This summary outlines the activities of the 12-member Majlis Ansarullah UK delegation, comprising Qaid Tabligh Usman Ahmed, Abdul Basit Nasir, Aziz Ahmad Tahir, Javaid Haider Hameed, Mohammad Ahmad, Mohammad Luqman, Muddassar Ahmad, Nadeem Ahmad, Parwaiz Bhatti, Waheed Ahmad, and Zia Ur Rehman Farooqui, during their Waqfe’Aarzi in San Jose, Costa Rica, Central America.
COSTA RICA – WAQFE’AARZI 2025
By the grace of Allah, Majlis Ansarullah UK undertook a pioneering Waqfe’Aarzi in Costa Rica to introduce the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in a country with no prior exposure to the Jama’at.
Under the direction of Sadr Majlis MAUK, Usman Ahmed Sahib obtained permission from beloved Huzur (aba) and coordinated the team’s selection from the National Amila, Regions, and Majalis. Twelve Ansar travelled via Canada and were joined in San Jose by Murabbi Marwan Gill Sahib (Argentina) and the newly posted missionary, Murabbi Arif Daud Sahib. Extensive advance planning was carried out. Tabligh material in Spanish was designed and printed in the UK, with each member carrying approximately 8 kg of material. A six-day schedule with assigned duties was finalised, and two vehicles were hired locally for transport.
DAY 0 — MULAQAAT AND TRAVEL Mulaqaat with Huzur Aqdas (aba)
The delegation met beloved Huzur (aba) after Isha the evening before departure. Huzur (aba) graciously prayed for the success of the trip, giving the team renewed motivation for the task ahead.
Travel to Costa Rica
The group travelled from London to Montreal (7.5 hours) and then to San Jose (5.5 hours). Their distinctive jackets sparked several positive conversations en route.
DAY 1 — LEAFLETING, STALLS & NETWORKING Morning Preparation
After a late-night arrival, the team began with Fajr, breakfast, and preparation of gift packs for government officials.
Leafleting
From 11am to 4pm, teams distributed approx. 3,500 leaflets in central San Jose. Costa Ricans proved receptive, around 70% accepted the leaflet, and several meaningful conversations took place before rain halted activity at 3pm.
Tabligh Stalls
Two tabligh stalls were set up in the city centre, attracting significant interest, especially from those curious about the Promised Messiah (as). Murabbi Arif Daud assisted throughout the day.
Networking
Murabbi Marwan Gill met key contacts including a former First Lady and a local lawyer, opening doors for further outreach.
DAY 2 — GOVERNMENT & DIPLOMATIC OUTREACH Delivering Huzur’s (aba) Letter to the President
The delegation met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Arnoldo André Tinoco, at Casa Amarilla. A formal letter from Huzur (aba) addressed to President Rodrigo Chaves Robles was hand-delivered, along with a gift bag including a copy of the Holy Qur’an.
Meeting with the UK Ambassador
Later, the team met the UK Ambassador, Ben Lyster-Binns, at his residence. He showed keen interest in the Jamaat’s global activities and received a gift pack including a Qur’an, the first he had owned.
DAY 3 — INTER-RELIGIOUS DAY FOR PEACE (UPAZ)
The team participated in an interfaith peace conference at the University for Peace (UPAZ). An exhibition was set up in the main foyer for two days.
The programme ran from 9am to 3pm on the theme: “The global crisis and religions: Are they part of the problem or the solution?”
Key features:
- Opening remarks by the Vice-Rector
- Welcome speech by Murabbi Arif Daud introducing the Jama’at
- Multiple academic & religious panel discussions
- Live translation provided
- Lunch with students, leading to productive conversations about women’s rights, community structure, and Islamic teachings
- A panel appearance by Murabbi Marwan Gill on “The contribution of religion to peace”
- Certificates and gift bags distributed to all guests
After the programme, Ansar continued networking and offered prayers on the university grounds.
DAY 4 — EXTENSIVE LEAFLETING & A BREAKTHROUGH MEETING
Leafleting
From 9am onwards, the team carried out a full day of leafleting in central San Jose. Conditions were favourable, allowing over 8,200 leaflets to be distributed. A stall displaying Spanish translations of the Holy Qur’an and literature attracted strong interest.
Breakthrough Meeting: Padre Sergio Valverde
Padre Sergio, one of Costa Rica’s most influential Catholic leaders, had met the team at the UPAZ event and invited them to his church.
Highlights:
- A warm reception by 30–40 children and staff, including welcome songs and greetings
- A full tour of the large humanitarian complex (orphanage, soup kitchens, elderly care, schools, student housing)
- In-depth discussions on collaborative projects, especially for indigenous communities
- Screening of a Humanity First video, which impressed Padre Sergio and his team
- Agreement to explore joint work with Humanity First and IAAAE
- Immediate arrangements for a televised interview through his media contacts
This meeting marked a major advancement in national-level engagement.
DAY 5 — INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY VISIT & RADIO BROADCAST
Visit to the Indigenous Community
The team travelled to meet a remote indigenous community living in extreme hardship. This was the first time Muslims had visited them.
Key points:
- Community welcomed the delegation with songs
- Jumu’ah prayers performed in front of them, followed by an introduction to Islamic teachings
- Q&A session on family values, education, and faith
- Names of children and women written in Arabic
- Distribution of 30 gift bags with educational supplies and hygiene kits
- A severe thunderstorm prolonged the gathering, enabling deeper engagement
- A visit to the local homes highlighted the community’s severe challenges (lack of clean water, electricity, and land rights)
The visit underlined future humanitarian priorities and reinforced the need for sustained support.
Radio Interview
Meanwhile, a separate team completed a live interview at the National University Radio Station. With approx. 550,000 listeners, this provided nationwide exposure. The broadcast aired again during the team’s return journey.
The trip represents a historic milestone for Majlis Ansarullah UK, establishing national-level links, interfaith engagement, grassroots outreach, media presence, and humanitarian pathways in a region previously untouched by the Jama’at.