The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria (AMJN) has successfully concluded its 71st Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana), with a fervent call on world leaders and the Muslim Ummah to embrace absolute justice and divine unity as the only viable solutions to the escalating global crises.

The three-day spiritual gathering, held between Friday, 19th and Sunday, 21st December 2025, at the Jamia Ahmadiyya ground along Ilaro-Owode road, Ogun State, attracted an attendance of 35,770 delegates from Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and Equatorial Guinea, with thousands more joining virtually via Jalsa Salana Connect TV.

Centered on the theme “And Hold Fast, All Together, By The Rope of Allah And Be Not Divided,” the convention served as a platform for spiritual rejuvenation and strategic discourse on national development.

In his opening address, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, charged the faithful to adopt an “Intellectual Jihad” rather than aggression. He emphasized that the challenges facing the modern world require a defense of Islam rooted in moral excellence and rational engagement. The Amir reiterated that the “Rope of Allah” signifies a collective reliance on the Holy Qur’an and the institution of Khilafat, urging Nigerians to turn to sincere prayer and “Tawakkul” (reliance on Allah) as the ultimate panacea to the nation’s economic and security challenges.

The intellectual tone of the convention was further set by the renowned academic, Prof. Sa’eed Olurotimi Timehin of the Lagos State University, who delivered the main lecture on Saturday. Speaking on “Unity Is Strength: Lessons from Islamic History as a Guide to Contemporary Global Challenges,” Prof. Timehin identified racial arrogance and the systemic injustice of Western powers as the root causes of global terrorism. He argued that the world’s only escape from chaos lies in embracing the Islamic concept of unity grounded in justice, asserting that the Ahmadiyya Community, under the leadership of its Supreme Head, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), possesses the spiritual architecture to lead this global unification.

The academic don also attributed Nigeria’s lingering instability to deep-seated injustices and governance failures, urging that government should address all acts of injustice that have given birth to feelings of resentment and rancour in all regions to achieve peace and stability in Nigeria.

Adding a diplomatic weight to the discourse, the former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafadeen Tunji Ishola, lauded the Jama’at as the “true representatives of what Islam stands for.” Visibly impressed by the serenity of the gathering, the diplomat commended the Community for its century-long contribution to Nigeria’s education and health sectors. He challenged the wider Muslim community to emulate the discipline and brotherhood exhibited at the Jalsa, noting that if such unity could be replicated nationally, Nigeria would overcome its security challenges.

The convention also featured a series of high-impact social and spiritual interventions. In a landmark move, the Ahmadi Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (AMLAN) launched its maiden “Free Legal Clinic,” described as a “professional gift” to complement the spiritual blessings of the gathering. Simultaneously, the community celebrated family values with a mass Nikkah ceremony for 16 couples, preceded by a unique counseling session led by the Amir and Heads of Auxiliary Bodies.

Furthermore, the Jama’at reaffirmed its commitment to intellectual excellence by presenting merit awards to 68 members, ranging from university professors to secondary school students, while also rallying academic elites to support the newly licensed Minaret University in Ikirun, Osun State.

The event was graced by a host of distinguished personalities, including the Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Dr. Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle; the Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ilaro, Dr. Mikhail Akinde; the Managing Director of Raqeem Press International, UK, Sir Malik Muzaffar Ahmed; and Alhaji Fadil Olaniyi Ajadi, Commissioner, Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission, representing Senator Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi). Religious leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Chief Imam of Ilaro were also in attendance, underscoring the convention’s spirit of interfaith harmony.

In the communique issued at the end of the conference, the Jama’at resolved that unity among Muslims is a divine command essential for strength and progress. It further called on all citizens to become righteous role models for future generations, emphasizing that character building begins at home.

The convention concluded with a special prayer led by the Amir for the peace, stability, and prosperity of Nigeria and the world at large.

The post Ahmadiyya Holds 71st Annual Convention, Advocates Global Unity and Intellectual Jihad for World Peace appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

The Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama‘at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye Folorunso, has declared that the Jihad of the current age must be fought with intellectual discourse and moral excellence, not with aggression.

Addressing thousands of faithful during his Jumu’ah sermon on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the 71st Jalsa Salana Nigeria, the Amir directed the focus of the community toward the true spirit of peaceful propagation and the urgent need to adopt contemporary tools for the spread of Islam.

In a direct charge to the youth and professionals within the Jama’at, the Amir underscored the necessity of evolving with the times. While acknowledging the value of traditional preaching, he urged members to embrace modern technology, specifically highlighting social media platforms as vital tools to extend the message of the Promised Messiah (as) to a global audience, adding that an effective digital propagation must be rooted in deep spirituality.

Quoting guidance from the World Head of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), Alhaji Alatoye emphasized that anyone involved in Tabligh must first maintain a sincere relationship with Almighty Allah. He also clarified that Islam does not permit aggression under any guise, noting that while some still wrongly perceive physical warfare as a means of propagation, the true teachings of Islam stipulate that war is permitted only in self-defense.

“The present-day Jihad of Muslims should be centered on intellectual discourse, moral excellence, and peaceful propagation,” he reaffirmed.

The Amir placed heavy emphasis on the power of personal conduct. He urged members to maintain exemplary behavior, noting that good character often attracts hearts even before words are spoken. He further advised on the need for patience and restraint when faced with hostility. Reminding the congregation of the blessed example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw), he stated that foul words encountered during propagation should be met with kindness, composure, and gentleness, rather than retaliation.

Dispelling the notion that preaching is the sole preserve of appointed missionaries, the Amir declared that every member of the Jama‘at bears a collective responsibility to spread the message, stressing that to do this effectively, every propagator must attain a deep and meaningful understanding of the Holy Qur’ān. Sound knowledge, he reiterated, is what strengthens confidence and ensures the accurate representation of Islamic teachings.

The national president reminded the participants that Jalsa Salana is a sacred gathering devoted to peace, unity, and worship. He urged all attendees to avoid any form of discord and to display exemplary conduct throughout the convention.

The post “The Sword of this Age is Knowledge” – Amir AMJN appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

In a powerful call to unity and absolute obedience, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye Folorunso, has declared that the divine blessings of Khilafat cannot be attained without full submission to the administrative system of the Jama’at.

He made this declaration on Friday while delivering his Inaugural Address to flag off the 71st Jalsa Salana Nigeria at the conference ground in Ilaro.

Speaking on the theme of the convention, “And hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided” (Quran 3:104), the Amir explained that this verse contains the most profound directives regarding communal life, spiritual brotherhood, and the believers’ attachment to the institution of Khilafat.

He elucidated that the “Rope of Allah” refers to the Messenger sent by God, and by extension, the system of Khilafat that follows prophethood. He warned that any attempt to separate one’s relationship with the Khalifa from the Jama’at administrative system is a spiritual fallacy.

Quoting the guidance of the World Head of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Amir reiterated that the system of the Jama’at is an extension of the Khalifa’s hand. He reminded the gathering that whoever obeys the Amir has obeyed the Khalifah, and whoever disobeys the Jama’at leadership has, in effect, disobeyed the Khalifah.

Alhaji Alatoye issued a solemn warning to those who might be tempted to loosen their hold on this rope while remaining outwardly within the Jama’at. He cautioned that such individuals do not merely bring about their own ruin by stepping outside God’s protection, but also risk becoming a cause of ruin for others around them.

Concluding his inaugural address, the Amir reminded the thousands of attendees that treading the path of righteousness (Taqwa), establishing regular prayers, and advancing in financial sacrifice are the practical ways to tighten one’s hold on the Rope of Allah.

The atmosphere at the Jalsa ground remained charged with a sense of solemn responsibility as the Amir formally hoisted the Liwai-Ahmadiyyat, signaling the commencement of the three-day spiritual gathering.

The post “You Cannot Separate Khilafat from the System” – Amir Charges Members appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

The Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Abdul Azeez Alatoye Folorunso, has charged serving missionaries to prioritize personal moral reformation, declaring that true propagation begins not on the pulpit, but within the community.

Addressing a congregation of Muballighīn and Mu‘allimīn (Missionaries) at the Rabwah Multipurpose Hall on Friday, December 19, 2025, the Amir set the tone for the 71st Jalsa Salana Tabligh Seminar by establishing an inseparable link between moral training (Tarbiyyah) and preaching (Tabligh).

In his keynote address, Alhaji Alatoye emphasized that effective propagation requires credibility. He noted that an individual’s conduct with their own relatives is the true indicator of their readiness to invite others into the Jama’at. According to him, drawing people to the faith must be preceded by personal reformation, as moral excellence strengthens the message being conveyed.

He described Tarbiyyah as the backbone of Tabligh, highlighting that discipline is an essential element of spiritual development. The primary objective of the seminar, he explained, was to reinforce the reality that without high moral standing, preaching lacks impact. He urged everyone involved to serve as living examples of Islamic values, noting that people are often influenced more by actions than by words alone.

While expressing appreciation for the sacrifices of the missionaries over the past year, the Amir cautioned against passivity. He encouraged every missionary to make deliberate, proactive efforts toward gaining new converts. He acknowledged that while guidance ultimately comes from Allah, sincere effort and proactive engagement are required from the missionaries to spread the message effectively.

Furthermore, the Amir called on the participants to actively embrace modern means of communication. He described social media platforms as a contemporary frontier for effective Tabligh and urged the missionaries to utilize these tools responsibly to extend the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to wider audiences.

Concluding his address, Alhaji Alatoye admonished the missionaries to uphold the highest standards of decency and discipline within their homes and communities, reiterating that consistent moral integrity is the fuel for successful propagation.

The seminar concluded with participants expressing a renewed motivation to intensify their efforts, particularly through the adoption of the modern methods highlighted during the session.

The post “Reformation Precedes Propagation” – Amir Charges Missionaries at Jalsa 2025 appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

With a charge to balance tireless service with fervent prayer, the Amir (National President) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has urged Jalsa volunteers to prioritize prayers during their duties, reminding them that the entire convention ground is a sanctuary for supplication.

The inspection and inauguration ceremony, held on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, marked the final countdown to the convention, with hundreds of male and female volunteers declaring their readiness to serve the guests of the Promised Messiah (as).

In his address, Alhaji Alatoye expressed deep gratitude to Allah for making Jalsa 2025 a reality, acknowledging the initial fears regarding the nation’s prevailing security climate. He noted that the present situation necessitates heightened security awareness, alongside increased prayers and sacrifices as directed by the World Head of the Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba).

The Amir issued a strong spiritual directive regarding Salat, warning that while service is a blessing, it must not become an excuse to neglect obligations to Allah. He cautioned that no participant should deliberately neglect congregational prayers under the pretext of Jalsa duties, other than exceptional cases. He added that service at Jalsa Salana should be rendered solely for the pleasure of Allah, without expectation of any material reward or incentive.

Conveying a message from His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), the Amir urged volunteers to elevate their standard of service, sacrifice, and worship. He advised the workforce to adopt a four-point operational mantra: to think, talk, act, and evaluate their outcomes constantly.

He further warned against spiritual ailments such as backbiting, arrogance, and ego. Citing the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he reminded the workers that backbiting consumes good deeds just as fire consumes dry wood, urging them to instead embody the Quranic principles of charity, goodness, and reconciliation.

Setting the tone for the event earlier, the Officer Jalsa Salana (OJS) presented a comprehensive briefing on the state of preparedness. He highlighted that lessons learned from the Platinum Jubilee had driven significant operational improvements and attributed this progress to the continued guidance of the Respected Amir Sahib and the unwavering sacrifices of the Jama’at members.

The event was attended by top officials including the Na’ibīn Amīr (Vice National Presidents), the General Secretary, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, and Sadr Lajna Imaillah Nigeria. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm as volunteers moved to their respective posts, fully mobilized for the days ahead.

The post JALSA 2025: “No Duty Should Stop Your Salat” – Amir Urges Volunteers appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.

A place where people from all walks of life gather for the purpose of improving their moral and spiritual standards as well as increasing their mutual love and understanding through Islamic brotherhood, that is JALSA SALANA.

The heart of every member of the Ahmadiyya community is filled with joy and happiness at the mention of jalsa salana, never mind the occasion itself.

Every attendee, members and non-members alike, can attest to the peaceful and harmonious environment they find themselves in during the days of Jalsa, to the extent that they wish it never come to an end.

However, in order for all of these to be achieved, prospective Jalsa attendees need to thread with caution when it comes to dealing with one another, especially while correcting your fellow Jalsa attendees, in order not to turn a haven of peace and tranquillity into an exhibition of hatred and discord.

        THE NEED TO CORRECT WITH WISDOM 

The world, as we all know, is now a global village. This translates to the fact that almost all, if not all gatherings consist of people from different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

Nigeria, for example, has over 250 ethnic groups dwelling within her landscape. Furthermore, aside from the two popular religions, namely Islam and Christianity, there are other religious groups found in the country, thereby making our society a heterogeneous one.

Jalsa Salana Nigeria is expected to accommodate people from different socio-cultural backgrounds all over the country. Each ethnic group, aside from having different languages also have varying ethics and ethos of their community.

It is therefore expected that there could be differences in ideas and opinions as well as some behavioural differences during this noble gathering. Whenever this difference in opinion occurs, it is our responsibility to correct one another with wisdom.

This isn’t just advice, it is actually an injunction by Allah the Almighty as said in the holy Qur’an ch 16 vs 126

ادع الي سبيل ربك با الحكمة و الموعظة الحسنة و جادلهم با التي هي احسن ان ربك هو اعلم بمن ضل عن سبيله و هو اعلم با لمهتدين

‘’Call unto the way of thy Lord with wisdom and goodly exhortation, and argue with them in a way that is best. Surely, thy Lord knows best who has strayed from His way; and He knows those who are rightly guided.’’

In the verse above, Allah commands the holy prophet (saw) and by extension, his followers to always correct people not just with wisdom but also by good exhortation. This means that we should never be harsh while correcting our fellow attendees of Jalsa.

The verse further states that even when an argument ensues, we should present our argument in the best manner. This is because, as stated in the concluding part of the verse, Allah knows best who is right and who is wrong, none of us knows.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is reported to have said in a hadith reported on the authority of Hadhrat Abu Hurairah (ra) that: He isn’t a powerful man, he who could overcome his opponent in physical combat, but the powerful one is he who controls himself during the time of anger. ( Bukhari and Muslim ). 

This means that controlling one’s anger is the best way to be regarded as a powerful one not by displaying it.

During his Friday sermon on the 26th of July 2024, whilst addressing the jalsa UK workers and volunteers, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) stated ‘’they should consider all guests to be the guests of the promised messiah. The volunteers should exhibit the highest standards of morality. They should overlook whatever behaviour may be displayed by the guests and should maintain their own high standards of behaviour‘’

He further states ;

‘’The promised messiah used to say that the heart of a guest is like a mirror, it is fragile and must be carefully cared for. It can shatter upon the smallest thing and be put on trial over the smallest thing.

From the above-quoted sermon of our beloved Imam, it is obvious that aside from members of the community, guests who are non-members or even non-muslims are also expected to be among the jalsa attendees. Jalsa workers, volunteers and other members who will be attending jalsa would therefore be doing a huge disservice not just to themselves but also to the jama’at if they fail in applying wisdom by either ignoring people’s faults or correcting their errors in the best manner.

His Holiness further states ;

Volunteers and guests should bear in mind that there are non-ahmadis and non-muslims attending the jalsa as well. Hence, if they exhibit the highest level of morality, then this will serve as a form of silent propagation (tabligh) which greatly impacts the guest.

THE ART OF CORRECTING WITH WISDOM

Allah, the Almighty, is the only being that is perfect. As for human beings, we cannot be perfect, we only need to strive to improve our morals and spiritual standards every day of our lives.

The only perfect human being was our prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), this was because he followed Allah’s injunctions to the letter. One of those injunctions includes:

فبما رحمة من الله لنت لهم ولو كنت فظا غليظ القلب لانفضوا من حولك فاعف عنهم واستغفر لهم وشاورهم في الأمر فإذا عزمت فتوكل على الله إن الله يحب المتوكلين

‘’ And it is by the great mercy of Allah that thou art kind towards them, and if thou hadst been rough and rough- hearted, they would surely have dispersed from around thee. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult them in matters of administration, and when thou art determined, then put thy trust in Allah, surely Allah loves those who put their trust in Him’’. ( Ch 3 Vs 160)

The verse above shows that only the mercy of Allah makes one kind-hearted. It further states that anyone who is rash and hard-hearted will only disperse people from around him. Jalsa workers and volunteers alike should therefore take note of this and try not to be the reason why people disperse from Jalsa.

Allah, The Almighty then goes on to teach us ways to achieve this. Namely;

1. Pardon Them: فا عف عنهم

   The first thing is to be willing and ready to pardon people who wrong or offend us, or go against any given rule of this blessed gathering.

       2. Ask forgiveness for them:و استغفر لهم 

        Aside from pardoning such people, we should also help them to seek forgiveness from Allah, The Almighty.

      3. And consult them in matters of administration:   و شاورهم ف الامر

        The next step therefore is to consult them, and seek their opinions as to why they have decided to do what they have done. This will not only allow us to realize their point of view but also allow us to correct them in the best possible manner.

        4.  And when you are determined, put your trust in Allah: فإذا عزمت فتوكل على الله

        Lastly, we should always pray to Allah to grant us wisdom in order to control the situation around us better. Also, may Allah grants wisdom and understanding to our fellow Jalsa attendees as He is the only one who could make us achieve anything we desire to achieve.

Therefore, in order to have a harmonious Jalsa, these guidelines should be followed to the latter.

The Khalifah of the time also advised us in the sermon quoted earlier, 26th, July 2024, that 

“In such gatherings, it is possible for disagreements to arise. It could be that a guest becomes displeased with a volunteer and says something to them, and then perhaps the volunteer also responds in a certain way which starts a back-and –forth. This creates a negative aura and impacts the environment, even if such instances are sparse. Allah the Almighty says that true believers suppress their anger. Hence, both the one being wronged then even then they should exhibit patience. If a volunteer feels that a guest is being unjust in what they are saying, then they should do away with anger.

I conclude with the prayers of His Holiness that “  May Allah enable everyone to implement these things and may the Jalsa be blessed in every respect”  Aamin.

About the Author

A trained missionary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria and has been serving for over 13 years. He’s also the Ondo Dil’a Qaid i.e the Ondo district head of Majlis khuddam ul Ahmadiyya Nigeria . A public speaker as well as an aspiring writer . Currently serving the Jama’at as a missionary in Ondo town, Ondo state.

The post CORRECTING BEHAVIORS WITH WISDOM AND COMPASSION; A GUIDE FOR HARMONIOUS JALSA appeared first on Jalsa Salana Nigeria.