Former Sadran- Munum A Naeem

What was your first Jama’at related office, and what

lessons did you learn from that experience?

I came to the United States in 1978. I was living and

working in Queens, New York at the time, but I moved

shortly thereafter to Man Port, Florida where I worked for

an airline. My first Jama’at-related office came when I was

in Los Angeles, California in charge of security of Hadhrat

Khalifatul Masih IV (rh) during the foundation ceremony of

Baitul Hameed Mosque in Chino. In 1988, I moved to

Houston, Texas where I have been living ever since. In

Houston, my first job was Secretary of Centenary Jubilee.

Shortly thereafter, I was elected as Qaid Houston; we

earned the “Best Majlis” award that year.

What were you challenges as Sadr?

I faced two main challenges: not being near the Jama’at

headquarters in Maryland and spending 80% of my time

traveling. The time away from my family placed a tremendous

strain on me, but I would always recall what my

grandfather and father told me: “If you serve the Jama’at,

Allah will take care of your generations.”

Who was the most influential person?

Without a doubt Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh). I’d work

tireless hours in service of the Jama’at, and any time I’d

feel weary or fatigued, I’d recall Hazoor (rh)’s inspirational

couplet: “Wake up! The moment is going away—look at

the son of the Messiah, how long he has been waking you

up!”

What is your general view on the current state of MKA?

My view is that MKA USA is progressing in leaps and

bounds because of young leadership and emerging technology.

Can you share an interesting anecdote with Khuddm?

In October 1993, then Sadr Qamar Ahmad Shams asked

me to represent MKA USA at the International MKA Ijtema

in Germany. I remember Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV (rh)

introduced all the Presidents of the Jama’at and included

me as one of them. I felt embarrassed and upset because

I was not the President of the Jama’at, only the Sadr’s

representative. In a later session, I mentioned to Hazoor

that I held no official office, but I was merely representing

the Sadr. Hazoor firmly responded: “Don’t worry--you will

be one of these days.” That comment stuck with me my

whole life. To my absolute astonishment, just one year

later, I was elected Sadr. Hazoor’s comment motivated

me to work to my utmost capacity to serve the Jama’at.

Do you think others outside the U.S fully appreciate

the challenges facing Khuddam in America?

Not all the time. In America, we face the enormous problem

of distances. The 1500+ Khuddam we do have are

spread out across more than 3000 miles in more than 40

Majalis. We don’t have the luxury of Canada or Germany

where there are concentrations of 2,000-3,000 Khuddam

in small areas. We must rely on telecommunications more

heavily than Canada or Germany.

How is the life of Ansarullah different from MKA?

I first felt at a loss sitting among Ansar because I missed

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya. However, I soon realized

that the spirit of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya very much

carries to Majls Ansarullah. Many young Ansar recognize

the value of their services as Khuddam and discharge their

responsibilities as Ansar with equal strength and intensity.

My life as an Ansar is equally hectic as my life as a

Khadim, and I think it will remain so because I intend to

serve the Jama’at my whole life.

What is the largest responsibility placed upon Khuddam?

Obeying the institution of Khilafat and offering regular

Salat. These two responsibilities, in my view, are essential

for the success of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

Do you have any general comments for Khuddam?

Sleep less, pray more, and remain vigilant. Heavy responsibilities

lay upon your shoulders, and you must be willing

to embrace them with vigor and purpose. MKA has some

great leaders, and I wish them well in all their endeavors.

Events like ACE and projects like Humanity First are clear

signs of progress.