Islamabad, Tilford, 31 January 2026: Members of two local amilas from Canada – Hamilton and Hamilton Mountain – were blessed with a joint mulaqat with Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.
Huzooraa arrived at the MTA studio and greeted the attendees before leading everyone in a silent prayer. The seating arrangement was organised to distinguish the two delegations; the amila of Hamilton Jamaat was seated on one side, while the amila of Hamilton Mountain Jamaat was seated on the other. Huzooraa first addressed the Hamilton Jamaat, followed by the Hamilton Mountain Jamaat.
Hamilton Jamaat
Huzooraa invited the Sadr Jamaat Hamilton to introduce himself. The Sadr mentioned that the amila had prepared a gift for Huzooraa. Huzooraa thanked the president but graciously remarked that gifts could wait and that the focus should be on the work being done.
The Naib Sadr, who also serves as Secretary Wasaya, reported next.
The General Secretary introduced himself and reported that the total membership of Hamilton Jamaat was 515. Regarding the salat centre, he confirmed there was one centre where women offered prayers in the basement and men on the upper floor. Huzooraa recalled visiting the location in the past.
The Secretary Tabligh reported a target of reaching 87,000 households. He stated that pamphlets had been distributed to all these homes. When asked about the outcome, he mentioned receiving eight phone calls, four of which sought further details. Huzooraa observed that receiving only eight responses from 87,000 households was a very small percentage and questioned the effectiveness of the current method.
The Secretary Sami-o-Basari stated that events were held almost every weekend, for which he managed audio and visual arrangements.
The Secretary Ishaat introduced himself, stating he had accepted Ahmadiyyat five years ago. Huzooraa observed that within five years, he had progressed to such an extent that he had been appointed as a secretary and commended this progress. Huzooraa then enquired whether he had read Jamaat literature. He replied that he had read Noah’s Ark, Islam’s Response to Contemporary Issues and The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, which he was re-reading for the third time, in addition to the Holy Quran.
Huzooraa then asked what the duty of the Secretary Ishaat was and specifically enquired whether anything was being published, such as a weekly or monthly Jamaat news bulletin. He replied that they were trying to prepare flyers digitally and physically in order to spread awareness of Jamaat activities. Huzooraa further asked whether any publishing work was being carried out – any magazine or any other material – and he replied that it was not. Huzooraa then repeated the question as to what the role of the secretary was.
The Secretary Ishaat explained that his duty was to encourage members to read books and to promote publications, including books printed by the Centre. Huzooraa asked whether he encouraged members to acquire those books and read them. He replied in the affirmative, adding that they were working on an online-based ordering system to encourage members not only to buy books but to read them as well. Huzooraa advised that he should also encourage members to try to become regular visitors to the Al Islam website and regular readers of the Jamaat books available there.
The Secretary Talim reported that they ran the Nasir Academy for children up to age 14. He mentioned he was a doctor in Pakistan but was currently working as a mental health clinician in Canada. Huzooraa enquired about his background and qualifications in psychology.
The Secretary Tarbiyat stated his primary focus was mosque attendance. When Huzooraa asked about distance, he replied that about 90% of members live within a 10-minute drive from the mosque; Huzooraa therefore stressed that attendance – especially at the evening prayers – should be higher and noted that 40 at Fajr is only about 20%, so further improvement efforts are needed. The secretary also reported on his portfolios for Ansarullah and Tahrik-e-Jadid, noting the Jamaat stood second in the latter.
The Secretary Umur-e-Kharija mentioned he ran a dry-cleaning business. Regarding external relations, he reported contacts with the local Mayor and MP. Huzooraa advised him to maintain contact with politicians from all parties, including the opposition and provincial government, rather than leaning towards any single group.
The Secretary Umur-e-Aammah reported next. Huzooraa reminded him that the department’s scope was not limited to disputes but included helping new arrivals settle, finding lawful employment, their tarbiyat in this regard and providing career guidance too and directing members towards vocations or business ventures that align with their aptitude.
The Secretary Ziafat mentioned that breakfast was arranged every Sunday after Fajr. The Secretary Maal reported next.
The Secretary Ziraat reported that the Jamaat had two farms and maintained flower beds at the mosque.
The Secretary Waqf-e-Nau reported a total of 62 Waqf-e-Nau members (24 boys and 38 girls). Huzooraa enquired whether regular classes for the children were being held and if the Lajna Imaillah were also conducting classes for the girls. The secretary mentioned classes were held four times a month.
The Secretary Jaidad stated they were looking for a larger property for a mosque and asked for prayers.
The Secretary Talim-ul-Quran & Waqf-e-Arzi, originally from Ghana, stated he was an accountant. Huzooraa asked if he recited the Quran daily, to which he replied in the affirmative. Huzooraa encouraged him to collect data on how many members recited the Quran daily and to aim for tangible results (“Masha-Allah”) rather than just intentions (“Insha-Allah”). Huzooraa enquired about the participation in Waqf-e-Arzi, to which the secretary reported that only nine khuddam attended the UK Jalsa last year for this purpose. Observing the low figure, Huzooraa emphasised that if every amila member participated, the numbers would be much more promising. Huzooraa strongly advised the secretary to begin by encouraging participation among the amila members first, starting with himself, to set an example.
The Secretary Sanat-o-Tijarat introduced himself as a health and life coach.
The Muhasib and Ameen introduced themselves. The Internal Auditor mentioned receiving the audit plan from the Centre, which was yet to be implemented.
The Assistant General Secretary (for Tajnid) clarified the breakdown of the membership numbers. The Assistant General Secretary (for IT) introduced himself. The Qaid Majlis reported having 92 khuddam.
The Additional Secretary Maal spoke about collection efforts. Huzooraa enquired if all amila members were paying their chanda at the prescribed rate and instructed the concerned secretary to verify the matter.
The Secretary Waqf-e-Jadid noted that members had paid in excess of their promises. The Assistant Secretary Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi admitted he had not done Waqf-e-Arzi himself this year; Huzooraa advised him to do so. The Assistant Secretary Tahrik-e-Jadid also introduced himself.
Hamilton Mountain Jamaat
Huzooraa then turned his attention to the Hamilton Mountain amila.
The Sadr of Hamilton Mountain introduced himself. He explained that “mountain” referred to an elevated area between the two Jamaats, though not a proper mountain. The Jamaat comprises 588 members.
The Naib Sadr, who also serves as Additional Secretary Maal, mentioned his work involved focusing on those who had not paid chanda.
The missionary then introduced himself.
The General Secretary stated that members were regularly contacted via phone and visits. He confirmed most members lived within a 10 to 15-kilometre radius of the centre.
The Assistant Secretary Tabligh reported distributing 12,000 flyers, covering 10% of the population. Huzooraa remarked that the instruction to cover 10% was given 20 years ago and that by now, the coverage should have reached 100%.
The Secretary Sami-o-Basari and the Secretary Ishaat introduced themselves. The latter mentioned the Ahmadiyya Gazette website launched by the Canada Jamaat.
The Secretary Talim and Tahrik-e-Jadid reported that they stood first in Tahrik-e-Jadid. Regarding Talim, he noted there were 10 university students and seven college students. Huzooraa then enquired about the number of students in grades 11 and 12 (secondary school), stressing the need for personal contact with them. He observed that this is the stage where they can still be guided and kept within the fold, warning that otherwise, they might drift away.
The Secretary Tarbiyat, who also serves as Zaeem Majlis Ansarullah, explained that due to distance and snow in winter, two additional salat centres were established. Attendance at the mosque was 20-25, with smaller numbers at the centres. Huzooraa also drew attention to the need to regularly send reminders to members about the recitation of the Holy Quran and other matters of Tarbiyat.
The Assistant General Secretary (for Tajnid) reported that records were updated, barring a few members.
The Secretary Umur-e-Kharija was advised by Huzooraa to maintain broad contact with MPs, councillors, mayors and even the potential candidates from all political parties.
The Secretary Umur-e-Aammah and Rishta Nata introduced themselves. Huzooraa noted that these two departments – resolving disputes and arranging matches – could be seen as having opposing natures. Huzooraa advised him to guide new immigrants on settlement and employment. Huzooraa emphasised dealing with people personally and gaining their confidence rather than just handling disputes.
The Secretary Ziafat and the Assistant General Secretary (for IT) introduced themselves.
The Secretary Wasaya reported 180 musian. When asked about the percentage of earning members who were musian, he did not have the exact figure. Huzooraa reiterated the target that at least 50% of earning members should be musian, not of the total membership of the Jamaat.
The Secretary Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi reported that four members participated in Waqf-e-Arzi last year. Huzooraa encouraged the amila to participate as well.
The Secretary Waqf-e-Jadid and the Secretary Nau-Mubai’een introduced themselves. The latter mentioned one new convert, a retired Canadian professor, who was making financial contributions and also increasing his knowledge of Islam Ahmadiyyat.
The Secretary Jaidad, the Qaid Majlis, the Secretary Waqf-e-Nau, the Internal Auditor, the Ameen and the Muhasib also introduced themselves.
Next, the Secretary Ziraat introduced himself. He reported planting flowers and motivating members to plant flowers and vegetables at home. Huzooraa advised him to regularly visit members and guide them in planting.
Next, the Secretary Maal introduced himself. Huzooraa asked whether all those who were paying chanda, were paying at the prescribed rate or whether some were on a concession. The secretary replied that some members were paying at a reduced rate. Huzooraa then enquired whether these concessions were taken openly with approval or quietly. The secretary admitted that some were doing so quietly. Huzooraa advised that any concession should be taken with permission and the process should be properly streamlined.
Huzooraa further observed that some people contribute to other schemes and consequently reduce the amount of their chanda payments. Huzooraa explained that if Chanda Aam and Chanda Wasiyyat are being paid at the correct rate, the need for other drives is reduced because the required funds are met through these contributions.
Conclusion
Following the introductions, both amilas had the honour of separate group photographs with Huzooraa. Huzooraa then distributed pens to the members. At the conclusion of the meeting, Huzooraa briefly enquired about their accommodation arrangements before taking leave.
(Summary prepared by Al Hakam)
