Al-Haj Hakim Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib (1901-1955)
It has been quite some time since any report from me regarding the mission in West Africa has appeared in the newspaper. The reason for this absence is that, upon the departure of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] to London, I was graciously granted permission – through his special kindness and benevolence – to travel there and be honoured with the blessed opportunity of his company. Acting upon this privilege, I departed from here on 31 August 1924 and arrived in London on 12 September 1924, where I remained until 9 December 1924. I departed for Africa on 10 December and returned to Saltpond on 24 December.
During my absence, Mr Binyamin Keelson, a young and devoted secretary of the Gold Coast Jamaat, managed the work, for which I am deeply grateful to him. I pray to Allah the Almighty to bestow upon him the best of rewards for his efforts. Nevertheless, a considerable backlog of work had accumulated in my absence. At present, setting aside any new undertakings, all efforts are being made day and night merely to address the pending tasks from before.
Annual conference
Our annual conference was held on 24 January 1925 in the village of Essam, Africa, where over 300 people gathered. They were given a detailed account of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s arrival and stay in London, as reported in the newspapers. An earnest appeal was made to them to continue their work with renewed diligence so that the progress made through the newspapers – by which Allah the Almighty has advanced the cause of the Jamaat and whose impact on the hearts of the people is still fresh – may be fully benefitted from.
It was emphasised that the foremost needs at present are to strengthen the Talim-ul-Islam Ahmadiyya School in Saltpond and to construct a mosque in Saltpond. Accordingly, the attendees promised contributions towards the building fund according to their capacity. The total pledges amounted to £242, 10 shillings, and six and a half pence.
Furthermore, the conference resolved that donations should also be collected for the repayment of debts incurred by the Ahmadiyya Mission in the Gold Coast. The members responded to this call with great sincerity, and nearly £102 – approximately one-third of the total debt – was collected on the spot. May Allah the Almighty grant them the best of rewards.
Inauguration of the mosque in Abuakwa
In Abuakwa, members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat have constructed a most magnificent mosque, more beautiful than any other mosque in the Gold Coast, with an expenditure exceeding £500. The date for its inauguration was set for 12 February [1925], as I arrived there on that day.
This village is located 5 miles into the forest from the main road accessible by motor vehicle. Travel beyond that point is only possible on foot or by palanquin. Although a palanquin was arranged for me, I chose to walk with other members. However, after covering half the distance, I yielded to their insistence and rode in the palanquin for the remainder of the journey.
On Friday, 13 February [1925], in the presence of 400 people – including non-Ahmadi Christians and idol-worshippers – the mosque was inaugurated at 9 am. Two raka‘t of nafl [supererogatory] prayers were offered, followed by a brief sermon in which the congregation was encouraged to keep the mosque thriving with worshippers.
Later that same day, after the Friday prayer, an outdoor session was held in which a lecture was delivered on the Truthfulness of Islam before the same assembly. On this occasion, promises totalling £107 were made towards further construction efforts, including for the mosque and a school. May Allah enable all members to fulfil their pledges and grant them the best of rewards.
Request for prayers
At present, as I write this report, we are in search of a suitable piece of land. Prices are exceedingly high, and the costs of construction are also considerable. The jamaat here is fragile and financially limited. Therefore, I humbly request all members to pray earnestly for our success.
Talim-ul-Islam Ahmadiyya School
Currently, over 100 boys and a few girls are enrolled in the school. One-third of the student population consists of Christians. Some Christian boys are also studying Arabic. It is planned that from next year, Arabic education will be made compulsory for all students. God willing, with a view toward the future, I am confident that through the grace of Allah the Almighty, this school will make great progress and also serve as an excellent means for the propagation.
New converts
The number of new converts is 33. Two individuals joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat during the annual conference.
(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu, published in the 14 April 1925 issue of Al Fazl)