Jamia Ahmadiyya Nigeria commemorated Jalsa Yaum-e-Khilafat on Saturday, 24th May 2025, in the school’s main hall. The program began with the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, followed by the melodious chanting of a Qaseedah.
This annual commemoration marks a profound moment in the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. After the demise of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as) on 26 May 1908, Allah the Almighty fulfilled His promise by establishing Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, the second manifestation of His power. On 27 May 1908, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin (ra) was elected as the first Khalifah, Khalifatul Masih I. The celebration of Khilafat Day was first formally observed on 27 May 1957, following the instruction of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad (ra), Khalifatul Masih II, during the Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in Rabwah, October 1956.
The purpose of celebrating Khilafat Day is to increase awareness within the Jama’at and to the world about the divine blessings, esteemed status, and immense importance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, and to express deep gratitude to Allah the Almighty for this enduring spiritual institution.
The highlight of the event was a soul-stirring lecture delivered by Maulvi Tariq Mahmud Sahib, a lecturer at Jamia Ahmadiyya Nigeria. He began by offering an insightful explanation of the verse:
“He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear”.
He clarified that the “fear” referred to in the verse is not general but specific, saying,
“the fear mentioned is a relative one, ‘their fear’ not just any fear.” He emphasized that, “not every person is afraid of everything. Some people are afraid of certain things while others are not at all afraid of the same things.” He further stressed, “whatever the believers fear; Allah will turn their fear into peace.”
Maulvi Sahib elaborated that true believers do not fear worldly threats, opposition, or persecution, nor do they hesitate to sacrifice their lives for the cause of Allah. Their real fear lies in the wrath of Allah and anything that may endanger the foundation of their faith. He quoted the Promised Messiah (as) from The Will, wherein he describes two types of divine manifestation: the first through prophets during their lifetimes, and the second after their demise through the system of Khilafat.
Drawing historical parallels, he pointed to the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra) after the Holy Prophet Muhammad’s (sa) demise as an example of Allah’s promise being fulfilled. Similarly, after the passing of the Promised Messiah (as), when opponents thought the Jama’at would collapse, the election of Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nooruddin (ra) as Khalifah brought peace and security to the Community.
He recounted the trials faced by the Jama’at, including attempts by Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya to reduce the status of the Khalifah to merely an Imam of Salat and Qur’an teacher. However, with divine support and the blessings of Khilafat, the lofty status of the institution was upheld and firmly established.
Maulvi Sahib also highlighted how Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) safeguarded the Jama’at through numerous challenges, including the crisis with Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, the attack of Majlis Ahrar on Qadian in 1934, the migration to Rabwah in 1947, and the anti-Ahmadiyya riots of 1953.
He affirmed that through the eras of the third, fourth, and current Khalifah, the divine promise of Allah continues to manifest. He concluded with a personal exhortation: “We must be mindful of our actions, because righteous deeds are absolutely necessary condition alongside faith.” He ended his lecture with heartfelt prayers, asking Allah to grant the Jama’at steadfastness and enable members to fulfil their pledges to Khilafat.
The lecture was followed by a moving Urdu poem that eloquently expressed the significance of Khilafat.
The program concluded with a closing remark from the respected Principal, Hafiz Syed Shahid Ahmed Sahib. He beautifully summarized the essence of the gathering by stating:
“Success lies in obedience to the Khalifah of the time and the word success in its truest form is attaining the love of Allah which should be the ultimate goal of every believer.”
The event ended with a concluding prayer.
Alhmdolilah
May Allah grant our Khalifa a healthy long life and keep us firm believes and obedient to khilafat. Ameen. May Allah prosper jamat and always provide it with righteous guides. Ameen
JazakAllah khayran to the respected Maulvi Tariq Sahib and all the organisers of this beautiful program/lecture. May Allah continue to increase him in wisdom and may Allah continue to grant understandings to the listeners.