Ouagadougou
Nickname(s): Ouaga
Ouagadougou Location within Burkina Faso
Coordinates: 12°21′26″N 1°32′7″W / 12.35722°N 1.53528°W / 12.35722; -1.53528Coordinates: 12°21′26″N 1°32′7″W / 12.35722°N 1.53528°W / 12.35722; -1.53528
Country	Burkina Faso
Region	Centre Region
Province	Kadiogo
Government
• Mayor	Simon Compaoré (since 1995)
Area
• City	84.7 sq mi (219.3 km2)
• Metro	1,083 sq mi (2,805 km2)
Elevation	1,001 ft (305 m)
Population (2006-Dec-09)
• City	1,475,223
• Density	17,420/sq mi (6,727/km2)
• Metro	1,727,390
Website	http://www.mairie-ouaga.bf

Ouagadougou ( /ˌwɑːɡəˈduːɡuː/; Mossi: [ˈwaɡᵊdᵊɡᵊ]) is the capital of Burkina Faso and the administrative, communications, cultural and economic center of the nation. It is also the country's largest city, with a population of 1,475,223 (as of 2006).^[1] The city's name is often shortened to Ouaga. The inhabitants are called ouagalais. The spelling of the name Ouagadougou is derived from the French orthography common in former French African colonies. If English orthography were used (as in Ghana or Nigeria), the spelling would be Wagadugu.^[2]

Ouagadougou's primary industries are food processing and textiles. It is served by an international airport, rail links to Abidjan in Côte d'Ivoire and to Kaya in the north of Burkina, and a highway to Niamey, Niger. Ouagadougou was the site of Ouagadougou grand market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, which burned in 2003 and remains closed. Other attractions include the National Museum of Burkina Faso, the Moro-Naba Palace (site of the Moro-Naba Ceremony), the National Museum of Music, and several craft markets.

History[link]

Near East in 1200 AD, showing the Kingdom of Wagadugu and its neighbors.

The name Ouagadougou dates back to the 15th century when the Ninsi tribes inhabited the area. They were in constant conflict until 1441 when Wubri, a Yonyonse hero and an important figure in Burkina Faso's history, led his tribe to victory. He then renamed the area from "Kumbee-Tenga", as the Ninsi had called it, to "Wogodogo", meaning "where people get honor and respect". Ouagadougou is a Francophone of Wogodogo.

The city became the capital of the Mossi Empire in 1441 and was the permanent residence of the Mossi emperors (Moro-Naba) from 1681.^[3] The Moro-Naba Ceremony is still performed every Friday by the Moro-Naba and his court. The French made Ouagadougou the capital of the Upper Volta territory (basically the same area as contemporary independent Burkina Faso) in 1919. In 1954 the railroad line from Cote d'Ivoire reached the city. The population of Ouagadougou doubled from 1954 to 1960 and has been doubling since about every ten years.^[3]

Geography[link]

Ouagadougou, situated on the central plateau (12.4° N 1.5° W), grew around the imperial palace of the Mogho Naaba. Being an administrative center of colonial rule, it became an important urban center in the post-colonial era. First the capital of the Mossi Kingdoms and later of Upper Volta and Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou became a veritable communal center in 1995.

Government[link]

The first municipal elections were held in 1956.

Ouagadougou is governed by a mayor, who is elected for a five-year term, two senior councillors, and 90 councillors.

The city is divided into five arrondissements, consisting of 30 sectors, which are subdivided into districts. Districts of Ouagadougou include Gounghin, Kamsaoghin, Koulouba, Moemmin, Niogsin, Paspanga, Peuloghin, Bilbalogho, and Tiendpalogo. Seventeen villages comprise the Ouagadougou metropolitan area, which is about 219.3 km².

The population of this area is estimated to be 1,475,000 inhabitants, 48% of which are men and 52% women. The rural population is about 5% and the urban population about 95% of the total, and the density is 6,727 inhabitants per square kilometer, according to 2006 census.

Concerning city management, the communes of Ouagadougou have made the decision to invest in huge projects. This is largely because Ouagadougou constitutes a 'cultural centre' by merit of holding the SIAO (International Arts and Crafts fair) and the FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou). Moreover, the growing affluence of the villages allow for such investment, and the fact that the population is growing rapidly necessitates it.^[2]

Climate[link]

The climate of Ouagadougou is hot. Under the Köppen climate classification the city features a tropical savanna climate. The city is part of the Soudano-Sahelian area, with a rainfall of about 900 mm (35 in) per year. The rainy season stretches from May to October, with an average temperature of 30 °C (86 °F). The cold season runs from December to January, with a minimum temperature of 19 °C (66 °F). The maximum temperature during the hot season, which runs from March to May, can reach 45 °C (113 °F). The harmattan (a dry wind) and the monsoon are the two main factors that determine Ouagadougou's climate.

Tourism[link]

Parks[link]

The Bangr-Weoogo urban park (area: 2.63 km² (1 sq mi)), before colonialism, belonged to the Mosse chiefs. Considering it a sacred forest, many went there for traditional initiations or for refuge. The French colonists, disregarding its local significance and history, established it as a park in the 1930s. In 1985, renovations were done in the park. In January 2001, the park was renamed "Parc Urbain Bangr-Weoogo", meaning "the urban park of the forest of knowledge".

Another notable park in Ouagadougou is the "L'Unité Pédagogique", which shelters animals in a semi-free state. This botanic garden/biosphere system stretches over 8 hectares (20 acres) and also serves as a museum for the country's history.

"Jardin de l'amitié Ouaga-Loudun" (Garden of Ouaga-Loudun Friendship), with a green space that was renovated in 1996, is a symbol of the twin-city relationship between Ouagadougou and Loudun in France. It is situated in the center of the city, near the "Nation Unies' crossroads".

Other sites[link]

"Naba Koom" is a statue depicting a woman handling a calabash to pour water. The 6-metre (20 ft) high statue faces the railway station, welcoming travellers into Ouaga. The place bears the name of an important chief in Burkina Faso’s history.

"Laongo", 30 km (19 mi) east of the city, features enormous granite slabs that were designed by various sculptors. The exhibit displays works of art from five continents.^[2]

"La Place du Grand Lyon" is a monument that reflects the relationship between Burkina Faso's capital and Lyon in France. It is located near the French cultural Center George Melies and features an imposing lion. A zoo called "Parc Animalier de Ziniaré" is located 30 km (19 mi) east of the city in the hometown of the president.

• National Museum of Music: exhibits all the musical instruments of Burkina Faso.
• Musée de Manega: also exhibits musical instruments of Burkina Faso, Mossi rifles and other cultural items. Located 55 km (34 mi) northwest of the city

Sights of Ouagadougou[link]

The Place des Nations Unies in the center of the city.

File:Nafissa.jpg Nations Unies crossroad

A Burkinabé man transporting chickens

Housing in Ouagadougou

A side street.

Ouagadougou Cathedral

Memorial To The Martyrs[5]

Ouagadougou in late December 1930 or early January 1931. Air photo taken by Swiss pilot and photographer Walter Mittelholzer.

Ouagadougou seen from SPOT Satellite.

Social life and education[link]

Education[link]

Though literacy in Ouagadougou is not high, there are two universities in the city. The largest college is the state University of Ouagadougou which was founded in 1974. The official language in the city is French and the principal local languages are More, Dyula and Fulfulde. The bilingual program in schools (French plus one of the local languages) was established in 1994.^[2]

Sport, culture, and leisure[link]

A wide array of sports, including association football, basketball, and volleyball, is played by Ouagadougou inhabitants. There are sports tournaments and activities organized by the local authorities.

There are a number of cultural and art venues, such as the Maison du Peuple and Salle des Banquets, in addition to performances of many genres of music, including traditional folk music, modern music, and rap.^[2]

Art and crafts[link]

Several international festivals and activities are organized within the municipality, such as FESPACO (Panafrican Film and Television Festival of Ouagadougou), which is Africa's largest festival of this type, SIAO (International Art and Craft Fair), FESPAM (Pan-African Music Festival), FITMO (International Theatre and Marionnette Festival) and FESTIVO.^[2][6]

Health[link]

Ouagadougou has both state and private hospitals. The two state hospitals in the city are the Centre hospitalier national Yalgado Ouedraogo (CHNYO) and the Centre hospitalier national pédiatrique Charles de Gaulle (CHNP-CDG), but there are also private hospitals. Despite that, the local population still largely trusts traditional local medicine and the "pharmacopée".^[2]

Transport[link]

Many residents travel on motorcycles and mopeds. The large private vendor of motorcycles JC Megamonde sells 50,000 motorbikes and mopeds every year.^[3]

Ouagadougou's citizens also travel in green cabs, which take their passengers anywhere in town for 200 to 400 CFA, but the price is higher after 10:00 pm and can then reach 1000CFA.^{[citation needed]}

Ouagadougou Airport (code OUA) serves the area with flights to West Africa and Europe. Air Burkina has its head office in the Air Burkina Storey Building (French: Immeuble Air Burkina) in Ouagadougou.^[7][8]

Ouagadougou is connected by rail to Côte d'Ivoire and to Kaya in the north of Burkina Faso. See Rail transport in Burkina Faso.

International relations[link]

Twin towns – Sister cities[link]

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Ouagadougou

• Ouagadougou Official site of the government of Ouagadougou
• The plan of Ouagdougou
• Falling Rain Genomics: World Index, and other pages
• Ouagadougou travel guide from Wikitravel
• Burkina-Faso: Le plan de Ouagadougou.(2004). Le plan de Ouagadougou(Burkina-Faso)

Khalifatul Masih V Leader of the Faithful (Amir al-Mu'minin)
Khalifatul Masih V
Caliphate
April 22, 2003 to Present
Preceded by	Mirza Tahir Ahmad
Personal Information
Name	Mirza Masroor Ahmad
Born	(1950-09-15) September 15, 1950 (age 61) Rabwah, Pakistan
Spouse(s)	Sahibzadi Amatul Sabooh Begum (m. 1977)
Children	2
Residence	London, England
Alma mater	University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Talim-ul-Islam College
Parents	Mirza Mansoor Ahmad Sahibzadi Nasira Begum
Signature

Part of a series on:
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Five Pillars of Islam · Six articles of faith · Quran Sunnah · Hadith
Distinct views
Prophethood · Jesus Jihad · Evolution
Mirza Ghulam Ahmad
Prophecies · Claims Writings
Literature
Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya · The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam · Jesus in India Noor-ul-Haq · Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge & Truth  · Victory of Islam Malfoozat · Tafseer-e-Kabeer  · Haqā’iq al-Furqān
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community
Successors of the Messiah: I · II · III · IV · V Jalsa Salana · Mosques · Jamia MTA International
Miscellaneous
Persecution · Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement · List of Ahmadis
See also
Ahmadiyya portal v t e

Mirza Masroor Ahmad (Arabic: ميرزا مسرور أحمد Urdu: مرزا مسرور احمد) (born September 15, 1950) is Khalifatul Masih V, the spiritual leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He was elected as the fifth successor of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad on April 22, 2003, a few days after the death of his predecessor Mirza Tahir Ahmad, the fourth Caliph for the Ahmadiiya Muslim Community. As the current Khalifatul Masih, Mirza Masroor Ahmad is guiding the Community through a time of widespread skepticism and animosity^{[citation needed]}towards Islam.

Early life[link]

Mirza Masroor Ahmad was born on September 15, 1950 in Rabwah, Pakistan, the global headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community at the time. Masroor Ahmad attended and graduated from Talim-ul-Islam High School and obtained his BA from Talim-ul-Islam College, both located in Rabwah. In 1976, Masroor earned his Master of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Ghana[link]

Having served the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in various capacities, Masroor Ahmad served in Ghana for over 8 years.^[1] He established the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Salaga, a school in the northern region of Ghana, where he served as principal for 2 years. His success with the school in Salaga made him an obvious choice as principal of the Ahmadiyya Secondary School in Essarkyir, located in the centreal region of Ghana. There he served as principle for 4 years.^[1]

After his tenure as principal, Masroor Ahmad was appointed as the manager of the Ahmadiyya Agricultural Farm in Depali located in the northern region of Ghana where he served for two years. He successfully planted and nurtured wheat for the first time in Ghana. The experiment of planting, growing and nurturing wheat as an economic crop in Ghana was exhibited at an international trade fair and the results were submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture of Ghana.^[1][2]

Pakistan[link]

Shortly after serving in Ghana, Masroor Ahmad returned to Pakistan and was made responsible for finances on March 17, 1985. He also served as the Director of Education within the Community in Pakistan and on December 10, 1997 he was appointed as Nazir A'ala (Principle Director) and local president until his election as Khalifatul Masih.^[1]

Imprisonment[link]

In 1999, a resolution was presented in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab which demanded that the name of Rabwah be changed because that name appeared in the Qur'an. The resolution passed without much debate and the name of Rabwah was officially changed to Chenab Nagar. Signage was placed in prominent parts of Rabwah which bore the new name. A few days later, a F.I.R. (criminal complaint) was filed accusing certain members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for erasing a sign which bore the new name as well a passage from the Qur'an. Though the complaint didn't mention any names, a case was registered, resulting in the arrest of Masroor Ahmad and a few other senior members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. They were imprisoned for 11 days with their bails being rejected but were eventually released on May 10, 1999.^[1]

Caliphate[link]

Masroor Ahmad was elected as Khalifatul Masih V on April 22, 2003 at 11:40pm GMT, a few short days after the demise of his predecessor Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Imam Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Secretary Majlis-e-Shura announced the results of the election that night as follows:

It is announced for the information of all members of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community that following the Maghrib and Isha prayers, the Majlis Intikhab Khilafat (the Electoral College) established by Hadrat Khalifatul Masih II, Musleh Maud (the Promised Reformer) convened at the Fazl Mosque London today, Tuesday 22nd April 2003, under the chairmanship of Respected Chaudhry Hameed Ullah Sahib. Pursuant to the rules and regulations, each member took an oath of allegiance to Khilafat-i-Ahmadiyya. After this, they elected the most respected Sahibzada Mirza Masroor Ahmad as Khalifatul Masih V. The members of the Majlis Intikhab Khilafat immediately had the honour of taking the pledge of initiation at the blessed hand of Hadhrat Amir al-Mu'minin Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah assist him with His Mighty help and Allah grant him a long life, and have also had the honour of meeting Hadhrat Amir al-Mu'minin.

Alhamdulillah. May Allah the Exalted in approval make this election most blessed. Ameen. Our Merciful and Gracious God! O our Noble and Loving Lord, we are grateful to You that You have bestowed us with Your Grace and the Second Manifestation and have once again changed our state of fear to that of peace. O our Possessor of Power and Authority and Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining God, we bear witness that once again Your Messiah and Mahdi’s prophecy as stated in the journal Al-Wasiyyathas materialised with full glory and magnificence.^[1]

— Ataul Mujeeb Rashed, Secretary Majlis-e-Shura, After the election of Khalifatul Masih V on April 22, 2003

Today he frequently tours around the world, visiting countries for the Community's Jalsa Salanas (annual gatherings). Masroor Ahmad also regularly leads prayers at Fazl Mosque in London, England, the current global headquarters for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community as well Friday prayers from Baitul Futuh Mosque, in Morden, London.^[1]

The Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper (left), sits next to Mirza Masroor Ahmad at the grand opening to the public of Baitun Nur, the largest mosque in Canada, on July 5, 2008

Caliphate Centenary[link]

On May 27, 2008, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community celebrated the centenary anniversary of the establishment of Khilafat.^[3] Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke at a large gathering of community members in the Excel Center in London, England and performed the International Bai'at with Ahmadis worldwide.^[4] This was relayed around the world via the Community's television channel, MTA with a live link up to Ahmadiyya, India, the birthplace of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad and original global headquarters before the partition of India in 1947.^[5][6][7]

A Jalsa Salana celebrating the centenary anniversary of Khalifat was planned in Qadian for December, 2008. This gathering was to mark the end of celebrations of the centenary. However, due to the Mumbai bomb-blasts and the resulting security situation, Masroor Ahmad canceled his participation in the gathering at Qadian and returned to London.^[8]

Message of Peace to Pope Benedict XVI[link]

On December 6, 2011, Mirza Masroor Ahmad sent a direct message to Pope Benedict XVI calling for the Pope to use his influence to encourage religious tolerance and the establishment of human values throughout the world.^[9]

Advising Ahmadis of the harms of Facebook[link]

He in many of his sermons has cautioned Ahmadis against Facebook.^[10][11][12]

However in his own words, addressing a question by an Ahmadi girl about Facebook, he has stated that:

I have never forbidden Facebook for any Ahmadi. I have only stated that it should be utilized, if needed at all, with common sense and proper use that doesn't go against the teachings of Islam. It has more bad things in it than benefits. Those who want to hear my advice should act upon it as it is better for them, and those who choose to refuse it can refuse it if they wish.^[13]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Warning of World War III and Message to Israel[link]

On March 5, 2012, Mirza Masroor Ahmad wrote letters to Israeli Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to avoid war between their countries and warning both the leaders that if this tension escalates it may turn toward World War III and involve nuclear weapons.^[14]

Discussion about a possible third world war is a repeated subject in his Friday Sermons of late 2011 and 2012, whereupon he went as far as to advise the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community to stockpile food for a month because he feels the war is imminent.^[15][16]

He also said in his epistle to Pope Benedict XVI on December 6, 2011 that:

Many small wars are going on in the world today and there is a need to stop them otherwise these could lead to a world war which could bring untold destruction. It is with regret that if we now observe the current circumstances of the world closely, we find that the foundation for another world war has already been laid. As a consequence of so many countries having nuclear weapons, grudges and enmities are increasing and the world sits on the precipice of destruction.^[17][18]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Warnings to Iran, USA and Canada[link]

He later sent messages to President Barack Obama of the USA, Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada, and President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran warning them of the destruction and ramifications of nuclear warfare, on March 25, 2012.^[19][20]

Condemning of Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia's Anti-Church Edict[link]

Khalifa of Islam condemning Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia's fatwa

On April 8, 2012, Mirza Masroor Ahmad condemned the fatwa (edict) of Abdul Aziz al-Shaikh, Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia calling for the destruction of all churches in Saudi Arabia and surrounding Arab states.

I was shocked and very saddened to learn that Saudi Arabia’s Grand Mufti has called for all Churches in the region to be destroyed. What he has said is completely against the teachings of Islam and must be condemned absolutely. We find that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) spent his entire life preaching peace, tolerance and justice. Thus there can be no other conclusion than to say that what the Grand Mufti has said is completely wrong and displays a complete lack of understanding of Islam on his part.^[21]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

He further quoted the Qur'an to justify his condemnation of the edict:

الَّذِينَ أُخْرِجُوا مِنْ دِيَارِهِمْ بِغَيْرِ حَقٍّ إِلَّا أَنْ يَقُولُوا رَبُّنَا اللَّهُ وَلَوْلَا دَفْعُ اللَّهِ النَّاسَ بَعْضَهُمْ بِبَعْضٍ لَهُدِّمَتْ صَوَامِعُ وَبِيَعٌ وَصَلَوَاتٌ وَمَسَاجِدُ يُذْكَرُ فِيهَا اسْمُ اللَّهِ كَثِيرًا وَلَيَنْصُرَنَّ اللَّهُ مَنْ يَنْصُرُهُ إِنَّ اللَّهَ لَقَوِيٌّ عَزِيزٌ

Those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is God’ — And if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down monasteries and churches and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of God is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty

— ^{[Quran 22:40]}

Inauguration of Darul Amaan Mosque (Abode of Peace) in Manchester, UK[link]

Darul Amaan Mosque, Manchester, UK

On 27th April, 2012, Mirza Masroor Ahmad inaugurated Darul Amaan mosque in Manchester, UK, with the full support of the Manchester City Council.

The mosque is reportedly the second largest in Western Europe and can accommodate up to 2,000 worshippers.^[22]

Controversies[link]

Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy[link]

On September 12, 2006, while Pope Benedict XVI was lecturing at the University of Regensburg, he quoted the opinion of Byzantine Emperor Manuel II Palaiologos, "Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached".^[23] The quotation drew criticism from a number of individual governmental representatives and Muslim religious leaders including Khalifatul Masih V Mirza Masroor Ahmad.

As the leader of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Masroor Ahmad disapproved of the Pope's view on Islam, stating that the Pope had been irresponsible and lacked knowledge of Islam. He explicated the 'inherent peaceful teachings of Islam' and the Qur'an and sought to remove misconceptions regarding Jihad and the Islamic Prophet Muhammad, in light of references made by European writers in his Friday Sermon on September 15, 2006.^[24]

2010 Quran-burning controversy[link]

The plan to burn the Qur'an by the Dove World Outreach Center on the 9th anniversary of 9/11 attacks was highly condemned by Masroor Ahmad at the Baitul Futuh mosque in London, England. He stated that "religious extremism, be it Christian extremism, Muslim extremism or any other kind, is never a true reflection of the religion".^[25][26] The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community also held a "Faith Day" with representatives of other faiths as a response to the Qur'an burning.

2010 Ground Zero mosque controversy[link]

In 2010, plans were being made to build a 13-story Muslim community center located two blocks from the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan, New York. Although the Park51 building would not be visible from the World Trade Center site,^[27] opponents of the project have said that establishing a mosque so close to Ground Zero would be offensive since the hijackers in the September 11, 2001 attacks were Islamic terrorists.

Mirza Masroor Ahmad commented on the plan to build a mosque near ground zero where he stated:

If a mosque is built at the proposed site, then the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community would like to see churches, synagogues, Hindu places of worship and places of worship of all other religions also built near Ground Zero. That would be a good example of how from an act of evil and terror has emerged unity and peace.^[28][29]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

Geert Wilders controversy[link]

Addressing Wilders directly, Mirza Masroor Ahmad said:

Listen carefully – You, your party and every other person like you will ultimately be destroyed. But the religion of Islam and the message of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) will remain forever. No worldly power, no matter how powerful and no matter how much hatred they bear towards Islam, will ever succeed in erasing our religion.^[30]

— Mirza Masroor Ahmad

In reply to the statement, Wilders asked Piet Hein Donner, Interior Minister of Holland if the government considered this a threat and if they would take any action against Ahmad. Donner replied that he saw no threat as Ahmad only threatened the destruction of Wilders through peaceful prayer and not violence, and that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community worldwide are known to be peaceful.^[31]

Response to persecution[link]

Lahore Massacre[link]

On May 28, 2010, two Ahmadi mosques in Lahore, Pakistan came under attack from the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan Punjab wing. The attacks were carried out nearly simultaneously at Darul Al Zikr Mosque in Garhi Shahu and Bait Al Noor Mosque in Model Town, both 15 km apart. Ninety-four people were killed^[32] in the incident (including one attacker) with 108 injured.^[33] Another attacker was captured by the worshippers.

Mirza Masroor Ahmad issued two press releases urging members of the Community to exercise patience and prayers and that in response, 'no inappropriate action would be shown by any Ahmadi'.^[34] He subsequently delivered a Sermon giving details of the two attacks followed by a series of sermons^[35] in which he paid tribute to each of the martyrs, detailing their services to the Community.

Muslim Television Ahmadiyya[link]

Following the achievements of his predecessor Khalifatul Masih IV, Mirza Masroor Ahmad launched an additional two channels on Muslim Television Ahmadiyya: MTA 2 directs special programmes in European languages such as English and German while MTA Al Arabiya broadcasts to the Arabic speaking communities in Middle East, North Africa and North America.^[36]

Writings and speeches[link]

Several speeches delivered by Mirza Masroor Ahmad in the form of Friday Sermons or speeches given at Jalsa Salanas or other conferences have been compiled into book format. One such book is the "Conditions of Bai'at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi" which details the importance of the Ten Conditions of Bai'at in reference to the teachings of the Qur'an and the practices of Islamic Prophet Muhammad.^[37]

Family, marriage and children[link]

Masroor Ahmad is the son of Mirza Mansoor Ahmad and the grandson of Mirza Shareef Ahmad, the son of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. His mother is Sahibzadi Nasira Begum, the eldest daughter of Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad, the second Caliph of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. Masroor Ahmad has two brothers: Mirza Idrees Ahmad (deceased) and Mirza Maghfoor Ahmad and two sisters: Amatul Qudoos and Amatul Raoof.

He married Sahibzadi Amatul Sabooh Begum, the daughter of Syed Daud Muzaffar Shah and Amtul Hakeem Begum (daughter of Mirza Basheer-ud-Din Mahmood Ahmad) on January 31, 1977. He has a daughter Amtul Waris Fateh and a son Mirza Waqas Ahmad.

References[link]

External links[link]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mirza Masroor Ahmad

• Preaching peace and tolerance in the face of persecution
• Ahmadiyya Muslim Community International

Published sermons[link]

The following is a list of sermons of Khaliftul Masih V that have been published in book form:

• The Conditions of Bay'ah and the Responsibilities of an Ahmadi
• A Response to the Pope's Remarks about Islam
• The Blessed Model of Prophet Muhammad and the Caricatures
• Islam - A Peaceful Religion
• Exemplary Compassion of Prophet Muhammad
• Speeches and Articles in the Review of Religions

v t e Ahmadiyya topics Beliefs and practices Five Pillars of Islam Six articles of faith Qur'an Hadith Sunnah Distinct views Prophethood Jesus Jihad Evolution Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Prophecies Claims Writings Death Literature Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam Jesus in India Noor-ul-Haq Victory of Islam Malfoozat Tafseer-e-Kabeer Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Successors of the Messiah: I II III IV V Jalsa Salana Mosques MTA International Miscellaneous Persecution Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement Category:Ahmadiyya Portal:Ahmadiyya

Nayanka Bell (born 1954 in Touba, Côte d'Ivoire)^[1] is an Ivorian singer who has released several albums, the earliest in 1984.

Biography[link]

Bell's early work was inspired by the Francophone Caribbean, and although her native tongue is French she sings in English.^[1] Her debut album, Amio, was released in 1984, with styles ranging from funk and disco to ballads.^[1] A second album in 1986, If You Came To Go, showed a greater Antillean influence.^[1] Bell is considered one of the top female Ivorian singers.^[2]

In 2000, she recorded a version of Serge Gainsbourg's "Je t'aime... moi non plus", with Congolese singer Koffi Olomidé and performed it in front of 17,000 spectators at the Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy.^[3]

In April 2009, Bell was critically injured in a road accident, prompting rumours to spread that she had died.^[4] She in fact survived the accident although her injuries were serious and required several operations.^[5]

Discography[link]

• Just a Boogie (1983) SIIS
• Amio (1984) Celluloid
• Djama (1984) Celluloid
• If You Came to Go (1986) Celluloid
• Visa (1994) SLP Editions
• Brin de Folie (2001)

References[link]

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