Côte d’Ivoire: The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) recently held its 37th annual convention in Abidjan from December 21 to 24, 2023. This convention, known as “JALSA SALANA”, focused on the theme “The Current Crises and Solutions in Islam.” During this event, attendees were encouraged to foster closer relationships with God and to think positively of their neighbors as a means to avoid global crises.
Omar Ahmad, a special guest and speaker at the convention, emphasized that true fraternity and peace can only be achieved by seeking closeness to the Almighty God, rather than distancing from Him. He pointed out that the turmoil and chaos in the world are a result of people’s ill intentions, using the United Nations as an example.
Ahmad underscored Islam’s teachings on peace, highlighting the need for peace treaties and appropriate punishment, but not at the expense of depriving citizens of their rights, such as seizing their land or indiscriminate bombings, reports Agence Ivoirienne de Presse.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, founded by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (a.s) in 1889 in Qadian, India, aims to restore morality, justice, and peace. The community, which rejects fanatical and irrational beliefs that tarnish the name of Islam, is guided by the motto “Love for all, hatred for none”. Established in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) since July 21, 1961, the community has made significant contributions in various sectors, including the construction of 111 mosques from 1961 to 2022 and 10 more between 2022 and 2023. The community has also established schools, libraries, medical camps offering free healthcare, clinics, dispensaries, and is working on a large hospital project.
Additionally, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) installed hydraulic pumps and educational panels in villages and donated rice hullers, grinders, and motor pumps. These efforts are funded by the members of the community, the Ahmadi Muslims.
This convention saw attendees from all over Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) as well as delegations from France and Mali. The event featured liturgical activities, conferences, and socio-medical works. The main speaker, Omar Ahamed from France, who is the deputy head of the French studios of Muslim Television Ahmadiyya, spoke about the Islamic perspective on global crises, advocating for more justice, equity, and forgiveness.
Special guests Meité Lassina and Doumbia Yaya, representing the president of the Senate Kandia Camara and the mayor of Yopougon Adama Bictogo, respectively, praised the convention and promised support for the community’s peace and social cohesion initiatives. The national guide of the community, Amir Abdul Quyyom Pasha, expressed gratitude to all members and officials for their participation and reaffirmed the community’s commitment to peace and fraternity.
Earlier it was reported that the Jalsa Salana Qadian 2023, a prominent gathering of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in India, is set to take place from December 29 to 31, 2023. This event will see thousands of individuals from across the globe converging in the holy city of Qadian, marking a spiritual journey of faith and brotherhood.
