ULAMON News (English)

Official Newsletter of ULAMON (Union of Lahore Ahmadiyya Muslim Organisations the Netherlands)

1st June 2002 Issue (Vol. 1, Nos. 1–2)

Table of Contents:

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Note: ULAMON News is an abridged edition of ULAMON Nieuws originally published in Dutch providing news and articles about Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement in the Netherlands.

1. Editor’s Note:

In its first issue of ULAMON News has appeared as a combined quarterly journal of the Stichting Ahmadiyya Ishaat Islam (SAII), Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (L) — Netherlands (AAIILN), Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam Amsterdam (AAIIA) and the Rotterdam Islamic Association Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam (RIV).

ULAMON stands for Union of Lahore Ahmadiyya Muslim Organizations in the Netherlands. This news bulletin aims at publishing not only activities of the member jamaats but also religious articles will appear now and then. The Stichting and the Amsterdam jamaats will terminate their own bulletins so far published only in Dutch. Foreign jamaat members may find an English summary in each number. (Editor’s address & e-mail is to be found at the end of the first column.)

2. What is ULAMON?

As explained in the editor’s note above ULAMON is a cooperative body of — presently — four Ahmadiyya (Lahore) jamaats in the Netherlands. Combined activities actually started in 2001 when preparations were in full swing for the International Conference held in October last year. During this conference high government dignitaries, foreign Ahmadiyya representatives as well as the local press, T.V. and radio were well represented. ULAMON’S main purpose is to cooperate and manage common interests of associated jamaats first of all the tabligh [missionary work] being the main goal of our worldwide movement. Special thought will be given to a just presentation of Islam to the West.

ULAMON’S other past and present activities are (see special reports elsewhere in this edition):

  1. Eid Milan gathering on 22 Dec. 2001. It has gradually become a custom to stage a grand gathering days after Eidul Fitr or Eidul Adha where also non-Muslims and officials are invited not only to share the joy of the past event but also to pass on the Message of Islam.
  2. A combined effort for Haj Mubarak resulted in the departure of 19 Ahmadis who performed this holy plight successfully this year.
  3. Eid Milan gathering on the occasion of Eidul Adha on 9 March 2002.
  4. The staging of this common quarterly news bulletin.
  5. Plans are seriously being outlined for an Islamic College.
  6. Preparations are made for an all out sporting day including bazaar & fancy fair.
  7. Attempts are being made for participation of the Ahmadiyya (Lahore) in the National Muslim Council of the Netherlands.

3. Eid Milan (22 December 2001):

A week after Eidul Fitr was celebrated an Eid Milan gathering was staged by ULAMON in close cooperation with EEKTA, a Hindu/Muslim cultural Foundation. The theatre hall, Concordia (where the international conference was held), appeared later to be too small to facilitate the huge crowd, estimated at about 600 persons, coming from all corners of the country. It all started with a Quran recitation by Brother Habibullah after which Mr. Ramautar from EEKTA made a short openings speech followed by Brother Hikmat Mahawat Khan, President AAIILN, and Brother Nur Sardar, Vice-president of the Stichting AII. Brother Abdul Santoe delivered the main speech containing the peace message of Islam and its tolerance towards other religions and nations. Local municipal politicians were also present. Brother Khan Jahier, President AAIIA, moderated the official part of the evening, which was preceded by an Islam6 quiz programme, presented by Brother H. Badloe.

4. Eid Milan: Eidul Adha (9 March 2002):

Celebration of this Eid Milan was staged also to emphasize the importance of Eidul Adha. The occasion was also seized to pay tribute to those within our jamaats who had just accomplished de Hajj [pilgrimage] rituals this year. In the Museon Hall in The Hague the hajis were addressed by the presidents of ULAMON jamaats. Furthermore, Haji Mohammad Mahawat Khan who led the group during the Hajj travels, gave an extensive report of the journey while Haji Abdul Santoe parted his personal impression with the audience.

Next please find summaries of both speeches.

5. Journey Report Hajj 2002 by Haji Mohamed Mahawat Khan:

Haji Mahawat Khan recalls with great satisfaction the preparatory activities months before they embarked upon the holy journey which was also an initiative of the ULAMON. A total of 19 Ahmadis departed on the 1st of February 2002 and after disembarking at the airport in Jeddah a bus trip followed to the holy city of Madinah where the group stayed for five days in the Hilton Hotel just across Masjid Nabawi. After all the ziarats and ibadahs in this city, the group left again by coach to Mecca Sharif. Soon after arrival and checking in the hotel they started with Umrah procedure consisting of tawaaf and Saee followed by more than ten days waiting for the Hajj rituals commencing with a bus ride to Mina where the pilgrims stayed in tent encampments. After Arafat and Muzdalifah and returning to Mina where the stoning took place for two or three more days, the pilgrims returned to Mecca Sharif where the final rituals were performed.

It was with a great sense of relief and satisfaction that the group flew back to Amsterdam airport where a great welcome from family and Jamaat members awaited them with lots of garlands and emotional greetings.

6. My Personal Imression of Hajj by Haji Abdul Santoe:

Months of preparations and study of the rituals aroused mystical expectations in me of the great journey every Muslim should do at least once in his/her lifetime. Overwhelmed by the breath-taking beauty of Masjid Nabawi in Madinah Munawarrah, I was also impressed by its stately marble architecture erected in the Andalusian style. A visit to the gravetomb of Rasul Allah (sas) surrounded in a sphere of serenity, brought me 14 centuries back at that time when this greatest soul in the history of mankind brought about a revolution in the fate of humanity. During our stay in Madinah ziarat visits were also undertaken to a.o. Quba and Uhud where considerable companions of the Holy Prophet died in battle. On approaching Mecca Sharif my first impression was a sense of grave disappointment: instead of finding huts and simple houses, as was the case in the past, the coach entered a bustling metropolis complete with traffic jams, mega shopping centres, hotel, restaurants and fast-food chains. Only after we entered Masjid al Haram, I was taken by the grandeur of its circular shape and architecture but above all the sudden sight of the Qibla in the middle of the inner square overwhelmed me with emotions beyond every logical reasoning. At the height of the rituals after we returned from Mina, we had to finalise the Tawaaf and Saee at a time when the Haram was at its fullest. I finally experienced the mingling up in the maelstrom of millions as giving up my own personal identity and at the same time becoming one with mankind. With the feeling of remission and atonement we undertook the home bound journey.

7. Islam Educational Institute:

In order to restructure and enhance religious education among different jamaats, ULAMON has recently appointed an advisory Committee to chalk out extensive plans for structuring a new educational system on different levels possibly up to a college or higher grade. Mr. A.S. Hoeseni, Mr. M.A. Mahawat Khan, Mr. A.A.S. Santoe and Mr. H. Badloe have been assigned the task of setting up such a modern educational system which will firstly absorb existing courses and at the same time gradually developing a higher level of teaching. As the need for such training and teaching has become very urgent ULAMON will give this project highest priority.

8. Islam Advanced Course:

AAIILN has already started an advanced course months ago for which more than 20 students have enlisted. According to Mr. H.Badloe headmaster, this course will be incorporated in due time in the new ULAMON educational system. Part one of this course has already been finalised with exams and the second part will begin on 7 September this year. The teacher is prepared to restart part one provided that at least ten students enlist in this programme.

9. Article on Arrogance by Mr. R. Ahmadali:

On account of several Quranic ayaats [verses], the author explains the evil of arrogance among mankind. Pride and haughtiness against one another are deeds which are condemned in the face of the Almighty. On the other hand, it is evident from the modest and unpretending behaviour of the Holy Prophet (sas) which made him successful not only in the eyes of the Almighty God but also under the peoples of his time.

10. Eidul Fitr Khutbah by Mr. Mohammed Drost:

On the occasion of the Eidul Fitr prayers and celebration at the Stichting AII, Brother Drost delivered a valuable Khutbah [sermon] on rather actual and current matters of the present day. He elaborated on such themes as the behaviour outside the month of Ramadan which would be expected to be the same as within the holy month. He further dealt with the question of representation of the Muslim community towards the Government. Another most interesting subject was his critical notes on the actual theme of globalisation of the world economy wherein the poor countries appear to be of no match against the rich and where only economic values prevail. He would rather see induction of moral and social values. Brother Drost dealt further on such items as gaining knowledge, steadfastness in religion, the meaning of Salat & Zakat and finally the required discipline in Jamaat life in this country.

11. Announcements from ULAMON:

a. Outdoor Sporting Day:

Extensive preparations and programmes are underway for a great outdoor sporting day on Sunday 23rd of June. Members from all ULAMON associated jamaats are invited to participate in whatever activities one is interested in: Soccer, baseball, estafette walking exercises, etc. A sport stadium in the city of Delft has been rented for this day which will also include an ULAMON bazaar and fancy fair. Food, drinks and the procedures of the bazaar will be for the benefit of ULAMON.

b. Foreign Courses & Conventions:

ULAMON announces the annual convention of US Jamaat to be held from 2 to 3 August in Columbus, Ohio. The convention will be preceded by a 2-day course on Islam and Ahmadiyyat by Dr. Zahid Aziz and Maulana Kemal Hydal.

AAIIL (Trinidad and Tobago) has also announced an extensive course on Islam to be held from 9 to 15 August. ULAMON is investigating the possibility for a group travel to one or both countries. Interested members are requested to contact the executives of their own jamaats.

12.  Announcements from Jamaats:

Announcements from Stichting Ahmadiyya Ishaat-i-Islam:

  1. Seerat-un-Nabi Jalsa will be held on Sunday 2nd of June at 13.30 hr at the Center at Kepplerstr. 265 in The Hague.
  2. The current course on Quranic Arabic will be finalised on July 5th when also certificates will be issued and new enlistments will be registered for a new course.
  3. The ASEVO foundation responsible for Urdu courses has announced that in the future classes will not be given any more on Friday nights. The other time will be announced soon.
  4. Workshop SAII. Due to past successes this workshop on a fortnightly base will be continued next year.
  5. A new workshop is also to start but now for the more senior members.
  6. The Islam-Christianity discussion group active during the past ten years is unrelentingly continuing its activities. New members may enlist for these multi-religious monthly meetings.
  7. As from September this year, the first Sunday of the month meetings will be arranged at our Centre at the Kepplerstraat 265. Starting with Zuhr salaat, one or two themes will be dealt with on every session.
  8. A Jalsa on Miraj [the Ascension of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)] will be held this year on the 6th of October from 13.30 hr. at the Centre on Kepplerstraat.
  9. Our next Almere meeting will be held on Sunday 30 June. Starting from 13.30 hr. Mr. A.S. Santoe will elaborate on the very interesting theme of “Muhammad in World Scriptures”.

Announcements from AAIILN:

  1. Executive Board announces the annual meeting on Sunday 9 June at the Al Qiblatain Hall at the Loosduinse kade in The Hague. Election of a new Executive Committee as well as discussion of Jamaat policy matters are hot items on the agenda.
  2. The Executive Board has prepared a policy plan for 2002–2005 in which external communication with press and media will have top priority as well as other matters such as national politics and training & education.
  3. The study group of young members meeting every Sunday in the Al Qiblatain Hall is expanding. New participants willing to join may contact group leaders N. Rodjan and T. Hassanmohamed.
  4. Come July, a bus excursion will be launched to a destination yet to be decided upon. (Meanwhile this has been decided for Saturday 6 July with the destination: Dusseldorf, Germany.)

Editors: A.A.S. Santoe and A.S. Hoeseni

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