THE AMIR ADDRESSED MUSLIM ELDERS AT THEIR 5TH NATIONAL ANNUAL CONVENTION OF 2011
By the grace of Allah Almighty, at the 5th National Majlis Ansarullah (male elders above 40 years of age), annual convention of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the Gambia on Sunday 6th March 2011.
The convention started on Saturday 5th March 2011 and attracted elders from across the country and delegation from Guinea Bissau. The attendance was about 200 and the Ijtema concluded successfully with many blessings.
In addressing the Muslim elders of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, the
He further called on the Ansar to direct much of their energy to the training of children as prescribed by the teachings of Islam. The Amir also informed the elders that it is through the blessed and divine institution of Khilafat that humanity could earn the love and pleasure of Allah Almighty and universal brotherhood could be attained and our children who are our future generations must be trained and inculcated importance and blessings of institution of Khilafat Ahmadiyya for our survival tomorrow.
He advised the elders to pay great attention to prayer for universal peace, prevalence of peace and tranquility in the
He also prayed for the safe return of those brothers who came from distant places. The Ijtema was declared closed early Sunday morning by Amir Sahib.
In his opening address, Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah, the
He reminded the participants that the institution of Majlis Ansarullah was established by the second Khalifa of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Mr. Darbo threw some light on the concept and true import of the task of being a ‘helper’ of Allah Almighty.
He also quoted several verses of the Holy Quran and pronouncements of Masih Maoud (as) and his Khulafa to buttress his points. He challenged the participants to live up to expectations by translating the text of the Pledge into concrete action.
He advised his fellow elders to be steadfast and live exemplary lifestyles so that the younger generation could emulate them. Mr. Darbo warned his fellow elders against complacency, paying much attention to material wellbeing above ones religious obligations and adopting an attitude of indifference.
The topic ‘Responsibilities of a Nasir’ was treated by Alhajie Sekou Omar Dibba. He reminded the elders that discharging the task of helping Allah Almighty called for nurturing certain virtues, attributes and skills.
He cited a number of attributes that a Nasir ought to cultivate, such as demonstration of exemplary conduct in society; performing Salat regularly; training and upbringing of children; calling people to Allah Subuhaanahu wa Ta’ala; loyalty to the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) and his Khulafa; rendering service to the Jamaat and mankind as a whole and the act of sacrificing property, wealth and self.
He also touched on the importance of being literate in the Holy Quran, Hadith, Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the doctrine of the Ahmadiyyat.
Brother Kemo Sonko spoke at length on Financial Sacrifice. He made references to the Holy Quran and related how the Khulafa of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companions demonstrated a deep sense of sacrifice of their life, wealth and physical body.
Mr. Sonko laid stressed on the reward that accrues from making a genuine sacrifice in the course of Allah Almighty. He reiterated the different financial schemes established by Islam, Ahmadiyyat, explaining the conditions of payment and rates attached to each.
He dilated on Zakat; Fitrana; the obligatory and optional Chandas of Jamaat Ahmadiyya including Chanda Majlis; the various Chandas related to projects and initiatives taken by the Khulafa. He also spoke on the theorem that financial sacrifice is a barometer for measuring ones degree of righteousness and love of Allah Almighty.
Brother Ibrahima Bayo rose to the podium after Mr. Sonko’s speech. Mr. Bayo spoke on the topic “Prophecies concerning the advent of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as)’. He treated Allah Almighty’s law of appointing a Khalifa/successor to guide and redeem mankind whenever He feels the moment has come.
He quoted several verses from the Holy Quran to illustrate this point. He also said the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) had foretold the advent of a reformer from among his Ummah, buttressing the argument with sayings of the Master.
Mr. Bayo narrated how followers of all the heavenly religions expected a reformer to re-emerge and bring about a second dispensation. He said all those reformers whose advents are prophesied by different religions and schools of thought in different contexts pointed to none but Hadhrat Mirza Ghluma Ahmad (as) of Qadian.
The next speaker was Ustaz Issa Joof, who treated the topic ‘Achievements of Musleh Maoud (ra)’. Ustaz Joof told the audience that the birth, personality, uniqueness of character and mission of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II, Hadhrat Mirza Bashirudin Mahmoud Ahmad (ra) had been foretold by both the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the Imam of the Age.
The Islamic scholar narrated the success and milestones registered by the second Khalifa during his 52- year tenure as Khalifatul Masih II (ra). Brother Joof examined the steady rise and spread of Ahmdiyyat to the different continents and countries around the globe including the
He cited the second Khalifa’s; writing and publications; translation of the Holy Quran into a number of languages; construction of mosques and mission houses in many parts of the world; introduction of various financial schemes and projects.
Ustaz Mahmoud Ahmad Tahir, discussed the topic “Marriage in Islam”. He touched on the virtues and characteristics that a Muslim should look for in the quest for a partner. Ustaz Tahir warned against taking any consideration into account other than those spelt out by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).
He did not fall short of expatiating on the relationship between husband and wife from the Islamic point of view.
Ustaz Tahir also challenged the elders to make it a point of duty to guide the young ones in order to enable them make good choices when looking for a partner. He finally told the gathering that marriage should be based on Taqwa (righteousness).
The Naib Amir Anwaal and Missionary In-Charge, Syed Saeed Ul Hassan Shah, speaking on “Training of Children”, he told the audience that parents should always show good examples for the children to emulate them.
The parents must never tell lies to the children or false promises. He concluded that the best example for the whole humanity is the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw).