المحراب

المحراب — Page 162

THE SALIENT FEATURES OF AHMADIYYA THANKSGIVING CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS By Farhana Pasha The object of Ahmadiyya thanks giving celebrations was to extol the name of Allah and sing His praises for his innumerable bounties۔Our celebrations began by extend- ing the message of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV to the entire world۔In this message he presented Deen-Haque's central features as religion of peace which does away with all discrimination between man and man, believes in complete freedom of conscience and no compulsion in matters of faith۔Islam liberates man from the the bondage of sin and strengthens his ties with his Creator۔Islam seeks to establish a New World Order guaranteeing salvation from all maladies and ailments of suffering humanity۔Though Ahmadiyyat has not yet emerged as a potent force to bring about a global moral and spiritual revolution yet God has graciously chosen us as His instruments to bring about this glorious revolution۔The members of Jama'at all the world over offered special prayers۔Most of us performed Namaz-e-Tahajjud, offered gifts and meals to the poor and needy, distributed sweets, arranged community dinners, illuminated our houses and mosques, sacrificed animals and invoked the blessings of Almighty, paid special visits to friends and relatives and exchanged gifts and greetings۔The Jama'at under the loving leader ship of its Imam completed the transla- tion of the Holy Quran in fifty leading and important languages of the world۔published the writings of the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmed Qadiani in beautiful editions, built several mosques established more than 300 missions in 120 countries۔The Jama'at held its annual۔Convention in London to celebrate the Thanksgiving Centenary in which more than sixty countries of the world participated۔As a result of the big leap generated by the centenary programs the total number of languages in which the Holy Quran would be translated and published would reach a figure of 117, selections of the Sayings of the Holy Prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) will be published in 46 languages۔So far 1245 mosques have been constructed in different countries of the world۔Another 481 mosques are under construction as part of our centenary programe۔Literature produced by the companions of the Promised Messiah and leading luminaries of the Jama'at is being extensively published۔In celebrating the centenary we were reminded of the innumerable bounties of Almighty Allah۔The Jama'at was subjected to extreme persecution۔They were deprived of religious freedom and fundamental human rights۔Even laws were enacted in some countries to render us liable to severe punishment and prosecution for the mere act of professing and practising our faith۔But the help۔and succour of Allah was with us and all the scheming and evil designs of the enemies were frustrated۔The sappling of Ahmadiyyat has now grown to be a blooming tree with its roots deep in the soil and branches overflow- ing with delicious fruits, out streching to the skies and providing shade to the weary۔The Jama'at is marching forward with faith in its hearts, unity in its ranks, and discipline as its motto۔Its clarion call to humanity to surrender to the will of Allah and be at complete peace with him۔The centenary has high- lighted our earnest and sincere slogan "Love for All Hatred for None۔" 14