NIGERIA AHMADIYYA CENTENARY EVENT
By Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK
On Sunday the 20th of November 2016 the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK held a function to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the inception of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria.
The function which took place in the Tahir hall of Baitul Futuh and was chaired by Respected Amir UK Sahib was well attended by African dignitaries, community leaders and representatives of African High Commissions in the UK, non-PAAMA Jama’at guests and the general membership of PAAMA across the UK.
The programme commenced with registration of attendees and an exhibition showcasing Ahmadiyya Nigeria’s achievement over the last 100 years, in addition to exhibitions by Humanity First and IAAAE.
Before the formal session commenced, Respected Amir Sahib met with the dignitaries in the VIP lounge and gave them a brief overview of the teachings of our Jama’at. Amir Sahib personally gave the dignitaries a brief tour of the library and exhibition at Baitul Futuh before ushering them into the main hall to view the ‘History of Nigeria’, Humanity First and IAAAE exhibitions on projects in Africa.
After guests and dignitaries were seated the programme officially commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mansur Abiola Osota and an English translation by Abdullah Sultan Sadiq.
In his Welcome Address, PAAMA President, Tommy Kallon, expressed his gratefulness to the distinguished guests for gracing the occasion. He also gave a brief overview of the contributions made by the Jama’at over the past century in Nigeria and Africa.
A speech on the History of Ahmadiyyat in Nigeria was given by Alhaj Hamzat Olayiwola Adesanu. In his speech he enumerated in detail the various key personalities who played a vital role in the establishment of Jama’at Ahmadiyya in Nigeria and highlighted the various events that unfolded during this time to strengthen the establishment of the Jama’at in Nigeria. He also narrated the sequence of events and missionaries the Jama’at was blessed with at the time and noting the production of the first Muslim newspaper in the country “The Truth” (established in 1951), as one of the milestones of the Jama’at in Nigeria.
Goodwill Message from Amir Jama’at Ahmdiyya Nigeria
A Goodwill Message from the Amir Jama’at Ahmadiyya Nigeria was presented by Ahmed Mamman, a new Ahmadi convert of Nigerian provenance. In his message, Respected Amir Nigeria relayed that Jama’at Ahmadiyya Nigeria established its first Muslim schools in the country at a time when Muslims of the country shunned Western education thus confirming that Islam was not opposed to the acquisition of secular education. The Jama’at also established the first clinics and hospitals in the north and west of the country, Amir Nigeria Sahib recounted. From humble beginnings at a private residence in 1916, the Jama’at has grown to 500 Jama’at and 700 mosques and is the most respected and followed in the country. He wished us all a successful centenary celebration.
Speeches by Dignitaries
This was followed by addresses by some of the distinguished guests present. In his short speech, Mr Godfrey Kwoba, Counsellor Commercial & Economic Matters, Republic of Uganda High Commission, expressed his delight to join in the celebration of the Ahmadiyya Nigeria Centenary. He noted that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has been at the forefront of education in many African countries. He associated himself particularly with the humanitarian endeavours of the Jama’at especially Humanity First which he noted runs more than 20 programs in Uganda and Africa.
The Chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Mr Babatunde Loye, expressed his attraction to the slogan: “Love for All, Hatred for None”. He thanked PAAMA for inviting him to the event and expressed his solidarity with PAAMA.
Her Royal Highness, Queen Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I, expressed her gratitude to PAAMA UK for the invitation and expressed her delight in being accorded the privilege to speak at the event. She echoed the call for peace and stated that the event was a platform for the propagation of peace.
Chief Femi Okutubo, Founder and CEO of the Trumpet Media Group, thanked PAAMA for the continued relationship we have with him, stating that he had twice attended Jalsa Salana UK at the behest of PAAMA and expressed his desire to continue to work with PAAMA in all aspects.
Keynote Address
The Keynote Address was given by Respected Amir UK, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib. Amir Sahib mentioned his roots in East Africa and went on to remind the audience about the emphasis and attention given by Huzur Aqdas (aba) to the progress of the Jama’at in Africa. He further mentioned that Huzur Aqdas (aba) is leading the campaign to enable Africa to become self-sufficient.
Amir Sahib reiterated the message by Huzur Aqdas (aba) at the ‘Africa at 50’ events organised by PAAMA: “I truly believe that the time is fast approaching for Africa to lead the world and in order to lead the world it is necessary to bring about revolutionary changes within ourselves. Each citizen and each leader must put aside their own thoughts and interests in order to strengthen, consolidate and serve the national interest.”
Amir Sahib then gave a detailed review of the history of the Jama’at in Nigeria, highlighting the various achievements Jama’at Ahmadiyya has made in the country through the numerous activities led by pioneer and subsequent missionaries. In conclusion Amir Sahib stated that we should all remember Nigeria in our prayers and as one of the most progressive nations in Africa it has the potential of doing great things in the future.
To conclude the formal session ceremony, Amir Sahib led the gathering in silent prayers after which dinner was served.
Attendance
Total registered attendance at the event was 360 members including members of the PAAMA National Executive and members from all regions of PAAMA.
84 guests were recorded in attendance including the following dignitaries:
- Godfrey Kwoba – Counsellor Commercial & Economic Matters, Republic of Uganda High Commission
- Bernardino Pacheco – Counsellor General, Republic of Angola High Commission
- Chief Babatunde Loye – Chairman, Central Association of Nigerians in the UK
- Chief Oluseyi Obadare – President NANC
- Chief Mrs Yemisi Sanusi – WHO/UN Representative on Mental Health
- HRM Queen Naa Tsotsoo Soyoo I
- HRM Crown Prince Luqman Oladigbolu of Oyo State
- HRM Princess Ashake Oladigbolu of Oyo State
- Alhaj Animasahun – Chief Imam, Al-Nur Muslim Society
- Alhaj Dauda Awwal – Imam, Darul Salam Islamic Organisation Leeds
- Dayo Olomu – Nigerian Community Leader.
- Chief Omotunde Komolafe – Founder, IROKO & BAOBAD AWARDS
- Abbey Paseda – CEO, Focus on Disability Foundation
- Alderman Erelu Ayonrinde – Former Mayor of Wandsworth
- Chief Femi Okutubo – Editor Trumpet News
Dear Sir,
It was a remarkable event,the moderator did not call me to deliver my speech.
OFFICIAL SPEECH OF ALH.DAUDA AWWAL
(Investigative Journalist & The first translator of the Holy Quran from Arabic to Yoruba in UK)
AT BAITUL FUTUH MOSQUE,181 LONDON ROAD,MORDEN,SURREY SW4 5PT CELEBRATING A CENTURY OF SERVICE BY NIGERIA AHMADIYYAH CENTENARY IN NIGERIA AND AFRICA.
DATE:20TH NOVEMBER 2016
Written by Alh.Daud Awwal
Your Excellencies, Your Royal Highnesses, Spiritual Leaders, Visionary Leaders, Top Government Officials local and International, The President and National Executive of the Pan-African Ahmadiyyah Muslim Association, the organizers, Imams, Missionaries, Gentlemen of Press. Ladies and Gentlemen.
Assalaamu Alaykum Warahmatullaahi Wabarakaatuhu
Don’t worry about what other people say behind your back, they are the people who are finding faults in your Association instead of fixing the faults in their Association and their lives. Ask people condemning Ahmadiyyah what they have done to Islam today.
Excellence is never an accident: it is the result of high intention, sincere effort ,intelligent direction, skilful execution and the vision to see obstacles as opportunities.
I am happy to be here today. I congratulate the Ahmadiyyah generally on your remarkable centenary today. I proud of your association. I know your association has suffered and humiliated and rejected by some Muslims around the world but your efforts on godly works continue. Your Association spreading the word of God, spreading love, knowledge, serving the community positively. Your Association have translated the Holy Quran to more than 20 languages. I noticed this fact when I was working on my Project-Translation of the Holy Quran from Arabic to Yoruba-a project of twelve years. Your Association have established various Muslim hospitals, eye clinics, dental clinics in Kano and other states in Nigeria in Nigeria. congratulations.
Your Association opened the first Islamic book in 1932 and have more than 500 Jamaats and built more than 1000 mosques in Nigeria. Congratulations.
In Britain, your group has up to 101 branches from Glasgow to Cornwall and have this mosque-Baitu Futuh in London. Congratulations on this worthy 100 years celebration. A century of service is not a joke in life.
I congratulate Pan-African Ahmadiyyah Muslim Association (P.A.A.M.A).Your association is well known for Propagation of Islam, well established in 176 countries around the world with thousands of mosques, mission centres and many printing presses dedicated to the service of Islam in both urban and rural communities respectively. Congratulations
The greatest achievement of your Association is that contribution to translation of the Holy Quran to more than 50 languages around the world. Your Association promotes peace in any community, promoting education, improve social and inter-faith, harmony, support charitable causes regardless of colour, race and creed. Your association also protect human rights which is the parts of fundamental rights in Islam. Congratulations.
The achievement of your Association began through the publications and contributions to the national life over a century, this can never be neglected.
To me, the Hadrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was a great Saint-the founder of your Association 1886.The continuity of his work by his son and followers till today is a manifestation that Hadrat Ghulam Ahmad is a real Saint and Great-Rasuul of God. I extend my congratulatory messages to his soul and all the martyr who have been killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan,Nigeria,Algeria,Iran,Iraq because they claimed to be Ahmadis.Muslim Ahmadis have been killed 1953 and 1974.Many of them was arrested in 1984.Mr Riaz Khan was stoned to death because he belonged to you association.2014 more than 100 of you members left Pakistan took refuge in China. This is sad !
As an investigative journalist trained in Britain, I know your association has suffered and rejected by some Muslims around the world but the community needs your godly work, just continue the godly work, many prophets in the past also faced that kind of challenges during their life’s time. Your Association has become needed community anywhere in the world for your unique services, dedication, zeal and compassion (Say Alaahu Akbar).
The progress of your Association began far back since1889 till today. Today celebrating a century of your unique service in Nigeria, UK, Africa and Asia countries. That’s Allah ‘s Grace upon the group,members and the leaders of the Ahmadiyyah worldwide.Congratulations.
CHALLENGES
Why do people hate Ahmadis?
As I said Ahmadis should know that Prophet Muhammad was rejected by his family in Mecca and migrated to Medina at the age of 54, eventually Islam spread to the world from Madina. Prophet Muhammad engaged in da’wah for 23 years and died at the age of 63.
Persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan considered Ahmadis as non-Muslim,this is a politics. Ahmadis believes in all principles of Islam required by the Almighty Allah in the Holy Quran. Ahmadiyyah have built various mosques, printed many Islamic books, performs five obligatory prayers, gives out zakat, fasting during the month of Ramadan, performs hajji, what next? If Ahmadis are not Muslim, what are they, what right word to use to identify them ? Who are they ? Are they the same as Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Buddihist ? if Ahmadis were not Muslim?.
There are misconceptions among Sunnis and Shias regards Ahmadi Muslims. Ahmadis believe in seal of Prophet Muhammad, but the clash is when they claim that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was the Messiah or Mahdi this is unacceptable by some Muslims.
According to my personal understanding and consensus of all religious scholars, some says Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was not a Muslim, they called him Kafir. if they called him, what word are they used to identified non-Muslim ? The word kafir in Arabic means ingrate, attacker and non believer.
This is discrimination Almighty Allah warned against in Islam. Almighty Allah used word of Muminuun for Christian and if you check Quran 2 verse 62 Allah says: ”Those who believed and those who were Jews or Christians or Sabians (before the birth of Muhammad) those (among them). who believed in Allah and the last day and did righteousness-will have their reward with their lord and there shall no fear come upon them neither shall they grieve”
i personally criticize their claim to call Ahmadis non Muslim.The founder of this Great Association never called himself prophet. he claimed to be saint and all prophets were saints. If Hadrat Ghulam Ahmad was not a saint he established an Islamic Association and we are celebrating 100 years of the group today. Is that not the manifestation of the grace of the Almighty Allah bestowed on him?.Congratulations
May Almighty Allah continue His eternal peace upon his gentle soul and bless you all.
Assalam alaykum warahmatllahi wabarakatuhu
Daud Awwal
07466767942 Email:dawwal@yahoo.com