100 Years Ago… – Tabligh efforts in Africa and Germany

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Al Fazl, 16 April 1923

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948)
Africa Map

Nigeria Jamaat

Brother Muhammad Yaqub, president of majlis-e-muntazim [administrative body], Lagos writes:

“You will be happy to know that our new converts, yet very spirited Ahmadis, like Yahya Williams, Murtala Dini Shan and Yunus Dini Shan, regularly attend lectures, prayers and other religious gatherings. Duroos [religious sermons], which are being delivered before various sections of the [Nigeria] Jamaat and in different parts of [the country], are also worth mentioning. In short, I am glad to express that the seed you have sown is now slowly growing into a full-blooming plant.

“Dear father! It is rather true that the works of great men go unnoticed in their presence and that their efforts are truly recognised in their absence. The noble service you have done for us by freeing us from the slavery of ignorance is unfathomable. The dormant members of the [Nigeria] Jamaat, who were negligent of their duties in your presence, now sadly say, ‘We wish that the Maulvi [Abdur Rahim Nayyar Sahibra] may come back and we may actively satiate our thirst from the fountain of knowledge.’

“We are hopeful that you will make every effort for us that an experienced man of your nature and ability is sent to us. The administrative rules and regulations you put in place are going to be openly presented in the majlis as per your instructions. And then these rules will be implemented in the jamaats of new converts.

“The madrasa [school] is progressing very well, but the fee is not enough to cover the expenses. Jamaat [Nigeria] is running the school with its own funds. The land located near the coast in Elegbata is going to be allotted to us soon, insha-Allah. In this regard, all the preliminary work has been completed.

“We have received requests for missionaries from Epe, Egbeda and other places. We have started youth preaching classes. Besides myself, Ade, Oshodi, Yahya Williams, Anne, and others are busy getting regular education. Due to the spread of Ahmadiyyat, the True Islam, the hostility of the opponents is on the decline by the day.

“Finally, I express with great joy that the perseverance and fearless sincerity of our chief imam is enviable. The acceptance of True Islam by a person who has a lot of connections definitely influences the people and now we observe that the weak members of the [Nigeria] Jamaat are gaining strength from the example of the chief imam and are also trying to reform themselves.”

Jamaats of Gold Coast

Maulvi Fazlur Rahman Hakim Sahib writes:

“According to the resolution [passed] in the conference, the first jalsa [religious gathering] was held in the village of Aburu. A disagreement between the two groups was resolved there. Then, a misunderstanding between the amir jamaat and its members was removed. In the Friday sermon, I gave guidance, and Amir Mahdi along with other chiefs who were accompanying me on the visit advised the jamaat to be committed to the markaz [headquarters] and strive for their Faith.

“From Aburu, I went to Nkwanta and it was my first visit there. I drew the attention of amir jamaat and the members towards the teaching of Islam and advised them to strengthen their relationship with the mission. The amir expressed regret for his negligence in his service to Islam and promised to work sincerely in future.

“The Saraha jamaats have sent me a message that, ‘You should pay us a visit.’ I will visit them, insha-AllahAlhamdulillah, the work here is going on enthusiastically and the [Gold Coast] Jamaat is rising up. My focus is on producing new missionaries.”

All praise be to Allah that Maulvi [Fazlur Rahman] Sahib’s health is relatively better now.

Tabligh in Germany

Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib is engaged in the service of Islam with full effort and diligence [in Germany]. The book, A Present to the Prince of Wales has been assigned to a very able Doctor of Literature for translation. More proposals are being considered for the building of the mosque [in Berlin]. A professor who is fond of Islam will soon visit London. The way Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib goes to great pains in the service of Islam is worth following. May Allah the Almighty grant him the best of rewards.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 16 April 1923 issue of Al Fazl)

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