The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia on Saturday 13th April 2013 successfully concluded its 37th Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana). The convention, held at Masroor Senior Secondary School in Old Yundum opened on Friday 12th April 2013.
In his opening address, the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia said that Allah the Almighty has said in the Holy Quran that every man has an objective to which he devotes his attention. “Allah admonishes believers to be devoted and dedicated to seeking righteousness in the pursuit of His pleasure.
Amir Baba F Trawally emphasised that the remembrance of Allah Almighty, the observance of Prayers and giving Zakat are the best ways a believer can live his life, as shown by the exemplary life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). “Global peace and unity is possible only when humanity is devoted to Allah the Almighty. The greed that engulfs all the different parts of the world is the root cause of the social, political and economic evils. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (SAW) warned us that greed devours and destroys good as fire ravages wood,” Amir Trawally said.
“Greed is man’s great enemy. It is Satan’s weapon for creating serious rift among humanity. The Holy Qur’an admonishes that we must not cast our eyes unto what other people possess; we must be contented with what Allah Almighty provides us with. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) said that richness is not the abundance of wealth; it is the contentment of the heart. If the heart is contented, a man’s faculties diffuse love to his environs. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) said that the heart is the flesh whose health guarantees the health of the individual as a whole,” he said.
In his closing address on Saturday 13th April 2013, the Amir reminded the participants to remain faithful to Allah the Almighty and obedient to His Messenger, Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (saw). “Man can never be truly devoted to Allah Almighty without recognising and selflessly obeying the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). Obedience to him is not an option but an obligation. The Holy Qur’an clearly tells us that if indeed we love Allah Almighty and are devoted to Him, then we must show perfect obedience to His Messenger (saw). Allah Almighty has directed him to inform humanity that they cannot attain righteousness without loving him more than anyone else,” he said.
“Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an that those who are steadfast on righteousness are the only ones capable of turning worst enemies into mutual friends. These enemies of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) could become his sincere followers and servants if every Muslim lives his life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). This was exactly what happened during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw). Some hated him so much so that they did not want to see his countenance. They later loved him to an extent that they could not look him in the face due to the honour and respect.
“Allah Almighty says in the Holy Qur’an that those who are steadfast on righteousness are the only ones capable of turning worst enemies into mutual friends. These enemies of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) could become his sincere followers and servants if every Muslim lives his life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). This was exactly what happened during the time of the Holy Prophet (saw). Some hated him so much so that they did not want to see his countenance. They later loved him to an extent that they could not look him in the face due to the honour and respect,” Amir Sahib added.
The Chief of Kiang Central, Seyfo Demba L. Sanyang said that many people praise the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for its invaluable contributions to education and health in the country but that the Jama’at’s participation in the religious life of the people cannot be underestimated. He said Jama’at has made unflinching progress in the propagation of Islam as a religion of peace and tolerance. He prayed for the country’s continued peace and progress.
The Chief of Cambiana in Guinea Bissau, Alhagie Saikou Sillah expressed his excitement with the opportunity to attend Jalsa Salana for the first time. He requested for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at’s continuous prayers for the spiritual and material development of his country, Guinea-Bissau.
The Alkalo of Old Yundum, Alhajie Ebrima Faye welcomed the gathering to his village and expressed his personal gratitude to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for building a senior secondary school in his village. He indicated that the educational facility has given his people access to senior secondary education. He prayed for the continued success and prosperity of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’t.
A representative of Minister for Basic and Secondary Education, Ustaz Hussainou A. M. Touray praised the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at for its invaluable contributions in the provision of education as an essential element of development in the Gambia.
Mr Haruna Jaiteh a resident of Dippa Kunda revealed his deep commitment to research which he said have consistently brought him closer to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. He stated that he has interacted with various members of the Jama’at whose excellent conducts have given him the conviction that Ahmadiyyat is the truth. He noted that he has read extensively on Ahmadiyyat and Ahmadiyya literature including; Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam by the Holy Founder of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth successor of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (AS).
The Naib Amir and Missionary In-charge, Syed Saeed-Ul-Hassan Shah spoke on the topic: The Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s Relation With The Living God. He noted the Holy Prophet’s high status, trust and belief in God Almighty, adding that throughout his life, the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) maintained a living relationship with Allah the Almighty, which helped him to attain victory over his enemies. “The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha was a mercy for mankind,” he said.
“Every aspect of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW)’s life was coloured and governed by his love for and devotion to Allah the Almighty. All prophets enjoy special link of love with Allah Almighty but the nature and status of the love and link our beloved master had with Allah the Almighty is the highest,” he said.
Bro. Alagie Bah deliberated on Islam’s solution for world peace. He said that peace building requires an attitude of sanctity and reverence for life, freedom and justice according to Islam.
Other speakers at the convention included Bro Ebrima Darbo who spoke on Responses to Allegations Against the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (AS) and Bro. Tahir Ahmad Touray on The Khalifa is Made by God.
Speaking at the women section of the convention on Saturday evening, Amir Trawally noted that a nation that has strong, determined and devoted women is guaranteed success in every arena. “No nation can reach its desired objectives without the contribution of women,” he said. Amir Sahib also urged the women to remain regular in performing their five daily prayers and inculcate the same spirit in their children.
For her part, the President of the Women and Girls wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia, Sister Musukebba Jarjou admonished the women to be good mothers and role models in society. She further expanded on the importance of women and girls in religion and particularly in Islam. “As mothers, we are the first teachers of our children and therefore, we should inculcate good morals and discipline in our children to build better and more peaceful society,” she noted.
Sister Syeda Anna Shah spoke on the Importance of Education of Women and Girls in Islam while Sist. Waseema Monawara spoke on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Mobile Phones and Computers.
The convention attracted over 8000 people from across The Gambia with delegates from Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and the United States of America. There was an academic award of excellence to outstanding Ahmadi students at the opening session of the convention.
May Allah Almighty make us all His devoted and sincere servants. May He be our sole objective in whatever we do. May He count us among His chosen and righteous servants. May He continue to protect and bless our dear and beloved country the Gambia. Ameen
Wassalam
Yours sincerely,
Saiba Susso
Head of Department
Press and Publicity
