Keynote Addresses by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community) Delivered at the ‘Africa at 50’ Events organised by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK in commemoration of the 50th PAAMA UK independence anniversaries of various African countries. An Overview of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a religious organisation, with branches in more than 200 countries. It is the most dynamic denomination of Islam in modern history, with an estimated membership in the tens of millions worldwide. It was established in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) in a small and remote village called Qadian in Punjab, India. He claimed to be the expected reformer of the latter days and the awaited one of the world community of religions (the Mahdi and Messiah of the latter days). The community he started is an embodiment of the benevolent message of Islam in its pristine purity that promotes peace and universal brotherhood based on a belief in the Gracious and Ever-Merciful God. With this conviction, within a century, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has expanded globally and it endeavours to practice the peaceful teachings of Islam by raising hundreds of thousands of pounds every year for charities, building schools and hospitals open to all and by encouraging learning through interfaith dialogue. The UK chapter of the community was established in 1913 and in 1924 it built London’s first purpose built mosque (in Southfields). It is, therefore, one of the oldest and most established Muslim organisations in Britain and now has more than 105 branches across Britain. The Khalifa of Islam: A Man of Peace Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, was elected as the fifth Khalifa of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in 2003. His Holiness inspires his community to serve humanity with the spirit of kindness and humility that is integral to Islam. In accordance with the teachings of Islam he upholds the honour of all prophets of God and highlights the role of religion in the promotion of peace. His Holiness has delivered addresses at the House of Commons, Capitol Hill and the European Parliament and has also written to world leaders urging them to inculcate a true sense of justice and peace in international relations to avoid regional conflicts from engulfing the entire world. “I firmly believe that if the African countries and people unite together and fulfil the requirements of justice, then one day, Africa will emerge as a true global power. May Allah enable this to happen, Insha'Allah.” (Keynote Address by Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the “Africa at 50” Event 2011) Message from the President Founded in 1986, the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association (PAAMA) UK is a subsidiary organisation within the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community UK. Underpinned by the Community’s motto ‘Love For All, Hatred For None’, PAAMA’s Mission Statement is to unite, empower and inspire the African Ahmadiyya Muslim diaspora to serve Islam, society and Africa. A principal part of that service is the inculcation of moral and spiritual values in its membership and society. PAAMA is dedicated to ensuring that Africans develop and excel in such qualities as piety, righteousness, honesty, justice and fair dealing so that they can better contribute to the society in which they live. PAAMA also provides a platform where its members can engage and exchange ideas with the intellectual elite of Africans in the diaspora with a view to promoting mutual respect and finding common grounds to enlighten the people of Africa about religious affairs and secular matters. Over the past few years, as many countries across Africa celebrated the 50th anniversaries of their independence, PAAMA held a series of ‘Africa at 50’ events to commemorate, in its own unique way, the milestone reached by African states. The distinction of these events was that they were graced by the august presence of the worldwide spiritual and administrative Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, who delivered the keynote addresses. Originally addressed to the attendees of the ‘Africa at 50’ events, these speeches, with their universal import, are equally pertinent to all the countries and peoples of Africa. We are, therefore, pleased to publish Tommy Kallon this compilation of speeches delivered by His Holiness at the ‘Africa at 50’ events so that the wisdom and guidance contained therein may be disseminated far and wide. President of Pan-African It is our hope and prayer that this publication will be widely read and Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK reflected upon so that, acting upon the sapience and sagacity (2014 –present). encompassed therein, the illusive dream of a united, prosperous and enlightened Africa can be transformed from a hollow yearning to a glowing reality and, in the words of His Holiness, Africa does emerge as a true global power. May Allah so ordain. Ameen. Issah Ahmed Wemah Humbly, Tommy Kallon. President Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK Chairman of Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK (2009 –2014). Protecting Africa’s Freedoms Keynote Address by Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (aba) Keynote Address Delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad , Khalifatul Masih V, Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at an event organised by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK to celebrate the independence days of various African countries on 13th November 2010  at the Nasir Hall, Baitul Futuh Mosque. Also in attendance were:  Alhaji Ahmed Umaru, Head of Chancery of Nigerian High Commission.  Adebayor Oladimeji, Head of Nigerian Community in UK.  His Excellency, Edward M. Turay C.O.R, High Commissioner of Sierra Leone.  Alhaji Bawah G. Ayembillah, Minister/Head of Consular & Welfare of the Ghana High Commission.  Mr Dodo Yapi, Deputy Ambassador of Ivory Coast. Mr Morris Barsee, Second Secretary of Embassy of Liberia. Tashahhud, Ta‘awwudh and BismMirll aIshsah Ahmed Wemah, Chairman Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. Assa(laabma) o ‘Alaikum After reciting invitation for a number of reasons. Wa Rahmatullahe Wa Barakatohu – , Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V said: It is not only because the Pan-African Association organised this event, or that in Africa we have an “All the distinguished guests: established Ahmadiyya Community. peace and Neither is the only reason for attending because, blessings of Allah be upon you all. as our religion teaches us, it is a high moral We are gathered here today to celebrate the 50th standard to accept an invitation in order to fulfil Anniversary of the Independence of Nigeria and the wishes of someone. some other West African countries, or I should say, Although, of course, they are all important other African countries, which has been organised reasons; most of all, the biggest reason why I am by the group of African Ahmadi brothers called the attending this function is due to the great love I InshaAllah Pan-African Association. hold in my heart for the people of Africa. When I was invited to this event by the Pan- These sentiments exist because I lived in the African Association they expressed their desire African country of Ghana for a period of more than that I attend, and so I replied that, (God 4 eight years, and as a result, have developed an Willing), I will do so. I decided to accept their affiliation to all Africans. There are also other reasons why I have According to known history these cultures and sentiments of love and affection for African kingdoms go back to at least five centuries BC, and nations. thus Nigeria is a very ancient civilisation. (saw) One of the reasons is that my master and beloved, Initially, there were tribes that had small areas the Holy Prophet Muhammad , gave so much that they governed over, and then gradually their (saw) respect to one of his African spiritual slaves that dominion enlarged. Nevertheless, after passing (ra) the Second Khalifa of the Holy Prophet , Hazrat through various stages, eventually Nigeria became Umar , would call this Ethiopian spiritual slave a British colony. Then, in 1960, it gained ‘Syedna Bilal,’ which is a highly esteemed and independence. respected word in Arabic. Similarly, Ivory Coast and other African countries This heartfelt respect that I hold is also due to the gained their independence from either British or (ra) fact that upon the Victory of Makkah, whoever French rule. came under the flag of Bilal was guaranteed Thus today the Day of Independence is a protection. celebration of freedom from colonialism. (saw) This humble servant of the Founder of It is a sign of living and progressive nations that Islam cast aside all of the cruelties and excesses they always keep their past history in view and perpetrated against him for the sake of world learn lessons from it. As a result, they are able to (saw) harmony and stood up as a symbol of peace. The strengthen and prepare their future. Good (ra) Prophet of God guaranteed peace to whoever traditions and practices are maintained on strong came under the flag of Bilal . foundations, and to avoid mistakes and errors, Furthermore, in my heart I respect you and hold great planning and effort is under-taken. you in high esteem and have feelings of love for all Thus, when I said that this Independence Day of you because in Makkah, when incidents of should infuse a new spirit in the country and its Habsha cruelties and barbarism were building up, at that leaders, this is what I meant, because in order to time the first place of sanctuary for poor and continually progress and safeguard your oppressed Muslims was a country in Africa called independence, you must never repeat your past ‘ ’, which is now commonly known as mistakes that granted the Western World the Ethiopia. opportunity to bring African countries under their I also had a desire to participate in this function rule. because, apart from the sub-Continent of India and I too am a citizen of a country where the leaders Pakistan, it is the continent of Africa that has most live a life of luxury, self-interest and injustice and of all accepted the call of the Messiah of have forgotten God Almighty. Because of all these Muhammad and thus had the good fortune of things for a very long time the nation has had to (as) joining the Jama‘at (Community) of the Promised give away its freedom. Messiah . Indeed, African Ahmadis have If after gaining independence countries do not established high moral standards and displayed reflect upon how to reform and progress, then great loyalty. powerful and greedy nations will again try to bring Thus, considering all of this, how would it have weaker nations under their control. been possible for me to not attend this function? Hence, to protect its freedom, whether it is an May Allah greatly bless the Independence Day of African or Asian country where only a short time InshaAllah Nigeria, Ivory Coast and all other African countries, has passed since its independence, there is a need that have either recently celebrated their for great effort, and to be trustworthy and to plan respective Days of Independence, or are soon to do properly. So, if we are not careful, other so, . governments that have their eyes on our resources However, your happiness should not be limited will once again take us under their rule. It is not to these celebrations only, but in fact, this Golden necessary to formally take over a country or its Jubilee should infuse a brand new spirit into the government to rule over it. By taking over a country and its leaders. country’s resources, the country can be enslaved. Prior to British Rule, Nigeria was an independent And this kind of slavery destroys the traditions country. The history of Nigeria is filled with various 5 of a country, and it destroys a nation’s identity and types of cultures and kingdoms that have existed. self-esteem. Therefore, although this celebration of “It is my prayer that the African people and their governments are able to understand their own value and worth so that they are able to play a positive role for the progress of the African Continent.” fifty years of independence brings great happiness, I have lived in Africa. I can testify that there are it should also draw our attention towards deep many supremely intelligent African people. When reflection and concern. a well-educated African person goes to Europe, I truly believe that the time is fast approaching America and other countries then the locals cannot for Africa to lead the world! help but be impressed by his intelligence. Thus, And in order to lead the world it is necessary to nature has not been unjust to anyone; rather, it is bring about revolutionary changes within you. humans who do not utilise the capabilities Every citizen and every leader must put aside bestowed upon them in a proper manner. their own thoughts and interests in order to It is my prayer that the African people and their strengthen, consolidate and serve the national governments are able to understand their own interest. value and worth so that they are able to play a In respect of natural resources, Nigeria is Africa’s positive role for the progress of the African richest country, and in terms of population, it is its Continent largest. I mention natural resources because The history of the Ahmadiyya Community in Nigeria is engulfed in the wealth of oil. It is said African countries is longstanding. Indeed, that Nigeria is one of the biggest oil producers in Ahmadiyyat has existed in Africa for over 90 years. the world. Our mission houses are established in almost all In the same way, Nigeria also possesses the countries. treasure of other natural resources. Similarly, it has The schools of the Ahmadiyya Community are vast agricultural means. Accordingly, Nigeria, if it operating in many parts of West Africa and so desires, can not only take care of itself, but also numerous clinics and hospitals belonging to the many poor countries of Africa. Jama‘at are engaged in serving the poor people If the West has advanced, it is due its efforts, hard there. work, loyalty, and honesty to its own nation. God We have love for you and it is heartfelt and true has not granted the Western countries any love. And whatever I am saying is due to my 6 extraordinary capabilities that are not present in heartfelt feelings. other nations. The progress of Africa will be a means for the InshaAllah progress of the Ahmadiyya Jama‘at, . extremely important. Without this, peace cannot When the Ahmadis of African countries advance, it be established in a country. And without peace, will surely lead to the progression of our Jama‘at. progress cannot be achieved. My prayers and heartfelt feelings for Africa are It is my prayer that the geographical outlook, (as) not limited only to seeing Ahmadis progress. In peace and security of all African nations is upheld. fact, I desire for every single human being to The Founder of the Ahmadiyya Community has increase in goodness and succeed, and I desire that given us two great teachings that we propagate. Africa should not fall behind in any way. Before concluding I would like to present these two We will progress’ InshaAllah (as) When, a few years ago, I toured certain African teachings to you. countries, I also drew the attention of the Ahmadis The Promised Messiah said that, firstly, God over there towards making the firm conviction that Almighty sent me to develop a relationship ‘ , . I also reminded them between God and man, so that the rights of Allah that to achieve this aim, they must use every are discharged. Secondly, he said that I have been possible good means, and most importantly, they sent to develop mutual affection and love between 1 must recognise their Creator. all mankind, so that the rights due to God’s creation Today, with reference to this gathering, I would are also discharged. like to say to African people that most certainly you If both of these qualities are inculcated by any have the qualities needed to lead the world. country then that nation becomes a guarantor of However, in everything you do, keep in mind that peace for the world and, of course, for its own you have a Creator, Who is watching your every survival. And today, for the survival of the world, word and deed, and so you should never act in a what is required most is peace, and peace is only manner that would be a means of making Him developed when a relationship between man and angry. God is formed. Indeed, I even always say to my own people and Those who fight wars in the name of religion are my fellow countrymen, and also to Ahmadis, that wrong when they say that they are fighting due to they should strengthen their ties with God, and their relationship with God. Islam forbids fighting should always remember the fact that by closing wars in the name of religion. your eyes the reality cannot be concealed. Thus, developing a true relationship with God is Thus, it is better that upon seeing the true reality a means to end all wars. At this time I cannot we make excellent plans to help us achieve our provide a full explanation of this, but on many higher levels of progress. occasions, I have already shed light on this subject It is also important to develop an atmosphere of in great detail. mutual love and affection, and by doing so, you are Also, apart from establishing a relationship with able to uphold the human values of mankind. God; mutual love, brotherhood, understanding and 7 For the sake of the progress of the country, recognising each other’s rights are a surety for mutual love, affection and brotherhood are peace. If we do not follow these principles, then no That is what I wanted to say. Now, I thank you all matter how far we progress, at any time we will – all the distinguished guests and all other guests, continue to face destruction. The current state of and I also thank the Pan-African Association for 1. Malfuzat, Lecture Lahore, the world today is such that it suggests that we are inviting me on this occasion. Ruhani Khaza’in moving towards such destruction. Long live Africa!” Therefore, we should play a role to the maximum extent possible in saving the world from vol.1, p.336 and destruction. In this regard, it is my prayer that , vol.20, p.180. Allah the Almighty enables the great continent of Africa to play the full role in this effort. Quotations from ‘Africa at 50’ Event 2010 His Excellency, Edward Mohammed Turay, High Commissioner, Sierra Leone High “You have roots in Freetown, you have the largest student population in Freetown and in Bo. Commission UK. You have done a lot of things in terms of education, welfare, health, you name it and we are very proud of the Movement.” Alhaji Ahmed Umaru, Head of Chancery, Nigerian High Commission UK. “I remember those days in my home state in Kano, the best eye clinic then was the Ahmadiyya clinic and that has still remained so. So people usually associate Ahmadiyya Movement to something which is good.” “We do know particularly in Ghana how well established the Ahmadiyya Movement is as we Alhaji Bawah Ayembillah, Minister/Head of Consular and Welfare Matters, Ghana High all know Ahmadis are their best in Ghana. They are all over the country – one of the best Commission UK. religious establishment you can think of whether in the area of health or in the area of education… All I can say is thank you for your efforts in Ghana.” “In a lot of ways, Ahmadi Muslims have contributed to the development of Liberia. We have one of the best clinics in Liberia that is being run by Ahmadi Muslims, we have a high school in Monrovia that is being run by the Ahmadiyya Mission. We also have a vast mosque on Benson and Lee Street in Monrovia owned by the Ahmadiyya Mission. We are very grateful for all that Mr Morris Barsee, Second Secretary of Embassy of Liberia UK. the Ahmadiyya Mission has done for Liberia and will continue to do. Finally I will like to say thank you for this event. We will continue to be a part of this Pan-African Organisation... We will be willing at any time to come to your call.” 8 Services of Ahmadiyyat to the Cause of Africa Keynote Address by Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (aba) On 26th November 2011 Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad , Khalifatul Masih V, Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, graced a function organised by the Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK to celebrate the independence of various African countries,  held in the Tahir Hall, Baitul Futuh Mosque, UK. Amongst those in attendance were:  His Excellency, Mr. Edward Mohammed Turay, Sierra Leone High Commissioner.  His Excellency, Wesley M. Johnson, Liberia Ambassador.  Alhaji Bawah G. Ayembillah, Minister and Head of Consular and Welfare, Ghana High Commission. Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb, Naib Amir (Vice President) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Nigeria and Chairman Humanity First Nigeria. Mr. Issah Wemah, Chairman Pan-African Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK. Tashhahud, Ta’awwuz and Bismillah, “Assalamo ‘Alaikum Wa Rahm(abaat) ullahe Wa After reciting honourable guests for attending this event. Barakatohu – peace and blessings of Allah be upon Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V said: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community was formed you all. (as) in 1889 by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of (as) Qadian . We, Ahmadi Muslims, believe him to be the Promised Messiah , Imam Mahdi and the Reformer of the Age. We believe him to be the very (sa) As we are all aware, and as the distinguished Messiah and Mahdi of the Latter Days, whose advent guests have just mentioned, today we are gathered was foretold by the Holy Prophet . Indeed, we also (as) here to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the believe that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of independence of Sierra Leone, Tanzania and Qadian is the same reformer whose advent was Cameroon. prophesied by other previous prophets, and who (sa) Today’s event has been organised by the was to come in the servitude of his master, the Holy (as) Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s Pan-African Prophet Muhammad . Association, and so on behalf of our Community, I Upon his advent, the Promised Messiah outlined 9 would like to thank all of the distinguished and two great and overarching purposes for which God “The Promised Messiah(as)taught us so beautifully that if a person becomes aware of the rights owed to his fellow man, then this would naturally lead to the establishment of human values... ...Hence, his teachings formed the basis for true peace.” Almighty had commissioned him. Firstly, he was great extent, that he taught that on certain occasions sent to establish and to develop a relationship the rights owed to man are to take priority even over between man and God Almighty. It was his objective the rights owed to God Almighty. This, God forbid, to make mankind realise that its Creator is the One does not mean or imply that the All-Powerful God, Who is the Lord of all the worlds and the Creator has no significance in comparison to man, (as) Possessor of all powers. As such, the Promised or that He is in any way secondary; rather, it means Messiah spent his entire life reminding mankind that God Almighty has such love for His Creation that they must submit and bow down before the All- that He Himself has instructed that on those Powerful God. occasions where humanity is in desperate need, we He came to inform people of the world that they should assist them first. Thereafter, once the need should realise that all of the powers and forces of has been fulfilled, man should return to the worship the universe are nothing in comparison to the Might of God Almighty. and Power of God Almighty. The second purpose for In short, we believe that even though the purpose which the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim of our creation is the worship of God, this objective Jama‘at was sent, was to make mankind aware of the becomes secondary on those occasions where rights owed to one other. This was something that humanity requires our immediate assistance. This (as) he greatly emphasised throughout his life. point is in exact accordance with the true teachings The Promised Messiah taught us so beautifully of Islam and the commands of God Almighty. The that if a person becomes aware of the rights owed teachings of Islam are most beautiful. They stress to his fellow man, then this would naturally lead to the importance of fulfilling the rights of others. the establishment of human values. When human Unfortunately, those in power have generally values are established, then man would cease to be ignored this basic principle. cruel to his fellow man. Hence, his teachings formed If we look at the world’s political situation today, (as) the basis for true peace. we find that there are different systems of The Promised Messiah stressed the importance 10 governance, and different laws that have been of discharging the rights owed to mankind to such a established. On the one hand, there are those