It is with deep sorrow and humble submission to the will of Allah the Almighty that I share the life story of my beloved grandfather, Mohammed Munif Sahib, who passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026. This account honours his faith, sacrifice and steadfast service to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, and the enduring legacy he leaves behind.

Our family’s journey also reminds us of the divine promise revealed to the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him): “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.”

Our Family’s Roots

The story of our family’s faith in Fiji spans generations, shaped by resilience, conviction and divine guidance. Our ancestors’ story reaches back to the era of Indian indentured labour in Fiji. My great-great-grandmother, Mohtarma Sakeena Sahiba, was a Muslim woman who married Parma Nand Sahib, a Hindu. After his passing, she took determined steps to preserve her children’s Muslim identity. She raised them as Muslims and gave each of them an Islamic name, laying a spiritual foundation for the generations that followed.

My grandfather was born on July 25, 1945. He was the eldest son of Haji Rahim Buksh Sahib, who later accepted Ahmadiyyat and played an important part in our family’s spiritual journey.

Accepting Ahmadiyyat

In 1960, missionary efforts gathered momentum across Viti Levu, Fiji’s largest island, including in Lautoka, Nausori and Suva. Sheikh Abdul Waheed Sahib, a scholar and Hafiz of the Holy Qur’an, had been sent by Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II, Mirza Bashir-ud-Deen Mahmood Ahmad (may Allah be pleased with him), to undertake missionary work and guide those seeking a deeper understanding of Islam.

In 1963, a missionary arrived in Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second-largest island and our family’s home. These efforts had a profound influence on my grandfather and his family, who were already engaged in religious reflection and discussion.

At the time of his marriage in 1964, my grandfather was still a Sunni Muslim. Shortly afterwards, through study, prayer and learning about Ahmadiyyat, he and my great-grandfather, Haji Rahim Buksh Sahib, accepted it. Their decision brought hardship, including social boycott and hurtful accusations. Some taunted them about their family’s religious background and their acceptance of Ahmadiyyat. Despite these pressures, they remained firm. My great-grandfather’s conviction was such that all his children followed his example and accepted Ahmadiyyat.

In 1965, my great-grandfather, my grandfather and his siblings formally took Bai’at, pledging themselves to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. Further opposition followed, and they were barred from praying at the local Sunni mosque. Despite this isolation, they remained steadfast in their faith.

A Legacy of Sacrifice and Service

Our family remembers this period for the establishment of Masjid Mubarak, the first Ahmadiyya Muslim mosque in Fiji, and the visit of Hazrat Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khan Sahib (may Allah be pleased with him) in connection with its inauguration. His planned visit to Vanua Levu could not take place, as he had to leave Fiji following the passing of Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih II (may Allah be pleased with him).

My great-grandfather made a substantial sacrifice to support the Jama’at’s work. Although he had eleven children, he donated eleven acres of his land to the Jama’at, one acre in the name of each child. This gift helped establish a lasting foundation for the Jama’at and remains a cherished part of our family’s history.

My father, Mohammed Akbal Sahib, my grandfather’s eldest son, was born into an Ahmadi family. He grew up benefiting from the courage and sacrifices of those who had accepted Ahmadiyyat before him.

My grandparents continued to serve the Jama’at by assisting missionaries and building relationships within local communities. They and their children accompanied missionaries on their journeys and provided food and accommodation whenever possible.

In 1981, while on a tabligh tour, my grandfather was involved in a serious car accident in which Murabbi Hafeez Sahib was martyred. My grandfather was critically injured, but after recovering, he resumed his service with the same dedication.

In 1983 and again in 1989, he was blessed to meet Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV, Mirza Tahir Ahmad (may Allah have mercy on him), during his visits to Fiji. In 1989, my father married Iftakhar Mahmooda Akbal Sahiba, daughter of Mohammed Ilyas Sahib, then Principal of Talimul Islam High School, and Quresha Bano Sahiba. This marriage further strengthened our family’s connection with Qadian.

In 1997, my grandfather travelled abroad, visiting London, Qadian and Rabwah. In London, he had his third mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih IV (may Allah have mercy on him). These experiences left a lasting impression on him. After returning to Fiji, he served voluntarily as National Secretary Maal for approximately eight years, until declining health limited his ability to continue.

In the early 2000s, he continued the family’s tradition of sacrifice by donating five acres of his land to the Jama’at, one acre for each of his children, for the establishment of Ahmadiyya Muslim College in Vanua Levu.

In 2006, he was again blessed with a mulaqat, this time with Hazrat Khalifatul-Masih V, Mirza Masroor Ahmad (may Allah be his Helper), during Huzoor’s visit to New Zealand. When Huzoor later visited Fiji, the home of my grandfather’s brother, the late Mohammed Shameem Sahib, was chosen for his stay.

Our connection with Qadian continued into another generation when, during Jalsa Salana Qadian in 2018, I married Amatul Batin Noor, daughter of Mahmood Kala Afghana Sahib and Amatul Naseer Bushra Sahiba. Her mother also served as Principal of Talimul Islam Senior Secondary School.

Love of Faith and Knowledge

Despite serious health challenges, including a stroke, diabetes and the loss of a leg, my grandfather continued to welcome missionaries into his home and spend time in conversation with them. By the grace of Allah, my grandparents remained steadfast in their service throughout his life.

In his free time, he loved to read and reflect. He took a particular interest in Islamic history, the relationship between science and religion, and the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at. His home office held an extensive collection of religious books, copies of the Holy Qur’an, works of Hadith and Jama’at literature. He also treasured photo albums documenting the development of the Jama’at in Fiji, took a keen interest in technology, and kept himself informed about local and world affairs.

His love of learning left a lasting impression on our family. He placed great importance on education and encouraged all family members, especially women, to pursue higher education. He believed that faith, knowledge and moral responsibility were closely connected, and this conviction helped shape our upbringing.

An Enduring Example

My grandfather’s life connected several generations: ancestors who preserved their faith, pioneers who endured opposition to accept Ahmadiyyat, and descendants who continue to benefit from their sacrifices. His example reminds us that faith must be sustained through courage, patience and unwavering trust in Allah.

He is survived by his wife, Tajma Bi Sahiba; three sons, Mohammed Akbal, Mohammed Hakim and Mohammed Shahid; two daughters, Hakim un Nisha and Sahidun Nisha; seven grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

May Allah the Almighty elevate his station, accept his service and sacrifices, forgive his shortcomings, and grant him a lofty place among His righteous servants. May He enable his descendants to remain steadfast in Ahmadiyyat, devoted to Khilafat, and committed to serving faith and humanity. Ameen.