By AmotulHafeez Yussuf
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has held its 9th Annual Rishtanata Seminar, focusing on the significance of matchmaking within the Jama’at as a means to uphold Islamic principles and strengthen community bonds. The event, themed “Matchmaking within the Jama’at,” is a regular feature held as a precursor to the Jalsa Salana. It aims to promote the right practices of Islam related to marriage while addressing challenges faced by marriageable individuals.
The seminar witnessed the coordination of the National Rishtanata (Marital Affairs) Secretary, Mr. Bashirudeen Oyetunji, alongside his assistant, Dr. Taofeek Sanni, who delivered key insights to the audience emphasizing the importance of accepting polygamy, particularly as a solution to the rising number of marriageable women compared to men ready for marriage. He highlighted that marriage, as ordained by Allah, benefits society and provides stability for women. Dr. Sanni further explained that matchmaking, as established under Khilafat, is designed to assist members in finding suitable partners, especially when individual efforts are hindered by geographical or other barriers.
Alh. Dauda Abiola Raji, National President of Majlis Ansarullah Nigeria (Ahmadiyya Muslim Elders Association), encouraged young Ahmadis to marry within the Jama’at to ensure harmony in their marital lives. He praised the Rishtanata Committee’s role in providing guidance and facilitating matches, urging members to maintain good conduct and trust the matchmaking process.
In a joint message, the National President of Lajna Imaillah Nigeria, Mrs. Taofeeqoh Fagbolade, and the National President of Majlis Khuddam Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Mr. AbdurRoqib Akinyemi, advised youths to approach marriage prayerfully and prioritize compatibility. They called on families to actively support their children in finding suitable partners within the Jama’at.
Addressing societal biases against polygamy, Mukarram AbdulQahhar Olowonmi noted that discouraging daughters from becoming second wives often leads to marriages outside the community. He urged mothers to reconsider these views and be strong advocates for the values of the Ahmadiyya Jama’at.
Similarly, Mrs. K.O. Raji, Lajna Imaillah Rishtanata Coordinator, emphasized that the seminar’s goal was to educate members on the benefits of matchmaking within the Jama’at. Quoting the Promised Messiah (as), she reminded parents of the importance of submitting their children’s names for matchmaking to foster unity and adherence to Islamic values.
The seminar concluded with an interactive session where the Rishtanata Counseling Team shared practical marriage tips and answered questions from attendees, reinforcing the collective commitment to strengthening matrimonial bonds within the Jama’at.
