The elderly wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Majlis Ansarullah The Gambia, successfully held its 18th National Ijtema from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th November 2025 at Tahir Ahmadiyya Muslim Senior Secondary School in Mansakonko
The Ijtema was held under the theme:
“Islam: Religion of Peace and Tolerance.”
In his opening address, Mr. Kemo Sonko, Sadr (President) of Majlis Ansarullah The Gambia, highlighted the significance of obedience, particularly among elderly members of the Jamaat who serve as role models for the younger generation. He described obedience as the true inner spirit of faith and emphasized the need for members to remain steadfast in their unconditional obedience to the institution of Khilafat. He reminded members that being Ansar entails sincere loyalty and complete adherence to the guidance of the Khalifa of the time.
Sadr Kemo Sonko cautioned members against all forms of disobedience, stressing that its consequences could be grave. He drew lessons from Islamic history, citing the Battle of Uhud, where unintended disobedience to the clear instructions of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) led to defeat, underscoring the importance of absolute obedience in all circumstances.
Mr. Fabakary Kalleh, a peace advocate with over two decades of experience, delivered a lecture on the role of Ansar in peacebuilding. Mr. Kalleh, the pioneer of the Youth Ambassadors of Peace, stated that peace is not merely the absence of violence but a way of life and an ideology that must be cherished and upheld, especially by members of Majlis Ansarullah. He emphasized that peace is priceless and must be protected and promoted at all times.
The Principal Education Officer for Region 4, Mr. Momodou Y. Jallow commended the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat for its outstanding contributions to education and national development since its establishment in The Gambia over sixty years ago. Sharing his personal experience, he stated that he is a proud product of Nusrat schools and attributed his success to the quality education he received there. He urged Gambians to embrace tolerance, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that judgment belongs to God alone.
The Imam of Kani Kunda and a representative from the Gambia Immigration Department also addressed the gathering during the opening ceremony.
The Ijtema featured a wide range of activities, including lectures, academic competitions, and various sporting events, which provided opportunities for members to participate, interact, and strengthen bonds of brotherhood.
The event was graced by the presence of three foreign delegates from Senegal and was attended by over two hundred delegates from across all regions of The Gambia.
The Ijtema was concluded by Ustaz Mahmood Ahmad Tahir, the Missionary-in-Charge of The Gambia, who stood in for the Amir Sahib and conveyed messages of guidance, unity, and prayers for the continued progress of Majlis Ansarullah.
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