairman of the occasion.

Guests are also expected from neighboring countries like Ghana, Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea among others.

Thousands of MKAN members across the country will attend the convention.

Ofcom fines UK-based TV station for anti-Ahmadi Muslim hate speech

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April 16, 2019

A UK-based TV station has been fined £75,000 by Ofcom after broadcasting hate speech about the Ahmadi community, amid growing fears that the religious group is facing persecution.

Channel 44, an Urdu-language current affairs satellite channel, broadcast two episodes of a discussion programme featuring a guest who “made repeated, serious and unsubstantiated allegations about members of the Ahmadiyya community”, the broadcasting watchdog said.

The guest, who appeared on the Point of View show, which was made in Pakistan, claimed Ahmadi people had “committed acts of murder, terrorism, and treason as well as undertaking political assassinations”.

The same guest also claimed the Ahmadi community, which has its roots in northern India in the late 19th century, was favored in Pakistan at the expense of orthodox Muslims.

The ruling comes during ongoing concern over discrimination against the Ahmadiyya movement, a minority sect of Islam that faces persecution and violence in Pakistan and Indonesia as well as hostility from some orthodox Muslims in Britain.

The Ahmadi community moved its global headquarters from Pakistan to south London in the 1980s, after a constitutional amendment declared its followers to be non-Muslims and they were later barred from practicing their faith.

During the programmes broadcast by Channel 44 in early December 2017, Ofcom said the guest “made remarks that attributed conspiratorial intent to the actions of the Pakistani authorities towards the Ahmadiyya community”.

Ofcom found the channel breached three clauses in its code, covering the context of offensive material, hate speech, and derogatory treatment of religions or communities.

Arguing that Pakistani officials had “inducted” Ahmadi people into the police and education department, the guest called on the country’s people to “rise up” against this.

Expressing Regrets

City News Network (SMC) Pvt Ltd, which runs the channel, aside from the £75,000 fine, it was ordered to broadcast a statement about the ruling. The firm expressed its “regret and sincere apologies for the failings in the compliance for these two programmes”. It described the failings as unintentional and said it did not intend to cause offense to the Ahmadi community.

Similar fines on hate broadcast

Last year, a community radio station was fined £10,000 after broadcasting “abusive and derogatory” statements about the Ahmadis. Radio Ikhlas, based in Derby, suspended a presenter and broadcast an apology after a radio phone-in that discussed the beliefs of the Ahmadi community in offensive and pejorative terms.

In 2013 a TV station was fined £25,000 after broadcasting two programmes subjecting the Ahmadi community to abuse.

Takbeer TV, a free-to-air Islamic channel, made the offensive broadcast.

Ahmadiyya Head Moves to New Headquarters in Islamabad

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April 15, 2019

The worldwide head of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad ( May the peace and blessings of Allah be on him) moved earlier this afternoon from London to the new Jamaat Markaz (headquarters) in Tilford, Surrey, to the land that is fittingly named Islamabad.

Huzoor^aa had indicated in his Friday Sermon delivered on 12 April that he would soon be moving from London to Islamabad.

This historic moment came on Monday, 15 April 2019, immediately after the Asr prayer at Fazl Mosque, London, when Huzoor^aa departed the Fazl Mosque and took the A3 southbound, headed towards Islamabad.

A large number of Londoners were present to see off their beloved Imam^aa, whom they had become accustomed to seeing in the Fazl Mosque five times a day at every prayer for almost 16 years; including the tenure of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV^rh, the Fazl Mosque served as the residence for Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya for almost 35 years.

The crowds of people gathered at the Fazl Mosque sang choral poems to see off their beloved Imam^aa.

Huzoor’s^aa entourage arrived at Islamabad, Surrey at approximately 6:55 pm where a large number of residents of Islamabad, those belonging to neighboring Jamaats and many more joyfully welcomed Huzoor^aa.

After arriving at Islamabad, Huzoor^aa waved and said Salaam to the rejoicing crowds. The atmosphere echoed with the prayer:

رَبّنا تقبّل منّا انّک انت السّمیع العلیم

(Our Lord, accept this from us, for Thou art surely the All-Hearing, the All-Knowing) and choral poems (taranas) that children sang in praise of Allah to add colour to the very historic moment in the history of Islam.

This day was reminiscent of the great hijrats (migrations) that have taken place in the history of Islam. When progress and prosperity is manifested through the expansion of Allah’s Jamaat and migration is destined to happen, then Allah provides facilities to contain and uphold the divine bounties bestowed by Allah on His Jamaat.

We are fortunate to be living in the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V^aa, through whom, we have witnessed another milestone, among many, in the growth of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

We know from history that every hijrat has opened up avenues for the propagation of Islam and we know with full conviction that his hijrat will lead the Jamaat towards success that is otherwise unattainable by mere human power – Insha-Allah.

Central offices – including Huzoor’s^aa private secretariat, Wakalat-e-Tabshir, Wakalat-e-Mal, Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh (India, Nepal and Bhutan) – have also moved to Islamabad as part of the Markaz’s shift.

As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih^aa mentioned in his latest Friday Sermon, the residential colony is being inhabited by Waqifeen-e-Zindagi, most of whom will be working in the local offices.

In a period of just around two years, we have seen a great transformation of what was once a make-shift residential facility into state-of-the-art offices and residential complex.

We pray to Allah that He makes this new Markaz a beacon of light for all mankind and that facilitates the Jamaat further in propagating the message of Muhammad Rasulullah^sa.

Green House Emerges Winner of 2019 FINAPSA Sports Competition

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April 15, 2019

Green House has emerged the overall best team at the 7th Biennial Inter-house sports competition of the Fadl-i-Omar Islamic Nursery and Primary School Agege held at the sports complex of Nojiu Kaku Memorial High School, Agege Lagos.

The sporting event which was declared open by the chairman of the occasion Missionary Abdul Fattah Edun, the Circuit Missionary Agege featured match past, athletics, tiny tot, slippers race, lime race, thread & needle, sack race, filling the basket, concentration race, balloon race, and three-legged race.

At the end of the sporting activities, Green House (dedicated to Alhaji Taiwo Fadlullah Adalemo) was declared the overall winner with 14 gold, 7 silver, and 10 bronze medals. Blue House (Alhaji Ayedara) came second with 13 gold, 5 silver, and 9 bronze medals while Purple House (Alhaji M.A Bankole) emerged third with 7 gold, 12 silver, and 6 bronze medals. Pink House (Mrs. Latifat Odukoya) secured the fourth position with a gold, 11silver and 10 bronze medals.

The Chairperson School Management Board Mrs. Aina Monsurat Titilayo commended the great efforts of the staff members and students of FINAPSA in making the school one of the best Islamic schools in the State in terms of academic activities, sporting events, and moral education.

She said the school takes sports as an integral part of its curriculum due to its impact on the physical well being of people. She added that FINAPSA had always been invited to participate in the sports festivals of other schools and the pupils had always performed excellently at the competitions.

She said: “Let me use this medium to express my sincere gratitude to Almighty God for giving us the privilege to witness today’s event. Sporting games are crucial to the physical well being of everybody, hence the Federal Government ensures that sports activities are organized in all schools. This is the seventh edition of this school.”

“Apart from this, our pupils are always being invited to several sports competitions in other schools and they have won several medals, trophies, and plaques. The school has also produced the best in all spheres of life including the military and medical professions. I, therefore, appreciate the collective efforts of the entire staff members for their commitment towards the training of the pupils in academics, sports, and morality.”

The School’s Headmistress Mrs. Kafayat Babarinde applauded the presence of parents and guardians as well as their support and cooperation towards making FINAPSA a model for all Islamic schools in the State. She emphasized that the management would not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that the school attained its goals and objectives.

The inter-house sports competition also featured old students race as well as parents and officials race. Winners were given certificates of participation. Dignitaries from within and outside the Jamaat attended the historic event.

Women, Sports and Islam

By

Olusola Rahmatullah

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April 13, 2019

Sport is an activity that involves physical and mental exertion where individuals come together, sometimes with the aim of competing against one another or other teams for entertainment, a trophy or the general fitness of the body. Sports today range from football, basketball, lawn tennis, boxing, swimming, hurdles, athletics, to board games like chess and gymnastics.

Sporting activities mainly involve those that exert energy, tone the muscle and ensure the physical wellbeing of the sportsperson. To get maximum benefits of this though, one has to combine sporting activities with a good diet.

The concept of sport varies from one type to the other. While some are restricted to the use of legs, hands, and equipment alone, some others involve the use of all parts of the body. In the end, though, it is all about the fitness of the body and mental attention.

It should be noted that the physiology of women and men differ, and so participating in sporting activities affect them differently. Consequently, officials have put in place mechanisms to regulate the use of equipment so as not to be strenuous for women. Eventually, even the basketballs for women are smaller compared to those of the men.

Just like the fight for inclusion of women in the working sector, and the struggle for women not to be marginalized in this sector, so also did women fight for the right to participate in sporting activities. Over the years, there has been an evolution in women participation in sports. Lately, women have been introduced into boxing and heavyweight matches.

Muslim women are brought up to be religious, kind, caring, and respectful. They are required to follow the dictates of Allah and His messenger (saw). They are also required to be clean and healthy, psychologically, spiritually, and physically.

Physically, there are different ways to be healthy. It entails eating right and exercising right. Exercise for Muslim women though has been a controversial topic. While some say that women are permitted to do sports, others say that it is forbidden. The controversy on the hijab and sports would be discussed below.

The essence of the hijab is to cover. It entails covering in all aspect, from a shell to a curtain, to a house, and to a veil. The veil ensures that people, both male and female, are modest, clean, and present themselves in a Godly manner. It does not encourage the display of adornments, body parts, and body shape. The question that begs to be asked is: Can such a principle allow women to partake in sports?

To perform better in some sports, there is the necessity to not wear apparels that cover completely. For instance, wearing gorgeous clothing would hinder one from running fast and swimming as this would impede movement. Some of these activities negate the principle of modesty, but does that mean that Muslim women cannot partake in any other sport?

There is a Hadith that relates that the Prophet (saw) ran races with his wife Aisha. Many have taken this as a basis to include women in sports. It relates that “Once, I was accompanying the Messenger of Allah (saw) on a journey, and we ran a race, and I won. Afterward, when I had grown fat, we again competed with each other in a race, and this time, he won. Upon it, the Prophet (saw) remarked, this is for that race”. (Abu Daud).

Apart from the Hadith, history relates to us women warriors who fought in battles alongside the Prophet (saw). Among these notable women were Nusaybah bint Ka’ab, also known as Umm Ammarah. She was the first woman fighter in Islam and a partaker of the second pledge at Aqabah. Nusaybah strove to make Islam grow. A narration of the Prophet (saw) said: “whenever I looked to the right or left, I saw her fighting in front of me”.

In the Battle of Uhud, when things began to change for the Muslims after the archers left their place, she used her body as a shield to protect the Prophet (saw). She sustained injuries which made her faint. When she came round, she inquired first about the health of the Prophet (saw) wanting to know if he survived the battle.

Other than Nusaybah, we have Aisha, Asma bint Yazid ibn Al-Sakan, amongst others. Nowadays, we find Muslim women in the police, army, and naval forces. Women engaging in activities such as wars and doing sports is not a new invention.

It would be interesting to note that western agitation against Muslims and Islam has encouraged Muslims all over the world to be conscious of Islam. Islamophobia, though an ugly ideology, has encouraged people to read more and understand the stance of Islam.

We find more people accepting Islam, and more girls observing the hijab. It is with this thought that Muslim women athlete are brave enough to observe the hijab, even while playing sports. The first Muslim woman to represent the United States of America, in the hijab, is Ibtihaj Muhammad. Her sport is fencing. An important thing to note is that she chose her sport because it allowed her the freedom to wear her veil, without altering the sportswear.

The ban on hijab by FIBA, an international governing body for Basketball has put a stop to playing professional basketball for players like Bilqis Abdul Qadir, who choose to wear the hijab. Sportswomen find themselves at a loss because they are not only pressured to not wear the hijab to play sports but are also told to not play sports by some scholars.

While some will use this as an opportunity to claim that Muslim women are relegated to the background and decisions made for them, it would be important to note that the religion of Islam has its clear guidance and principles for adherents to follow.

Islam requires its women to be respectful and bashful, and not show their adornments to the non-mahram. Participating in an event that does not conform with the Islamic dress code, and exposing them to the full glare of men would be a violation of this principle.

Women are allowed their freedom to exercise and engage in sporting activities. These exercises though should be in a closed area and women should be the only ones there. If there is a necessity for a female to do sports outside, she must ensure that the proper hijab is observed.

Sporting events like athletics, boxing, swimming, body skating, and gymnastics that require women to expose their body or wear skin tight apparels should not be done. Rather, sports like Tae Kwon Do, board games, fencing, and basketball that allow loose dresses can be encouraged among Muslim women.

To Be A Muslim Youth and Uncompromising

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Olusola Rahmatullah

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April 9, 2019

There are different views on the perception of youth. Some are of the opinion that the period of youth never really leaves an individual. This means that an eighty-year-old, who is still active and agile, can be considered as a youth. They claim that it is a state of the mind. Some see this stage as a transition from a dependent age to an age of awareness of societal norms, taboos, rules, and regulations, as well as independence.

Yet, some others say that youth is a period between childhood and full adulthood. Whatever the view on the concept of being a youth, it is generally accepted that it is an important and critical period in the life of an individual. It represents the formative years in which an individual who had hitherto needed permission to do things now has the right to drive a vehicle, vote, work legally, and be married.

A youthful age is characterized by vigor, increase in societal challenges and the need to be accepted in social groups, emotional challenges, and increased self-awareness. It is also characterized by increased desires as a result of sexual development and dreams of achieving success and greatness.

How a person spends his youthful age is a great determinant of his future. This is because, at this stage, youths get involved with many things, and always find a way to assure themselves that there is still time to live. They might get involved in some activities that would come back to haunt them. Nevertheless, as Muslim youth, there are some responsibilities that are expected with the coming of age.

Youthful exuberance is a necessary stage in the growth of an individual. At this stage, youths mostly think that they have the answer to all questions. Coupled with the feeling of freedom, and their supposed level of exposure, they feel the older generation is ill-equipped to solve the problems of their time.

Hence, they tend to keep matters to themselves, or seek friends among themselves who they think can help solve their problems. It could be from the same social group or same religious group, and most often than not, they get misled. In having friends, there is a tradition of the prophet, related by Ibn Majah that says “A man may often copy the ways of his friend, so let each one of you look at whom he befriends”. So, in choosing a friend, one must look at the deen, family, and characteristics of an individual.

To a Muslim youth, this is a time that if he has to sacrifice his desires. He can become a future role model for Muslims. While one is still young, the thought of being old might seem like a lifetime away. One forgets easily, that just as fast, time passes. The Muslim youth is enjoined to strive in the cause of Allah in his youth, as this is a rewarding act of worship. A hadith of the Prophet related by Ibn Majah says “Jundub Ibn Abdullah said; ‘We were with the prophet (SAW) and we were strong youths, so we learned Iman before we learned Quran. Then we learned the Quran and our faith increased thereby”. To be a youth is to be challenged, to have vigor and the energy to do things. Most especially, it is to have enough time to do things.

When one gets married, as a male, one is occupied with earning a living and catering for the family. If one is a woman, she takes care of her home and brings up her children. As one matures, responsibilities increase, and so there is less time to indulge in acts of ibadah. Growing up, there is less expectation from children, so if a child dedicates his time to Allah, Allah loves him.

Peer pressure and the need to be accepted into social groups have led the Muslim youth to forego some Islamic principles. Faith has been compromised for the sake of social pleasure. We find the Muslim youth breaking the Islamic dressing code as opposed to the injunction to cover up.

The rule of dressing applies to both the male and female. While the emphasis is on the female dressing, the male is not to wear any clothing of the female and is prohibited from wearing gold and silk. Nowadays, the Muslim male wears torn jeans, earrings, and gold chain, and wears un-Islamic hairstyle all in the name of fashion. The females wear skin tight clothes, and a cap thinking they have fulfilled the injunctions of the Islamic dressing.

It is a popular thing among the youth to go on outings and visit each other playing video games and watching movies. Islam teaches the importance of checking up on friends, but it should be with the confines stipulated by the Sharia.

Socializing is a key factor to encouraging healthy association between the male and female, of which Islam frowns at. As stated earlier, Muslim youths can make friends and have conversations with people, particularly from the Ummah. There is always an avenue for discussions at programmes, symposiums, and conferences.

The Muslim youth should be proud of Islam where ever they find themselves. To bow to the words of others unquestionably amounts to flouting the injunctions of Allah. All that Allah has laid down for us to follow is to safeguard us from evil and to make sure that we attain good in this life and the next.

The religion of Islam has made it easy for us in that, we are allowed to do anything, as long as it does not antagonize the instructions of Allah. For instance, Muslims are required to eat with their right hand, but the western etiquette is to hold the knife on the right and hold the fork on the left. In whatever situation we find ourselves, we should uphold the tenets of Islam and eat with our right hand. Finishing every grain and morsel of food on our serving plate should also be done. Also, it is compulsory to obey the call to prayer, whatever we are doing; be it playing video games, doing assignments, washing dishes, even in our places of work.

It is related that the prophet (SAW) said to Abu Dharr, “Oh Abu Dharr! Take advantage of five things before five things seize you; your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before poverty, your spare time before your being busy, and your life before your death”.

Spending in the cause of Allah helps an individual on the path of righteousness. A person truly serves Allah when one spends his wealth, health, youth, time and life in the way of Allah. Spending in the cause of Allah also entails spending one’s knowledge, however little for the progress of Islam.

A lot of Muslim youths are confused regarding their identity and life’s ambition. Most become drifters and just go along with whatever life throws at them. As Muslims, we should learn to trust in Allah and strive for our portion on earth like in the Afterlife. The way to achieve this is to follow Allah’s injunctions and the Sunnah, be in the company of good people, and to keep worshiping Allah always. It is also the belief that whatever happened has been ordained by Allah, and to be patient in all circumstances, negative or positive. Just like it is said in Quran 94 verse 6, “with hardship comes ease”.

Ahmadiyya Head urges Muslim Youth to uphold Religious Values

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April 9, 2019

On 07 April 2019, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad addressed the concluding session of the UK National Waqf-e-Nau Ijtema(gathering), an event held for male members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the UK who have pledged their lives for the peaceful service of Islam.

The event took place at the Baitul Futuh Mosque in London and was attended by more than 1,700 people, including just under 1,400 members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.

During the address, His Holiness reminded members of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme that they must fulfill their sacred pledge to serve Islam in every aspect of their lives. He advised Ahmadi Muslim youth to bring about pious changes in their lives that would enable them to fulfill the rights of Allah the Almighty and His Creation.

His Holiness began his address by explaining that every member of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme should understand that his Waqf (pledge of lifelong service to Islam) is only of real value if he has established a sincere connection with Allah the Almighty through the worship of Allah and the five daily prayers (Salat).

His Holiness expressed his disappointment with those Waqf-e-Nau who claim to have given their lives for the sake of Islam, but are unable to even offer the five daily prayers regularly.

“Never mind offering the five daily prayers in congregation, there are some who, upon being asked, admit that they do not even offer the five daily prayers regularly. What is the purpose and benefit of such a Waqf? On the one hand, they have pledged their lives for the sake of Allah the Almighty. Yet, on the other hand, they remain neglectful of that part of their religion, the worship of Allah, which, after the declaration of faith, is the most fundamental obligation upon any Muslim.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad proceeded to emphasize that it is critical for all members of Waqf-e-Nau to strive to act upon all the commands of Allah the Almighty and to fulfil the rights of one another. He stated that it is not merely enough for Waqf-e-Nau to know their faith, but they must practice it at a much higher standard than others.

“You should never sit back in contentment merely because your name is included in the list of the Waqf-e-Nau. Rather, you must understand the scale of your responsibilities and your everlasting obligation to your faith. At all times, it is your duty to better your moral standards and to increase your religious knowledge.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad turned the attention of the Waqf-e-Nau to the desires and expectations that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) held of those Ahmadi Muslims who pledged their lives for the sake of Islam.

His Holiness detailed how the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) taught that those who associated themselves with him should devote their lives to their faith in the same way he did.

The Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) taught that Waqf requires one to strive and struggle to reach that point where they can sincerely claim that their life, their death, their sacrifices and their prayers are all for the sake of Allah the Almighty.

“You should understand that even though you are living in a Western society, you must live your lives in an Islamic way seeking to attain the pleasure of Allah the Almighty. You must resolutely keep hold of your religious values and traditions. You must bring about those pious changes in your life that will enable you to fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty and His Creation. You must always seek to improve and better yourself and to raise your spiritual and moral standards and increase your knowledge.”

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad directed the Waqf-e-Nau to keep the great personal example of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) firmly within sight at all times.

“During his life, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) devoted his every day and every night for the sake of Islam. Till his final breath, every moment of the Promised Messiah’s (peace be upon him) life was spent in fulfilling his divine mission to revive and spread the true teachings of Islam throughout the world.”

Depression: The Islamic Prescription

By

Olusola Rahmatullah

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April 8, 2019