Many majaalis across the MKA USA board participated in an over nighter at their local mosque area to bring in the New Year in a different fashion. There were no cheering crowds and definitely no partying all night. They fully adhered to the words of our beloved Hazrat Khalifatul Messih (V)(aba), "Tonight when the world will be dancing, consuming alcohol, and getting excited, especially in the Western world; we should make the promise in the presence of God that in the New Year we will keep our emotions in obedience to his commandments. We will develop in belief and will try to mould every act of ours in accordance with God's commandments." Members from the Hartford Majlis spent their time at the masjid over night for the New Years. Instead of seeing the ball drop in NYC, khuddam, Atfal, and Ansar) strengthened their spiritual connection with God.
The program began on the night of New Years Eve with warm slices of pizza. After eating dinner, members offered Isha prayers, then it was followed by dars. A special jeopardy game was prepared for the Atfal and subsequently thereafter all who were there took part in a discussion on tarbiyyat issues and role playing on specific topics. The topics included, if an Ahmadi can attend parties, what is Ahmadiyyat, and respect for parents. This type of interactive discussion instilled better understanding and the Atfal were able to ask questions to the Ansar. All the atfal and Khuddam present took part in the role playing and learned how to better answer questions when asked by their friends. There were board and fun card games available to play with.
Tahajjud and Fajr prayers were offered too. All members including Atfal joined the prayers on time. A Dars was given on topics like cleanliness, importance of brushing teeth, hygiene, and prayers to keep in mind.
May God allow all members to have a healthy and a prosperous year filled with blessings, Ameen.
For Fitchburg the New Years Eve began at the masjid at 8pm with a collective Maghrib and Esha prayers followed by pizza and soda. 5 atfal, 3 Ansar, 6 Khuddam, and one non-ahmadi guest were present. We had ping pong, arm wrestling, actual (light) wrestling, and 2 other fun games we came up with. The evening ended with tarbiyyat and other topics of discussion for half and hour; it concluded with collective dua at midnight.
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