Abdul Hadi Qurashi, Sierra Leone Correspondent
Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone inaugurated two mosques on 19 December 2020, alhamdolillah.
Mosque in Kenema Region
Mondema village, in Grama Mende Chiefdom, is situated 400 kilometres to the east of the country’s capital, Freetown. Three years ago, 12 families entered the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. They started offering daily prayers in congregation and a new convert presented the courtyard of his house for this purpose. With more people joining the Jamaat, this place turned insufficient for the needs of the Jamaat and it became necessary to build a proper mosque in the area.
The Jamaat members contacted the headquarters of the mosque and promised to arrange for the land. Regional missionary, Munir Hussain Sahib visited the place, but found it was not suitable to build a mosque, so he was interested in a couple of other places in the village for this purpose, but the landowners not only refused to sell the land, they also became severe opponents of the Jamaat.
A Jamaat member, who was unable to attend the meetings with the missionary, came to know about this situation and despite a foot injury, went to the missionary and took him to one of his compounds where he had three to four small houses and said that he could demolish these houses and build the mosque there. The missionary thanked him for this generous offer and asked to look for another place.
By the grace of Allah, the Almighty, another plot of land was made available for the mosque near the houses of some Jamaat members.
The foundation of the mosque was laid by Munir Hussain Sahib, regional missionary Kenema on 22 May 2020, and he also supervised the construction of this mosque. Approximately 300 people can offer prayers in this mosque.
The local Jamaat did a lot of waqar-e-amal and saved a lot of construction expenses. May Allah bless them all.
The inauguration ceremony started with a recitation of the Holy Quran at 11am and was chaired by Saeed ur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Sierra Leone. Regional missionary of Makeni, Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib also joined the occasion.
Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone, in his speech, told the audience about the high status and the importance of the Holy Quran. Furthermore, he told the audience about the signs of the advent of the Promised Messiahas and clearly told about his true status as described by Allah the Almighty and Holy Prophetsa.
Amir Sahib formally opened the mosque and led the people in silent prayer and led Zuhr prayer in the mosque. After the prayer, attendees were served with lunch. The mosque opening included two chiefdom speakers, 11 Imams, 12 teachers, two school principals, three pastors – a total of 112 non-Ahmadis attended this blessed programme. 217 Ahmadis from nine different jamaats also attended the programme.
Mosque in Makeni Region
The people of Masigbi village started accepting Ahmadiyyat in 2018 and keeping in mind the need of the Jamaat, a mosque was built here. The foundation of the mosque was laid by Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and he supervised the construction of the mosque as well. Approximately 300 people can offer prayer here.
The inauguration ceremony started after Zuhr prayer with the recitation of the Holy Quran and was chaired by Saeed ur Rahman Sahib, Amir and Missionary-in-Charge Sierra Leone. Regional missionary of Makeni, Tahir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib also joined the occasion.
After the introduction of the guests, Amir Sahib addressed the audience and mentioned some aspects of the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. He also advised the people to shun all innovations. At the end of his speech he briefed the audience on the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas.
Amir Sahib cut the ribbon and formally opened the mosque and led people in silent prayer and led the Asr prayer in the mosque.
After the prayer, guests were served with supper.
The occasion was attended by 14 non-Ahmadi imams, two chiefs, and 50 non-Ahmadis – a total of 209 guests were present on this occasion. We pray to Allah that these mosques always remain inhabited with true worshippers.