loving god, loving neighbour, living in harmony

ISSN 1596 - 3187Volume 50, No. 1

N200.00

A publication of the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, NigeriaAL-‘IRFAN

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GodNeighbourGodNeighbourLOVINGLOVING

Living in HarmonyLiving in Harmony

Condition IThe initiate shall solemnly promise that he/she shall abstain from shirk [associating any partner with God] right up to the day of his/ her death.

Condition IIThat he/she shall keep away from falsehood, fornication/adultery, trespasses of the eye, debauchery, dissipation, cruelty, dishonesty, mischief and rebellion; and that he/she w ill not permit himself/herself to be carried away by passions, however strong they might be.

Condition IIIThat he/she shall regularly offer t he five daily Prayers in accordance with the commandments of God and the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa and shall try his/her best to be regular in offering the Tahajjud and invoking durud on the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa. That he/she shall make it his/her daily routine to ask forgiveness for his/her sins, to remember the bounties of God and to praise and glorify Him.

Condition IVThat under the impulse of any passions, he/she shall cause no harm whatsoever to the creatures of God in general and Muslims in particular, neither by his/her tongue, hands, nor any other means.

Condition VThat he/she shall remain faithful to God in all circumstances of life, in sorrow and in happiness, in adversity and in prosperity, in felicity and in trial; and that he/she shall in all conditions remain resigned to the decree of God and keep himself/ herself ready to face all kinds of indignities and sufferings in His way and shall never turn away from Him at the onslaught of any misfortune; on the contrary, he/she shall march forward.

Condition VIThat he/she shall refrain from following un- Islamic customs and lustful inclinations and shall completely submit himself/herself to the authority of t he Holy Qur'an; and that he/she shall make the Word of God and the sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad sa his/her guiding principles in every walk of his/ her life.

Condition VIIThat he/she shall entirely give up pride and van it y and shall pass all his/her life in humbleness, cheerfulness, forbearance and meekness.

Condition VIIIThat he/she shall hold faith, the honour of faith and the cause of Islam dearer than his/her life, wealth, honour, children, and all loved ones.

Condition IXThat he/she shall keep himself/ herself occupied in the service of God's creatures for His sake only and shall endeavour towards the beneficence of mankind to the best of his/her God-given abilities and powers.

Condition XThat he/she shall enter into a bond of brotherhood with this humble servant of God, pledging obedience to me in everything good for the sake of God, and remain faithful to it until the day of his/her death. That he/she shall exert such a high devotion in the observance of this bond as is not to be found in any other worldly relationship and connection

10 Conditions of Bai’at

SEPTEMBER 2011 | AL- ‘IRFAN

Sadr AbdulQadir Abdul RafiMuhtamim Isha'at Murtadha OriolowoEditor-in-Chief AbdulGaniyy AdiamohMembers AbdurRaheem Ismail

Sulaiman OgunkanmiAbdulGaniyy OmopariolaHamid BolajiAhmad TalabiTajudeen OlawoleAbass AgbajeLuqman Al-GhazalOriolowo SaheedLukman Olabanji

Graphics AbdulGaniyy AdiamohContributors Abdul Qadir Awwal

Rilwan AlausaMaruf Ajimoti

AL-‘IRFAN-

A publication of the Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya, Nigeria

Contents

Editorial Board

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Al-'Irfan Magazine is published by the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria, the youth organization of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria. Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily representative of the official position of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community or any of its affiliate bodies.

All correspondence should be forwarded to:The EditorAl-'Irfan MagazineMajlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya NigeriaP.O. Box 418, Lagos State, NigeriaEmail: [email protected]: 08079165432; 08026980159; 07056547478

Holy Qur'an

Hadith

Sayings of Imam Mahdi

Islamic Teachings on Global Peace & Security

From the Sadr's Desk

Editorial

ATFAL Zone: QUALITIES of A Good Follower

ISLAM: The Antithesis of Extremism, Terrorism

Islamic Banking In Nigeria: Challenges & Opportunities

Spiritual & Moral Reformation in a Decadent Society: The Possibilities

Self Empowerment

Desist from 'Cannibalism’

Common Infant Ailments & How to Cope

News & Events

nd hold fast, all together, by the rope of Allah and be not divided; and remember the A

favour of Allah which He bestowed upon you when you were enemies and He united your hearts in love, so that by His grace you became as brothers; and you were on the brink of a pit of fire and He saved you from it. Thus does Allah explain to you His commandments that you may be guided.

ne of the causes of the spiritual speaks of the open or secret hostility of the degradation of the Israelites was that enemies of Islam, it exhorts Muslims to be they did not remain united but split up strong of faith; for it is at such time that one is O

into sections, finding fault with one another. likely to waver and show weakness in The verse warns Muslims against that danger. resolution. Thus after referring to the hostility The Holy Prophet is reported to have said: “The of the People of the Book (3 : 100,101), the Book of God is the rope of Allah which has been Quran exhorts Muslims: (1) to fear God as He extended from the heavens to the earth" (Jarir. should be feared (3: 103); (2) to be constant in iv. 30). obedience to God {3: I03}; and (3) to hold fast

Broadly speaking, there are three things which to the rope of God and preserve themselves may be taken to have been here meant by the from disunion (3: 104).rope of God, by holding fast to which Muslims The words “remember the favour of Allah” may remain united and be safe against disunion signify that as one can appreciate a boon of God and disruption: (1) the Quran ; (2) the properly only when one experiences the Messenger of God; (3) the Successors to the disadvantages that result from its absence, so Messenger of God. the Quran reminds Muslims of the discord and

The similitude may have reference to sea-life. enmity that existed between them before they Ropes are thrown to save the life of a drowning became united in Islam.man. When a man falls into the sea or when a The words, He united your hearts in love, boat is wrecked by a storm, people in the boat or show that according to Islam it is no great virtue those standing on the shore throw out ropes to to bear no malice or hatred to others. Nor does those who are struggling for their lives in the Islam inculcate a life of seclusion and sea. The similitude is thus incidentally a detachment. What it requires is positive love refutation of the objection that the Quran for, and active sympathy with, fellow beings. restricts its similitude to such objects only as One who is devoid of this is really devoid of true were known to the desert-dwellers of Arabia. faith.

It may be noted here that whenever the Quran

From the Holy Qur’an


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Narrated by Hadrat Anas, Allah be pleased with him: Said the Prophet of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be on him):“By God Who holds my life in His Hand,

none of you can be a truly faithful Muslim, unless he liked for his brother what he liked for himself.”

(Bukhari)

his Hadith sets forth the true standard of does not, however, mean that the special rights of Islamic brotherhood. First of all, the relations that the Shari’ah has laid down should Holy Qur'an knits all Muslims into one be ignored. As, for instance, a father is bound to T

brotherhood by declaring that “all the faithful are maintain his young children, the husband to brothers.” The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings maintain his wife, and children to support their of Allah be on him) explained the high standard at aged and dependent parents. Likewise, the which this brotherhood was to be evolved Shari'ah has apportioned shares for heirs on the through the words of this hadith. How forcefully death of a person: Widow, children, parents and he says, by swearing by the power of his Lord, others inherit definite portions of the legacy as that the true standard of brotherhood of the their respective shares. Similarly it has been Faithful consisted in choosing for his brother enjoined with great emphasis to look after the what a Muslim would choose for himself. well-being of other relations, neighbors and Through this short observation, the Holy Prophet friends. These rights as laid down are of course (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) has there. Leaving them aside, in our day-to-day uprooted all estrangement and feeling of conflict relationships and dealings, Islam expects every from among the Muslims, combining them into Muslim, and enjoins upon him, to like for his one organic whole. It is unfortunate that most of brother what he would like for himself and should the people of our day are engrossed in self- not have a double measure, one set for himself interest and in accumulating every benefit for and another set for others. In another hadith our themselves to the exclusion of others. It is about Lord the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of these people that the Holy Qur'an observes: Allah be on him) has described Muslims as limbs

“Woe unto those who, when they receive the of one body and as the whole body is ill at ease measure from others, they get it in full but when where a limb pains, so should all the Muslims feel they weigh it out to others, they give out less. Do ill at ease when one Muslim suffers. This is the they think they will never be raised and brought high place of brotherhood to which the Prophet of before their Lord?” [83[Al- Mutaffifin]:2-5] Allah (may my soul be devoted to his cause)

Islam cuts at the root of egoism and makes it proposes to elevate us.obligatory on true Muslims to like for their Would that we valued this injunction.brothers what they would like for themselves. It

From the Hadith

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From the Malfoozat

man does not forgive the other person who has done him some wrong, the offender is not safe and his good deeds are liable to be wiped out - even though he might have been trying all that he could to act upon the commandments of God by offering five daily prayers and doing other acts of this nature.

That is why a true believer is he who does his duty towards God and also does his duty towards his fellow beings - and he does so with great care. It is only the people who perform these two kinds of duties that can be said to be acting upon all the teachings of the Holy Quran, otherwise it will be said that he is acting upon the teachings of half of the Holy Quran.

But it must be remembered that it does not lie in the power of man to act on both the aspects of his duties of his own will and power. Man is tied down with the chain of low passions of the self. Unless he is vouchsafed the grace of God and unless God enables him to do these things, he cannot do anything whatsoever. That being the case one should always continue supplicating to God that He may enable him to do good and grant him riddance from the low passions of self. The self (which is prone to low passions) is a great enemy of man. Had it not existed, here are two aspects of good characteristics the Satan also would not have been there. It is an and high morals and they constitute the gist enemy that works inwardly and it can be aptly Tand the compendium of the teachings of described as a snake under the grass. As for the Satan, Islam. One, to worship God so that we can do our duty it is an outward enemy.towards Him, to shun evil and all that God the

It is a common knowledge that when someone Almighty has forbidden us to do and to do what He wishes to break into somebody's house, he has to have has commanded that we should do, to be ever some inmate of the house to be his friend and prepared for doing all that He has commanded us to informant. The thief who has to come from without do. Two, that we should not be slack in doing our duty cannot act unless he has somebody from within with towards our fellow beings and to do them as much of whom he has made a secret plan. That is why the Satan good as lies in our power. Those who do not do their works from without and the self works from within duties towards the human beings, even if they are and that is how the faith of the man is robbed and the doing their duties towards God, are in a precarious light of belief is extinguished. God says in the Holy position and they are not secure. The reason is that so Quran ..... that is to say, I do not take myself to be free far as God is concerned He covers up the sins and He (it is Joseph who is made to say this). Verily the self also forgives; He is Merciful and forbearing and He which is guided by low passions carries the man pardons the people; very often He forgives the sins. towards evil.On the other hand, so far as human beings are

(Malfoozat vol. 10, pg. 290)concerned they do not easily forgive anyone and if a

Duty towards God and fellow beings

HAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMADHAZRAT MIRZA GHULAM AHMAD

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The Sermon

Islamic Teachings on Global Peace and Security

Islamic Teachings on Global Peace and Security

attains a true perception and discernment of taqwa hen man spreads disorder on earth, peace one can put the Divine attributes in practice and can and security declines and righteousness propagate them to others.all but disappears, God sends His W

As long as Muslims were righteous they spread all Prophets to save the world. 1,400 years ago when over the world, from Asia to Africa to Europe. righteousness had completely vanished from this However when the standard of taqwa was diminished world and disorder was at its pinnacle, God sent His and peace and security was replaced with selfishness, final Shariah (religious law) and thus facilitated to love and harmony was replaced with jealousy and save the world from turmoil. Through this Shariah malice, the Muslims were deprived of what they had.man was taught ways to honour the rights of God and

However, Allah had revealed His final teachings to the rights of mankind, which had either being the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on forgotten by those who had believed in the earlier him) in order to remove disorder from the land. Today Prophets, or commandments of this excellence had it is this teaching alone that is going to remove turmoil not been revealed before.from the world. Although the others were The most significant point that the Holy Qur'an deprived, God fulfilled His promise in that the draws attention to in order to abide by all its faith revealed to the Holy Prophet (peace and commandments is taqwa (righteousness). If one

HAZRAT MIRZA MASROOR AHMAD


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blessings of Allah be on him) was to triumph over it will be through the teachings of the Holy Prophet others, through the advent of his true and ardent (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). The Holy devotee, the Promised Messiah (on whom be Qur'an addresses all nations of the world on the basis

peace) who was destined to regain the lost legacy. It is of humanity:therefore the responsibility of an Ahmadi to propagate “O mankind We have created you from male and the peaceable message of Islam to the world and female; and We have made you into clans and tribes inform them that Islam is not a religion of extremism that you may recognise one another. Verily, the most rather it is the standard bearer of love and compassion. honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who

In the aftermath of WWII the UNO was formed with is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All its various bodies, e.g. the Security Council, the Knowing, All-Aware.” (49:14)Economic and Social Council, the International Court This is the Islamic teaching of brotherhood. A of Justice etc. However, the current affairs around the righteous believer is enjoined to adhere to this world are a testimony to the failure of this institution. teaching and indeed to propagate it. This alone can The reason for this failure is lack of righteousness. foster love, affection and equality. Peace and security Based on knowledge, power or arrogance some can only be guaranteed in the world when the false nations of the world have an upper hand in the UNO; and oppressive notion of supremacy for some nations there are dual standards of permanent and non- is eradicated.permanent membership etc. Peace and security cannot be established until

If lasting peace and security is to spread in the world, people of each race and each nation are able to

Islamic Teachings on Global Peace & SecurityIslamic Teachings on Global Peace & Security


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ascertain that they are the children of Adam and sermon, the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of are created by a male and female and are indeed Allah be on him) openly declared, “All of you are equal. If one is better than the other, it is in terms equal. All men, whatever nation or tribe they belong

o f righteousness alone. However, whose to, and whatever station in life they may hold, are righteousness is most excellent, only Allah knows, no equal…….an Arab possesses no superiority over the one can adjudge this for themselves. non-Arab, nor does a non-Arab over an Arab.”

Islam says that all mankind is like a family and it can Today it is the duty of the Community of the only look after the peace and security of each other Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) to establish only if it lives like a close-knit family. The apparent this beautiful society that the Holy Prophet (peace and differences in mankind are only for identification as blessings of Allah be on him) created.to who is European who is Asian and who is African. Verse 9 of Surah Al Mumtahinah (60:9) speaks of As humans we are all the same and a person in Africa respect and kindness extended to those who do not has the same sentiments as those of a person in seek to fight on account of religion. The verse refers to Europe. Peace and security can only prevail when the other Quranic verse (Surah Hajj) which gives each others' sentiments are cared for. These are the permission to fight in self-defence against those who measures for durable peace and security that Islam make war first. Indeed war may only be declared on a presents, otherwise no matter how many Security governmental level. Unfortunately it is this very issue Councils are formed durable peace cannot be which the extremists among Muslims are flagrantly maintained. abusing and are thus bringing Islam in disrepute.

This teaching did not just remain theoretical; the Verse 109 of Surah Al An'am (6:109) is most Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on significant for international peace and security. Allah him) put it all in practice. He loved the poor and the has taught us profound ways of courtesy and disadvantaged, freed the slaves, assigned the deprived consideration to keep peace by enjoining not to revile their rights. Hadhrat Bilal (may Allah be pleased with the idols of the idolaters lest they insult Allah in him) had no ethnic status, but such was the response this, despite the Islamic philosophy which consideration of the Holy Prophet (peace and holds idols as incapable of anything. To respond each blessings of Allah be on him) towards him that insult with an insult is to invite insult. Therefore our Hadhrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) response should be sagacious. A Muslim has a addressed him as “Syedna Bilal”. At his farewell most heightened sense of honour for Allah


Peace and security cannot be established until people of each race and each nation are able to ascertain that they are the children of Adam and are created by a male and female and are indeed equal. If one is better than the other, it is in terms of righteousness alone. However, whose righteousness is most excellent, only Allah knows, no one can adjudge this for themselves.

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therefore in reviling the idols of others if a Muslim invites insult to Allah then he/she is responsible for it. Muslims today should make

this teaching widespread, as for those [non-Muslims] who do not desist under any circumstances; it is their misfortune that their deeds are made attractive to them. However, eventually they have to return to God and will get their recompense.

When Allah has taken it upon Himself to deal with certain matters then we do not need to concern ourselves with them. That there are non-religious people who venerate their worldly deities and Allah has their matter in hand. We do not need to engage in smashing things up, demolishment and suicide attacks. This represents a very erroneous picture of the high morals of Islam apart from being of no consequence whatsoever. The offensive material that [Salman] Rushdie wrote many years ago is in his nature, if a government honours him with a title for this or any other reason, their matter rests with God. It is not that there is no sense of decency in Europe. Numerous people have objected to this [knighthood] in that apart from endangering the peace and security of the world nothing else can be gained from this. When Rushdie wrote the book in question; rather when he was assisted in writing it, the reviewers did opine that there was someone else behind the writing of the book and that it was done to incite the Muslims. marketing it as well. This book should be distributed However, Muslims are playing right into their hands. among the thinking men and women. The peaceable There is no point in this. It is a huge conspiracy which teaching of Islam even cautions against the enmity of will not go away by burning flags; rather this [burning one's opponent to cause one to do injustice (5:9). It is of flags] will serve their purpose. In any case the indeed most difficult to put enmities aside when proper response to such a matter should be to abide by meting out justice. The verse does not mention love the teachings of Islam with greater vigour, to present and affection rather it gives a measure and a standard the blessed model of the Holy Prophet (peace and of love and affection.blessings of Allah be on him) to others. If anyone can May the time arrive soon when Muslim do this today, an Ahmadi can. governments abide by the true teachings of Islam,

When Rushdie wrote this book (1989) Hadhrat may there be rulers who propagate Islam under the Khalifa tul Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him) auspices of the true and ardent devotee of the Holy had Arshad Ahemdi Sahib write a book entitled Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him).“Rushdie: haunted by his unholy ghost” in response. I It is the task of the Ahmadis to engage in prayers. have asked that it is now re-published with the May our prayers be accepted and the world becomes a addition of a chapter about which Hadhrat Khalifa tul cradle of peace and harmony and everyone worships Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him) had the One true God, may Allah make it so.instructed. A short while ago the book was printed by an independent publishing company who are



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he basis for the formation of the United Nations in 1945 was to institute an enduring peace across the globe. The emergence of regional T

bodies like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the East African Cooperation (EAC), the Southern African Development Commission (SADC), the Commonwealth among a host of others is to ensure an atmosphere of cooperation and harmonious existence among people of different nationalities, backgrounds and orientations. However, the much desired peace has continued to

elude us all. What could be responsible for this? Is the fabric of the society tearing further apart or it is mending? Would be right to say that hundreds of regional bodies set up to ensure world peace, cooperation and harmony have failed in their mandates? Nigeria. From acclaims and What could we do right to make the labours of these rebukes, Islamic banking, the organizations come to fruition? These are questions in guidelines of which were urgent need of answers. recently released by the One basic component of the spate of restlessness in the Central Bank of Nigeria has

world today is what is increasingly being referred to as further polarized the country, 'Islamic terrorism'. This raises the question: is terrorism which has loads of religious, analogous to Islam? ethnic and tribal strifes. In this Rather than continuing to ask questions, this edition of issue, an attempt is made to

Al-'Irfan tries to dispel the belief that Islam sanctions explain Islamic banking and terrorism. In the article, “Islam: The Antithesis to how its benefits could be Extermism, Terrorism”, the audience is taken through tapped for the development of some of these misconceptions and exhorted to read more Nigeria's economy.on the topic of Jihad. There is no dearth of materials on We s incerely pray to this topic, and the audience is hereby kindly pointed to Almighty Allah to accept this the book “Murder in the Name of Allah” by Hazrat as an act of worship, forgive Mirza Tahir Ahmad, introduced on page 28. The us our errors, and maintain us audience can also look through the article “Islam is in the right path. Amin.Peace” (Adh-Dhikr, April 2009, Vol. II, No. 1).The introduction of the Islamic form of non-interest

banking has also been generating controversies in

Editorial


From the Sadr’s Desk

Oslo after he had detonated a bomb he world today is filled at the Government Headquarters in with unrest. The ongoing Oslo. Arab Springs (crises in T

All these recent events add to the Syria, Egypt, Tunisia, Bahrain, already saturated history of Libya etc.) have now joined the violence in the human race. These already saturated world of strife events have also shown that no and rebellion. Many conflicts in the nation of the world is free from the world today, namely the Palestine-disruption of peace (the recent Israel imbroglio, the Korean uprising in London is a good peninsula palaver, the Afghanistan example).crisis and the Iraqi uprising among

How is it possible to achieve others have seen no sign of employ the unjust tactics which

peace in the world today, one might abatement.were used by their tormentors to

be forced to ask when even the Natural disasters are also on the also prosecute their fight for a just

most powerful nations of the world increase the flood in Pakistan, society.

have found it extremely difficult to drought and famine in Somalia, It is worthy to note at this juncture

maintain law and order in their earthquake in Haiti, Tsunami in that religion and their followers

societies?Japan all add to the growing spate who were themselves victims of

Nearly all humanity agrees that of insecurity in the world.injustice commence on the use of

the fabric of a peaceful society can As if these are not enough, these unjust methods whenever

only be built on justice. Justice is economic crises have also added its they themselves ascend the mantle

that ingredient without which the weight to the already strained state of leadership.

society loses its appeal.of restiveness in the society. No It is a fact of history that most

In an interfaith conference held in nation seems to be free from the dominant groups themselves began

April 2011, I stated that most struggles for enduring peace.as minority groups that were

rebellion in the world is as a result Recently Norway (a nation initially terrorized by the previous

of injustice in the society. The fuel ranked 2nd most peaceful nation in dominant groups.

for most unrests in human history is the world according to the Global What causes this sudden change

the perceived absence of justice by Peace Index (GPI) -2008 report) of attitude? Why do these groups

the aggrieved group, whether also had her share of extremism suddenly on assumption of power

majority or minority. The most when a young man named Andreas themselves become terrorists so

surprising aspect of the lack of Bretvik opened fire on sixty nine much so that it seems that they have

peace in the society is that the (69) young members of the ruling forgotten so quickly the

minority groups or the groups who party in Utoeya, an island just 30 travails they went through

claim to be victims of injustice also kilometers away from the capital while they were being

You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah. And if the People of the Book had believed, it would have surely been better for them. Some of them are believers, but most of them are disobedient.

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tormented? change the hearts of men. We As a Muslim, I have read about believe that the jihad of the Sword

the thirteen years of terror inflicted has been outlawed and has been on the early Muslims by the Arab replaced by the jihad of the pen, leaders. I have also read in the that of true propagation of the Qur'an that these were the same peaceful teachings of Islam.treatment meted out to the previous Ahmadis hold this belief strong in callers to Allah's ways Prophets our hearts and we do not follow the (alaihimus salam). examples of the other minority

As an Ahmadi Muslim, I have organizations by taking up arms in also seen that fellow Ahmadies in resistance and causing further countries like Pakistan and violence in the community. We Indonesia are going through hold tenaciously to the Qur'an difficult times because of their verse “You are the best of mankind, faith. They also experience what E n j o i n i n g w h a t i s g o o d , the Holy Prophet (saw) and his Forbidding Evil....” (3.111). We followers went through; they are will continue to preach the being killed; their shops are looted; teachings of Islam to all and uphold trade boycotts are declared against justice.them. In short, they live in constant We will not join the bandwagon fear for their lives all because of of people who destroy peace on the

following the examples of so many their faith. The same cycle of platform of advocating for a minority communities who would oppression against religious people worthy cause a case of an eye for rather go underground and take up are used against them. an eye makes the world go blind.arms and start their own uprising to May Allah (swt) save them from The NO-VIOLENCE policy of cause further strain to the peace in these adversaries who constantly the Jama'at places so much trust on the society. Our motto is 'Love For try to extinguish the light of truth. every Ahmadi to keep to this All, Hatred For None'What has been the reaction of the principle. Let our lives be a true

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Ahmadiyya Community to these reflection of the lives and times of is following the age long tradition attacks on their fundamental the best of humanity.of the Holy Prophet Muhammad human rights to freedom of (saw) to be steadfast in the face of r e l i g i o n ? T h e A h m a d i y y a oppression and be obedient to Community has remained steadfast constituted authority, by following preferring to pray to Allah to the rule of law in her efforts to protect us from the evil being restrain these people who would perpetrated by the Mullah's in continue to go against the rule of c o l l a b o r a t i o n w i t h t h e i r law by taking laws into their hands.governments. These governments

The Ahmadiyya community has have decided to abdicate their continuously received divine constitutional duty to protect the assistance from Allah (swt). We rights of the minority. The have firm faith in the belief that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community sword can kill man but cannot have restrained her members from

From the Sadr’s Desk


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THURSDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

4.00pm Arrival / Registration of Participants 5.00pm Hosting of flags 6.50pm Preparation for Prayer6.55pm Call to prayers7.00pm Solatul Maghrib 7.10pm Welcome Address 7.45pm Call to Prayer8.00pm Ishai Prayer 8.15pm Ijtema rules and Regulations8.30pm Dinner / Mulk officers meeting with Sadr/Indoor Games10.30pm Light out

FRIDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

4.00am Waking up for Tahajud Prayer4.30am Tahajjud Prayer 5.15am Tilawat-ul-Quran5.30am Call to Prayer5.45am Fajr Prayer6.00am Lecture 1 – Latest Huzur’s sermon

7.00am Sports Preliminaries 9.00am General Sanitation / Breakfast10.00am Courtesy calls To the Chairman and Oba Of Badagry/ Sports Preliminaries continues12.00 Preparation for Jummat service1.00pm Jummat Service 2.10pm Lunch/ Visitation to Motherless Babies Home/ Prison/ Hospital/ Old People’s home3.45pm Call to Prayer for Asr4.00pm Asr Prayer 4.15pm QURAN RECITATION COMPETITION6.50pm Call to Prayer7.00pm Solatul Maghrib7.50pm Call to Prayer8.00pm Solatul Ishai8.10pm Dinner9.00pm Educational Competitions (All Other Educational Competitions holds simultaneously)

SPEECH CONTESTTopics (i) Achieving the Nigeria of our dreams; the roles and expectations of the youths

(ii) Youth empowerment in Nation building. (iii) Actualisation of Morals in a decadent societyISLAMIC QUIZ COMPETITION

11.10pm Light out

MAJLIS KHUDDAM-UL-AHMADIYYA NIGERIA(AHMADIYYA MUSLIM YOUTH ORGANIZATION)39TH ANNUAL IJTEMA (YOUTH CONVENTION)

VENUE: Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry, Lagos StateDATE: Thursday 15th - Sunday 18th September, 2011

THEME: ACHIEVING THE NIGERIA OF OUR DREAM: THE ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE YOUTHS

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS

MUALLIM SULAIMAN OGUNKANMI

self-immolation. This is man and not Islamic istory has recorded several acts of human philosophy whatsoever.dehumanization and destruction that

The Ahmadiyyat Muslim Jama'at through the evolved as a result of quest for Hteachings of its founder, the Imam-Al-Mahdi and domination, political interest, religious bigotry, Promised Messiah (as) presents Islam in its pristine racial matters and other forms of agitation. Alas! form, as brought by the Holy Prophet Muhammad Out of hypocrisy, Islam which is alien to violence is (saw). The shrouds of misconception and being stigmatized as a religion of terror, extremism misinterpretations that had been wrapped around and violence. Anybody or setup that sees Islam as the teachings of Islam, by Muslims and non-religion of terror is only displaying gross ignorance Muslims alike is being unwrapped by the Promised and is at sea as far as history is concerned.

ISLAM MEANS PEACE AND IT IS Messiah and the Mahdi (as). Many Muslims and Basically, PEACEFUL IN ALL LEVELS. non Muslims alike have misunderstood the concept

of Al-Jihad, and have taken it to connote wanton The world should know that any act of violence destruction of lives and properties. This is a gross whenever it emanates and whoever perpetrates it is misconception. Al-Jihad implies striving absolutely a misinterpretation of Islam and peacefully in the way of Allah. The greatest misrepresentation of the Muslims. It requires no form of religious duty (Jihad) is the striving to intelligence to conclude that man is threatened with

In a world of violence, war, terrorist attacks and extremism, where does man go? The act of violence has caught across the globe. Researchers have opined that this is as a result of the complex and cruel nature of man. This assertion is corroborated in the Qur’an Chapter 33 vs. 73 where man is described as being full transgression, bestiality and savagery.



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live in harmony with other and with oneself hearted enough to read about Islam from the shunning all low desired motives. rightful sources for better interpretation of it. All The life of our noble Prophet Muhammad (saw) popular forms of violence that is caused by human

is indeed the epitome of LOVE, PEACE AND agitation of one form or the other are not in any way UNITY among and with all classes of men. associated with Islam. This is so because the Religious bigotry was and is not in his personality. religion (Islam) which is peace in all can never be an To every citizen of the Arabia ranging from the abode of violence for mankind.Muslims, Christians, the Jews and others, equity Ideologically, the Promised Messiah Hazrat and justice were his concerned duties while he was Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (A.S) who is the founder of their leader. And this is evidenced in his 23 years of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at advising followers divine prophethood in the Arabia. in very strong terms said:

The Holy Prophet is ranked by Allah (God) as the “The principle to which we adhere is that we have best of mankind in all ramifications of life. He has kindness of heart for the whole mankind. If anyone the most excellent moral excellences (Quran 68 vs. sees the house of a Hindu neighbour on fire and 5). And this is what he advocates that all Muslims does not come forward to extinguish the fire, must follow. A thorough examination of his life made truly declare that he does not belong to me. If scholars to opine that indeed he is the best of all men anyone of my followers, having seen someone great or non-great among them (men). Examples of attempting to murder a Christian does not endeavor these scholars are Michael H Hart, Lamartine, to save him, I must truly declare that he does not George Bernard Shaw, Ramakrishna Rao, an Indian belong to me (Sirajum-Munir pg 28).”(Hindu) professor amongst others. Thus, Islam is In pursuance of the advice of the Promise Messiah PEACE, the prophet of Islam advocates PEACE (A.S), the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is and the Muslims are enjoined to be PEACEFUL. actively engaged in many activities of service to Any form of violence is strongly alien to Islam. No humanity, regardless of colour, creed or race, room at all for violence in Islam. particularly in the area of health and education.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at is saying NO to Allah (God) is one. Mankind is one and living in violence of any form. Despite the widespread unity under the canopy of LOVE and PEACE is the persecution and campaign of hatred against the only means for the harmonious living in mankind.members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at, the This is Islam; this is what is expected of a Muslim slogan remains “LOVE FOR ALL, HATRED FOR and mankind at large. CAINISM should be shunned NONE”, for this is what Islam means and for PEACE. This is the philosophy of Islam. May encourages. our society be redeemed by Allah the Lord of Peace.

The world should shun ignorance and be large


www.mka-ng.org


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Islamic Banking In Nigeria:Challenges & Opportunities

principles Muamalat (Islamic rules on transactions) Introductionand guided by Islamic economics. Islamic banking is often thought to be financing the need of the Muslim n Tuesday 21 June 2011, the Central Bank of Community alone but this notion is absolutely wrong. Nigeria issued new guidelines for the Islamic banking is evolving to play a role in today's regulation and implementation of non-Oglobal village. Therefore, Islamic Banking is an interest banks in the country, the most popular of instrument for development of Islamic economic which is Islamic Banking. The introduction of Islamic orders, prohibiting the payment and or collection of Banking, among other categories of non-interest interests, regardless of the purpose for which loans are banking has generated a lot of controversy. While made and the rate at which interest is charged. some say it is a welcome development, many abhor it

Islamic law also prohibits activities dealing with and criticize the Central Bank of Nigeria for alcohol, pork, gambling, pornography and anything introducing a form of religious banking in an which Islamic law deems unlawful. The Islamic acclaimed secular state as Nigeria. The introduction banking system is therefore a comprehensive system of the Islamic Banking system has no doubt further that goes beyond an agreement to share profits and polarized the Nigerian public. To this end, there is the loss in commercial dealings. It is the development of need to examine what Islamic Banking stands for an Islamic economic order which ensure social together with its possible challenges and prospects. justice, such as forbidding all forms of economic activities which are morally or socially injurious, Islamic Banking: An Attempt at a Descriptionensuring ownership of wealth legitimately Islamic Banking refers to a system of banking or acquired, allowing an individual to retain any banking activities that is consistent with Islamic

ABDULQADIR AWWALABDURRAHEEM ISMAIL


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surplus wealth and seeking to prevent the legislation which guides other financial services accumulation of wealth in a few hands to the sector, Financial Services and Market Act 2000. detriment of society as a whole. “The statutory principles under which we operate

Due to the rules of the Islamic banking, Islamic encourage us to maintain the strength and diversity of finance products are often based on the principles of the UK's financial landscape. Having access to risk sharing and profit sharing. Such sharing Sharia-compliant banking products provides principles can provide acceptable financial returns to financial services to people whose faith prevents them investors by providing potential profit in proportion from using the kind of products that are normally to the risk assumed. This type of structured products offered by UK financial institutions.”can satisfy the demands of investors in the Islamic Banking is a system of banking that is based contemporary environment within the guidelines of on Islamic Law (Shari'ah Law). The basic principles the Islamic law. The most active financing provided of Islamic Banking are:are in the areas of trade commodity finance, property and leasing. It can therefore be seen that the Tenets of Islamic Bankingcommercial purpose of Islamic banking is the same as conventional banking but it needs to operate within Prohibition of Interest (Riba)the principles stated above. Some of the features of Islamic banking system prohibits any transaction of Islamic investing have always held an appeal for non- whatever nature that involve either receiving or Muslim investors and individuals. giving of interest. Instead Islam advocates for profit

sharing,“The interest that you give in order to increase The journey so far the wealth of the people, does not increase in the sight It was in 1975 after the launch of the first of Allah; and the Zakat that you pay in order to win

international conference on Islamic economics Allah's approval, its payers do indeed increase their organized by King Abdulaziz University in Makkah wealth” (Surah Al-Rom no. 39)(Shafi and Usmani, that the first commercial Islamic bank was established 1997, p.67)”.in Dubai called Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), followed Usury, lending of money on interest, regardless of by Islamic Development bank in Jeddah, Saudi the rate of interest is prohibited in the Quran when Arabia. Later, many other countries joined, among Almighty Allah says …Truly those who believe, and them are Egypt, Sudan, Kuwait etc. Since then, do deeds of righteousness, and perform prayer and Islamic banking has been growing at a very give voluntary charity…O you who believe! Fear unprecedented rate with more countries joining in its Allah and give up what remains (due to you) from establishment. usury (from now onward) (Q2:277-278). In addition,

Describing this, Abdulkader Chachi writes: specific words of the prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), Islamic banking has gained momentum and has been which is an instructional source in Islam, prohibit it.

growing very fast at a double digit average annual rate of growth... At the moment, it is one of the fastest Uncertainty and Speculation (Ghara and growing industries. Its size has grown tremendously Maysir)from a mere few hundred thousand dollars in 1975 to Ghara (Uncertainty) and Maysir (Speculation) are reach hundreds of billions of dollars by 2005. The two things Islamic Banking prohibits. Any practice of Islamic banking is now not limited to only transaction of whatever nature whose outcome is Arab and Muslim countries but has spread "from East uncertain and full of speculations is prohibited by to West, all the way from Indonesia and Malaysia Islamic banking system. This is because Islam towards Europe and the Americas" (p.1). Not only believes that such transactions are usually to the that, but the fact is that "many conventional banks, benefit of the few wealthy members of the society at including some major multinational western banks the expense of the poor masses of the society.have also started using Islamic banking technique.

It was in 2004 that United Kingdom joined with the Unethical Business and Practicesadoption of the Islamic banking under the same Islamic Banking prohibits participation in



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follower is a person that support or admires This can also mean the fear of Allah. A good a particular person or set of ideas. A follower needs to fear Allah in all he does. This follower may also mean a person that is righteousness will make him do things that are in A

being led by a person or group of people known as accordance with Allah's commandments. The Holy leader(s). The qualities of a good follower can then be Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said 'Khayru zaadi said to mean the behavioural characteristics or Taqwa'. This means that the best provision is attitudes that should be found in a good follower. righteousness. Many a time in the Holy Quran, Allah

The role of followers in the success of a leader is commanded us to fear him for it is this that we shall be principal. A leader can be said to be good if he has successful. So, a follower has to have the fear of Allah good followers behind him. This is why it is important in him so that he, the leader and even the nation will be to know the qualities a good follower should posses. successful. Also, righteousness prevents a follower The qualities of a good follower may be abbreviated from committing sin (Exodus 20:20).into the acronym 'R.O.C.K.P.L.T'.

ObedienceR- Righteousness The second quality of a follower after righteousness O- Obedience is obedience. Obedience means acting according to C-Constructive criticism the dictates of a person. The importance of obedience K-Knowledge in good followership cannot be over-emphasized. P-Prayer, patience, perseverance Quran 4:60 say 'Yaa ayyuhalladhina aamanu ati u L-Love llaha wa a ti arrasula wa uhul amri min kum', that is 'O T- Truthfulness you who believe obey Allah and obey his

messenger and those of you who are in the Righteousness position of authority'.

RIDWAN ALAUSA

QUALITIES of A Good Follower

QUALITIES of A Good Follower


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knowledge. He commanded us in one of his sayings Here, Allah commands us that we should obey that 'tolabul ilm faridotun ala kulli muslim wa Him, His messenger and those of us who are in muslimat', that is, 'seeking for knowledge is impudent position of authority. So, it can be summarized on every Muslim whether male or female. Also, the that a follower has to obey Allah, His messenger and first set of verses revealed to the prophet was based on the leader.knowledge. This reinforces the importance of A leader can't be successful without obedient knowledge in the lives of Muslims.followers. Let's take a journey into the life history of

Also, a knowledgeable follower will be able to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W). During the Battle of Badr, advise the leader on what to do in different situations. the prophet (S.A.W) draws a line and commanded the He would be able to advise the leader on how to act Muslim warriors not to cross that line under any during tough times.circumstances. These warriors obeyed and the

On the contrary, followers without adequate Muslims won the battle triumphantly. But then, knowledge would only follow the leader anytime or during the Battle of Uhud, 50 people were told to lead the leader astray.guard a point and not to leave under any

circumstances. But when these 50 people left their Loveposts for war booties against the commandment of the A good follower should love his nation. Love brings prophet, the enemies saw this unguarded point and the

about patriotism. The love of the nation by the retreating warriors re-attacked through this breach, followers brings peace and progress. The Holy killing lots of Muslims in the counter-attack. The prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said 'Hubbul Watonu Muslims suffered heavy loss in the battle of Uhud due Ismul Iman' The love of nation is half of faith. to disobedience on the part of some of them.Muhammad (S.A.W) commands us here to love our So, a good follower needs obedience for it is only nation because the love of one's nation is an essential through this that any form of successful leadership part of Iman.and nation building can occur.

Following that love, the nation would do things in Constructive Criticism the interest of the community. In every situation, they

will consider their nations first before thinking of Criticism means analysing what someone has done themselves. They will be willing to die for the wrong. Criticism is said to be constructive if and only betterment of their nation. This is good in the interest if it is aimed towards changing the leader positively of the nation because it promotes cooperation and and not toward blaspheming the leader. A good subsequently development.follower must be able to criticize the bad acts of the

leader boldly without any fear. The Holy Prophet Prayer, Patience & Perseverance (S.A.W) once said if we see a wrong thing in our Good followers pray for their communities. They community and we cannot use our hand to correct it,

turn to Allah for assistance in tough times. The Bible we should endeavor to use our mouth. So, says pray for the peace of the land therein lie your own constructive criticism is a way of making sure things peace. Good followers do exactly this and this results are done the right way by the leader and this is the in development because anything one indulges Allah responsibility of the followers, since a leader may not in is bound to be successful.know whether he has done the right or not.

Also, good followers are patient with their leaders. Knowledge They resolve into round table meetings and collective

bargaining anytime the leader does something they A good follower must be knowledgeable. He must feel is wrong. They do not take every be able to know and identify what is right from what is misunderstanding as an opportunity to fight. wrong. For a good follower to be able to criticize They believe that the pen and mouth is truly constructively, he must have an in-depth knowledge mightier than the sword and so do not fight.of what is right and what is wrong. The Holy Prophet

Muhammad S.A.W knew of the importance of

Qualities of A Good Follower


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It was also seen that Islamic banking system will whatever transaction that is unethical and can form an alternative banking system to the existing have detrimental effect on the society. Such conventional banking system. This will constitute a transactions include raising fund for alcoholic check on the operation and management of the business, terriorism etc.conventional banking system as its operators will now From this, it obvious that Islamic Banking see that should they mismanage the system, there is an system is such that aims at establishing and promoting alternative waiting to win their customers' an economic system that pursue even distribution of confidence.wealth while couteous of the need to protect the moral

There are so many salient features and important of standard of the citizenry.Islamic banking but few are summed up as:

A Secular State With A Religious Banking 1. While permitting the individual the right to System

seek his economic well being, Islam makes clear What has constituted argument against the distinction between what is Halal and haram in pursuit establishment of Islamic Banking in Nigeria is that of such economic activity.how can we have a religious based banking system in

2. It forbids all forms of economic activity, a secular state like Nigeria? This kind of question is a which are morally or socially injurious.type that will only make meaning to a person to whom

3. While acknowledging the individual's right to the 21st century does not make any meaning. ownership of wealth legitimately acquired, Islam Belonging to this century is a rare priviledge as this makes it obligatory on the individual to spend his century appears to be one that human intellect has wealth judiciously and not hoard it, keep it idle to reached its climax with no likelihood of a better squander it.sophisticated century in future, a century that man

4. It allows individual and companies to retain treats issues and not personality, a century that man any surplus wealth and seeks to reduce the margin takes decisions objectively even at the expense of between the wealthy and the poor.personal interests, a century that man examines the

5. It encourages people to pay zakat.essence of something and not the bearer of that thing. 6. It will eradicate or prevent the accumulation This is the kind of feeling that is visible in countries

of wealth in a few hands to the detriment of society as like United Kingdom, America, South Africa who a whole by its law of inheritance.saw the inevitable need for the establishment of

7. Viewed as a whole, the economic system Islamic Banking even when the percentage of Muslim envisaged by Islamic banking aims at social justice population was estimated to be considerably in the without inhibiting individual enterprise beyond the minority.point where it becomes not only collectively injurious but also individually self destructive.Establishing Islamic Banking system in Nigeria

will meet two very important needs:OpportunitiesMeeting The Need Of Demandng MuslimsIslamic banking has in stock a lot of opportunities The establishment of Islamic Banking in Nigeria

both for individual Nigerian citizens and for Nigeria will meet the need of many Nigerian Muslims who as a nation. The coming of this system will translate to want to live their lives according to the dictates of an alternative banking system to the earlier existing their religion. They will not patronise some products conventional banking system. It will make the if not all the products of conventional banking, neither operators to sit tight and re-package their products in will they invest their resources in a system which they such a way that they will not lose their existing consider 'sinful'. Therefore, the establishment of customers to their new rivals which have alternative Islamic Banking will boost the economy as these set products for virtually all their products.of people will become actively involved in the

The system if eventually started will boost the economic activity of the state as they now have a economy with its varying unique products. In the banking system they can patronise.Western countries where Islamic Banking is in A Need for an Alternative Banking System


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place, it is growing very rapidly. Presently, the over tax treatment of so called shariah compliant growth rate is estimated at 10-15% per annum. financing contracts.Some of these products include: He then concludes:- Musharaka (partnership): this is where the Finally, and in the mean time, we shall await the

customer and the bank enter into partnership with the Relevant Tax Authorities to issue their information customer provide the skill while the bank finances the circular on the tax treatment of Islamic Financial business. The profit will be shared in a pre-agreed Transactions in Nigeria.profit sharing ratio while in the case of loss the Another challenge that is likely to face Islamic individual go empty handed while bank bears the full banking is the different school of jurisprudence as loss. what some scholars approve to be correct may be

- Murabaha (Cost plus financing): this is where disapprove by some others. Therefore, there is the a bank buy goods and add a specified profit margin. need for the relevant authority to set up a committee of The bank then resell the goods to the willing customer scholars to resolve such issues as they arise.at the selling price. The customer then pays the bank There is also need for the operators of the proposed in instalments. Islamic Banking to work sincerely and objectively for

- Quadeen Hassan: this is where the bank lend it to make the suppose impact.money to customer for business purposes without interest. Realistic Solutions

Another prospect with the adoption of Islamic 1. Islamic scholars should be encouraged to Banking is that it will help to sanitize the society from further research and specialize on Islamic economics the present high level of immoral and indiscipline in order to have more professionals in the field.which leads to the present state of restlessness and 2. The Shariah board should have fair influence insecurity the country currently faces. It will on the banks' strategic and operational planning empower the jobless youths who are being used as 3. For this process to be successful, the Shariah agents of societal disturbance. boards of our Islamic banks should absorb Islamic

scholars based on their technical expertise rather than Challenges their popularity.Despite countless opportunities Islamic banking

stand to bring to Nigeria, there are still some Public Opinionchallenges that will certainly accompany its The belief that the restriction of the name “Islamic emergence. Of such challenges is both the tax and Banking” may restrict the membership of the Islamic insurrance law. Since Islamic Banking is an offshoot banking advisory boards to Muslims of certain of Islamic Law, there is therefore the need for a law expertise will exclude non-Muslims from the system that will be compatible with the system. Justifying the is not tenable. Tracing the history of the CBN policy, need for such a law, Professor Taofeek Abdulrazaq the Governor of CBN, Sanusi Lamido had said at the cited the case of South Africa as follow: time he became governor that there was a circular

The necessity for tax and regulatory reform to be already out collating inputs from the general public binding and comprehensive in relation to Islamic and was finally put together by the Director, Financial finance in Nigeria was demonstrated in the South Policy and Regulation, a Christian. So, if there is a African High Court case of Registrar of Banks v grand process for Islamization of the banking sector, Islamic Bank of South Africa Ltd (in liquidation) then it started with Professor Charles Soludo, (Case No 25286/97) in October 1997. The regulator Reverend Tunde Lemo and Mr. Christian Chukwu, approved the granting of a banking license to the the director of Financial Policy. Hopefully, this respondent based on Shariah principles in the absence categorical answer will put the issue at rest.of appropriate banking and tax law. Further, the court The Vatican's official newspaper Observatory appointed inspector's Report in this case revealed Romano stated during the last credit crunch that serious misunderstanding and lack of consistency “the ethical principles on which Islamic finance



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Atfal Zone

heart. Oh! How happy she must be! Are you happy mum?

NOVEMBER 25My mum and dad are probably

thinking about a name for me. But they don't even know that I am a boy. I want to be called Malik. I am getting so big already.

DECEMBER 10My hair is growing. It is smooth and

bright and shining. I wonder what kind of hair mum has.

DECEMBER 13I am just able to see. It is all dark

around me. When mom brings me into the world I will be full of sunshine and happiness. But what I want more is to see my mom. How do you look mom?

DECEMBER 24I wonder if mom hears the whispering

of my heart. Some children come into itself. From now on it shall gently beat OCTOBER 5the world a little sick but my heart is for the rest of my life without ever Today my life began. My parents do strong and healthy. It beats so evenly: stopping to rest! And after many years I not know it yet, but it is I already. And I tup-tup-tup you will have healthy little will tire, it will stop, and then I shall die. shall be a boy. I shall have thick hair and boy mum. bold eyes. Just about everything is set

NOVEMBER 2though, even the fact that I shall love DECEMBER 28I am growing a bit every day. My arms playing football. A storm in my mother's womb, oh my and legs are beginning to take shape, but

mother doesn't want me, trying to I have to wait a long time yet before OCTOBER 19eliminate me but I am so strong and I run those little legs will raise me to my Some say that I am not a real person for my life. mothers' arm, before these little arms yet, that only my mother exists, but I am

will be able to catch ball and embrace a real person, just as a small crumb of DECEMBER 31my father. bread is yet truly bread. My mother is My mother is worrying to get rid of me and I am.

now. I know the world I am going into is NOVEMBER 12cruel and wild; I am preparing for war.Tiny fingers are beginning to form on OCTOBER 23

my hands. Funny how small they are, I My mouth is just beginning to open will be able to stroke my mother's hair now. Just think, in a year or so I shall be

… to be continued with them. laughing then talking. I know my first word will be MAMA.

NOVEMBER 20It wasn't until today that the doctor OCTOBER 25

told mom that I am living here under her My heart began to beat today all by

Diary of an Unborn Child


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I B A D A H Z A B L

S A M A L L A H A A

L A N E H D C M R J

A F D D A C B A B N

M U H A M M A D A A

U N S E D O Y I A L

H O H E U D I S M R

M G H U L A M F S O

I O T N I S J L A B

N O B I L L A H D B

A T F A L S A Z C I

F A H M A D I Y Y A

M O Z K H V D D A M

P Q I E G N I T S A F G

C Q D T M U N D O M Q X

I E B Q F A N U N C S E

C X Z T D E E P H A C C

D Q I A Q Q E P V S G A

X A M T Z N W Z Z I N R

B A T P I L A Y F I Q O

R Y L E K K R T R Z R O

N B Z C S V A V F Z C H

S P G J F R T F Y V J U

H U H K K A S M C H W S

A D A M R W A S V H V C

the circumstance. The Holy Prophet (S.A.W) said Perseverance is the quality of continuing to try 'Qulul haqqa walaw kana muron', that is, 'Say the truth to achieve a particular aim in spite of difficulties. however bitter it is'. So, a good follower must follow A good follower must possess this because it is this saying of the prophet (S.A.W ). The leader must essential in development. They must persevere in be able to rely on him at anytime that he will always trying to convince their leaders in doing the right speak the truth.thing. They must never give up in the pursuit of one

These are the qualities a good follower must possess. aim if it is in the best interest of the nation.

Ridwan Alausa is the Zaikh-Atfal, Ijebu District.Truthfulness and trustworthinessA good follower must be truthful and trustworthy.

He must always speak the truth every time no matter

Qualities of A Good Follower

Ibadah IslamMuhmin AtfalGhulam AhmadiMuhammad AlhamdullilahNobillah KhuddamAhmadiyya AmsaLajna Robbi

Find the following words in the puzzle

Dates FastingIftar ImsakItikaf RamadanNun RoohuTarawee Adam

Check the meanings of the words in the puzzle and win prizes within two months of this publication.Completed puzzles should

be submitted through the Ilaqa Qaideen via Dil'a Qaideen.Only original cuttings will

be accepted. NO PHOTOCOPIES.

Strictly for the Atfal


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is based may bring banks closer to their clients Muslims and Non-Muslims alike. It will keep the and to the true spirit which should mark every Nigerians with sophisticated techniques and latest financial service.” developments that are not only profitable but are also An industrialist and a chieftain of the People ethically motivated.

Democratic Party (PDP) in Surulere Local Government area of Oyo state chief Isaac Akinkunmi Conclusionhas said that there is nothing wrong with the It can be concluded that the Islamic financial system introduction of Islamic banking system into the employs the concept of participation in the enterprise, country. He noted that “those who are against the utilizing the fund at risk on a profit-and-loss sharing system were doing so because they don't know much basis. This by no means implies that investments with about it and because it was Islamic, saying that it was a financial institutions are necessarily speculative. This right instrument industrialists in the country needed can be excluded by careful investment policy now to stimulate production and as such provide more diversification of risk and prudent management by employment opportunities for unemployed Nigeria”. Islamic financial institutions.

Tunde Bakare, the General Overseer of the Latter Islamic banks are structured to retain a clearly Rain Assembly asserted in an interview with differentiated status between shareholders capital and newsmen at his church auditorium that the banking clients deposit in order to ensure correct profit-system has benefits for everybody economically. sharing according to Islamic law.

It is believed that Islamic banking will make Nigeria grow at a rapid pace because of its value-orientated ethos that enables us to draw finances from both


the will of God- has been steadily his book was first written corrupted by minority elements in in the Urdu language the community. Instead of u n d e r t h e t i t l e : Tspreading peace, the religion has “MAZHAB KE NAM PER been abused by fanatics and made KHOON”, a re-affirmation of the an excuse for violence and spread basic tenets of Islam. This book of terror, both inside and outside was first undertaken in the late the faith.1950s and its English translation

In confirming the true was first published in 1989. It spirit of Islam, it makes the point emerged from the wise pen of the to followers of all religions that fourth khalifah of world-wide the future of mankind depends on Ahmadiyyat Muslim Jama’at, the intrinsic values of love, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad.tolerance and freedom of “This book is a reminder conscience and of belief”. that the purpose of any religion is “Culled from the cover page of the spread of peace, tolerance and the revised edition 1990 of the understanding. It argues that the book in prospect”. A must read for meaning of Islam –submission to

Murder In The Name Of Allah


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concerns. He had this thought for several hours, days he purpose of this article is to inform and weeks. Later he realized there is only one way out discerning minds of what is required to of his predicament: he needed to start producing achieve required goals in life.Tsomething to earn some money...that was the turn Indeed, life is a teacher and we can all learn from the around. He was to start with the cultivation of corn mistakes of others.... It is good to know how much and cassava plantation. He did not waste any more people of all races and gender wish to be successful time. He:and the various sacrifices they are putting into this.

got a piece of land on leaseHowever, only few individuals know how to go about cleared the landachieving desired success in life.cultivated the landUntil you are ready and determined to achieve your planted the cropsgoals, nothing really matters, nothing really happens; applied fertilizerhence the need for clear focus and strong watered the plant determination.uprooted the weeds

The Farmers Concept continued this practice for some time: about 6 months for corn; about 12 months for Cassava and During one of my Self-Empowerment classes, a three(3) years for Cocoastudent wanted to know what exactly success is and

harvested the produce; then started selling and never how can one achieve it. My simple reply is: success is had reason to worry anymore! the attainment of a set goal(s) in life. The easiest way

to go about this is by understanding the Farmers' The steps described are same in achieving success in Concept.

human life. I shall display how each of these steps is A man woke up one morning, tired of the way his life implemented to achieve success in human life and was going and needed answers to several questions. you shall be surprised how this works.How to continuously feed his family, put on befitting

clothes and have a good shelter, were important

Self EmpowermentHAFIS BELLO


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attainment within the required time-frame.Seeding Stage: Having a VisionKnowledge has been defined as the general Success always comes with a price!

awareness or possession of information, facts, ideas, For any meaningful success, there is the need truths, or principles. Knowledge is the light and key to for a clear goal. Just as the Farmer had a goal: to success. The difference between the rich and the poor produce farm products that would be sold; so also is are: access to right information and proper utilization the individual and the organization required to have a of that information.clear and measurable goal.

Schooling is a key tool in acquiring knowledge. It is The concept of seeding dictates that an individual or not the only source, but knowledge encompasses all organization must have a VISION an image of what that is learnt within and outside the school. The is to be achieved. This image should be a true required knowledge must align with your vision in reflection of your targeted goal. Warren Buffet, Bill life.Gates, Barack Obama, among other successful men

In today's world, computer knowledge in addition to did not get to such positions by MISTAKE. They all other areas of knowledge is essential for a meaningful had a vision.achievement.Your vision need not be too ambitious nor too low. It

Look at your vision, examine your current level of is the exact picture of who you want to be, say some knowledge and determine additional knowledge you years to come! would require today to achieve your vision. You Well laid out plans are required to achieve a vision. cannot afford to fold your arms and see how things The plans need to be segmented into short, medium turn out. You must critically determine what your and long term plans. A short term plan is usually future will look like.expected to manifest between 0-5 years. Medium

Nobody has ever said this is an easy endeavor! But term from 6 to 10 years while long term plan lasts 11 - know one thing, the distance between who you are 20 years. Hence, the short term plan integrates into the today and your successful self is having the right medium term plan while the medium term plan information and using it properly. Knowledge will culminates into the long term plan.surely guide you in this regards.The farmer has to keep the seed in the ground. You

must keep your vision to yourself and other loved ones so you do not miss or lose it! Weeding Stage: Who are your Friends?

In the sections above, I clearly identified the need What is your vision? What is your mission on earth? for a vision and the necessary tools to achieve it. Any What should the world expect to see from you come vision stated could be achieved no matter how big or next few years? Set out your short term, medium and small; in as much as the person having the vision long term plans towards attaining your vision. believes in it; and is determined and ready to achieve the vision. Watering Stage: Knowledge Search

Achieving your targets comes with its attendant By now, you are expected to have had a clear-cut and challenges. Just as the germinating seed (vision) that achievable vision.attracts 'weeds' so also does the person having a vision Having planted the seed, the farmer will not just attracts good and bad elements usually called friends! leave it in the soil, he waters it. Same goes for the If the farmer were to allow weeds to take over his success-seeking individual. You do more than having plantation, then any of three things happens the a dream and vision!growth of his plant slows down, the plant does not If the farmer were to leave the seed in the soil grow beyond its present stage or the plant is without watering, weeding, etc., you can guess what destroyed. The only conclusion however is that the happens the seed dies! The man can wait 10 years and farmer will never achieve the goals of his planting a it will not germinate. This is also the case of someone seed. who wants to be successful but who is not ready to pay

You MUST guard your vision jealously. Protect and the price...the simple result is failure.nurture it to full growth. If not, your growth will To avoid failure even after having your vision, you be slowed down, stopped or destroyed.need the right knowledge to pilot your vision and its

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Friends are indeed blessings from God and they The Multiplierscan also be a curse. A colleague once said that These are people who sow seeds in other people's 'your friends are a reflection of your future'. You life without expecting appreciation in any form. A

may not be able to decide who your family members multiplier is a genuine philanthropist, promoter, and are but you can definitely decide who your friend is or dream-magnifier. He gets someone who has no vision not. and put vision in that person. He guides the individual

Everyone you relate with, those you hang out with, towards becoming responsible and respectable in life.and those you involve in your life and decision- When a multiplier meets someone that has a dream, making processes could be broadly classified into the multiplier magnifies the dream to an extent the four geometrical connectors: Positive (+); Negative (- owner of dream never believed is possible. For ); Multipliers (*) and Dividers (÷). instance, if a businessman has a vision to just produce

We all have these four categories in our lives. To and sell goods to people with a particular local improve your life, you move close to the positive and environment, a multiplier encourages the business multipliers, and convert the negative and dividers to man not only to produce more goods but also opening positive/multipliers group. Where the conversion is channels to sell abroad. In this case, the multiplier not possible, you must distance yourself from the supports the businessman with required capital in latter category (Negative and Dividers). If not your form of interest-free loan or guarantees for more dreams will be shattered! capital; provide required business information and

export channels.Positive Elements in your LifeThese are persons (friends or family members) who The Dividers

seek to grow along with you. They share your dreams; These are people who never believe in anything believe in your greatness and support you to achieve good about an individual. Dividers are aware of the your aims. dreams of an individual but do everything to ensure

Let's say for example, a student plans to graduate the dream is not realized. In the case of the farmer, with distinction. Positive friends would always dividers are referred to as thieves who steal farm encourage him/her to read. They go to the library produce, pests and rodents. No matter the approach together, share course information, search the Internet they use, dividers have just one goal: to kill the dream for relevant materials, etc towards promoting their and/or the dream owner.successes. They do not only believe the dream is To an individual, dividers may be in the form of achievable, they also feature in that dream/success. cultural values, friends or even family members.

Instances abound where the culture of people, friends Negative Elements in your Life and family members limits their aspirations and how These are persons (friends or family members) who far they can go in life. In third world countries, a

are only interested in what they get from you. They divider may be the notion that the country must always take from you and not ready to give back either always depend on foreign aid to survive or always tangible or intangible things. They want you for what import all its products without developing her they can get from you. You may sometime mistake manpower and industrial capacities.them for positive friends because they come to you. Some family members may even say that no one in

The difference however is that while positive the family has ever moved beyond certain steps in life, friends are always around you to do things that and as such, a particular step should not be taken. promote attaining your future dream/vision; negative The truth is: the only constant thing in life is change!friends only appear when they need something from Choose today, where you belong!you. Negative friends do not care about your dreams and aspirations. In as much as you give them what Time and Harvestthey want, they praise you but when you fail to meet Going by our farmer's example, each plantation their needs, they rebuke you. has different time duration it takes before

harvests. Sometimes, the longer the time period

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before harvest, the more valuable the crop will brings about happiness, it should be celebrated with be. While corn could be harvested in 3 months moderation based on the circumstances. planting period, yam takes 6 months, cassava

takes 6-12 months, cocoa takes 3 years, etc. so also Post Harvest Activities:does the magnitude of success you envisaged When the farmer has successfully harvested his determine the 'waiting time'. crops, he may need to sell, consume or give part of it

A doctor, lawyer, engineer, town planner, architect, as charity. Whatever he does, the farmer will not accountant, economist, etc would undergo training consume all. If he must plant next season without for a longer duration than the roadside mechanic or borrowing from other farmers, then he has to reserve even the petty trader. some of the crops, stems or seeds.

Time is of essence in any decision or success plan. To sustain success, an individual must always invest Each person must estimate the time required on the (knowledge search, product improvement, expansion mission before embarking on success journey on or new areas of focus, as the case may be) if he must taking critical life changing decisions. sustain his success. Wealthy individuals are conscious

Having done the required activities (as stated in the of the re-investment aspect and always implement it earlier sections) and waited for the required time, it is in their day-to-day activities. Without the continuity time for harvest. The farmer can then rejoice, seeing plan, you fizzle out. Simple! I do not want this to the fruits of his labour. happen to you, hence this is an opportunity for you to

Harvest means success. It is the reward for the re-strategize and have a rethink. sacrifices made by the individual and his To your success!determination in seeking success. Although, success

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t happens always, we've all thread that path Identify what makes you start backbitingbefore, some of us are still there. Though most A self examination is essential here. Identify what common among females, guys too are not left makes you prone to backbiting. When someone I

out. Whether it is done intentionally or not, it all wrongs you? When you feel envy for another's boils down to the same thing. We all gist with blessings? When others irritating habits rub you the friends and from the very harmless topics, we turn wrong way? Or when you are among your guys? our topic of discussion to an absent friend, Once you have identified what predisposes you to colleague, relative or neighbour, mocking them the task, seek a way of preventing it. amid grins, saying things we would not have said were they present with us, or things we know they Visualise yourself eating a carcasswould feel bad on learning we said so. Visualising yourself eating the flesh of the person

We know it's bad, we understand how much it is you backbite is an effective mental exercise that detested by God. We know only too well that will prevent future slips. Have you ever wondered whoever slanders or mocks someone in front of us, why Almighty Allah likened backbiting to eating can do us the same favour behind our back, yet we the flesh of your dead brother? The reason is not find it difficult to stop backbiting. Here are few tips farfetched; backbiting is just as gruesome as it is. on how to stop backbiting [gheebah]. Imagining yourself as the cannibal devouring the

flesh of your brother can help you draw back from Convince yourself that backbiting is totally the act.

forbiddenTo make the journey easy, you have to understand Identify and control negative thoughts

and admit that backbiting is bad, not just that it is By identifying negative thoughts and replacing prohibited. Almighty Allah said in the Qur'an, such thoughts with positive ones, you will turn out chapter 49 vs13 “…….And spy not, nor backbite as an expert in curbing the urge to backbite. For one another. Would any of you like to eat the flesh of instance, rather than dwell on the evil someone did his brother who is dead……?” to you, try and remember the good things the person

Whenever you notice a discussion topic shifting to has done to you before. It may seem difficult, an absent friend or colleague, visualise the absent imagine yourself in the other person's shoe and try person sitting in your midst and tone your language to find excuse(s) for his/her action.to what you will say that he/she will not dislike.

AMSA NIGERIA

Desist From ‘Cannibalism’

Professor call him: Source of Wisdom Student: The TeacherComputer scientist: Source Code Military: The Chief CommanderGeologist: Rock of Ages Footballer: The CaptainPrisoner: Deliverer Lawyer: Chief JudgeSailor: Captain of Salvation Photographer: the Owner of all ImagesCarpenter: Everlasting Door Bricklayer: The FoundationOceanographer: River of living water Industrialist: The Ultimate ProducerGovernment: The supreme Authority Electrician: The Light of the WorldAstronomer: The Holder of Seven Stars Soldier: The Prince of PeaceSurveyor: The Master planner Live Stock keeper: the Sheep ShepherdJournalist: The Truth Caterer: The Bread of Life Ajisefinni Ridwan Olatunde, The Polytechnic, Doctor: The Great Healer Ibadan.

What People Call God In Times Of Need


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provision of adequate security of the lives and he theme of this year's Ijtimah is “Spiritual properties of the average Nigerian. The nation leaders and Moral Reformation in a Decadent should, as a matter of urgency, endeavor to wade into Society: The Possibilities”.Tthe current security challenges facing our nation with I have drawn the attention of the audience during my a view to reducing and limiting to the barest minimum welcome address to the need for members to act as all incidences of kidnappings, armed robbery, models in our day to day activities to save the nation assassinations and all other related crimes that are from its current socio-economical and political woes currently prevalent in the nation's polity. plaguing our beloved country.

A recent publication attributes the unrelenting Also, I expressed my profound wish that this era in increase in crime rate to the fact that most of the our political history ushers in a new wave of hoodlums that were terrorizing the citizens before the leadership that will put the interest of the people at elections are now back to the streets after the heart and aspire to lead by example in order to take elections. The publication stated that majority of the Nigeria to that lofty status among the committee of criminals that were previously engaged during the nations. electioneering campaign are now freely roaming our Today, I would like to be precise in discussing more streets and wreaking havoc since the elections are on some essential aspects of leadership, which I feel over.are of fundamental importance and should be

I will therefore like to appeal to our leaders to be prioritized by every good and responsive leadership actively involved in the sustenance of security, law in order to move our dear Nation forward.and order for the sake of peace, harmony and national The first and perhaps most important in this scale is development.security:

Recent Achievements of MKAN The task of securing the lives and properties of the The Majlis Khuddam-ul- Ahmadiyya Nigeria i s citizenry is the sole responsibility of the Government.

ready to live up to the responsibility of a being a Hence; I would like to lend my voice to the call that true model Islamic Youth Organization. As a Government must actively engage itself in the

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responsive youth organization, we have now re- ICT training and empowerment programmes in which engineered our programmes along the following members have massively benefited in various degrees lines in order to achieve true Islamic reformation these programmes are being held in order to

of our members and also to develop the community: reposition Ahmadi youths to be able to compete favourably with their peers considering the fact that

I. Community Development Activities: most Ahmadi parents cannot afford the exorbitant MKAN members in over 200 local government cost of qualitative education.

areas in Nigeria are actively involved in community development services in one form or the other across their various localities. These include road CHALLENGESmaintenance services, drainage maintenance and Despite these numerous strides, one major cleaning and other community-based environmental challenge that MKAN is facing is the attitude of some sanitation services. of our parents in the area of releasing their wards for

training. Some of the Atfal and young Khuddam II. Revised Educational Programmes: between the ages of 15 and 20 are not always released MKAN has also commenced a complete overhaul of for Atfal and MKAN activities respectively and some

our Islamic training programme. These have times when they are released they are not provided culminated in the new scheme and syllabus that has with the basic items needed such as uniform and other been approved and sent to all the branches for prompt training gadgets. implementation. Attendances of our children and younger Khuddam

to MKAN programmes have generally declined I I I . I m p r o v e d A d m i n i s t r a t i o n a n d mainly because of lack of parental support for the

Administrative Activities: children in attending the programmes of MKAN. I MKAN has initiated new administrative protocols will like to use this opportunity to ask for the support

which have largely contributed to the developments of the Amir and the entire AMILA-AMJN to assist of specific report formats to majority of its MKAN to educate the parents to always release their administrative activities. As part of its reorganization, children for MKAN activities at all levels.MKAN has also initiated a specialized periodic meeting of the Sadr (head) and Mulk officers', OUR PLEDGEQaideen Ilaqaat, Qaideen Dil'a at and Qaideen Amidst these lofty challenges however, MKAN Muqamin. These meetings we hope will facilitate remains poised to reverting these trends through greater understanding between the Sadarat and the dedicated and committed efforts targeted at ensuring various levels of the Majlis. greater participation of the parents and other key

In order to also reduce to the barest minimum stakeholders through education and consistency at administrative cost in MKAN, the present leadership our own programmes. of MKAN will insha Allah launch her upgraded We are determined to live up to the wordings of our website, this website is being upgraded in order to pledge in all spheres of our activities.provide a virtual platform where MKAN business can be done in keeping with modern technology. LONG LIVE MKAN

LONG LIVE NIGERIAIV. Entrepreneurship Development Programme: LONG LIVE WORLD-WIDE AHMADIYYA Alongside its sundry activities, MKAN is also MUSLIM COMMUNITY

actively involved in the organization of a series of entrepreneurship development programmes such as

Spiritual & Moral Reformation in a Decadent Society: The PossibilitiesSpiritual & Moral Reformation in a Decadent Society: The Possibilities


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he National Executive Council (Amila Mulk) of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-T

Ahmadiyya Nigeria recently held a special thanksgiving prayer session to thank Allah for sparing the lives of the Sadr, Bro. Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi and three other occupants of the MKAN bus who had an almost fatal accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Express way (Sapade) on the 25th June 2011 while on their way to Ibadan to attend the Atfal day Celebration of Ibadan Dil'a.

None of the occupants of the bus had serious injuries though the MKAN bus was seriously damaged as it tumbled a couple of times as two of its tires had burst while on motion.

As a result of this development, the Mulk Officers (Muhtamim, Mulk meeting decided to pursue an Qaideen Ilaqaat and Qaideen aggressive fund-raising drive to Dillaat) are to contribute a minimum purchase a new bus for the Majlis of N2,000, Muqami Qaideen, and within two months. Nazimin (both Ilaqa and Dil'a) are

In order to realize this noble expected to contribute a minimum of objective MKAN-Mulk wishes to N 1,000 while all other members are appeal to all members of the Majlis expected to contribute a minimum of to contribute towards the purchase of N 500 each. All contributions were the new bus. expected in by 13th August 2011

The contribution is in the following during the August MKAN meeting. categories

MKAN holds special thanksgiving prayers, calls for donation towards new bus

for the hosting rights of the event gun I laqa has been which has been scheduled to hold in awarded the hosting rights February 2012. The bidding process for the second bi-annual Owas finalized at the Mulk-meeting National Sports Festival of the with a vote by members present. The Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya M u l k O f f i c e r s v o t e d Nigeria overwhelmingly in favour of Ogun The decision to award the hosting Ilaqa.rights to Ogun Ilaqa was reached at

Ogun Ilaqa had presented a bid to the just concluded MKAN-Mulk host the sports meet at the newly meeting held on Saturday 20th constructed Remo Stadium.August 2011. It would be recalled

that both Ekiti and Ogun Ilaqa bid

Ogun Ilaqa to host 2nd MKAN Sports Festival

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he Sadr Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya Nigeria, Bro. AbdulQadir Abdul-T

Rafi has inaugurated the Nigerian chapter of the Majlis Sultan-ul-Qalam. The group was initiated by the Khalifat-ul-Masih V Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (a.t.b.a) in 2005 as a group under the auspices of the Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya with the following objectives:

1. to respond rapidly to media coverage of Islam through letters and editorials

2. to respond systematically to critics of Islam through scholarly rejoinders.

‘Sultan Al-Qalam’ was a title given by Allah to the promised Messiah (as) and means 'King of Muhtamim Talim, Member; In the same vein, the Muhtamim the Pen'. Muallim Ogunkanmi Sulaiman - Isha'at and Managing Editor of Al-

While inaugurating the group the Naib Muhtamim Tabligh, 'Irfan Magazine, Bro Murtadha Sadr MKAN Bro. Abdul-Qadir Member. Oriolowo asked all Qaideen Ilaqaat Abdur-Rafi charged the Majlis to The membership of Majlis to ensure that Nazimin Isha'at ensure that they also propagate the Sultan-ul-Qalam is open to all always forward news concerning good image of the Majl is members of the Majlis Khuddam- the activities of the Majlis and the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria ul-Ahmadiyya Nigeria. Jama'at as a whole to his Office for and the Ahmadiyya Community as The team will insha Allah be publication both in Al-'Irfan and on a whole through writing and involved in monitoring the web for the MKAN website www.mka-responding to issues in the media. press articles and media items that ng.org.

The Sadr also directed all attack Islam (or Ahmadiyyat While addressing the Mulk Qaideen of MKAN at all levels to specifically) and coordinating meeting about what to expect from form the Majlis Sultan-ul-Qalam at responses from our membership. the Editorial Committee of Al-their various levels and forward the The group will also liaise with the 'Irfan, Bro. Oriolowo Murtadha list to the office of the Sadr on or Jama'at International Press stated that Insha Allah the Editorial before the next Mulk meeting. Department and circulate relevant board of Al-'Irfan is working

The following are the members of Jama'at Press Releases with our towards the production of a the National Majlis Sultan-ul- responses. Through our monitoring Magaz ine o f in te rna t iona l Qalam: we also collate and circulate standard.

Abdul-Qadir Abdul-Rafi - Sadr ' In teres t ing Reads ' to our He however asked the members MKAN, Chairman; membership. The group will also to kindly pay their subscription for

Oriolowo Murtadha - Muhtamim ensure the training of members. the Magazine. He noted that each Isha'at, Vice Chairman; Interested members are required Ilaqa will score points from the

Adiamoh AbdulGaniyy, Editor, to send in written application number of subscribers that they are Al-Irfan, Secretary; through their local Qaid to the Sadr able to generate for the Magazine.

Abdul-Raheem Ismail - Naib MKAN.

Sadr inaugurates Majlis Sultan-ul-Qalam


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he National Executive organizations who use similar depicting various officers. He noted Council of the Majlis epaulettes. that the items used in the epaulettes Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya The Sadr, Bro. Abdul-Qadir A.O are Islamic symbols and it is highly T

Nigeria has approved a new set of while decorating officers with the important for all Muslims to uphold epaulettes for its officers of different new epaulettes asked for greater their sanctity.cadres, as officers have started commitment from the officers The Sadr further stated that the wearing these new epaulettes. whenever they wear these new epaulettes will not just be sold off the

The Sadr MKAN had inaugurated a epaulettes. shelf. He further stated that the committee in September 2010 to He explained that the epaulettes epaulettes remain the property of design a new epaulette system for the consist of mainly Minaret, Star and MKAN, therefore the officers officers in order to differentiate MKAN international flag which are should be careful about the way the MKAN off icers f rom other combined in various manners, use them.

MKAN officers get new epaulettesMKAN officers get new epaulettes

MKAN to broadcast Ijtema proceedingshe Mulk has directed the enjoying the facility should come I j t e m a O r g a n i z i n g along with a phone with radio Committee to commence facilities and earpiece to listen to the T

preparation for the translation of programmes on the radio.the Ijtema proceedings in Yoruba The meeting also advised that the Language to ensure that Yoruba programmes of the Ijtema should be speaking members are not left translated to French in order to take behind in the events which will be care of our French speaking conducted in English Language. neighbours who are expected to

The meeting further directed attend the event. that all members desirous of

he Sadr Sahib MKAN has informed members of the M a j l i s K h u d d a m - u l -T

Ahmadiyya that the specific venue of the National Atfal Ijtema will insha Allah be announced at the forthcoming National Ijtema holding in Badagry, Lagos State.

The Sadr has therefore directed the chairman of the Ijtema Organizing Committee to inspect the proposed venues and make recommendations to the National Amila for ratification before the Ijtema.

National Atfal Ijtema


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dist inguished themselves as secretary were honored.he Majlis Khuddamul advocates of voluntary blood A total of one hundred and fifty one Ahmadiyya in Oyo State donation. Among these, Majlis (151) members of the Majlis was part of this year's World TKhuddam's Abdullah Olabode, ex- Khuddam donated blood in the four Blood Donor's Day as the state president of the Club 25 NBTS days that the commemoration of the chapter joined in activities marking South West Zone and Ridwan World Blood Donor Day lasted.the day. The commemoration held Kokumo, Oyo Ilaqa's sports Maruf Ajimotibetween Saturday June 11, 2011 and

Tuesday June 13, 2011. As part of its engagement, the state

chapter participated in sports events and donated blood at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) at Total Garden and at the University College Hospital, both in Ibadan.

The one hundred and ten (110) participating Khuddam were divided into two groups to donate blood at the two centres. Only ninety seven Khuddam could donate a pint of blood each however.

On the 13th June, the NBTS Ibadan organized a rally within Ibadan metropolis. The Majlis Khuddam took part in the rally as well. The purpose of the rally was to sensitize the public on the importance of donating blood. The participants rallied through busy city centres like Mokola, Coca-Cola Area, Sango, University of Ibadan area, Bodija market and the Oyo State Secretariat at Agodi.

The theme o f th i s yea r ' s commemoration is “More Blood, More Life”. Through the theme, the organizers were able to reach out to the audience on the importance of donating blood.

Activities on the following day saw different organizations, the Majlis Khuddam inclusive, hosted to a number of cultural events and blood donation exercises. The event also saw the presentation of certificates of merit to people who have

Oyo Ilaqa commemorates World Blood Donor day

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our baby's first year is full of milestones: newborns develop jaundice by their third day. The first smile, the first tooth, the first Jaundice usually disappears within a week to 10 frantic call to your pediatrician. There's days.Y

no way around it sooner or later, your infant will If you suspect that your baby has the condition, get sick. “The average infant gets six to eight colds you should contact your health care provider. each year for the first two or three years,” says Sue Treatment involves placing the baby under an Mahle, M.D., a pediatrician in Minneapolis. ultraviolet light (available for home use) and giving

But the good news is that with each illness, your her extra fluids. You also can try shading her eyes baby builds antibodies. That's small comfort at 2 and placing her next to a window in the sunlight for a.m., of course, when your baby is feverish and several minutes a few times a day. A quick trip fussy. So invest in a solid baby reference book and outside is good, too, but be careful about sunburn.find a good pediatrician (experts say to start interviewing in your second trimester). Make sure Clogged Tear Ductsyou find one who can handle your middle-of-the- Although crying is what babies do best, it's not night calls. unusual for infants' tear ducts to become blocked.

Here's a guide to some of the most common infant The result eyes brimming with tears can be ailments you may encounter, what you can do to alarming for a parent to see, but most clogged ducts help and how to get through them. clear up on their own. (Call your doctor if your

baby's eyes become reddened or a heavy discharge Jaundice appears.) Try gently massaging the duct by This yellowish skin color is caused by an excess of applying pressure near the corner of the eye.

a chemical called bilirubin in the baby's blood. Bilirubin is normally processed by the liver, but Coldsimmature livers of newborn babies can fall behind “A cold is primarily a nuisance,” Mahle says. The in this task. About 15 percent to 20 percent of telltale sign is a runny nose, with discharge that can

Common infant ailments and how to copeCommon infant ailments and how to copeTHERESA KUMP

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be clear and watery or thick and yellowish or with Reye's syndrome, a serious disease that affects greenish. Your baby also may be sneezing, the liver and brain.coughing, feverish and cranky. Help relieve ear pressure by feeding baby in a

You can keep the baby comfortable by placing a more upright position and elevating her head with a humidifier in the nursery, increasing his fluids pillow at night. After the medication is finished, (breastfeeding is best, but if your baby's getting a your baby will require a follow-up doctor's visit. bottle, you can dilute one or two feedings a day with sterile water) and using saltwater drops to soften the Diarrheamucus in his nose and then suctioning it with a Diarrhea, or frequent runny stools, usually is rubber bulb syringe. You also can let baby sleep caused by a viral infection, but it also can result secured in his car or infant seat so gravity can help from too much fruit in the diet or food sensitivity. drain the nose. Diarrhea also can be caused by a response to

“If mucus is thick and green, it's more likely that teething or antibiotics.there's something bacterial going on,” says Marc “You need to figure out if it's infectious,” Mahle Wager, M.D., a pediatrician in private practice in says. “If there's an acute onset accompanied by New Rochelle, N.Y. “An infant with a clear, runny fever and vomiting or lack of appetite, then you're nose and no fever can be treated at home, but if dealing with a virus. It's self-limiting and will go fever is present, or fever with green [mucus], a visit away.” But, she adds, it may take from four days to to your pediatrician may be indicated.” two weeks.

If it is a bug, the current thinking is to continue Respiratory Syncytial Virus baby's regular feedings. If your baby is eating solid RSV is a cold with attitude. This virus may appear foods, you might want to stick to the “BRAT” diet:

like a cold at first, but it can progress to a lung bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. If your baby is infection characterized by rapid breathing and vomiting, it's important to prevent dehydration; try wheezing in infants. “It's especially hard on babies an over-the-counter oral rehydration fluid such as under 4 months of age,” Mahle says. “RSV can be Pedialyte for 12-24 hours. Check with your serious. If your infant develops wheezing or you see pediatrician if diarrhea persists longer than a day, if him working harder to breathe, consult your baby continues vomiting and develops a fever, or if pediatrician at once.” there is blood in the stool.

Ear Infections FeverSecond to colds, ear infections are the most “Generally fever is not a bad thing because it helps

common childhood illness. Most children suffer the body fight off infection,” Mahle says. “It's through at least one by age 3. Babies and young extremely rare for a fever to do any harm: less than 1 children are particularly prone to ear infections percent of children have seizures during a fever.” because their eustachian tubes - the ducts that If you suspect that your infant has a fever, take his connect the middle ear to the throat - are short and temperature. For an infant under 2 months, any easily blocked. This can lead to fluid buildup in the fever over 100.4° warrants a call to the pediatrician, middle ear, which can be a breeding ground for but in older babies, a low-grade fever shouldn't be bacteria. cause for alarm. Check to see that your baby isn't

Ear infections often follow a cold and can be very overbundled and, if your doctor approves it, try a painful. Babies may pull or rub their ears, cry when pain reliever such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to sucking or have trouble sleeping (lying down reduce the fever. You also can place a tepid increases pressure on the eardrum). They also may washcloth on his forehead and body. run a fever. “Any fever over 103° [for older babies] that lasts

If you suspect that your baby has an ear infection, more than 48 hours should be evaluated by your call your pediatrician. Standard treatment is a 10- doctor,” Wager says. But, like most doctors, he says day course of antibiotics. You can ease your baby's your baby's behavior is a better measure of health discomfort with a pain reliever such as than body temperature alone. If he's fussy and acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Never give aspirin, crying inconsolably, or is sluggish and just not even baby aspirin, to a child: It has been associated himself, call the pediatrician.


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SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER, 2011

4.00am Waking up for Tahajjud Prayer4.30am Tahajjud Prayer 5.15am Tilawat-ul-Quran (Individually)5.30am Call to Prayer5.45am Fajr Prayer 6.00am Lecture III – Question and Answer6.30am March past 7.30am Breakfast/ General Sanitation I9.00am Procession to the Venue of the Symposium

10.30am SYMPOSIUMTHEME: ACHIEVING THE NIGERIA OF OUR DREAMS, THE ROLES AND EXPECTATIONS OF THE YOUTHS

CHAIRMAN: Dr. Moshood Adenrele Fashola (Amir, (Head) Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, Nigeria)FATHER OF THE DAY: Oba Akran of BadagrySPECIAL GUEST OF HONOUR: HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA (SAN) EXECUTIVE

GOVERNOR, LAGOS STATECHIEF HOST: Lagos Circuit PresidentHOST: Bro Abdur-Rafi’ Abdul-Qadri, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, NigeriaGUESTS OF HONOUR: Maulvi Abdul-Khaliq Nayyar, Missionary-In-Charge, AMJN Chief Imam Badagry Special Adviser to the Governor on Education/ Information

All Naibeen Amir, Sadr, Majlis Ansarullah Members of National Amila (Executives) of AMJN All Past Sadrs of MKA Nigeria President, National Youth Council of Nigeria Officials of National and State Youth Council-Lagos State

Ministry Officials, commissioner for youth and sports Heads of Voluntary Youth Organizations Invited, Heads of Religious Organizations Invited, Police Area Commander Commander Lagos State Command Road Commandant, Federal Road Safety Commission

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education Hon.Abdul Lateef Raji

Justice M. Olokooba Hon.(Prince) Bisi YusufSPEAKERS: Dr. Saheed Timehin Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Alatoye

10.20am Arrival of Participants10.30am All Delegates seated11.35am Introduction of Invited Guests 11.45am Recitation from the Holy Quran with translation11.50am Qaseedah 11.55am National Anthem12.00 MKAN Pledge12.05am Welcome Address12.15 am Goodwill messages

12.20am Achieving the Nigeria of our Dreams: The Roles and Expectations of the Youths Dr (Alhaji) Saheed Timehin 1.00pm Second Paper Presentation Youth empowerment in a nation buildingAlhaji Abdul-Azeez Alatoye1.40pm Interlude Taekwondo DemonstrationAIMAAN2.00pm Launching of Majlis Khuddam Youth Empowerment Centre Dr (Alhaji) Saheed Timehin 2.40pm Guest of Honours’ Address (3mins for 5 Guests)


3.00pm Chairman’s Remark3.25pm Prayer to end the Session3.30pm Departure from the Hall3.50pm Call to Prayers

4.00pm Solatul Zuhr and Asr 4.20pm Lunch5.00pm Sports Finals Outdoor6.30pm Preparation for Maghrib Prayer6.45pm Call to prayers6.55pm Maghrib Prayers7.10pm Dinner7.45pm Call to prayers8.00pm Ishai Prayers8.15pm Shoora/ Final of Indoor Sporting Competition11.00pm Light Out

SUNDAY 18 SEPTEMBER, 20114.00am Waking up for Tahajudd Prayer4.30am Tahajjud Prayer5.15am Tilawat-ul-Qur’an5.30am Call to Prayer5.45am Fajr Prayer6.00am Preparation for Closing ceremony6.20am Closing ceremony

CLOSING CEREMONYChairman:- Missionary in charge, AMJN – Maulvi Abdul Khaliq Nayyar6.20am All delegates seated6.20am Introduction of the Chairman & other Invited guests6.25am Qur’anic Recitation6.30am Qaseedah6.35am Appraisal/ Prize distribution of the Ijtema7.35am Guest of Honour’s Addresses ( 3 minutes each for 3 guests)7.45am Chairman’s address and formal closing of the Ijtema8.00am Vote of Thanks8.05am ANNOUNCEMENTS8.10am Closing Prayer

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loving god, loving neighbour, living in harmony

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