Summary of the report on progress of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in the past year delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa on Friday, 7 August and Sunday, 9 August 2020
Whilst delivering his Friday Sermon on 7 August 2020, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, said that while it was the weekend of Jalsa Salana UK 2020, Jalsa is not taking place this year due to the current pandemic. Although this was the case, MTA International has attempted to fill this void with various programmes throughout the three days.
Nonetheless, Huzooraa said that one of the features of Jalsa Salana UK every year is that the Jamaat is informed about Allah’s blessings upon the Ahmadiyya Community in the past year and therefore, Huzooraa would narrate progress of the Jamaat since the last Jalsa Salana until now.
Huzooraa said that usually he was not able to cover the entire report even during Jalsa Salana and so, while he would present part of the report on Friday, he would commence with the report of Allah’s blessings in the past year on Sunday evening, when Huzooraa would be addressing the Jamaat live via MTA from Islamabad.
Report presented on Friday
Thus, in his Friday Sermon, Huzooraa announced that – apart from Pakistan – 288 new Jamaats had been established around the world and the seeds of Ahmadiyyat had been sown in 1,040 new places. In terms of establishing new Jamaats in various areas, Sierra Leone was at the top of the list where 40 new Jamaats had been established; this was followed by Congo-Kinshasa where 31 Jamaats were established, followed by Ghana where 23 new Jamaat were formed.
Huzooraa listed a plethora of other countries around the world where new Jamaats had been established.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that a local muallim, Hamid Ahmad Sahib from Congo Kinshasa explained that when a local Sunni Imam of a village, Usman Sahib, listened to a programme by the Jamaat on the radio, he came to the mosque and bombarded the Jamaat with questions. He was given convincing answers, the Swahili translation of the Quran by the Jamaat and other Jamaat books to study. After reading these books, by the grace of Allah, he performed Bai‘at and promised he would give this message to his village. Huzooraa said that by the grace of Allah, through this imam’s tabligh, a Jamaat consisting of 20 members from this village had been formed.
Amir Jamaat Gambia wrote that during the month of Ramadan, a local muallim and the sadr of a region planned a tabligh event. When they went to a village for this programme, an elder of that village said that he was very happy with their arrival and the tabligh programme. The elder explained that he was happy because this was the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa. He said that the Holy Prophetsa also migrated from Mecca to Medina so that Islam could spread and in the same way, the Jamaat is travelling from place to place in an effort to preach the message of Islam. The gentleman accepted the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and the Promised Messiahas. By the grace of Allah, two families – consisting of 19 people – accepted Ahmadiyyat in this area.
Amir Jamaat Liberia said that a missionary delivered a Friday Sermon in which he spoke of the importance of Tahrik-e-Jadid. After the Friday Sermon, while Ahmadis were writing their names for chanda promises, a gentleman came forward and gave 50 Liberian dollars; he was a non-Ahmadi Muslim. Later the Jamaat went to see him and thanked him for his donation. While there, the locals, including the imam of the area, listened to the message of the Jamaat and were greatly affected by it. The imam said that he desired to gather a few other villages for the Jamaat to give their message to them. After giving the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and its purpose for a whole day to the three villages, all three imams, along with their villages, accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.
A missionary of the Jamaat from the Philippines explained that a specific region was infamous for extremist clerics; the Tablighi Jamaat also has a strong footing in the area. A muallim’s family members live in this area. The muallim gave the message of the Jamaat to his family members, which they took positively. As a result, a team of muallims and dai‘een (preachers) were sent to this area for a week to preach the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. As always, they saw opposition from the Muslims, but despite this, 23 people converted to Ahmadiyyat.
Amir Jamaat Senegal wrote that through local muallims and missionaries, an hour-radio programme and an hour of Huzoor’saa sermon is broadcast in 10 places in a region of Senegal. People call in and ask questions during these programmes. As a result of these radio programmes, this year, the seed of Ahmadiyyat has been sown in 20 villages of the region.
The missionary of Kababir explained that by the grace of Allah, for some years, Ahmadis have lived in southern Palestine but were not organised as a Jamaat and now have been established as a Jamaat.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa narrated various faith-inspiring incidents about the construction of mosques around the world. Huzooraa also announced that 217 mosques had been established across four continents. Of these, 124 were newly built, while 93 existing mosques were acquired. Some of the countries Huzooraa mentioned, in which these mosques were established, included the UK, France, Germany, Nigeria, Indonesia, India, Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Senegal, Togo, Zambia, etc.
In Norway, the owners of a church that opposed the Jamaat’s construction of a mosque ended up selling their church building to the Jamaat. By the grace of Allah, this church has now been converted into a mosque.
In Tanzania, a mosque that was being built by the Jamaat was attacked and building materials were taken. After the police allowed the reconstruction of the mosque after a brief interval, non-Ahmadi Muslims of the village in which the mosque was being built said how the mosque was a source of blessings for them and they prevented any further attacks. This incident was a means of tabligh for the Jamaat. At the opening of the mosque, hundreds of people attended, including police inspectors and Muslim imams. The non-Ahmadi Muslims noted at the opening that they had been misinformed about Ahmadis and were told Ahmadis are not Muslims. They noted how good Ahmadi Muslims are.
In Burkina Faso, a missionary wrote that in one Jamaat, where a mosque was being built, every member of the Jamaat was contributing towards the construction of the mosque in whatever way they could. He said that one day two elder Ahmadis came carrying two chickens and some eggs. They said that that was all they had and requested for it to be accepted as chanda towards the mosque from them so that they too could partake in its blessing.
Huzooraa said that today, poor people in Africa are re-establishing the example of the poor Ahmadis in Qadian who gave immense sacrifices over 100 years ago – this is a proof of the truthfulness of the Jamaat in itself.
Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa announced that a new, beautifully bound Quran with unique Arabic font – Khat-e-Manzur – was in print. Huzooraa highlighted its quality of print, design and beauty.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa gave further facts and figures about the progress of the Jamaat during the year. These included:
- 22.7 million people received the message of Islam throughout the world and more than 9,357,000 leaflets were distributed
- Under Wakalat-e-Ishaat Taba‘at, there were 4,256,659 publications this year in 93 countries. These include 407 different books and pamphlets in 42 languages
- Under Wakalat-e-Ishaat Tarseel, more than 190,000 books in 24 languages were sent to different countries
- 360,240 books printed by the Raqeem Press in the UK
- The Jamaat presses established in eight African countries collectively printed over 612,000 books
- 97 new mission houses established around the world
- The first Ahmadi mosque in Mexico has been established – Baitul Afiyat
- The first Ahmadi mosque in Malawi has been built
- 41,111 sessions of volunteering (waqar-e-amal) were held in 114 countries, saving $5,213,000
- 407 unique books and pamphlets were produced in 42 different languages
- 7,540 Quran exhibitions and displays that were held reached 343,000 people
Sunday’s event
On Sunday, 9 August 2020, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa arrived in the Masroor Hall in Islamabad at 15:01 BST to deliver his address to the worldwide audience via MTA International.
Nasar Ahmad Arshad Sahib was called to the stage to recite a portion of the Holy Quran (Surah al-Saff, Ch.61: V.8-12), after which Asif Bin Owais Sahib read out its Urdu translation. Rana Mahmood-ul-Hasan Sahib was then called to recite a nazm; the poem recited was written by the Promised Messiahas, “Hamd-o-sanaa usi ko…”
After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, took to the podium and said that today’s address would continue the theme of his Friday Sermon, delivered two days ago.
Huzooraa said that the report that was actually prepared had to be condensed for it to be accommodated in the address.
Wakalat-e-Tamil-o-Tanfidh for India, Nepal and Bhutan has worked on the Hindi translation of all books of the Promised Messiahas. By the grace of Allah, according to the report from Qadian, 16 books have been translated and published afresh, while 21 further books are pending review. There are tabligh efforts being made there.
Under the Arabic Desk, 145 books and leaflets have been published. The 20th volume of Ruhani Khazain has been sent for print this year, as well as the first volume of Tafsir-e-Kabir and various other translations of the Promised Messiah’sas books and other literature produced by the Khulafa. All Arabic books are being regularly uploaded to the Jamaat’s central Arabic website. Programmes of MTA are also available on this website, as well as the Friday Sermon which is being uploaded since 2008.
The French Desk provides French translations for various literature as well as translating letters. Various tabligh activities are also rendered by this department. In November 2009, the French website was also started and many people continue to visit the site.
The Turkish Desk has produced 18 or 19 translations of books and these will very soon be published. On MTA, 43 Turkish programmes were recorded afresh. Various other tabligh and tarbiyat activities are also being rendered by them.
The Russian Desk is also producing translations in a great way. Aside from the Pakistani missionaries, Huzooraa named two Russian gentlemen who are contributing to the translations. Huzoor’s Friday Sermons are also being translated regularly. Letters sent to Huzooraa in various languages belonging to the area are also translated by the Russian Desk. The Jamaat’s Russian website was launched in 2013 and all Friday Sermons and various addresses are regularly uploaded. More than 10,000 people visited the website in the past year.
The Uzbek website also has various addresses of Huzooraa, Friday Sermons and other MTA programmes.
The Kyrgyz website is also functioning in a similar manner, along with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Under the Bangla Desk, through MTA programmes, 69 new converts were made possible. Translation of the Holy Quran and other such services are being rendered by them.
Under the Chinese Desk, various books of the Promised Messiahas and other literature are being translated and produced.
The Indonesian Desk is also providing Indonesian translations of Huzoor’saa Friday Sermons. 220 programmes were also translated by them in the past year, as well as various books of the Promised Messiahas.
The Swahili Desk has been established now in the UK and all programmes broadcast on MTA Africa are being translated in Swahili. 15 parts of the Holy Quran were also translated as well as other literature.
The Spanish Desk is functioning in Spain and working on various translations and are working very well. The website run by this department attracts 22,000 people every month, whereas in Ramadan, 42,000 people visited.
The Waqf-e-Nau department has now become quite organised and in total, 72,932 Waqifeen-e-Nau are included in the scheme, with 3,994 being included in the past year. The Waqifeen who have renewed their pledges are more than 15,000.
The Alislam website has many books and literature with many new additions. The team is working very well.
The Review of Religions has reached 118 years and is publishing in French, German, Spanish and English. This year, they have played an important role in reaching the English-speaking countries. They have a big presence on social media and more than 5 million people have visited their posts and videos. During the lockdown, people were more inclined to reading The Review of Religions. Over 70,000 people have subscribed to their YouTube channel.
Al Fazl International was launched in 1994 as a weekly newspaper and is now publishing twice a week. It has a very beautiful and elegant design.
Al Hakam is also being published on a weekly basis. The readership increased greatly during the lockdown.
The Press and Media Office has also worked on many projects and reached many people online.
Makhzan-e-Tasaweer has its offices in Tahir House. The visits there, to Huzoor’s knowledge, are not as they should be. 913 people from 25 countries have visited the exhibition.
The Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre is preserving various tabarrukat and remaining in contact with researchers studying the Jamaat and doing a good job.
Under MTA Africa, there are many new developments. Under the Wahab Adam Studios, various programmes have been recorded. Other countries have reported positive outcomes of MTA Africa. Huzooraa then pointed the Jamaat’s attention to watching MTA and making it a part of our lives.
Thereafter, Huzooraa narrated faith-inspiring incidents of people turning to the Jamaat through technology.
Then Huzooraa mentioned Ahmadiyya radio stations. With the addition of two new radio stations during the previous year, there are total 27 radio stations of the Jamaat around the world. There are 17 radio stations in Mali and some in Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, The Gambia and here in the UK also, Voice of Islam is working and working very well.
Aside from MTA International, 44 countries were able to present programmes on television and radio shows, with 11,063 TV programmes spanning 6,842 hours and more than 18,400 hours in 22,167 radio shows.
IAAAE has been working on various projects, for example Water for Life and other such projects. They are getting help from various architects and engineers throughout the world. Humanity First has been serving humanity for the last 26 years and is established in 54 countries.
Huzooraa then narrated some progress of medical camps being installed throughout the world as well as basic facilities. They were also able to conduct over 500 eye operations in eye clinics.
MTA International has 16 departments and has 496 people working day and night, of whom 275 men and 142 women are volunteers, whereas 79 people are paid staff members. On 27 May 2020, MTA entered a new era with eight channels running 24 hours a day. Since 2014, MTA is broadcasting programmes with subtitles and new additions have been made to the languages of subtitles.
Huzooraa then narrated incidents of people accepting Ahmadiyyat through MTA. Huzooraa said that it becomes clear from these incidents that people have been becoming aware of the Jamaat, but due to a lack of presence on our part, they were not able to perform Bai‘at.
However, Huzooraa prayed for all those who entered the Jamaat in this period that they are able to stay resolute in their faith, which is the most important thing.
The amir of France wrote that a Christian would regularly visit his local church and pose questions about his faith to his priest, which the priest disliked. He came across a book of the Promised Messiahas, Jesus in India; the more he studied it, the more his questions were answered and now he has turned towards the Jamaat.
Marwan Gill, missionary of Argentina, wrote that a lady was once passing by our mission house when she noticed a poster through the window with the Promised Messiah’sas portrait and which said that the awaited Messiah has come. This had a great impact on her. She then contacted the Jamaat and studied its literature. After one year, she became convinced of the Jamaat’s truthfulness and despite being separated from her husband and facing opposition from her family as a result of this decision, she remains resolute in her faith.
Naseer Shahid Sahib of France wrote that a lady from France saw a dream that she was in a large mosque and many groups had in their possession the Holy Quran. Among the groups, she noticed a smaller group where she recognised a lady and so, she joined it. She was questioned on this move, when she saw a bright light. From this dream, she interpreted that Ahmadiyyat was the group on the right path and has entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat along with her five children.
Amir Jamaat Niger wrote that an Ahmadi narrated his dream in which he saw that he was lying down in his house and saw the moon, on which was inscribed the Kalima. After seeing this dream, the gentleman interpreted the truth of the Jamaat as the colour and style of the text written on the moon was noticed at a Jamaat event.
A muallim of Burkina Faso narrated that someone expressed his desire to enter the Jamaat. However, he faced some opposition from his village. He once saw in a dream that there were two groups in a field who were to hold a debate. However, as his group had no arguments to present, the victory was handed to the Ahmadiyya group. This enabled him to realise the truthfulness of the Jamaat.
A muallim of Tanzania wrote that a member of the Wahhabi group would regularly use foul language against the Jamaat, to such a degree that people from within his group refused to go to his mosque ever again. This cleric eventually faced humiliation by committing an indecent act and was forced to leave the area.
A missionary from Bulgaria wrote that a sincere friend has maintained regular contact with the Jamaat. He has placed various literature of the Jamaat in his clinics. Accordingly, many people have become aware of the message of the Jamaat. Huzooraa said that although not a member of the Jamaat, there are such people in the world who are becoming a means of the tabligh of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.
Towards the end, Huzooraa read out an extract from the writings of the Promised Messiahas on the subject of divine help and succour with God’s chosen people.
Huzooraa then concluded by praying that the world may quickly turn to the truth and that we may fulfil our obligations for making this a reality.
Huzooraa concluded the event with dua, after which he extended “Assalamo Alaikum wa Rahmatullah” to all attendees and viewers of MTA.