The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has described the current and common palliative measures by the Nigerian government as temporary and unsustainable, urging leaders to prioritize long-term solutions to the nation’s problems.  

Addressing journalists during the press conference for the Platinum Jubilee of the Jalsa Salana (Ahmadiyya Annual Conference) held on 4th December 2024 at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Lagos, the Amir highlighted corruption, bad leadership, and ignorance as the root causes of Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized the need for societal reformation through godliness, integrity, and humane governance.  

“The solution to Nigeria’s challenges lies in self-reformation and adherence to Allah’s commands. Palliatives are a stopgap and will not address the underlying issues of corruption and mismanagement,” the Amir said.  

He advised leaders to adopt humility and respect for humanity in their dealings, citing the importance of empathy in governance. “Leaders should place themselves in the shoes of their people. They must avoid practices that oppress and inconvenience the masses” he noted.  

The revered religious leader also urged Nigerians to hold their leaders accountable while praying for their guidance. Quoting the global leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his helper), he remarked, “Preach to your leaders and tell them the right thing to do. Pray for them because a cursed leader’s actions will ultimately harm the masses.”  

On the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, the Amir highlighted initiatives such as interfaith peace conferences aimed at fostering religious harmony and supporting national progress. He called on traders to desist from price gouging and hoarding, noting that such actions undermine societal well-being.  

He concluded by reiterating that only Allah has the ultimate solution to Nigeria’s problems, urging Nigerians to seek divine guidance and adhere to moral and ethical standards in their daily lives.

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The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has called on Nigerian political leaders to desist from the ostentatious display of wealth, which he described as insensitive to the plight of the masses enduring economic hardship.  

Speaking during the press conference for the 70th Anniversary National Conference (Jalsa Salana), held on 4th December 2024 at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos, the Amir lamented the nation’s current state, noting that while citizens grapple with the rising cost of living, the political elite continue to indulge in excessive opulence.  

He criticized the persistent long convoys of official vehicles, which inconvenience citizens and symbolize the government’s failure to heed the President’s call for reduced cost of governance. “The nation is bleeding, yet the political class continues to display wealth extravagantly. Such practices are both inconsiderate and harmful to our progress,” the Amir stated.  

As part of his recommendations, Alhaji Alatoye urged political leaders to match their actions with their words by adopting modest lifestyles and reducing governance costs. He also called for stricter measures to punish corrupt officials as a deterrent, while urging state governors to implement the payment of minimum wages promptly.  

Furthermore, the Amir advised Nigerians to pray for their leaders while advocating for an end to practices such as price hikes and hoarding by traders. “Only godliness and truthfulness can lead to meaningful progress. Ungodly actions and falsehood are the root of our challenges,” he said.  

He concluded by emphasizing the need for Nigerians to focus on locally made goods and services, describing the high taste for imported items as detrimental to the nation’s economy.

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By Abdulquadri Olanrewaju 

 

The Amir (National Head) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez, has announced preparations for the Platinum Jubilee Anniversary of the Ahmadiyya National Conference, popularly known as Jalsa Salana.  

 

This announcement was made during a press conference held at the Ahmadiyya National Headquarters in Ojokoro, Lagos State, on 4th December 2024.  

 

This year’s conference is scheduled to take place from Friday, 20th December, to Sunday, 22nd December 2024, at the Ahmadiyya Conference Ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Ilaro-Owode Road, Ogun State. Themed with a Quranic declaration “And We Have Sent Thee (Muhammad) Not But As a Mercy For All People” (Qur’an 21:108), the event will explore the exemplary character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) as a model for personal and national reform, highlighting his leadership and beneficence as keys to development.  

 

The conference will feature various sessions, including lectures by renowned scholars addressing critical aspects of the theme. Other key highlights include recitations of the Holy Qur’an, praises of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), a special message from the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Community, and goodwill messages from Nigerian leaders. Notable figures invited to the event include Nigerian President and Commander- In Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors across the federation, as well as political, religious, and traditional leaders. Special prayers will also be offered for the nation’s peace and progress.  

 

In his address, Alhaji Alatoye explained that the Jalsa Salana is the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, initiated by the community’s founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him), in 1891. He emphasized that the gathering is rooted in the Qur’anic principle that states: “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men” (Qur’an 4:115).  

 

The Amir further expatiated that Jalsa Salana serves as a platform to address the moral deficiencies and leadership gaps contributing to societal unrest in the world, particularly in Nigeria. He emphasized the importance of godliness, truthfulness, and righteousness in fostering peace and progress, lamenting the current state of the nation caused by corruption, ignorance, and inhumane acts.  

 

Reflecting on the history of the event, Alhaji Alatoye recounted that the journey toward the 70th anniversary began in April 1949, with a weekly meeting at the Ahmadiyya Central Mosque on Ojo Giwa Street, Lagos Island. This inaugural meeting was attended by 75 delegates, comprising 50 men, 25 women, and children, mirroring the first-ever Jalsa Salana held in Qadian, India, in 1891, which also welcomed 75 participants.  

 

The conference has since evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of attendees worldwide.   

 

Prominent figures such as former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and former Governors Olusegun Osoba and Rauf Aregbesola have also attended past editions of the Jalsa Salana, commending the Ahmadiyya Community for its contributions to peace and development in Nigeria and globally.  

 

In preparation for this year’s historic 70th anniversary event, the Amir has embarked on courtesy visits to key Islamic scholars and traditional rulers across the country. Among those visited are Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello, Sheikh Abbas Zakariyyah in Ibadan, and His Royal Highness Dr. Abubakar Ahmad Sodiq Yakubu, the Ejeh of Anka Kingdom in Abuja, extending invitations to them to join in the event’s spiritual and social upliftment.

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“Jalsa Salana Nigeria -70 years Down the Lane – Our Appreciation to Almighty Allah’’

Jalsa Salana is the Annual Convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community initiated by the community’s founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him). Usually, the gathering spans over three days, beginning on Friday with the Friday Sermon. It derives its Islamic basis and rationale from the Qur’anic promulgation: “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or the making of peace among men. And whoso does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall soon bestow on him a great reward,” (Qur’an, Al-Nisā, Chapter 4 verse 115).

The very first Jalsa was held in Qadian, India, in 1891 and had 75 guests. The very next year, this grew to 327 and by 1908 approximately 2,500 guests were flocking to Qadian for the spiritual gathering. Within 100 years, from 1891-1991, Jalsa Salana Qadian grew from 75 to 66,000 guests.
In Nigeria, the journey towards the annual Islamic conference started in April, 1949, as a weekly meeting for enlightenment and discussions on pressing Islamic issues at the Ahmadiyya first central mosque number 21/23 Ojo Giwa street Lagos Island. 75 delegates attended the historic event, comprising of 50 males and 25 females, including children.

The first Amir to address the gathering was Maulana Naseef Saifi, an erudite Missionary, prolific writer, and motivational speaker, who became the Vice President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists and an Islamic presenter on the National Broadcasting Corporation, NBC.

Professor Ismail Balogun was the Jalsa officer coordinating reception, lectures, accommodation and feeding. Other officers and delegates are Missionary A. B Danmola, representing Ota Jamaat, Ogun state, Brother R.A Ola Oke from Ibadan Jamaat, Honourable Prince .M.A. Sanni from Ife Mission, Alhaji, Abdul Rahim Akinbode , A.R.A Oluwa from Ile Ife Ijede, Lagos, Mallam Murtala Habeebu from Ahmadiyya Village Agbede, in Auchi, Edo State , Alhaji B.B.Balogun, Alhaji O.H.Folorunso and Alhaji H.O. Sanyaolu. May Allah be pleased with them all.

Cooking and feeding of delegates were located at the Reclamation Road, the residence of Sister Nusirat Oniwinde, a member from Gold Coast Ghana and the residence of Alhaji Abdul Wahab Folawiyo. By 1966, the young Lajna (ladies) shifted the cooking to the Ahmadiyya Mission House, 45 Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos Island. Alhaja Princess Hadetu Idiat Kehinde M, Habeebu was in charge.

By 1967 under the Imarat of Maulana Alhaji Nasrudeen Ahmad, Jalsa Salana venue was moved from the mosque to a rented hall, the Saint Goerge Hall, Broad Street opposite Methodist Boys High School, Lagos Island. This was changed to J.K Randle Hall, near Island Hall, Onikan, Lagos in 1968.
In the early years, the venue of Jalsa salana was within the Lagos Island. The Nigerian Head of State General Yakubu Gowon was the first Nigerian leader to send a delegation to the Ahmadiyya annual Islamic gathering. He was represented by the Federal Commissioner for Works Alhaji Femi Okunnu. It was equally remarkable that the Pakistani High Commissioner to Nigeria attended the early Islamic conference, using the avenue to project the image of the Islamic country through audio -visual messages.

In subsequent gatherings, government officials at both the federal, state, local government and the traditional institutions have been attending the Ahmadiyya annual gatherings. Late Mallam Aminu Kano, Federal Commissioner for Health, Late Chief Bisi Onabanjo, late Governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Governor Olusegun Osoba, Late Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Kitoro, Late Emir of Kafanchan, were special guests of honour between 1970s and 1980s.

As the population of the delegates increased, the need for a spacious venue became imperative. The first movement of the Jalsa Salana -the annual Islamic conference occurred in 1969. Under the leadership of the then Amir, Maulana Fazl-Illahi Anweri, the conference was moved outside Lagos Island to the mainland of Lagos. The Muslim Teachers College, Randle Avenue Surulere played host to the gathering from 1969 to 1980.

The choice of the Muslim Teachers College was instructive. It was quite spacious for the large participants across Nigeria and the Ahmadiyya pioneering role in the education sector was a great advantage. The First Principal of the Teachers College was an Ahmadi Muslim, Dr R. A. Balti.
It was on record, that the first Muslim primary school, Fazl Omar Primary school, Elegbata, Lagos Island in 1932 was established by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community along with secondary schools in Agege, (Lagos State) Ibadan, (Oyo state) Ogbagi Akoko, (Ondo state) Ayegunle Gbede, (Kogi state) Kano, (Kano State, Umaisha and Onda, (Nassarawa State).

By 1981, the unprecedented number of delegates to the Jalsa Salana has increased by manifold, the Muslim Teachers College, Surulere, has become grossly inadequate for the current needs. The then Amir, Maulana Ajmal Shahid, (Alias No Problem), longest expatriate Amir, relocated the conference venue to the permanent site and headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria at Ojokoro, Kilometre 27, Lagos – Abeokuta Expressway.

Ojokoro remained the venue of Islamic conference till 1990. The centenary celebration conference of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community globally was held with the presence of the Fourth Khalifat, Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Late Moshood Kashimawo Abiola, MKO then, Alhaji Liad Tella and Femi Abass, visited him, with the Concord Newspapers senior Journalists. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, visited the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida at the State House, Dodan Barracks.

After the centenary Jalsa Salana in Ojokoro, a new Amir Late Maulana Abdul Rasheed Agboola appointed by the Fourth Khalifah, moved the Islamic conference to Ilaro, the present site along Ilaro- Owode road. The leadership of Engineer Hussein Sunmonu, Late Alhaji Muhammad Mahmood Maishanu, Professor Moshuud Fasola, and Barrister Alatoye Folorunso Azeez presided over Jalsa Salana from 1990 till date.

For two years the annual Islamic conference was taken to Abuja for the 2008 and 2009. It was held at Hadeeqah Ahmad, kilometre 27 Abuja -Keffi expressway. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, (Allah Be His Helper), was at the 2008 Abuja gathering.

Former Nigerian President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria centenary annual Jalsa salana in 2016. He appreciated the contributions of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Nigeria and globally in his keynote address.

Other dignitaries who have attended the conference are the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Segun Osoba, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Governor Dapo Abiodun. Islamic Scholars too had the opportunity to participate in the Ahmadiyya Islamic gatherings over the years.

Ahead of this year’s gathering, the Amir, embarked on courtesy visits to prominent Islamic scholars and traditional rulers across the country inviting them to come and share in the grace of ALLAH. He visited Sheikh Muideen Ajani Bello, Sheikh Abbas Zakariyyah in Ibadan and the Ejeh of Anka kingdom in Abuja, His Royal Highness Dr Abubakar Ahmad Sodiq Yakubu.

Features of the 70th Jalsa Salana
The theme of the 70th Jalsa Salana is: “And We Have Sent Thee (Muhammad) Not But As a Mercy For All People” (Q21.108). This is a Qur’anic declaration which is very instructive, as the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) is humanity’s noble specimen and perfect model in beauty and beneficence and in leadership for personal and national reformation and development. In all the various facets of his life and character, he stands unrivalled and an excellent exemplar for men to emulate and follow.

In this light, for both the leadership and followership strata in this country, it is apt for us to assess and explore the blessed life of the Holy Prophet (saw), who personified mercy in all aspects of life and about whom God declared in the Qur’an that: “There has indeed come to you a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is that you fall into trouble; he is ardently desirous of your welfare; and to the believers he is particularly compassionate and Merciful,” (Qur’an, Al- Taubah, Chapter 9 verse 128).

The main highlights of the Islamic gathering are, Recitation of the Holy Quran, Praises of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), Message from the World Leader of the Ahmadiyya Community, Goodwill Messages from the Nigerian leaders, Lectures, Special Prayers/ Tahajjud for all.
We have invited the Nigerian President and Commander- In – Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, some Governors from the Northern and Southern parts of the federation, political and traditional leaders, Islamic Scholars as special guests.

The State of The Nation
Currently, we acknowledge the economic reforms of the present administration and bold decisions of the Nigerian Executives led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The recent cheering news of the complete rehabilitation and full operation of the Portharcourt Refinery after 34 years is welcoming. However, it is regrettable that economic hardships are taken their tolls on average Nigerians but the political class are living in opulence and vagrant display of wealth. We have noticed that the President’s call for reduction in the cost of governance by the Ministers and Governors are not been yielded to.

The citizens are daily harassed by long convoys of official vehicles on the highways. Multiple taxations are still the order of the day. The public power supply – electricity is inadequate despite increase in tariffs and forced migration to Band A. In reality, the Nation is bleeding.

Advice to the Government
The political class must walk -the- talk over pronouncements on reduction of cost of governance. Ministers and Governors should reduce the size of their convoys.
Corrupt officials must be tried, convicted and punished accordingly as a deterrent to others. State governors who are yet to implement the payment of the minimum wage should expedite actions on payments.

Various government incentives to cushion the effects of economic hardship especially cost of food should be re-evaluated, made to work and address the sufferings of the poor.
Elites and privileged in the country should stop their high tastes for imported goods and service, patronise and buy home made goods and services.

At this year’s 70th Jalsa Salana, we have cause to thank Allah, for His Grace and look forward to welcome you all to the event. May Allah the Almighty bless you all. Amin.
Assalamu Alaikum Waramotullah Wabarakatuhu.

Wassalam
Alhaji (Barr.) Alatoye Folorunso Azeez
Amir (National Head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria.

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JALSA SALANA 2023 PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESS

Gentlemen of the press,

As-Salaam Alaykum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakaatuh (May the peace and blessings of Allah be upon you). It pleases me to welcome you all to this press conference. All praise belongs to Allah. We beseech Him to send His peace and blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

I have the honour to announce that Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria will hold the 69^th edition of her Jalsa Salana (the Annual Conference), beginning from Friday, 22^nd through Sunday, 24^th December, 2023, at the Conference Ground, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Ilaro-Owode Road, Ilaro, Ogun State.

For this year’s edition, we have chosen the theme: Taqwa: Pathway to Justice and Peace. The rationale behind this theme is informed by the need to address the current appalling and worrisome state of world affairs, in general, and Nigeria, in particular. The conference, therefore, promises to feature a number of sessions where various scholars will deliver lectures addressing various critical issues and aspects of the theme.

Importantly, Taqwa simply means engaging in acts of righteousness and avoiding evils and sins as inspired by the fear of Allah in one’s heart. According to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) who is the Promised Messiah and Mahdi and Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, (as), “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. That is, one must try to fulfil, to the best of one’s ability, all the requirements in their minutest details,” (Essence of Islam, Vol. I. pp. 347 – 348). The current Khalifa and Supreme Head of the Jama’at, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba), also stated that, “Righteousness demands one to lead life in accordance with the commandments of God and this includes looking at the consequence of everything one embarks upon and having firm belief that God is watching over everything one does. https://www.alislam.org/friday-sermon/2015-03-06.html

Nigerians and the nation Of course, as current affairs in Nigeria show, there is no doubt that the state of affairs of individual is at critical crossroads. We have continued to wallow in the whirlpool of lack of peace and security as evidenced in an array of security issues, including incessant cases of kidnapping for ransom, and ritual and other forms of crimes and the conflict of ethnic and religious identity and expression etc. Also, we have continued to be plagued by the persisting issues of political and development economy and the concomitant increase in the rate of unemployment and poverty, which is being further affected by the rate of forex instability and the immediate effects of the fuel subsidy removal.

It is important to emphasize that at the root of all these situations lies the case of the decline in our adherence to spiritual and ethical values. Particularly, there is dearth of fear of God, good conscience and self-introspection. Unbridled pursuit of crass materialism or the greed for wealth, power and fame has continued to drive people to engage in all sorts of corrupt and fraudulent practices at all levels of our human existence.

According to the Khalifa (aba), “All this is due to an absence of Taqwa and values have changed. If progress has to be made, true values have to be recognized. The current situation is extremely worrying… Today, in order to restore the name of Islam, to create peace between the masses and the leadership, Taqwa is needed and no one is interested to pay attention to this. What is needed is that everyone turns to God and reflects as to what should be done when there is a situation of: ‘Corruption has appeared on land and sea…’ (Qur’an, 30:42). Huzur said the Qur’an gives its solution as did the Holy Prophet (saw). (Friday Sermon, February 25, 2011)

In many places, the Holy Qur’an enjoins us to uphold Taqwa, justice and fairness in all our affairs. It says, O ye who believe! Be steadfast in the cause of Allah, bearing witness in equity; and let not a people’s enmity incite you to act otherwise than with justice. Be always just, that is nearer to righteousness. And fear Allah. Surely, Allah is aware of what you do (Qur’an, 5:9). “And if the people of those towns had believed and been righteous, We would have surely opened for them blessings from heaven and earth; but they disbelieved, so We seized them because of that which they used to earn.” (Qur’an, chapter 7 verse 97). “And he who fears Allah, He will make for him a way out, and will provide for him from where he expects not,” (Qur’an, 65:3-4). “And fear Allah that you may prosper,” (Qur’an, 3:131).

As the Khalifa (aba) has also declared, “The basic lesson that the Founder of the Ahmadiyya community (as) has given us is that peace cannot be established without justice. And justice cannot be established without forming a relationship with the Higher Being. A relationship with the Creator of this world is a prerequisite for justice,” (https://www.alislam.org/articles/recognition-of-creator-required-for-world-peace/). Unless they consider this, they will continue to increase in worldly greed. Taqwa is attained by connecting to God, indeed Taqwa is attained by adopting the ways shown by the Holy Prophet (saw). (Friday Sermon, February 25, 2011).

Speaking further, he said, “Today, the world is in desperate need that it should adopt this attitude at every level, of recognizing its Creator and fulfilling the rights due to His Creation. The people of the world should not only be concerned for their own rights, but should also look at their own obligations and be concerned for the welfare of others. This principle should apply at an individual level, a national level and an international level. It should be adopted by national leaders and should also be observed by the major nations of the world. Without this any effort that takes place will only have a temporary effect, and will not guarantee permanent peace.” (https://www.alislam.org/articles/recognition-of-creator-required-for-world-peace/)

By the grace of Allah, over 40 thousand participants are being expected from across the country, including political, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

The Conference will also feature special daily and night prayer sessions for the prosperity, development, peace and security of Nigeria, innocent people of Palestine the world and humanity in general. We condemn any act of violence against civilians whether by Hamas or Israel. We call for immediate ceasefire and allowance for humanitarian aid in Gaza. We also join in calling for the two states solution where no one country will be a police force to the other. We call on the USA to stop supplying ammunitions to Israel for the extermination of the Palestinian race. All these will be impossible without the fear of God or devotion to righteousness. We commiserate with the people of Kaduna State with the accident that happened on the day of their Maulud Nabbiy in which the military accidentally dropped bombs on innocent civilians celebrating instead of the bandits. May Allah grant us peace in Nigeria.

Conclusively, as the Khalifa (aba) has declared, “In expounding the objectives of Jalsa, while the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) spoke of worship, Tabligh (preaching), Taqwa and many other aspects, he specifically mentioned paying the dues of people, in particular compassion for mankind. If genuine sympathy for mankind is generated, the fulfilment of dues of people is accomplished. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) drew attention to worship, devotion to God and Taqwa and along with this and with similar intensity, he drew attention to gentleness, brotherhood, humility and meekness… We come to the Jalsa for spiritual development and while we keep worship and remembrance of God in view here, we should also pay attention to mutual love and friendship and sympathy. (Friday Sermon, June 1^st, 2012).

In this light, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community urges the political class to reduce, moderate the ostentatious lifestyles and make sacrifices to the people, as the economic situations in Nigeria is becoming unbearable.

While we believe in hope, cheering news on revival of the refineries in Port-Harcourt and coming on stream of Dangote refinery at the end of December keep Nigerians’ hope alive for reduction in prices of petroleum products. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, therefore, urges Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and Dangote Group to ensure that refined petroleum products get to the people at affordable prices.

Long live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Once again, I welcome you all.

Assalamu alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuhu            

Alatoye, Folorunso Azeez

Amir (National Head), Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria.

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JALSA SALANA 2022 PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESS

It is a great honour to welcome you all to this press conference on this year’s 68th Jalsa Salana (Annual Conference) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, which is coming up on Friday, 23rd through Sunday, 25th of December, 2022 at the Jama’at’s Conference Ground at Jamiatul Mubashireen, Ilaro, Ogun State, Nigeria.

It is noteworthy that this 2022 edition of the Jalsa Salana is coming three years after it was last held in 2019 due to the constraints of Covid-19 pandemic. In this respect, let me begin by rendering all praise and glorification to Allah the Almighty by Whose providence we have emerged from the pandemic and now set to hold our first post-covid-19 annual National Conference.

It is interesting to unfold that this 3-day religious gathering holding under the guidance of the World head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih, V (aba) promises to be engaging and impactful, as it will explore the thought-provoking theme “Our Paradise is in our God.”

The rationale behind this God-centered theme is the need of our contemporary time where Nigeria in particular, and the entire world in general, have been wallowing in pervasive insecurity and lack of true peace and happiness due to humanity’s drifting away from the Ultimate God amid unbridled pursuit of crass materialism in the form of acquisition of all forms of power, fame and wealth, among others.

In line with the teachings of Islam, it is the belief of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at that God is the Absolute Peace and Ultimate Source of peace, security and prosperity, as the Holy Qur’an chapter 59 verse 24 declares: “He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him.” We will be focusing on Allah and His Attributes.

The logic is that, since Allah is as described, then all human individual, national and global interests in achieving real prosperity and true peace, security and happiness can only be realized through recognition of the centrality of the place of Allah in the destiny of humanity; and through total submission to His Will and commandments and worship of Him to gain nearness to Him and harvest both spiritual and material bounties from Him. Clearly, this cannot be realized through ungodly and corrupt means which, sadly, have been characterizing world pursuit of crass materialistic interests and goals, as evident in our politics of bitterness and selfishness, pervasive embezzlement of public funds, terrorism and incessant killings, rampant kidnapping for ransom or ritual and other various fraudulent practices, fictitious subsidy and overburden interest affecting all facets of our individual, national and global affairs.

To explore and dissect the various important dimensions of this God-centered theme, various lectures to be delivered by erudite scholars have been slated for the event. They include: Recognition of Allah: Panacea to the World problems; Our Paradise is in our God,; Khilaafat: The Rope of Allah; The Promised Messiah’s Absolute Trust in Divine Help; Growing the Jama’at morally and spiritually; and Hadrat Abdur Rahman bin ‘Auf and Hadrat Maulana Ghulam Rasool Raajiki Sahib: Two pious examples of relationship with Allah Almighty, among others.
Furthermore, in line with the long tradition of the Jama’at in the area of advocacy and promotion of education for all, there will be academic awards to members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria who distinguished themselves in academics in the last three years from various institutions of higher learning at home and abroad.

 

Other features of the event will include an exhibition, solemnization of mass nikah (marriage), and medical outreach, among others. It is also worthwhile to note that, apart from over 70 thousand expected participants at the three-day event, several very important personalities from various leadership strata of Nigerian society, including political, religious, traditional, and other leaders are expected to grace the historic event.

In the same vein, as love for one’s nation has been declared in a Prophetic Tradition as part of faith, the conference will also hold special prayer sessions for the success of the forthcoming 2023 elections in Nigeria that Allah, Who is the Ultimate Elector, may choose for us leaders of His own choice at all levels of political leadership in the country.
Importantly, I would like to impress the fact that the holding of Jalsa Salana is a long tradition within the fold of Ahmadiyya that dates back to December, 1892 when the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) held the first ever annual conference. Ever since then, it has become an annual tradition across the over 200 countries and territories where the Jama’at has been established. Declaring the fundamental purpose of Jalsa Salana, He (as) stated in a published announcement that:
“The primary purpose of this Convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits they may enhance their knowledge and due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah, the Exalted, their perception may progress.
Among its secondary benefits is that this congregational meeting together will promote mutual introduction among all brothers, and it will strengthen the fraternal ties within this community…
“It is essential for all those who can afford to undertake the journey that they must come to attend this convention which embodies many blessed objectives. They should disregard minor inconveniences in the cause of Allah and His Prophet (saw) at every step of their way, and no labour and hardship undertaken in His way ever goes to waste. I reemphasize that you must not rank this convention in the same league as other ordinary human assemblies. This is a phenomenon that is based purely on the Divine help for propagation of Islam.” (Ishtihar, 7 Dec.1892, Majmū’ah Ishtiharāt, vol.1, page 341)
Of course, the holding of this annual conference is in line with the Qur’anic imperative declaration that: “There is no good in many of their conferences except the conferences of such as enjoin charity, or goodness, or making of peace among men. And whoso does that, seeking the pleasure of Allah, We shall soon bestow on him a great reward.” (Qur’an, 4:115).
In conclusion, no better way to close this address other than the same way the Holy Founder of the Jama’at (as) has concluded his announcement on the first Jalsa Salana, saying that “I conclude with the prayer that everyone who travels for (attending) this Conference that is for the sake of Allah, may Allah the Exalted, be with him, reward him in abundant measure, have mercy on him, ease up for him his circumstances of hardship and anxiety and eliminate his anguish and grief….
May He be their Guardian in their absence until after their journey comes to an end. O Allah! O Sublime One and Bestower of bounties, the Ever-Merciful and One Who resolves all problems, do grant all these prayers, and geant us victory over our opponents with scintillating signs, because You alone have all the prowess and power. Āmīn!” (Ishtihar, 7 Dec.1892, Majmū’ah Ishtiharāt, vol.1, page 341)

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