By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria (AMJN) has held her 69th annual conference, Jalsa Salana on 22nd to 24th December, 2023 at the conference ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Ilaro-Owode road, Ogun state.
The convention was themed, Taqwa: Pathway to Peace and Justice was chosen to address the current appalling and worrisome state of world affairs, in general, and Nigeria, in particular.
The conference featured a number of sessions where various scholars delivered lectures addressing various critical issues and aspects of the theme.
At the event, The Amir Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alh. (Barr.) AbdulAzeez Folorunsho Alatayo defined taqwa – righteousness, as engaging in acts of goodness and avoiding evils and sins as inspired by the fear of Allah in one’s heart. He quoted the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad saying “Righteousness means that one must be mindful even of the smallest details of the Divine trusts and covenants and also of all the trusts and covenants of one’s fellow beings, as far as it may be possible. He called the Nigerian faithful, political leaders, to uphold justice as a key prerequisite to a peaceful society.
Barr. Alatoye also stated, “We must listen to Huzur speeches and sermon every Friday to improve ourselves intellectually, by way of faith, and by way of knowledge”. While reiterating on ways to uphold peace, Amir added, “A good Ahmadi will take prayers as his tools. I strongly encourage us to take prayers importantly”.
While delivering his compelling lecture on the theme of the Jalsa, Mukarram AbdulQahhar Olowonmi illuminated with profound insights into the guiding principles of Taqwa, while establishing its deep connection as the guiding light on the journey towards true justice and lasting peace. He articulated, “God-consciousness or righteousness is the true magnetic fillip that will invite peace and justice into the human social space”.
He continued that “Taqwa is a unique concept encapsulating the believer’s state of alertness, caution, seriousness and sense of duty. It acts as a channel through which Muslims relate with one another in the society and also a medium to link their actions”.
The renowned scholar also asserted, “One of the major constituents of a peaceful society is its economic affairs. In other words, a nation cannot be peaceful if its economic aspect is unjust and inequitable.” Mukarram Olowonmi stressed the necessity for every nation to handle the economic situation of its people with the principles of justice and equity in order to achieve peace.
The event also featured esteemed guests, including Hon. Ishak Salako, Minister of State, Environment and Ecological Management who praised the peaceful teachings of the Promised Messiah and addressed the current need the world which is peace, he said, “You are representatives of Allah on Earth and this is the time you are being put to test to keep upholding Peace”.
Among other respected personalities that graced the convention were Oba Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, Olu of Ilaro, Paramount Ruler of YewaLand and Honorable Yahya Ismail, Commissioner for Special Duties, Kogi state.
The conference featured various programs, including presentation of academic merit awards, mass wedding, tabligh seminars, prayers for the deceased, and more.
The successful conclusion of the program saw 24,417 members and 5,920 guests, totaling 30,357 attendees who benefitted from the enlightening discussions on achieving societal harmony.
