The male
youth wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia recently held its annual
convention at Nasir Senior Secondary School in Basse.
The 30th Annual National Itema (Convention) of Majlis Khuddumul (Male Youth wing) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia on 26-29 December 2013, celebrated the 75th anniversary of the Majlis Khuddumul, with participants drawn from in and outside the county.
This year’s convention began with cyclists who cycled from the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Jama’atin Tallinding to Basse.
The cyclists, who are all young and ebullient, took only three days to arrive in Basse, whilst one among them walked on foot for a distance of 40kilometer to attend the convention in Basse.
Tahir Ahmad Touray Sadr (President) of Majlis Khuddumul (Male Youth wing) of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at The Gambia said the contemporary world is crying for peace because destruction is looming from every horizon.
These dangers are due to greed and double standards in personal dealings and dealings among different peoples, he said, adding that qualities born of heeding to righteousness, the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) must prevail.
All actions must be based on true and sincere intentions, he says. “Allah Almighty says that it is the building built on His fear that is worthy of His acceptance.”
The theme of the Convention is “A nation cannot be reformed without reforming its youths”.
He said: “As Ahmadi youth, our morals should be beyond blemish. Our love for our country should be exemplary. That is the commitment we have just made in the pledge we made at the beginning of the convention. This commitment can never be a reality if we are not immersed in the light of righteousness, humility and sincerity. That also is inextricably linked to the sincere belief in the Unity of Allah the Almighty.”
According to him, Mjlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya is the youth association of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, formed on 4 February 2013 by Hadrat Mirza Bashiruddeen Mahmood Ahmad, the second successor to the promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as).
He noted that this year marks the 75th year of its existence and in addressing the association in the UK, the current Head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at said: “O Khuddam of Ahmadiyyat! As you celebrate 75 years of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, my message to you is that if you truly wish to attain God’s pleasure, then you should always give precedence to your faith over all worldly matters.”
He continued: “It is your foremost duty to peacefully defend Islam and the blessed character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) against all attacks directed at them. Guide the world towards peace, tolerance and justice so that it can be saved from destruction.”
He added that these words of advice could not have come at a better time and these are the very principles on which the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and the Jama’at as a whole stand.
“The success of Islam in the early ages owes a lot to the feast of sacrifice and devotion of youth. The youth are the builders of every nation thus our theme A Nation Cannot be Reformed Without the Reformation of the Youth,” he said.
Musa Sanneh, regional president of Ahmadiyaa youth wing in Upper River Region, expressed gratitude at URR hosting the convention for the second time.
He described the theme of the convention as very important and urged all delegates to listen carefully to all topics discussed.
The brighter days of any country lies in its youth, he said, calling on the youth to take the convention seriously and to go home with refreshing minds after listening to various topics.
“As Khuddam you are in a very good stage of your life and if you make good use of it the future of the country will be bright,” he said.
Muhammad S. Camara, senior cluster monitor, speaking on behalf of Regional Education Director in Basse, noted that as youth they are obliged to obey Allah Almighty, and organizing such an event is a step in the right direction because it will enable the youth to have verse knowledge in Islam.
He said the right to worship is one of the fundamental rights of a human being, but they need to know how to worship God.
He described the convention as vital in the life of young people as it will enable them to know about their religion and adhere to Islamic principles.
He urged the Jama’at to pray for the long-lasting peace and stability in the country and for countries in turmoil to have peace.
