Cherished Memories of Africa — Page 115
97 ‘I have become a Muslim now’ There is a small village Palado in Kaolack region of Senegal. An elderly person Gatam Jallow there performed bai’at. Gatam Jallow bel onged to Fulani tribe. In addition to farming, he also practiced traditional veterinary medicine and prepared talismans. After becoming an Ahmadi, he gave up all un-Islamic practices. Once a veterinary doctor from Kaolack came to him and requested him for a talisman to safeguard animals against a disease that was rampant in t he area. Gatam Jallow replied that he could not do that. The vet friend of his was greatly surprised and asked the re ason. Gatam Jallow repli ed that he had become a Muslim. The vet remarked that he was a born Muslim. Gatam Jallow told him, ‘by the Grace of Allah, I am an Ahmadi Muslim now and regard this business (of talisman) unlawful in the light of Quran and Hadith’. ‘I shall burn down your house to Ashes instantly’ One is perplexed to see the pirs and faqirs of Senegal engaged in deception in the garb of religion. With their fraudulent and deceptive practices they mercilessly defraud the poor and the simple people. However, when these people enter the fold of Ahmadiyyat, by the Grace of Allah, they become enlightened and acquire the ability to differentiate between the good and the bad. A Fulani farmer in Koungal area became an Ahmadi. Previously he owed allegiance to a pir based in Mauritania who used to visit his followers in Senegal and received gifts from them every year. After his conversion to Ahmadiyyat, the pir visited him as