By Modou Sarr
The 48 Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat The Gambia opens Friday evening at Nusrat Senior Secondary School in Bundung.
The program begins with the hoisting of the Jamaat and National flags by the Amir and witnessed by invited guests including the Honorable minister of Youth and Sports.
The program proper followed swiftly with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Ustaz Lamin Nyabally.
After the recitation, invited guests took center stage, first was Eliman Ounda Nyang the recently appointed adviser to the president on religious matters. He said he was very grateful and delighted to grace the gathering at the behest of the president. He added that his late brother Omar Amadou Jallow, former minister was a good friend of the Jamaat and he as a person is delighted for that.
Demba Ali Jawo former minister of Information stated that his relationship with the Jamaat dates back to decades ago when he and former Vice President late Badara Joof are college mates. D A recalled that, after college days, Badara was employed at Nusrat where he often paid a visit.
The veteran journalist also made references to late Honorable Omar Amadou Jallow alias OJ who he described was a close associate of the Jamaat and attended most of its functions during his lifetime. He caution that, if OJ being his brother can attend almost all Jamaat functions, why not him. He indicated that one of the attributes he was impressed by the Jamaat is their constant advocacy of peace and love.
Honorable Sulayman Saho representing Central Badibou and UDP as a party says that the event is an embodiment to unity, peace and togetherness. He quoted a verse in the Holy Quran ” hold on to the rope of Allah and do not be divided.
Religion, he recognizes should be a bond of brotherhood, mutual respect and understanding and the Gambia, he classified stands as a shining example of religious tolerance and harmony.
Our faith, honorable Saho continued, calls us to be ambassadors of peace. Islam is a complete way of life. The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) said the best among you is he who is more beneficial to society. Our true success lies on how best we serve humanity. The Central Badibou lawmaker finally called on all Gambians to contribute their quota to nation building by manifesting honestly, discipline and hardwork throughout our work places which in reality should reflects the noble teachings of Islam.
The Deputy Imam of State House mosque Imam Abubacarr Touray revealed that this year’s jalsa was his fourth while acknowledging the kindness and humility of Amir Sahib. The Jamaat according to him are bent on inculcating high moral standards. The erudite imam stated that Allah choose Muhammad not because of anything but his exemplary character. Ahmadiyya, are good people and are assisting humanity in all forms. This is what is called Islam.
At the climax of the addresses of the invited guests was honorable Bakary Y. Badjie minister of Youth and Sports told the attendees that he was a former student of Nusrat where he graduated twenty five years ago and for that reason it was always a delight to return to the great Nusrat School. I am who am i today because of the knowledge i gained at Nusrat. He commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for the establishment of educational and health facilities throughout the country. The government, he went on, continues to recognize the good work of the Jamaat and assured them of its full support and collaboration.
