By AbdulMusowir Akorede
In a strategic effort to enhance the spiritual and intellectual impact of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at in Nigeria, the Director of Raqeem International Press, United Kingdom and Head of Managers, Raqeem International Press Africa, Mu’allim Muzafar Malik Ahmad, convened a high-level meeting with Isha’at (Publications) Secretaries across the country. The engagement focused on strengthening literature propagation and aligning local publishing efforts with global standards.
The meeting was attended by a distinguished delegation, including the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji Alatoye AbdulAzeez, the Missionary-in-Charge, Mukarram Adnan Tahir, and other senior officials of the Jama’at.
In his remarks, the Amir expressed deep appreciation to the Director of Raqeem Press for the sustained technical support and professional expertise the institution has provided to the Nigerian Jama’at over the years. He described the partnership as instrumental to the growth and effectiveness of the Jama’at’s publication efforts.
Explaining the motivation behind his visit, Mu’allim Muzafar Malik Ahmad disclosed that it followed a recent meeting with the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).
He emphasized that his sole mission in Nigeria was to advance the propagation of the Promised Messiah’s (as) message through high-quality literature. Highlighting the meticulous nature of the work, he noted that translating a single book from Urdu to English can take seven to ten years, underscoring the Jama’at’s uncompromising commitment to accuracy and excellence.
Reflecting on history, the Director recalled that the printing presses in Nigeria and Ghana were among the first of their kind in West Africa. He reminded participants that these presses were established for spiritual service, not commercial gain.
He noted that “the purpose of establishing a printing press is not to generate revenue for the Jama’at, Its primary objective is the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyya. To achieve this, Huzoor has directed that every publication must meet the highest standards of quality.”
A major theme of the address was the urgent need to cultivate a strong reading culture, particularly among the youth. Mu’allim Malik Ahmad encouraged parents and Isha’at Secretaries to introduce children to Jama’at literature from an early age, noting that age-appropriate materials are readily available.
He also called for the production of literature that addresses contemporary social and intellectual challenges, citing Al-Hakam and The Review of Religions as exemplary models of modern Islamic scholarship and engagement.
Bringing the session to a close, Mu’allim Muzafar Malik Ahmad announced that several long-awaited publications had been successfully printed within the year. He charged the Isha’at Secretaries with the responsibility of ensuring the immediate and effective distribution of these books to Jama’at members.
The meeting concluded with an interactive Question-and-Answer session, during which participants raised concerns and sought guidance on local publishing challenges, logistics, and distribution strategies, further reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the engagement.
