Introduction
During the summer, my classmate and I were blessed with the opportunity to perform Waqf-e-Arzi in Jamaica. This narrative is a reflection on our transformative experience and the invaluable lessons we learned during our time there.
Our journey commenced when the Missionary In-Charge and National President, Maulana Tariq Azeem Sahib, requested the assistance of a couple of Jamia students for a summer mission in Jamaica. After discussing the details of the trip with the respective in-charges, we started our preparations.
Departure
The four-hour flight from Toronto to Jamaica passed swiftly, and upon landing, the striking sight of light blue waters and mountains was mesmerizing. It was something I had never seen before in my life and it left me wondering what was next to come.
Meeting Chris Gayle
As I waited for my luggage at the baggage claim, I noticed a tall man in a purple jumpsuit standing nearby. Someone asked him for directions, and when he spoke, I immediately recognized his voice – it was none other than the Jamaican cricket legend, Chris Gayle. The inner child in me who used to watch him play as a kid, never in a million years would have thought that I would meet him on a trip for Waqf-e-Arzi. I asked hesitantly if I could take a picture. He happily said “Sure, why not?” he then asked what I was doing in Jamaica. I explained that I was from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community and had come to volunteer my services. He congratulated me and thanked me for choosing Jamaica. It was a surreal and memorable encounter.
Arrival
Exiting the airport, I was hit with a brick wall of heat. This took some getting used to. Coming over from Canada I was not used to the humidity. I was picked up from the airport by the local Mualim, Ghulam Ahmad Sahib. The journey from the airport to the mosque took about an hour and a half. I took that time to ask Mualim Sahib some questions. We talked about his journey to Islam Ahmadiyya, his decision to become a missionary, and his four-year service in Jamiatul Mubashireen Ghana. His dedication was inspiring, and it really motivated me to work hard not only during my trip there but even when I returned to Canada.
As we neared the mosque, I could spot it from a distance with its silver dome and minaret, reminiscent of the Baitul Islam Mosque in Peace Village, Canada. However, stepping out of the vehicle, the sweltering heat and humidity reminded me once again that I was in Jamaica.
Maulana Tariq Azeem Sahib greeted me at the mosque and had arranged for some lunch. He later showed me to my residence and instructed me to get some rest. After offering the Zuhr and Asr prayers, I took a brief nap, refreshed myself for the Maghrib and Isha prayers, and held a meeting with Maulana Sahib to discuss our plans for the next two weeks. The schedule was meticulously planned, he had made sure that no time whatsoever went to waste and that we maximized our productivity.
The seventeen days I spent in Jamaica were filled with a myriad of events and activities. While I can’t cover them all, some of the highlights are given below.
Back to School Events
We had the privilege of organizing two back-to-school events during our trip. These events aimed to provide school supplies to underprivileged children in the community. Our first event took place in Trelawny, a parish on the northern side of the island, where we met Regional Missionary Ibrahim Ahmad Forsen Sahib. He briefed us on our responsibilities and then we headed to the Namaz Centre. We organized school supplies and prepared gift bags for the students. It was truly heartwarming to witness the Jamaat’s work in even the most remote corners of the world. We interacted with the guests and learned about how their connection with the Jammat has created a positive impact in their lives and in the lives of the people around them.
We also organized the same back-to-school event at the headquarters in St. Catherine, with around 300 people in attendance. Here, we had the privilege of meeting local community workers and teachers who shared their thoughts on the event and how their association with the Jamaat had positively impacted them and their communities. Witnessing the joy on the faces of parents and children who genuinely benefited from the Jamaat’s assistance was really moving.
Local Health Fair
We also had the opportunity to collaborate with local community members to organize a health fair. This event offered free medical services to the community, including dental, medical, and mental health services. The attendees had the opportunity to tour the mosque while they waited for their appointments. I had the privilege of giving a tour to multiple guests such as police sergeants, community workers and the doctors as well, who expressed surprise at the peacefulness of Islam and in contrast to the negative stereotypes they encountered in the media.
Flier Distribution
Throughout our trip, we allocated five days for flier distribution. We visited high foot-traffic areas and distributed over 4000 flyers while collecting contact information from many individuals. This experience revealed the prevalence of misconceptions about Islam and Muslims in Jamaica, largely stemming from negative portrayals in the media. Unlike Canada, where people have the chance to witness their Muslim neighbors practicing Islam, Jamaica’s small Muslim population makes it difficult for locals to understand how Islam is truly practiced. Despite these misconceptions, most of the people we encountered were kind and receptive. They loved the Jamaat’s motto of “Love for All, Hatred for None.”
Sightseeing
During our trip, we set aside some days to explore the natural beauty of Jamaica. The country is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with its lush, tropical landscapes, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. The island’s rich cultural tapestry and warm people make Jamaica a true gem in the Caribbean. We visited places such as the Famous Dunns River Falls, French Mans Cove and the beaches in Ocho Rios.
Meeting Ahmadis Around Jamaica
Even on our days off, we made it a point to get some work done. Wherever we traveled we met with Jamaat members along the way. Their passion and dedication was truly inspiring. Their love for the Jamaat and their commitment to spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyya would leave a lasting impression on my soul. Even those with limited resources would sometimes spend their entire day’s earnings on a cab ride to attend Friday prayers at the mosque. Witnessing their whole-hearted dedication to Islam Ahmadiyya renewed my love for the religion I was born into.
A valuable lesson
This trip provided me with a valuable lesson, something I believe I should share with the readers.
In Jamia, we often heard from senior students that the amount of knowledge you have or how many books you’ve read do not matter if you’re not a decent human being. If you lack love in your heart for God’s creation, if you’re not kind towards others, then your knowledge is essentially useless.
The first thing that attracts people is your character and conduct. It’s a reflection of your religion through you. Throughout the trip, I came to realize that no one really cared about my knowledge or speaking abilities. What seemed to matter was if I was a good human being—someone who could engage in genuine conversations, care enough to ask about their day or health, and exhibit kindness.
This doesn’t mean we should stop learning and studying. It was simply a reminder to give value to building your character along with knowledge.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey to Jamaica has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It provided me with the opportunity to immerse myself in a different culture, witness the global impact of the Jamaat, and receive an outpouring of love from the people I met.
In the Sermons of Beloved Huzoor (may Allah be his helper), He would often mention individuals living in different parts of the world who would display remarkable dedication and unwavering faith, and sometimes I would wonder if such people truly existed or not. Today, I can attest to the fact that I have had the privilege to witness such individuals in this day and age.
I sincerely request readers to keep the members of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Jamaica in their prayers, seeking Allah Almighty’s blessings for them and their families as they continue to grow in sincerity. Ameen.
