Former Sadran- Syed Sajid Ahmad

What was your first Jama’at-related office? What

lesson(s) did you learn from that experience?

I was appointed Nazim Atfal at Hafizabad (Pakistan) from  1963 to 1965. I learned three main principles from this assignment, which have helped me throughout my life in

voluntary work. First, you have a higher probability of success if you follow the guidelines for activities developed by the central organization, as these guidelines are a result

of many years of experience of very devoted and intelligent  people who work under the direct supervision of the Khalifatul- Masih. Second, we should not imitate the style of the

irreligious singers when reciting our poetry. Third, we had a problem with children disturbing the Prayer proceedings. We tried dispersing them between adults in the Prayer rows and other things, but none of these worked. One thing that worked was getting them involved in physical activity before the Prayers such as a race. Physical activity consumed their energy and they were calm and cool during the Prayer services.

What was the most rewarding aspect of being Sadr?

Observing clear and consistent heavenly support in all situations. This support confirmed that the hidden hand of the Almighty is helping this community at all times, producing pleasantly surprising results beyond our means and efforts, strengthening our belief in the truth of the imam of the age, alaihissalam.

What challenges did you have during your Sadarat?

Two main challenges which I confronted were finding the right workers and collecting enough funds for meaningful activities. In due time, however, many members came forward to help fulfill the heavenly promise to the Promised Messiah: “Men directed from the heavens will come to your help.” Our budgets increased multifold, fulfilling the promise of the Almighty to Hadrat Khalifatul Masih III (rh): “I will give you so much that you will be quite satiated.” Who was the most influential person in your life? The most influential of the living persons in my life were Hadrat Khalifatul-Masih II, from among the religious leaders, my grandfather, Syed Muhammd Yusuf, and my father, Syed Sajjad Haider, from among my relatives, and Chaudhary Hamidullah from among my teachers.

Do you have an interesting anecdote that you’d like

to share with Khddam?

I had a non-Ahmadi friend visiting me at Rabwah and I was taking him to different places. It was about Maghrib time, and the time for his bus back to his home was approaching. On our way to the bus station we stopped by to meet Hadrat Mukhtar Ahmad Shahjahanpuri. He was bed-ridden so I thought we could catch him at his home. He asked us who led the Maghrib Prayers at the Goal Bazar Mosque, and I told him that I did not know. He asked the same question about the mosque next to the Guest House.

I did not know, I told him. What about the Masjid Mubarak, he asked. We did not know that either, as we had not offered our Prayers yet. These were the three mosques near his home at that time. He was furious that we had chosen to come and see him over the congregational Prayers. Since then I always try to schedule my chores

around Prayers rather than my Prayers around my chores.

What were among your first thoughts after you became

Sadr?

I lived in Phoenix and there were only a couple of Khuddam there at the time. All other large Majalis were far away. The first worry was to be able to organize a functional

Amila.

How did your family cope with the demanding schedule?

When I was elected to the office of the Za’im in the Fazl-i- Umar Hostel at Rabwah, Chaudhary Hameedullah Sahib, my math professor then, warned me that my studies should not be affected by my responsibilities towards Khuddam. Since then, I have always emphasized to the workers that they have to use their time efficiently and

wisely to do justice to their responsibilities concerning their jobs, their families and their own health and well-being, and that they should make sure that none of them are

affected adversely due to their increased responsibilities and dedication to the community.

What are some of the challenges facing MKA USA?

MKA should help its members adopt professions which provide them monetary freedom to spend in the way of Allah and enough free time to serve the community. These professions will enable them to profess their beliefs with confidence and authority, make them a role model for the American society, and get them involved in their communities.

Do you think others who are outside America fully

appreciate the challenges faced by the Khuddam in

America?

Having lived in Asia, Africa, and America, I would say that each country has its own overwhelming challenges though they are not the same challenges. Each has to devise their own programs to meet their challenges.

How is life as a member of Ansarullah different?

Do not be afraid of becoming a member of the Ansar. There are a lot of opportunities to serve the community in all our auxiliaries.