AMIR AMJN

At approximately 6:15 local time a special session by UNESCO commenced in Miollis, Paris with the arrival of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. UNESCO, with 193 member-countries, is a body of the United Nations that “seeks to build peace through international cooperation in Education, the Sciences and Culture.” UNESCO’s constitution, signed on 16 November 1945, envisions to establish peace “upon dialogue and mutual understanding”, and “upon the intellectual and moral solidarity of humanity.” UNESCO globally carries out a large number of charitable, humanitarian and intellectual projects. With Huzoor’saa arrival, the session started with a series of speeches from UNESCO officials and other dignitaries, followed by an introduction to Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya by Asif Arif Sahib. The speakers included; the communications supervisor of Mali’s delegation at UNESCO, Mr Jean Christophe Auge the Religious Adviser of the Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr Clement Rouchouse from the Central Religion Advisory Board at the Home Office, Mr Gregoire Dublineau, Mayor of Eaubonne, Mr Willy Breton, President of the NATO Memorial and Mr Guillaume Diallo, representative of the Malian Christians living abroad. The speakers expressed their admiration of the peaceful aspirations and works of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the congregation. Huzooraa greeted the guests and thanked UNESCO for the event. Huzooraa also thanked all the guests who came to listen to “a person who is neither a politician, nor a political leader, nor a scientist, but the head of a religious community…” Huzooraa said that the founding objectives of UNESCO being peace, respect, human rights, education, freedom of expression and alleviating poverty are all “excellent and praiseworthy”. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa expressed that the guests may be surprised to hear that these are also the objectives of Islam. “Such service is based on the very first chapter of the Holy Quran which states that Allah the All Mighty is the Lord of all the worlds”. Huzooraa explained that this verse is a reminder for Muslims that Allah is the Lord of all humankind, “irrespective of cast, creed and colour.” Huzooraa said that Islam teaches that “the values of mutual respect and tolerance must be firmly embedded within society”. Allah is the Provider and Sustainer to all people, even though they may reject him. “His grace and mercy remain even with those who continually speak ill of Him”, Huzooraa explained. The philosophy of punishment or sanction established by God, in Islam, is geared more towards the hereafter. In this life, Allah continues to manifest his grace and mercy and has instructed mankind also to show compassion and sympathy to one another. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that “it is a religious obligation on Muslims to fulfil the requirements of other people, irrespective of religion, culture or ethnicity and to always be kind” to “the emotions and needs of others”. Huzooraa explained how the Holy Prophetsa was the best of all creation but yet, had to endure great hardships. After migration to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa was elected as Head of the State and “under his leadership, the covenant proved to be a magnificent charter of human rights and governance, ensuring peace between the different communities”. The Prophetsa of Islam established an impartial judiciary and made it clear that there would be the same law for the rich and powerful and the poor and weak. All people would be treated equally, according to the law of the land. The Holy Prophetsa made it clear that the same law applied to his own family. Further, “the Prophet of Islam established an excellent education system through which the intellectual standards of that society were raised”. Educated people were instructed to teach the illiterate. “This was all done so that the weak and powerless could stand on their own two feet and advance”. Huzooraa mentioned that the Holy Prophetsa established a code of business and financial ethics. “In an age when slavery was rampant and slave owners treated their slaves mercilessly, the Prophet of Islam sought to bring about a revolution in society.” Slave owners were urged by the Holy Prophetsa to treat their slaves with compassion and respect and to ultimately free them. The roads of the city were expanded and improved. A city-cleaning programme was also implemented by the Holy Prophetsa and the population was taught about the importance of hygiene and health. Huzooraa said “For the very first time amongst the Arabs, an orderly and civilised society was established”, resulting in citizens becoming beneficial and active members of society. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then spoke about how the Holy Prophetsa of Islam has been mischaracterised in today’s society. The reality is that the Prophetsa of Islam spent every moment of his life, “championing the rights of all people.” He established “a timeless charter of human rights.” The Prophetsa of Islam taught to respect the beliefs and feelings of others. Huzooraa said that it was regrettable that, in the modern world, respect has been sacrificed in the name of so-called freedom and entertainment. “The founders of religion are no longer spared mockery and contempt” The Holy Quran, however, says that Muslims should not even speak ill of the idols of others, as they, in return, may speak ill of Allah the Almighty, hence disrupting the peace of society. The Holy Prophetsa of Islam established various schemes to raise the standard of living of the weak and underprivileged. He said that “a poor person who was moral and considerate had far greater value than a rich person who cared not for the feelings of others”. Even in small matters, the Holy Prophetsa paid great attention to ensure protection of the feelings of underprivileged citizens of the society. For instance, the Holy Prophetsa would tell Muslims to invite the poor and weak to dinner. The Prophet of Islamsa continually told his followers to free slaves, or, if it was not possible, to at least feed and clothe them the same way that they fed and clothed themselves. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then spoke of the rights of women in Islam. Huzooraa said that it is often alleged that Islam denies women’s rights, but “nothing could be further from the truth”. In a time when women were not respected, the Holy Prophetsa instructed his followers to

Visitation to Chief Imam of the Entire Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta States Amir Sahib, inspecting the proposed plots of land for the construction of a hospital for the Jamaat.

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