Source/Credit: Today | News | Gambia
By Today | March 22, 2011
Muslim elders have been called upon to show examples worthy of emulation to others, especially, children and youths. Making this call was the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in The Gambia, Maulana Baba F. Trawally.
Speaking at the close of a two-day convention of the male elders (aged above 40) of the community who have attended the programme from both The Gambia and Guinea Bissau, Maulana Trawally challenged the elders, to reflect on their commitment, which is to serve and help Allah Almighty with all their God-given faculties and especially direct much of their energy to the training of children. According to him, the divine institution of successorship (Khalifa) in Islam ensures that universal brotherhood could be attained and children who are the future generations must be trained and to inculcate the importance and blessings of Allah.
He advised the elders to pay great attention to prayer for universal peace, and the prevalence of peace and tranquility in The Gambia. He then prayed for the safe return of participants from far-off places.
In his opening address, president of the elders’ group Mr. Fafanding EK Darbo advised the elders to be steadfast and live exemplary lifestyles so that the younger generation could emulate them. Mr. Darboe warned his fellow elders against complacency, paying much attention to material wellbeing above ones religious obligations and adopting an attitude of indifference.
Delivering a speech on the topic: 'Responsibilities of a Nasir', Alhajie Sekou Omar Dibba reminded the elders that discharging the task of helping Allah Almighty called for nurturing certain virtues, attributes and skills. He cited a number of attributes that an elder ought to cultivate, such as demonstration of exemplary conduct in society; performing Salat regularly; training and upbringing of children; calling people to Allah; rendering service to the Jamaat and mankind as a whole and the act of sacrificing property, wealth and self. He also touched on the importance of being literate in the Holy Quran, Hadith, Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and the doctrine of the Ahmadiyyat.
Mr. Kemo Sonko spoke at length on financial sacrifice. He made references to the Holy Quran and related how the successors of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) and his companions demonstrated a deep sense of sacrifice of their life, wealth and physical body. Mr. Sonko laid stress on the reward that accrues from making a genuine sacrifice in the course of Allah Almighty. Sonko dilated on the theorem that financial sacrifice is a barometer for measuring ones degree of righteousness and love of Allah Almighty.
Ustaz Mahmoud Ahmad Tahir who discussed the topic “Marriage in Islam” touched on the virtues and characteristics that a Muslim should look for in the quest for a partner. Ustaz Tahir warned against taking any consideration into account other than those spelt out by the Holy prophet Muhammad (saw). He did not fell short of expatiating on the relationship between husband and wife from the Islamic point of view.
Ustaz Tahir also challenged the elders to make it a point of duty to guide the young ones in order to enable them make good choices when looking for a partner. He finally told the gathering that marriage should be based on Taqwa (righteousness).
The missionary in-charge of the mission, Syed Saeed Ul Hassan Shah, who spoke on “Training of Children” told the audience that parents should always show good examples for the children to emulate. The parents must never tell lies to the children or make false promises. He concluded that the best exemplar for the whole humanity is the Holy prophet Muhammad (saw).
The convention rounded off with prayers for the participants, the country and the Ahmadiyya Jama’at.
Read original post here: Muslim elders urged to lay ‘perfect examples’
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments. Any comments irrelevant to the post's subject matter, containing abuses, and/or vulgar language will not be approved.