Ghana Jalsa '08
KHILAFAT CENTENARY IN GHANA: THROUGH A NEW CONVERT’S EYES
Saleem Boykin-Mustaqim, Philadelphia
About a year ago, after pulling a muscle in my back, I went to a therapist for treatment to help ease the pain that was caused by the injury. As pressure was being applied to my upper and lower back muscles by the therapist, I drifted off into a semi-conscious state, in which I could see thousands of dark brown and black faces. They were all standing in a crowd looking in my direction with looks of peace and awe and I got the sense of great expectation from this group of people, who were watching me it seemed, with admiration or better yet a sense of affection.
Once I realized that this experience was becoming all too real, I snapped out of it, a little startled because I could not understand what had occurred or how my mind had gotten there. It was obvious to me that this scene was in Africa, but I had no plans or thoughts at the time, of traveling, especially out of the U.S. at that time or the perceived future. What had stood out was that there was one man who with a look of love across his face was holding a toddler in his arms and was saying something to me. It was something that I could not understand but it was something which seemed to be hospitable. There were palm trees in this place, the sky was blue and off in the distance, there was an ocean which was calm and glistened as it reflected the sun's light.
As I mentioned, I snapped out of it a bit confused feeling that this place was unfamiliar and perhaps too good to be true. I immediately told the therapists what had occurred and they both concluded that it was possible that I may have had a divinely inspired experience which can occur when one is in a relaxed state. I eventually put this event in the back of my mind with the hopes that it meant great things were to come for I had not the vision to see myself traveling to Africa, especially since my work kept me so busy.
The odd thing about this premonition is that here we are , a year later and I, a common brother from somewhere in the United States, have had the opportunity to participate in a magnificent event which only comes once every one hundred years, the first of which was held in Ghana West Africa in April 2008!
I accepted the Promised Messiah Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) in November 2007. Through his teachings, my life has changed for the better. What once upon a time seemed trivial, has now become elementary and crystal clear. The inventory of myself has demonstrated that the quality of my soul has increased under his teachings and my faith has hit an all time high. I have been introduced to Khilafat, and recognize without a doubt its benefits and am grateful to Allah that it has been established for the benefit of mankind.
The Promised Messiah (as) once said that we should sharpen our weapon of Dua, and in doing so I have begun to see my prayers answered in short amounts of time. Of course my prayers were being answered before but never that I can remember in such short amounts of time. To witness these events have been phenomenal for me and have helped to increase my faith. Alhamdullilah!
I was invited by MKA to travel to Ghana as a New Convert to participate in the Jalsa which was to be held there in April of 2008. At first I was reluctant, simply because I am in the horticulture field, and April represents financial opportunities to seasonal workers such as myself. After further consideration however, I decided that perhaps the benefits of the trip outweighed the risks of loosing income, so I decided to embark on the journey to prepare for the trip.
Along the way, there were obstacles which challenged me, one after another. As soon as I would overcome one hurdle, there would be another waiting for me to collapse or give in. But through the grace of Allah, along the way something happened within me. The more these stumbling blocks would appear, the more I started to realize the importance of my attendance. After about the fourth obstacle I started noticing signs in the books that I was reading that were written by the Promised Messiah (as), particularly, This is our teaching and The Philosophy of the teachings of Islam. Words like steadfastness, and divine decree would appear again and again. And the concept of how we can make hell for our own selves on this earth by what we do or not do began to reverberate through my soul as I took strides to adjust my life in accordance with what Allah intended for me before I could even imagine.
I now see in retrospect that the obstacles were only illusions and had it not been for the Grace of Allah I would have given up and not participated in this Glorious Event. To give you a hint of how improbable my participation in the event had seemed, I will disclose that I did not receive my Visa stamp until 3 hours before my plane was to take off from JFK Airport!
So it is with this short foreward, that I will begin to describe what to me has been the best trip of my life and what it means to me.
I entered The Republic of Ghana as a member of a team of delegates from the U.S. who were invited by the Amir of Ghana to participate in The Centenary Celebration of Khilifat Ahmadiyya. People from all over the world come to selected countries around the world every year for religious training at these conferences called Jalsa Salaana. The Year 2008 is a special year for The Ahmadiyyat Movement in Islam because 100 years ago The Leadership was established and with it brought stability and direction for this Community of Believers. The year 2008 is also distinct because no person will live to see two Centenaries that is unless Allah allows for this exception.
From the time our plane landed I was inspired with enthusiasm not only for the Centenary itself but also from the fact that through the grace of Allah I had made it to the Mother Land which had been a vivid dream of mine since I can remember.
As we were being driven on the bus to our lodging area, I observed the atmosphere, there were coconut trees, banana trees, reddish brown soil and vendors who carried their goods in containers which were placed on their heads. They carried these containers with so much agility and grace, that it appeared as if the containers were extensions of their bodies. The beauty of it all had me staring in awe. Sisters were selling papaya and pineapple from baskets on their heads. I was greeted by mild mannered people with smiles across their faces. I saw soldiers dotted sporadically along the road holding AK47s, indeed their presence deterred any activity conducive to disturbing the peace on these peoples faces. All this in a place where the chickens and goats roam the rural areas uninterrupted.
We traveled along dirt roads with makeshift vending stands selling everything from maps to brooms to sodas and book bags, apples sandals and eggs. I looked upwards and saw billboards with beautiful black faces advertising body creams, sports events and television programs.
As a sack of soccer balls that were for sale momentarily stole my attention, I smelled slight traces of burning wood that reminded me of the spot in front of my fireplace at my Home in Philadelphia. I wondered what my children were doing back home and thought how much they would love to see this as my eyes became greedy and I looked any and everywhere to absorb as much of this beautiful country as I could.
We were taken to Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Accra, The National Headquarters. Stepping out of the bus I was embraced by warm hearted brothers as I looked around and saw for the first time the beautiful Mosque which is painted white with Arabic lettering at the top La ill aha illalah. The minerat reflected the sun's light illuminating all of the surrounding buildings including the mission house and the guest house. I only had my imagination by which to compare this wonderful place and I silently thanked Allah for allowing me to see this.
The next morning we were assigned Indris Adams Sahib as an assistant and guide. Brother Idris is an intelligent Khadim from the WA tribe, whose grandfather had once walked from Ghana to Mecca and had earned a reputation of being an Honest and God Fearing man. Brother Indris is of exemplary character and indeed a fine representative of the Khuddam of Ghana. His service to our group gave me a complete understanding as to the responsibilities, obligations and merits of being a Khaddim. He accompanied us throughout the trip demonstrating patience, service and Integrity. He added to the experience by echoing material from Huzur's previous khutbas reinforcing our understanding by giving perspective which was congruent to what we are learning in the States, helping me to appreciate that we have one leader, one Ummat.
That evening we boarded our buses with the intent on going to the airport to welcome Huzur as his airplane was expected to arrive. There were so many of us there. The Lajna was on one side and the brothers were on the other, more and more people entered the area until we were lined up in the shape of an L as in Love. When Huzur's airplane descended we all said,"AllahuAkbar!" in unison. He was greeted by the Amir and companions as he exited the airplane. He proceeded to walk straight to the Lajna where it was said that he took his Wife. It appeared as if she was making her way through the crowds open arms when he commenced to come over to our side.The excitement around me started to stir. The Centenary handkerchiefs were waving frantically in the air as he slowly made it to our side. Such a beautiful chaos it was as the Network News cameraman struggled to keep up with the Khalifah as he appeared from a distance to be floating.
There was a Ghanaian brother next to me who currently lives in New York, U.S.A. He was holding a baby over his shoulder as he saying over and over again, "Neye Takbir!", and we followed with, "Allahu Akbar!". As the Huzur came closer, the excitement seemed to consume me as I noticed that my heart was beginning to race, simultaneously hearing, "Neye Takbir!", and automatically my voice had it's own will as it responded "Allahu Akbar!" without any orders from me. Huzur heard this brother and as he came closer the brother's voice started to fade. I looked at the brother and saw tears running from his eyes as he reached for the Huzur's hand, and it seemed his soul embraced his being.
The next morning, we were taken to Bagh-e-Ahmad, a 460 acre plot of land near Winneba, which was purchased by the Ahmadiyyah Movement in Islam under the direction of Khalifatul Masih V for the Ghanaian Jamat. It has a farming area in which there is vegetation and an ostrich farm, (the interesting thing about the ostrich is that one egg can feed up to 20 people). Mango and Pineapple farms can also be found on the land. There is Botanical Garden there in which all the major tree species of Ghana can be found. Cattle is also found on this spectacular piece of land where Ahmadis can be found in Praise of their creator.The Amir of Ghana told us that they intend to plant every tree and plant that is mentioned in the Quran at Bahg-e-Ahmad. I hope Allah allows us to one day see this treasure which was envisioned by our Khalifa.
We arrived at Bagh-e-Ahmad for Tahajjud Prayer at 4:30 AM. The Takbir had already started, and as we raced for our positions, we were amazed at the magnificent sight of so many Ahmadis (thousands), in rank and on time to praise their creator. The weather was mild with a gentle breeze which seemed to welcome us as we one by one found our own positions among this illustrious group of believers. I couldn't help but wonder as I was watching the brothers ahead of me find their place in the ranks, had I not entered paradise without knowing it. I thought for a slight second that perhaps I was no longer in the physical realm and that I may had been unaware of my physical expiration. The beauty of what was seen felt and heard can only be expressed with the term AllahuAkbar!
After the Fatihah was recited, and we all in unison said Amen, as I was saying it, I heard those around me sing it like angels, as the ground beneath my feet vibrated from the music presented from their vocal chords, "Aaaaaammmeeeeennn".
After Fajr, as we were making our way back to the main road, I heard singing off in the distance. As I got closer, I noticed that the singing was coming from the Lajna as they were exiting the prayer area. They were singing in Arabic words that were so sweet and so serene. I asked one of the Ghanaian brothers beside me what it was that they were singing. He said that they were singing " The Mahdi has come to lead us away from evil and towards righteousness!". My soul swooned as I stood there in shock at the beauty which was all around me. My heart was filled with the sweetness of their souls and a slight stroke of emotion brushed across me as I felt tears welling up in my eyes!
The Jalsa Convention was loaded with activity. In attendance were the President and Vice President of Ghana, dignitaries from surrounding countries such as Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Gambia, Senegal, The Republic of Congo, Uganda, and Nigeria among others, as well as many Kings, Queens and Chiefs of foreign and domestic tribes.This group of Royalty were dressed in their traditional attire, wearing crowns with gold, and brass trinkets attached. They were followed by envoys of like dressed people one of whom carried beautifully decorated umbrella to shield the King or Queen from the sun's powerful rays.The interesting fact of this is that many of these tribes previously were at odds with one another. They had been known to be at war with one another before their acceptance of Ahmaddiyyat. It was amazing to witness these dignitaries sitting beside each other in a spirit of peace and tranquility. I thought to myself imagine what Ahmadiyyat can do for my lost and found brothers and sisters back home in the U.S.
People came from far and wide to participate in the 3-day conference. There were approximately 300 Khuddam who drove their bikes from Burkino Faso to Ghana. They said that it was a five day trip. When I went to inspect their bikes, they told us that many of the bikes were in bad condition. Many bikes did not have brakes and some of the chains were rusty, but they were steadfast in making sure that they were attendees of the Jalsa, May Allah reward them.
I had the fortune of speaking to a few missionaries, one of which is from the ivory coast. He told of the struggles that our Missionaries go through in simply trying to buy food in foreign lands. He mentioned the fact that inflation makes it difficult as it is, let alone the fact that the native merchants deliberately inflate the prices of food when selling to the foreigners. He said that there have been times when all he had to eat were potato leaves because of this. May Allah be with all of our Missionaries as they sacrifice their lives in the service of our Creator. May we ever be reminded of them and make the contributions necessary to help sustain them.
The organizational structure of the Khaddam in Ghana is Noteworthy. They move as one unit. They are cohesive. They leave no room for dissension and they know that the key to their success is obedience. On the second day of the conference, one Khadim fell out it seemed from heat exhaustion. Within 30 seconds about 25 Khuddam who were on standby about a thousand feet away were marching to the area relieving the first group of Khuddam of their posts. Part of the success of the Ghanaian Jamat has to do with the nature of the Ghanaian. They are such warm people with mild and meek dispositions. They are a people who have kept their values in tact. They are examples in themselves of what true human beings really can be. This opinion compounded by the fact that many of them have accepted the Mahdi and Messiah of the time can only in end come to represent something wonderful. This is not to insinuate that other nations around the world do not have the ability to acquire the status of this community. It is realized as a contributing factor with which they have been blessed. Having them as a model by which to strive by is a blessing for the world, for my time among them has increased my understanding tenfold. It is apparent that if we hear and obey, progress is imminent. This group has mastered this key ingredient and in doing so have assured their Jamat longevity, for it is the Khuddam who are the necessary element for the progress of the Jamat.They know that through service their sins are forgiven and their status is raised on earth and in paradise.
The Non- Ahmadis when asked are well aware and appreciative of the Ahmadiyya's contribution to education and health care for the nation.
The U.S. attendees whom I had the opportunity to converse with were from Austin Texas, Boston Mass., Connecticut, Zion Illinois, St. Louis Missouri, and NY New York .There were also delegations from Germany, Denmark and Canada. I am sure that many more nations were represented but these were the nations whose attendance I was made aware. There was an Ahmadi of Asian Descent, who spoke Russian. He told me through sign language that He is the only Ahmadi in his town. He said that He goes once a week to give away pamphlets for tabligh. He said that He travels on his bike and at the end of the day has to search the area for any pamphlets that may have been thrown to the ground. He asks everyone's prayers that more people in his area can see the beauty of Ahmadiyyat.
The messages and speeches during the conference dealt with such topics as the institution of Wasiyyat and our Responsibilities, persecution of the Ahmadis in Wa, The Obligations of an Ahmadi, and Prospects of The Waqfe Nau Scheme just to name a few. The songs of praise resonated throughout the area at hourly intervals demonstrating the soul of the very Ghanaians who were our hosts to this enormous display of Ahmadiyyat in Motion.
I have recently entertained the thought that quite possibly the man in my vision who was talking to me could have been saying "Akwaabaa" That is Welcome. Because truly I feel that I have found another Home. Alhamdulillah!
To my Ghanaian Brothers and Sisters May Allah continue to be the focus of your lives and may the rest of the world follow your example to become the best that we can be as we follow Khalifat Ahmadiyya and may Allah disperse His Blessing among us all as we spread this message to the rest of the world --Amen
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