By the grace of Allah, Lajna Ima'illah Ghana warmly invites you to the Foundation Stone Laying Ceremony of the Hifzul Banat Project on Sunday, 12th July, 2026. Join us as we witness this historic milestone and pray for the success of this blessed initiative, dedicated to nurturing future generations through the Holy Qur'an. 🤲 May Allah bless this project and make it a source of lasting benefit. Ameen. #HifzulBanatProject #LajnaImaillahGhana #FoundationStoneLaying #QuranEducation

“The main purpose of events such as Jalsas and Ijtemas is to evaluate oneself and increase religious knowledge and enhance spiritual conditions.” — Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (aba) As we get closer to Ijtema’a, let us ask ourselves: What do I want to take away from this Ijtema’a? Let’s come with the intention to learn, reflect, improve ourselves, and strengthen our relationship with Allah. 17 days to go! See you in Wa soon. #17DaysToGo #LajnaIjtemaa2026 #LajnaImaillahGhana #AllRoadsLeadToWa #YɛmɛKɔWaNu

Aneeza Ahmed A Muslim woman can be seen going about her activities outside with her head well-covered and her stature draped with a length of loose outer garment. This is the Islamic way in accordance with the clear commandments in the Holy Qur’an – the Islamic sacred scripture. (24:31) Say to the believing men that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts. That is purer for them. Surely, Allah is well aware of what they do. (24:32) And say to the believing women that they restrain their eyes and guard their private parts, and that they disclose not their natural and artificial beauty except that which is apparent thereof, and that they draw their head-coverings over their bosoms, and that they disclose not their beauty save to their husbands, or to their fathers, or the fathers of their husbands or their sons or the sons of their husbands or their brothers, or the sons of their brothers, or the sons of their sisters, or their women, or what their right hands possess, or such of male attendants as have no sexual appetite, or young children who have no knowledge of the hidden parts of women. And they strike not their feet so that what they hide of their ornaments may become known. And turn ye to Allah all together, O believers, that you may succeed. (33:60) O Prophet! tell thy wives and thy daughters and the women of the believers that they should draw close to them portions of their loose outer coverings. That is nearer that they may thus be distinguished and not molested. And Allah is Most Forgiving, Merciful. (24:61) As to elderly women, who have no desire for marriage — there is no blame on them if they lay aside their outer clothing without displaying their beauty. But to abstain from that even is better for them. And Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing. ‘Purdah’ is a word of Persian origin meaning a screen or curtain. The word is commonly used in reference to the modest attire that Muslim women wear in line with the Islamic teaching that there should be a limit to which male and female can freely mix outside of marriage. The Islamic Purdah, rather than depriving women of their rights, maintains the respect, honor, morality and spirituality of a woman and protects her from a cluster of societal tangles and moral blemishes. In a world teeming with immorality and immodest ways that are adopted in the name of ‘freedom’, it is seen that the Islamic Purdah observed in a Muslim lady is commonly met with objection and indignation. In this article, as an Ahmadi Muslim woman who understands and reveres this Islamic commandment and finds contentment in adopting the mode of dressing prescribed by my Faith, I wish to enlighten my readers about the wisdom, truth and purity of the Islamic Purdah. I wish to state in clear terms that the Islamic Purdah is the route that granted me true and actual freedom. After stating this, I must explain my understanding of ‘freedom’. Freedom is the state of being unchained or independent of any external force that takes away one’s rights or prevents one from achieving his or her full potential. In brief diversion, let me clarify that Islam has from the very beginning given women their full rights. Declarations contrary to this result from a lack of knowledge about Islam. To help out, I present a link to an address delivered by the Worldwide Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(a.b.a). This was the address delivered by His Holiness(a.b.a) for the Ladies Session of the Jalsa Salana (Annual Convention) in U.K. 2021. Read through for profound insight: https://trueislam.co.uk/articles/womens-rights-true-emancipation-through-the-teachings-of-islam/ It is declared that having to abide by a certain mode of dressing that keeps a woman shielded from the harmful gazes of men is tantamount to trapping a woman and preventing her from dressing the way she wants. The actuality is that in Islam, each human being is free to make whatever choice they prefer for themselves, and if any Muslim woman fails to abide by the actual essence of Purdah even while the prescribed attire is worn, she is not following the Islamic injunction. The question now is who has the true freedom – a modestly-dressed Muslim woman or a ‘free’, immodestly-dressed woman. While the dress restriction in a Muslim lady is imposed by God the Almighty Himself, the Master of the Universe; an immodestly-dressed lady is trapped by the desires, wishes and standards set by a morally-corrupt society. A Muslim lady gets ready in the morning donning her loose outer garment and piece of cloth neatly tucking in her hair, with the full knowledge and contentment that this is being done for God, and intending to set out of the home to complete her daily tasks for the sake of God. Knowing with full certainty that her only Protector and Provider is God Almighty, as she sets out to complete her goals of noble intention for service to humanity, it gives her deep joy to prepare herself for work by dressing in accordance with His injunctions which are meant for her own betterment, and for the betterment of society. Therefore, while a Muslim lady finds gratitude and fortitude in the knowledge that every commandment of our Merciful Creator is for our benefit, and willingly abides by them to win His pleasure, how pitiful is the state of a woman who spends time in the morning dressing to fulfil the low wishes of society and seeking their approval and likeness, by exerting so much mental energy to conform to the unrealistic and vain standards set on her by the public? This is along with her knowledge of the prevalent harms she is attracting towards herself – but I believe that the most worrying harm is in the strife for illusory things which only provide temporary joy, and can never render complete satisfaction and contentment. Indeed, the only source of complete contentment and fulfillment is in connection with one’s Creator. Each living entity on the Earth, created by God, has a natural attraction and need for connection with its Creator, without Whom we are nothing. It is a choice of whether to win the pleasure of the One to Whom all shall return, or the approval of those who will inevitably return to Him as well. Thus, it is in observing Purdah that I find satisfaction and happiness and become free from the vain demands of society which, if I seek to fulfill and prioritize over my religious values, will certainly lead to my downfall both in this world, and in the Hereafter. A Muslim woman observing Purdah is safe from the risk of becoming lured into traps that would ruin her physical, moral and spiritual state and which would retract her away from her Creator. A Muslim woman does not become susceptible to falling into these traps which lay in wait with doors wide open. The Purdah safeguards me in these ways and grants me true freedom from societal, moral and spiritual harm as I go out to fulfil my goals, reminding and keeping me conscious of my values and my purpose. This is the path to success. Further expounding on the wisdom in the prescribed attire of modesty in women, inherent human nature can only concede that it is improper for women to shamelessly reveal themselves. This is proven by natural instincts which any decent mind experiences, as well as the fact that humanity has declined in morality over the centuries. Just going back to the 19th century, we find clearly how unacceptable it was in the customs of the society for a woman to put her body on show for the eyes of all. Statistically, we know the difference in the ratio of religion-affiliated persons compared to today. This is why back in just the 19th century, if even a lady’s legs were exposed, it was met with protest and outcry and pointed out as an indecent act. This was not to keep a woman confined or to prevent her from going about society to achieve honorable success for herself. Rather, it was in the nature of right-thinking individuals to know that it is morally and naturally inappropriate for women to expose themselves freely in front of men. In the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the female gymnastics team of Germany chose to wear full-body suits, boldly expressing their discomfort in having to put on revealing attires. How sad that women have to put themselves in such natural discomfort only to satisfy the base desires of the public. As technology advanced, as people began to drift farther away from religion, worldly glitters and materialistic desires engulfed the minds and lives of a massive number. In this ‘modern’ world, a woman dressed modestly with a long dress is pointed out as old-fashioned. A teenage girl in her class who doesn’t wear tight clothes or short, revealing blouses is labelled plain and looked down on. It is of no surprise that today, a Muslim woman’s modest attire is not met with the response it should be met with; that the eyes of those unfortunately steeped in worldly obsessions are blind to the moral and spiritual sparkles glistening in the lengths of cloth keeping a lady covered, decent and safe from the dangers of society, and her heart pure and clean. It is worth considering whether the troubles in society prevalent today, including adultery and fornication, are as a result of Purdah, or as a result of no Purdah. How unfortunate are those that fail to behold the wisdom and security of the modest dress and veil that keep safe the honor, respect and dignity of a woman and hold intact her potential to shine and succeed both in this world and in the next world. Indeed, not only is a Muslim woman protected from stepping into a tangle of sin, but through her Purdah she protects her fellow beings in society from stumbling as well. True freedom is in the heart knowing that one is doing the right thing for one’s soul, for one’s fellow beings, and hence for the pleasure of God, the Almighty. True freedom is this – that as mere human beings, our every action and intention is for the sake of attaining the pleasure of the One Almighty God Who created us and gave us all that we have, so that we are among those with whom He is pleased. Ultimately, this life will come to an end, and we need to live this life such that in the next life, which is the everlasting life, we would be in prosperity. Therefore, no true freedom can be found in taking the option of going against the will of our Creator and sacrificing or shedding off our modesty in order to gain some temporary pleasures and to achieve goals full of vanity. A lady without Purdah, who nevertheless is dressed in a decent manner, still is susceptible and exposed to the dangerous avenues compared to a Muslim lady. Undoubtedly, Purdah is a blessing from Allah that has safeguarded men and women. Indeed, would the Loving and Gracious God, Who has provided all the fruits, vegetables and elements to sustain His creation, and all the roses, birds and stars to calm our eyes and hearts, ever prescribe anything detrimental to us? Without a doubt, each one of His commandments is for our own immense benefit, and we must never forget that God Almighty is Independent of us while we are ever-dependent upon Him. Hence, the Islamic Purdah instructed by Allah the Almighty is filled with wisdom, light, and benefit to the Muslim woman and the world around her. Indeed, Purdah in us Muslim women is what beautifies our lives. It is what enables us to succeed, and allows and inspires us to do anything we desire for the betterment of humanity, without holding us back in the slightest. They think I’m trapped but my heart soars free Their notions so pressed but my dreams sail above My Purdah reminds me of who I am, My purpose in this life, and to Whom I belong Keeping me linked to my values, Shields me from evil, with beauty in and out Beauty in its true sense, is what Purdah has granted me How grateful I am to You O Allah And how I wish this, That rather than gazing on time-wasting folly, If only the world would see what it should see!

Aneeza Ahmed ‘Seeking of knowledge is obligatory upon every Muslim man and every Muslim woman.’ [1] This Hadith (saying of the Holy Prophet Muhammad(sa)) underlines the importance given by Islam to the pursuit of knowledge. The Holy Founder(sa) of Islam instructed Muslims to ‘seek knowledge from the cradle to the grave’ , [2] which is contrary to a common notion that childhood is the time to learn and adulthood is the time to implement it in practical work – further proved wrong by the very words of God Almighty to the Holy Prophet(sa) of Islam, “say, ‘O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.” (20:115). This prayer was taught to the Holy Prophet(sa) when he was 55 or 56 years of age, indeed showing us that one must continuously search to gain more of this limitless treasure at every stage of one’s life. The high stress laid on this in Islam indeed goes to expectation, as in the very first Quranic revelation from Allah the Almighty to the Holy Prophet(sa), He has urged every Muslim by commanding, “Read thou in the name of thy Lord Who created,” (96:2) – hence the great emphasis laid on the acquisition of knowledge in Islam. For the elders as well as the young ones, for women as well as for men, Islam enjoins this obligation on the same scale for all. But what is the basis for the teaching that one should exert all their energy into more and more learning? The Holy Qur’an has instructed us to utilize all the faculties bestowed on us by the Gracious God, so that we may progress in our nearness to Him. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) states: “Unique amongst all creation, Allah the Almighty has given mankind the insight to appreciate that whatever He has created has been made for our benefit, on condition that we use it in the right way.” [3] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) says: “Whatever faculties God Almighty has bestowed upon mankind, He has also provided the means and the resources for those faculties to be utilized.” [4] We find stated in the Holy Qur’an that: “Only those of His servants who possess knowledge fear Allah.” (35:29). What an illuminating statement! Knowledge is required for Taqwa (fear of Allah), and as stated in one Hadith: ‘The best provision for the journey to the Hereafter is Taqwa.’ [5] Hence, knowledge provides the key without which righteousness is beyond reach. As explained by our Fifth Khalifa(aba) [6], by pondering upon God’s creation, one perceives God Almighty and appreciates His perfect creation, and is consequently drawn towards Him, their faith enhanced. As Ahmadi Muslims, it is our duty to carry on the mission of the Promised Messiah(as), and for this he has directed us to the Jihad of the Pen, which is to strive to propagate the true teachings of Islam using words, through reasoned arguments with study and logic, along with prayer. We Ahmadi Muslims must be at the forefront for the defense of our Faith, to establish the truth and bring the whole of mankind closer to our Creator. As the early Muslims equipped themselves with physical armour and weaponry for the cause of Islam in order to save the whole of mankind from destruction, for the Jihad of this era we must equip ourselves with knowledge. For this, Islam puts our secular studies at equal importance as our religious studies. Vastness of knowledge is the key to not only personal progress, but for the progress of our Community, and thus indeed, for the progress of the whole world. Education moreover enables one to serve one’s nation, another route to the strengthening of one’s faith as the Holy Prophet(sa) taught that ‘love of one’s nation is a part of faith.’ [7] Furthermore, all this makes it crystal clear that, having established the high necessity of learning, the rank of the job of teaching others must be truly acknowledged and respected. We must give maximum respect to those who selflessly undertake the duty of teaching others, and indeed we must ourselves aim to share the knowledge we gain with others, as it is in fact an act of charity. Answering a question by a Khadim about how one can be grateful to Allah the Almighty, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V(aba) mentioned a number of ways of showing our gratitude to Allah, including the sharing of knowledge as well as the sharing of wealth with the needy; by using the good things we have, in any capacity, that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon us, in order to benefit other people and His Creation. [8] Spending in the way of God includes not just money, but also includes sharing with others the knowledge that Allah the Almighty has bestowed upon one. This is why the teaching profession is given much priority in Islam. Moreover, the act of teaching the Holy Qur’an is highly exalted in Islam, as seen from the Hadith: “The best among you is the one who learns the Qur’an and teaches it.” [9] God Almighty promises us that He increases for those who give away for His sake, and such clear proof of this is present in the act of teaching others, as in no way does it diminish one’s own store of knowledge, but rather, greatly and continuously increases it. Moreover, the Holy Prophet(sa) informed us that, “Anyone who spends something in the way of Allah will have it recorded for him seven hundred times over.” [10] Hence, rather than gluing our gaze on things that are of secondary importance, as is common in some of today’s societies in educational institutions particularly in the teaching profession, we must be wholeheartedly thankful to Allah for these sparkling opportunities of both acquiring and rendering knowledge, and must strive to excel in these for the uplift of humanity, through hard work and prayer. There is such gratifying news for us in the Hadith that: “The word of wisdom is the lost property of a believer, so that wherever he finds it, he should take it, because he is the one most entitled to it.” [11] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) expounds on this Hadith by writing, “For a true seeker of knowledge, the whole universe, with all its constituents, is an open book of learning from which he can acquire knowledge to the best of his capacity and efforts.” He also explains that the Holy Qur’an is the fundamental source of all wisdom and eternal truth, and belongs to the believers. [12] Hence, we must seek to grab whatever knowledge and wisdom we find, as pieces of treasure that truly belong to us, with the same level of passion we would use to re-acquire a most cherished, lost artefact that originally belonged to us. The treasure-house of all knowledge, the Holy Qur’an, the revealed Word of God, gives us such clear and dazzling insights into areas including science, history, physics, geology, economics, to name merely a few. The Holy Qur’an is an ocean of eternal truths and insights, and there is no wisdom which is not contained in this Book of Allah. A revelation to the Promised Messiah(as) from Allah the Almighty Himself was: “All good is contained in the Qur’an.” [13] The Fifth Successor of the Promised Messiah(as) tells us that, “In truth, all types of knowledge are contained within the Holy Qur’an.” [14] On another occasion, he states that, “Certainly, out of all the heavenly scriptures, the Holy Qur’an is unique in terms of the vast amount of insight it has given about the universe and its inception and how it has encouraged scientific research and the pursuit of knowledge.” [15] Professor Dr Abdus Salam repeatedly drew attention to these very features of the Holy Qur’an, and became the first Muslim Nobel Laureate, winning a Nobel Prize in Physics. The Promised Messiah(as) says: “The members of my sect shall so excel in knowledge and insight that they will confound everyone with the light of their truth, and by dint of their arguments and signs.” [16] We must throughout our lives strive to broaden our scope of secular and religious knowledge. Let us endeavour to act upon the instructions and commandments of our Faith and use all our God-given abilities and opportunities to pave pathways to such progress and advancement through which we personally benefit and through which all of humanity benefits. We must pray to Allah for this, because He alone is the Bestower of knowledge. “Holy art Thou! No knowledge have we except what Thou hast taught us; surely, Thou art the All-Knowing, the Wise.” (2:33) References [1] Hadith (Baihiqi) [2] Address at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK and Canada Convocation – 5th March 2017 [3] Address at first international Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) conference – 14th Dec 2019 [4] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) : The Review of Religions June 2020 edition –‘The Truth About Salvation’ [5] Hadith (Chehl Ahadith) [6] Address at first international Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) conference – 14th Dec 2019 [7] Hadith (Sakhavi) [8] Gulshan-e-Waqfe nau Khudam – 25th Nov 2017 [9] Hadith (Bukhari, Kitab Faza’ilul Qur’an) [10] Hadith (Tirmidhi) [11] Hadith (Tirmidhi) [12] ‘Forty Gems of Beauty’– by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, M.A.(ra) [13] ‘Noah’s Ark: An Invitation to Faith’ page 43 – by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as) [14] Address at concluding session of educational camp for Muslim children – 14th April 2014 : https://www.pressahmadiyya.com/press-releases/2014/04/head-ahmadiyya-muslim-community-addresses-ahmadi-muslim-youths-importance-religious-secular-education/ [15] Address at first international Ahmadiyya Muslim Research Association (AMRA) conference – 14th Dec 2019 [16] ‘Divine Manifestations’ page 24 – by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad(as), the Promised Messiah and Mahdi

Todays talk is on; Ear, Nose and Throat problems   These 3 organs are connected to each other   Their functions are (broadly speaking) hearing, smelling, speaking PLUS balance, breathing, swallowing, taste, aesthetics (perceived facial balance) NOSE SYMPTOMS OF HAY FEVER Nasal blockage  Runny nose  Headache Facial pain and pressure Abnormalities of sense of smell and taste Nosebleed Phlegm at the back of throat  Bad taste in mouth “ HAY FEVER ” Blocked nose, bouts of sneezing, itchy nose / throat / eyes, nosebleed Trigger: Depends on locations, Commonly, house dust mite; Pollen – tree, grass; mould; animal – fungi, cat dog Seasonal or all year round or precipitate at exposure. Treatment: Avoidance, symptomatic treatment, surgery   Sinusitis and Rhinitis   The swelling of the lining of nose and sinus (air containing cavities on the face).   Causing (one or both side of the nose): nasal blockage, facial pain/ pressure, post-nasal discharge which can lead to acid reflux-type symptoms    Sinusitis and Rhinitis When left untreated / severe Infections by Bacteria and Fungus Recurrent rhinosinusitis Ulceration of the nasal mucosa Nasal polyps   Septal perforation C O M M O N E S T P R O B L E M S W I T H T H E E A R As seen in specialist clinic •     Wax / Foreign body •     “Glue ear” - Ear infection •     Ear discharge •     Hearing loss •     Age related •     One-sided: always need urgent medical advice •     Tinnitis •     One-sided: always need urgent medical advice •     Dizziness / vertigo •     Facial nerve palsy C O M M O N M I S C O N C E P T I O N S •     In normal state, •     Let soapy clean water enter the ear •     Gently massage in front of ear •     Regularly eat firm food e.g. firm apple   •     If needs treatment, •     Olive oil twice daily 7-10 days OR Sodium bicarb ear drop twice daily for 7 days •     In severe cases, see the specialist for syringing or micro- suction Eczema Severe  itching, blocked ear and vulnerability to infections in the outer canal à ear discharge   Treatment: antibiotic drops or ear spray | avoid water going into the ear Fungal infection need antifungal drops for 3 weeks   Foreign body – Ear and Nose only   Do not try removing it on your own à  many times this makes it worse !  Go to Accident & Emergency department   Above also if foreign body swallowed if swallowed button battery then give 10 mls  Honey  (if available) while waiting to see the doctor Uncommonly seen but important Swelling behind the ear Frequent ear discharge   With or without hearing loss Needs urgent doctors advice Tinnitus – Noises in the ear Varying causes: simple wax, hearing loss, acoustic neuroma (a growth in the localised area of brain) If one-sided (unilateral) tinnitus with dizziness or hearing loss or both à must se doctor straightaway Can have a massive impact on quality of life so see your doctor to have it checked out  Treatment depends on cause. If cannot be treated then can be managed:   Mindfulness-based stress reduction - very helpful   Exercise plays a significant role to keep you healthy in this specifically and more generally Tinnitus leaflet – available on request Key advice Do not use objects to clean your ears There is a natural mechanism Do not expose yourself to loud noise for more than 20 min at a time Use ear protection Limit headphone use

Poetic Story of the National Lajna Ijtema Ghana 2023                                                   Aneeza Ahmed   Knowledge, service, guidance and prayers We came together to learn and to share The paths show tracks of the vehicles’ tires We rushed in, we drove forth, and all obstacles beware.   Our duty to Allah foremost at every hour Diligently we gathered for the five daily prayers Supplicating for Allah’s mercy to shower The best times were the congregational pre-dawn prayers.   From Tahajjud each day to Isha and dinner Rain, hail, or sunshine, in our duties not once did we waver Working and striving to raise high the banner Of the True Islam, we surged forth without a quiver!   In a peace walk we sang out the message of Islam In a flowing river of white, we called out to the people Love for all, hatred for none! The Messiah has come, the Messiah has come! Our passion to spread the truth creating one big ripple.   From cradle to grave learning is our companion And so we prepared for and held our Talim contests Rabbi zidni ilma! Each piece of knowledge a galleon! We expanded our intellect, we strengthened our fortress.   How exhilarating it was, winning races and volleyball games We ran, we cheered, we played and we laughed Always doing our best whether one or in teams Yes, we all did not win, but we all felt loved.   Young girls and students reaped their fruitful sessions Guiding lights for Nasirat and Umoore Talibaat Inspirational ladies recounting experiences and lessons Showing the cadets the way to walk the path.   Melodious recitations of the Word of God, translations keenly heard Gem-filled speeches and glorious poems and songs of praise Ardent slogans raised, guests and visitors cared for and served Resilience in self-reformation, the fire of progress and compassion ablaze.   Lajna Ima’illah is a hundred years, we have no intention to rest – Till peace prevails, till truth triumphs, here we are in complete submission Our centenary ijtema has come to an end, let’s put our training to the test To Allah belongs all the praise, may He enable us to fulfil our Khalifa’s vision!   Although we have parted, our hearts are connected Ever-attached to Khilafat, steadfast in service for Allah Remaining consistent in our prayers, we’ll strive till our seams are perfected We are the Handmaidens of Allah, we are Lajna Ima’illah!

IN THE NAME OF ALLAH, MOST GRACIOUS, EVER MERCIFUL “REFRAINING FROM SHIRK (THE FIRST CONDITION OF BAIA’T”) A SPEECH DELIVERED BY FADILATU MOHAMMED AT THE CENTERAL REGIONAL CONFERENCE   ON 11TH MAY 2024   Tashahadud   SURAH AL-NISA CHAPTER 4 VERSE 49 Assalamu alaikum Warahmatullah wabarakatuhu 1.     I am humbled by this opportunity to deliver a speech today. The topic of my speech is “REFRAINING FROM SHIRK (THE FIRST CONDITION OF BAIA’T”.     2.     Alllahswt states in the Holy Quran, Chapter 4:49, (which I recited earlier) that he will not forgive anyone who associates partners with him.   3.     One implication of this verse is that, Allah can forgive everything except shirk. The promised Messiah (A.S.) advises us that “do not go near shirk, consider it to be a forbidden tree”   4.     The avoidance of Shirk is the first condition of Bai’at. It is therefore required of us, as believing women, to observe this commandment of avoiding Shirk in all its forms.   5.     To deal with the topic, I would like to answer three questions. a.    What is Bai’at? b.    What is shirk, the first condition of bai’at c.    What the various forms or shapes that shirk take in our modern world today   What is Ba’ait? 6.    To begin with my speech, I will like us to understand what Ba’ait is. Ba’ait simple means to sell once self or hand over your life to Alllahswt. How does one sell him or self to Allah? It is to turn your back to the world in all matters and seek the pleasure of Allah only by acting on his guidance and commandments in every situation and at all times.   7.    We here say we are Ahmadis. We are Ahamdis because accept Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promise Messiah and Mahdi, and agree to obey him in all matters.   8.    Even in the world, when you join a group or association, there rules and regulations that you agree to follow, and that’s what make you a member of the group or association. For us Ahmadis, our rules and regulations are the Conditions of Bai’at. It is one of the reasons why the Bai’at is referred to as “Oath of Allegience”. It is the only thing makes us members of the blessed community of the Promise Messiah. The promised Messiah has outlined 10 Conditions of Bai’at. If we don’t follow them, then we are sacking ourselves from that community. May Allah enable us to fulfil the conditions of our Bai’ait.   Shirk the first Condition of Baiat 9.        Condition one of Ba’ait states that “The initiate shall solemnly promise that he/she shall abstain from shirk (Associating any partner with God) right up to the day of his/her death”.  10.     So what then is shirk? Shirk means “association of partners with Alllahswt” It is to believe or think that there are other powers, determiners, or causes of life or the affairs of man in addition to Allah, the Most High. Hence all forms of idol worship, or any act that does not attribute to Allah His Supremacy, Omnipotence is shirk. 11.     There are various forms of shirk. For the purpose of this speech, I divided them into two categories, manifest shirk and the hidden shirk. Examples of Manifest Shirk 12.     Manifest shirk is the most common form of shirk that we see or hear people do every day. Some forms of manifest shirk include: Ø  All forms of Idol worship: For example, going to fetish priest or juju person, or believing whole heartedly that the acts of these juju can independently cause some effect, beside Allah.   Ø  Superstition:  An example is witchcraft which is believing that people have supernatural powers to cause harm to them outside the control of Alllahswt. Nothing happens without the permission of Allah so believing that someone else has supernatural power to cause harm to you is shirk. Also Believing in the existence of ghost and other spirits are also forms of shirk. Ø  Going to Malaams and pastors for help : Instead of going to certain individuals for help, Muslims should rather increase prayers, Fasting, Sadaka and write letters to Huzoor. Once you decide to visit certain men of God with the believe that they can influence whatever is going on in your life means you are comparing them to Allah Almighty which is shirk. Ø  Medicine for Love : An example is women giving something to their husbands with the believe that it will make their husbands love them more. Some go as far as using concoctions to the extent of washing their private parts into husband’s food which can cause illness. Ø  Medicine for luck/Quick Money : This involves doing all sort of things for people to be trooping and buying your stuff. But good fortune comes from Allah. Again if there is a decline in your business and you believe someone else is responsible for that, that is shirk. Allah says in the Holy Quran that: Hence every provision of us is from Allah and unto Him alone should we pray for expansion of his provision for us. Ø  Believing someone else is responsible for your failings or sickness  is also another form of shirk. Allah almighty is the provider and he can also take away from you if he wills. So a believer must accept that whatever happens in his life is by the grace of Allah and has not been influenced by any external force 13.     Again shirk is not just limited to openly associating partners with Allah, but also believing that there are other higher forces exist except Allah. Some even say that “it is Ahmadiyya saying we should not believe in them, but they exist”. Astaghfirullah ! Such people should know that this is rather the word of Allah and we Ahmadis follow the teachings of Islam, the Holy Quran and the Sunnah.   14.     The fact is that these things do have any power whatsoever over man. Allah says in the Holy Quran 22: that “those on whom you call instead of Allah cannot create even a fly, though they combine together for the purpose. And if a fly should snatch away anything from them, they cannot recover it therefrom. Week indeed are both the seek and the sought. 15.     This means that these things do not and cannot cause any effect on man, except by the Will of Allah. Thus, taking the Bai’at means that we need to avoid all forms of superstitions and believe solely and firmly in Allah.     Examples of Hidden Shirk 16.     There are other examples of shirk, in the form of acts that implies a reliance of worldly things instead of Allah.:  The Promised Messiahas says: Shirk here does not merely mean bowing before stones, etc., rather, it is also shirk that you should depend entirely on worldly means and emphasise worldly idols. 17. ‘A companion of the Holy Prophet was found crying, and he was asked why he is crying. He replied ‘I have remembered something that I heard from the Holy Prophetsa and it has made me cry. I heard the Holy Prophetsa say that, “I fear about shirk and their secret desires in my ummah.” I asked, “O Prophet of Allah, will your people be involved in shirk after you?” The Holy Prophetsa responded, “Yes, even though my people will not worship the sun and the moon, the idol and the stone, they will suffer from ostentations in their actions, and they will be prey to their hidden desires. One of them will start the day fasting but then he will come across a desire and he will break the fast and indulge in his desire”.   18. This hadith shows clearly that, any desire of us, that we love so much that it can stop us from worshiping Allah, becomes Shirk.   Ø  Ostentations or inner desires that cause one to attribute to himself or others what is befitting of Allah is a form of shirk. Or desires that are so strong that they can cause one to ignore his worship, become shirk. Ø  Relying so much on others other than Allah : When you rely so much on anything or anyone so much and believe they are responsible for your success is shirk. An example is believing that someone else was responsible for your good fortune. Another example is believing so much in an individual to the extent that you think you cannot survive without them. Others put stickers of Quranic quotes on their cars and believe it will protect them. All these are forms of shirk. Ø  Believing in a source of sustenance beside Allah: In today’s materialistic world, people are willing to go to every extent to get money. Some people will visit Malams to obtain charms and stickers for good luck that increase sales of their wares. Others paste stickers of verses of the Holy Quran on their kiosks or tables where they sell things, believing that those stickers are responsible for their good luck, and not Allah. All these are forms of shirk. Ø  Believing that bad Omen is caused by others : Believing that a bad omen was influenced by another individual or person is shirk. For example thinking your delay in giving birth has been caused by another person. Also thinking someone is responsible for your sickness or failure. Anything that happens in the life of a person is controlled by Allah weather good or bad and he alone has the power over all things. We should always pray to Allah to ease our burden when we are passing through hardships rather than believing it was caused by another external force. Ø  Giving Reverence to once self : Anyone who gives reverence to him or herself after achieving something significant has committed shirk. Anything that one achieves happens with the help of Allah. So thinking that an achievement was due to your brilliance and not the help of Allah is Shirk.   Ø  One should always remember that Allah is the Provider, and what he has not provided cannot be made available for us . So during salat, when we recite the dua that: May Allah Accept our prays. 19.     Sadr Chair, I wish to conclude my speech by reminding us that there can be no power, no force that can cause any effects without the will of Allah. So, the fear of Allah means you have to avoid forms of shirk. 20. The Promised Messiahas says: Tauhid [Unity of God] does not simply mean that you say la ilaha illAllah 8 with your tongue but then hide hundreds of idols in your heart. Anyone who gives reverence to his own plans, mischief or clever designs as he should revere God, or depends upon another person as one should depend upon God alone or reveres his own ego as he should revere God alone, in all such conditions he is an idol-worshipper in the sight of Allah.   21. Idols are not merely those that are made of gold, silver, copper or stones. Rather, everything, every statement, or every deed, which is revered in a manner that befits Almighty Allah alone, is an idol in the sight of Allah….”   22. He said we should “remember that the true Unity of God, which God requires us to affirm and upon which salvation depends, is to believe that God in His Being is free from every associate, whether it be an idol or a human being, or the Sun or Moon, or one’s ego, or one’s cunning or deceit; it is also to conceive of no one as possessing power in opposition to Him, nor to accept anyone as Sustainer, nor to hold anyone as bestowing honour or disgrace, nor to consider anyone as Helper or Supporter; and it is also to confine one’s love to Him and one’s worship, and one’s humility, and one’s hopes, and one’s fear to Him.   23.     May Allah grant us understanding and enable to live by the Conditions Bai’at. Ameen. 24.     Sadr Chair, I all what I have said is taken from the Book “The Conditions of Bai’at and Responsibilities of an Ahamdi” by our beloved Khalifah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (atbn). We pray that Allah grant him sound health and long life. Ameen 25.     Assalamu alaikum W. W.