On 25 June 2023, the national amila of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Japan was blessed with the opportunity to meet Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat.
After conveying salaam, Huzooraa asked if this was the amila, to which Anees Nadeem Sahib, President and Missionary-in-Charge of Jamaat Japan, confirmed and further mentioned the presence of missionaries as well. Following this, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer, after which the members had the chance to introduce themselves.
Adnan Arshad Sahib, who is the General and Waqf-e-Nau Secretary, reported that there are two jamaats in Japan; Tokyo and Nagoya. Huzooraa enquired about the total number of Ahmadis in these jamaats, to which he responded that there are around 230. Huzooraa further asked if both jamaats are active, to which Arshad Sahib replied in the affirmative.
Ismatullah Sahib said that he is currently serving as Tabligh Secretary. Huzooraa enquired about the bai‘at target they have set for the year. Ismatullah Sahib replied that their target for the year is ten, and they have successfully achieved one bai‘at so far. Huzooraa then asked about the background of the individual who has pledged the bai‘at, to which Ismatullah Sahib explained that the person is of Japanese descent, approximately 50 years old, and married to an Indonesian Ahmadi woman. Ismatullah Sahib also reported that they published some new leaflets, distributed 29,000 leaflets across various areas, and also distributed copies of the Holy Quran.
Huzooraa explained that, generally, people in big cities tend to prioritise worldly matters and rarely focus on having a relationship with God. Additionally, Huzooraa said, there are some individuals among the Japanese population who express their inability to adhere to the five daily prayers and the commandment to abstain from drinking. Huzooraa emphasised that prioritising preaching efforts in places where people are more inclined towards religion and less focused on worldly matters would likely result in greater success. Huzooraa said, “Japan is a considerably vast country; seek out the areas where your efforts can be most effective, where there is some inclination towards religion and some fear of God. Then preach to them. As for the major cities, endeavour to clear up the misconceptions about Islam that exist there.”
Huzooraa further emphasised the importance of a consistent presence in the locations where they engage in tabligh and preaching. Rather than visiting a place once and not going there again, Huzooraa suggested that they make frequent visits.
Huzooraa said that due to the fact that they are few in number, they should make a plan on how they can best utilise the few people they have for tabligh. Huzooraa added, “It is essential to generate enthusiasm and passion [for preaching] in the members.” Huzooraa said that this is also the duty of the tarbiyat department and encouraged them to make a coordinated plan.
Huzooraa emphasised, “The most crucial point is the fostering of harmony, love, and an atmosphere of trust amongst yourselves.” Huzooraa added that members of the amila, i.e., the administration, should have trust in each other, and the Jamaat members should trust the administrative team. Then, the administrative team should reciprocate that trust towards the Jamaat members. All kinds of complaints, grievances, and grudges should be resolved. Huzooraa said, “Stand united. Success invariably comes when you stand firm and united as a cemented wall. Without this unity, success is not achievable.”
Anwar Ahmad Sahib mentioned that he is currently serving as the Sadr Majlis Ansarullah. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa enquired about Anwar Ahmad Sahib’s place of origin, to which he replied that he is from Rabwah. Huzooraa then asked whether all members are actively involved. Anwar Ahmad Sahib reported that there are a total of 50 ansar with more than half of them being active participants.
Mubashar Zahid Sahib reported that he is serving as Secretary Tarbiyat. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa elaborated on the importance of conducting the tarbiyat of the 230 Ahmadis in a manner that ensures everyone regularly offers the five daily prayers in congregation, recites the Holy Quran, regularly listens to sermons, reads the books of the Promised Messiahas, maintains a good moral character, and establishes an atmosphere of love. Huzooraa emphasised that through the tarbiyat of these 230 individuals, they can become role models for other jamaats.
Huzooraa emphasised that every Ahmadi should strive to live as a true Ahmadi. They should “awaken the spirit within themselves for which the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, had come.” Highlighting the potential and capacity to strive for goodness, Huzooraa emphasised that a small jamaat like theirs should serve as a role model.
“It is essential to create an atmosphere of love among each other,” Huzooraa repeatedly emphasised.
Mirza Muazam Baig Sahib, serving as Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, reported that there are a total of 82 khuddam and 19 atfal in Japan. Referring to an incident where North Korea fired a missile over Japan, prompting warnings for residents to take shelter, Huzooraa enquired whether they had ever gone there for tabligh, exposition, or a visit. Mirza Muazam Baig Sahib replied in the affirmative.
Huzooraa advised to keep the khuddam attached and organise events tailored to their age groups. Huzooraa stressed the importance of explaining to khuddam that they should not be solely engrossed in worldly matters but be progressing in faith and the remembrance of God.
Hizqeel Ahmad Sahib reported that he is currently serving as a missionary in Japan. Alluding to Hizqeel Ahmad Sahib’s time in the UK, Huzooraa asked him if he had gained any valuable experience and whether he had implemented those lessons in Japan. Hizqeel Ahmad Sahib responded affirmatively, stating that he had indeed learned a great deal during his time in the UK, and he assured that he was making full efforts to apply those lessons in his work in Japan.
Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib reported that he was serving as a missionary and pursuing studies at Tokyo University. Huzooraa reminded him that his purpose was not solely to focus on studying at the university but also included tabligh. Huzooraa emphasised that he should introduce the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat within his university.
Hamid Amjad Arif Sahib, serving as the Secretary Umur-e-Aama, reported that his responsibilities primarily revolve around resolving disputes. Huzooraa stated that the duty of the Umur-e-Aama department goes beyond merely settling disputes. It involves making efforts for the welfare of the Jamaat’s members, assisting newcomers in finding employment, and helping them overcome the various challenges they may face. Huzooraa emphasised that settling disputes is just one aspect of their work, and the true focus should be on identifying ways to improve the Jamaat as a whole. Hamid Amjad Arif Sahib added that they have also provided assistance to individuals seeking asylum, aiding them in the process of settling in.
Farhat Rafique Sahib reported that he is serving as the Secretary Maal as well as the Secretary of Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid. Upon hearing about the multiple responsibilities assigned to him, Huzooraa remarked that it seemed he is shouldering a significant workload.
Huzooraa enquired about his place of origin in Pakistan and when he arrived in Japan. He responded that he hails from Lahore and migrated to Japan in 2018.
Regarding financial sacrifice, Huzooraa emphasised the importance of explaining it to children, highlighting that by participating in such a scheme, their money would be blessed. Huzooraa clarified that this contribution is not a tax, and neither is the Jamaat in need, nor is Allah in need of anyone’s money. Allah has stated that by engaging in financial sacrifice, there is a barakah [blessing] in one’s earnings.
During a conversation with Secretary Sami-o-Basri, Huzooraa enquired about his profession. He responded that he works with cars. Huzooraa then smiled and rhetorically asked if there is any restriction or prohibition on keeping a beard when working with cars. He replied that there is no such restriction. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa smiled and advised him to keep a beard. Referring to his role as Secretary Sami-o-Basri, the secretary reported that various events were organised in the mosque, to which locals were invited. Through these events, the Jamaat was introduced to them, and it was highlighted that NHK, a public broadcaster, covered the event.
Usama Tanveer Sahib reported that he is serving as Secretary Umur-e-Kharijia. Huzooraa advised him to maintain regular contact with individuals and, through this connection, introduce them to the Jamaat.
Muhammad Haseeb Sahib reported that he serves in the Wasiyyat department as well as the Talim department. Huzooraa enquired about his occupation and the place he came from in Pakistan. Haseeb Sahib replied that he is involved in the car business and that his family hails from Multan, Pakistan.
Referring to the 78 earning members, Huzooraa mentioned that there should be at least 39 musis. Huzooraa then asked him if he is a musi, to which he responded affirmatively. Next, Ammar Hassan Sahib reported that he is serving as the External Uuditor. Huzooraa enquired about his place of origin, to which he replied that he is from Karachi.
Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib reported that he is serving in the Ziafat department. Referring to the time difference in Japan, Huzooraa mentioned that it was 9pm there and asked if they had already eaten or were planning to do so. Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib replied that they had already served food to everyone and had also provided tea.
Athar Ahmad Dar Sahib reported that he is serving as the Secretary Ishaat and Secretary Jaidad. Huzooraa enquired about his occupation, to which he replied that he runs a car dealership. Hearing this, Huzooraa asked whether it was his father’s business that he continued, which Athar Ahmad Dar Sahib confirmed.
Referring to the properties, Athar Ahmad Dar Sahib mentioned that they have a mosque, Baitul Ahad, and a graveyard in Yamanashi. Huzooraa then asked about one of the acquired properties that had neither brought any benefit nor loss and enquired whether they have plans to sell it or make use of it. It was mentioned that, considering its location, which was not easily accessible, it poses certain challenges. Athar Ahmad Dar Sahib also mentioned that if a tsunami were to occur, the area would be very close to it, based on the map.
Discussing the jamaat in Tokyo, Huzooraa stated that since there is a large jamaat there, there should be a central location that is easily accessible for members to come for prayers. Huzooraa suggested considering the areas in Tokyo where most Ahmadis reside and exploring the possibility of obtaining a nearby place if there are significant numbers in that particular area. Huzooraa said that a feasibility report should be prepared on this and discussed with those in Tokyo and the amila too.
In a conversation with Anees Sahib, Huzooraa enquired about the number of Jamaat members residing in Tokyo. Anees Sahib replied that this number is approximately 100 or more. Huzooraa further asked whether there is a specific location in Tokyo where a significant number of Ahmadis resides. Anees Sahib confirmed this but added that the said location is considerably expensive and falls beyond their budget.
A member of the amila had the opportunity to present a suggestion. He mentioned that Huzooraa had previously emphasised the importance of fasting once a week and offering at least two nawafil daily. He suggested that they should organise a gathering on a Markaz level to raise awareness about these practices. Huzooraa stated that when he initially conveyed this message, people acted upon it, and even now, people continue to follow these practices. Huzooraa said that one should not merely hold days and events, in order to then simply mention in the report that so and so days had been commemorated.
Next, alluding to participation in elections, such as the shura elections, it was mentioned that a list is usually required to be compiled of those who have not yet paid their chanda. Huzooraa was asked, whether past non-payment of chanda should impact eligibility for inclusion in the elections even with consistent recent contributions. Upon hearing this, Huzooraa clarified that all these matters have been explained in the book on qawa‘id (rules and regulations). Huzooraa stated that, according to the established rules and regulations, individuals who have consistently paid their chanda for the past six months are to be counted in the elections. It would be incorrect to include someone who has not fulfilled their chanda obligation for the past six months and then ask them to pay afterwards. Huzooraa emphasised that the rules and regulations are clear and should be followed accordingly.
Next, the Secretary of Ziafat informed Huzooraa that the Langar Khana dining hall had been prepared and requested that Huzooraa kindly provide a name for it. Huzooraa questioned the necessity of assigning a specific name, as it already bears the name of ‘Langar Khana Hazrat Masih-e-Maud’, i.e., ‘Langar Khana of the Promised Messiah’.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then conveyed his salaam to all members, and the mulaqat came to a successful end.
(Report prepared by Al Hakam)