The Annual Duaiyya 2003
ILAN, January 2004 Issue (Vol. 1, No. 1, pp. 9–10)
A Comment by Shaukat A. Ali, Regional Director South Asia Pacific:
Alhamdulillah, I returned safely last night, after quenching my thirst from the spiritual fountain at Darus Salaam, Lahore.
I take this opportunity to convey my very warm greetings and prayers to Hazrat Ameer and to all the brothers and sisters of the Jamaat [Movement].
The arrangements for the Duaiyya were exceptionally good and the programme of events over the five-day period was excellent. The new format for the Duaiyya with presentations/discourses by learned personalities from all over Pakistan provided the opportunity to participants to pay full attention to the speakers and to relax during the breaks to meet others in order to establish or develop/strengthen social contacts.
The event was a tremendous success from all accounts. Hazrat Ameer’s personal stewardship of the Anjuman and attention to details contributed to the success of the Duaiyya. Participation by members of the Jamaat was a record for recent years and I have no doubt whatsoever that it will continue to grow in the years to come. In this respect, I intend to submit a few comments and observations in the near future.
I would like to convey my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those who worked long hours behind the scenes and under tremendous pressures to contribute to the success of this spiritual annual event.
May Allah Taala guide us and grant us wisdom and foresight to continue to implement the activities of the Movement in accordance with the general guidance and philosophy provided by the Imam of the Age [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian]. Aameen.
Review by Sabiha Saeed:
The Annual Duaiyya 2003, with God’s help, concluded successfully on the 28th of December 2003. The purpose of the Duaiyya, that is, the spiritual advancement of individuals and the collective prayers and planning for the spread of Islam was eminently served.
Starting from the Dars-i-Quran on the morning of the 24th through the ladies Duaiyya and the four days of general gathering there was a lot enthusiasm and fervour in deriving the maximum spiritual benefit from these five days, set aside exclusively, for the quest of religious knowledge and prayers.
All the speakers had a message to convey to the audience. There were not only the young and spirited speakers who had fresh ideas to put forward that appealed to the sentiments of the gathering, there were also the polished experienced speakers whose knowledgeable speeches held the attention of the audience. The talks covered a wide array of subjects such as what is real faith and where should we look for guidance for it; the sterling exemplary life of the Prophet (peace be upon him); the message of the Promised Messiah; his role as Hakm-i-Adal (the judge); the activities and publications of the Jamaats world over. In short all those who participated in the Duaiyya went home richer in knowledge and more determined to put in their best to fulfil the mission of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.
The heart-warming speeches by Hazrat Ameer — the opening and concluding speeches and appeal for donations moved all present.
Those of our brother in faith who had undertaken long journeys to attend the Duaiyya were given a chance to share their ideas. There were participants from USA, Australia, Holland, Fiji, Malaysia and Thailand. The extension of the duration of the Duaiyya by one day gave a chance to the participants to socialise with each other as well.
As always, the donations at the Duaiyya were very generous reflecting the spirit of sacrifice inculcated in the Jamaat.
Hazrat Ameer held a separate session with the delegates from abroad to work out a better-coordinated program for the propagation for Islam.
The Youth sessions in the evening were interesting and informative and the high attendance was a morale booster for the youngsters.
The ladies also arranged a get-together for the representative of Jamaats from within the country and abroad.
Alhamdulillah, the Duaiyya infused a new spirit in the Jamaat to develop a bond with God and fellow beings and work harder to fulfil the mission entrusted to us by the Mujaddid, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad.
“Let it be clear to them that I too curse the person who claims prophethood. I hold that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His Messenger, and I believe in the finality of prophethood of the Holy Prophet. … So there is no claim of prophethood on my part either.” (Majmua Ishtiharaat, vol. iii, p.224 — by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian)