The first PAAMA Midlands general meeting took place on September 20, 2014, after Zuhr prayers at Darul Barakaat Mosque in Birmingham. The meeting was facilitated by PAAMA Midlands President Toban Ephram Sahib and chaired by Midlands Regional Missionary Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Sahib.
After reading opening with Quran recitation and silent prayer, PAAMA Aims and Objectives were shared by General Secretary Midlands, Malik Ofori Sahib.
Next, a plenary discussion focused on ways PAAMA can make a broader impact on British society. PAAMA women were an integral part of the discussion at hand. Themes such as integration, good neighbour relations, academic excellence and character development were mentioned as ways to positively affect British society. Taqwa and righteousness were stressed as the foremost components needed to effect positive change and win Allah’s special Guidance and Support.
MESSAGE FROM PAAMA PRESIDENT
PAAMA President Tommy Kallon Sahib expressed his regret at being unable to attend but sent a written message to the region through Jamil Mwanje Sahib, PAAMA Tarbiyyat Secretary, which was read out on his behalf.
Click Here for full message.
IMPORTANCE OF TEHRIK-E-JADID
PAAMA Tarbiyyat Secretary Jamil Mwanje Sahib expounded upon the importance of contributing to the blessed Tehrik-e-Jadiid scheme. He reminded PAAMA members of a prophecy from our beloved Promised Messiah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) that members of his Jama’at would become the most intelligent people on earth. However, Mwanje Sahib warned that this is not going to be achieved passively but purely by fervent prayers, hard work and intensifying our efforts in academic pursuits.
HADHRAT BILAL
Maulana Abdul Ghaffar Sahib gave a moving, in-depth narrative of the life and history of Hadhrat Bilal (ra). His fortitude, integrity, melodious voice in Adhan calling and unflinching loyalty to the Holy Prophet (saw) earned him the distinction of becoming the first muezzin. Hadhrat Bilal (ra) also enjoyed the special privilege of being the companion the Holy Prophet (saw) leaned on for physical support towards the end of his life when he had become seriously ill, yet remained determined to go to the mosque to pray.
GROUP DISCUSSIONS
Breakout groups formed to discussed two important issues:
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PAAMA women discussed issues specifically affecting women and began brainstorming possible solutions.
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PAAMA men made plans for the upcoming interfaith peace conference in November. Toban Ephram Sahib appointed Ibrahim Bonsu Sahib as chairman for the Peace Conference Organising Committee and proposed an exhibition of various religions be displayed as a prelude to the conference.
The meeting ended with silent prayer followed by refreshments.
Click Here to see photos of the event.