Dated: 27 February 2023
100 Years Of Islam Ahmadiyyat In Ghana: Historic Jalsa Salana Ghana 2024 Concludes With Faith Inspiring Address
"Seek to win the hearts and minds of your people through love and compassion" - Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad
On 24th February 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana.
His Holiness presided over the concluding session virtually from the Masroor Hall in Islamabad, Tilford whilst more than 39,000 people gathered at the Jalsa site in Bagh-e-Ahmad in Ghana.
During the address, His Holiness elaborated upon the Ten Conditions of Bai'at that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) required to be followed by every person in order to become a true Ahmadi Muslim.
As His Holiness began the address, he spoke of the significance of this year's Jalsa Salana, which was being held on the occasion of the Centenary of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana, during which time the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had become well known in every part of Ghana.
Reminding the Ghanaian Ahmadi Muslims about their responsibilities, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As you move forward, you must pay close attention to your duties and appreciate that, where reaching your Centenary is a means of happiness for you, it also places a heavy weight of responsibility upon your shoulders. It must not be that having reached this milestone, you now sit back and relax. Rather, as the Ghana Ahmadiyya Muslim Community enters its second century, it is the duty of every Ahmadi Muslim to strive earnestly to ensure its continued progress and prosperity. You must endeavour to convey the message of true Islam to every single person in your country. Seek to win the hearts and minds of your people through love and compassion."
His Holiness highlighted that in order to invite people towards Islam, Ahmadi Muslims must ensure that they are foremost in following its teachings.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As Ahmadi Muslims, never forget who you are and what you represent. Be aware that, as you strive to further the cause of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community through Tabligh (outreach efforts), those who hear your message will ask what distinguishes the people who have accepted the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him)? They will observe whether you possess true love for God Almighty and whether you manifest the highest morals and virtues in every situation and every place. They will query whether you reflect those teachings that you invite others towards. If the answer to these questions is 'No', then how can you, in all sincerity, call others towards true Islam?"
His Holiness then spoke of the individual Conditions of Bai'at in detail and explained how they serve as "a code of conduct" which "guide and direct us at every moment of our lives." The adherence to the conditions, His Holiness said, are the means to "ensure that we can raise aloft the spiritual torch given to us by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and shine a light upon the path of true righteousness for others to follow." Speaking about the first condition which says that Ahmadi Muslims must avoid all forms of 'shirk' - associating partners with God, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Belief in the Unity of God requires us to direct all our hopes, dreams and aspirations before Him in the belief that He alone has the power to help us and fulfil our needs. It requires us to fear Him and Him alone. In essence, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) states that belief in the Unity of God cannot be perfected until we form a bond of unconditional loyalty with Allah the Almighty."
His Holiness also spoke about the importance of avoiding the evil of adultery and indecent behaviour.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is a vice that is tremendously harmful for the individual and the wider society. In this regard, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has said that if a person is unable to get married, he should protect his chastity and curb his urges through other means. For example, he should regularly fast, consume minimal food or engage in strenuous physical work."
Further elaborating the subject, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"In today's world, new means and technologies are constantly developing that are pulling people away from morality and pushing them towards vulgarity and depravity. For example, the internet, television, and media are all proving to be gateways to vice and a means of corrupting young and old people alike. To save ourselves from such immorality, it is essential that every Ahmadi regularly offers 'Istighfar' [prayer for seeking forgiveness and protection from Allah] and bows down before Allah imploring His help, mercy and protection from all forms of evil."
His Holiness went on to remind Ahmadi Muslims about the importance of various deeds that increase a person in their spirituality including observing the obligatory five daily prayers whilst also making an effort to become regular in observing the voluntary Tahajjud prayers at night and invoking blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in the form of 'Durood'.
During the address, His Holiness quoted the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) which emphasises the importance of showing compassion towards fellow Muslims.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O servants of Allah, be brothers to one another. A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He cannot harm his brother. Nor can he humiliate him, and nor can he think lowly of him." After that, as he indicated towards his chest, the Holy Prophet (sa) said three times: "Righteousness lies here. It is evil for a man to think lowly of his brother. The blood, property and honour of every Muslim are unlawful for another Muslim."
Commenting on this teaching, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is of the utmost regret, that, despite being the direct recipients of this teaching, Muslims and their leaders in many Islamic countries are cruelly targeting one another and treating each other as enemies - all in the name of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Often, only for the sake of preserving their political power and vested interests, Muslim Governments and their leaders engage in barbaric cruelty and transgress all limits of justice. Hence, all of you participating in the Jalsa Salana should sincerely pray for an end to oppression and injustice and for true peace to prevail in the world."
Speaking of another Condition of Bai'at, His Holiness reminded that Ahmadi Muslims must "consider upholding the dignity and honour of Islam of even greater value than our lives, our children, our honour and wealth."
His Holiness said that Ahmad Muslims must also ensure that they do everything possible to alleviate the hardships of others.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"I reiterate that every Ahmadi Muslim must demonstrate empathy and human sympathy and consider the sufferings of others to be like their own. I have repeatedly advised all Ahmadi Muslims around the world of the need for this. Those, Ahmadi Muslims who have the ability to do so must seek to alleviate the hunger of the poorest members of society. They should strive to fulfil the needs of those living in poverty or who are facing any form of struggle. Show compassion to them, feed them and care for them."
Further, His Holiness said that if anyone finds themselves in need of charity, they too should make every effort to stand on their own feet.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As for those people who require the charity or help of others, it should not be that they continually take handouts without making any efforts to improve their circumstances. Rather, they should work hard and endeavour to stand on their own feet in the hope that one day they can be a source of help and nourishment for other people afflicted by hardship."
His Holiness said that as part of the Bai'at, every Ahmadi Muslim pledges to show complete obedience to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) for the sake of Allah.
Highlighting the importance of obedience and devotion to Khilafat after the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"In this era, Allah the Almighty has blessed us with the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Thus, every Ahmadi must remain faithful, loyal, and obedient to Khilafat and must continually elevate their bond of love and sincerity with the Khalifa of the Time. That is the key to our continued progress and the means for us to observe the everlasting success of our Community."
His Holiness urged Ahmadi Muslims to take the dawn of the new century of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as a golden opportunity to renew their efforts in bringing about a positive change.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"I say to all of you - that now is the time to come forward and pledge with absolute determination and resoluteness that you will forever seek to bring about all the pure changes required to fulfil the conditions of the oath you have taken with the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Insha'Allah [God willing], if you do so, you will be a means of conveying Islam to others and will draw your fellow citizens and indeed people across the world under the shade of true Islam."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he spoke about the future potential of Africa and particularly of Ahmadi Muslims.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The stark truth is that much of the developed world has become immersed in materialism and has no link with spirituality or justice. Where they claim to be the arbiters of peace and equality, they are perpetrating grave cruelties upon humanity through horrific warfare and injustice. The reality of their deceitful conduct renders their seemingly high-minded statements nothing but hypocritical and empty proclamations...I pray that instead of your children and future generations being influenced and inspired by the West, may the world come to look towards Ghana and the African nations as beacons of justice, truth and morality based, Insha'Allah, on your nations being at the forefront of accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat and bringing about a true spiritual revolution in the world."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
"If this occurs, the sincere Ahmadis of Ghana and other nations will walk upon the path of spiritual salvation and be the means of saving the future generations of the world, Insha'Allah. And, they will be the ones who play a great role in saving the world from the turmoil and the horrific cycle of immorality, conflict and godlessness in which it is submerged."
On 24th February 2024, the World Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Fifth Khalifa (Caliph), His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad concluded the Annual Convention (Jalsa Salana) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana.
His Holiness presided over the concluding session virtually from the Masroor Hall in Islamabad, Tilford whilst more than 39,000 people gathered at the Jalsa site in Bagh-e-Ahmad in Ghana.
During the address, His Holiness elaborated upon the Ten Conditions of Bai'at that the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) required to be followed by every person in order to become a true Ahmadi Muslim.
As His Holiness began the address, he spoke of the significance of this year's Jalsa Salana, which was being held on the occasion of the Centenary of the establishment of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana, during which time the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community had become well known in every part of Ghana.
Reminding the Ghanaian Ahmadi Muslims about their responsibilities, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As you move forward, you must pay close attention to your duties and appreciate that, where reaching your Centenary is a means of happiness for you, it also places a heavy weight of responsibility upon your shoulders. It must not be that having reached this milestone, you now sit back and relax. Rather, as the Ghana Ahmadiyya Muslim Community enters its second century, it is the duty of every Ahmadi Muslim to strive earnestly to ensure its continued progress and prosperity. You must endeavour to convey the message of true Islam to every single person in your country. Seek to win the hearts and minds of your people through love and compassion."
His Holiness highlighted that in order to invite people towards Islam, Ahmadi Muslims must ensure that they are foremost in following its teachings.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As Ahmadi Muslims, never forget who you are and what you represent. Be aware that, as you strive to further the cause of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community through Tabligh (outreach efforts), those who hear your message will ask what distinguishes the people who have accepted the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him)? They will observe whether you possess true love for God Almighty and whether you manifest the highest morals and virtues in every situation and every place. They will query whether you reflect those teachings that you invite others towards. If the answer to these questions is 'No', then how can you, in all sincerity, call others towards true Islam?"
His Holiness then spoke of the individual Conditions of Bai'at in detail and explained how they serve as "a code of conduct" which "guide and direct us at every moment of our lives." The adherence to the conditions, His Holiness said, are the means to "ensure that we can raise aloft the spiritual torch given to us by the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and shine a light upon the path of true righteousness for others to follow." Speaking about the first condition which says that Ahmadi Muslims must avoid all forms of 'shirk' - associating partners with God, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"Belief in the Unity of God requires us to direct all our hopes, dreams and aspirations before Him in the belief that He alone has the power to help us and fulfil our needs. It requires us to fear Him and Him alone. In essence, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) states that belief in the Unity of God cannot be perfected until we form a bond of unconditional loyalty with Allah the Almighty."
His Holiness also spoke about the importance of avoiding the evil of adultery and indecent behaviour.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is a vice that is tremendously harmful for the individual and the wider society. In this regard, the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) has said that if a person is unable to get married, he should protect his chastity and curb his urges through other means. For example, he should regularly fast, consume minimal food or engage in strenuous physical work."
Further elaborating the subject, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"In today's world, new means and technologies are constantly developing that are pulling people away from morality and pushing them towards vulgarity and depravity. For example, the internet, television, and media are all proving to be gateways to vice and a means of corrupting young and old people alike. To save ourselves from such immorality, it is essential that every Ahmadi regularly offers 'Istighfar' [prayer for seeking forgiveness and protection from Allah] and bows down before Allah imploring His help, mercy and protection from all forms of evil."
His Holiness went on to remind Ahmadi Muslims about the importance of various deeds that increase a person in their spirituality including observing the obligatory five daily prayers whilst also making an effort to become regular in observing the voluntary Tahajjud prayers at night and invoking blessings upon the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) in the form of 'Durood'.
During the address, His Holiness quoted the saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) which emphasises the importance of showing compassion towards fellow Muslims.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O servants of Allah, be brothers to one another. A Muslim is a brother to another Muslim. He cannot harm his brother. Nor can he humiliate him, and nor can he think lowly of him." After that, as he indicated towards his chest, the Holy Prophet (sa) said three times: "Righteousness lies here. It is evil for a man to think lowly of his brother. The blood, property and honour of every Muslim are unlawful for another Muslim."
Commenting on this teaching, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"It is of the utmost regret, that, despite being the direct recipients of this teaching, Muslims and their leaders in many Islamic countries are cruelly targeting one another and treating each other as enemies - all in the name of Allah and His Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him). Often, only for the sake of preserving their political power and vested interests, Muslim Governments and their leaders engage in barbaric cruelty and transgress all limits of justice. Hence, all of you participating in the Jalsa Salana should sincerely pray for an end to oppression and injustice and for true peace to prevail in the world."
Speaking of another Condition of Bai'at, His Holiness reminded that Ahmadi Muslims must "consider upholding the dignity and honour of Islam of even greater value than our lives, our children, our honour and wealth."
His Holiness said that Ahmad Muslims must also ensure that they do everything possible to alleviate the hardships of others.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"I reiterate that every Ahmadi Muslim must demonstrate empathy and human sympathy and consider the sufferings of others to be like their own. I have repeatedly advised all Ahmadi Muslims around the world of the need for this. Those, Ahmadi Muslims who have the ability to do so must seek to alleviate the hunger of the poorest members of society. They should strive to fulfil the needs of those living in poverty or who are facing any form of struggle. Show compassion to them, feed them and care for them."
Further, His Holiness said that if anyone finds themselves in need of charity, they too should make every effort to stand on their own feet.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"As for those people who require the charity or help of others, it should not be that they continually take handouts without making any efforts to improve their circumstances. Rather, they should work hard and endeavour to stand on their own feet in the hope that one day they can be a source of help and nourishment for other people afflicted by hardship."
His Holiness said that as part of the Bai'at, every Ahmadi Muslim pledges to show complete obedience to the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) for the sake of Allah.
Highlighting the importance of obedience and devotion to Khilafat after the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him), Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"In this era, Allah the Almighty has blessed us with the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. Thus, every Ahmadi must remain faithful, loyal, and obedient to Khilafat and must continually elevate their bond of love and sincerity with the Khalifa of the Time. That is the key to our continued progress and the means for us to observe the everlasting success of our Community."
His Holiness urged Ahmadi Muslims to take the dawn of the new century of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as a golden opportunity to renew their efforts in bringing about a positive change.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"I say to all of you - that now is the time to come forward and pledge with absolute determination and resoluteness that you will forever seek to bring about all the pure changes required to fulfil the conditions of the oath you have taken with the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him). Insha'Allah [God willing], if you do so, you will be a means of conveying Islam to others and will draw your fellow citizens and indeed people across the world under the shade of true Islam."
As His Holiness concluded his address, he spoke about the future potential of Africa and particularly of Ahmadi Muslims.
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:
"The stark truth is that much of the developed world has become immersed in materialism and has no link with spirituality or justice. Where they claim to be the arbiters of peace and equality, they are perpetrating grave cruelties upon humanity through horrific warfare and injustice. The reality of their deceitful conduct renders their seemingly high-minded statements nothing but hypocritical and empty proclamations...I pray that instead of your children and future generations being influenced and inspired by the West, may the world come to look towards Ghana and the African nations as beacons of justice, truth and morality based, Insha'Allah, on your nations being at the forefront of accepting Islam Ahmadiyyat and bringing about a true spiritual revolution in the world."
Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued:
"If this occurs, the sincere Ahmadis of Ghana and other nations will walk upon the path of spiritual salvation and be the means of saving the future generations of the world, Insha'Allah. And, they will be the ones who play a great role in saving the world from the turmoil and the horrific cycle of immorality, conflict and godlessness in which it is submerged."
END RELEASE
For further details please contact:
Incharge Press & Media, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at India,
Qadian-143516, Distt, Gurdaspur, Punjab,India,
Mobile: +91-9988757988, Email: [email protected],
Tel: +91-1872-500311, Fax: +91-1872-500178
Noorul Islam Toll Free Number: 1800-103-2131
