The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria will hold its 70th Jalsa Salana Platinum celebration from Friday, 20 December to Sunday, 22 December, 2024 at the Conference Ground of the Jamia Ahmadiyya in Ilaro -Owode Road, Ogun State, reports TheGazelleNews.com.
The theme of historic gathering of hearts and mind is: “And We Have Sent Thee (Mohammad) Not But As A Mercy For All People”.
Those invited to grace the august occasion include President Bola Tinubu, some Governors from the northern and southern parts of Nigeria, political and traditional rulers and Islamic scholars among others.
The Amir (National Head) Ahmadiya Musim Jamaat of Nigeria, Barrister Folorunso Azeez made this disclosure while addressing newsmen on Wednesday, 4 December, 2024 at Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria headquarters Ojokoro, Lagos in Lagos State.
Speaking at the well attended press conference, Azeez said the theme of the conference is a Quranic declaration, which is very instructive, “as the Holy Prophet Muhammad(SAW) is humanity’s noble specimen and perfect model in beauty and beneficence and in leadership for personal and national reformation. In All facets of his life and character, he stands unrivalled and in excellent exempler for men to emulate and follow”.
According to Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jam’at Of Nigeria, in this light, for both the leadership and followership strata in this country, “it is apt for us to assess and explore the blessed life of the Holy Prophet(SAW), who personified mercy in all aspects of life.”
Azeez
Quoting the Qur’an to support this, Azeez said, ”There has indeed come to you as a Messenger from among yourselves; grievous to him is that you fall into trouble; he is ardently desirous of your welfare; and to the believers he is particularly compassionate and Merciful” (Quar’an, Al- Taubah, Chapter 9 verse 128)
The Amir of the Islamic movement said the main highlights of the Islamic gathering are recitation of the Holy Quran, praises of the Holy prophet Muhammad(SAW), message from the world leader of the Ahmadiyya community, goodwill messages from the Nigerian leaders, lectures, special prayers/Tahajjud for all, among others.
Speaking on the state of the nation, the Islamic movement, acknowledged the economic reforms of the present administration under the leadership of President Tinubu, just as it also welcome the recent cheering news of the complete rehabilitation and full operation of the Port Harcourt refinery after 34 years.
The Amir of the Islamic movement, however said that “It is regrettable that economic hardships have taken their tolls on average Nigerians but political class are living in opulence and vagrant display of wealth.”
The Islamic body added that: “We have noticed that the president’s call for the reduction of the cost of governance by ministers and governors are not been yielded to. The citizens are daily harassed by convoys of official vehicles on the highways. Multiple taxations are still the order of the day. The public power supply-electricity is inadequate despite increase in tariffs and forced migration to Band A. In reality, the nation is bleeding.”
Amir of the movement called on the political class to talk over pronouncements on reduction of cost of governance, ministers and governors should reduce the size of their convoys.
Azeez said corrupt officials must be tried, convicted and punished accordingly as a deterrent to others, just as he also called on state Governors who are yet to implement the payment of the minimum wage should expedite actions on payment.
He also charged governments at all levels to put in place incentives to cushion the effects of economic hardship especially cost of food should be re-evaluated, made to work and address the sufferi9ngs of the poor.
Jalsa Salana is the annual convention of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community initiated by the founder of the community, Hazrat Mirza Gulam Ahmad (peace be upon him). Usually, the gathering spans over three days, beginning on the Friday with Friday sermon.
