Arshad Mehmood Khan, Secretary Ishaat, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow
On 30 January 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow held its virtual New Year Reception.
Like every year, local Scottish Muslim and non-Muslim guests, politicians, community leaders and charity representatives were invited.
A committee was formed and tasks were allocated to each member to start work on assignments such as publication and invitations, outreach to different faith groups and African unions based in Scotland, IT-related tasks, social media campaigns, invitations to dignitaries and press and media correspondence etc.
The chairman of the committee was Ahmed Owusu Konadu Sahib, Secretary Outreach Glasgow.
The programme was broadcast via YouTube, Zoom and Facebook live streaming. The event had an audience of over 700 participants online.
After the recitation from the Holy Quran and its English translation, Ahmed Owusu Konadu Sahib welcomed all guests.
A short introductory clip about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was played.
Murabbi Rawah-ud-din Arif Khan Sahib, gave a brief introduction to the event. Mo-Az Ahmad Sahib, President of Majlis Ansarullah Glasgow South delivered a presentation on “The Year in Focus (Islam and Charity)”. The presentation included efforts of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland about charitable work, such as donating meals, face masks, snacks to NHS staff as well as its international donations.
Rt Hon Kirsten Oswald, MP for East Renfrewshire said:
“Your community is doing wonderful work for the community. I haven’t seen these examples in any community group anywhere and have a lot of respect for your Caliph whose leadership always drives you to serve the human race positively.”
Cllr Graham Campbell, Springburn and Robroyston said:
“I am attending your community for the first time and am very much impressed to see the humanitarian work you are doing for local society. We are facing hunger, climate change, injustice for different minorities around the globe which should be addressed in this new year.”
Cllr Martha Wardrop, Hillhead said:
“I know personally that your community is holding charity fun runs, tree plantations, food donations, new year clean-up, and many other activities in Glasgow and around the world. This is a difficult time due to covid and the local community is happy to see these activities for humanity and the environment of Glasgow.”
A video message from Rt Hon The Lord Provost of Glasgow, Cllr Philip Braat was played in which he said:
“I am again joining your programme online due to covid and happy to convey the message ‘Happy New Year’. Your community’s slogan ‘Love for All, Hatred for None’ always inspires me and I wish that all faith groups, politicians and communities adopt this slogan for a peaceful society.”
Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionary-in-charge UK then delivered an address on the topic of “A Message for the New Year”. He spoke on how Ahmadi Muslims pledge for a better life spiritually and physically, compared to the previous year. He mentioned how our Khalifah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa guides us almost every day for a positive change in our lives.
A video clip was then shown highlighting the efforts of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa for the establishment of world peace.
Ms Shulamite Ezechi, Manager Anyiso Charity Glasgow thanked Majlis Ansarullah Glasgow for the regular donations which help many rough sleepers and less fortunate people.
An interesting question and answer session was held towards the end of the event.
At the end Abdus Samad Khan Sahib, President Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Glasgow thanked all guests for attending the event.
The programme concluded with a silent prayer led by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.
