Southeast Region Hosts Successful Tarbiyyat Conference

Masjid Bait-ur Rehman, Silver Spring, MD-Sunday March 11, 2007-    In a two day event bringing Murabiyan from across the United States and Canada, and with participation from across the East Coast exceeding 500, the Southeast Region, by the Grace of Allah, successfully completed a regional Tarbiyyat Conference. The purpose of the conference was to tackle the topics of controversy circulating through our American society, and for our elders to gain a new perspective on modern technology which may have detrimental implications for our younger Ahmadi generations.
          The first day, Saturday March 10, was a full-day event with two sessions. The morning session was presided by Sadr Jamaat Ahmadiyya USA, Dr. Ahsanullah Zafr and Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Dr. Faheem Younus Qureshi Sahib, with a panel of Murabiyan including Imam Daud Hanif, Imam Shamshad Ahmad Nasir, Imam Mubashar Ahmad, Imam Inamul-Haq Kauser, Imam Zia-ul-Haq Kauser, Imam Yahya Luqman, Imam Mukhtar Cheema (Canada), and Imam Hadi Ali Chaudhry (Canada). The setup consisted of a short summary of the issue by MKA-USA, followed by a slide show displaying generic questions one might have on the topic, linked with a series of pertinent questions from the audience. Muthamim Tarbiyyat, Saleem Qadir Sahib, moderated the discussion. The first topic was the issue of those individuals leaving Jamaat, and what we as a Jammat can do to address the issues at an earlier stage. This topic spurned many interesting viewpoints and sparked a series of questions ranging from apostasy to the clear definition of women’s rights in Islam! Alhamdulillah, the Murabiyan provided excellent clear-cut answers and addressed every issue at hand. The next topic moved on to the role of modern technology on our youth today. Naib Sadr MKA-USA, Rizwan Alladin Sahib, presented the overview of this topic. The role of many popular internet websites, such as YouTube and Google Video, on anti-Ahmadiyya propaganda was discussed and solutions debated. Concerns were also raised about social networking websites, such as MySpace.com or Facebook.com. The general consensus was that such websites should be avoided and more time be placed on gaining from the beneficial aspects of the internet.
          The final session of the day was presided by Imam Hadi Ali Chaudhry Sahib. In this session, Murabiyan presented defensive arguments raised by non-Muslims on the topic of Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) violent character (God forbid), and of being psychologically instable (God forbid). After each of the presentations, the audience was given the chance for asking questions. Numerous questions from across the spectrum were answered, both stemming from the subject matter and from tangents thereof. The day was wrapped up with concluding silent prayers.
          The next day’s final session was devoted to the non-Muslim as well as non-Ahmadi criticism, with such topics as Holy Prophet’s (saw) sexual desires for women (God forbid), low opinion of women (God forbid), and of the issue of Jesus’ (as) crucifixion, as well as reasons why Jesus (as) cannot be considered a universal prophet. Once again, the Murabiyan presented logically sound arguments and answered all questions relating to the subject. Unfortunately, due to the time constraints, many individuals were not able to have the opportunity to ask their questions. These individuals were urged to consult a Murabi at their own convenience, or contact the Murabi through e-mail or telephone.
          It can be said, with resounding confidence, that this conference was a wonderful success. “I liked the setup and I especially enjoyed the questions,” says Mansoor Qureshi. “We need things like these more often.” Afterward, a survey was passed around, and the results looked promising and encouraging. May Allah bless all those who helped make this event a success, and grant each participant a safe and successful journey back home.