Report of the Annual Jalsa 1983

Dear brothers and sisters,

Assalamo alaikum wa Rahmatullah!

It has been a custom in the past few years to brief our branches outside Lahore on the proceedings of the Annual Jalsa [Gathering] held every year in the last week of December. It also gives an opportunity to tell you what this Anjuman did during the year and what it plans for the future. The pamphlet dealing with this subject usually reaches you by the end of February each year but this time we are somewhat late and request to be excused for this delay.

The year 1983 was a year of trials and tribulations for us. We lost valuable members in the persons of Chaudhry Fazl-i-Haque, Mr. Muhmmad Asghar Ali Sayal, Mirza Masud Beg and Prof. Dr. Nazir-ul-Islam. All of them were dedicated and enthusiastic workers.

• Chaudhry Fazl-i-Haque will long be remembered for his zealous and untiring efforts put in for the execution of the Darus Salaam project.

• Mr. Azam Alvi had been in the ministerial service of this Anjuman for over 35 years. His dedication to the cause of the Anjuman was exemplary.

• Mr. Asghar Ali Sayal worked in the Woking Muslim Mission, England, for a couple of years in the past. Presently, he was serving in the Foreign Missions Committee creditably.

• Mirza Masud Beg had to his credit an unblemished record of rendering long service to this Anjuman as its Assistant Secretary, Headmaster of Muslim High School, Editor Paigham-i-Sulh and General Secretary. He was a prolific writer, an eloquent speaker, a God-fearing administrator and a sincere friend.

• Prof. Dr. Nazir-ul-Islam was a scholar, a missionary and an experienced teacher.

These losses are irreparable, but we bow our heads submissively before Allah, the Merciful, the Beneficent in obedience to His command, and pray earnestly for the departed souls. May they rest in peace, and may the favours of Allah descend on them, Amen!

Our Annual Jalsa was this time held from the 22^nd to 25^th December 1983. This was the 69^th annual gathering and our members from far and near in Pakistan as well as from foreign countries including Fiji, Kashmir, England, America and Suriname participated.

Darus Salaam during these days presented an atmosphere pervaded with a spiritual tempo, a significant characteristic of this religious gathering. Men and women, both young and old, exhibited a unique devotion, enthusiasm and sincerity of purpose in braving smilingly the discomforts of travelling, inclemencies of the winter weather and willingly sitting the whole day in the Conference enclosure to listen to the purely religious speeches and papers pertaining to spiritual subjects.

Ladies Jalsa: 22^nd December 1983:

The Ladies’ Jalsa was held on 22^nd December 1983 in two sessions, one in the morning and the other in the afternoon. Elderly ladies, students and housewives exhibited the one and the same zeal in making this gathering purposeful.

Speakers paid glowing tributes to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), the emancipator of womenfolk, eulogized the services rendered to the cause of Islam by the Founder of Ahmadiyya Movement, the Promised Messiah [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian], and his illustrious disciples like Maulana Muhammad Ali, Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din and Maulana Sadr-ud-Din. The speakers exhorted their audience to make concerted efforts to carry to the four corners of the world the banner of Islam unfurled by the Mujaddid [Reformer] of the present age. They exhorted their brothers also not to lag behind in the Jihad-i-Kabir [the greater jihad] to which this Jamaat is pledged.

Our womenfolk spare a little time out of their daily domestic routines throughout the year to stitch, sew or knit woollies, garments, tapestry and other articles of household use. These handicrafts were stalled and exhibited at the Annual Jalsa and their sale proceeds were donated entirely for the propagation of Islam. Elderly ladies assisted by teenagers also arranged tea stalls and tuck shops on this occasion to raise funds for the Anjuman through the sale of beverages, candy, dry and fresh fruit, chat and other tasties. These programmes as usual provided opportunities to our ladies coming from rural and urban areas and near and far-off places to get together, to see and know each other and to discuss their problems.

Men’s Jalsa: Day 1 (Morning Session): 23^rd December 1983:

The general Annual Jalsa commenced on the morning of December 23. Sahibzada Muhammad Ahmad was in the chair. The Jalsa was inaugurated by Hazrat Ameer [Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan] who started with a recitation of the opening chapter of the Holy Quran. His soul-inspiring recitation and eloquent interpretation penetrated the hearts of the audience. Hazrat Ameer traced back to the Founder the history of the institution of this religious moot and exhorted the gathering to be true to the pledge they made at the time of joining this Movement, and to stand by the Mujaddid of this age and his rightful successor — the Anjuman through thick and thin. He narrated some events that took place during these gatherings at the time of the Founder of the Movement and reminded the audience of the Divine blessings and favours which the Almighty had promised to bestow on the Founder, his companions and those who followed him faithfully. He then lifted his hands to pray to the Almighty to beseech His blessings and favours and to ask from Him strength, wisdom, perseverance and steadfastness to obey His commandments and to strive hard for the glory of Islam. The audience joined in the prayers. The prayers of the Holy Quran, the prayers of the Holy Prophet, on whom be peace and blessings of Allah, and supplications of the Founder of the Movement, uttered by Hazrat Ameer in a soul-stirring submissive and sobbing strain proved effective and the eyes of the listeners flowed with tears. May the Almighty grant these prayers. Amen!

Chaudhry Riaz Ahmad, President of the local Jamaat, Lahore and chairman of the reception committee then rose to welcome the delegates and assured them that his volunteers would look after their requirements to the best of their abilities. They had been specially instructed to provide maximum facilities to the honourable guests. He also requested that lapses, if any, be promptly reported to him for proper action as there was always scope for improvement in the manmade arrangements.

Mirza Muhammad Latif Shahid, our well-known scholar missionary delivered a speech to prove that Ahmadis were Muslims first and Muslims last. He quoted profusely from the Holy Quran, traditions of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and writings of celebrities of Islamic jurisprudence to show that neither Ahl-Qibla [People of the Qibla] nor a believer in Allah and His Apostle can be dubbed as non-Muslim. We have therefore to follow the dictates of the Shariat [Islamic Law] and continue our march to attain our goal, viz. glory of Islam, by carrying the message of Islam to the four corners of the world.

Captain (Retd.) Abdul Wajid Khan was the next speaker in this session. He recited verse 2:177 from the Holy Quran and in its light read a paper on Islam and Communism. He said Islam was the religion of humanity and provided unlimited chances to make material progress without sacrificing the welfare of the human spirit. Islam teaches us to live and let live. It does not tolerate exploitation, hoarding and social evils. Communism preaches force but Islam advocates peace. Communism aims at bringing down the highest to the lowest level while Islam, on the contrary, aims at elevating the lowest to the highest positions. The religion of Islam teaches love for humanity while Communism breeds contempt and hatred, malice and prejudice. The paper was a result of thorough research and labour and presented thought-provoking ideas.

On account of Friday, the Session ended at 12.30 p.m. to allow the audience to prepare themselves for the Jumuah [Friday] prayers.

The sermon was delivered by Hazrat Ameer Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan. He recited the Quranic verse 139 from Al-i-Imran [3:139]. This chapter relates to the Battle of Uhud. He dwelt upon the same at length. In this battle there was a critical situation when the Muslim army was apparently losing ground and the Quraish of Makkah had an upper hand. But the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) did not lose heart. He had a firm belief in Almighty Allah and had unflinching faith in His Providence which helps those who obey Him. He prayed to the Almighty and invoked His Benevolence, Mercy and Help. It was then that the above quoted verse was revealed and lo! the tables were turned. The life and times of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) are a model for mankind. He brought about an unprecedented revolution in the world. Arabs who lacked morals, knowledge and statesmanship became pioneers in these fields. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) preached tolerance, obedience to God and righteousness. He had a soft corner even for his enemies as he was a blessing for the entire mankind. He is reported to have said that like Jews, Muslims will one day be divided into numerous groups and each one of them will claim to be on the right path, but only one of them will be true to this faith. This group of Muslims will be God-fearing and dutiful, they will enjoin good and forbid evil and vie with one another in doing good deeds and these will be among the righteous. The Holy Quran assures ultimate success and bliss for those who are dutiful, obey Allah’s commandments, follow the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), practising and preaching good. In another place we are told that those who spend in the way of Allah whether they are rich or poor shall be rewarded. Followers of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman should, therefore, strive every nerve to be faithful to Allah, His Apostle and His religion, to be honest in their deeds and vie with one another in acts of virtue so that they become eligible for His favours and blessings. The Holy Quran repeatedly tells us of the punishment facing the disbelievers and transgressors on the one hand and the rewards awaiting the believers and the God-fearing on the other. Let us not err in choosing the right path. Those who are faithful and just always succeed in this world and the hereafter. After the sermon the Jumuah prayers were offered.

Men’s Jalsa: Day 1 (Second Session): 23^rd December 1983:

The Second Session (Presided over by Sheikh Mian Khalid Gul Malook). Mr. Wazir Mohammad of Guyana, presently under training as a missionary and Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Imam, incharge London Mission, were the two speakers of this session.

Mr. Wazir Mohammad stressed the necessity of spreading Islamic literature in the world. He mentioned the services rendered by the Mujaddid of the present age, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian, and his dedicated disciples, for Islam, especially the monumental works of the late Maulana Muhammad Ali, Al-Hajj Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din and Al-Hajj Maulana Sadr-ud-Din. He exhorted the audience to strive hard and keep the traditions of those renowned missionaries alive. Before concluding the speech, he conveyed the salaams and best wishes from his people in Guyana to the delegates.

Mr. Muhammad Anwar spoke on the revolution in the thinking of the Western nations due to the activities and literature produced by Ahmadi Missionaries. The Christendom was now on the crossroads. The tides of material advancement and supremacy in scientific technology had drifted them away from their episcopacy which was of no avail to them in solving their ever-increasing day-to-day problems. They are in quest of a religion of peace that not only caters for their worldly requirements, but also provides solace and tranquillity for their souls. The picture drawn by the speaker was a proof of the spiritual vision granted by Allah to the Promised Messiah who proclaimed nearly a century back:

“The free thinkers of the West are hearkening to the clarion call of Islam; suddenly they are returning to their senses from their drowsiness.”

Men’s Jalsa: Day 2 (Morning Session): 24^th December 1983:

The morning session was presided over by Mian Umar Farooq of Karachi, well-known for his philanthropy and keen interest in the activities of our Anjuman.

Chaudhry Hanif Akhtar delivered a speech asserting “Religion is a must for human Society”. Questions have been arising in the human mind as to significance of religion and its impact on our lives. A man needs guidance in this wide world to judge between good and evil, right and wrong, virtue and vice, fair and foul. It is religion alone that helps us adopt the proper course. The destructive wars could be averted, ignoble strifes ended, malice, hatred and oppression subdued if we follow the path shown by God Almighty through the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). If we disregard this course the law of the jungle would prevail.

The next speaker was Chaudhry Mansur Ahmad, General Secretary of the Central Anjuman, who presented the Annual Report (compiled in Urdu) on the activities and achievements of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam during the year 1982–83. Salient features of the report are given as an Appendix.

The General Secretary before concluding his annual report paid glowing tributes to the departed souls and as prescribed by the Promised Messiah the congregation prayed to Allah to grant them His protection and shower on them His Blessings.

Hazrat Ameer, Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan, then addressed the gathering. He recited the last verses of Surah [Chapter] Muhammad (47:35–38) in his familiar tone. He narrated how the world today was engulfed in vice and faced with enormous problems. There was chaos, unrest and discontent all over. We too have to face these obstacles and to pass through these turbulent times. By the Grace of Allah, our Creator, Sustainer and Lord, we had been granted a living faith in Him. The living thoughts of the living Prophet were our guide. We should not, therefore, lose heart and should courageously face the difficulties in the way of our onward march. Perseverance, sacrifices and steadfastness are keynotes to success according to the Divine revelation. We, especially our younger generation, should realize that our ancestors had left a rich and glorious heritage, which we should guard at any cost. Our elders were passing away one by one. It was therefore imperative for the younger generation to prepare themselves for shouldering the responsibility which would ultimately devolve upon them. Looking back, we find how the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement stood all alone to serve and defend Islam against the onslaughts of Christians, Arya Samajis, Atheists, Theosophists, etc. He invoked Divine help earnestly. His prayers were granted and a band of devoted and dedicated followers were given to him. Allah Almighty had raised him for the renaissance and revival of Islam, to dispel the gloom that had enveloped the Ummat-i-Muslima [Muslim nation]. He was granted wisdom and Divine knowledge to rectify the errors that had crept in among the Muslims, to remove the misconceptions and efface the distorted pictures of Islam and the Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) drawn by their sworn enemies and misguided Western authors and critics. He prayed and worked hard so that truth about the Prophet and his religion is shone in its pristine lustre and beauty. We, the followers of the Promised Messiah have to strive hard to maintain his worthy and noble mission. Hazrat Ameer exhorted the audience to honour their pledge with the Founder of the Movement. They should be mindful of their avowed determination to give precedence to religion over their worldly affairs. They should contribute liberally for the dissemination of Islamic teachings and the Holy Quran. There was a heartening news for us that translation of the Holy Quran in the Spanish language had been completed. Our heads bow down in gratitude before our Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful, Who has enabled this humble Jamaat to accomplish this noble task. An appeal was then made by him for funds. The response to his touching words was unprecedented. The donations announced almost touched a million rupees and by the next day the million mark was exceeded. This session ended with Hazrat Ameer’s address.

Men’s Jalsa: Day 2 (Evening Session): 24^th December 1983:

This was held under the chairmanship of Mr. Ross Mahmood of London.

During this session the Late Prof. Dr. Nazir-ul-Islam spoke on the predominance of Islam. This was his last public speech as he passed away about a week later on the 31^st of December. The learned scholar quoted profusely from the Holy Quran to illustrate the veritable fact that the truth had always triumphed over falsehood. Islam being a true religion was destined to prevail upon all untrue religions. Islam is a perfect and all-embracing religion, it is a faith embodying our obligations to Allah Almighty and to our fellow-beings, to the state and to the society, to our elders and to our young, to our seniors and to our juniors. As such it was bound to succeed.

The next speaker, Malik Zafarullah Khan of Rawalpindi, dwelt upon the necessity, advent and significance of Mujaddids. This institution, he said, was vital for the renaissance of Islam. The Mujaddid of our age gains precedence over his predecessors in view of the important Mission entrusted to him. He had to fight a pitched battle against the Dajjal [Antichrist], its false notions and cults.

Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha was the last speaker in this session. He stated that the uniformity in the preachings of Prophets and Apostles raised by Allah Almighty from time to time in different nations amply proved that there was no God but one. This universe, this creation, this flora and fauna, this animal life, all clearly indicate that there is an Omnipotent, Omnipresent and All-Knowing Creator. Science is nothing but a study of the working of the laws of nature. Man-made theories have been changing and are apt to change but the knowledge imparted by the Divine process and teachers is free from error. The pursuit of science and learning unfolds the mysteries of nature and brings us nearer to our Creator and enables us to glorify his works.

Men’s Jalsa: Day 3 (Concluding Session): 25^th December 1983

This session presided over by Dr. Noman Ilahi Malik.

There was only one sitting on the concluding day. After recitations from the Holy Quran and reading out of the writings of the Promised Messiah, a paper was read by Mian Fakhr-ud-Din Ahmad on the life of Hazrat Khwaja Kamal-ud-Din, the pioneer Muslim Missionary in the West.

Speeches were made by Sheikh Sharif Ahmad of Peshawar and Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Aziz, Advocate, Gujrat. The former reminded the audience of the Quranic injunction:

“save yourselves and your families from a fire whose fuel is men and stones”.

This is the fire which is generated by avarice, vice and greed. It destroys the finer and nobler elements in ourselves. Materialistic ideas and outlook are alluvial soil for the growth of hatred, strife, malice and other low passions. God-fearing people who shun worldly gains and praise, come out of this struggling world triumphantly.

Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Aziz, a leading lawyer of the country, spoke on the dispensation of justice as laid down in the Holy Quran and Sunnah and the one being implemented and practised in our country. He quoted from the Holy Book and the precepts of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) enjoining upon the courts to be fair, just and impartial while adjudicating upon cases in accordance with the Shariah [Islamic Law].

Al-Hajj Mian Naseer Ahmad Faruqui, Senior Vice President of the Anjuman, was the next to address the gathering. He appealed to the audience to keep the Mission of the Founder of the Movement and Mujaddid of this age not only alive but strong. He stressed the importance of spreading Quranic knowledge and teachings of Islam. The Founder of our Movement earnestly desired that the last and comprehensive message from God be translated in the English language and distributed on a large scale. This desire was fulfilled by his ardent disciple Maulana Muhammad Ali, the first President and Ameer of this Jamaat. It was now for us to intensify our campaign for the presentation of these precious gems to the world. We have to mobilize our resources for this Jihad. There is a widespread craving in this world for the religion that teaches them morality and virtue and emancipates them from the vice, wickedness and other social evils. He appealed to the audience to double their efforts, both in coin and kind, so that the message of Islam reached every nook and corner of this world. He who participated in this crusade was blessed doubly. God, our Sustainer and Nourisher rewards him in this life and the life hereafter. Donations started pouring in again for the translations of the Holy Quran. The total contributions made in this session and the previous day exceeded eleven lac (over a million rupees).

Hazrat Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan, Ameer and President of the Anjuman and a reminiscent of the galaxy of companions of the Promised Messiah, rose to deliver his farewell speech. He recited verse 34 of Surah Abraham of which the translation runs thus:

وَ اٰتٰىکُمۡ مِّنۡ کُلِّ مَا سَاَلۡتُمُوۡہُ ؕ وَ اِنۡ تَعُدُّوۡا نِعۡمَتَ اللّٰہِ لَا تُحۡصُوۡہَا ؕ اِنَّ الۡاِنۡسَانَ لَظَلُوۡمٌ کَفَّارٌ ﴿٪۳۴﴾

“And He gives you of all you ask of Him. And if you count Allah’s favours, you will not be able to number them. Surely man is very unjust, very ungrateful”.

He said, he had read this verse to acknowledge in public the favours Allah had showered on a humble person like himself. He was not quite certain that he would be able to participate actively in the annual gathering due to his prolonged illness. He had a severe attack of flu towards the close of November. It was Almighty’s special favour that he recovered from this illness and infirmity and was able to be with the participants all the three days, even leading the congregational prayers. He had seen with his own eyes and so also had the participants how the Beneficent and the Merciful Allah had crowned their humble efforts with success. So far as the holding and progress of the Jalsa were concerned, despite the serious obstructions quite well known to the audience, there was a record number of delegates. The donations were four times of the last year’s. The audience and the organizers cooperated in observing the timetable and remained in their seats in the Pandal [marquee] throughout the sessions. There were no groups round the bookstall, the tea stall and in the parking enclosure during the Jalsa time as was the case in some previous years. Reception, boarding and lodging arrangements were quite satisfactory. He congratulated the chairman and members of the Reception Committee and also the Shaban [Lahore Ahmadiyya Young Men’s Association] who acquitted themselves so well. He thanked also, the audience, his brothers and sisters, for undertaking long and tiring journeys, facing the inclemencies of winter smilingly, sacrificing their time, money and comforts in the path of Allah to win His favours and pleasure. He hoped the soul-stirring speeches, the spiritual food offered therein, the sweet company of friends from far and near, the congregational prayers offered especially during the early mornings and the Dars-i-Quran [discourses on the Holy Quran] would be long remembered in the days to come. He exhorted the audience to praise Allah again and again, and pray for the grant of His forgiveness and protection and help. We were only human beings, after all. It was only with Allah’s Grace that we could get together to plan future programmes of activities in the defence of Islam, His chosen religion. Before parting, Hazrat Ameer gave a message to the Jamaat in the following words:

“Brothers and sisters, we are at war with the enemies of Islam. This is a war of pen and not of sword. We have vowed to serve Islam and defend it at all costs. Armies need unity, discipline and unflinching faith in ultimate victory. When the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement raised this army he also laid down some rules and regulations. We have to follow them honestly and faithfully, in letter and spirit. We have a high and noble ideal before us. But the higher an ideal is the heavier are the responsibilities. We may differ in our approach to and thinking about a problem. Difference of opinion on the solution of the problems we are facing, is a blessing as long as we are honest and sincere to our cause, but once the decision is taken by a majority vote, one and all must follow it. Nobody however great should have the courage to disrupt and divert us from our path. Ours is an Organization in the world of today that completely adheres to the Quranic injunction, which enjoins upon the believers,

فَاِذَا عَزَمۡتَ فَتَوَکَّلۡ عَلَی اللّٰہِ ؕ اِنَّ اللّٰہَ یُحِبُّ الۡمُتَوَکِّلِیۡنَ ﴿۱۵۹﴾

‘When thou hast determined, put thy trust in Allah. Surely Allah loves those who trust (in Him),’ [The Holy Quran, 3:159]

Let us, therefore, sink our personal differences, cast away our personal likes and dislikes and put up a solid united front to broadcast the message of Islam and make ourselves worthy of the tidings and bounties guaranteed by the Promised Messiah. Ours is a small group but numerical strength is no match for firm faith and confidence. The Holy Quran has enunciated the universal truth:

کَمۡ مِّنۡ فِئَۃٍ قَلِیۡلَۃٍ غَلَبَتۡ فِئَۃً کَثِیۡرَۃًۢ بِاِذۡنِ اللّٰہِ ؕ وَ اللّٰہُ مَعَ الصّٰبِرِیۡنَ ﴿۲۴۹﴾

‘How often has a small party vanquished a numerous host by Allah’s permission! And Allah is with the steadfast.’ [The Holy Quran, 2:249]

We have to strive hard to maintain and run the Mission of the Promised Messiah. Let us beseech the protection and blessings of Allah, the Powerful, and ask of Him strength and wisdom to be true Muslims and His obedient servants”.

Hazrat Ameer then raised his hands and made supplications to Almighty, reciting Quranic, Traditional and other prayers. The audience also raised their hands and listened to the supplications made by him with tears flowing down their eyes and said Amen! Amen!

Mansur Ahmad

General Secretary
Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam Lahore.

Darus Salaam
Lahore-16

7^th April 1984

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Appendix: Salient Features of the General Secretary’s Report:

Brief notes on the activities of our Missions abroad are given below:

United Kingdom:

The settling of our London Mission in the new premises at Wembley has infused a new spirit in the members of the Jamaat in England. The Imam of the Mission Mr. Muhammad Anwar, apart from his usual duties, has been attending to the ever-increasing correspondence and replying to the questions asked by persons interested in Islam. Dr. Allah Bakhsh Sahib who has been living in England since September 1982 has been most useful for the Mission. In spite of his old age, he is rendering a lot of help. A small printing machine has been installed at the Mission House for printing their journal Islamic Guardian, leaflets and pamphlets, etc.

Members of the local Jamaat meet every Sunday to consider, discuss and devise means to popularise the Movement among the public and to intensify their efforts for the propagation of Islam. A general meeting is held once a month to which non-members are also invited. Dars-e-Quran in English has of late become a permanent feature of the monthly gatherings.

Indonesia:

This is the largest Muslim country on the globe, spread over thousands of islands comprising many provinces. There is a large number of Ahmadis in this country. Gerakan Ahmadiyya Lahore, Indonesia, affiliated to the Central Anjuman has done tremendous work in the field of Tabligh-i-Islam [propagation of Islam]. The English translation and commentary of the Holy Quran, Religion of Islam, Manual of Hadith and hundreds of booklets and pamphlets produced by Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat Islam, Lahore projecting teachings of Islam have been translated in the Indonesian language and distributed.

This branch is running many schools to cater for several thousand students. Three monthly magazines are being published. Various pamphlets have been brought out by this Organisation. The Annual Jalsa is held in this country also in the last week of December each year. In 1980, two students Mr. Sikandar and Mr. Sardinian from the Indonesia Jamaat came to Lahore to receive religious instructions and missionary training for two years at the Central Anjuman Headquarters. They are now doing useful work in their home country. Two more students came to Lahore in 1981 as trainees. One of them Mr. Sayurayuda stayed here for a year or so and went back while the other named Mr. Yatimin completed his training and returned home in 1983 and is doing very useful work there.

Chaudhry Abdul Latif, a member of our Executive Council, had an opportunity of visiting Indonesia in 1983. He brought back home heartening news of the activities of our Indonesian brothers and sisters. The meritorious services rendered by the late Al-Hajj Brig. Mohammad Bachrun will be long remembered in the chronicles of our Jamaat in Indonesia and it is only befitting to conclude this report with his blessed memory.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Mohammad Sojibto is the present Chairman of Gerakan Ahmadiyya Lahore, Indonesia.

Netherlands:

In Holland our Jamaats are functioning at Den Haag, Utrecht, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Eirenham. Thousands of Ahmadis are actively participating in spreading the message of Islam and spotlighting the role played by Ahmadiyyat in the cause of Islam. Mosques exist in Den Haag, Utrecht, Rotterdam and Amsterdam, where the community gathers for Friday and Eid prayers and holds meetings. The building for the mosque at Amsterdam was acquired last year. The opening ceremony was held this year and was largely attended. Dr. Allah Bakhsh represented the Central Anjuman at this function.

Suriname:

Formerly called Dutch Guyana, gained Independence from Holland a few years back but our contacts were established with these people in the early fifties of this century. Enrolled members exceed 12,000. Jamaats are found throughout this country. Ahmadis have their own schools, orphanages and social welfare homes. They have beautiful mosques. A grand complex is under construction in Paramaribo, the Country’s capital to comprise a spacious mosque, guesthouse and Offices of the Anjuman. This project is scheduled to be completed by the middle of 1984.

Messrs Haroon [Haroen] Badloe with his cousin Imran Badloe from Suriname came to Lahore in 1983 and held useful talks with the Central Executive on organizational matters and problems of common interest. The Central Anjuman has, on the repeated requests from this country, deputed Raja Muhammad Baidar [Bakht] Khan as a missionary in Suriname.

Mr. Mohammad Jabbar Bholan, an enthusiastic and energetic member of the Suriname Jamaat, arrived in Lahore in the last week of December 1983 to receive training as a missionary. He is expected to stay here for a year.

Guyana:

This Jamaat is headed by Mr. Alim Shah. Under his leadership the Anjuman, in the year 1983, has seen many significant developments. The highlight of the year’s activities was the rapid construction of the Jamaat’s headquarters in Georgetown. This big project was inaugurated in September 1979 by our beloved Hazrat Amir Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan in the presence of the late lamented President Mr. M. B. Yaseen.

Maulana Mohammad Rasheed, the missionary and correspondence secretary is playing a vital role in the activities of the Jamaat. Thrice weekly radio programmes, revival meetings throughout the country, distribution of Islamic literature, and other missionary services, herald the pioneering role of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman in Guyana. The Anjuman hopes shortly to arrange publication of its Official Organ The Islamic Sunrise in Canada, for free distribution in Guyana and other countries.

Two young and enthusiastic volunteers Messrs Wazir Mohammad Sharif and Mansoor Bakhsh were deputed by the Guyana Jamaat to receive religious education and missionary training at the Central Anjuman Headquarters. They arrived last year and would stay here from two to three years. They are making good progress.

Bharat [India]:

The Promised Messiah of Islam is lying in peace on the soil of this country. Strange as it may appear the Messiah of Israelites found his last earthly abode in the neighbouring state of Kashmir. Certain difficulties in the communications between Bharat and Pakistan have hampered the progress of sending our literature and Journals to Bharat. Our enthusiastic members in the Bharat are doing their best to spread the teachings of Islam and the noble ideals of this Movement. Jamaats exist at some places in Southern India. Maulana Abdul Razaq in Bombay is doing yeoman’s service in this respect.

Kashmir and Jammu:

Professor Nur-ud-Din Zahid, Dr. Khurshid Alam Tareen, Raja Mohammad Yusuf Taseer and Mr. Mahbub Alam Tareen in Kashmir valley and Chaudhry Ghulam Mustafa in Jammu Province have rendered valuable services to the cause of Islam. Ishaat-ul-Haq, a monthly journal, is published from Srinagar regularly. It has a wide circulation and is waging a war to dispel the misconceptions and ignorance about the teachings of Islam and Ahmadiyya Movement. This Journal was owned and edited by Mr. Mahbub Alam Tareen, who has, recently made it over to the Jamaat.

Prof. Nur-ud-Din Zahid, a scholar and prolific writer equally in Persian, Arabic and Kashmiri is now actively busy in the translation of the Holy Quran in Kashmiri language while Dr. Khurshid Alam Tareen has undertaken translation of the Holy Quran in Hindi.

America: [USA]

Our members are to be found in many States. They have formed Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, U.S.A. The Central Office of this Organization is in Newark near San Francisco in California. This Centre was established during 1976–77 when a campaign was launched to enrol the Ahmadis scattered all over the States, as members of this Anjuman. The Islamic Review, a top-class English monthly, is published by this Anjuman to broadcast the views and news concerning Islam and Ahmadiyyat. This monthly has a wide circulation especially in the libraries. The zeal, enthusiasm and fervour manifested by our members in America is remarkable. Apart from their ever-increasing activities in their own land they have contributed generously for the setting up of the Mission House and mosque in London. The active participation of Mr. Zafar Abdullah, Chaudhry Masud Akhtar, Dr. Noman Elahi Malik and Dr. Abdullah Jan is most commendable and we earnestly pray to Allah, in His infinite mercy, to reward these and other Mujahids for their selfless toil and to crown their efforts with success.

Canada:

Mr. Yaseen Sahu Khan and a number of other Ahmadis from Fiji established The Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam at Vancouver. The institution has since been registered under the Country’s Law. Election of Office-bearers was completed after formal registration and the Anjuman started its activities. Ever since Hazrat Ameer Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan’s visit to Canada in 1981, a new spirit has been infused in this Anjuman. Islamic literature is regularly being sent to this Anjuman from Lahore, and it has found its way in the Canadian libraries. Every family, in turn, plays host for holding Dars-i-Quran meetings. Mrs. [Samina] Sahu Khan, a talented lady, holds a class every Sunday to impart lessons and knowledge about Islam. Members living in other towns of Canada benefit themselves from the two Centres of Vancouver and Newark.

Fiji:

Our relations with Fiji Islands date back to early thirties of this century when Master Muhammad Abdullah, a member of our Anjuman’s Educational Service, (at present an honorary missionary in USA) landed on the soil of Fiji. This gentleman was sent there on deputation on the request of the local Muslim Community to run their School. With the arrival of Master Muhammad Abdullah an awakening dawned on the Muslims who were being cornered by the Christian and Arya Samaj missionaries. The elite of the town joined our Movement and a Jamaat [branch] was set up in Fiji Islands to look after educational requirements of the Fijian Muslims. Mirza Muzaffar Beg Sateh, in late years Maulana Ahmad Yar worked in Fiji for many years and the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam Fiji grew from strength to strength.

With the arrival in June 1972 of Hafiz Sher Muhammad, a senior member of our Missionary contingent, a new vigour surged in the Jamaat. A magnificent mosque has since been constructed in Suva. Apart from his normal activities as a missionary, Hafiz Sher Muhammad supervises “Al-Haq”, a periodical in Urdu-cum-English, to advocate Islamic teachings and the Ahmadiyya concept. Dars-i-Quran is arranged in different towns regularly. Hafiz Sahib is a scholar and eloquent speaker whose untiring and dedicated services will long be remembered.

Translation of the Holy Quran:

The renaissance and revival of Islam depends upon wide circulation of the Holy Quran, the last and complete Heavenly book which is to transform the present-day turbulent world into the Kingdom of Heaven, ushering in an era of peace and love. The Promised Messiah, Founder of the Ahmadiyya Movement [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian], had in a vision seen himself delivering the message of Islam from a pulpit in London and saw small white birds sitting on trees of which he caught some. He was confident that the Sun of Islam would one day rise from the West. For the fulfilment of his earnest desire, he stressed the necessity for the translation of the Holy Quran and other Islamic literature in English language and their distribution on a large scale. This prestigious work, according to him, was his mission and was to be accomplished by him personally or by his followers who are his offshoot and are included in his person. By the grace of Allah this mission of the Founder has come through his rightful successor — the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-i-Islam, Lahore. Translations of the Holy Quran in English, German and Dutch were published long before the creation of Pakistan. The translation in the Indonesian language was published a few years back. Translations in Spanish, French, and Japanese were included in our future programme by the Foreign Missions Committee sometime in 1982. An American lady Francis Nemay started the Spanish translation under the guidance of Al-Hajj Mian Naseer Ahmad Faruqui, at Lahore. The rendering of footnotes and introduction in Spanish was to be done by her in America. She had to give up this job due to her failing eyesight. A Spanish couple Mr. Sergio Sarmiento and Mrs. Carmen Sarmiento were entrusted with this job. The former is the chief editor of the Spanish version of the Encyclopaedia Britannica and the latter a translator in the same establishment. They have not only revised Mrs. Nemay’s work entirely but have also completed the unfinished job of footnotes and the introduction. Efforts are now being made to get this translation printed. Prof. Guy R. Mermier, an eminent professor of French in the University of Michigan (USA) is working on the French translation. The translation in the Japanese language has also been taken up. It is expected that the two translators will come to Pakistan sometime in the year 1984-1985 to give final touches to these works under the guidance and supervision of Mian Naseer Ahmad Faruqui.

Finances:

Coming to the fiscal side of our Organization, our budgetary position remained satisfactory during the year under review. Income during the year 1982-83 mounted to Rs. 18,15,707.00 [1,815,707] giving a surplus of Rs. 2,53,793.07 [253,793.07] over the expenditure. Alhamdolillah.

A contingent of stipendiary and honorary missionaries stationed at different places in Pakistan were doing useful work to further the cause of this Movement. Weekly Paigham-i-Sulh in Urdu and fortnightly The Light in English continued to convey the message of Islam both in and outside Pakistan. The two papers took out special numbers to commemorate important events, e.g., the Birthday of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and death anniversaries of the Promised Messiah and the late Hazrat Maulana Muhammad Ali, the founder President and Ameer of this Anjuman.