APATA CIRCUIT MARKS WAQF-E-NOU AWARENESS DAY. PAGE 4 Jamia Ahmadiyya Nigeria Graduates 14 Ishaat Secretary, Akinreti bags PhD
Structuring Funds for Businesses in Islamic Finance. Care Of The Aged
MTA International marks 25th anniversary with historic reception Letter to Humanity
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Friday, 7th July 2017 (CE); 21 Shawwal 1438 (HQ); 12 Wafa 1396 (HSh); Vol. LXVIII, No. 3 NGN 150
NATIONAL PEACE SYMPOSIUM: 1
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1. L-R: Special Guest and Awardee, His Eminence John Onaiyekan; Archbishop Abuja, Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Nigeria, Dr. Mash’hud Adenrele Fashola; Naib Amir, Northern Region, Dr. Yakeen Habeeb; Acting Missionary-in-Charge, Maulvi Tahir Adnan ; Member House of Reps, Hon Mutiu Sadimu and Naib Amir, Special Duties, Engr. Ahmed Al-Hassan. 2. A cross section of dignitaries.
Sal at, Jumu'ah and Ramadan Page 3 Allah has commanded that we establish salat and guard over our salat. This is not only for the month of Ramadan but throughout the year. We are specially commanded to guard over the middle salat which means the salat which is difficult to offer. If Fajr prayer is difficult for someone to offer, than that becomes the middle prayer for him. The Holy Prophet (sa) has said: The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next, are an expiation for whatever sins come in between, so long as one does not commit any major sin.
Cardinal Onaiyekan wins Peace Award
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he 2nd annual P e a c e Aw a r d sponsored by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria in recognition of individuals and institutions actively involved in the promotion of peace in Nigeria has been won by the Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan. The investiture of Cardinal Onaiyekan was the high point of the 2nd National Peace Symposium held at the International Conference Centre, Abuja on May 20, 2017.
The Peace Symposium was part of the 3-day Jalsa Tarbiyya (Moral and Spiritual Training conference) for the 19 northern states organised by the office of the Naib Amir (Northern Region) Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb in collaboration with the eleven northern circuits and the support of the National Headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria. T h e Ta r b i y y a programme started with the Jumu'ah prayer led by the Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria, Dr. Mashhud Fashola.
This was followed by the opening session chaired by the Acting Missionaryin-Charge Nigeria Maulvi Tahir Adnan. Welcoming participants to the Jalsa, the Abuja circuit president Dr. Abdul Latif Busari expressed gratitude to Allah for enabling the Region to once again organise the annual event. He urged members to take advantage of the 3-day programme to improve on their spiritual status and to be their brothers keeper in all that they do as this is a panacea to peaceful coexistence in multi-cultural
and multi-religious society like Nigeria. Tw o l e c t u r e s w e r e delivered at the session. Alh AbdulGhaniy Oladipupo spoke on 100 years of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Nigeria and peaceful propagation of Islam, while Bro. Mutiullah Akinsanya spoke on Marriage in Islam: Rights and Obligations of couples. The session ended with an interactive Q &A forum moderated by Maulvi Khalil Ahmad,Muallim Misbaudeen and Bro Mutiullah Akinsanya. The second session was
devoted the peace symposium. The theme of the symposium which was Religious Co-operation and Mutual Respect: Pathway to National U n i t y, P e a c e a n d Prosperity was viewed from different religious perspectives by invited lecturers. In his welcome address, Dr. Yaqeen Habeeb noted that the relevance of the theme to current events in the country is not in doubt. He said the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Nigeria
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FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
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News Continued from Page 1
has carried out several developmental and peace initiatives aimed at promoting tolerance, brotherliness, and good neighbourliness among Nigerians. He added that the National Peace Symposium was
established to provide a platform for leaders of various religious groups to share ideas and foster brotherliness across the adherents of different faiths. Some of the eminent personalities at the symposium included Rev. Dr. Jonah Sam, chairman, Christian Association of
Nigeria (CAN) Abuja; His Grace, Most Rev Oche Job, Methodist Cathedral of Unity Abuja; Dr. Israel Abido, Rabbi,Melek Synagogue; Bibhatsu Das, Hare Krishna, Warri; Prof Taofiq Adesina of the University of Abuja; Dr. Abdul Lateef Owoade of the University of Ilorin and the award recipient,
His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan, the Archbishop of Abuja. The event was moderated by Alh Aliyu Baba Barau, Director of News, N i g e r i a n Te l e v i s i o n Authority, Abuja The third session of the Jalsa was chaired by Alh Mufadhil Bankole who is the Chairman of the
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National Jalsa Planning Committee of Nigeria. Papers presented at this session included The Importance of Mahdi and Isa in Islam by Muallim Sa'ad Salman and Essence of the institution of Khilafat-i-Ahmadiyya by Maulvi Abdul Azeem Ahmad. The 3-day event was
concluded with a lecture by Bro Mutiullah Akinsanya, titled Responsibilities of Ahmadis in Reformation of Self and the Society. Other important guests at the Jalsa was the Naib Amir (Special Duties) Alh Ahmed Alhassan and circuit presidents from across the northern states.
Jamia Ahmadiyya Nigeria Graduates 14
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ourteen students, some them from the Republic of Benin and the Cameroon Republic recently graduated from Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria's school of Theology (Jamiatul Mubashireen) Ilaro, Ogun State, after completing the 4-years missionary training programme. Presided over by the A m i r D r. M a s h h u d Fashola with dignitaries from Benin, Cameroon and most parts of the country, the ceremony witnessed the award of certificates and prizes for various achievements. I n h i s s p e e c h , D r. Fashola congratulated the new missionaries for choosing to dedicate their
hires for the cause of Allah. He urged them to serve as models for members of the Jama'at in particular, and the society at large. The Amir called the attention of the graduands to the decadence in the society and expressed the hope that they will strive to their utmost ability to propagate the true teachings of Islam as taught and practiced by the Holy Prophet Muhammed (saw) and reinforced by the promised messiah and the Imam of the age, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (as). He decried the wrong interpretation of Islam teachings by some so called scholars and urged the new missionaries to c o u n t e r s u c h
misrepresentation. standings who were the school, which is to create a constant touch with the Earlier in his welcome third set of graduands after peaceful inter-religious Khalifatul Masih and to address, the Principal, the upgrading of the atmosphere wherever they ensure that directives from the Khalifa are faithfully carried out. The Fourteen graduands were Abdul Raheem, Abdul Hakeem, Abladin Yahya, Abubakar Taofeek, Adam Daud, Adebayo Abdus Samad, Adetona Ridhwanullah, Ahmad Zakariyyah, Isa Ibrahim, Lawal Khalid, Modi Gado, Ogunsola Mubarak, Soyinka Ridhwanullah, Uthman Mukhtar , and Akewugberu Abdul Tawwab.
Maulvi Nadeem Ahmad Waseem expressed his satisfaction with the preferences of the
college. He expressed w e r e p o s t e d a s confidence in the ability of missionaries. the students to achieve one Maulvi Waseem advised of the objectives of the the graduands to keep in
Ishaat Secretary, Akinreti bags PhD
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h e N a t i o n a l M . P h i l i n M a s s from Babcock University. career when he bagged a Publication and Press Relations Secretary of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria, Qasim Olalere Akinreti, has been awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) by Babcock University Ilishan Remo, Ogun state. Dr. Akinreti had his first degree, a B.Ed in Special E d u c a t i o n (Communication and Language Arts) from the University of Ibadan in 1991. He attended Nottingham Trent University in the UK where he bagged his M.A. in Online Journalism C o m m u n i c a t i o n Dr. Akinreti reached the P h D i n M a s s in 2003. He earned an (Broadcasting) in 2014 peak of his academic Communication (with
specialization in Broadcasting) at Babcock University. The title of his thesis is: Political Interference and the Regulatory Role of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) in Nigeria. The thesis explored how the constitutional powers of the President as well as the statutory roles of the Director – General of NBC and the Minister of Education have constituted political interference in the operation of the NBC resulting in poor quality broadcasting and i n a d e q u a t e professionalism. His study has proposed a
review of some sections o the Nigerian Constitutio relating to the issuance o license to broadcastin stations. The thesis als recommended a trul independent broadcas media insulated from partisan politics. Dr. Akinreti who is th Managing Editor of Th Tr u t h n e w s p a p e r, i currently the Assistan Director (News), Voice o Nigeria, Lagos Bureau He was a recipient o Davis Foster Afric Journalists Award (2006 and the Poynter Medi Fellowship Award (2006)
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FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
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The Friday Sermon A summary of the Sermons of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V
Salat, Jumu'ah and Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan came and has already swiftly passed by. Despite the long days and intense heat – particularly this time round, even here hottest temperatures were recorded - and majority of the people or at least those of them, who met with me, expressed that they did not feel the fasting that much or that despite the severe w e a t h e r, t h e y f e l t i t relatively less. However, this alone is not enough, we should rather evaluate ourselves and see as to what we have achieved during these blessed days of Allah the Almighty. In these days, this month of Ramadan, Allah the Almighty descends from the seventh Heaven to the lower Heaven. Allah the Almighty, in these days, listens to the supplications of His servants by coming closer to them. In these days, Allah the Almighty Himself, becomes the reward for those who fast. In these days, Allah the Almighty shackles satan. What have we done to benefit from these acts of Grace and Mercy of Allah the Almighty? Or what resolutions have we made? What promises have we made in order to follow the commandments of Allah the Almighty, to live by His teaching and to forsake previous shortcomings and to what extent have we brought upon changes in ourselves? In fact, Ramadan is like a training camp. Ramadan has been prescribed so that you can increase in the good deeds that you are already acting upon. Every Ramadan that concludes, should have elevated us to new levels of worship and righteous deeds. Then we should become those who establish new and high standards of worship and righteous deeds. Allah the Almighty states: Watch over Prayers, and particularly the middle Prayer. Allah the Almighty is aware of man's nature and thus He has placed particular emphasis on the middle prayer. Salat-ul-Wusta means the middle prayer or the most important prayer i.e. such a time when the significance of that prayer increases. The reason is because during certain times of the prayers man gives preference to his personal work or for the fulfilment of worldly desires. Some people find it difficult to offer the Fajr [morning] prayer therefore to wake up in the morning to offer the Fajr prayer. Some owing to their work or business find it difficult to offer the Zuhr or Asr prayer and so the importance of that particular prayer increases... Allah the Almighty has drawn our attention towards prayer through various references and has not restricted
this to the month of Ramadan only. Regarding the prayers, Friday Prayers and Ramadan, the Holy Prophet (sa) has given an instruction which a believer and one who has the fear of Allah the Almighty in the heart should always bear in mind. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated: 'The five daily prayers, from one Friday prayer to the next Friday prayer and one Ramadan to the next Ramadan are an expiation for the sins committed between them, so long as one refrains from committing any major sins.' However, one should not infer from this that they are permitted to commit the lesser sins and that Allah the Almighty will forgive them. Rather, it means the errors which are committed due to human weaknesses but the observance of prayers, regularly offering the Friday Prayers and seeking repentance for sins and also pledging that one shall not commit that sin again, then Allah the Almighty forgives them. Regarding the importance of regularly observing the Friday Prayers, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated: 'Whoever intentionally does not attend three consecutive Friday Prayers, Allah the Almighty sets a seal on their hearts.' Allah the Almighty states: O ye who believe! When the call is made for Prayer on Friday, hasten to the remembrance of Allah, and leave off all business. That is
better for you, if you only knew. Thus, this is a commandment for every believer and one who proclaims his belief [in God] that he should make special arrangements for the Friday Prayers and should leave off all other work and business. Regarding those who attend the Friday Prayer on time and regularly, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated: 'On Fridays the angels are stood at every door of the mosque. They register the name of the first person who enters the mosque and continue to write the names of people who enter until the Imam sits down after delivering the Friday Sermon after which they close their registers and remain occupied in listening to the remembrance of God.' In another tradition, the Holy Prophet (sa) states: 'On the Day of Judgment, people will be sat before God Almighty in the order according to their attendance of the Friday Prayers' i.e. first, second, third, fourth, etc. Therefore, those who habitually come late to the Friday Prayer, they too need to pay attention to this. mosque. Regarding this the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa) is very clear. The Holy Prophet (sa) stated: 'To offer the Friday Prayer in congregation is obligatory upon the Muslims, except for four types of people: slaves, women, children and those who are ill.' Discoursing on forgiveness of sins in the interval between two Ramadans, the Holy Prophet (sa) says: Allah the Almighty forgives our minor sins in between Ramadans. Here, the Holy Prophet (sa) explains the ways to attain this forgiveness in a sequence. First there is Prayer, then Friday Prayer and then Ramadan. One who prays five times a day will bring him or herself closer to Allah the Almighty and these prayers will testify that 'Your servant presents himself before You out of fear and love, five times a day in prayer to attain forgiveness from major sins.' Then every Friday will bear testimony that 'After desisting from major sins for seven days, Your servant enters the day of Friday - which Your beloved Prophet (sa) said that it contains a time when prayers are accepted – and thus he presents himself before You while longing for the acceptance of prayer.' The month of Ramadan will testify, 'O Lord! Your servant enters Ramadan fulfilling its right, whilst desisting from sins and performing pious deeds, in the hope that the Lord will bestow on His servant the blessings of the ten days of mercy, forgiveness and attaining refuge from the hellfire.' Furthermore, particular attention is developed in Ramadan towards reading and listening to the Holy Quran. Where Allah the Almighty draws our attention to the importance of prayers and the different prayer times, there He also says: 'and the recitation of the Qur'an in Prayer at dawn. Verily, the recitation of the Qur'an at dawn is specially acceptable to God.' When reading the Holy Quran it is necessary to also consult the translation of the Quran so that it can be understood. This will enable us to grasp the commandments of Allah the Almighty. Reading the Holy Quran regularly is especially important in this day and age when those who call themselves Muslims have forgotten its teachings. The Promised Messiah (as) further draws our attention by saying: 'Those who honour the Holy Quran will be honoured in the heavens.' Always keep this importance of the Holy Quran in view and then never allow slackness in reciting the Quran to creep in. Similarly, the attention you have developed towards engaging in remembrance of Allah will only benefit you when you sustain this practice after Ramadan also. Other virtues and morals should also be adopted. We, Ahmadis, are fortunate that Allah the Almighty has enabled us to accept the Bai'at (pledge of allegiance) of the
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News
Apata Circuit Marks Waqf-e-nou Awareness Day.
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he 3rd annual edition o f Wa q f - e - N o u Aw a r e n e s s D a y organized by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Apata circuit recently concluded with a call to parents to pay special attention to the training of their children. The event, which was held on Sunday, April 26, 2017 attracted participants from within and outside the circuit. The event was presided over by the National Secretary Waqf e Nau, Alh Muslihudeen Ademoye and began with recitation from the Holy Qur'an by a young Waqf-eNou after which the English translation of the portion recited was read. Thereafter, a n o t h e r Wa q f - e - N o u presented Arabic Qaseedah of the Promised Messiah in praise of his master, the Holy Prophetsal. Similarly, a few stanza of Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas in praise of the Holy Quran was presented along with the meaning in English by three Waqifeen-e-Nou children consisting of a boy and two girls. In his welcome address, the Circuit Secretary Waqf-eNou, Bro. Taofeeq Hadi expressed appreciation to Allah for the opportunity to gather for the program, and also expressed his gratitude to the invited guests and all members of Apata Circuit including the Lajna for their presence. He reported that there are thirty-four Waqifeen-e-Nou in total, out
of which there are Sixteen Waaqifeen and Eighteen Waaqifaat. He added that five are Huffaaz, four have graduated from the university, while another four are currently in the tertiary institution. Another two are already working while one of them, a lady, was married recently. He mentioned that one of them is awaiting his call up for National Y o u t h Service. He further mentioned t h a t a medical checkup was arranged for f i f t e e n waaqifeen-eNou at Aisha Hospital and Eye Centre Apata, where all of them w e r e examined f r e e o f charge by the owner and Doctor In charge of the Hospital, Dr, AbdulLateef. Omoyele. He also stated that some of the children were visited during the various schools' Open-Day breaks, for an overview of their performances in their various schools as well as giving them the affection they deserve from the office. He applauded the head teachers of the schools for their cooperation and assistance. He also
reported that the circuit is making use of WhatsApp group platform to further teach the syllabus and disseminate information on the scheme. The chairman, in his opening address commended the circuit for its efforts and admonished parents to cooperate with each other in
regularly, recite and study the Holy Qur'an along with Jama'at publications and to always remember their status as ambassadors of the Jama'at, for which they must always manifest good conducts. Delivering the main lecture at the programme entitled Aims and Objectives of Waqf-
the upbringing of their Waqfe-Nou Child/Children to the standard set for them by our beloved Khalifa, Hadhrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaba. He emphasized the need for the mothers to be submissive to their husbands as there lies the secret of success for their children. He tasked the Waaqifeen-e-Nou to be hardworking and determined in their effort to excel in their chosen careers. He charged them to observe Salaat
e-Nou, Mu'allim AbdulHadi Babarinde who is the head of the Waqf-e-Nou Desk at the Jama't's Headquarters, explained that the scheme was initiated as a gift to the second century of Ahmadiyyat in Islam, in a bid to raising numerous life devotes for the triumph of Islam under the institution of Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas. He recounted the thirty year history of the scheme in the world and mentioned that the
scheme has now produced several serving Missionaries, doctors, engineers, teachers and researchers and this will continue InshaAllah. He bemoaned the fact that only a few of the grown up Waaqifeen-e-Nau in the country have presented their application for induction into the service of the Jama'at apart from those who have become serving Mu'allimeen or studying in Jamia Nigeria or J a m i a International Ghana. He a l s o implored the Waaqifeene-Nou to make the attainment o f t h e qualities enumerated by Hudhur in his Friday Sermon in Canada on October 26, 2016 their target. He urged the members to continue to support Waqf-e-Nou classes and activities in the circuit as success would be achieved swiftly where all members are meaningfully contributing towards the upbringing of Waaqifeen-e-Nou children along with their respective parents. He reminded all members that the opportunity to dedicate their expected child/children is opened and
they should endeavour to embrace it. Other invited guests also offered invaluable piece of advice to the children, their parents and all the members in attendance. Dr Omoyele urged the parents to pay attention to the general wellbeing of their ward while Alhaji AbdulGhaniy Daramola, the Co-ordinator of Ahmadiyya missionaries in Oyo state, tasked the National Secretary to search the records at the National Headquarters since its inception for more Waqf-eNou name The program came to a conclusion with a vote of thanks from the Circuit P resident–Alhaji Teslim Oniyide, who thanked the invited guests, donors and all members for their participation and sacrifices. He pray Allah the Almighty to reward each of them and beseech Allah to continue to strengthen Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih with His mighty Help. The children went home with customized caps for boys and hijab for girls and bags with food and drink package. Other dignatories at the event were the Circuit M i s s i o n a r y, M u ' a l l i m Dhunoorain Bello and his counterpart from Ibadan circuit, Mu'allim Abdul Hakeem Ariyo and Bro.Dikko Daud, the former Oyo State , Qaid Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya.
Dr. Enahoro elected World Veterinary Councilor For Africa
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former national World Veterinary Association ( W VA ) S e c r e t a r i a t i n president of the Councillor for Africa. Brussels, Belgium the Nigerian Veterinary In a press release dated June Nigerian Private Veterinary Practitioner was elected as WVA Councilor for Africa in the 2017-2020 Executive Council, whose tenure starts on August 30, 2017. It is the first time in the 154 years old organization that a Nigerian Veterinary Doctor would be representing Africa as a Councilor. The outgoing Councilor is Prof. Maria Antonieta Baptista from Angola. The official letter of notification states that “Following the outcome of the 2017 WVA elections, I'm delighted to inform you that you were elected for the position of WVA Councilor for Africa for the 2017-2020 Medical Association, Dr Gani 2 1 , 2 0 1 7 f r o m Wo r l d term. Congratulations! Your Enahoro, has been elected the Ve t e r i n a r y A s s o c i a t i o n term in office will start on
30th August 2017”. Dr. Enahoro contested along with two other candidates Dr. Clive Peter Marwick from South Africa and Dr. Berhanu Admassu Abegaz, an Associate professor from Ethiopia. Dr Gani Enahoro, a consummate professional, was the National President of Nigerian Veterinary Medical Association (NVMA), 20112013 and currently Vice President, African Veterinary Association (AVA), a position to which he was elected in 2014. In her congratulatory message, Prof. Baptista stated “I am sure that you will very well represent our Africa as you are one of the best bricks o f A f r i c a n Ve t e r i n a r y Association (AVA)”. I know that you will not face many
problems as an English speaker and also because no one will try any joke against Africans again”. In a similar vein, cocontestant, Dr. Clive Marwick wrote: “Congratulations on your election as a Councilor on the WVA. I have full confidence that you will be a great asset and represent Africa with passion”. Also WVA immediate past President, Dr Kechrid Faouzi, in his mail stated “Congratulations for your brilliant election. I am proud of you to represent the African Continent and AVA. Good luck and congratulation to the NVMA and all Africa.” Dr. Enahoro, who was honoured as the “Role Model of the Veterinary Profession in Nigeria” by the Faculty of Ve t e r i n a r y M e d i c i n e ,
University of Nigeria Nsukka in 2011, also bagged the Distinguished Alumnus award from his alma mater, F a c u l t y o f Ve t e r i n a r y Medicine, University of Ibadan in March 2017. He was the recipient of Award of Excellence from the Federal University of Agriculture Abeokuta in February 2016 for “Excellent contributions to Veterinary Enterprises in Nigeria”. Dr. Gani Enahoro, an Edo State born private Veterinary Practitioner and Managing Director of the 31-year old Gan-Rovet Animal Hospital Warri, Delta State, is the Naib Amir, (Deputy national Head) Eastern Region, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria.
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FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
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Features
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Hafiz Yunus Omotayo
The Contemporary Mainstream Muslim World, Absence of Khilafat and the Global Leadership Crisis – Pin-pointing the Pain and the Pay Points by: Hafiz Yunus Omotayo
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ntil its recent almost one hundred years of continuous drowning into the whirlpool of global leadership vacuum, the mainstream Muslim world had, in every age, always been headed by, at best, a global or, at worst, a regional, Khalifah or Sultan or leader who steered all ramifications of its affairs, settled its disputes and conflicts, and maintained and sustained its global unity, solidarity, harmony, peace and development. Unfortunately, however, ever since early part of the 20th century that the Muslim world lost the Islamic global leadership system or the Caliphate, it had not only had to confront with the challenge of its reinstitution, but also to battle with an array of resultant sinister effects of the conundrum which have turned the entirety of the Ummah into a hotbed of violent inter and intra-state feuds, intra-religious ideological skirmishes, political upheavals and absence of peace and security etc. Indeed, as Mahmood Ahmad Ghazi starkly noted, “The Muslim world is passing
through a crisis that has several dimensions. For it is at once a crisis of identity, a crisis of economic viability and political survival, a crisis of culture and civilization, and, above all, a crisis of thought and belief.”[1] This piece examines the almost centuryold-conundrum of the absence of global Khilafat system, the global leadership crisis bedeviling the contemporary mainstream Muslim world. It highlights the consequent sinister effects emerging as a result of this challenge [the pain points], and directs the global Muslim mind towards what it views as the Islamically prescribed way out of the challenge of leadership crisis [the pay points]. One Community, One Leader: The Hallmark of the Ideal Prophetic Era In the beginning ……. When the Ummah was what it ought to be! It is noteworthy that at the inception of its historical formation in the cosmic scene, the Muslim Ummah directly came under and enjoyed the visionary, revolutionary and prophetic leadership of the Holy
Prophet Muhammad [saw] who, on the strength of the Quranic teachings and the Prophetic mannerism, successfully established, organized and nurtured the socio-religious and politico-economic fabrics of the Ummah. Intra-religious and communal unity, solidarity, harmony, peace and prosperity etc., were all that characterized the commonwealth of that foundational age of the Islamic world. It was the beginning of the Islamic age of renaissance, and the state of the Muslim Ummah was what it ought to be! The Golden Classical Age: From Khilafat on the Precept of Prophethood to the Kingships and the Sultanates The subsequent incident of the demise of the Holy Prophet [saw] could only cause temporary fear and anxiety over the issue of succession to the prophetic leadership as there are available both Scriptural promise and Prophetic prediction for the establishment of Khilafat or successorship on the precept of prophethood necessary for the continuity and sustenance of the prophetic mission and leadership legacy.
Thus, the Quran declares: “Allah has promised to those who among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear. They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whose is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious.” [2] And, as related by Hudhaifa bn Yaman [ra] , the course which the trajectory of the Islamic global leadership system would take in the world had equally been prophesied by the Holy Prophet of Islam, [saw] who said thus: Prophethood shall remain among you for as long as Allah wills. He will then cause it to end. Then a caliphate will be established in the precept of prophethood which will last for as long as Allah wills. He Continued on Page 8
Structuring Funds for Businesses in Islamic Finance. I by: Hafiz Bello
slamic finance is a financial system that operates in strict compliance to Islamic principles and the Sharia. In previous edition, efforts have been made to discuss the dangers of Riba, Maysir and Gharar. Particularly, the need to avoid Riba in all dealings was emphasized with grave consequences for those who fail to abide by this injunction of Allah (SWT). Indeed, finance is central to all operations in modern economics, hence the need to understand how best to operate within the framework provided in Islam. Consequently, we shall be educating ourselves on ways to structure loans in line with Islamic principles. Some of the topics to be discussed in subsequent editions shall bother on practical implementations of investments in Islam in the light of Mudarabah, Murabaha, Musharakah, Ijarah, Istisna, Diminishing Musharakah, Sukuk, Service Ijarah, Takaful and QardHasan (benevolent loan), as well as other Islamic banking operational tips. Mudarabah. Mudarabah simply refers to a business relationship in which one party supplies the money and the other provides management expertise to undertake a specific trade. The party supplying the capital is called
RabbulMaal (owner of the capital) while the other party is referred to as a Mudarib (an agent who actually manages day-to-day operations of the business). Mudarabah can be used on any form of halal business that is agreed to by both parties. Profit sharing is quite unique in Mudarabah. The profits in a Mudarabah agreement may be shared in any proportion agreed between the parties beforehand. However, the loss is to be completely borne by the owner of the capital or RabbulMaal. In the case of loss, the RabbulMaal bears the monetary loss and the Mudarib only loses the reward of his efforts. However, there are opinions that the Mudarib can also bear a portion of the loss where the loss is due to absolute negligence, misleading information or incapacity to manage the venture he/she promised. Mudarabah can be individual or joint. Islamic banks practice Mudarabah both forms. In case of individual Mudarabah, an Islamic bank provides finance to a commercial venture run by a person or a company on the basis of profit sharing. The joint Mudarabah may be between the investors and the bank on a continuing basis. The investors keep their fund in a special fund and share the profits without
even the liquidation of those financing operations that have reached the stage of final settlement. Many Islamic investment funds operate on the basis of joint Mudarabah. In Sharia law, different duties and responsibilities have been assigned to the RabbulMaal and the Mudarib Roles of the Mudarib 1. Must be an individual or corporate organization who has expertise and cognate experience to fully run the business 2. Should be trustworthy and have clear business plan on the costs an operations of the business Role of the RabbulMaal a. As a matter of principle, the owner of the capital RabbulMaal does not have a right to interfere in the management of the business enterprise. b. Has every right to specify conditions that would ensure better management of his (their money) money. Practical example using the LNIF model. A client walks to Leeds Non Interest Finance (LNIF) for a Mudarabah project worth N500,000. 1. The Mudarib is required to complete LNIF form online. 2. LNIF team does independent
investigation on the details provided with key focus on halal nature of the business, viability, personality of the Mudarib in terms of trust element; genuine information, and reality checks, etc. This process in done by the Audit, Sharia Compliance and Finance Teams. 3. If the proposal passes the critical review phase, the Mudarib is invited for verbal interview 4. Necessary controls and profit sharing is agreed among the partners 5. LNIF purchases required equipment, location or other resources and make them available to the client. It is good to note that Islamic financing discourages giving cash to the Mudarib unless in unavoidable circumstances. In such cases, the Mudarib will sign an Agency Agreement to act on behalf of the RabbulMaal on purchases for the project. We shall continue on other models of financing in the next edition, insha Allah. May Allah continue to guide, guard and grant us wisdom to do the right things. Ameen
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HolyVerses The Holy Qur’an In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous. (chp.2 vs184)
A
Commentary
s the preceding verses contain a reference to patience in trials and sacrifices as well as refraining from disputes and temptations, the Quran here fittingly turns to the subject of fasting, which is a most effective means of self-discipline. The command to fast, whatever its details, is to be found in most religions in one form or another. The early devotions and fasting of Buddha (see Lalitavistara & Buddhacharita), the fasting of Moses, prior to his receiving the Ten Commandments (Exod. 34:28; Deut. 9 : 9), the fasts of Jesus before his receiving the heavenly call (Matt. 4 : 2), all testify to the importance of this institution. In fact, fasting is a form of devotion and self-discipline which has a natural appeal to man. " By the greater number of religions," says the Encyclopedia Britannica, "in the lower, middle and higher cultures alike, fasting is largely prescribed: and when it is not required, it is nevertheless practiced to some extent by individuals in response to the promptings of nature." The verse under comment, however, does not mean that fasting has been prescribed for the Muslims in the same form in which it was prescribed for the people of earlier faiths. Islam has greatly spiritualized this institution by attaching to it a number of highly useful regulations and restrictions. The clause, so that you may become righteous, explains the deep philosophy underlying the commandment relating to fasting. It is a special characteristic of the Quran that, whenever it gives an important commandment, it does not give it arbitrarily but also explains its usefulness so that the addressee may be convinced of, and satisfied about the wisdom underlying it. The object of or fasting has been stated in this verse as the attainment of righteousness. As explained in 2:3 the word taqwa from which the word tataqoon used in the present verse in derived means, to guard oneself against (1) harm and suffering, and (2) evil and sin. Thus the verse points out that the real object of fasting is, first, to be saved from harm and suffering, and secondly, to be saved from sin and evil. The first object is attained through fasting in two ways: (1) When a man commits evil deeds and becomes deserving of God's punishment on account of those deeds, but later feels ashamed of them and turns to God in repentance, then fasting serves as an atonement for his sins. (2) Fasting not only makes a man fit and able to bear hardships but also makes him realize the sufferings of his brethren in distress and feel sympathy for them. Thus fasting goes a long
way to remove and minimize the pains and sufferings of humanity. The second object, viz., that of being saved from sin and evil, is attained through fasting because, while fasting, a person has not only to abandon eating and drinking but also, to a certain extent, to keep himself aloof from worldly connections and to abstain from indulging in his desires, with the result that his thoughts naturally tend towards spiritual things. Spiritual men of all religions unanimously testify, on the basis of personal experience that a certain degree of severance from physical relations and worldly connections is essential for spiritual advancement and has a powerful purifying effect on the mind. On the other hand, it cannot be denied that to carry such severance too far is sure to weaken the body to such an undesirable extent as to render a person unfit not only to fulfill his social and religious obligations but also to withstand temptations which requires a certain amount of strength. Islam, therefore, follows the path of the golden mean. while it does prescribe a certain degree of abstention from material pleasures, it does not permit such a weakening of the body as should incapacitate it for performing its normal functions. This is why the Holy Prophet has forbidden continuous fasting, saying, "Your self has a claim upon you and your family has a claim upon you and your guests have a claim upon you" (Tirmidhi). On another occasion, he is reported to have said, " Verily, I am the most righteous of you all, yet sometimes I fast and sometimes I abstain from fasting, and so must you do" (Bukhari). Fasting also stands as a symbol for complete sacrifice. One who fasts not only abstains from food and drink, which are the chief means of sustenance and without which one cannot live, but also from going in unto one's wife which is the means of assuring ones future race. Thus he who fasts really expresses his readiness, if need be, to sacrifice his all for the sake of truth. Fasting indeed affords a wonderful training ground for man. It must also be noted here that this verse does not actually contain a command to fast, which follows in the verse coming after the succeeding verse. It only prepares Muslims for the coming commandment by saying that (1) the fasting which is going to be prescribed for them is not a new thing but was also prescribed for the people that had gone before, and that (2) it is a most useful thing which is sure to benefit them greatly. It will be seen that very often the Quran does not give a commandment all of a sudden but first prepares the ground for it by making some general remarks. In this connection see also 2:143-145 where a similar process has been adopted.
Hadith Sayings of the Holy Prophet (saw)
A
bu Huraira related that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon have his past sins forgiven. And he who passes Lailat al-Qadr in prayer with him) said: Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven. Whoever prays (Bukhari, Muslim). during the nights in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will
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Features
The Contemporary Mainstream Muslim World.........
will then cause it to end. Despotic Kingship will follow. Its rule will last for as long as Allah wills. He will then cause it to end. After this tyrannical monarchies will follow. Their rule will last for as long as Allah wills. He will then cause it to end. The caliphate will again be re-instituted on the precept of prophethood. Thereafter the Holy Prophet [saw] became silent. [3] Thus, today, pages of Muslim history books are replete with the accounts of how the foregoing promises have been fulfilled right from the day of the demise of the Holy Prophet which saw the emergence of the golden age of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs [632-661], followed by the successive epochs of the major dynasties of the Umayyads in Damascus [661-750] and the Abbasids in Baghdad [750-1258]. Similarly, the Sultanates of the Mamluks in Egypt [1260-1517], the Ottomans in Turkey [1283-1924], including a number of relatively regional dynasties of the Ummayads in Spain [929-1036], the Fatimids in Egypt [end 1171], the Safavids in Persia [began 1501], the Seljuks [ended 1194], the Ayyubis [began 1171] and the Mughals in India [ended 1857] etc. [4] Contemporary Mainstream Muslim World and the Dilemma of a Headless Body: The Pain Points Today, the contemporary mainstream Muslim world exists as a headless body, a disintegrated community with no single global leader. This state of affairs began when, in 1924, Mustafa Kamal Atau-Turk finally abolished the Turkish Caliphate that was hitherto holding sway over large territories of the Muslim world. There is no doubting the fact that, as A. M Ahmad noted, the abolition of the Caliphate left the Muslim World in confusion. This was because Muslim throughout history, identified their unity with this institution. It was hard for most Muslims to conceive the existence of the community without the institution of the Caliphate. But in reality they were politically too weak to organize themselves under a single leadership. [5] However, ever since this unfortunate historical development occurred, various Muslim leaders and scholars of various climes have been organizing series of conferences, establishing a number of movements and writing a number of voluminous books with a view to reinstituting the Caliphate, but have all failed ignominiously to achieve this objective. The renowned German Professor of Theology, Hans Hung, in his Islam: Past, Present and Future, gave a synopsis of the various fruitless efforts made in the past by the various Muslim leaders and scholars at re-establishing the Caliphate. He writes: A first option, which at one time was a reality, was whether it was possible to reunite all Islamic peoples, Arab and nonArab, in a great Islamic empire or a great Islamic federation. The classical period of Islam was when, under the 'Abbasids, all Islamic peoples from Morocco to India and
continued from page 6
Central Asia were held together by a common Islamic faith and the one caliph of Baghdad: this was the great time of Islamic law, Islamic philosophy and theology, the Islamic world culture. It is understandable that…. in the 1870s such Pan-Islamic ideas were developed on the Arabian Peninsula—to ward off European colonialism— above all by al-Afghani and his disciple 'Abduh. It is understandable that some organizations and parties strove later for a union of the different Islamic peoples, the Arabs, Turks, Persians and many others, under the leadership of the sultan in Istanbul. It is even more understandable that the Ottoman reform sultan, 'Abd al-Hamid II (1876–1909), should have gratefully taken up this Pan-Islamic idea to support his endangered claim to rule. However, at the same time this sultan suppressed the Arab national movement for precisely such political considerations. And when the Young Turks came to power in 1908–9 they opposed all Pan-Islamic efforts under the banner of Pan-Ottomanism—until the Ottoman empire collapsed in 1918 and the caliphate was abolished by Atatürk in 1924, so that Pan-Islamism lost its leading figure. Five Pan-Islamic conferences of religious scholars followed: in Mecca (1924), Cairo (1926), Mecca (1926), Jerusalem (1931) and Geneva (1935)—all without tangible results. After the Second World War, Pan-Islamism received fresh impetus with the foundation in 1949 of the Islamic World Congress in Karachi, in 1962 of the World Muslim League in Mecca and in 1970 of the Organization of the Islamic Conference in Jeddah as an umbrella organization for Islamic governments. However, none of these organizations was able to integrate the national liberation movements in the individual Islamic countries. In 1947, after the partition of India, Pakistan became the first independent Islamic state; others followed. The Islamic movements and conferences could at best spread the idea of solidarity among Muslims and warn of the need for a common solution to economic and social problems. But to the present day, the creation of an Islamic federation remains a daydream. [6] G l o b a l K h i l a f a t Va c u u m i n t h e Mainstream Muslim World – The Sinister Effects The Jewish Talmudic dictum: “Woe to the country which hath lost its leader; woe to the ship when its captain is no more,” [7] graphically represents a synopsis of the challenges, the conditions that invariable surface when a body becomes headless, when a community is bereft of its khalifah, its rightful leader. Such, indeed, is what has become the condition of the mainstream Muslim world of our contemporary times. As Professor Ismail Raji Al-Faruqi pathetically lamented: the world ummah of Islam is undeniably the most unhappy ummah in the world in modern times. Despite the fact that it is the largest in number, the richest in land and
resource, the greatest in legacy and the only one possessing the most viable ideology, the ummah is a very weak constituent of world order. It is fragmented into an endless variety of states, divided against itself, at loggerheads with other ummahs on all its frontiers, incapable of producing what it needs or consumes, of defending itself against its enemies. Above all, instead of being the ummatan wasatan (the median among the peoples of mankind) (Q. 2:142), which Allah ta'ala wished it to be, it is the prey of everybody. If it has made any contribution to the historical battle against disease, poverty, ignorance, hostility, immorality and impiety in modern times, it has been negligible. [8] Indeed, today, the Muslim world is known for its inner strife, division, selfcontradiction, as well as for its wars between Muslims and Muslims, its threat to World peace, its excessive wealth somewhere and excessive poverty elsewhere. On political front, the Muslims are divided; on economic front, they are under-developed and on religio-cultural front, illiteracy, ignorance and lack of earnestness have driven them into a blind alley. Stepped in superstition, mentally imprisoned by dogma, governed in daily life by customs and usages prescribed over a thousand years back, the Muslim is considered to be the “sick man” of the World today. All these deplorable factors have bedeviled the Muslim Nations of the World because of their forgetfulness of the Quranic Wisdom. The Teachers of such wisdom, the Ulama (scholars), are themselves on “sickbed”, and are unable to cure the ailments of others. [9] Adhering to the Global Muslim Community with a Single Global Khalifah or Leader: The Pay Points And, now, the way forward? Expediently, the fact that all the various previous attempts to re-institute a global caliphate have all met with no success; the fact that all existing Muslims' international bodies, e.g. Muslim World League, the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Conference etc. have all failed to effectively and efficiently champion constructive and productive global intra-religious and inter-state relations and co-operations within/for the Muslim world shows that every member of the mainstream Muslim world must now, more than ever, seriously consider the expediency of: [1] Assessing objectively and appreciating the fact that the Latter-day re-establishment of the Khilafat on the precept of Prophethood as predicted by the Holy Prophet [saw] presumed that this can only be actualized sequel to the emergence and then demise of a prophet of a sort; for, the emergence of a successor or Khalifa of a prophet must naturally be preceded by the emergence of a prophet who is to be succeeded. Thus, to realize this, the mainstream Muslims, the intelligentsias in particular, stand the task of critically reexamining the rationality of their concept of
finality of prophethood which postulates the non-coming of a prophet of any sort in the world again. Obviously, they have, by this belief, shut the very door through which they expect the Khilafat based on the Precept of Prophethood to emerge – here lies the dilemma. [2] Understanding and appreciating the fact that the establishment of Khilafat is the prerogative of Allah alone, merited only by any given global community of faithful and righteous Muslims, and cannot be actualized through human efforts of conveyance of ad-hoc conferences, establishment of movements, or the use of terroristic force as it is being attempted in some quarters by some radicalist-Islamistterrorists etc. [3] Looking around to discover and adhere to any existing globally organized Muslim community with a single global Khalifa or leader whose existence has passed the test of time, and whose global presence and influence enjoy a considerably high level of global followership with a hallmark of global solidarity, unity, harmony and sustainable peace and development pervading such an international community. The foregoing third point is very crucial as it is in line with the following Prophetic instruction as narrated by Hudhaifah bn Yaman [ra] and authentically reported in the book of Traditions thus: “The people used to ask the Messenger of Allah [saw] about good, but I used to ask him about evil lest it might overtake me. Once I said: “O Messenger of Allah! We were in ignorance and in evil and Allah bestowed upon us the present good [through you]; will there be any evil after this good?” He said: “Yes.” I asked: “Will there be good after that evil?” He said: “Yes, but it would be tainted with smoke [little evil].” I asked: “What will its smoke be?” He said: “There will be some people who will follow a method other than my tradition. You will see their actions and disapprove of them.” I said: “Will there be any evil after that good?” He said: “Yes, there will be advocates to the doors of Hell, and whoever accepts their invitation to it will be thrown in it [by them].” I said: “O Messenger of Allah! Describe those people to us.” He said: “They belong to us and speak our language.” I asked: “What do you order me to do if such a thing should take place in my life.” He said: “Adhere to the group [Jamaat] of Muslims and their Chief [Imaam].” [talzim jama'ata al-muslimeena wa imaamahum] I asked: “If there is neither a group [of Muslims] nor a chief [what shall I do]?” He said: “Keep away from all those different sects, even if you had to bite [i.e eat] the root of a tree, till you meet Allah while you are still in that state.”[10]
To be Continued in the next edition
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Op-Ed The
H
umility should be one of the transcendental characteristics of a Muslim irrespective of his status in life. Pride and arrogance have led the ruin and downfall of many a renowned leader both in this world and in the world to come. Humility should begin in the home as enjoined in the Holy Quran: And lower to them (parents) the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say: 'My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child. (17:25) A Muslim should not boast, brag and be proud of himself. He should be humble, angelic and willing to admit his shortcomings. The Holy Prophet of Islam has said: Be humble one to the other, let none be unjust to another, and let none pride himself over another. Indeed, Allah loves not the proud: Surely, He loves not the proud. (16:24) Allah loves not an arrogant boaster
The
Truth
(31:19) The most hateful of noises is the braying of an ass. (3:20) It is human nature that everyone appreciates praise, but it turn to pride if one seeks by one way or another to draw praise from others. Humility requires that we recognise at all times that all praise is due to Allah who has granted us certain talents and abilities to operate them for our own advantage and success. We should, therefore, always have in mind the second verse of the Holy Quran: All Praise belongs to Allah alone,
Lord of all the worlds. May we always strive to be humble, meek, modest and simple in every aspect of life fully conscious of the fact that Allah is displeased with those who are proud, aloof, aggressive and conceited. let humility be a watchword with us for it is a virtue requiring constant attention in every walk of life.
AHMADIYYA MUSLIM JAMA’AT NIGERIA “ Dost thou not see how Allah set forth the smilitude of a good word? it is like a good tree whose root is firm and whose branches reach into heaven. It brings forth its fruit at all times by the command of its Lord. And Allah set forth smilitudes for men that they may reflect.” - Q chp 14:25-26
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Hazrat Mirza Masroor
, L-R: Circuit Missionary Agege, Ustaz Abdul Fataah Edun; Coordinating Missionary, Ota and Owode Circuits Ustaz Taoheed Shoboyede; Moderator of the Tafsir and former Lagos State Missionary, Muallim Qasim Oyekola; Zaim 'Ala Agege Dil'a, Majlis Ansarullah, Abdul Hafiz Omoyele; Lagos State Missionary, Muallim Abdul Qahar Olowonmi and Dr Abdul Mojeed Bello from University of Uyo, during the end of Ramadan Tafsir organised by Ahmadiya Muslim Jama'at Lagos State at Ojokoro.
Ahmad Khalifat-ul-Masih V delivering the key-note address to mark the 25th a n n i v e r s a r y o f M TA International.
L-R Acting Missionary-in-Charge, Maulvi Adnan Tahir; Oba Semiu Oyero Onijale of Ijale Ketu; The Lecturer, Utaz Muhammed Waa'z Apooyin; Amir Dr Mash'hud Adenrele Fashola; Personal Assistant to Amir, Muallim Muhyiddeen Dikko and Oba Mikaila Salako, Adodukun of Igan Okoto, at the 7th Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Aiyetoro Circuit in Ogun State.
First and second year students of Female Hafiz school Ilaro on excursion to Ikogosi warm springs in Ondo State.
Across section of members at the Lagos State Ramadhan Tafsir held in Ojokoro. All Photos by Isa Bayoor Ewuoso
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Features Rejoinder to Imam Sulaiman A.k.a. Mario Joseph Continues from last edition
Christ said, he would only give a sign or miracle from the Bible. According to the Bible Mathew 12:39-41, Christ promised to only perform the miracle of Prophet Jonah and no other miracle. Mathew 12:39-41 goes thus: “An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign; but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of the Prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights, in the belly of the whale, so will the son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.” From the above quotation, Christ promised not to perform any miracle except the miracle of Prophet Jonah. In other words, all the miracles of Christ i.e. healing the sick, restoring the sight of the blind and raising the dead etc. did not take place. That is exactly what the above quotation means. Christ said he would only perform one miracle and that was the miracle of Prophet Jonah. Was the Ascension (physical raising to heaven) of Jesus mentioned in the Holy Quran? No. It was not. Mario Joseph claimed Jesus ascension was mentioned in the Quran. He quoted Q50:23. On checking, nothing like ascension was mentioned there. He must have misquoted it. He must be referring to Q3:56. It goes thus: “O Jesus, I will cause you to die (a natural death) and will exalt you (your soul) to Myself….” From the above quotation the death of Jesus comes first before exaltation to Allah and so where was Jesus physical raising up to heaven mentioned. Therefore there is nothing like Jesus (or Mary) ascension to Heaven in the Holy Quran. Besides, God is immaterial and has no fixed point. Where is the direction of God if I may ask? Jesus Christ is Dead If Jesus Christ is not in heaven, where is he? According to the Holy Quran Jesus Christ is dead and is no more (1) See Quran 3:145. It goes thus “Muhammad is only a messenger. Surely all messengers before him have all passed away (i.e. were all dead). God did not say except Jesus or any other prophet for that matter. (2) See also Quran 5:117. It goes thus: “And when Allah will say, 'O Jesus son of Mary, did you say to men, 'Take me and my mother for two gods besides Allah'. He will answer 'Holy are you, I could never say that to which I had no right. If I had said it, you would have surely known it. You know what is in my mind and I know not what is in your mind. It is only you who are the knower of hidden things. 'I said nothing to them except that which you did command me – Worship Allah, my Lord and your Lord and I was a witness over them as long as I remained among them, but since you did cause me to die, you have been the watcher over them and you are witness over all things” The above Quranic verse proved the death of Jesus as well as that Jesus did not claim to be God. But Mario Joseph cleverly ignored this as well as Q3:45 stated above. Even according to the Bible, Mathew 19:16-17, Jesus denied he was God: “One came and said to him, Good master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And Jesus said to him, why do you call me good? There is none that is good but one, that is God…” Here Jesus denied being God. He said he was not good. And that only God is good. Thus Jesus is only a humble prophet of God.
By: Alh. M. M. Giwa
Truth is distinct from Falsehood' to remove any doubt Jesus, Son of God or Slave of God according to the remaining. Quran? M a r i o J o s e p h s a i d a c c o r d i n g t o t h e Jesus did not die on the cross Quran,Muhammad and Muslims are slaves of God but that From my above, I mentioned that according to the Jesus is son of God and has the power to turn Christians to Holy Quran, Jesus is dead. According to the Bible too, children of God. Mario Joseph is being mischievous and Jesus survived the crucifixion. He escaped and travelled dishonest. For it is clearly stated in the Holy Quran too that to the Indian subcontinent in search of the 10 lost tribes of Jesus is a slave of God. See Quran 4:173. Israel, who had been enslaved by Nebucadnezar and taken to India where they settled. Christ met and preached 'Surely, the messiah (Jesus) will never disdain to be amongst them. They accepted him and he died in their a slave of Allah nor will the angels near (unto God)'. midst. (See Jesus in India by MirzaGulam Ahmad.Link Al-islam.org). Modern research has discovered the tomb In other words, Jesus will never feel ashamed to be a of Jesus in Kanyar Street, Srinagar, Kashmir India. And so slave of God, and the Angels who are near to Him. Mario Christ is dead like other prophets of God and is no more. Joseph knew this but pretended as if nothing like that If you want to read more about Christ's escape from the existed in the Holy Quran. Therefore all human creatures cross, his journey to India and pictures of his Tomb, see of God including Jesus, Moses, and Muhammad are all this link https//www.alislam.org/topics/Jesus. slaves of God. My intention is not to prove the superiority of the Is Muhammad in doubt about the Quran or Islam? Holy Prophet Muhammad over Jesus Christ in this According to Mario Joseph, he said Quran 10:94 rejoinder but I would like to quote 2 or 3 renowned says 'If Muhammad is in doubt about the Quran or his Christian Historians expressing their views about religion, he should ask those who have been reading the Muhammad. scriptures (i.e. Jews and Christians). No, it is not so. a) Thomas Carlyle in Heroes and Hero worship and Mario Joseph and other Christians are reading the verse Heroic in History said 'The lies which well-meaning zeal out of context. If you read the verse in context, you will has heaped round this man (i.e. Muhammad) are understand it to mean, 'if you (or any reader of the Quran) disgraceful to ourselves only'. It is the same lies Mario are in doubt about the Jewish scriptures, ask those who Joseph is spreading round. have been reading the scriptures. The passage is talking b) Michael Harthin the 100: A ranking of the Most about Pharaoh, Moses and Israelites. How would Influential Persons in History, New York 1978 said: Muhammad be in doubt when God has assured him in Quran 5:4 thus: 'My choice of Muhammad to lead the list of This day have I perfected your religion for you and world's most influential persons may surprise some completed my favour upon you and have chosen for you readers and may be questioned by others. But he was the Islam (Peace) as your religion; only man in history who was supremely successful on also Quran 3:86 proclaims thus: both the secular and religious level. It is probable that the 'And whoso seeks a religion other than Islam, it shall not relative influence of Muhammad and Islam has been be accepted from him, and in the hereafter he shall be larger than the combined influence of Jesus Christ and among the losers'. Saint Paul on Christianity. It is this unparalleled combination of secular and religious influence which I Is it commanded in the Holy Quran to fight and kill one feel entitle Muhammad to be considered the most who rejects Islam? influential single figure in human history'. According to Mario Joseph, the Quran said Muslims should kill one who rejects Islam and that was c) Alphonso de La Martaine in Historic de la Tuque why his father tried to kill him when he converted to Paris 1854said 'If greatness of purpose, smallness of Christianity. This is far from the truth. There is no place in means and astonishing result are the three criteria of a the Holy Quran where a Muslim is asked to kill a non- human genius, who could dare compare any great man in Muslim (whether he rejects Islam or not). Mario Joseph history with Muhammad? did not quote any verse of the Quran to support his view but Bible Thumpers usually quote Quran 2:192 (in part) 'And Philosopher, Orator, Apostle, Legislator, kill them wherever you meet them…' to support their false Conqueror of ideas, Restorer of Rational beliefs.The statement. But this is part of a sentence and is quoted out founder of twenty terrestrial empires and one spiritual of context. Let's examine Quran 2:191 and 192 for better empire. That is Muhammad. As regards all standards by understanding. which human greatness may be measured, we may well ask is there any man greater than he?' 'And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not No, indeed there is no man greater than him. the transgressors. Mario Joseph claimed the Holy Quran converted And kill them wherever you meet them and drive them him (from Islam) to Christianity. The Holy Quran was out from where they have driven you out, for persecution is revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad but it did not worse than killing…. convert him to Christianity. Rather Muhammad was able to convert hundreds of thousands of Christians to Islam 'And kill them' from above refers to transgressors before his demise and millions of Christians were and not non-Muslims. And it refers to a war situation converted to Islam by Muhammad's followers after his (battle field). In the battle field or war front, if you don't demise and it is still ongoing. For Islam is said to be the kill your enemy, your enemy will surely kill you. And so, Wo r l d ' s f a s t e s t g r o w i n g r e l i g i o n , ( v i d e God commanded Prophet Muhammad to ensure freedom http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/16/world/Islam.fastestgr of worship so that persecution will be eliminated. owing-religion/tmd/). Furthermore, the Quran 2:257 says: In the end, all praise is due to Allah, Lord, Cherisher and 'There should be no compulsion in religion. Surely, Sustainer of all the worlds. Concluded
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OBITUARY ALHAJI AHMED AYINLA ADEGBOLA
W
ith a heavy heart but with gratitude to Almighty Allah, the families of Adegbola and Giwa of Kuje-Amuwo and Festac branches of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at wish to announce the demise of their beloved father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and father-in-law, Alhaji Ahmed Ayinla Adegbola on the 25th May, 2017 at the age of 88. He was buried the same day in accordance with Islamic rites. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi rajiun. Alhaji A.A. Adegbola was an educationist and a disciplinarian, and that was why he sent most of his
children to the popular May Flower Primary and Secondary Schools, (Senior) Ikenne where they were tutored by the renowned Nigerian Educationist, Dr Tai Solarin of blessed memory. He taught several pupils/students in various schools including Ahmadiyya Schools. Before his demise, he was the proprietor of Asmorial Islamic Nursery and Primary School, (Junior) 3 Ajose Street, Maza –Maza, Kuje-Amuwo - Lagos. The deceased was a devoted Ahmadi Muslim. He was a Moosi. He was the pioneer President of Ahmadiyya Muslim
Jama'at Festac and Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Kuje-Amuwo respectively. He was also former national financial Secretary of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama'at Nigeria. Alhaji A.A. Adegbola was an amiable and selfless person who loved solving other peoples' problems. He is survived by: (a) Children: Ismail Adegbola, Kamaldeen Adegbola, Isiaka Adegbola, Mrs Khadija Sanusi, Mrs Hajara Hamzat, Mrs Habibat Sanusi, Mrs Surajat Hassan. (b) Grand Children: Mrs BarakatAkinsiku, Hafiz Mudathir B. Giwa,
Hafiz Ahmad Giwa, Mrs Fatima Ekundayo, Miss Khafila Adegbola ,Mustapha Sanusi and others. (c) G r e a t G r a n d Children: ,Rahima Akinsiku, Mubashir K. Giwa, Mujib Sanusi and others. (d) Son-In-Law: Alhaji M.M. Giwa, Mr Mikail Sanusi, Alhaji Abdul Azeez Hamzat, and Mr. Sheriff Hassan. May Allah (SWT) forgive his sins and grant him Aljana Firdaos. ALHAJI M.M. GIWA For the families
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Features 101 Questions About Christianity by Saleem Ahmad
1. If Jesus' mission was to the lost sheep of Israel, why was it confined to Palestine where only two of the original tribes had settled? Did that mean that Jesus had failed in his mission? 2. Why should Jesus specifically forbid, on the one hand, preaching the Gospel to the Gentiles (Matthew 7:6, 15:24,26) and yet on the other, tell the disciples to teach all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost? (Matthew 28:19) 3. Why did Jesus prohibit the Gospel from being preached to the Gentiles during his ministry (Matthew 10:5, 7:6, 15:24-26) but after his 'resurrection' tell them to preach the Gospel to the whole world? (Mark 16:15) If Jesus really had made the latter statement why was there such a fierce debate within the early Church (and particularly between Peter and Paul) as to whether the Gospel should be preached to the Gentiles? (Acts 15:6-30) 4. Out of all the signs that Jesus could have given about himself, he chose to give the sign of Jonah: This generation is an evil generation; it seeks a sign but no sign shall be given to it except the sign of Jonah. (Luke 11:29, see also Matthew 12:39, Matthew 16). Jonah was swallowed alive by a whale and remained in its belly alive for three days. For Jesus to have properly fulfilled the prophecy, he would need to enter the tomb alive and come out alive. Why should Jesus give this, of all signs, if he was to die and be resurrected? 5. If Jesus' message was for the whole of mankind, why did he forbid his disciples to preach to the Gentiles? (Matthew 10:5-6) 6. When Jesus was asked what the only way was to true salvation, he replied: keep the Commandments (Matthew 19:17). The first of the Commandments was to believe in the Oneness of God (Exodus 20:3). Why did Jesus answer so if he believed in and was part of the Trinity? Why did he not refer to the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost? 7. Jesus said that he had not come to change the Law of Moses (Matthew 5:17). The Law of Moses teaches that there is one God (Exodus 20:30). If Jesus was introducing the concept of Trinity, why did he not say that he was changing the Law of Moses or introducing a different understanding of it? 8. Jesus prophesied that men of his generation would not pass away without witnessing his second coming and the falling of stars (Mark 9:1, 13:30). Why was this prophecy unfulfilled? Why was it that Jesus did not return within the lifetime of his generation? 9. Why did Jesus forbid the disciples from calling people fools yet called the Jewish leaders with names like vipers and children of adultery. Is it conceivable that a Divine Being would behave in this way? 10. According to Luke, when the Jews tried Jesus they asked him Are you the son of God? Jesus replied you say that I am (Luke 22:70) which could
was something he came to tell the world, why did he not plainly say yes instead of couching his answer in ambiguous terms? 11. In the Old Testament, the term Son of God was applied to David (Psalms 89:27), the nation of Israel (Exodus 4:22) the children of Israel (Psalms 82:6) and Solomon (1 Chronicles 22:10). Jesus also used it for the peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). If Jesus was referring to himself as the Son of God in the literal sense, why did he not make it clear that he was differentiating between a symbolic reference and a literal meaning of the term? 12. Jesus was the Messiah, the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecies. He frequently made reference to himself as the suffering servant foretold in the Book of Isaiah (Matthew 8:17/ Isaiah 53:4; Luke 2:30/ Isaiah 52:10; Luke 22:37/ Isaiah 53:12). The Messiah of the Old Testament was, however, promised by God that he would not be killed (Psalms 34:19, Isaiah 53:10). How was it, therefore, that the Jews had succeeded in killing the Messiah if Jesus died on the cross? 13. If Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him, why did he continue to permit him as a disciple? Why did he not tell the other disciples so that Judas could be excluded from his closest circle of followers? 14. If Jesus knew that one of his disciples would betray him, why should he say that all twelve disciples would sit upon twelve thrones? (Matthew 19:28). 15. If Jesus knew that he was to die on the cross, why did he spend all night praying in the Garden of Gethsemane seeking deliverance: Father if it is possible may this cup be taken from me? (Matthew 26:39). 16. Jesus had taught that man's prayers are answered (Matthew 21:22). Why was not Jesus' prayer answered in the Garden of Gethsemane? What effect would this incident have on the faith of his disciples and followers to see that a prayer had not been answered contrary to what Jesus had taught? 17. If Jesus believed that his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane would not be heard why did he tell his disciples earlier that prayers are answered?: Would any of you who are fathers gives your son a stone when he asked for bread (Matthew 7:9-10) which means that God hears the prayers of man more than a father answers the wishes of his children and Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you, and whatever you ask in your prayers, you will receive, if you have faith. (Matthew 21:22; see also John 11:41, 42) 18. If Jesus' Prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane was not to be heard, why was it something that he wanted the disciples to witness? If the prayers was not be heard, what useful purpose does this story serve? 19. Why should Matthew, Mark and Luke all report (Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:36, Luke 22:42)
passed if possible yet John (John 18:11) reports that Jesus hastened for the crucifixion saying shall I not drink the cup the Father hath given me? 20. Why did Pontius Pilate just simply ignore his wife's plea to have nothing to do with Jesus on account of her bad dream? (Matthew 27:19) If the vey mission of Jesus was to suffer death why should God Al-mighty show a dream to Pilate's wife which would cause her to try and persuade her husband to release Jesus? Would not that appear to counter God's own plan? 21. If Pilate really wanted Jesus to die on the cross, why would he fix the crucifixion of a Friday evening knowing that the Jews would have to take him down before the Sabbath and that such a little time on the cross was insufficient for him to die? 22. If Jesus knew all along that he was destined to be crucified to death (indeed if that was his purpose in life) why did he exclaim on the cross Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani meaning my God why hast thou forsaken me?(Matthew 27:46) 23. If Jesus was about to die how was he able to say in a clear loud and audible voice that he was thirsty? (John 19:28) 24. Why are Jesus words on the cross: Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani (Matthew: 27:46) reported in their original Aramaic form? Could it be that Jesus' helpless cry left such a vivid impression of a man seemingly bereft of hope that anyone who heard them would remember the exact words? 25. Vinegar is often considered to have a stimulating effect, rather similar to smelling salts. Why, in Jesus' case, did it suddenly lead to his death? (John 19:29,30). 26. How could an onlooker tell the difference between a man on the cross who had died and a man who had fainted (Mark 15:39) particularly when it is reported that it was dark at that time?(Mark 15:33, Matthew 27:45, Luke 23:44). 27. If Jesus was dead when he was removed from the cross, why did his body release blood and water, since blood does not flow at all from a dead body? (John 19:34). 28. Why did Jesus die before the other two who were crucified with him even though the legs of the other two were broken to hasten death? (John 19:32). 29. It is reported that dead saints came out of their graves and made themselves known to many (Matthew 27:52). When the Jews saw this, why did they not immediately profess faith in Jesus? Where did these saints go? Who did they see? Why is there no account of this story elsewhere other than in Matthew's Gospel? 30. If the above story of saints rising from the dead is not based on an actual historical event what other statements are there in the Gospels which are not based on actual historical facts?
To be continued in the next edition
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Features
Letter to Humanity By: R.S.A BANJO
T
he Holy Quran, the scriptural book of the Muslims is that last revealed religious law sent to the whole world for the guidance of all people by Allah. It is a compendium of all former laws revealed to the chieftain of prophet-hood, Muhammad (saw) who has come as the last law bearing Messenger of Allah. Thus, the Quran comprises all the truth inherent in previous scriptures and acting as Discrimination between them. It thus separates the truth from falsehood and fables. The Holy Quran among other things contains accounts of the creation of the heaven and earth and of the world to come. It gives an insight into heaven or paradise promised the righteous and the hell for the wicked and the unrighteous. It records stories about ancient prophets and the attitude of the people to whom they were sent, highlighting the verities and high points of those events, which former Books had talked about but in parts. The Quran contains subjects relating to science and hidden knowledge which are beyond human comprehension, reasoning and imagination which exposition modern scientist are acknowledging. Quran is an all embracing Book which has not left out anything needed by man to know of the present, the future and the world to come-Resurrection. The Quran is a wonderful Book whose recital and rendition it so unique that it entrails not only the reciters but the listeners too. The Quran does not subscribe to the use of musical instruments or other accompaniment to give it rhythm because it is naturally endowed with it. Whichever tongue is reciting the Quran, a listening ear will always find musical melodies and rhythm embedded in it and the consciousness of the mind testifying to the truth of the narratives as one coming from the On-High, who is the AllKnowing and the Wise, And a Book beyond the ken of Human conjectures. Its recitation is in measured, articulate tunes and vocabularies. The Holy Quran was revealed to an unlettered personality, Muhammed (saw), raised from among the most back- ward people of the then known world. He came with the book, taught them the Quran and knowledge; he purified them and raised his people from the lowest rung of ignorance to the pinnacle of excellence and eminence. Muhammed (saw) taught them, and the world at large, the art of the true worship. He brought people from the 2 west and the 2 East to the threshold of one true God in spirit and commonality. He did not only bring the Quran but demonstrated the practicality of its laws, dictate verities of the revealed Book. Mohammed (SAW) was the vantage and essence of all creations and humanity, an excellent model who traversed and touched all aspects of human kind leaving indelible landmarks behind for those who desire to meet their creator in peace and a good welcome (Q68:5). Allah was his teacher and his education lasted 23 years, a process he began at the age of 40. And what he learned from the on High has become a magnificent edifice which the whole of humanity is circumnutating year in year out. Little can be said about the enigma and personality of the messenger of Allah, Mohammed (saw) whom Jesus Christ spoke about thus, in reply to the inquiry of the priest, Jesus answered “the name of the messiah is admirable, for God himself gave him when he had created his soul, and placed it in a celestial splendour. God said: 'Wait Mohammed, For thy sake I will create paradise, the world, and a great multitude of creatures, wherein I make thee a present, insomuch that whoso shall bless thee shall be blessed and whose shall curse thee shall be accursed. When I shall send thee into the world I shall send thee as my messenger of salvation, and thy word shall be true, insomuch that heaven and earth shall fail, but thy faith shall never fail “Mohammed is his blessed name” (Gospel of st. Banabas – p. 122). No wonder the task of bringing the world together was accorded and accredited to Muhammed (saw) by all standards making humanity realize that they are all equal before their creator irrespective of colour, creed, nation, language and what have you. The Holy Prophet (saw) came with the revelation of the
Quran at a time when the people of the world are getting closer and connected by trades and commerce. The Quran is the constitution made by Allah, the creator of the world for its guidance. And because of its many parts which man cannot absorb together all at once, the Gracious God has given a summary of all that can be found in the scripture as the opening chapter. And when this summary is studied closely and dissected, it is more of a letter addressed to all the children of Adam. It is a seven-line paragraphed letter which when joined together are called verses. When a reciter ponders over its content, he will readily agree that it is a message and an introduction for the one coming into the world into which he has been born. So, it is extremely difficult to explain the contents in a few pages. The message runs thus: In the name of Allah the Gracious, the merciful, All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds, The Gracious, the merciful, Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee alone do we worship and thee alone do we implore for help. Guide us to the right path. The path of those on whom thou hast bestowed thy blessings, those who have not incurred thy displeasure, and those who have not gone astray Now let us consider the content of the message from the Author –Allah the Almighty. 1. In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful (This message begins with my name, Allah the Gracious, the Merciful as a stamp of my Authority. Therefore, O' children of Adam be assured that all that is contain in this epistle and, of course all the subsequent ones are from the on High whose Graciousness and Mercy abound with everything He has created). 2. All praise belongs to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. (As I am the Lord of the worlds and all that are inherent in them human, animals in the jungle and bushes, birds of the air, fishes in the deep oceans, seas and waters, the heaven and the earth, the animates and the inanimate, the galaxies the mountains the valleys, the stones and minerals of all sorts including the trees, plants and vegetations. He is the Lord of the 2 west and the 2 East. I am the Lord of all humanity be ye black, brown, yellow, indigo or what mode. Above all, I am the Lord of the known and unknown worlds, to man. Hence all praise in whichever form belongs to me. In essence whatever favour is received by one from another I am the ultimate source, cause and vantage of all praises. The Gracious, the merciful (O, children of Adam don't you not know that we started creation from nothingness and by our command. (Q36:83). We mentor, and sustain all that we have made to perfection, giving each the direction to follow to fulfill the purpose of creation. My Benevolence covers and embraces all accordingly. We have not denied any of reason I have not made anyone to witness or partake in the creation because I am the Calipha and Omega of the Universe, the ones of maintaining and supporting all that I have created devolves on me alone and none else. My Beneficence in the realm of spiritual as well as the physical spheres have been distributed equitably among nations and in the right proportions without bias or discrimination. All of our creations enjoy our provisions equally – the sum, the moon the air, night and the day, your sleep and wakefulness, the soil, the vegetation and the rain and every other things – so that man and other creatures live and enjoy comfortable existence. It is equally true that while My Rahmanniyat embraces all, in this world, nevertheless for those who strive in whatever cause, for the good of my creation (people). We make them succeed and are rightly guided and appropriately rewarded. Even though some might climb the ladder of achievement and success more than others albeit all of humanity are on the same pedestal before Me save the most righteous (Q49:14) Because it is our way that man shall have only that which he strives for (Q92:5-8). We do not allow the strivings of the striver to go to waste and unrewarded. However such reward may be in this world, and the next, depending on individuals who appreciate the purpose for which we have created the high (jinns) and the low (man) in the earth (Q51:57) As for those who strive for the two world
(Here and the Hereafter) there shall be a special treat entertainment and reward for them. That is on the day when the entire world shall come before us. Further our mercy shall become manifest to the lucky, righteous ones. As for those who forget the purpose of their creation and the meeting with Us, agony and doom shall be their lot). Master of the day of judgment (O, children of Adam beware, a day is coming, and it is fast approaching when all mankind shall be gathered before me in judgment over their affairs and actions perpetrated on earth. I, Allah shall be master, the king the judge, the Assessor and the all powerful. And none shall have a say beside me. Because of the travails, tragedy and awfulness of the Day. We have been raising messengers from among people from all the nations, climes and tribes of the world as my prophets. We have been warning mankind against the event and the evil of the Day, so that they may reform themselves ahead of the Time lest you come up with excuses that no Warner was sent to you. We bear witness to the Truth of our Messengers raised for the guidance of the world. That day will be a day of loss to some and to other a day of innumerable and immeasurable gains. It is the day when all form of creeds and religions on earth will receive accreditation or rejection. The one given accreditation, its adherents will be successful while the ones rejected, on the other hand, their subscribers will be the losers, for they have trifled and wasted their life. Lest you will be deceived, O children of Adam, all my Messengers are one and the same sent with one message that I am the Lord of the world to be worshipped alone without associating any imaginary gods to me. Each and every prophet fulfilled the obligation given him by me, without digression or deviation. They are same cord fastened to one another by one string in spiritually and oneness and are raised by me according to the needs and requirements of the times with one message (Q3:86). I am one in my Majesty and Glory, I could not have created humanity to worship me in diverse ways and modes. Because I am one, I have created the world for man to be under one umbrella and one religion, to unite mankind. Hence my religion and worship is one. Lest you wonder why of all the created things, it is man alone that shall stand in judgment before my court. We made him king over all other creations as my Vicegerent on earth, and everything is put at his disposal. He is therefore given the freedom and freewill to do whatever he chooses. But bearing in mind that over them are watchers taking account of their action (Q85:4; 50::18). Even the Angels are not accorded such right and privileged as they too are made to serve man and they (Angels) all act in accord with My command willingly. Therefore all your actions and deeds shall be duly recorded in a book on the basis of which every man shall be judged without discrimination. On that day the believers who do good deeds shall be amply rewarded beyond expectation. The evil doer and disbelievers on the other hand, who did not believe in the meeting with his Lord shall be punished severely. Behold there shall be grade of rewards for the righteous and punishment shall be meted to the guilty in proportions according to individuals misdeed and disobedience. Nevertheless as Master and Lord of the day of judgment, this does not preclude or imply that while on earth We shall not occasionally visit punishment on evil doers. This is done in order to warn other to desist from evil and acts capable of attracting our vengeance. Besides, it is a demonstration that judgment is not limited to the world after this alone but to checkmate perpetrators of evil and wickedness. The Day of Judgment is a greater day when all action shall become manifest and dully rewarded. Thou alone do we worship and thou do we implore for help. (This is a credo we have taught man by our self. Because he is our creation and by his earlier pledge (Q7:173) and knowing fully well that he is created weak, he shall often times require and depend on our help and succor in whatever he does, whether good or otherwise. So irrespective of the status and position of man he ultimately seeks help from Us. Even boastful of not needing help from us, he secretly does this knowingly or unknowingly. continued on page 16
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Features Letter to Humanity The same goes with worship. Even while worshipping, other created things; it is invariably at the back of his mind that he is worshipping the Lord of creation. He does this because he imagines the Lord of the worlds to be too distant and increasable and I am too high and Holy to be approached by him because of his filth. Hence he seeks an agent to be a go – between him and Me, his creator and master. This however is the thinking of the foolish among humankind for which I have not given any authority, know ye not that for any human this is to degrade and bemean himself from the status we have accorded all humanity, thus making self the lowest of the low (Q95:6) Guide us to the right path (Expectedly, this is an extension of the credo above. Man is taught to seek guidance from us and thereby be guided to true path. This is necessary because only a little knowledge of the world into which man is born did he know. The path spoken of is of two kinds – the one that relates to the physical world and the other one that concerns the spiritual sphere. Because of the limited knowledge that is given to man (Q2:256), he requires the will of God to be rightly guided in whichever pursuits he sets his mind. Because We are the knower of all subtleties, including the manifest and the hidden, the knowledge thereof belongs only to me in this wise we have taught mankind to seek to be guided to the right path, the path which will be in accord with my will and therefore bring success in its trail. On the other hand this is indicative that there are, and there could be other conflicting alternatives and ways confronting man from amongst which he makes choices. Even when there are only two ways, one can lead to success while the other can lead and result in failure. So, because I am the cause, source and ultimate effect of all things, it behoves man to seek the right guidance from us in all of his activities. As can be seen, we have caused and arranged the credos not to be limited or restricted to individuals but to embrace humankind generally. This is so because humanity is one large family and it is therefore right and proper that the good wishes and living kindness must not be given limitation in scope because, first and foremost I am the Lord of the worlds and the Gracious and the merciful. My mercy and Beneficence encompasses all of my creations Hence man is taught to demonstrate oneness of humanity without, and devoid of selfishness. The path of those on whom thou hast bestowed thy blessings, those who have not incurred thy displeasure and those who have not gone astray. (This verse also is an extension and a culmination of the behest in the verse preceding it. This last one explains and draws a line of demarcation on the path earlier mentioned in that verse. While the former, on the one hand, denotes that of the many paths, man crave for the right one to be guided to. Whereas the concluding verse affirms and points out the results which emanated from the actions and for reactions of people of yore, on the other hand. Since the creation of the world, My benevolence cover's everything I have made, human beings, in particular. Be it the spiritual or material spheres. My Rahmaniyyat and Rahimiyyat are limitless and are freely given to man. To that extent, some have used My providence in a way as to make them forget the purpose of their creation. Not only that, they have caused large scale misery, wreaked havoc and disorder on earth. Some, on the other hand, have benefitted from earthily provisions but have allowed the world and its embellishments to rub off on them the reason for their creation, which is to serve Me. Consequently, there have been two sets of peoples each reacting in different ways to My messengers whom I have been sending to the world to warn humanity. As for those who followed guidance and did good works, they were bestowed My blessings and shall have a good welcome in the Hereafter. But of those who benefited not from callers to their creator, there are among them some who had perpetrated evil on earth and therefore incurred My wrath, whereas there were some whom the earthily provisions had beguiled and had therefore been continues from page 15
misled and had gone astray. O, children of Adam, these examples of the set of people who had lived and inhabited the earth before you, of which ye are hereby warned, the onus shalt be there to determine which path to tread and /or which of the parties thou shalt follow. Beware, I am your Lord, the Lord of the universe, and the Sustainer and mentor of all that I have made, I am witness there to all that had happened since the world has come into being. So your Lord is in the best position to give a true account of those before you and what they had done and did with their lives as well as the repercussions and consequences of their actions. It is because of this that O, ye children of Adam are given to make the request to be guided aright, in all your endeavours, in the path of those who have benefitted by their belief as against those who have not profited from guidance but have incurred the ire of their lord or have been misled and have gone astray. This is Suratul Fatiha for you! The letter addressed to all of humanity by Allah the Almighty. Because of its many verities and attributes, the chapter is given many names. It is the wholesome prayers it is called the Rukya- the cure. It is also known as the Book itself. It answers to the appellation of a store of Treasure. It is equally called the opener and addressed too as the off-repeated verse (Q15:88) On that day the believers who do good deeds shall be amply rewarded beyond expectation. The evil doer and disbelievers on the other hand, who did not believe in the meeting with his Lord shall be punished severely. Behold there shall be grade of rewards for the righteous and punishment shall be meted to the guilty in proportions according to individuals misdeed and disobedience. Nevertheless as Master and Lord of the day of judgment, this does not preclude or imply that while on earth We shall not occasionally visit punishment on evil doers. This is done in order to warn other to desist from evil and acts capable of attracting our vengeance. Besides, it is a demonstration that judgment is not limited to the world after this alone but to checkmate perpetrators of evil and wickedness. The Day of Judgment is a greater day when all action shall become manifest and dully rewarded. Thou alone do we worship and thou do we implore for help. (This is a credo we have taught man by our self. Because he is our creation and by his earlier pledge (Q7:173) and knowing fully well that he is created weak, he shall often times require and depend on our help and succor in whatever he does, whether good or otherwise. So irrespective of the status and position of man he ultimately seeks help from Us. Even boastful of not needing help from us, he secretly does this knowingly or unknowingly. The same goes with worship. Even while worshipping, other created things; it is invariably at the back of his mind that he is worshipping the Lord of creation. He does this because he imagines the Lord of the worlds to be too distant and increasable and I am too high and Holy to be approached by him because of his filth. Hence he seeks an agent to be a go – between him and Me, his creator and master. This however is the thinking of the foolish among humankind for which I have not given any authority, know ye not that for any human this is to degrade and bemean himself from the status we have accorded all humanity, thus making self the lowest of the low (Q95:6) Guide us to the right path (Expectedly, this is an extension of the credo above. Man is taught to seek guidance from us and thereby be guided to true path. This is necessary because only a little knowledge of the world into which man is born did he know. The path spoken of is of two kinds – the one that relates to the physical world and the other one that concerns the spiritual sphere. Because of the limited knowledge that is given to man (Q2:256), he requires the will of God to be rightly guided in whichever pursuits he sets his mind. Because We are the knower of all subtleties, including the manifest and the hidden, the knowledge thereof belongs only to me in this wise we have taught mankind to seek to be guided to the right path, the path which will be in accord with my will and therefore bring success in its trail. On the other
hand this is indicative that there are, and there could be other conflicting alternatives and ways confronting man from amongst which he makes choices. Even when there are only two ways, one can lead to success while the other can lead and result in failure. So, because I am the cause, source and ultimate effect of all things, it behoves man to seek the right guidance from us in all of his activities. As can be seen, we have caused and arranged the credos not to be limited or restricted to individuals but to embrace humankind generally. This is so because humanity is one large family and it is therefore right and proper that the good wishes and living kindness must not be given limitation in scope because, first and foremost I am the Lord of the worlds and the Gracious and the merciful. My mercy and Beneficence encompasses all of my creations Hence man is taught to demonstrate oneness of humanity without, and devoid of selfishness. The path of those on whom thou hast bestowed thy blessings, those who have not incurred thy displeasure and those who have not gone astray. (This verse also is an extension and a culmination of the behest in the verse preceding it. This last one explains and draws a line of demarcation on the path earlier mentioned in that verse. While the former, on the one hand, denotes that of the many paths, man crave for the right one to be guided to. Whereas the concluding verse affirms and points out the results which emanated from the actions and for reactions of people of yore, on the other hand. Since the creation of the world, My benevolence cover's everything I have made, human beings, in particular. Be it the spiritual or material spheres. My Rahmaniyyat and Rahimiyyat are limitless and are freely given to man. To that extent, some have used My providence in a way as to make them forget the purpose of their creation. Not only that, they have caused large scale misery, wreaked havoc and disorder on earth. Some, on the other hand, have benefitted from earthily provisions but have allowed the world and its embellishments to rub off on them the reason for their creation, which is to serve Me. Consequently, there have been two sets of peoples each reacting in different ways to My messengers whom I have been sending to the world to warn humanity. As for those who followed guidance and did good works, they were bestowed My blessings and shall have a good welcome in the Hereafter. But of those who benefited not from callers to their creator, there are among them some who had perpetrated evil on earth and therefore incurred My wrath, whereas there were some whom the earthily provisions had beguiled and had therefore been misled and had gone astray. O, children of Adam, these examples of the set of people who had lived and inhabited the earth before you, of which ye are hereby warned, the onus shalt be there to determine which path to tread and /or which of the parties thou shalt follow. Beware, I am your Lord, the Lord of the universe, and the Sustainer and mentor of all that I have made, I am witness there to all that had happened since the world has come into being. So your Lord is in the best position to give a true account of those before you and what they had done and did with their lives as well as the repercussions and consequences of their actions. It is because of this that O, ye children of Adam are given to make the request to be guided aright, in all your endeavours, in the path of those who have benefitted by their belief as against those who have not profited from guidance but have incurred the ire of their lord or have been misled and have gone astray. This is Suratul Fatiha for you! The letter addressed to all of humanity by Allah the Almighty. Because of its many verities and attributes, the chapter is given many names. It is the wholesome prayers it is called the Rukya- the cure. It is also known as the Book itself. It answers to the appellation of a store of Treasure. It is equally called the opener and addressed too as the off-repeated verse (Q15:88)
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FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
PAGE 17
Children’s Corner Life of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw)
His Family Background Prophet Muhammad (saw) belonged to the tribe of Quraish, the leading tribe of Mecca which was a principal town of Arabia. The Quraish were descendants of Prophet Ibraheem (as), through his son, Prophet Isma'eel (as). The Ka'bah was rebuilt by Ibraheem (as) and his son Isma'eel (as) some 2,600 years before Prophet Muhammad (saw)
Arabia at the Time of His Birth At the time of the birth of prophet Muhammad (saw), the whole world seemed to be passing through a period of extreme moral and religious decline. The conditions in Arabia were specially worse. The Arabs suffered from extreme moral vices such as drinking, gambling, and brutal deeds during frequent and endless fights due to tribal rivalries. Although the Arabs believed in a Supreme God and in the prophethood of Abraham (as), yet they worshipped many other gods in the form of idols. They had installed some 360 idols in the Ka'bah itself where the Arabs from all over Arabia used to come for their annual pilgrimage. However, they possessed some good qualities such as hospitality, sense of honour, bravery, and love for poetry. women enjoyed little status in the Arab society. Certain families had the savage custom of burying alive their baby girls. Slavery was common among them and the condition of slaves was full of misery and extreme hardships. It was among such people that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was born.
proposed to her the name Muhammad for her child. Also, she saw that glittering lights, emitting from herself, spread all over the world. (Seerat Ibne Hash-shaam). The young Muhammad (saw) was brought up under the care of his grandfather, Abdul Muttalib, the chief of Mecca. He entrusted him to the care of nurse Haleema, as was the custom in Mecca. His mother died when he was about six year old and just 2 years later, his grandfather also passed away. Now, the young Muhammad (saw) passed under the care of his uncle, Abu Talib. He already had a large family to support, and was by no means a rich man, yet he accorded great care and love to his little nephew. Muhammad (saw) behaved in a calm, obedient and friendly manner in his years of up bringing.
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Abraha's Invasion of Mecca In the year 570 C.E., some time before the birth of the Holy Prophet (saw), Abraha, Ethiopia's viceroy in Yemen, led an expedition against Mecca with the intention of destroying the Ka'bah. But his expedition completely failed. A large part of his army, which rode on elephants, was destroyed by an epidemic. This year (570 C.E.) is known as the Year of the Elephant. (AlQur'an 105:1-6)
Birth and Childhood The Holy Prophet Muhammad (saw) was born in Mecca in August, 570 C.E. Some researchers place the birth date on April 24, 571 C.E. However, we have taken it to be August 570 C.E. as mentioned in the Tafseer Kabeer, authored by Hadrat Khalifatul Masih II (ra). His father, Abdullah, died some time before his birth. His mother, Aminah, had seen a vision, also some time before his birth. In this vision, an angel Skeleton: -CARPALS -CLAVICLE -COCCYX -CRANIUM -FEMUR -FIBULA -HUMERUS -INNOMINATE -MANDIBLE -METACARPALS -METATARSALS
Organs: - PATELLA -PHALANGES -RADIUS -RIBS -SACRUM -SCAPULA -STERNUM -TARSALS - TIBIA - ULNA - VERTEBRA
- APPENDIX - BLADDER - BRAIN - GALLBLADDER - GENITALS - HEART - INTESTINES - KIDNEYS
- LIVER - LUNGS - PANCREAS - SKIN - SPLEEN - STOMACH - VOICE BOX
Name: __________________________________________________ Age: __________________________ Gender: __________________ Muqami/City: ____________________________________________ Parent’s Phone Number: ___________________________________
THE TRUTH
FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
PAGE 18
The Friday Sermon A summary of the Sermons of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V
Salat, Jumu'ah and Ramadan Continued from page 3
Promised Messiah (as). The Promised Messiah (as) has repeatedly stated that those who have entered his Bai'at should constantly seek to reform themselves through worship and displaying the highest moral standards. At one place the Promised Messiah (as) says: 'A person is not worthy of the help and support of Allah the Almighty unless, with all sincerity and devotion of his heart, he closes the door to all wrongful paths and eliminates all inappropriate and impure desires and then spreads his hands before Allah the Almighty. .. From the heavens, Allah the Almighty sees right through every part of man's heart. If any part of man's heart contains darkness, Shirk or harmful innovations, such a person's prayers to Allah are thrown back onto his face. If Allah observe that one's heart is pure of any type of carnal desires and darkness, He opens the doors of mercy to him, …and takes responsibility for his nurturing and protection.' Whilst expanding on this, the Promised Messiah (as) states: "Your hearts should be free from deceit, your hands should not commit any atrocities, your eyes should be untainted with filth. Aside from guidance and sympathy for mankind one should not harbour anything inside them.'' The Promised Messiah (as) continues by saying: "If you fashion yourself according to that what God states, then rest assured that God too will be yours. God Almighty shall remain awake for you as you sleep. God shall watch over your enemy and frustrate their designs, while you are unmindful of him." Thus, it is vital to be mindful of these directives. One such aspect that the Promised Messiah (as) reminded us constantly was that if we are not mindful of these commands, then simply performing the Bai'at [oath of allegiance] is not enough. The Promised Messiah (as) states: "You, therefore, will not be accepted by God unless you are the same inside and out. If you are above others, have mercy on the lowly and do not look down upon them. If you are learned, counsel the ignorant and do not degrade them with disdain. If you are wealthy, serve the poor, and do not treat them with arrogance and self-conceit". If God Almighty has blessed you with provisions and a position of authority, one should use that to help people, rather than showing arrogance. The Promised Messiah (as) states: "Let every morning bear witness that you have spent the night in righteousness, and let every evening bear witness that you have spent the day with the fear of God. Be not afraid of the curses of the world, for they shall vanish before your eyes like smoke and cannot turn day into night. Fear instead the curse of God which descends from heaven and uproots its victims in both worlds.' The Promised Messiah further states: 'You cannot save yourselves with hypocrisy, your God is He who sees the innermost depth of man. Can you then deceive Him? So, become straightforward, clean, pure and truthful. If even a particle of darkness is left within you, it will dispel all your light. ... Be careful, lest a few accomplishments delude you to think that you have sufficiently fulfilled your purpose. For God desires a complete transformation in your being…" . The Promised Messiah (as) continues: "…If you desire that God should be pleased with you in heaven, unite with one another as though you were brothers from the same womb. The one who most forgives the transgressions of his brother is the more honourable among you. .. One who is arrogant cannot attain nearness to God. A wrongdoer cannot attain nearness to God. He who is unfaithful cannot attain nearness to God. Every such person who is not jealously protective for the sake of God's name cannot attain His nearness." The Promised Messiah (as) states: "Every impure eye is far from Him; every impure heart is unaware of Him. … Befriend God with a true heart, full sincerity and complete
After the prayer, I shall lead two funeral prayers in absentia. The first is of Mushtaq Zuhra Sahiba, wife of the late Chaudhary Zahoor Ahmad Sahib Bajwa. She passed away at 8:45pm at night on 12th June in Rabwah, at the age of 91. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. God Almighty blessed the deceased with 3 sons and 2 daughters. One son, Zaheer Bajwa Sahib of America is a life-devotee. Chaudhary Zahoor Ahmad Bajwa Sahib served as a missionary in England. Mushtaq Zuhra Sahiba spent her time with her life-devotee husband in an exceptional manner and she never made such requests which would trouble a life-devotee. Then between 1951 and 1955 his wife, along with Zahoor Bajwa Sahib stayed here in England. In those days, the situation of missionaries and the community was such, financially in particular, that they had to go through challenging times, yet they never complained and endured thus without any complaint. Then Haneef Mahmood Shaib writes that "in 1955 Chaudhary Zahoor Bajwa Sahib was given the order to return from London to the centre [Rabwah, Pakistan]. In those days, his wife was very sick and the doctors advised for complete bed rest but when the order to return came, Chaudhary Sahib and his wife began making preparations to return. She had no complaints despite her illness and also the fact that travel in those days was difficult. May Allah shower forgiveness and mercy on the deceased and elevate her status and enable her children to continue her good deeds. Ameen. The second funeral is of Abdu Bakr Sahib of Egypt. He passed away on 12th June at the age of 41 due to a heart attack. To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. He was a professor of Arabic and religious knowledge but he left his work and devoted his life in order to serve the community. Mentioning his own oath of allegiance, the deceased mentioned an incident "I was watching a program in which I saw the late Mustafa Thabit Sahib. He was mentioning the fact that Jesus did not die on the cross but fell into a swoon. Then he migrated to the east and died Similarly, the recitation of a natural death. At that time, I was sitting reclined when watching the TV. When I heard this I sat up straight and Quran should continue even began listening to it with full attention." (This was the AlHiwarul-Mubashar program.) "When the truth became after the days of Ramadan. Allah clear to me I shouted out loudly 'Allahu Akbar! [God is Great] and 3 days later God Almighty clarified for me the mystery of the death of Jesus, salvation from the cross and says in the Holy Quran :(17:79) the migration." After his pledge of allegiance, the deceased was thrown out by his work colleagues, his Verily, the recitation of the fellow villagers, his friends and relatives and all who knew him put him in severe hardship yet he never wavered from Qur’an at dawn is especially the truth. Rather he grew stronger in his faith day by day and continued to be granted perseverance. Along with his acceptable to God widowed wife he leaves behind a four year-old daughter, Zainab and a two year-old son, Muhammad. By the grace of Allah his son is part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme. May Allah have forgiveness and mercy on the deceased and eagerness, so that He too may befriend you. Have mercy elevate his status. May He take full care of his wife and on your subordinates and your wives and your less children and enable them to continue his good deeds. fortunate brethren so that you too may be shown mercy in heaven. Become truly His, so that He too may become yours. .. No calamity visits the earth until there is a command from heaven, and no affliction is alleviated until mercy descends from heaven. So, you would be wise to take hold of the root rather than the branch." Thus, every single one of us should conclude their Ramadan by vowing to always remember the directives of God Almighty and the Holy Prophet (sa) – which were elaborated by the Promised Messiah (as) – and then endeavour to adopt those in our lives. If we do this only then can we say that we strived to spend Ramadan according to the commands of God Almighty and Holy Prophet (sa). May Allah enable us to do so.
FRIDAY, 7TH JULY 2017
THE TRUTH
PAGE 19
Features
Care Of The Aged T
Excerpt from Islam's Response to Contemporary Issues by Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV
he responsibility for care of the aged is gradually shifting to the state. Care of the aged represents a heavy burden on the national economy. However much a state is ready to spend, it can never buy them peace and contentment. The most terrible feeling of having been rejected, left out and abandoned, and the most painful realization of a growing void of loneliness within are problems beyond the reach of many to resolve. To consider that a comparatively remote relative would ever be taken care of by the rest of the family has become almost impossible to imagine. In such societies, the need for homes for the aged grows with the passage of time. Yet, it is not always possible for a state to apportion enough money to provide for them even the minimum requirements of a decent life. Physical ailments are much easier to cure or alleviate but the deep psychological traumas from which a considerable number of elderly members of modern societies are suffering, are far more difficult to treat. In predominantly Muslim countries, however much values may have deteriorated, the condition which prevails in the rest of contemporary society is unthinkable. It is considered a disgrace and dishonor for the old and aged to be treated with such disrespect and callousness. It is a matter of shame for most Muslims to hand over the responsibilities of elderly relatives to the state even if the state is willing to look after them. As such, the role of a Muslim woman amidst her home and family is far from over with the coming of age of the children. She remains deeply bonded to the past as well as to the future. It is her kind and humane concern, and her innate ability to look after those who stand in need of care, which comes to the rescue of the older members of society. They remain as precious and respected as before and continue to be integral members of the family. The mother plays a major part in looking after them and providing them with her company, not as drudgery and tedium, but as live natural expression of human kinship. Thus, when she grows older she can rest assured that such a society will not eject her nor leave her abandoned as a relic of the past. Of course, there are exceptions in every society and there are old remnants of the past considered as tiresome burdens in some Muslim families living under the influences of the so-called modern trends. But on the whole, Muslim societies are relatively free of homes for
abandoned parents unlike other societies. This reminds me of a joke which may make some people laugh yet move some others to tears. Once a child observed with much pain and unease the ill-treatment of his grandfather at the hands of his father. He was gradually transferred from a well-provided and comfortable main bedroom to a smaller and less convenient accommodation until it was finally decided to remove the grandfather to the servant's quarters. During an exceptionally severe winter, the grandfather complained of his room being too chilly and his quilt being too thin to make him feel warm and comfortable. The father started looking for an extra blanket from a stock of old, useless rags. Observing this, the child turned to his father and requested: 'Please do not give all the rags to grandpa. Keep some for me so that I may be able to give them to you when you grow old.' In this innocent expression of a child's displeasure is concentrated all the agony of the older generation in modern times. In Muslim societies, it is as rare to find such exceptions, as it is rare and becoming more rare to find exceptions in modern societies amongst relatives in their treatment of the old. Muslims are taught: Thy Lord has commanded: Worship none but Him, and show kindness to parents if one of them or both of them attain old age with thee, never say unto them any word expressive of disgust nor reproach them, but always address them with kind words. And lower to them the wing of humility out of tenderness. And say, 'My Lord have mercy on them even as they nourished me when I was a little child. (Ch.17 vs 24, 25). These verses are the most significant on this subject. After the Unity of God, human beings should, through their attitude of love, affection and kindness, give priority over all other things to their parents who have reached an old and difficult age. Further, the verses speak of situations when the behavior of one or both of the parents becomes extremely trying and sometimes offensive. In response to that, not even a mild expression of disgust or disapproval should pass one's lips. On the contrary, they should be treated with profound respect. The emphasis on the most excellent relationship between one generation and another slowly passing away guarantees that no generation gaps appear. Such gaps always interrupt the transmission of traditional moral
values. Islamic social philosophy, therefore, teaches that no generation should permit a gap to appear between it and the outgoing generation and between it and the future generation. Generation gaps are totally alien to Islam. As stated earlier, the family concept in Islam is not limited to members of a single home. The following verse instructs Muslims to spend not only on their parents but also their kith and kin who are mentioned next to parents in order of preference so that their sense of dignity is not injured and mutual love is promoted. Worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and show kindness to parents, and to kindred, orphans, the needy and to the neighbour who is a kinsman and the neighbour who is a stranger, and the companion by your side and the wayfarer and those who are under your authority. Surely, Allah loves not the arrogant and the boastful. (Ch.4:37) . If contemporary society learns the lesson from those injunctions, many problems which it faces today and which represent a blemish on an advanced society, would cease to exist. No elderly homes or homes for the aged would be needed, except for some aged people who, unfortunatel , have no close relative to look after them. But in an Islamic society, the love between parents and children is so repeatedly emphasised that it is impossible for a child to abandon his or her parents when they grow old for the sake of his or her own pleasure.
Public Announcement I, Farewa Islamiat Titilayo, married to Hamzat later Morakinyo, but wish to be known and addressed henceforth as Oyeniyi Islamiat Titilayo. All documents bearing these two names belong to the same person and remain valid. General public should please note.
The Truth “And say, Truth has come and falsehood has vanished away; falsehood does indeed vanish away fast.
“Every morning should be a witness for you that you spent the night with righteousness, and every evening should testify for you that you went through the day with the fear of Allah in your heart.” - The Promised Messiah
Holy Qur’an 17:82
MTA International marks 25th anniversary with historic reception M
TA - a fulfilment of the revelation that 'I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth' says the Khalifa On 15 May 2017, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community held a special reception to mark the 25th Anniversary of its 24-hour, global and multi-lingual television station, Muslim Te l e v i s i o n A h m a d i y y a International (MTA) The historic event was graced by the presence of the World Head and Fifth Khalifa (Caliph) of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. His Holiness delivered a special address to mark the occasion, in which he spoke of how the establishment and continued advancement of MTA International was a fulfilment of the divine revelation received by the Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (peace be upon him) that 'I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth'. Prior to the keynote address, a report was delivered by Mr. Munir-ud-din Shams, the Managing Director of MTA International, in which he outlined the history of MTA and paid tribute to those who had advanced its cause, both past and present. Subsequently, the audience, comprising senior representatives of MTA Studios from around the world, including Dr. Qasim Akinreti from Nigeria, as well as central MTA staff members, viewed a short documentary exhibiting s o m e o f M TA ' s m o s t noteworthy and historic moments. Thereafter, the Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad delivered the keynote address. His Holiness noted that since its inception, MTA had progressed “leaps and bounds” and was now broadcasting several different channels and had established dozens of studios globally. His Holiness said that the success of the channel was due to the
blessings and favours of God Almighty. His Holiness spoke of how MTA's content was distinct to all other broadcasters and was a means of spreading a message of 'peace' and 'morality'. “MTA's content is completely distinct to all other broadcasters, as our
tribute to the pioneer workers and volunteers who had served MTA from the start. He noted how many had no knowledge at all of broadcast technology and had “learnt on the job” due to their “sincerity and devotion”. In contrast to other TV channels, His Holiness emphasised that MTA had
entrenched in MTA from the very start. He said that in all countries, men, women and children were volunteering countless hours in the service of MTA. “I am very pleased to see that the spirit of volunteerism in MTA continues to increase, and due to the many hours they put in, the Community is making
world where neither our Missionaries, nor any other Ahmadis have reached, yet through MTA the true teachings of Islam have most certainly arrived and are having a profound effect upon the local people… Alhamdolillah, many such people have come to accept Ahmadiyyat and entered
programmes are those that impart only teachings of morality and piety and are a means of spiritually enriching the viewers. They are free from all forms of immorality, indecency and impropriety.” Reflecting upon the humble origins of the channel, His Holiness said that initially MTA broadcast only the weekly Friday Sermon. After some time, it started a daily service, before progressing to a multilingual international channel, broadcasting 24 hours a day worldwide. He noted that where there was previously just one MTA channel, now there were several, including MTA2 (established in 2004) covering European languages and regions, MTA Al-Arabiya (established in 2007) broadcasting to the Arab world and MTA Africa (established in 2016) broadcasting to the African Continent. His Holiness paid particular
always run its large-scale operations without any commercial revenue or state funding. His Holiness said this was only possible due to the Help of God Almighty. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community's financial resources are very limited, and so in worldly terms it is virtually impossible for us to run a dedicated global television channel like MTA, as the costs are so prohibitive. For example, merely the cost of broadcasting via satellite runs to several millions of pounds each year. Yet, Allah the Almighty has immensely blessed our resources so that we are not only able to bear this huge cost, but have also been able to establish high quality MTA studios in many different countries.” His Holiness said that a key factor in keeping costs down was the spirit of volunteerism
huge savings. Whilst it costs a lot of money to purchase equipment or to build studios, the fact that we have volunteers ensures that our expenditure is kept to a bare minimum in comparison to other television channels.” The Khalifa highlighted that according to the prophecies of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), the spread of Islam was to “reach its climax” during the era of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) and that Ahmadi Muslims were “seeing this with their own eyes.” He said that he received letters from many people around the world, in which people wrote that they had come across MTA entirely by chance and found it to have a 'magnetic effect' and they came to learn for the first time the true teachings of Islam. Speaking further,Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad said: “Today, there are parts of the
the fold of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him).” Whilst praising those who had contributed to MTA throughout its existence, His Holiness said that the real secret to its success was the continued help and support of God Almighty. “We are the recipients of Allah's Favours and Help and we are witnessing miracles on a daily basis. This is not due to any special quality that we possess o r d u e to o u r p er s o n al excellence, rather it is the result of Allah accepting our prayers and blessing many times over t h e s m a l l h u m a n e ff o r t involved.” He continued: “This is all part of the Divine Will, as Allah Himself promised to spread the message of the Promised Messiah (peace be upon him) to the corners of the world. How gloriously He has fulfilled this promise and is continuing to do so!” Highlighting the new avenues
that are being utilised by MTA, His Holiness noted the success of MTA's on-demand services and its increased reach through the use of social media. “The viewing habits of people are changing and so instead of only watching MTA on their televisions, many prefer to watch the live stream of my sermons or of certain events of the Community on their computers or portable devices and if they are unable to watch live, they prefer to catch up online later. Hundreds of thousands of people watch in this way and so through social media we are reaching far greater audiences than ever before.” His Holiness also mentioned that previously, MTA had been reliant upon outside companies when broadcasting live from external locations, however now it had its own in-house uplink facility “A few years ago, MTA International was able to purchase its own uplink dish and so now we only have to pay a nominal licence fee and are free to broadcast live, wherever and whenever we desire, without restriction. In this way, we are saving huge amounts. For instance, during my recent 6-week tour of Canada we saved in excess of $40,000 dollars simply because we had our own satellite uplink dish present.” Concluding his address, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad prayed: “As the sun sets on the first quarter century of this blessed institution, I pray that MTA continues to progress and furthers its objective to reach the corners of the earth and to make all the people of the world know of Islam's true teachings. And as the dawn of the next era of MTA rises, we can never sit back and rest in satisfaction at our past achievements.” Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad continued: “We must march forward with a spirit of determination, sincerity and devotion and understand that it is our personal responsibility to bring mankind closer to its Creator and to inform the world about the need to fulfil one another's rights.” The event concluded with a silent prayer led by His Holiness.
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