Convention in Holland

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful

.......... The HOPE Bulletin ………..

Health, Ongoing Projects, Education

International Jalsa October 13-15, 2011 ~~~

Conference held to commemorate the 35th Jubilee of AAIIL(N) in The Hague, Netherlands

Theme: The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the Western Society: The Positive Influence of Man and Society According to the Teachings of Islam

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Akbar Ibn Abdullah, Editor We acknowledge with thanks the contributions of Sjaikh Kasiem, President of the AAIIL, Netherlands Jama‘at, Hazrat Ameer-i-Qaum, Professor Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib, Ameer & President of Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha‘at-i-Islam, Lahore, Pakistan, and Sister Sharda Poese, President of AAIIL, Amsterdam, Holland, for their valuable submission of articles that make this Special International Supplement of The HOPE Bulletin possible reading pleasure. Jazak Allah!

We are also indebted to Dr. Jawad Ahmad, delegate of AAIIL, United Kingdom, for providing us with a host of photos taken at The Hague Convention, which we have included in the “Photographic Presentation” segment of this special supplement for your viewing pleasure. Jazak Allah!

Regarding to the captions to these photographs, we have done our best to match the faces and scenes from the three-day AAIIL (N) International Conference provided by our dedicated brother Dr. Jawad Ahmad Sahib, son of our respected brother Nasir Ahmad Sahib of the United Kingdom. May Allah bless him for taking his valuable time out of his medical practice to provide us with these photographs in a timely fashion encompassing a most successful international jalsa in The Hague, the Netherlands. Jazak Allah!

PREFACE “O mankind, surely, We have created you from a male and a female, and made you tribes and families that you may know each other. Surely the noblest of you with Allah is the most dutiful of you. Surely Allah is Knowing, Aware.” (H.Q. 49:13) When Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the first revelations more than 1400 years ago, mankind had fallen into decay in such a way that barbarian excesses and lawlessness were rather a rule than an exception in the Arab world.

For this reason the Quran was sent to the Prophet by Allah through the Archangel Gabriel to serve as a guiding principle for mankind to return to the human being, that Allah created as His representative. Those who live their life, bearing in mind the principles of the Quran, can be sure that he or she lives in sincerity toward all creatures of Allah.

Differences in interpretation, however, have caused that the Muslim himself has gone astray from Allah’s path.

Well known to all of us is the phenomenon of jihad or holy war. Under its context the world faces an everyday ongoing assault from misguided Muslims who believe it is their sacred duty to destroy dissidents and nonbelievers.

In search of this ‘enemy’ and the holy war against it, our own group is often affected too. Sadly, none of these fighters of their self-proclaimed holy war understands the true meaning of the Jihad. The greatest Jihad that 2

man should perform is against himself: the daily struggle to cleanse yourself from negative thoughts and its subsequent actions to harm others.

These frequent outbursts of violence have lead to the fact that the non-Muslim does not know better or does not want to know that this is not the Islam that was revealed to our Prophet.

Malicious non-Muslims consider Islam as the enemy of Western society, which is out to destroy the latter, and political opportunists cleverly take advantage of this, hereby generalizing all Muslims. Furthermore, the events of September 11, 2001 are an effective breeding ground for this anti-Islamic wave.

Nevertheless, those who are able to put Islam in the right perspective and who understand the essence of our life on this earth know that the excesses of extremists have nothing to do with Islam as a religion.

The Ahmadiyya Movement was founded in the late nineteenth century to answer these misconceptions. Steadily it has attempted, by means of the establishment of sister organisations in the West and the translation of authentic religious publications and works of literature, to introduce the true Islam, as revealed 1400 years ago, to the non-Muslim (mainly the Western society).

The AAIILN, as a division of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Movement, has propagated this objective, since its formation 35 years ago. By organizing conferences, seminars, theme nights, discussions and workshops, the association has dedicated itself to perform its social responsibility and to create a connection into our multiform society.

As part of this, the AAIILN again organizes an international convention with the theme: The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the Western society: the positive influence of man and society according to the teachings of Islam.

Lectures by national and international speakers from the political arena and social and religious organizations will, based on this theme, explain how this movement fulfils its social responsibility.

HAZRAT AMEER-I-QAUM’S MESSAGE Hazrat Ameer Prof. Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed’s Message at the Inauguration Ceremony of the 35th Anniversary of the Establishment of AAII(L)N 13th October 2011 The Hague, the Netherlands Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahe wa barakato.

Mr. Chairman … President Sjaikh Kasiem … Executives, Imams and members of the AAII(L)N… Presidents, executives and delegates from The Central Anjuman Lahore and all the Jamaats in Holland and abroad … distinguished ladies and gentlemen.

Let me congratulate all the members of AAII(L)N on its 35th anniversary celebration; and for organising this Conference to mark the event.

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Having researched through the history of your Jamaat, I would like to recapitulate its major events and milestones which have left an impression on my mind as I read through its history.

Ten years ago, just after the tragic event of 11th September which changed the image of Islam and led to many unpleasant events, you had your 25th Anniversary in which you were amongst the first Muslim Organisations to condemn the senseless loss of human life. You were honoured by active participation on your stage by the Queen’s Governor of the province of South-Holland, and the Queen’s Mayor of the city of The Hague, as well as well-known scientific personalities of this lovely country, Holland, Les Pays-Bas. It was through the efforts of this Jamaat that Ahmadiyya Anjuman was placed amongst the Government’s list of recognised religious bodies. I recall how the news was taken with great joy in Pakistan and Hikmat Mahawat Khan was congratulated by all the well-wishers of this Jamaat for his leadership.

And now we pray that Sjaikh Kasiem will have full cooperation of all Ahmadis in Holland as he strives to take the cause higher still.

In 1974, we were yoked into a minority by our Country’s ordinances and laws. Even in those gloomy days we saw glimmer of hope as Suriname got its independence in 1975 and the Netherland’s policy allowed the Surinamese to migrate to Holland; thanks to all those who chose to come to Holland as this way we got Ahmadis in their hundreds come to this country.

This Jamaat was established on 2nd May 1976 in The Hague by Mr. N. Sardar, Mr. A. Hoeseini, Mr. Hadji A.M. Hassanmahomed and Mr. S. Ilahibaks.

I remember when my late father, Dr. Saeed Ahmad Khan, then Vice-President and President of the Foreign Mission of our worldwide Organisation and later the third Ameer, inaugurated this building on the 12th November 1977.

I am always reluctant to list names with the fear that I may miss someone important. However, I will not be doing justice if I forget to mention that many of the Executives, sincere members and Imams who gave to this Jamaat their sweat and blood have passed away; I take this opportunity to pray for their souls; and also pray that their dear ones follow the footsteps in the service of Ahmadiyyat.

Excuse me as I get tempted to mention some of your Mujahids whose names made their way into our ‘Centre’s files on Holland’; the names I recall include Mr. Samsuddin Ilahibaks, Mr. Karamat Bechan, Mr. Hassanmahomed, Mr. S. Ramjan and Mr. Fazil Ramdjan. I pray Allah grants them great rewards in the life hereafter.

I am, too, like your Jamaat, aging and have as an Ameer of the Worldwide Organisation, already seen five of your presidents: at ones house I am enjoying great hospitality (thank you, Mrs. And Mr. Shaikh Keisem Sahib); others too deserve my sincere thanks for the respect and the hospitality they have extended during the five visits I have made to Holland: thanks to Mr. Hikmat Mahawatkhan, Mr. Mohammed Mahawatkhan, Mr. Harun Ghauharali and Haroun Badloe. At the airport I was surprised to see how young your present President is; I am told he is the youngest of the Presidents you have had … he has years of life ahead, Inshallah.

Talking of age, the concept of Ahmadiyyat has been in Europe for longer than your Jamaat; as even before the World War II when our most able and sincere Mubaligh (Missionary) Mirza Wali Beg was instructed by the Centre to propagate the concept of Islam in Holland. Thus the Central Anjuman and its missionaries have played a vital role in the understanding of Islam amongst the Dutch people.

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After the death of Mirza Wali Beg, missionary activities slowed down but were restarted when in 1950, Mr. Al Mahdi Abdurrahman Koppe, a Dutch convert to Islam, headed the Mission and translated several books into the Dutch language, including ‘The Teachings of Islam’ (by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad) ‘Islam the Religion of Humanity’, ‘The New World Order’ (by Maulana Muhammad Ali).

The Centre’s role became very active when in 1949 Maulana Muhammad Ali, the founder Ameer-i-Jamaat and President of our worldwide Movement, proposed the establishment of a Mission center to Sheikh Mian Muhammad; who not only financed the whole project but also supervised the activities personally travelling almost yearly for some time to The Hague.

He also succeeded in getting an interview with H.M. the Queen of the Netherlands and presented her with Prof.

Soedewo’s 1934 Dutch translation of the Holy Quran.

The credit for missionary work in Holland is shared by Missionaries trained in the Lahore Centre including Maulana S.M. Tufail M.A., Dr. G.A. Bashir and Mr. Jaggoe.

In 1961 the Institute for Islamic Studies in Europe was inaugurated by Al Haj Sheikh Mian Muhammad Sahib.

It gave the Dutch people an opportunity to have a better understanding of the Holy Quran.

While mentioning the persons with missionary zeal one name that comes to mind and a person I met twice whilst in Holland is that of the late Haji Yahyah Keeskamp. His Dutch publications are well known here and I have had the good fortune of him personally presenting me with some.

The Founder of our Movement had a vision which he interpreted as the rise of Islam from the West and took active steps towards the fulfilment of his vision. He focused on the setting of Missions in Europe and other foreign countries. It was a result of his desire that 1912 saw the conversion of Lord Headley to Islam at the hands of our missionary, Khawaja Kamal-ud-Din in Woking; the construction of a beautiful Mosque in Berlin under the supervision of Maulana Sadr-ud-Din in 1927.

Let me stress that the blow that Islam received in the name of Jihad 10 year ago is still being used as a propaganda weapon throughout the West including Holland. It is fully exploited by the politicians and the press all around the globe. You have played a vital role in clearing the accusations on Islam and clearing the misunderstandings, but much, much, much has to be done. And I am fully convinced that you will face the challenge with fortitude and will succeed.

There could not be any better opportunity to make a determined commitment than this great day which marks the 35th anniversary celebration of your Jamaat and incidentally, also the 60th Death Anniversary of Maulana Muhammad Ali, the Founder and first Ameer of the Ahmadiyya Anjuman Ishaat-e-Islam Lahore.

Let us all prove through our efforts that we have rightly been raised as a Jamaat with the sole purpose of Defending and Propagating Islam; let’s prove that we have not forgotten our real mission and goal of lives; let’s all pray that we will take the banner of the true Islam, the Religion of Peace forwards peacefully.

I thank Allah that he gave me an opportunity to be here personally to witness your enthusiasm and love for Islam. I pray that Allah awards you all; who spend their time, resources and energy in the Way of Allah …

Aameen.

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AN IMPRESSION OF THE CONFERENCE

by Sharda Poesa President, Ahmadiyya Anjuman Isha‘at Islam Amsterdam Our President of Central Anjuman, Lahore, Prof. Dr. Hazrat Ameer Saeed Pasha, and the General Secretary, Amir Aziz, were present, as well as the President and members of Boards from our sister organisations from Holland and abroad, and many guests from various countries, including the UK, Lahore and Surinam.

Our anniversary and this conference are a great success, judging by the reactions of our national and international guests. This could happen with the participation of our members and all our Ahmadiyya brothers and sisters from home and abroad.

The theme of this three-day long conference was The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement and the West. There were many speakers from the Government, society, the media, Presidents of our sister organisations, members of the Board, etc.

The aim of this conference was to jointly explore possibilities for promoting integration into Western society while retaining their identity. This was done by presentations on topics with subsequent discussions and dialogue with politicians and members of the media.

All the speakers were concerned about the attack against the Islam. It was agreed that we have much work to do to give the misinterpretation and misrepresentation of Islam a positive twist.

First we have to make a fist with the seven AAIIL organisations in the Netherlands and then we can support the work of printing, publishing and free distribution of literature. We need places for public speeches to get the message of Islam to spread. By e-mail and Internet use, we need to initiate discussions and provide information to misinformed groups. Writing letters to the editors of our local newspapers when a controversy arises is another way of responding to such misinformation. May Allah help us and make our task worthy.

We all hope that we will achieve much in this world of Islam – PEACE, UNITY AND BROTHERHOOD. The days ended with music and qawallies.

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PHOTOGRAPHIC PRESENTATION Day 1 – Al-Qiblatain Hall, The Hague

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Opening speech by Sjaikh Kasiem, Chairman, AAII(L)N

Overseas delegates with garlands

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AAS Santoe Sahib, AAIIL European representative (Front Center)

Nazreen Ilahibaks-Ghauharali, former AAII(L)N committee member, introducing the topic “Ahmadiyyat in the New World Order�

Ewald Kariem delivering a Quranic recitation

Haroen Badloe Sahib, Chairman, Convention Organizing Committee

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Hazrat Ameer-i-Qaum, Professor & Dr. Abdul Karim Saeed Pasha Sahib giving a short message

Sjaikh Kasiem, President AAIIL (N) at the podium

Nazam by Aziz Baksh

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Mian Umar Farooq Sahib, Senior Vice-President, Central Anjuman, Lahore, Pakistan

AAS Santoe, AAIIL European representative

Get-together after Isha prayer

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Day 2 – Al-Qiblatain Hall, The Hague Fajr prayer

Assistant Imam, Gafoer

Amir Aziz delivering dars-i Quran

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Breakfast followed

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Day 2 – Jumu‘ah, The Hague

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Day 2 – Tropical Hall, The Hague

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Day 3 – Tropical Hall, The Hague

Marnix Norder, Alderman, The Hague Municipality

Nazreen Ilahibaks-Ghauharali

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Dr Jawad Ahmad (in blue shirt)

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CONTACT INFORMATION Akbar Abdullah Editor, The HOPE Bulletin Mailing Address: P.O. Box 232023 Sacramento, California 95823-0430, U.S.A. E-mail Address: akbar_786us@yahoo.com Telephone Number: (773) 539-6892

“ISLAM” stands for “I SHALL LOVE ALL MANKIND” 31