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Associate Yourselves With Righteous Leaders, AMJN Fashola Advises Masses

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…Commissions new Mosque in Lagos

Following recent killings of innocent Nigerians by Herdsmen in the country, the National President (Amir Sahib) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria (AMJN), Dr Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola have advised the masses to associate and identify themselves with pious and righteous leaders.

Fashola gave this guidance amid commissioning of newly built Mosque of the Jama’at held at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday, 21st January, 2018.

The Agidingbi Ahmadiyya Mosque commissioned by Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola and his members in Lagos.

The AMJN leader in his keynote address said difficulties are part of believers life while he likewise appeal to the masses to continue remember the nation in their prayers.

Prompting Nigerian leaders on good governance, Fashola said “those who rich and don’t help the less privilege are callous, our political leaders need to fear Allah.”

“It’s so unfortunate, people are using all means to pursue materialism, selfish interest. So religion has been discovered to be instrument for that”.

Nasrat of members Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, entraining the guest at the commissioning Agidingbi Mosque, Lagos.

“Is everywhere throughout the world, see what going on in the Middle East, see how people are killed without remorse, look at how women and children are suffering in Yemen and still proceed”.

He clarified further that the prophet has anticipated that “devil will capture the religious people and religion leaders would be the worst creature on earth”.

Fashola also urged all Muslim and Christian leaders to unite and demand good governance.

 

L-R: President Agdingbi Jama’at, Pa Musemilu Yusuf; Lagos State Missionary, Missionary Qam Olowomi; Financial Secretary, Ahmadiyya Muslim Nigeria, Alhaji Abdul Ghaniyyu Idris; Naib Amir Special Duties, Engr.Ahmed Al-Hassan; Amir,Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola; General Manager MITV, Alhaji Tunde Okunola; Circuit President, Agege, Bldr. Ashimiyu-Towolawi; Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Engr. Abdul Waheed Adeoye, at the commissioning Agidingbi Mosque, Lagos.

“If people are sincere religion can unite us. what’s the objective of religion?, is it not to safeguard righteous and justice?”.

“When you see religion leader fighting because of religion, they are fighting for their selfish and diabolical interest.

While expressing gratitude toward those responsible for delivering of the newly built Mosque “isn’t only one more Mosque yet a Mosque that reinforcing our presence in Agidingbi, otherwise we will totally become absence. We are very happy about this, the Mosque is bigger and presentable”.

Dignitaries at the commissioning include, Lagos State Missionary, Missionary Qam Olowomi; Financial Secretary AMJN, Alhaji Abdul Ghaniyyu Idris; Naib Amir Special Duties, Engr. Ahmed Al-Hassan; Bale Agidingbi, Alhaji Abdul Ghaniyyu Haruna; Circuit President, Agege, Bldr. Ashimiyu-Towolawi; Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria, Engr. Abdul Waheed Adeoye.

Others are AMJN General Secretary, Alhaji Abbas Iromini; National Secretary Publications and Media Relations, Dr Qasim Akinreti; President Agdingbi Jama’at, Pa Musemilu Yusuf; General Manager MITV, Alhaji Tunde Okunola.

Haslemere Mayor Malcom, Over 60 Others Visit Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

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Haslemere Mayor Malcom Carter was one of more than 60 friends and neighbours attending the Jamia Ahmadiyya UK ‘open house,’ at its college in Hindhead Road, on Saturday.

It was the fifth year the Institute of Modern Languages and Theology, based at Branksome Place, has invited residents in to meet staff and students and enjoy a tour of the campus.

 

The college’s prized handwritten Koran was on display in the library (pictured above), together with the dissertations written by final year students.

“It went very well,” said lecturer Ataul Momin Zahid, who organised the event.

“We had a good chat with everyone and many of our guests stayed for lunch with us afterwards, which was a further opportunity to sit together and talk.

“The whole purpose of the event is to invite our neighbours in and show them what we do. Malcolm is a very good friend.

“The day after the 2017 Westminster Bridge terrorist attack, which was condemned by Ahmadiyya, he came to the college with a candle of peace.

“That was just such a nice gesture.”

Source: http://worldtopnewsng.com

Akinreti: The kind of NUJ President, Chairmen we need

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By Lekan Otufodunrin

Choosing who to vote for, as Chairman, in the last election of the Lagos Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) was not a difficult choice for me.

Despite the intense campaigns by the two camps that vied for various positions behind the two candidates for chairmanship, I never for once doubted that my vote would be for Dr Qasim Akinreti.

I must admit that his opponent was also a good candidate, but on the scale of preference of the kind of Chairman I felt the council needs now and the years ahead, Akinreti perfectly fitted the bill.

My decision was not only based on what his manifesto was, but what I had always known about him as not just another desperate office seeking union leader.

His very high educational qualifications, professional accomplishments and clear vision for the future of media practice in the country easily convinced me that he was the best man for the job of taking Lagos NUJ to a higher level for the much needed professional media union leadership in the state.

Already, he has began to show the stuff he is made of with the various steps he is taking along with other executive members. He proved to the the kind of Chairman Lagos journalists should be very proud of at the School of Communication Rights seminar we both attended in Nairobi, Kenya from December 10-16,2017 organised by the World Association for Christian Communication.

His presentation and contributions during various sessions were not surprisingly very profound.

The organisers and participants found his depth of understanding of scholarly and professional media issues very rich and illuminating.

He provided very informed and researched based narratives about Nigeria that changed the negative perspectives some participants have had about our country.

So impressed were some participants by our Chairman’s erudition that they can’t wait to invite him to their countries to share his wealth of knowledge at their programmes.

I flew back with him from Nairobi on Saturday feeling very proud that we have in Dr Akinreti, a very worthy ambassador of media practice in Nigeria. Only the brightest and the best should be good enough to lead our media groups.

Thank you Dr Akinreti for being the new face of the kind of NUJ leader we need for times like this in the media industry.

Otufodunrin is former The Nation Sunday Editor, now Online Editor.

Over 35,000 Attends Ahmadiyya Nigeria Annual Convention

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Nigerians Ahmadis At a Religious Gathering

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria held its 65th Annual Conference (Jalsa Salana) from 22nd to 24th December, 2017 at Jamia Ahmadiyya Conference Ground, Owode Road, Ilaro , Ogun State. On the theme : Social, Political and Economic emancipation through moral reorientation.

 

The conference commenced on Friday 22nd December 2017 with observance of Jumu’at prayer and watching of the live Friday sermon of our Beloved Huzur, the country’s flag was hoisted by the Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Dr Mashood Adenrele Fashola sahib while the liwa-i-Ahmadiyya was hoisted by the Acting Missionary in charge of the jama’at, Maulana Adnan Tahir Sahib.

 

In the Opening session , After the recitation from the Holy Qur’an and Chanting of Arabic and Urdu Qaseedah, the message of Beloved Huzur was read to the ecstatic audience by the Amir Sahib. Huzur in his address urged the entire members to be mindful of their pledge of bia’at and to strive constantly to fulfill each and every condition of it and that Ahmadis should be model and loyal citizens of their country.

 

The Amir sahib, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria, Dr Mashhud Adenrele Fashola, in his address emphasized on the need for religious and political leaders in the world to respect and practise the commandments of God in governance and to be just in their administration.

 

Amir sahib further explained that no human efforts or activities of any government agencies or world leaders can solve the quagmire, rather all leaders and followers must imbibe the divine teachings, commandments and laws with a view to living in peaceful and just societies, he said not until man reforms himself, Allah’s blessings and mercy would continue to desert him, stressing the need for justice to prevail in his interactions with other people so that their perceptions about Islam can change totally.

 

 

A lecture on the Islamic Concept of Morality  by Dr Saheed Timehin, the National Tabligh Secretary was delivered by Murabbi Yunus Omotayo, he stressed on the need for all to be morally upright, citing from several sayings of the Holy Prophet(saw) , writings of the Promised Messiah and Khulafah.

Later in the day , a Tabligh seminar was held in which new tabligh strategies were discussed,

 

On the second day of the gathering, the second session witnessed  recitation  from the Holy Quran and chanting of Qaseedah after which several goodwill messages were welcomed.

 

A lecture on the theme of the event: Social, Political and Economic emancipation through moral reorientation was delivered by  Alhaj Abdul Azeez Alatoye, Naib Amir, SouthWest of Nigeria, he said the world is structurally retarding in social, political and economic ideological values owing to our failure to adhere to justice, noting that justice is crucial to the survival of mankind.

 

Naib Amir sahib further said, for our social, economic and political lives to be enhanced and experienced peace, we have to retrace our steps back to the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, quoting the Fifth Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (ATBA) and calling the world to follow the Holy Prophet’s ideals to engender global peace.

 

 

Several other lectures were delivered by erudite scholars of the Jama’at on topics, such as, mentoring the upbringing of the youth, faith inspiring stories of Ahmadi matyrs, Obedience: a Major key to success, Humility as a Recipe for purification of heart, among others.

 

The special guests at the event, from different walks of lives lauded the efforts of the jama’at towards contributing to the growth and development of education and health services in Nigeria and also tasked its leadership to ameliorate the sufferings of the people in these economic hardships.

 

Other highlight of this year’s Jalsa Salana include the Ahmadiyya Academic merit Awards given to 37 outstanding students in various disciplines, marriage solemnization, Question and answer session, radio broadcast within the Jalsa premises organized by the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya Nigeria, exhibition etc

 

 

Amir sahib Nigeria in his closing remarks at the Jalsa encouraged participants to remember Allah always and appreciate His countless favours, to be just in all dealings  and to remain ever inclined to the institution of Khilafat.

Over 35,000 participants were recorded from the different states of the country

WHY I CONVERTED TO ISLAM – Emmanuel Adebayor

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WHY I CONVERTED TO ISLAM – Emmanuel Adebayor

I GOT 13 VALID REASONS WHY AND HOW MUSLIMS ARE LIKE JESUS ( PBUH ) AND TRUER FOLLOWERS OF JESUS THAN MOST CHRISTIANS BELIEVE :

1. Jesus ( Pbuh ) taught that there is only One God and Only God should be worshipped as taught in
Deut 6:4, Mark 12:29. Muslims also believe this as taught in the Qur’an verse 4:171.

2. Jesus ( Pbuh ) didn’t eat pork as taught in Leviticus 11:7 , and neither do Muslims as taught
in the Qur’an verse 6:145.

3. Jesus ( Pbuh ) greeted with the words “as salaamu alaikum” ( Peace be with you ) in John 20:21. Muslims also greet each other this way.

4. Jesus ( Pbuh ) always said “God Willing” ( Inshallah ), Muslims say this too before doing anything as taught in the Qur’an verses 18:23-24.

5. Jesus ( Pbuh ) washed his face, hands, and feet before praying. The Muslims do the same.

6. Jesus ( Pbuh ) and other prophets of the Bible prayed with their head to the ground ( See Matthew 26:39 ). Muslims do too as taught in the Qur’an verse 3:43.

7. Jesus ( Pbuh ) had a beard and wore a throbe. It is Sunnah for Muslim men to do the same.

8. Jesus ( Pbuh ) followed the law and believed in all the prophets,
( see Matthew 5:17 ). Muslims do
too as taught in the Qur’an verses 3:84, and 2:285.

9. Jesus’ mother Maryam ( Pbut ) dressed modestly by fully covering her body and wearing a headscarf ( hijab ) as found in 1 Timothy 2:9, Genesis 24:64-65, and Corinthians 11:6. Muslim
women modestly dress the same as taught in the Qur’an verse 33:59.

10. Jesus ( Pbuh ) and other prophets of the Bible fasted up to 40 days (see Exodus 34:28, Daniel 10:2-6. 1Kings 19:8, and Matthew 4:1-Muslims do so also during the month of Ramadan.
Muslims are required to fast the full obligatory 30 days ( See Qur’an 2:183 ), and others take it a step further by fasting an additional 6 days to increase their rewards.

11. Jesus ( Pbuh ) taught to say “Peace to this house” when entering it
( See Luke 10:5 ), and to also greet the people in the house with “peace be unto you”. Muslims do exactly what Jesus did and taught. When we enter our homes and the homes of others we say “Bismillah” and also greet with “as salaamu alaikum” ( Peace be upon you ) as taught in the Qur’an verse 24:61.

12. Jesus ( Pbuh ) was circumcised. Circumcision is 1 of the 5 fitrah in Islam, so Muslim men are required to be circumcised. According to the Bible in Luke 2:21, Jesus was eight days old when he was circumcised. In the Torah, Allah/God stated to the Prophet Abraham ( Pbuh ) that it is an
“Everlasting covenant”
( See Genesis 17:13 ). In the Qur’an verse 16:123 Muslims are required to
follow the religion of Abraham. The Prophet Muhammad ( SWS ) said, “The Prophet Abraham circumcised himself when he was eighty years old.”
( See Sahih hadith Bukhari, Muslim, and
Ahmad ).

13. Jesus ( Pbuh ) spoke aramaic and called God”Elah”, which is pronounced the same as
“Allah”. Aramaic is an ancient, Biblical language. It is one of the Semitic languages that also include Hebrew, Arabic, Ethiopic and the ancient Assyrian and Babylonian language of Akkadian.
The Aramaic”Elah” and the Arabic “Allah” are the same.

The Aramaic “Elah” is derived from the Arabic “Allah”, and it means “GOD”. “Allah” in Arabic also means”GOD”, the Supreme GOD Almighty. You can easilysee the similarity in their pronunciation so this concludes that the God of Jesus is also the God of the Muslims, of all mankind, and all that exist.

Now tell me who is the real follower of jesus ( Pbuh ) ? Obviously Muslims. Now I believe am a true follower of Jesus PBUH.  By Azam Shariff

Historic Keynote Address at Canadian Parliament by Khalifatul Masih V atba

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1) We are all joined together & should be united.We must all uphold human values & strive to make this world a harmonious place
2) I am neither a political person nor am I a leader of a political organization, Rather, I am the head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community which is purely a religious community
3) I believe that on the basis of humanity we are all joined together and should therefore be united
4) If human values and human rights are not upheld in one country, it has a knock-on affect in other parts of the world
5) It is extremely regrettable and a source of grief instead of uniting, the world is paid far greater heed to spreading hatred
6) We are passing through a time of great uncertainty and no one can truly comprehend the consequences of our actions
7) In this age when the fear of Islam is on the Islam, let me reassure all of you that Islam is not what you commonly see
8) Literal word of word Islam is peace, love, and harmony and all of its teachings are based upon these noble values
9) There should be no compulsion in religion. What a clear statement that enshrines freedom of thought, religion, conscience
10) Legislative assemblies and governments should not unduly involve themselves in such religious matters.
11) The only beneficiaries are extremist religious clerics — where Muslim governments are involved in religion
12) Governments should not concern themselves with what type of clothing a woman chooses to wear
13) I am not advocating that people with extremist views should be tolerated or free to pursue their beliefs
14) It is impossible for a Muslim to think ill or desire any harm for his country
15) There is no need to fear a true Muslim and no need for govts that infringe upon small religious issues which cause no harm
16) Unjust interventions cannot have any positive affect. This can only lead to restlessness and discord
17) Issue of climate change is not only an environmental issue but is contributing to lack of peace
18) There are many issues that are contributing to lack of peace
19) Should the world focus on the global warming, or address the financial crises, or fight against terrorism?
20) Or focus on Syria where US and Russia are openly opposing one another? Or Yemen vs. usa
21) It is a case of huge regret that Muslim countries are a centre of such instability and disorder
22) Ch23V9: A true Muslim is a person that fulfills any covenant with which they have been entrusted
23) Rather than justice, we witness injustice at every level of society – both between people and nations
24) Once the aggressors adopt peace, they should not be humiliated nor should unfair sanctions be levied upon them
25) Regrettably some major powers have not played their role in peace and have enacted unjust policies
26) Huge stocks of weapons have been sold to Muslim countries without considering the consequences
27) Amnesty International 2015 – Decades of arms trading has contributed to weapons by Daesh
28) If major powers cease to trade arms and ensure other supply lines are cut, such conflicts would be brought to a conclusion
29) Thousands of innocent civilians are being killed in Yemen. What will be the ultimate result of such arms trading?
30) In order to tackle radicalization, we must also assess what are its causes & symptoms
31) The major cause of radicalization of Muslim youth has been the economic crises & many reports corroborate this
32) In-spite of their education, many youths have not attained suitable employment and have been marginalized
33) The root cause is injustice and inequality.
34) Developed nations ought to have championed the rights of weaker nation & sought their advancement
35) Another example of world’s injustices is reflected in world’s politics
36) Time has proved Canada’s decision to not take part in the Iraq war is the right one
37) I hope and pray that Allah enables World governments to act in this way so that true & long lasting can be established
38) May Allah grant wisdom to the world’s leaders so that the world we leave behind is a world of peace & prosperity

Full detail here

Health Benefits of Salat and the Importance of Daily Exercises

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With the increasingly sedentary lifestyle brought about by advanced technology, the era of smartphones and doing everything at the touch of a button, it is now a more common sight to find increasing numbers of obese people. Fast food outlets and shopping malls spring up almost on a daily basis in cities across Nigeria and it is gradually becoming the norm to buy processed foods from shopping malls as against buying fresh produce from open markets as well as eating out from the numerous fast food outlets. Even in the open markets, processed foods and sugar-sweetened soft drinks are readily available.

The danger in this trend is increased consumption of processed foods laden with chemicals, additives, preservatives, colorants, refined carbohydrates, and high fructose corn syrups, all of which are toxic to the human body whilst giving low to zero nutrients. It is no wonder then the increase in cancer cases, diabetes, coronary heart diseases, and other inflammatory conditions. Particularly worrying is the increased number of calories consumed from our staple starch diet with little or zero exercising, leading to a thickening of the waistline (pot-belly) common not only in middle-aged men and women but also in much younger people these days.

Visceral fat (belly fat) is purported to be one of the most dangerous fats in the body as it surrounds major organs like the liver, pancreas, and kidney within the stomach. Visceral fat is considered toxic to the body because it is capable of provoking inflammatory pathways and signaling molecules that can interfere with the body’s normal hormonal function. Carrying around excess belly fat is linked to an increased risk for cancer, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and coronary heart disease. It is therefore recommended that the waist measurement should be no more than half of an individual’s height measurement or no more than 32inches for women and 37inches for men on the average to reduce the risk of visceral fat and its attendant health consequences. It is thus imperative that a healthy lifestyle consisting of portion controls, eating less processed foods and exercising be incorporated into our daily routine.

Exercise can be defined simply as physical activity. It is the physical exertion of the body, making the body do a physical activity which results in a healthier level of physical fitness and both physical and mental health. Exercise raises the heart rate, works and tones body muscles and help keeps fat, particularly visceral fat at bay.

The importance of exercise is thus noted and here Islam comes in as a complete way of life. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Qur’an chapter 5 Verse 4

This day have I perfected your religion for you and completed my favor upon you and have chosen for you Islam as your religion

It is thus no surprise that Islam as a religion caters for both the spiritual, mental and physical health of man.

Salat is the second pillar of Islam and a very important aspect of religion. In the simplest definition, Salat means prayer. It is a way by which Muslims get close to their Creator and is enjoined on all Muslims as we deduce from the following verses

Recite that which has been given to you of the book and observe prayer. Surely, the prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil; and remembrance of Allah is the greatest virtue

(Qur’an chap 29 verse 46)

And

Verily Prayer is an obligation on the believers to be observed at its appointed times

(Qur’an chapter 4 verse 104)

There are five daily prayers in Islam each with their own specific timing; Fajr at sunrise, Zuhr at mid-day, Asr in the evening, Maghrib at sunset and Isha before nightfall. Supplementary (voluntary) prayers called nawafil are also encouraged particularly the voluntary prayer Tahjud observed at the latter part of the night as we read below;

Observe prayer from the declining and paling of the sun till the darkness of the night. And recite the Qur’an at dawn. Verily, the recitation of the Qur’an at dawn especially acceptable to Allah

(Qur’an chap 17 verse 79)

And

And during a part of the night, wake up for its recitation – a superogatory service for thee. It may be that thy Lord will raise thee to an exalted station

(Qur’an chap 17 verse 80)

Also,

Watch over the prayers, particularly the middle prayer. And stand before Allah submissively

(Qur’an chap 2 verse 239)

Each prayer has a certain number of repetitive units called rakaah with a total of seventeen(17) rakaahs prayed during the day comprising two rakaahs during Fajr, four during Zuhr, four during Asr, three during Maghrib and four during Isha prayers. In addition, varying numbers of supplementary rakaahs called Nawafil are voluntarily offered at the end of some of the compulsory prayers. The Holy Prophet(SAW) has said that such voluntary supplications help to make up for mistakes in the obligatory prayers. A particular voluntary prayer much favored by the Holy Prophet (SAW) is the Tahajud prayers comprising eight rakaahs and offered in the latter part of the night.

The health benefits of salat are immense starting with the particular acts of cleanliness observed in preparation for salat. The Wudhu (ablution) incorporates handwashing, a now familiar jingle on our airwaves following the outbreak of Ebola, Lassa fever and other deadly diseases. A popular disinfectant brand, Dettol also has one of its adverts hinged solely around the theme of handwashing. Is it not marvelous that this same health fact has been part and parcel of Islam all along? Also the other motions of Wudhu like mouth gargling, feet washing and the like similarly help maintain good hygiene while keeping diseases at bay.

During salat, most of the body muscles are exercised. The Qiyam (standing position) has been found to aid good posture and in the Rukuh (bowing posture), besides the limbs, the back and perineum muscles are exercised repeatedly together with the neck muscles. Rukuh exerts abdominal pressure thereby easing constipation and peristaltic movements while muscles of the lower back, thighs, and calves stretch, encouraging blood flow and circulation.

In Sajdah (prostration), the head is in a position lower position than the heart and therefore receives increased blood supply. This surge in blood supply has a positive effect on memory, concentration, psyche and other cognitive abilities.

Salat has also been found to share similarities with Yoga. For instance, the Qiyam is likened to the mountain pose in Yoga while the Rukuh is equated with the forward bend position in Yoga. Also, the resting position between the prostrations or for completion of the salat (the Qa’adah) is akin to the thunderbolt pose in Yoga. The health benefits of Yoga are well documented ranging from increased mental alertness and tranquility to improved cardiac and metabolic health as well as muscle strength and tone. All of these benefits, therefore, accrue to one who performs his salat regularly. For instance, one who takes his dinner before Isha prayer would find the fullness and lethargy associated with the heavy meal disappear after praying as the motions involved during salat help speed up metabolic activities of the gastrointestinal tract.

As a rule, dieticians and fitness experts encourage dinner should be taken before 7 pm to give the body time to digest all meals before going to bed. Nothing encourages belly fat and flab more than late night snacks or going to bed on a full stomach.

As Muslims we are lucky to have an activity (Isha) prayer that helps us speed up metabolism just before retiring to bed thus we should all endeavor to have dinner before Maghrib prayers or immediately after (during the Holy month of Ramadan) to aid digestion and prevent belly fat accumulation.

The importance of incorporating simple cardio exercises like jogging, skipping or floor exercises like plank and squats at least five times a week for half an hour are also not ruled out. In conclusion, we should all endeavor to observe our daily and voluntary prayers as they not only bring us closer to our Creator but also come with other moral, spiritual and physical benefits. May Allah(SWT) make it easy for us and accept all our acts of ibadah, Amin.

– By Barakat Giwa-Akinsiku

References

  • Al Ghazal S.K(2006) Medical Miracles of the Qur’an. Leicestershire: The Islamic Foundation, Pp94-96
  • Ayad A (2008) In: Healing body and soul Hakam J, Editor; Riyadh International IslamicPublisher House
  • The Holy Qur’an

Frenchwoman ‘faced job discrimination over headscarf’

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A Frenchwoman sacked for refusing to remove her headscarf at work was discriminated against, the European Court of Justice has been advised.

After her dismissal, Asma Bougnaoui took her case to the French courts and it was eventually referred to the ECJ.

She was “professionally competent” as a design engineer and sacked solely for refusing to remove her headscarf, its advocate general has advised.

A final ruling will be made by judges, who usually follow legal advice.

Muslims in France have frequently challenged moves by the state and other bodies to regulate religious clothing.

This case reached one of France’s highest courts, the court of cassation, which requested an opinion from the European Court of Justice – whose verdict is binding on member states.

Before Ms Bougnaoui was employed by IT consultancy company Micropole in 2008, she was told in interviews she might not be able to wear the hijab, which covers the head but not the face, at all times.

She provided services to clients on their own premises. But after one such visit, a client complained that her headscarf had “embarrassed” its employees. Micropole asked Ms Bougnaoui to remove her headscarf on her next visit, but she refused and was dismissed on 22 June 2009.

Not ‘legitimate or proportionate’

In her view, ECJ advocate general Eleanor Sharpston said there was “nothing to suggest that Ms Bougnaoui was unable to perform her duties as a design engineer because she wore an Islamic headscarf”. In fact, the company itself had made express reference to her professional competence.

Ms Sharpston rejected the idea that banning workers from wearing religious attire when they came into contact with clients could be necessary “for the protection of individual rights and freedoms necessary for the functioning of a democratic society”.

In conclusion she said Ms Bougnaoui’s dismissal constituted “direct discrimination” and that company policies imposing an entirely neutral dress code could only be justified “if it pursues a legitimate aim and is proportionate”.

The ruling is not binding on the court but advisory. Judges will deliver the final, binding verdict at a later date.

Khalifa of Islam Inaugurates New Mosque in Sweden

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The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad has inaugurated the Mahmood Mosque in Malmo, Sweden. It is the second Mosque built by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the country.

After unveiling a commemorative plaque, His Holiness proceeded to deliver his weekly Friday Sermon, which was broadcast live around the world on MTA International.

During his sermon, His Holiness emphasised the need for Ahmadi Muslims to fulfill the true peaceful purposes of the Mosque, while also praising the exceptional sacrifices made by members of the community.

Speaking about the objectives of Mosques, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“We, Ahmadi Muslims, do not build Mosques for any materialistic gain, rather we build them solely for the worship of God and to attain His rewards. Having built this beautiful Mosque, we must not assume that we have fulfilled our obligations because in reality our duties have only just begun. We must seek to fill and populate this Mosque.”

HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad continued:

“Now that this Mosque has opened you must increase your love for one another and set shining examples of Islam’s true and peaceful teachings. Remember, that the real beauty of this Mosque lies not in its structure or design, rather it lies in the spiritual beauty of your hearts and conduct.”  

The Khalifa recounted a number of examples of personal financial sacrifices made by local Ahmadi Muslims towards funding the Mahmood Mosque. Men, women and children all took part in this effort.

For example, one man sold his car, whilst some ladies donated jewellery and young children offered their pocket money. His Holiness said that all such sacrifices were made in order to gain the pleasure of God Almighty.

Regarding the location of the Mosque, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“Sometimes journalists ask me why we have chosen a certain location or city for a Mosque. The truth is that neither does Malmo hold any particular significance, nor does any other location. Our only motivation is to build Mosques wherever there are Ahmadi Muslims so that they can join together to worship God Almighty.”

The Khalifa said that it was the responsibility of Ahmadi Muslims to invite people towards the Oneness of God and to dispel false notions about Islam.

He further said:“You must remove the fears and misunderstandings that the local people may harbour about Islam and explain to them its true peaceful teachings. The Government and people of this nation have let you build this Mosque and so in return for this favour you must always show them sympathy and seek to bring them closer to their Creator.”

Speaking about the state of the world and reminding the local Ahmadi Muslims of their responsibilities, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“It is a source of deep regret that today the most discord and conflict is found amongst Muslims. Therefore it is the responsibility of Ahmadi Muslims to become living examples of the peaceful teachings of Islam and to spread its true and beautiful message far and wide.”

 

Khalifa Condemns Terrorism, Says True Muslims Are Peace-Loving

The World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad has condemned terrorist activities, especially those committed in the name of Islam. The Khalifa said this in interviews by members of the Swedish media at the Mahmood Mosque in Malmo, Sweden.

Asked about rumours that the terrorist group Daesh was radicalising and recruiting Muslim youths in Malmo, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“It is the duty of the Government and authorities to remain vigilant to the threat of terrorism at all times and to monitor the situation. I also think the police and authorities should be given adequate resources to stop terrorists and extremists.”

Continuing, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“As far as the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is concerned none of our members are radicalised – rather we are peace loving people.”

Asked about the ongoing refugee crisis, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said it was impossible for any single country to accommodate the millions of Syrian and Iraqi refugees.

As a potential solution, His Holiness cited the example of Afghan refugees given refuge in Pakistan during the 1980s who were returned to Afghanistan once peace was restored in their homeland. At that time, the major powers and international institutions supported Pakistan by providing funding and infrastructure to house the refugees.

His Holiness said that a similar model could be adopted for the Syrian and Iraqi refugees wherein neighbouring countries were provided support to take in the majority of refugees until peace was restored in their respective countries.

Upon being asked about his office, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

 

“I am a humble person of Allah the Almighty who has been elected as the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to continue the mission of our Founder to spread the true and peaceful teachings of Islam.”

Asked about the security situation of Ahmadi Muslims, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:

“It is not only Ahmadi Muslims who are at risk, rather everyone is a target for terrorists as we have seen recently with the Paris and Brussels terrorist attacks. Those attacks can only be described as acts of horrific brutality and completely against the teachings of Islam.”

HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad continued:“Just a few years ago almost 100 Ahmadi Muslims were killed when two of our Mosques were attacked in Lahore. However, we never react with violence but we bear all persecution with patience and respond only with prayers.”

Regarding the opening of the Mahmood Mosque in Malmo, HazratMirzaMasroor Ahmad said:“A Mosque is a place to bow down and submit before God Almighty and so when I inaugurate this Mosque I will remind the Ahmadi Muslims about the true and peaceful objectives of Mosques.”

Essence of Worship of Allah

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Allah says that having perfect faith in Him, considering Him sovereign over everything, acting upon all His commandments and asking only from Him, is necessary for the acceptance of supplications. What are the commandments of God? God has given us a great book in the form of the Holy Quran that contains all the do’s and don’ts of Allah’s commandments.

God asked His men to accept all His commandment in the Holy Quran, so that their prayers will be accepted, they will get the right guidance, see His nearness due to that guidance, tread on the right path, do the good deeds, refrain from the evils, serve the purpose of their creation and fulfill their covenants among them by following the high moral standards. Are all these things needed only during Ramadan? Shall we be considered guided if we act upon God’s commandments only in Ramadan? Ramadan comes to remind us about these things so that by training ourselves, putting our efforts together and watching one another, we shall seek the path for the nearness to Allah.

Some of us are better in good deeds, better in praying and better in morals. During these days, we get together and get a chance to observe each other and consequently we pay attention to our condition. Both individually and collectively, we should become good in this world and the hereafter by following His commandments and attain His nearness while trying to reach the ‘standard of acceptance of supplications’.

There are innumerable commandments in the Holy Quran that Allah has ordained us to do or not to do which we should peruse every now and then. At this time, I have selected a few of them. The first and the foremost that we should always keep in view and it is also the purpose of our creation is

‘ to worship God’.

As Allah says and as the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) has stated Allah says in The Holy Quran

“I have not created jinn and men but that they may worship Me” (51:57).

I have repeated it several times, drawing attention to this matter, but many of us remember it for a few days and then forget it. So much so and it is in my knowledge that some of those who have dedicated their lives, know the faith, and understand its importance, don’t pay attention to it.

And the office holders, who try to show the power of their knowledge in the meetings and explain in the light of Quran and Hadith if someone’s case is presented… some of them don’t keep these basic commandments in view as they should. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says at a juncture that we should understand it very well that Allah’s purpose to create us is that we worship Him and become ‘His’ in such a way that the world in itself should not be our goal. It doesn’t mean that we should not engage in the worldly matters. Do it but the responsibility of worship, the purpose of our creation should be given the first preference.

These days, in Ramadan, it is being acted upon generally. In the western countries, it is about 11 p.m. by the time Isha’ is done. Some offer Taraweeh and when they reach home after that, it is about midnight. Then they may be getting up for Sehri around 2 o’ clock, and some offer Nawafal and come back for prayers to the mosque. This proves that if there is a will and a practical effort and not merely the awareness of the importance of the knowledge…then they will not show lethargy towards prayers, which is the pinnacle of worship. So in this Ramadan, those who have dedicated their lives, those who have pledged to be the front-runners among those who prefer faith over the worldly affairs, will incline with all their resources.

The office bearers who the people look forward to and have picked them for being the best among them should be an example for them. It is not only during the Ramadan that they need to pray according to Allah’s ways and keep counting the days as they pass and say that now only about twelve days are left and then we will return to the routine or to their old ways. They should try to incorporate the training of the Ramadan, their struggle and their attention toward the prayers in their lives permanently.

I will present more excerpts from the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) regarding this matter. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says at a place that it doesn’t behove a believer that he should make something else as his goal while God’s intention to create human is only His worship. The rights of ‘self’ are legitimate but its undue advances are not. Its rights are allowed to enable us to keep praying. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that your ‘self’ has right over you. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that this right should be exercised with moderation. We should exercise them for our own good because there are certain things when not fully employed, certain senses will go out of action. It is necessary to use the God given characteristics and powers alongwith the purpose of prayers; not using them will be a denial of His blessings.

There was a female companion of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), who remained in a bad shape. She would never adorn herself or comb her hair. Someone reported to the Holy Prophet mentioning her ways. When the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) asked from her about the matter, she replied that why should she adorn herself as her husband is engaged in praying day and night. The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) called for her husband and told him that his wife had rights over him. All kinds of rights must be observed. Health will be maintained and prayers will be offered properly if rights of ‘self’ are fulfilled.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that undue use will eventurn the “Halal” into “Haram”. As man has been created to worship Allah. It is obvious that to fulfill this purpose if something is taken more than it is needed, the Halal is rendered Haram due to this excess. How the person who engages all the time in human pleasures can do justice to worship? It is necessary that a believer should face bitterness in life, for he cannot do it if he engages in pleasures of life all the time. It is regretful that most people, when they attain adulthood, instead of understanding their responsibility and keeping their purpose of creation in mind, abandon God and incline towards the material world. They are so drowned in this world that they forget that there is a God. They come to know about Him at the time of death and majority of these world mongers are such that they are engaged in managing material wealth even at the time of their death.

All of us should prefer to worry about becoming the ones who fulfill the purpose of their lives. During and after this Ramadan, we should focus on worshipping God and for that purpose, we should think about the commandment regarding populating the mosques. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that a human being should have a passion about attaining the closeness to God, which will make him valuable for God. So if a person becomes valuable for God, he will find the real guidance.

Allah says in Surah Al-noor (24:38): Such great men that no business or trade renders them forgetful of the remembrance of God, establishing prayers, or paying Zakat. They are afraid of the day when hearts and eyes will be full of fear. In this verse there is the example of those people who become valuable for God as has been mentioned by the Promised Messiah (peace be on him). And this distinction was achieved by the Holy Prophet’s Companions more than anyone else. They became dear to God and for them the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said that they are the guides for us. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) cites the example of such a person who was engaged in business, dealing with thousands of rupees but was not forgetful of God, not even for a moment. The high achievement of a human being is to keep busy in worldly affairs and also never forget God. A packhorse is of no use if it trots well when not loaded but sits down when loaded!

Then the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that a fakir who abandons the world due to the chores involved in it, shows a weakness. There is no reclusiveness in Islam. We never say that leave the women and children and stop businesses of the world. The employee should fulfill his duties and the trader should do his business but they should prefer faith over this world. Both should go hand in hand.

Allah asks us to safeguard our prayers especially the central ones. If due to late sleeping time, it becomes difficult to join Fajr, then that becomes the central prayer and if due the business, Zuhr and Asr become difficult to offer then they become the central prayers. Safeguarding means to protect things from going to waste. A believer is obedient only if he says the prayers on time and does justice to them and not by coming and leaving quickly by prostrating like hitting the ground with head.

Then there is a commandment about fulfilling and abiding by the covenants. These include bindings to Allah and the contracts with the human beings. Then there are the obligations of the conditions of Bai’at and the promise of preferring faith over the world. All these remind us of our obligations to God. They also draw our attention to the obligations to His men. Allah says in the Holy Quran (16:92): and you fulfill your promise with Allah when you make it. And don’t break your promises after affirming them when you have made God your Guarantor. Verily Allah knows what you do.

This doesn’t mean that where you do not utter the name of God clearly, you can break your covenant. First every contract that you make must be based on justice and truthfulness. Allah says that the believer has to be judicious and truthful. Every contract that is based upon justice and truth will come under the guarantee of Allah. If the importance and reality of this matter is understood, the society can be purged of all kinds of disputes, frauds and allegations.

The problems in families will also never arise because these are the covenants that are broken there as well. I have observed that because of the worldly greed, the incidents of breaking the contracts, deceiving and not fulfilling the verbal promises are increasing even among ourselves. These incidents not only bring bad name to our community but sometimes such people lose their faith as well.

When a man breaks a contract, he depends on lies. Allah has forbidden lying with stern warnings. Allah says (22:31): Shun therefore the abomination of idols, and shun all words of untruth.

Regarding this the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that he doesn’t need to tell that we should not shed blood or commit murder because except for the extremely mischievous person, nobody raises his hand to shed blood unjustly. But I say that don’t kill the truth by insisting on injustice. Accept the truth even if a child speaks it and don’t be stubborn. Even if you find the truth on the side of the opponent, forsake the dry logic and accept the truth. Stay with and witness the truth even if it goes against your fathers, brothers or friends. Falsehood is no less than associating partners with Allah. Everything that takes you away from truth is an idol.

Then at a juncture, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that God likens a lie to idolatry. As a fool leaves God and prostrates before a stone, so does the person who leaves the truth and the right path and makes a lie his idol, thinking that he will achieve his purpose in that way. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) continues to say that an affliction has plagued us that when we ask a person to leave this filth, he says that he can work without it. But he (the Promised Messiah (peace be on him)) wants to assure us that it is the truth that prevails at the end. Remember that there is nothing despicable like lies. Usually the world mongers say that those who speak the truth are arrested. But how can I believe that while seven lawsuits were filed against me and by grace of Allah, I never needed even one word of lie and I was never defeated in those cases. If the truthfuls start getting punishment, nobody will ever speak the truth. Those who get punished even while speaking the truth, it is due to their hidden bad deeds. So prostrating humbly before Him, we should always keep asking for forgiveness so that we are not caught for any hidden bad deed.

One of the commandments of God is that a sign of the righteous is that they suppress their anger and forgive people. Forgiving means to completely forget a crime committed against oneself and forgive. Enumerating the rewards of forgiving, the Promised Messiah (peace be on him) explains that we should remember that there is a dangerous enmity between intellect and anger. When passion and anger overwhelm, the intellect can’t prevail. But one who is patient and shows forbearance, is given a light which freshly illuminates the power of his intellect and thinking. Then a brightness is created over the light. As the heart and brain are dark under anger and passion, a night falls over darkness.

Then Hazoor says at another place that remember that the person who is harsh and flies into a rage, can never talk using wisdom and insight. Foul mouthed and unbridled, the lips are deprived of and kept away from the spring of the subtleties. The wisdom and rage cannot stay together. Rage is half of insanity. When it flares up, it becomes complete insanity. A man should use his powers appropriately and at justifiable occasions. For example there is a power of passion. When it is out of proportion, it foreruns insanity. There is only a little difference between anger and insanity and madness. Even if one is your opponent, don’t talk to him in a rage; talk wisely. So, where Allah’s commandments take us closer to God, they also revive our wisdom and with that a man is saved from many enmities and losses.

The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that there are two forces i.e. suspicion and rage that make a person crazy if they run out of proportion. Allah says in the Holy Quran (49:13): O ye who believe! avoid most of suspicions; for suspicion in some cases is a sin. And spy not, nor back-bite one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of his brother who is dead? Certainly you would loathe it. And fear Allah, surely, Allah is Oft-Returning with compassion and is Merciful.

The first thing that is commanded to be avoided in this verse is suspicion. The Promised Messiah (peace be on him) says that suspicion is such a disease and calamity that makes a man blind and throws him in a dark well of death. Remember that all the defects and vices generate from suspicion. For that reason Allah has forbidden it vehemently. If a suspicion arises against a person, one should abundantly ask for forgiveness and pray to God so that he escapes that sinfulness and its consequences.

The second matter that Allah has forbidden in this verse is spying. Digging out one’s weaknesses or spying on others and trying to find out something about one that he doesn’t want to tell, create vices.

The third commandment is that don’t backbite. Backbiting is like eating the flesh of one’s dead brother and we will loathe it. When asked, the Holy prophet said that backbiting is to relate a true matter about someone in such a manner that if he is present he will not like it. And if that matter is non-existent in him then it is called calumny. A believer doesn’t do things that create problems or disruptions in the society. Neither backbite nor slander.

In Ramadan, when we want to be righteous, to get closer to God, and to see our supplications accepted by God, we should try hard to refrain from these vices and try vigorously to act upon the commandments of Allah. May Allah grant us the ability that acting upon His commandments, we should become closer to Him and continue to do good deeds even after the Ramadan. We should become His men and become the ones who follow Him perfectly.

 

 

 

 

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