Majalis Al Momineen
Cecelia Seiner
Since long back the pulpit (mimber) of Mughal Masjid used to be known by Marhoom Maulana Athar Sahab, who had honoured the momineen of Mumbai with his dignity and calm gesture with the teachings of Ahlulbayt (as).
Ayatullah Aqeel ul Gharavi is an renowned personality among Ulema and Momineen. He is an internationally renowned Aalim, whose only motive to spread the rightful teachings of Ahlulbayt (as) rather than narrating fabricated stories with no authentic resources, just to gain popularity, appreciation from Jehal e Muraqqab.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa initiated the meeting with dua. Next, Huzooraa spoke with Sadr Sahiba Nigeria briefly and then began asking the rest of the amila members about their services in Lajna Imaillah Nigeria.
Speaking with the general secretary, Huzooraa asked how many majalis there were in Lajna Imaillah Nigeria, the total number of Lajna members in Nigeria, how many sent reports and what measures were taken for those who did not send reports. The general secretary reported there were 55 majalis and 50 sent reports. She said those who did not send reports were constantly reminded over phone calls.
Having reported on the total membership of Lajna Imaillah Nigeria, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said there should be accuracy in numbers, especially bearing in mind the number of converts that are reported on a yearly basis. If the numbers did not correspond, Huzooraa said, then there should be a proper and thorough study of where the discrepancies were so as to avoid them in the future.
Huzooraa asked if the secretary talim had seen any significant change in Lajna members after they had studied the book. She responded by saying that she certainly did see a change, but at times, not so much as not enough local talim classes were held in which the course was taught.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked secretary talim how many Lajna members were able to read the Holy Quran, recite it regularly and whether they were learning the translation too. She reported more than half of all Lajna members were able to recite the Quran and were reciting it regularly, while they also read the Quran with its translation. Huzooraa asked if they read the translation in English or Yoruba, to which the secretary replied that both translations were used by Lajna members, while some in the North and East read it in their respective local languages.
Addressing secretary tabligh, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about the method of collecting tajnid as it was very low and not in accordance with convert reports. Huzooraa said that the tajnid and the number of new converts should correspond with each other and such flaws in the tajnid database should be permanently eradicated.
Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa urged the secretary for new converts to also ensure the discrepancies between the number of Lajna converts on her record and the number which the national Jamaat of Nigeria reported were addressed properly so that accurate records could be made.
Huzooraa asked whether the new converts were being included into the Lajna system and what training programme had been chalked out for them. She said new converts were trained in the Holy Quran, the hadith, Salat, prayers of the Holy Quran and also those of the Holy Prophetsa.
Huzooraa enquired about the demographics of the new converts and what religious backgrounds they had converted from. Secretary for new converts reported converts were predominantly Muslim while other converts had converted from Christianity and paganism etc. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:
Huzooraa spoke with secretary khidmat-e-khalq (service to humanity) and asked about her plan and what charities were being supported. She reported their projects included visiting the aged, helping widows and orphans, amongst other things. Huzooraa asked about the support orphans received and if they supported individual orphans or orphanages. Secretary khidmat-e-khalq said both individual orphans (including Ahmadi orphans) and orphanages were assisted.
Huzooraa asked secretary ishaat whether a magazine of Lajna Imaillah Nigeria existed and if any books were to be printed. She responded by saying that a quarterly magazine was published and they had printed the book Garments for Each Other and were in the process of printing the book Paradise Under Your Feet. Huzooraa appreciated the work.
The importance of meeting with Huzoor(aa) is not only to seek guidance in official matters, but also to establish a firm and unique bond with our beloved Imam and to progress in our spiritual journey.
Hazrat Amirul Momineen(aa) commenced the mulaqat with silent prayer and then turned to the Ansar and enquired about the total number of Ansar and majalis in Switzerland. Upon this, a member answered that in total there were 159 Ansar, 14 majalis and 3 regions.
Speaking to the Zaeem Ansarullah of Geneva Jamaat, Huzoor(aa) emphasised that Salat centres should be functional for all five daily prayers, especially Fajr prayer, which is often one of the prayers that is observed at home.
Alongside seeking guidance from Huzoor(aa), the Ansar also had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineen(aa) questions regarding various issues. Among such questions, one Nasir (member of Ansarullah) asked what the main focus for Switzerland Ansarullah should be. Huzoor gave a comprehensive outline to the Ansar by saying that they should pay attention to Salat, watching programmes of MTA, listening to Friday Sermons and showing a good example to children.
Whilst discussing issues related to challenges the youth face, especially concerning Waqf-e-Nau, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih(aa) stated that their proper upbringing was the responsibility of the parents. Huzoor(aa) said,
A member of the Ansar mentioned to Huzoor(aa) that they had been doing tabligh and setting up bookstalls. He asked for further guidance on what else could be done to propagate the message of Islam. Huzoor(aa) explained that this task could not be achieved with little effort and said,
In recent weeks and months, Hazrat Amirul Momineen(aa) has been delivering a series of Friday Sermons on the noble Companions(ra) of the Holy Prophet(sa) who took part in the Battle of Badr. One person asked about this, to which Huzoor(aa) stated,
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