The 36th Jalsa Salana 2012 (Annual Convention) of The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at concluded on Sunday 8th April 2012

The Jalsa was addressed by many distinguished guests such as: Honourable Lamin Waa Juwara, Minister for Local Government and Lands, Honourable Buba A. Bojang, National Assembly Member of Foni Kansala, Mr. Morro Ceesay, a representative of the Governor of North Bank Region, Mr. Salieu Ceesay, Alkalo of Sinchu Alagie, Mr. Ebrima Faye, Alkalo of Old Yundum, Mr. Alieu Sowe, a representative from Senegalese delegation and Samba Sabuya Baldeh, representative of Guinea Bissau delegation.

In his opening address, Amir Sahib Baba F. Trawally of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at the Gambia said that the world was going through turbulent times in all fronts. No one is safe from these crises. The Muslim world is especially affected the most. If these crisis are not properly checked, a global catastrophe is inevitable.

He said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) appeared in the sixth century when the world was in similar state and through his perfect teachings; he established peace, love and unity to a magnitude never known in human history. He was able to achieve that through his excellent conduct and highest moral qualities. He said in quote: “The Holy Qur’an describes him as the possessor of the excellent moral qualities. He is the Prince of Peace. His life is full of examples where he did everything possible for the establishment of peace and mutual love. He represents in his person the perfection of all high moral and spiritual qualities. He loves His Creator with all his heart, mind and soul. He is the mercy for the creation and the source of all spiritual lights and shall continue illuminating the world until the end of time. High moral qualities and greatness can be attained by eschewing all evils and walking on the path of righteousness as taught and practised by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw)”.

Amir Sahib Baba F. Trawally continued, “truthfulness is one of the highest moral qualities he possessed thus the name Al-Ameen and even his enemies testified to his truthfulness. The justice that the world is yarning for cannot be attained without this moral quality. It is the foundation of world peace and universal brotherhood. In the contemporary age, diplomacy is some times used to embellish falsehood and reject the truth. The diplomacy taught by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) is based on truthfulness. He admonished that truthfulness leads to virtue and the attainment of paradise, that is, peaceful co-existence and love. Falsehood also leads to vices and hell that is total chaos, enmity, war and bloodshed. The troubles facing the contemporary world are fanned by indifference to truth. His stand by the truth was uncompromising and his enemies entreated him to give up the truth and adopt falsehood, but he firmly told them that even if the sun was placed on right hand and the moon on the left, I would not stop preaching the truth (the concept of the Unity of Allah Almighty). Let the worldly leaders and their subjects, especially in the Muslim countries, adopt this beautiful teaching and practice of our noble Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). The dealings of governments should be based on truth and justice and not vested interests. This is the system of governance Islam teaches and it was practised by our leader and master (saw) as the Commander-in-Chief of Madinah.”

Amir Sahib said that arrogance and mercilessness is at the root of exploitation. It cannot be eliminated without humility. Our leader and master the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that he If the inequality gap between the so-called high and the low is not given due consideration and bridged the world shall always be gripped by fear, hatred and enmity. “No one who has a grain of arrogance in him shall attain happiness. If we want to live in peace and happiness that we cherish, let us therefore adopt the humility of our leader and master (saw)”. He admonished the participants to inculcate these noble principles in their everyday dealings. He said that the random shooting of innocent people especially women and children is not Islamic. Such actions contravene the teachings of Islam and give Islam and Muslims wrong images in the world.

The purpose of the Jalsa Salana is to teach and learn the noble practices of our master the prince of peace, the commander of justice, the servant of humanity, the teacher of tolerance, the fountain of love, the perfection of truthfulness and the mountain of patience, the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). It is one of the branches for the revival of faith in the Latter Days and therefore not an ordinary gathering. He therefore admonished them to derive maximum benefits from all the proceedings of the Jalsa.

In closing the 36th Jalsa Salana 2012, Amir Sahib Baba F. Trawally informed the participants that Jalsa Salana started hundred and twenty one years ago by the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) himself. The Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) made it clear beyond any shadow of doubt that the Jalsa Salana is no ordinary gathering because it fulfils a revelation that “people shall come to you from every distant track on all forms of transport” and that we were also witnesses of the fulfilment of this wonderful prophecy of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) in the Gambia and his other prophecy that I shall give you a large party of Islam. He also reminded them about the fulfilment of this prophecy by each one of the participants and that all these fulfilments are sufficient proof of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) and hence demanding on us great responsibility on which each member needs to reflect on seriously.

Amir Sahib Baba F. Trawally continued, in the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) Muslims were poor but the poor Muslims were ready to sacrifice all their possessions for the sake of their faith. In the Latter Days, Islam is poor and needy despite the richness of the Muslims. The Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) has come to revive the noble spirit of sacrifice of the Companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw). He and his Khulafa, therefore, have instituted different schemes of financial sacrifice. Even the enemies of Ahmadiyyat have borne witness to the spirit of financial sacrifice of the Ahmadi Muslims. Anywhere we are we must uphold and safeguard this spirit. Unless a person is willing to part with his beloved wealth, he has lesser chance of attaining the love and pleasure of Allah Almighty. Men and women, young and old must strive towards it. According to the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw), Allah Almighty always calls upon the children of Adam to spend in His cause so that He would enlarge His provision for them. The responsibility of financially sustaining Islam lies on every Ahmadi Muslims. May Allah Almighty enable us all to fulfil it.

In closing the Lajna Immaillah Session (Women wing), Amir Sahib Baba F. Trawally reminded the women about the great responsibility laid on them by Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) and that Islam has given a great status to women and that the world cannot be reformed without the participation of women as partners in nation building. You are the heirs of the women companions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustapha (saw) and I encouraged you to emulate their excellent qualities and inculcate it in others. You should be devoted lovers of the Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) by defending his Sunnah in your words and actions. Instil the same in your children so that they would always consider themselves as the servants of their master. Be ready to devote them as Waqfeen-e-Nau and also missionaries.You should always guide and train them as was done by Hadhrat Luqman (as) for his child. Our children are precious in that they shall be the future defenders of Islam from its internal and external enemies. Children are moulded morally and spiritually by the parents especially the mothers. The Holy Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (saw) has said that every child is born with a pure nature; it is the parents who make him or her Jew, Christian or Magician. You are making great sacrifices for the faith and you should continue building on that. Improve your Chanda payments. Let those of you who are regular Chanda payers endeavour to join the institution of Wasiyyat. It is a blessed institution started by the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) three years before his demise. The purpose is to raise the standard of sacrifice and righteousness among Ahmadi Muslims. I am also advising you all to be regular in the performance of your daily prayers and inculcate that in your children.

The Honourable Minister of Local Government and Lands Hon. Lamin Waa Juwara in his statements re-echoed his long standing relationship with the Jama’at and once again expressed his profound delight of attending such a very discipline and orderly annual convention. He acknowledged the contributions of the Jama’at in all spheres of humanity especially in the field of education, health, religion, humanitarian welfare and the Jama’ats uniqueness in the maintenance of peace and tranquillity and the tolerance and perseverance of the followers of the Jama’at. He requested the participants to pray fervently for the progress, peace and prosperity for the country and the government.

Honourable National Assembly Member for Foni Kansala Hon. Buba A. Bojang said that this types of gathering was not new in the history of Islam. It was the practice of the Holy founder of Islam, Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) to gather people together for their spiritual and social training for the sake of Allah Almighty. He said the Jama’at has been working relentlessly for the spiritual and social development of the people of the Gambia. He urged the participants to make best use of the period of their devotion particularly the youths so that they can learn the true and pure teachings and practices of Islam.

The Representative of the Governor of North Bank Region, Mr. Morro Ceesay in his statement also thanked the Jama’at for the honourable gathering and the beautiful arrangement.He also acknowledged the contributions of the Jamaat in the socioeconomic development of the country.

A representative of the Senegalese delegation expressed his profound gratitude to Allah Almighty for blessing them to attend this year’s Jalsa with delegations from four different regions of Senegal comprising of 16 people to be part of this blessed gathering of the 36th Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, The Gambia. He acknowledged the contributions the Jama’at is doing in the revival of Islam though he said the Jama’at is encountering hardship, persecution, etc in its efforts to extend the true and pure teaching of Islam to humanity. He urged the participants to bear the hardships and continue to strive in the cause of truth.

A representative of Guinea Bissau delegation thanked the Jama’at in its tireless efforts to spread the true message of Islam to all part of the country. He said that the message of Jama’at has been conveyed to very difficult areas historical considered no go areas and the message of Islam has reached those who might not ever have the opportunity to hear the beautiful salam of Islam.

The Village Chief (Alkalo) of Old Yundum, Mr. Ebrima Faye thanked the Jamaat for conducting this year’s Jalsa in his village which traditionally use to take place in Nusrat Senior Secondary School, Bundung. He said that he did not regret providing the land for Masroor senior Secondary. He thanked the Jama’at for developing the land and facilitating education of his community and relieving them with a big burden of travelling long distances and hours to reach nearby schools for education of their children. He appealed for more development on the land.

The Village Chief (Alkalo) of Sinchu Alagie, Mr. Salieu Ceesay re-echoed the statements of the Alkalo of Old Yundum and thanked the Jama’at for contributing to the bring education to their door steps. He thanked the Jama’at for its contributions to the welfare of the Gambian people.

In delivering a speech on the topic Hadhrat Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi’s (as) Love for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), Syed Saeed Ul Hassan Shah, Naib Amir and Missionary In-charge told the gathering that to get the pleasure and love of Allah Almighty, one must love the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and follow him. He told the participants that it is impossible to describe the love Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) has for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) with words. He said that Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) has said that no one can attain the nearness to Allah Almighty without loving and following the footsteps of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (as) and that he attained his status as Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) because of his love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (as) and he cited many incidents where Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) stood firm in defending the honour of his master Holy Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad Mustapha (saw) and the numerous poems he composed for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw). He said that the love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was the sustenance of Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) and his love of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was derived from the Holy Quran and Hadith which admonished believers to love and follow the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) but the love Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) had for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was unique. He quoted several excerpts from various sources to illustrate the greatness of the love Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) had for the Holy Prophet Muhammad (as). He said Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (as) found great joy in sending root on the Holy Prophet Muhammad (as).

In delivering a speech on Islam and nation building, Mr. Ebrima Bayo, Principal of Masroor Senior Secondary School spoke at length about the nature of the true Islamic government and how it governs the affairs of the state with Taqwa, fear of Allah Almighty and justice for all irrespective of religious, ethnic or social differences and he cited many examples during the life time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his Khulafas i.e. rightly guided Khalifas.

In delivering a speech on the Death of Hadhrat Issa (as), Mr. Alh. Ebrahima Mbowe spoke at length about the history of crucifixion of Jesus (as) and how Allah Almighty saved him from the cross. He cited many historical evidences in support of his evidence and also quoted Quran and Hadith.

In delivering a speech on the topic what is khalifat and why is it necessary, Mr. Alh. Sekou Omar Dibba said that Khalifat is a divine institution and a Khalifa is a successor of a Prophet and hence his duty is to oversee the work of a prophet after his demise so that the guidance brought by the prophet can be safeguarded and protected from corruption and misinterpretations and abuse. He discussed the mode of election of a Khalifa and the roles and responsibilities of a Khalifa in the welfare of humanity. He quoted the Holy Quran and hadiths to support his discussions.

A separate session was conducted by Lajna Immaillah, the women wing on Saturday 7th April 2012. Sadr (President) of the women wing of the Jama’at Sister Ndey Mariama Correa Bah, delivered her opening speech to her fellow women and advised them to continue the good work they are doing in the cause of Islam. Other speeches were delivered on Jalsa Salana: aims and objectives by Sister Khadijatou Drammeh who spoke at length about the purpose of the institution of Jalsa Salana and quoted Promised Messiah (as) about the purposes of the Jalsa and Sister Baturu S.J. Camara Ceesay, who delivered a speech on The True Meaning of Jihad which she said means striving in the cause of Allah which is designated Jihad is a doctrine the philosophy of which needs to be clearly understood. Failure of its appreciation has caused many people in our age to entertain serious misconceptions. This has rendered the beautiful teachings of Islam open to the criticism by its opponents. The root of the Arabic word Jihad means striving and has been metaphorically applied to fighting in the cause of religion. Muslims fought for self defence, as chastisement for aggression and for the establishment of freedom of conscience. She said Jihad is NOT Holy War, Jihad is NOT blowing up one’s self, Jihad is NOT killing innocent people, Jihad is NOT flying a plane into a building packed with civilians, Jihad is NOT fighting out of anger and hatred, Jihad is NOT killing others just because they don’t agree with you and Jihad is NOT killing others just because they are not Muslims. She said true Jihad is to strive with once time, wealth and person for the cause of Allah, propagation of faith, protecting the right and freedom of humanity and inviting people towards Allah and His messenger (saw), act upon the commandments of Allah and remain steadfast on it despite of all adversities and difficulties and now Jihad has taken a spiritual dimension i.e. it is to strive in raising the Islamic Kalimah, spread the meanings of Islamic Kalimah, give answers to the opponents, spread the beauties of Islamic faith in the world and manifest the truthfulness of the Holy Prophet (saw) to the world. This is the true Jihad until such a time Allah will show another form in the world.

This years Jalsa Salana attracted about 7,000 participants from different parts of the country, Guinea Bissau and Senegal including many dignitaries and record number of women attendances.During the Jalsa prayers were requested for the continuous peace, stability, progress and prosperity of the Gambia and the government of the Gambia and the Jalsa message, prayers and salam of the worldwide spiritual leader of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad to the people of the Gambia was extended gathering. It was attended by many high profile personalities and government officials such as Minister of Local Government and Lands, National Assembly Members, Representative of Governor of North Bank Division, Directors, Magistrate of Mansakonko, Chief Executive Officer of Kanifing Municipal Council, Chiefs, Alkalolu and was addressed by some of them.

May Allah Almighty enable you all to execute your noble duties with much dedication, commitment and blessing and grant you guidance and protection in your noble work. Ameen.

Wassalam