Hakeem Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib (1901-1955)
Al Fazl, 1 June 1926
Respected Brethren! I regret that for some time I have been unable to keep you informed of the circumstances and progress of our work here. The demands of the mission have become so overwhelming that day and night seem indistinguishable to me. Financial constraints are such that, in order to avoid the expense of employing a clerk, I must personally undertake all administrative duties. Indeed, there are occasions when I am compelled to perform even the tasks ordinarily assigned to a peon.
Members of the Jamaat will be aware that the Gold Coast Jamaat had initially planned to purchase an existing building that would have adequately served the requirements of both our mission house and school.
However, owing to various considerations, this proposal had to be deferred. Ultimately, it was decided that purpose-built premises should be constructed instead.
Laying the foundation of the school
Accordingly, work commenced first on the school building, as it represented the most urgent and immediate need. The foundation stone was laid on 8 February 1926. More than two hundred men and women gathered on this occasion, including prominent non-Ahmadi Muslim and Christian leaders of the city, as well as other influential members of society.
The proceedings began with an address delivered by me, in which I explained in detail the emphasis that Islam places upon the acquisition of knowledge. I also outlined how, in obedience to this injunction, Muslim men and women of the early centuries of Islam pursued and excelled in every branch of higher sciences.
Islam and the pursuit of knowledge
Alas, in the present age, many Muslims have become negligent not only in the observance of other Islamic injunctions but also in fulfilling this fundamental commandment. As a result, they have fallen into such depths of ignorance that the outside world has come to assume that Islam and Muslims have little or no connection with the pursuit of knowledge.
This perception, however, is entirely false. Islam and ignorance and likewise a Muslim and illiteracy, are as fundamentally incompatible as whiteness and blackness, light and darkness, radiance and obscurity. The Ahmadiyya Jamaat was established by the blessed hands of the Messenger of Allah, Hazrat Ahmad (as), whom God raised as an embodiment of Jesus (as) in the same manner that John was sent in the spirit and likeness of Elijah. The servants of this Jamaat have spread throughout the world with the purpose of raising high the banner of Tawhid (Oneness of God). Through their efforts, they have demonstrated the falsity of such misconceptions and have proven that knowledge and Islam are not opposing forces, as has been mistakenly supposed.
Rather, the acquisition of knowledge constitutes an essential injunction of Islam. It is precisely for this reason that we have gathered here today to lay the foundation stone of a school in this region, where a servant of the Messiah of God has been appointed to carry out missionary work.
Human equality in education
I further explained that Islam does not permit distinctions in the essential humanity of individuals on the basis of race, language, nationality, or any other form of difference. We are all descendants of Adam and Eve and, by virtue of our common humanity, are brothers and sisters to one another.
Accordingly, this school shall remain open at all times for the education of children belonging to every faith and community. Furthermore, no child adhering to a religion other than Islam Ahmadiyyat will, under any circumstances, be given Islamic education against his or her will.
Public reception and press coverage
This event was reported in a highly favourable and engaging manner by all the leading newspapers. Indeed, my address was published in its entirety, which greatly enhanced the esteem in which the Jamaat was held by the public. Its impact was particularly noticeable in Saltpond, where a profound respect and regard for the Jamaat became firmly established in the hearts of the people. All praise belongs to Allah.
Construction delays and future plans
It had been intended that the school building would be completed by the end of March, after which construction of the mission house would commence. Unfortunately, owing to various circumstances, we have not yet been able to complete the school building.
Moreover, with the onset of the rainy season now approaching, it appears that we shall have to wait approximately six months before work on the mission house can begin.
New converts and request for prayers
During the past few days, 24 men and women took bai‘at at the hand of this humble one and entered into the obedience and servitude of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. Their names have been sent to Huzoor [ra] with a request for prayers. Members [of the Jamaat] are also requested to remember them in their supplications.
My health continues to decline and I therefore earnestly and sincerely request the prayers of friends [for my well-being].
Al Fazl, 15 June 1926
Completion of one reading of the Holy Quran
The first fast of Ramadan was observed here on Tuesday, 16 March 1926. By the enablement of Allah the Almighty, I was able to recite the entire Holy Quran during the Tarawih prayers. Owing to illness, however, I was unable to lead Tarawih for approximately one week and consequently, the recitation of the Holy Quran was completed in about 22 days. May Allah shower His blessings upon members of the Jamaat, who listened with remarkable patience. Given the nascent stage of the community, it was no small matter for friends to remain standing through such lengthy prayers.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Eid al-Fitr was celebrated on Thursday, 15 April 1926. As was customary, I travelled to the village of Ekrawfo, located approximately 27 miles from here, to lead the Eid prayers. Nearly all the Ahmadis of Saltpond, together with the pupils of the school, accompanied me. Around 300 people were present at the time of prayer.
Duties to God and humanity
In my Eid sermon, I expounded upon the concepts of duties owed to God and duties owed to fellow human beings, drawing the attention of the congregation to the importance of fulfilling both.
I further urged them to devote themselves to the propagation of the true faith and reminded them that the foremost obligation of every individual is to share with others the heavenly light that he himself has received, inviting them towards it.
In this connection, I also emphasised the vital importance of education and repeatedly encouraged parents to send their children to the Talim-ul-Islam Ahmadiyya School in Saltpond.
Support from teachers and educational advocacy
All the teachers of the school, both Christian and Muslim, accompanied me on this occasion. Each, in turn, addressed the gathering in an effective and persuasive manner, stressing the necessity of strengthening and supporting the school.
The children also presented a number of recitations and poems. These included Nawnehalan-e-jamaat, a poem composed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra], as well as poetic renderings of translations of Surah al-Fatihah in the local language. These presentations made a profound impression upon the village children and their parents.
Encouraging results
The event produced a highly favourable response. Several parents promised to enrol their children in the school and, in fulfilment of those promises, four children have already been admitted. A further nine or so are expected to enrol in the near future. May Allah the Almighty grant ever-increasing progress and success to this endeavour.
Visits to various jamaats
Following Eid, I undertook inspection tours of a number of jamaats. Among the principal jamaats visited were Abakwa, Abodom, Essiam and Denkyira, etc. The mosque at Abakwa, which I had the honour of inaugurating in February 1925, remains the most beautiful and impressive mosque in the Gold Coast. As for Abodom, its local ruler has renounced idolatry, joined the worshippers of the One God and entered into the obedience and servitude of the Promised Messiah (as). Likewise, the autonomous ruler of Denkyira embraced Islam at the hand of this humble one in August 1925 and continues to remain steadfast in his faith. May Allah grant all of them ever-increasing perseverance.
Financial contributions
From all the constituencies, a total of approximately £80 was collected towards the building fund and general contributions. This amount is in addition to the donations that had previously been received from these same jamaats.
New converts to Islam Ahmadiyyat
During the period under discussion, 73 men and women, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, renounced Christianity and idolatry and entered the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. The names of all these new converts have been submitted to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [ra]. Friends are requested to pray for them and also for this humble one.
Progress on the school building
By the grace of Allah, the walls of the school building have now been completed. The roofing, however, still remains to be done. Timber is not available in Saltpond and must therefore be transported from the city of Sekondi, located approximately 23 miles away. This will entail considerable expense. For every £22 [worth of timber], the transportation costs alone amount to nearly £7. We are presently exploring possible means of reducing these expenses. May Allah the Almighty assist us in this matter. – Fazlur Rahman Hakim, Saltpond
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 1 and 15 June 1926 issue of Al Fazl)