Al Hakam - 22 January 2021

Another Gold Coast for Ghana Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V launches MTA Ghana

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Why the Latter-Day Messiah was named Isa Ibn-e-Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary)

From the Markaz National UK amila seeks Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s advice in virtual meeting

Part I

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Archbishop of Athens recklessly alleges Muslims “are people of war”

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 | Issue CXLIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Big Tech, data and the spread of evil

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa

Loving for the sake of Allah ُ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ ‫ُمعاذ بْ ُن َج َب ٍل قال س ِم ْعت َر ُس ْول الل ِه‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ ُ ُ َّ ‫َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم يَق ْول‏‬ َ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ َ َ ‫‏ قال الل ُه ع ّز َو َجل ال ُمتحَابّ ْو َن فِي َجلال ِ ْي‬ ُ َّ ُ ُ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ ‫لَهُ ْم َم َناب ُر م ْن‬ ‫الن ِب ّي ْو َن‬ ‫ِ ِ نو ٍر يغ ِبطهم‬ ُّ َ ُ ‫الش َه َد‬ ‫و‬ ‫اء‬

Hazrat Muazra bin Jabal narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, said, ‘Those who love each other for the sake of My Majesty shall be upon podiums of light and they will be admired by the Prophets and the martyrs.’”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Zuhd, Hadith 2390)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Good deeds and righteousness I address my community and say that it is good deeds which are needed. Indeed, it is good deeds that are worthy of being presented before God Almighty. God Almighty Himself states:

َّ َ ۡ ‫ِال َ ۡی ِہ یَ ۡص َع ُد الک ِل ُم الط ِّی ُب‬

The recent angst and scramble away from WhatsApp, since its new controversial privacy policy update (that has now been delayed), is surprising to see; our data and privacy have been at stake since the day we first logged onto the Internet.

By using the Internet, we are the

“users” by default and for Big Tech, the product being “sold”. The recent fiasco of data protection is born out of 20 years of an unregulated industry that has led to clear-cut crimes and pervading the personal lives of billions.

The use and sale of the new “oil” –

data – by big tech companies has resulted in actions which completely oppose the “Don’t be evil” first line of Google’s original code of conduct, as Rana Foroohar, a Financial Times journalist, points out in her recent book Don’t Be Evil: The Case Against Big Tech.

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“Unto Him ascend good words.”

At the present time, our pens are like the swords of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. However, victory and support is received by those who are righteous. Allah the Exalted has promised the following:

ۡ َ َ َ ًّ َ َ ۡ ‫ان َحقا َعل ۡینا ن ۡص ُر ال ُم ۡؤ ِم ِنی َن‬ ‫ک‬

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Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Unregulated growth and power of technological companies enable them to affect the economy, political processes, facilitate fake news, control habits and even affect our mental health.

Foroohar argues that tech companies never intended to do so much damage.

She notes how Google could have never predicted “the many embarrassments that would emanate from the Googleplex: Google doctoring its algorithms in ways that would deep-six rivals off the crucial first page of its search results. Google’s YouTube hosting instructional videos on how to build a bomb. Google selling ads to Russian agents, granting them use of the platform to spread misinformation and manipulate the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Google working on a potential search engine for China – one that would be compliant with the regime’s efforts to censor unwelcome results.” (Don’t Be Evil: The Case Against Big Tech, p. 19) Our data “is the oil of the information age, and it fuels the growth of those companies that can run on it … the tech companies are simply the canaries in the coal mines for what will eventually become a much larger shift toward a surveillance capitalism system in which businesses and organizations of all stripes will take part”, according to Faroorhar. (Ibid, p. 33) With the exponential rise of smart homes and devices like Alexa, Google Home and Siri, our data is mined not only from computers and mobile devices, but our voices.

Mined data is used not only for targeted ads but to predict our next move, our next purchase and when or where we will go for our next holiday.

The data – which we often dish out ourselves – gives insight into our personal lives and, from an Islamic perspective, has created immoral and indecent echochambers where private lives are openly shared.

The tentacles of big tech companies are widespread, long and powerful; serious consequences have arisen from allowing big tech companies remain unregulated.

Faroohar notes, “… election manipulation via platform technology continues to be a huge problem around the world, with Google and Facebook being used to oppress entire populations

or even support genocide and murder in countries from Myanmar to Cameroon.

There are some who believe technology is making us more vulnerable to fascism.”

(Ibid, pp. 22-23) Facebook has been blamed in playing a part in spreading fake news and right-wing sentiments prior to and during the recent insurrection at Capitol Hill, according to a New York Times report. The piece showed how far-right individuals were rewarded through Facebook algorithms: “Facebook’s algorithms have coaxed many people into sharing more extreme views on the platform – rewarding them with likes and shares for posts on subjects like election fraud conspiracies, Covid-19 denialism and anti-vaccination rhetoric.” (www.nytimes.com/2021/01/14/opinion/ facebook-far-right.html) In her book, The Age of Surveillance, Shoshana Zuboff describes the “Aware Home” project carried out in 2000 by computer scientists and engineers at Georgia Tech University.

The Aware Home “was meant to be a ‘living laboratory’ for the study of ‘ubiquitous computing.’ They imagined a ‘human-home symbiosis’ in which many animate and inanimate processes would be captured by an elaborate network of ‘context aware sensors’ embedded in the house and by wearable computers worn by the home’s occupants.” (The Age of Surveillance, p. 14) Due to the highly confidential data the Aware Home would provide, the scientists “assumed” that “the rights to that new knowledge and the power to use it … would belong exclusively to the people who live in the house … the team assumed that for all of its digital wizardry, the Aware Home would take its place as a modern incarnation of the ancient conventions that understand ‘home’ as the private sanctuary of those who dwell within its walls.” (Ibid, p. 15) 20 years on, the “Aware Home” is a reality with devices such as Google Nest Thermostat, but the assumption of those researchers 20 years ago has never been a reality.

Zuboff notes, “Each thermostat comes with a ‘privacy policy,’ a ‘terms-of-service agreement’ and an ‘end-user licensing agreement.’ These reveal oppressive privacy and security consequences in

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This means, “It is our responsibility to help the believers.” He also states:

ٰ ۡ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫ل َ ۡن ّی ۡج َع َل الل ُہ ل ِلک ِف ِریۡ َن َعلی ال ُم ۡؤ ِم ِنی َن َس ِب ۡیلًا‬

Meaning, “Allah does not grant the disbelievers a way to prevail against the believers.” So remember that your victory is tied to righteousness.

The Arabs were nothing more than orators, speakers and poets. Yet, when they adopted righteousness, God Almighty sent down His angels to support them. If a person studies history, they will come to know that all of the victories that were attained by the noble Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all, were not the result of human

which sensitive household and personal information are shared with other smart devices, unnamed personnel and third parties for the purposes of predictive analyses and sales to other unspecified parties. Nest takes little responsibility for the security of the information it collects and none for how the other companies in its ecosystem will put those data to use.”

(Ibid, p.15) Big tech and social media companies don’t only affect politics and data leaks; they have serious implications on cognition and mental health too.

Rana Foroohar powerfully explains, “One of the reasons that we haven’t yet figured out ways to curb the power of Big Tech – despite all the evidence of how it’s tearing at the fabric of our society – is simply that we are too busy being distracted by the bright and shiny products and services they make. It’s a cruel irony: We’re all too addicted to our gadgets and apps and Facebook pages to address the problems of technology. That gets to the most invasive part of Big Tech’s power: the power to manipulate our thoughts, actions and even our brains.”

Companies, like Facebook, purposefully use reward systems of our brain to make their applications more addictive: the ting of a new message and a constant flow of likes release shots of dopamine, creating a Pavlov effect on us.

Terms like “Facebook depression” and the negative effects of social media on our children, described by researchers, are widespread and well documented – a topic we have discussed in past issues of Al Hakam.

But this is where the problem lies, we feed big tech companies and the narrative of “this is how it is” has been so ingrained into users that people simply believe there is no other way of using the Internet other than the current system.

Nothing but the social construct of society is forcing us to upload private pictures and our lives onto Facebook – there isn’t any coercion per se other than what society “expects”. When people decide to unveil their private lives, they must be aware of the very serious repercussions.

Big tech companies offer great services and social media has its benefits, but as

strength or effort. In fact, by the time of Hazrat Uthman, may Allah be pleased with him, within a period of 20 years, the Muslim empire had become worldwide. Now someone tell us, is this within the power of man? This is why Allah the Exalted has repeatedly stated:

َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا ّو ال ِذیۡ َن ُہ ۡم ّم ۡح ِسنوۡ َن‬

“Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.”

Allah the Exalted is with those who are righteous, but righteousness is not the only element which attracts the love of God; such people must be among those who do good.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 185-186)

believers, we must keep in mind all the teachings we have been given to navigate life in a wholesome and beneficial way.

The rise of social media and big tech companies have also, unfortunately, created immoral and indecent online environments towards which even believers are being dragged.

Setting aside the leaks of data we cannot control, it is imperative to keep checks on what data we voluntarily post and whether we are creating and contributing towards online echo-chambers that go against basic Islamic principles of modesty and decency.

It is not without reason that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has delivered countless sermons and spoken widely about our responsibilities as believers when using social media and the Internet.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Evil was somewhat restricted before this age. The evil of the neighbourhood remained in the neighbourhood; a city’s evil stayed in the city and a country’s evil remained in the country. At worst, neighbours would be affected by an evil.

Now, however, with the ease of travel, television, Internet and various media, these individual and localised evils have turned into international evils.” (Friday Sermon delivered on 6 December 2013) Talking about the rise of Facebook, its effects and usage, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “These days, a new method of introduction has been created on the computer and the Internet called Facebook. Though it is not that new, but it was introduced in the last few years. I had previously discouraged you from this practice. I had said in my sermons that it encourages immodesty. It shatters the boundaries among people, boundaries from one another, boundaries around secrets. It exposes secrets and invites indecency.”

The “Aware Home” concept has become the public home where the walls of privacy continue to fall and “evils” spread.

Until we become mindful and act on the control we all have, the harmful effects of Internet technology will continue to grow.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

From the Markaz

Another Gold Coast for Ghana Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V launches MTA Ghana

Friday, 15 January 2021, Islamabad: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, during his Friday Sermon today, announced the launch of a new 24-hour television station, MTA Ghana.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “The Wahab Adam Studio in Ghana was completed in 2017 and named in honour of the late Amir and Missionaryin-Charge, Abdul Wahab Adam Sahib.

The studio produces over 60 percent of the current programmes for MTA Africa channels. The studio has 17 full-time staff members and over 60 volunteers who are trained in the various departments.

“The Wahab Adam Studios is one of the most advanced studios in Ghana and has some of the best facilities. Various media organisations and broadcasters send their staff to the studio for training purposes and work experience. The studio has produced many live programmes

including the first African Quran Competition, Ramadan programmes and many others.

“A new channel is now being launched under the name of MTA Ghana. MTA Ghana will be a new 24-hour national television channel broadcasting on the digital platform of Ghana.

“MTA Ghana will be available to view without the need of a satellite dish and can be accessed through a normal aerial. This means that Ghanaians can easily access the channel through a normal antenna too.

“The channel will be on the same location as the other major channels in Ghana and will be accessible to millions of homes within the country and will cover all the regions, from north to south.

“Programmes will be produced from the Wahab Adam Studios in various languages of Ghana, including English, Twi, Ga, Hausa and others.

The transmission and scheduling of the channel will be run locally from the Wahab Adam Studios through Lajna volunteers and other teams.

“Programmes will be produced to provide moral and educational content.

From this channel, people will be informed of the true and beautiful teachings of Islam, insha-Allah.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa announced that MTA Ghana would be the only dedicated Islamic channel on the digital platform of Ghana.

Huzooraa said, “Our opponents try to hinder our paths, but then Allah the Almighty opens up other avenues for us – this is Allah the Almighty’s grace on the Jamaat.”

Huzooraa noted that insha-Allah, those blocked paths would also clear at the appointed time, but Allah the Almighty also brings good news for the Jamaat.

Blessed guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and the story of MTA Ghana Al Hakam spoke to Syed Umar Safir Sahib, Director MTA Africa, who gave insight into how MTA Ghana came about and the invaluable guidance and direction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for the channel.

Umar Safir Sahib said: “Ghana is a predominately Christian country; however, there is religious harmony in the country. The Ahmadiyya Community is highly respected for its services to the nation through its schools and hospitals. For a number of years, MTA International started introducing media services in the country by providing training to the national television channels in Ghana. The national TV channel in return provided us with a weekly slot for Continued on next page >>

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4 Wahab Adam Studios, Ghana Photo courtesy of MTA Africa

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the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

“Through these programmes, we received hundreds of messages from the public expressing their interest in the Jamaat and that the true teachings of Islam had now been understood by them. As a result, it was felt that rather than acquiring slots on national television channels, we should search for a dedicated channel in the country.

“This was approved by Huzooraa a few years ago and efforts were made to try and find a slot through one of the digital providers.

“By the grace of Allah, an opportunity arose through one of the national digital companies and Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa instructed that we go ahead with the necessary planning to sign an agreement with the company.

“The company had no slots available initially; however, with the grace of Allah, when they saw the setup of our operations and professionalism of MTA, they immediately made provisions for us to go on air. This was a great blessing as usually, the process takes a few months; however, in a week or so, the agreement was finalised and we started our test transmissions.

“Around 70% of the programmes will consist of tabligh and tarbiyat content and local languages and topics will be covered.

“During this time, Huzooraa had given extensive guidance on how the programmes should be covered and what type of message would be relevant for the Ghanaian people.

“Having lived in Ghana, Huzoor’saa understanding and in-depth knowledge of the culture and needs helped us shape our overall plan.”

Al Hakam prays that Allah blesses this endeavour in every respect. Amin.

Football Tournament of Friendship in Buenos Aires: Instilling positive habits amongst children Marwan Sarwar Gill Missionary, Argentina

On 2 January 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Argentina had the opportunity to arrange a football tournament for 40 children.

This tournament was held under the

title “Tournament of friendship” – the aim was to strengthen ties of friendship and respect amongst the children of different neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Every child who participated was given a medal and winning teams were awarded with trophies.

This initiative was launched in the same neighbourhood where we distribute free meals, snacks and milk to around 100 children who belong mostly to families that economic struggles and challenges.

The children enjoyed the tournament and their parents were also grateful as it was a good means to strengthen ties with their

children.

Insha-Allah, the idea is to hold more frequent football tournaments with the objective of providing education about the importance of physical and moral wellbeing, to the next generation.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

From the Markaz

“Your target should be to ensure that 100% of Ansar observe Salat” Bangladesh’s national amila of Majlis Ansarullah blessed with virtual mulaqat

On Saturday, 16 January 2021, members of Majlis Ansarullah Bangladesh’s national amila, along with the district and regional nazimeen-e-ala were blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, in a virtual mulaqat.

Members gathered in Dar al-Tabligh Mosque in Dhaka, which also serves as the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Bangladesh.

The mulaqat commenced with dua, after which all members had the opportunity to introduce themselves and the work assigned to them.

The first report was presented by Naib Sadr Saf-e-Daum, Shahanshah Azad Zummon Sahib. During the report, Hazrat

Amirul Momineenaa asked how many Ansar were among saf-e-daum (aged 40-54) and further enquired about the programme made for them.

Responding to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, the naib sadr replied that a total of 1,418 Ansar were among saf-e-daum and said that a committee had been formed to design programmes for the year. He added that a plan was made to start a bicycle club and hold quarterly general meetings with the saf-e-daum Ansar.

Upon this, Huzooraa said, “Those who have cycles should use them daily. Instead of using cars and buses, it is better that saf-e-daum Ansar use cycles to go to their workplaces and at least do some exercise on bicycles.”

Following this, Golam Kader Sahib, who is also serving as Naib Sadr, introduced himself and presented his report in which he stated that he was overlooking seven majalis.

Addressing Nayeem Alam Khan Sahib, serving as naib sadr, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if he was assigned any particular duty. Answering Huzooraa, he stated that Sadr Sahib had tasked him to overlook the finance department.

After this, speaking with Mohammad Fazal-e-Elahi Sahib, who is serving as naib sadr and qaid umumi, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that the qaid umumi had a huge responsibility. Huzooraa asked how much time he devoted to his office for Jamaat related work. The qaid umumi

replied that he attended his office every day where he devoted five to six hours in his workplace, upon which Huzooraa said, “Masha-Allah”.

Whilst conversing with Sarwar Morshed Sahib, Naib Sadr and Qaid Wasiyyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many Ansar members had done Wasiyyat. Answering Huzooraa, the qaid said that the total tajnid was 3,242, out of which 995 members of Ansar were musis.

Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, setting a target for the year, said that the total number of musis should rise to 1,500.

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Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “Your target should be to ensure that 100% of Ansar observe Namaz, whether it be in Salat centres, mosques or at home with their children. This is your first target.”

Following this, Huzooraa discussed tabligh achievements with the Qaid Tabligh, Shariful Hakim Ahmad Sahib.

Addressing Qaid Talim, Ibrahim Khalil Bhuiyan Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked about the talim plan which had been prepared and set out for Ansar, to which he replied that they had provided all Ansar members a syllabus for the year in which the Promised Messiah’sas books, Al Wasiyyat and Barakat-ul-Dua were selected for them to read and study along with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa book, Domestic Issues and Their Solutions.

He added that three Surahs of the Holy Quran – Surah al-Ikhlas, Surah al-Nas and Surah al-Lahab – were selected for Ansar members to memorise and learn its translation. Hearing this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “This is quite an ambitious programme.”

Qaid Talim-ul-Quran, Insan Ali Faqeer Sahib, whilst presenting his report, said that in 2020, he had helped 2,107 people learn to recite the Holy Quran.

Following this, addressing Qaid Tarbiyat for New Converts, Sohel Sattar Sawpan Sahib, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa

asked how many new converts were in Ansarullah and what programme had been made for them. The qaid replied by saying that there were a total of 419 new converts in Ansarullah and that according to their plan, they were informed about the basic teachings of the Jamaat along with a syllabus for them to continue learning. He further said that door to door visits were added into the programme to foster a strong bond of friendship and help enable them to become active members of the Jamaat. Huzooraa instructed, “Establish a personal contact with each and every new convert.”

After this, whilst presenting his report, Qaid Ishaat, Jahangir Babul Sahib, stated that with regard to printing and publications, a bulletin, Al-Naser, was published every two months. Apart from this, various other publications, including selected verses of the Holy Quran and its translation, along with a prayer book, was printed for members of Ansarullah.

Addressing Qaid Tajnid (census), Mehedi Hasan Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about tajnid and how he collected the data and recorded it. The qaid replied that the total Ansarullah tajnid was 3,242 and with regard to gathering the tajnid, he stated that a form was circulated to each majlis, which was then updated every year.

After this, Qaid Isar, SM Rahmatullah Sahib, whilst presenting his report said

Discover the treasure that lies within

that there were four majalis under his supervision and added that his duties were to provide aid, distribute blankets, provide homeopathy medicine – which was prescribed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa – and further said that help was offered to the less fortunate and to those in need during the coronavirus.

Whilst conversing with Qaid Waqf-eJadid, Faizul Haq Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked how many members of Ansarullah participated and contributed towards Waqf-e-Jadid.

Answering aa Huzoor , he stated that for the year 2020, 94% of Ansar participated in Waqf-eJadid.

Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further enquired from Qaid Tahrik-e-Jadid, Shamsul Haq Sahib, how many Ansar members contributed to this blessed scheme; the Qaid responded that according to the data collected, 3,027 members had participated.

Whilst presenting his report, Karkune-Khas, Nurul Islam Mithu Sahib, stated that he had four majalis that he was supervising. He added that he had had the opportunity to serve the Jamaat in the publication arena for the last 12 years.

During the mulaqat, Maksud Ahmad Rumon Sahib, Karkun-e-Khas, stated that he had previously been affected by the coronavirus and requested Huzooraa for prayers.

Following this, Sadr Ansarullah

Bangladesh, Ahmad Tabshir Sahib, mentioned that some members wished to seek guidance and ask Huzooraa a few questions. Huzooraa graciously accepted his request.

The first question asked was how one could continue to morally develop and improve their actions and deeds.

Answering this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Allah has said that the purpose of man’s creation is worship. If one worships God whilst fulfilling the due rights, observe the five daily prayers with all its conditions, bow before Allah, pray fervently during prostrations, seek His forgiveness, pray for the betterment of one’s future generations, pray for one’s spiritual progress; sheds tears whilst praying in prostration, then Allah says that He will accept his prayers. Thus, for personal progress, one must beseech Allah. This is our resolve; each and every task must be achieved through prayers and this is the purpose of man’s creation.”

Following this, a question was posed that at times, when some members are asked as to why they do not commit to the Wasiyyat scheme, they reply by saying that they are not muttaqi (God fearing and pious) and thus, they say that this is why they do not do Wasiyyat.

Answering this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “First of all, one must read the book, Al Wasiyyat. Upon reading Al Wasiyyat, one will come to realise the standard one must adhere to … To simply say, ‘I am not of such standard, thus I will not do Wasiyyat’ means that such a person would never try to accomplish anything in life, nor would he try to attain a high level of piety.”

Huzooraa added, “The Promised Messiahas has linked both Wasiyyat and Khilafat together. When one does Wasiyyat and makes an effort to do good deeds, then their spiritual level increases and their bond with Khilafat also increases; they then become a true and firm Ahmadi.”

After this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked how one can engage members who are inactive and do not attend meetings or partake in Jamaat related work.

Answering this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “It is our duty to continue to remind and draw their attention.

Remind them that they are Ahmadi Muslims; and being an Ahmadi also brings responsibilities and duties one must adhere to. We have ّ َ been instructed in the Holy Quran, ‫[ ذکِ ۡر‬admonish and remind] and to exhort and to constantly remind. This is the commandment given to the Holy Prophetsa by Allah and this is the directive that we must follow … It is our duty to continuously remind and draw their attention with kindness and love.”

Towards the end of the mulaqat, Sadr Ansarullah Bangladesh said that they had been organising virtual programmes since September 2020 and that they were increasing in number and interest.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa concluded the meeting by conveying salaam to all.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

From the Markaz

National UK amila seeks Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s advice in virtual meeting On Sunday, 17 January 2021, the national amila of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK had the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and seek his invaluable guidance and direction.

The meeting started with dua led by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, after which Amir Jamaat UK, Rafiq Hayat Sahib reported that 26 national secretaries were present, out of a total of 38 secretaries.

Amir Sahib also reported that seven of the 15 regional amirs were able to attend.

The amila members then began to introduce themselves to Huzooraa.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Secretary Tarbiyat, Nisar Orchard Sahib what the tarbiyat department’s plan was for the year, to which Nisar Sahib said that they continued to engage with all jamaats and regions for tarbiyat sessions and shared platforms with other departments like rishta nata and sanat-o-tijarat.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked Nisar Sahib if all tarbiyat secretaries from all Jamaats were cooperating and then emphasised the importance of the tarbiyat department. Huzooraa added that those secretaries who were not cooperative and desired not to change themselves, even after reminders, should be relieved of their duties. Nisar Sahib confirmed that this would be immediately implemented.

To Secretary Sanat-o-Tijarat, Ahmad Salam Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said sanat-o-tijarat department should not be spending more and earning less.

Huzooraa then recommended that even if small, a business can be started, for example an agricultural farm.

Jonathan Butterworth Sahib, Additional Secretary Tarbiyat for new converts reported there were currently 237 new converts in the UK, since 2018.

Huzooraa asked about the activities being held for new converts in the last year.

Jonathan Sahib reported that an ijtema was recently held for new converts, weekly Quran classes were held to teach new converts the recitation of the Holy Quran and local missionaries were utilised to teach new coverts too.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Jonathan Sahib if the new converts were still attached to the Jamaat and continued in their belief in Islam Ahmadiyyat. The

secretary confirmed the vast majority of converts were attached, were Ahmadis and all believed in the message of the Promised Messiahas.

Speaking with Fahim Anwar Sahib, Secretary Waqf-e-Jadid, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Masha-Allah … This year you collected almost two hundred and something thousand pounds more than the last year?” Fahim Anwer Sahib confirmed this number and Huzooraa, with a smile, responded by noting, “But the German Jamaat collected almost the same amount, but you are fortunate enough to have held the first position.”

Munawar Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Wasaya introduced himself next and gave details of the number of musis and other details related to his department.

Upon completing the report, Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Allah, masha-Allah; you have done well.”

Speaking with Hafiz Fazle Rabbi

Sahib, Secretary Talim-ul-Quran and Waqf-e-Arzi, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa instructed, “First you should concentrate more on the amila members of all the central organisations – Khuddam, Ansar, Lajna and the Jamaat as well. And then the regional and local amila members and then other people. If they participate in this waqf-e-arzi scheme, then others will follow them.”

Addressing Mubashar Ahmad Sahib, Additional Secretary Finance, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that those who could not pay or did not pay the current prescribed chanda amount should write to Huzooraa directly to be pardoned from the prescribed rate. Huzooraa said to encourage members to pay chanda according to their actual income and then leave it to those members to do so with taqwa.

After all the introductions had ended, Amir Sahib UK then said that three presentations were on the agenda to show

Huzooraa. The first presentation was a detailed video tour of the new Baitul Futuh complex and the progress thus far.

Huzooraa closely watched the video tour and asked questions to Irfan Qureishi Sahib, Secretary Jaidad.

When the video tour ended, Huzooraa asked when the complex would be completed, to which Irfan Sahib said that it would take another year.

The next presentation was by the finance department in which various figures were given about Zakat, Chanda Aam, Wasiyyat and Jalsa Salana collections and also other aspects of the department.

The Waqf-e-Nau department presented a detailed report in which various aspects of Waqf-e-Nau UK, including the total membership, events held, future plans and the demographics of Waqf-e-Nau of the UK were highlighted.

Continued on page 9

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

8

This Week in History 22-28 January In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas with some more details 22 January 1883: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Mir Abbas Ali Sahib in which he acknowledged the receipt of 10 rupees he sent, expressed his gratitude and prayed for him.

Huzoor , whilst describing the Muslim Ummah, stated that there were many sects that had moved away from the teachings of Islam, some of whom no longer believed that God was eternal. Some sects did not give Salat and fasting their due attention, while others refused to believe in the reality of Heaven, Hell and angels and said that the door to revelation is closed. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 1, p. 510) as

22 January 1886: The Promised Messiahas, accompanied by Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira, Hazrat Sheikh Hamid Alira and Fateh Khan Sahib, arrived in Hoshiarpur. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 274)

The room where the Promised Messiahas spent 40 days in seclusion in Hoshiarpur

22 January 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. Huzooras stated that he had read his letter many times and added that whenever he remembered God’s gracious nature, his worries would drift away. Huzooras stated that Allah is All-Powerful and has the ability to save one from problems and difficulties. Huzooras added that one should exhibit patience as there is a certain time for everything to happen. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 54)

22 January 1889: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira in which he expressed his happiness upon receiving his letter as Huzooras was waiting for him to come and visit him. Huzooras said that he expected him to arrive within 2-4 days.

The Promised Messiahas, alluding to his frail health, stated that at times, it proved difficult to even respond to letters. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 205) 22 January 1897: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira in which he congratulated him on his marriage and informed him that the Walima was served to guests on Friday.

Huzooras stated that more than 80 guests, including Hazrat Seith Abdur Rahman Sahibra Madrasi, Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib and many other respectable people, had attended. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 3, p. 230) 22 January 1897: The Promised Messiah’sas book Anjam-e-Atham was published on this date.

Towards the end of Jang-eMuqaddas, on 5 June 1893, the Promised Messiahas published a prophecy about Abdullah Atham (who represented the Christian community in the debate of Jange-Muqaddas) that Atham would be thrown into Hell within 15 months – one month corresponding to each day of the debate – and that First edition of Anjam-e-Atham he would be (severely) disgraced “provided he did not incline to the truth”.

A period of 15 months had elapsed on 5 September 1894, by which date Abdullah Atham was still alive. There was a great uproar that the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas turned out to be false as he was still alive.

A procession was taken out on 6 September 1894 in Amritsar in which Atham was paraded as a sign that the Christians had become victorious over Islam. The Promised Messiahas wrote that the prophecy made by him was fulfilled in letter and spirit because during the period of 15 months, Abdullah Atham had repented, inclined towards

the truth and had remained quiet without saying a single word against Islam and the Holy Prophetsa, nor did he write any article or book against Islam during this period.

Since 6 September, the Promised Messiahas issued seven announcements, one after the other, inviting Atham to take an oath that during the period of 15 months, he did not incline towards God. In the posters, he offered a prize of 1,000 rupees which went on increasing with every poster – to 2,000, 3,000 and then 4,000 rupees. Every time, Atham was invited to take an oath. It was after the seventh poster (issued on 30 December 1895) that the refusal of Atham had reached a point where he would not be given any further respite.

Abdullah Atham died on 27 July 1896. This book, Anjam-e-Atham, contains the related details of the events. The book also bears the list of Hazrat Ahmad’sas 313 Companions.

22 January 1897: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar, in which he stated that Islam was a living religion and signs of its truthfulness had been granted to him.

Hazrat Ahmadas stated that he could demonstrate and show to all opponents that the Holy Quran was a miracle containing deep knowledge and sublime wisdom. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, pp.

191) 23 January 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he stated that he had prayed for him.

Huzooras added that he had sent letters to various people with regard to the proposal of his (Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra) second nikah. He mentioned that he had received a letter from Mir Abbas Ali Shah Sahib, which Huzooras had attached along with this letter. Huzooras mentioned various matters with regard to the proposal and stated that the proposed woman was the daughter of Munshi Ahmad Jan Sahib. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 55) 24 January 1898: The Promised Messiah’sas book, Kitab-ul-Bariyyah was published on this date by Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian.

History shows us that the Christian missionary of Amritsar, Dr Henry Martyn Clark, brought a charge of conspiracy to murder under Section 107 of IPC against the Promised Messiahas on 1 August 1897 in the court of Mr AB Martineau, District Magistrate of Amritsar. Dr Clark stated that Hazrat Ahmadas had sent a young man, Abdul Hamid, to murder him. Abdul Hamid’s statement was also recorded. The magistrate immediately issued a warrant of arrest for Hazrat Ahmadas under Section 114.

9

AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 Continued from page 7

Huzooraa asked about efforts in encouraging Waqf-e-Nau to enter the civil service and said that the secretary talim should also make a comprehensive plan to encourage Ahmadi students to enter the civil service.

When looking at the slide showing the number of Waqf-e-Nau who regularly listened to Huzoor’s Friday Sermon, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “The number of girls listening to my khutba

is more than boys. Take help from Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in this regard.”

Secretary Waqf-e-Nau, Masroor Ahmad Sahib, also reported on the Waqf-e-Nau department’s efforts towards encouraging Waqf-e-Nau boys to attend Jamia and promoting the field of medicine for all members.

Hafiz Fazle Rabbi Sahib then presented a report on ITQA – the International Talim-ul-Quran Academy. He reported to Huzooraa that a total of 464 students

from 15 countries were registered with the academy. The total number of teachers is 145 and currently, there are 43 classes.

The courses of the academy include the translation of the Quran and the recitation of the Quran.

Speaking of the Quran’s translation, Huzooraa said “The translation of the Quran by Mir Ishaaq Sahibra is also coming in the manzoor font very soon, insha-Allah, and the print and everything is very unique this time. Try to give the

The news of the arrest spread like wildfire and opponents eagerly looked forward to seeing the Promised Messiahas alight the train at Amritsar railway station handcuffed.

They gathered every day at the station waiting for him, but God would not let him be humiliated at the hands of his enemies.

First edition of Kitab-ul-Bariyyah The warrant of arrest never reached its destination and was never served to the Promised Messiahas. On the other hand, the district magistrate of Amritsar later realised his own mistake that he had no jurisdiction outside of Amritsar. Therefore, the case was transferred to the district magistrate of Gurdaspur. This book carries the details of this court case and also briefly mentions details of the Promised Messiah’s ancestry.

simply declaring a person a kafir would not make them a disbeliever. A person could only be deemed kafir in the sight of Allah alone. In reality, a person who declares another Muslim a kafir becomes a disbeliever in the eyes of God.

25 January 1888: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. In the letter, Huzooras stated that he should continue to inform him of his well-being and also instructed him to inform him of Sundar Das’ health in detail. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 531)

The Promised Messiahas, answering a question Hazrat Munshi Habib-ur-Rahmanra asked about Zakat on jewellery, stated that various views on this topic had created many conflicting issues.

Huzooras said that the majority of scholars say, no Zakat is due on jewellery that is worn every now and then. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 51)

25 January 1890: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he stated that his health was improving and also stated that his son, Mahmud (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra), was suffering from a fever.

Hazrat Ahmad went on to say that he had intended to pray for his Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra friend, but could not do so due to the arrival of Qazi Ghulam Murtaza Sahib. as

Huzoor said that as Qazi Ghulam Murtaza Sahib had arrived and visited after bearing many difficulties and losses, it was inappropriate to not show full hospitality towards him. as

This highlights Huzoor’sas great love and level of hospitality. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 92) 25 January 1890: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Numanira in which he expressed his condolences at the demise of his mother and prayed that Allah granted him patience.

Huzooras mentioned a maulvi in Mecca who had taken it upon himself to declare him (the Promised Messiah) a kafir. Huzooras said that

The Promised Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Numanira Messiahas stated that a believer is he who is declared a kafir by ignorant men. Hazrat Ahmadas gave the example of Mosesas and the Pharaoh and quoted the verse of the Holy Quran:

ٰۡ ۡ َ ۡ َ َّ َ َ َ ۡ َ ‫َو ف َعل َت ف ۡعل َتک ال ِت ۡی ف َعل َت َو ان َت ِم َن الک ِف ِریۡ َن‬

“‘And thou didst do thy deed which thou didst, and thou art of the ungrateful.’” (Surah al-Shu‘ara Ch.26 V:20) (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 107) 25 January 1892: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter from Hazrat Munshi Habib-ur-Rahmanra, Raees of Haji Pura, in which he stated that he had received his letter after a long period of time.

Huzooras added that his books, Dafi-ul-Wasawis, commonly known as Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, would soon be published.

25 January 1897: The Promised Messiahas published an announcement in which he stated that Jesusas had passed away according to the verse of the Holy Quran:

َ ّ ‫َف َل َّما تَوَ َّف ۡی َت ِن ۡی ُک ۡن َت اَن ۡ َت‬ ‫الرَقِ ۡی َب َعل ۡی ِہ ۡم‬

“But since Thou didst cause me to die, Thou hast been the Watcher over them.” (Surah al-Ma‘idah Ch.5 V:118) Huzooras added that according to Hazrat Ibn Abbasra, “Inni mutawaffika” meant to cause one to die.

Huzooras expounded that the Messiah who was promised to come in the Latter Days was to be from among the Muslim Ummah, as opposed to Jesusas of Nazareth.

Thus, Huzooras claimed that he was that very Messiah who was to come in the Latter Days and break the cross. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p.

462) 25 January 1899: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi

translation of the Quran to each and every student who can read Urdu so that they can learn the translation as well in a better way.”

Amir Sahib said the presentations had come to an end to which Huzooraa, with a smile, responded by saying, “And that also brings the mulaqat time to an end”, after which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa extended salaam to everyone.

Rustam Alira in which he acknowledged receipt of 99 rupees and expressed his gratitude. Hazrat Ahmadas added that whilst writing this letter, his eyes were in so much pain, yet Huzooras still managed to write the short letter. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 2, p. 632) 26 January 1886: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he stated that he had reached Hoshiarpur on Friday. Huzooras stated that he should pray for him that Allah blessed the journey.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 469) 26 January 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he stated that he had fervently prayed for him and added that God would not let his prayer go to waste. Huzooras told him to wait and show patience and remain focused on his work. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 583) 26 January 1896: The Promised Messiahas expressed the intention of writing a commentary on the gospel of Matthew, the first book of the New Testament. An announcement regarding this was published by Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 115) 28 January 1886: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he stated that he had arrived in Hoshiarpur. Huzooras stated that he was unable to recall if he had conveyed his arrival in Hoshiarpur to him.

Hazrat Ahmadas also told him to continue to pray for him and his journey. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 470) 28 January 1892: The Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar in which he stated that he had deemed it appropriate to hold a jalsa-e-aam (open meeting) to elucidate certain doubts and misunderstandings and to remove those objections which were raised against him that he had claimed to be a law-bearing Prophet, denied miracles and various other baseless allegations.

Huzooras mentioned the location of this Jalsa and stated that it would take place at 1:30pm on 31 January 1892. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p.

328) 28 January 1897: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an announcement in which he claimed that the prophecies fulfilled through him were greater in proportion, number, quantity and power than those of Jesusas. Huzooras made an open challenge that if any priest could prove otherwise, he would offer them 1,000 rupees.

5,600 copies of this announcement were printed and published in Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian.

(Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 193)

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

10

Answers to everyday issues Part VII Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given at various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London

Philosophy of Islamic punishments Huzooraa was sent a quote from the Promised Messiahas wherein he states, “There is a clear injunction in the Holy Quran to amputate the hand of a thief and to stone the adulterer”. Huzooraa was then asked that while the former was mentioned in the Holy Quran, there was no mention of stoning an adulterer in any of the verses. Huzooraa was asked for guidance on the matter.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 15 October 2018, gave the following reply: “There are generally two aspects to Islamic punishments: a severe punishment and a comparatively moderate punishment.

The main purpose of these punishments is to prevent evil and to serve as an admonition for others.

“Therefore, we see that during the time of the Holy Prophetsa and the Khulafa-eRashideen, not all kinds of thieves were punished with amputation of their hands.

This punishment was, for example, never applied for the theft of food and drink.

However, if a thief, while snatching a woman’s jewellery, injures her hand or ear or causes injury to any part of her body in such a way that she becomes disabled, then such a thief is punished according to the crime. This also includes the punishment of the amputation of the hands.

“Likewise, if adultery or fornication is committed by mutual consent and it is proven by the Islamic method of witnessing, then the concerning parties are sentenced to a hundred lashes. However, in the case of rape, which is of extremely barbaric nature, or if a rapist has committed this heinous act by abusing young children, then the punishment for such a person cannot be merely a hundred floggings. Such an adulterer or rapist can then be given the extreme punishment such as killing and stoning according to the teachings mentioned in Surah al-Maidah [chapter 5], verse 34 and Surah al-Ahzab [chapter 33], verses 61-63 of the Holy Quran. However, the right of meting out this punishment is given to the ruling government of the time.

This teaching has merely given them an option in general.

“Therefore, it is in light of these Quranic verses that the Promised Messiahas has also stated that the punishment mentioned in the Holy Quran for such an adulterer or rapist was stoning.”

Profit through bank accounts in Pakistan

Messiahas, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat continues to investigate and research into various issues in this regard whenever they arise and even currently, further research is being conducted on this matter.”

Huzooraa was asked regarding the personal use of profits earned through depositing money in banks in Pakistan. In a letter, dated 26 November 2018, Huzooraa gave Names of people the following reply: in Jamaat books “Banks in who leave the Pakistan usually Community accept deposits on Huzooraa was asked the basis of the PLS regarding the revised method, which edition of Fatawa is a participatory Masih-e-Maudas and banking system it was suggested based on profit and Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa that the name of the loss sharing. Any original publisher, wealth gained by Fakhruddin Multani Sahib, and the preface depositing money into such a system does by him should be removed from the revised not fall under the category of interest. edition because he later left Jamaat.

“Similarly, profits gained through the In a letter, dated 26 November 2018, money deposited in state-owned banks are aa Huzoor gave a beautiful answer, most not considered interest because they invest befitting to the values and traditions of the their capital on philanthropic projects, as a Jamaat and said: result of which various schemes are devised “The book contains the fatawa [edicts] for the benefit of the citizens of the country, of the Promised Messiahas and was compiled the economy grows and employment opportunities are generated. Therefore, the by Fakhruddin Multani Sahib in 1935. This profits from such banks can be utilised for book was used in Jamaat literature for a long time but there were numerous errors in the personal needs.

“As far as interest is concerned, the typesetting and the quotations. Therefore, Promised Messiahas has defined it as errors relating to the composition and follows: an individual lending money to quotations have been corrected in this new another solely for their own benefit while edition.

“However, since the original publisher predetermining the loan repayment as interest. When these conditions apply, then and author of this book was Fakhruddin Multani Sahib, if we were to remove his it is considered interest.

“Islam prohibits interest which takes name and the preface by him from this new advantage of the helplessness of the poor edition, it would not be right. Although as by fixing a certain amount of interest in some friends of the Promised Messiah advance when lending to them, thereby had separated themselves from the Jamaat subsequently burdening the poor with after his demise due to their recklessness, interest upon interest and putting them in they had been able to serve the Jamaat in the chains of never-ending debt and interest. various tasks during the blessed time of the as However, in the present times, if a person Promised Messiah .

“Thus, their names are included in cannot afford to repay a loan and is forced the written history of Ahmadiyyat. As for to file for bankruptcy, then that debt can be your suggestion that we should remove dissolved. the names of all these individuals and their “This is why the Hakam and Adl of the services from the history of Ahmadiyyat, as age, the Promised Messiah has said, this is against the ethics and traditions of ‘Now, most of such matters in this the Jamaat. country have turned upside-down. Every “By the grace of Allah, the Jamaat has trade has an aspect or two that are based now published a book entitled Fiqhul on interest. This is why renewed ijtihad is Masih, which contains even more guidance needed in this era.’ and edicts of the Promised Messiahas than “In light of this guidance of the Promised

Fatawa Masih-e-Maudas.”

A revelation of the Promised Messiahas regarding Bengal During a virtual mulaqat of the missionaries of Bangladesh with Huzooraa on 8 November 2020, a missionary requested Huzooraa to shed some light on the following revelation of the Promised Messiahas which states that the people of Bengal will be consoled and comforted:

‫گا اھت اب اُن‬ ‫ےلہپ اگنبہل یک تبسن وج ھچک مکح اجری ی ا‬ ‫ک ی‬ ‫یک دوجلیئ وہ یگ‬

“Concerning the order that had been issued with regard to Bengal, they will now be consoled.”

Huzooraa replied: “Comfort and reassurance has been given to the people of Bengal for 130 years now, but now the people of Bangladesh have to do something and prove themselves so that they may be given this consolation and comfort. Serve and demonstrate this through your actions. Elevate the level of righteousness within yourselves, increase your passion for serving faith and then demonstrate this through your actions.

Endeavour to bring about a transformation within the country.

“As far as the opposition is concerned, remember that opposition acts like fertiliser and a seed. The Jamaat is being introduced to people even more so [through opposition]. The more the Ahmadis are persecuted, the more the Jamaat is being introduced to people. Ahmadis are attacked and persecuted in Pakistan, which leads to more exposure of the Jamaat in the outside world and even inside Pakistan.

“Initially, the Jamaat faced opposition in the cities of Pakistan and so people in the cities were acquainted with Ahmadiyyat, but now there is opposition in villages and smaller areas resulting in everyone becoming acquainted with Ahmadiyyat.

“As a result of this exposure, the outside world is also learning about Ahmadiyyat and there are people with a virtuous and pious disposition within Pakistan who are also developing the realisation that they should do their own research to find out about what the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat actually is; what our views are about Islam; what our connection is to Islam; what we believe about the rank of the Holy Prophetsa and how we interpret and understand the Word of God. When they do their research, they get the opportunity of coming closer to the Jamaat due to their own interest and curiosity. So, this opposition serves

11

AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 as fertiliser for you and you should try to benefit from it.

“When you will offer sacrifices, then you will certainly be consoled and granted reassurance. And by the grace of Allah, you have offered sacrifices; bombs have exploded in your mosques; one of our missionaries lost one of his legs and people were injured or martyred. Such incidents occur from time to time and I continually pray to Allah the Exalted for the conditions to improve and I remain concerned for everyone’s wellbeing.

“However, along with all of this, in order to attain comfort and reassurance, you too have to endeavour in this regard. Therefore every murabbi and mu‘allim should pledge that he will spend his days whilst instilling the fear of Allah and spend his nights with taqwa and fulfil the responsibility entrusted upon him to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat in every corner of the country with a special passion and zeal.

“Most importantly, you must demonstrate your own practical examples as role models. You must instil the quality of being content and whatever little resources and facilities you are provided by the Jamaat, you must derive maximum benefit from them and consider them to be ample and abundant. You must continue to raise the standards of your sacrifices. You must continue to strengthen your relationship with Allah the Exalted. You must wake up during the nights to pray.

“It is the duty of every murabbi and mua‘llim to offer the Tahajud prayer for at least one hour. Reflect on your conditions and ask yourselves whether you offer Tahajud prayer for an hour. Are you waking up at night and offering nawafil and profusely weeping before Allah the Exalted and praying that He may create ease for the Jamaat and grant you the means for its progress?

“Also, make it a habit to study and deeply ponder over the Holy Quran. You will not benefit from simply reading a few readymade essays on the topic; rather, you must broaden the scope of your knowledge as much as possible. This is the very thing that will be useful for you in the future, inshaAllah, and you will be able to use this to your benefit whilst debating with other scholars and to also inform the general public.

“It may well be that the non-Ahmadi scholars have studied more books of Islamic jurisprudence, tafsir [commentary] of the Holy Quran and ahadith in comparison to you and can also quote them to others.

“However, you are the ones who are to explain the true verities which have been taught to us in this day and age by the Promised Messiahas, who is the Hakam and the Adl. It is his understanding of Islamic jurisprudence, his tafsir of the Holy Quran and his interpretation of the ahadith that we have to establish in this world and inform others about it.

“For this, you will need to strive, broaden the scope of your knowledge and then seek help from Allah the Exalted. Seek help from Allah the Exalted for broadening the scope of your knowledge and also for your spiritual progress. Also, seek help from Allah the Exalted in order to spread the message of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in your country. Also seek help from Allah the Exalted that He may remove the

opposition and hostility you face. Seek help from Allah the Exalted in order to save your country from His wrath and punishment.

“So there are many types of supplications that a person ought to offer. You should offer these prayers with great passion, zeal and fervency and then you will see for yourselves the revolutionary change you bring about in Bangladesh. And though you will also have to endure hardships and difficulties in this, Allah the Exalted will then say that they have endured enough difficulties, ‘Now console and comfort them.’ It is only after this that you will be granted comfort and solace.”

Tabligh to non-Ahmadi Muslims who are indifferent about Islam In the same mulaqat with Huzooraa, dated 8 November 2020, another missionary asked Huzooraa how to preach to people who claim to be Muslims, yet they have no link to Islam.

Huzooraa answered this with the following: “You should tell them that irrespective of whether they accept the message of Ahmadiyyat or not, they still claim to be Muslims and it is the commandment of Allah and His Messengersa that they should be able to recite the Holy Quran which Allah the Exalted has revealed to us and they should learn how to offer the five daily prayers; they should believe in the pillars of Islam and also act upon them.

“Explain to them that they are Muslims, therefore their belief in the Messengersa of Allah can only be complete when they act in accordance with his sunnah. Tell them how to read the Holy Quran, which is the Shariah that Allah the Exalted has revealed.

If they do not know how to recite the Holy Quran and they need to learn it, then you should tell them that we are ready to teach you. Furthermore, teach them what Allah and His Messengersa have said and also teach them how to read the Holy Quran.

“At this stage, there is no need to ask them to become an Ahmadi first because when they learn about the teachings of Islam, they will themselves take the next step. They will say that their own clerics were not teaching them anything, but rather you are the ones who are teaching us. So, they will want to know more about us. Thus, in this way, your interaction with them will begin and further avenues of tabligh will also open. You should pray also for them. It was prophesied regarding this very era that only the name of Islam would be left.

‫راہ ی ن‬ ‫د� ابیق ہن االسم ابیق‬ ‫گ انم ابیق‬ ‫اک االسم اک رہ یا‬

‘What remains is neither faith, nor Islam; What remains is just the name of Islam.’

“It was for this very reason that the advent of the Promised Messiahas and Mahdi took place in order to once again bring people closer to Allah the Exalted and to draw their attention towards fulfilling the rights of each other.

“People have forgotten these fundamental principles and this is the reason for the advent of the Promised Messiahas in this very age. This is the very mission of the Promised Messiahas and also the duty of those who follow the Promised Messiahas. It is also the duty of those who have undertaken a deep study of the Faith and have devoted themselves to the service

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa leading dua during Bangladesh waqifeen and missionaries’ mulaqat, 8 November 2020

of Islam in order to spread the message and to morally train others. This relates to all of you. Therefore, convey to them the teachings and message of Islam and explain to them what true faith is.

“This is in exact accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa in relation to the signs of the era in which the advent of the Promised Messiahas was to take place, in which the Holy Prophetsa stated that people would only bear the title of being a Muslim but would have completely disregarded its teachings. They verbally proclaim, ‘There is no God except Allah …’ however, they have no understanding of what it truly means.

They proclaim, “... and Muhammadsa is the Messenger of Allah”; however, they have no knowledge of the blessed example and character of the Messenger of Allahsa.

“Thus, it is our duty to inform people of this. And for this, we will need to make a concerted effort. We will first need to explain to them about the teachings of Islam and then they will automatically learn about Ahmadiyyat. Therefore, if they have forgotten the teachings of their faith and Islam remains merely a title for them, then this in fact is fulfilling what Allah the Exalted and His Messengersa had foretold.

“These people simply follow their religious clerics, who teach them nothing but to cause harm to the Ahmadis by injuring them, taking their lives, destroying their mosques and damaging their properties.

This is all they can do; what else do they have? However, in response, we ought to explain to them with love and affection. This is what Allah the Exalted has taught us that if we act with love and affection, then they will become like our best friends.”

Huzoor’s experience of being imprisoned in the way of Allah Another missionary asked Huzooraa in the same mulaqat about his experience as a prisoner in the way of God Almighty (aseere-rah-e-Maula). Huzooraa replied with the following: “What can I tell you? I did not even realise how quickly my days had passed during my time in prison in the way of God. All I could witness were the blessings of Allah.

“It was summertime and Allah the Exalted would cause the heat to turn into a cool breeze. We remained in jail behind bars, without any kind of feelings of worry or stress. In my heart, I knew that the penalty

for the [false] charges that had been brought against me was either life imprisonment or the death penalty – I was going to receive one of the two. So, I decided that it was Allah alone Who I was going to seek help from and to win His pleasure.

“I thought that if I was going to be handed punishment for the sake of the Jamaat, then this would be a great blessing indeed. However, Allah the Exalted had decreed something else and He enabled me to be released from jail after 10 or 12 days. So, what more can I say? I did not do anything extraordinary. I did nothing.”

Huzoor’s prayers for the Jamaat and our responsibilities At the end of this virtual mulaqat, the amir of Bangladesh Jamaat requested Huzooraa to offer a special prayer for Bangladesh that may bring about a revolutionary change. In response, Huzooraa said: “Why should I only pray for Bangladesh and not the entire world? Why are you limiting my prayer, whereas I pray for the entire world? Besides this, Allah the Exalted has decreed a certain time for everything and when that time comes then, inshaAllah, a revolutionary transformation will also occur.

“Once, someone requested the Holy Prophetsa to pray for him in regard to a particular task. The Holy Prophetsa told him that he would pray for him and then he called him back to tell him that he should pray as well and in this way, he should support his prayer for him.

“Therefore, as I have already explained, it is also your duty that you should wake up during the nights to pray. Each murabbi and mu‘allim should make it incumbent upon himself to offer the Tahajud prayers. You should work selflessly. You should fulfil the rights of Allah and the rights of His people.

You must consider the services for faith as a blessing of Allah. You must not expect any reward or any kind of appraisal for this service. If you continue to work with this spirit, then Allah the Exalted will shower His blessings abundantly upon you all and you will see that He will do so very soon, insha-Allah.

“May Allah the Exalted enable all of you to do this and may He enable you to be successful in your respective fields. Amin.”

(Translated by Aqeel Ahmad Kang, London)

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

12

Nigeria, carnage and curse: Why this gory trend must stop!

Hafiz Yunus Omotayo Missionary and Chairman of Muslim Writers Guild of Nigeria

As humanity continues to be aghast and as the media buzzes with news of the pervasive, wanton killings that are currently bedeviling Nigeria, it is the aim of this article to assess the ominous development and make a case for why a stop must be put to the gory trends in the country, if truly the citizens genuinely desire to existentially break the jinx of their collective utopia for sustainable peace, security and development.

“Did our history begin with the curse of Cain? It is a gory tale of murder, assassination and torture in any event. So much blood has been spilled throughout history that the whole world could be painted red with it – with plenty to spare.

When will man stop killing his fellow men? When will his thirst for blood ever be quenched?”

The above thought-provoking questions were raised by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh – who later became the head of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community (1982-2003) – in the opening paragraph of his master-piece, titled, Murder in the Name of Allah, written on the heels of the 1953 public disturbances in Pakistan which shut down the five-year old independent country amidst carnage and curse.

More particularly, in his historical novel, titled, A Carnage Before Dawn, published online by Okada Books, the author, Ayomide Akinbode, takes us on a gory tale of Nigeria’s first coup d’état, which took place in the night of 14-15 January 1966. Today, over 50 years after the bloody event, it is still the same bloody story of killings, as Nigeria has not known peace and security of lives and properties.

Would it be inconsequential to remark, for instance, that the gory tale of bloodbath in Nigeria’s first coup d’état signalled an ominous repetition of the history of Cain’s carnage and curse, which re-occurred to change the national fate of the nascent independent state of Nigeria, barely three years after her first republic in 1963?

The atrocious event saw the shedding of blood of Nigeria’s first prime minister, the premiers of the Northern and Western Regions, the federal minister of finance and most of the senior army officers.

Of course, cases of bloodshed had earlier occurred across the three regions of the country – particularly on the heels

of the crises that greeted 1964’s National Census and the Western Region’s election in 1965. However, considering the ominous effect the 15 January bloodshed bore on the national destiny of the country, one may conclude that it marked a turning point from humanely giving life to violently causing death in the history of Nigeria.

Since then, the number of cases of assassinations, extra-judicial homicides and wanton killings caused by the various recurring political power struggles, electoral crises, ethno-religious conflicts, inter-communal and intra-communal conflicts, vigilante killings, civil war, insurgency, militancy, suicide terrorism, banditry, abduction-for-death killings, armed robberies and alleged killings for ritual purposes are as uncountable and unimaginable as they are dastardly and disturbing.

Let us investigate some notable data.

During the two and half years of the 1967-1970 Nigerian Civil War, there were

about 100,000 overall military casualties, while between 500,000 and two million Biafran civilians died of starvation. In the same vein, the 1980s were bedeviled by the Maitatsine riots which were a series of violent uprisings instigated by Islamist Muhammad Marwa on 18 December 1980 in Kano and resulted in 4,000 deaths.

In recent times, the last two decades have arguably been the bloodiest and most disturbing periods in Nigeria because of the increased spate of mass killings in the country.

The events of Abuja in 2000 and Jos in 2001 were effectively riots between Christians and Muslims that took hundreds of lives. Another such riot killed over 100 people in October 2001 in Kano State. In 2002, the Nigerian journalist Isioma Daniel wrote her sarcastic article, which led to demonstrations and violence that caused the deaths of over 200 in Kaduna.

Similarly, the reaction to the cartoons of Prophet Muhammadsa brought about

a series of violent protests in Nigeria.

Clashes between rioters and police claimed several lives, with estimates ranging from 16 to more than a hundred. This led to reprisal attacks in the south of the country, particularly in Onitsha, where more than a hundred lost their lives.

On 28 June 2018, Tribune published the checklist of killings in Nigeria from 1999 to 2015 released by Femi Adeshina, Senior Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media. The list shows 2,500 recorded deaths during the 20 November 1999 Odi killing. Similarly, between February and May 2000, about 5,000 people were killed during riots over Shariah law in different parts of the North. In 2001, hundreds of people, including old, women and children were killed in Zaki Biam.

Between 7 and 15 September 2001, Jos, Plateau State erupted in internecine killings. Between 500 and 1,000 people were killed. In 2010, 992 people were again killed in Jos. Just a year after, on 16 May 2011, Reuters reported Human Right Watch’s record in which more than 800 people were killed and 65,000 displaced in three days of violence following a presidential election in April won by President Goodluck Jonathan.

In fact, according to a report titled Ethnic and Religious Crisis in Nigeria, published by ACCORD on 29 August 2016, between 1999 and 2013, more than 11,000 deaths have occurred in Nigeria.

This statistic is, however, an extremely modest one when compared against the report published on 12 December 2011,

by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law on Nigerians who died Continued on next page >> Aerial view of Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, 2019 Wiki Commons

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 << Continued from previous page

outside the law since 1999. According to it, there are over 54, 000 unlawful deaths in Nigeria since 1999.

More worrisome is the finding that between 1 June 2006 and 31 May 2014, the number of violent deaths recorded by the Nigeria Watch database was 61,241.

We must not quickly forget that in 2014 alone, according to the Global Terrorism Index, at least 1,229 people were killed in the Middle Belt.

The Premium Times of 13 February 2017 reported a shocking revelation attributed to the Borno Governor that the Boko Haram insurgency had killed 100,000 and displaced two million Nigerians.

Sun News Online, on 29 June 2018, reported that while Amnesty International said it had independently verified that since January 2018, no fewer than 1,813 people were murdered in 17 states; the UN revealed that at least 881 children were either killed or maimed by the Boko Haram terror group and the Nigerian security forces in 2017.

In the 2019 Global Terrorism Index published by the Institute of Economics and Peace, Nigeria was ranked third with 8.597 scores, coming just behind Iraq (9.241) and Afghanistan (9.603) respectively.

At this juncture, one is compelled to again revert to Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad’srh panoramic view of the pathology of man’s disease of bloodshed as impressively espoused in his book referred to earlier. He writes: “Abel was the first man to be killed, by his brother, for no reason. The story of that murder has been preserved by the Quran and the Bible as a lesson to us all – it will remain as an example till the end of time.

“Study history, and one thing becomes clear: that man is an aggressive creature.

His aggressiveness has been untamed by the growth of civilisation. Man is as cruel today as he was thousands of years ago.

The story of his ruthlessness, his tyranny and his aggression is long and painful.

The fire of human aggression has not been quenched even after thousands of years of savagery.

“Assassination of individuals and the annihilation of whole groups of peoples are a repetitive theme of history. States have attacked states; countries have fought against their neighbours and against nations far from their borders.

Hordes of people living in the steppes and deserts conquered nations with ancient civilisations; blood was shed by Caesar and by Alexander; Baghdad was destroyed by Hulagu and Gengiz; the soil of Kurukshetra ran red with the blood of Kauravas and Pandavas.

“Sometimes blood was spilled in the name of honour, sometimes in the name of revenge for supposed wrongs. Sometimes angry hordes overran peaceful lands in search of food, sometimes in search of world domination. But more often the blood of man – created in God’s image – was shed in the name of his Creator.

Religion was used as an excuse for mass murder. Seeing this aspect of human

Bangladesh Ansarullah amila feeling fortunate after mulaqat with Huzoor Group photo of Bangladesh Ansarullah amila

The amila of Majlis Ansarullah Bangladesh had the blessed opportunity to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 16 January 2021.

This momentous occasion will be remembered by Majlis Ansarullah Bangladesh for years to come, insha-Allah.

The meeting took place following a series of virtual mulaqats of different auxiliary bodies of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh with Huzooraa.

Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Ahmad Tabshir Choudhury Sahib, wrote to Huzooraa seeking the approval of a virtual mulaqat, after Huzooraa blessed the missionaries of Bangladesh with a virtual mulaqat in November 2020.

Huzooraa graciously granted approval for this meeting.

The impressions left on some of the participants of this meeting are listed below:

SM Rabiul Islam Sahib, District Nazime-Ala Satkhira, said: “I feel blessed and extremely fortunate to have spoken to Huzooraa directly today.

I never thought I would see this day, but Allah has made this possible. May Allah enable other Ahmadi brothers to share this good fortune as well. Amin.”

Muhammad Anwarul Islam Sahib, District Nazim-e-Ala Jamalpur, said: “I am a convert Ahmadi. To meet Huzooraa face to face in this virtual mulaqat will remain one of the best moments in my life. I was feeling some chest pain before the meeting, but the moment Huzooraa came on screen, my chest pain vanished like it never existed.”

Insan Ali Faqeer Sahib, Qaid Talim-ulQuran, said: “Alhamdulillah, Allah gave us this blessed opportunity to meet with Huzooraa.

For the entire duration of the meeting, I was praying durood.”

Firoz Ahmad Sahib, District Nazim-eAla Rangpur, said:

“I just reached the age of a nasir 15 days ago and I am serving as district nazim. To meet Huzooraa so soon after entering Ansarullah is an overwhelming experience for me.”

Muhammad Akkel Ali Sahib, District Nazim-e-Ala Bogura, said: “This was a monumental occasion in my life. If more Ahmadis got such opportunities to meet Huzooraa like this, they would be inspired to serve the Jamaat more sincerely.”

Ahmad Tabshir Choudhury Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Bangladesh, said: “It was a great honour and blessing that our beloved Huzooraa graciously gave us this opportunity. Most of us have never had the opportunity to meet him before.

We are extremely grateful to Huzooraa for gracing us with his presence.”

May Allah the Almighty enhance the faith of the participants of this blessed meeting and enable them to serve with more zeal than ever before. Amin.

nature makes one wonder if mankind is not the basest and most ruthless species on earth.” (Murder in the Name of Allah, p. 1) Localising the above analysis in the context of the Nigerian situation, one quickly comes to realise not only the factors behind the carnage in Nigeria, but also the enormity of the concomitant curses they have brought, and still bring, upon the soil of the country. For, any genuine study of the history of Nigeria would reveal that the more Nigerians had spilled the blood of their fellow countrymen, the more the country had become accursed.

It is helpful to note that according to statista.com, in 2020, Nigeria’s population was estimated to amount to 206 million

individuals. Notably, an 18 December 2012 report on religion and public life by the Pew Research Center stated that in 2010, 48.3 percent of Nigeria’s population was Christian, 48.9 percent was Muslim and 2.8 percent were followers of indigenous and other religions or unaffiliated. This statistic clearly shows that 97.2 Nigerians claimed to profess faith in the two main religions that strongly prohibit bloodshed.

The legal dictum, “Thou shalt not kill”, is an imperative enshrined in the Biblical book of Exodus that is very commonly heard from the lips of many Nigerian Christians.

Similarly, the Quranic junctions, “And kill not yourselves,” and “Whosoever killed a person – extra-judicially – it shall be as if

he had killed all mankind; and whoso gave life to one, it shall be as if he had given life to all mankind”, encapsulated in the fourth and fifth Quranic chapters respectively, are beautiful Quranic injunctions, very often recited daily by Muslim worshippers. Yet, the spate of wanton killings continues to increase astronomically! This indeed is the most disheartening phenomenon!

When will Nigerians stop shedding the blood of their fellow Nigerians? When will they let Nigeria be cleansed of the curse of blood?

Now, it is high time Nigerians all realised why this gory tale of carnage and curse must stop. To this end, it is expedient that all Nigerians walk the talk: Stop the killing; Stop the curse!

Abdul Munim Khan Chowdhury Bangladesh Correspondent

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

14

How Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud extended the message of Islam to the pope and all of Italy in a single day

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra with his entourage during the European tour of 1924. Standing from right: Hazrat Mian Rehem Din, Hazrat Chaudhary Muhammad Sharif, Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Sharif Ahmad and Hazrat Abdur Rahim Dard. Sitting on chairs from right: Sheikh Abdur Rahman Sahib Misri, Hazrat Chaudhary Fateh Muhammad Syal, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Khalifatul Masih II, Hazrat Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Khan Goher and Hazrat Hafiz Roshan Ali. Sitting on the floor from right: Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Qadiani, Hazrat Dr Hashmatullah Khan and Hazrat Shaikh Yaqub Ali Irfani

Jalees Ahmad London

In 1924, during his journey to London for Wembley’s Conference of Living Religions, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Musleh-e-Maudra visited various Middle Eastern and European countries.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived in Italy on 17 August where he spent a total of four days. During his stay, despite inevitable fatigue from the journey, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra spent his time in the service of Islam and propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. Huzoorra also met with Italy’s Prime Minister Benito Mussolini and explained to him the purpose of Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, Khalifatul Masih IIra also intended to meet with the pope and present the teachings of Islam to him; however, as Huzoorra arrived in Italy, the entourage found out that the pope was not meeting anyone.

Nonetheless, what happened next can only be seen as the work of Allah and further fulfils the divine words vouchsafed to Hazrat Ahmadas about the promised son,

“He shall be accompanied by grace [fazl], which shall arrive with him.”

On 18 August 1924, after the Zuhr and Asr prayers, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra, Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dardra and Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira met with the editor of one of Italy’s well-known and widely read papers, La Tribuna. The editor expressed his strong desire to interview Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. He stated that he was available any time and that even if he was granted time late into the night, he would still come to interview Huzoorra.

Thus, La Tribuna was granted an interview with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, during which Huzoorra spoke about various religious and political issues.

In this way, Huzoorra was able to spread the true message of Islam, not only to the Pope, but all throughout Italy. This incident further strengthens the prophecy of the promised son that “his fame will spread to the ends of the earth and peoples will be blessed through him.”

During the interview, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra was asked what he would say to the pope if he got the chance to meet him.

the Christians who can present this sign and prove to be a believer? The Messiah [of Nazareth] showed those miracles which are found in a person who possesses faith and enjoys God’s nearness. Why are these qualities not shown to anyone today?

“We have repeatedly demanded Christians to show this sign, yet not a single person has summoned the courage to stand and manifest these characteristics.

“There are many well-known Christians who are said to be very pious and Godfearing people; however, they are unable to present any signs in their favour. From this, one can come to know that their path does not lead to attaining God’s nearness.

“It is true that God has sent the Promised Messiahas to the world so that he may prove to everyone that this strength and power [of manifesting signs] are now found only in Islam; he came to instil this strength within us so that we may see God and converse with Him and partake of those blessings which are bestowed upon the God-fearing and religious people.

There are thousands of people in my Jamaat who have taken a share of these blessings and I myself have experienced it.

“No matter how influential a person may be, we are not ready to accept any person as truthful who is unable to show these characteristics bestowed by God upon His chosen ones. Thus, I give the pope the glad tidings of Islam and inform him that we have been bestowed with those qualities as are found in God’s chosen men.”

Hearing this, the interviewer went on to ask Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra if God had ever spoken to him.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra answered, “Yes, He [God] has conversed with me. However, it is not in man’s power to converse [with God] at will. I have conversed with God in the same manner in which I am speaking with you. I do not mean that something merely crossed my mind and I inferred that it is [God’s] words; it was similar to how I am conversing with you.

“They are not thoughts, but words revealed [directly] from God. If it was merely a thought, then one could be deceived; but when God’s words are revealed, one cannot be deceived because

Upon this, Huzoorra said: “I would present the best gift I have to offer, the invitation to Islam, and call him towards that light which enables man to reach God. These are not mere words; the signs of attaining God’s nearness are found in it [Islam]. There are many people who say that so and so is very pious and God-fearing, but such a declaration remains only a claim, if such Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra with his entourage during the 1924 tour of Europe. This a one does not historic photo was discovered in the La Tribuna Illustrata newspaper’s 20 August possess the signs 1924 issue. A better quality version of this photo is yet to be found that distinguish them as the faithful by God. with [His] words, new knowledge is also “The Messiahas [of Nazareth] himself conveyed. In this manner, through His said that if one has such faith as insignificant grace, God has conveyed a vast amount of as a mustard seed, such a person can move knowledge [to me].” (Al Fazl, 23 September mountains with his words, and it will move. 1924, p. 4) However, today, is there any person among Continued on next page >>

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

UK amila invigorated following virtual mulaqat with Huzoor Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Amir Jamaat UK

Irfan Ahmad Chaudhry Sahib, National Amin, said: “I feel very blessed that Allah granted me the opportunity to attend mulaqat with beloved Huzoor, may Allah be his Helper.

I entered this blessed mulaqat with deep humility after praying, reciting istighfar and paying sadaqah.

“I left refreshed and with renewed zeal and vigour for the service of the blessed Jamaat of the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace. Our efforts come to fruition only by the prayers and counsel of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, which illuminates and guides our efforts. May Allah enable us to serve the Jamaat in a manner that best pleases Him.” Mansoor Ahmed Shah Sahib, Naib Amir UK, said: “It was very heart-warming to have a one to one affectionate meeting with Huzooraa and to listen to his current emphasis in which the Jamaat should drive forward. His words of encouragement will inspire all to sale to higher aspirations.”

Naseer Dean Sahib, Naib Amir UK, said: “The anticipation of being blessed with an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, may Allah be his Helper, is quite a special part of an Ahmadi Muslim’s life.

“To be in the presence of the Khalifa of the Prophet and Imam of our age is one that makes one reflect deeply into one’s own conduct and service in the way of Islam. One engages in special prayers, sadaqah and istighfar before such a blessed audience. And today, a most special and warm ‘Assalamu alaikum’ was given to us; the prayer of peace was felt deep in my

heart. The mulaqat was a most blessed and spiritually uplifting experience.”

Ata ul Wadood Sahib, Naib Secretary Finance UK, said: “Today, we had a virtual meeting with our beloved Huzooraa. This meeting inspired me a lot. I learnt many new things to do with my department.”

Nadimur Rahman Sahib, Secretary

Talim UK, said: “It was the day we all were waiting for in anticipation – the day we meet our Khalifa and get superb guidance. This was an even more special one as it was after a long period of lockdowns and isolations. Also, it was virtual so that was also a new experience.

“Every time we have a mulaqat, I learn new things, for example, Huzooraa gave the talim department key things we should be looking at. It was lovely seeing our beloved Huzooraa and as usual, he was spiritual, loving, kind and gave guidance that we all benefitted from. It refreshed me and revitalised my commitment and dedication to work even harder. We are so blessed to have this time with Huzooraa and can only be grateful to Allah the Almighty for allowing it to happen.”

Rana Mashood Ahmad Sahib, General Secretary Jamaat UK, expressed: “We are continuously witnessing the fulfillment of the revelation of the Promised Messiahas, ‘Inni ma‘aka ya masroor’, in many new ways.

“This virtual meeting was also a practical interpretation of a vision of the Promised Messiahas, dated 8 December 1902, in which he stated: “ ‘Jesus[as] walked on water, but observe that I am floating in the air and I am the recipient of divine grace in a greater measure than he was … without having to move hand or foot, proceeding with great ease’. (Tadhkirah [English], p. 603) “Allah the Almighty has provided such means that the message of His chosen one is reaching all corners of the earth.

Moreover, He has provided another means in the form of MTA Ghana as well.

“We pray that Allah the Almighty may grant such ears to people around the world so that they may hear the call of that heavenly caller and also enable us Ahmadis to take every step possible to spread this message all over the world.

Amin.”

<< Continued from previous page

Following this incident, La Tribuna published a detailed interview and also published a photo of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra and his companions. In this way, the message of Islam and Huzoor’sra stay, albeit brief, in Italy was conveyed to the entire country.

From this leaf of history, one can begin to fathom Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra love for spreading Islam, his level of determination and, above all else, the divine help he enjoyed. Though Huzoorra was unable to directly meet with the pope, Allah created means of spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and introduced the Khalifatul Masih to the entire country.

Indeed, through every page and chapter of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra life, we are able to witness the fulfilment of the words of God revealed to the Promised Messiahas with regard to the promised son: “He has been invested with a spirit of holiness and he is free from all impurity. He is the light of Allah.”

UK amila gathered in Baitul Futuh Mosque during a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Photo courtesy of MTA International

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

16

Responding to Allegations

Why the Latter-Day Messiah was named Isa Ibn-e-Maryam Part I

M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

The opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, assert that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat cannot be the true Messiah of the Latter Days because his name is not Isa Ibn-e-Maryam (Jesus, son of Mary) which was prophesied by the Holy Prophetsa in his traditions.

Beyond any doubt, there are a great number of ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa which contain the name Isa Ibn-e-Maryam in relation to the second advent of the Messiah. On the other hand, there are also many traditions of the Holy Prophetsa that clearly indicate that Jesusas son of Mary and the Messiah of the Latter Days were two different persons.

These two types of ahadith apparently contradict each other if they are not understood in light of the Holy Quran, sunnah and other traditions of the Holy Prophetsa.

The example of righteous servants of God has been cited in the Holy Quran as comparing them with Maryamas, who remained chaste and was thus rewarded with the pure spirit of Prophet Jesusas. Allah the Almighty states:

َۡ َ َ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ ّ ً َ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ َ ‫امرَات ف ِۡر َعوۡ َن ۘ ِاذ قال َ ۡت َر ِّب‬ ‫و ضرب اللہ مثلا ل ِل ِذین امنوا‬ َ‫ۡابن ل ِۡی ِع ۡن َد َک بَ ۡی ًتا فِی ال ۡ َج َّن ِۃ َو ن َ ّج ِن ۡی ِم ۡن ف ِۡر َعوۡ َن َو َع َم ِل ٖہ و‬ ِ ِ ّٰ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ّ َ ۡ‫الظ ِلمی ۡ َن۔ َو َم ۡریَ َم ۡاب َن َت ع ۡم ٰر َن الَّ ِت ۡۤی اَ ۡح َص َنت‬ ِ ِ ‫ن ِج ِنی ِمن القو ِم‬ َ‫ف َ ۡر َج َہا َف َن َف ۡخ َنا فِ ۡی ِہ ِم ۡن ُّر ۡو ِح َنا َو َص َّد َق ۡت بک َ ِل ٰم ِت َر ّب َہا َو ُک ُتب ٖہ و‬ ِ ِ ِ َ َ ۡ ٰۡ ‫کان ۡت ِم َن الق ِن ِتی َن‬

“And Allah sets forth for those who believe the example of the wife of Pharaoh when she said, ‘My Lord! build for me a house with Thee in the Garden; and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver me from the wrongdoing people;’ and the example of Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran, who guarded her private parts – so We breathed into him of Our Spirit – and she fulfilled in her person the words of her Lord and His Books and was one of the obedient.”

(Surah al-Tahrim, Ch.66: V.12-13) These verses show that momineen (true believers) are of two types, i.e. like Asiyaas wife of Pharaoh and Maryamas. Hence, those faithful men who strive in the way of Allah and seek righteousness are granted the attributes of Asiyaas and Maryamas.

Moreover, Allah the Almighty breathes His spirit into those true believers who achieve the qualities of Maryamas and they can become like Jesusas, son of Mary, who was the chosen one of God and recipient of divine revelations.

The said verses can also be understood with the help of a hadith of Sahih al-Bukhari.

The Holy Prophetsa said:

ْ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َُ ،‫ان ي َ َم ّسه ِحي َن ي ُ ْولد‬ ‫ما ِمن مولو ٍد يولد ِإلا والشيط‬ َ ُ َّ َ ْ َّ ّ َ ْ ً َ ُّ َ ْ َ َ َ‫ إل ّا مَ ْريَم‬،‫اه‬ ِ ‫س الشيط‬ ِ ‫ان ِإي‬ ِ ‫فيست ِهل صا ِرخا ِمن م‬ َ‫َوابْ َنها‬

“Every newborn is touched by Satan when they are born and they start crying loudly as soon as they are touched by Satan, but Mary and her son [were not touched by Satan].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab at-Tafsir) If we take the literal meaning of this hadith, it raises many questions and also indicates that all other prophets and (God forbid), even the Holy Prophetsa was touched

by Satan when he was born.

Allama Zamakhshari has interpreted this hadith in his commentary of the Holy Quran. He states:

‫فمعناه إن كل مولود يطمع الشيطان في إغوائه إلا‬ ‫مريم وابنها فإنهما معصومین وكذلك كل من كان في‬ ‫صفتهما‬

“Satan seeks to lead every child astray, except for Mary and her son because both of them were chaste and likewise, every child, who possess their attributes [will be free from the touch of Satan].” (Tafsir al-Kashaaf, verse “Wadhkur fil Kitabi Maryam”) The above explanation substantiates that in the Holy Quran and the ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa, Maryam and Isa Ibne-Maryam are not just the names of two persons, but in fact, these names are at times used to signify two kinds of people, i.e. righteous men and prophets of God, who carry the qualities of Maryam and Isa Ibn-e-Maryam.

Explaining this subject, the Promised Messiahas states: “Some men think that the prophecy relating to the appearance of the Promised Messiah is contained only in the traditions [ahadith] and not in the Holy Quran and

accordingly, they demand proof of it from the word of God. A reflection upon the words of the Holy Book is sufficient to convince any reasonable man that this prophecy is contained in the plainest words in the Holy Quran.

“In the chapter entitled the Tahrim, it is indicated that some individuals from among the Muslims would be called Ibn-e-Maryam, for in this chapter, at first, the faithful are compared to Mary and afterwards, the breathing of a soul into her [i.e. the faithful like her] is mentioned. This indicates that the faithful who observe complete obedience to divine commandments and make themselves like Mary, will be rewarded

by God by being made Christ-like.

“It is in reference to the attainment of this stage that Almighty God says of me in a revelation published in Barahin-eAhmadiyya:

َ َ ْ َ َ َ َْ ُ ْ ُ َ َْ َ ‫اسک ْن انت َو ز ْو ُجک الجَ ّنۃ‬ ‫یا مریم‬

“‘O Mary! Enter thou and thy friends into paradise’; and again:

ْ ّ ْ ُّ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫الصد ِق‬ ِ ‫یَا مری َ ُم نفخت ِف ْیک ِمن رو ِح‬

“‘O Mary! I have breathed into thee the soul of truth’ [thus symbolically, Mary was impregnated with truth]; and last of all:

َ َ َ ّ ّ ٰ ْ َ ‫سی انِ ْی ُم َت َو ِف ْیک َو َرا ِف ُعک اِل َّی‬ ‫یا ِعی‬

“‘O Jesus! I will cause thee to die a natural death and would then raise thee to Myself ’, where I am addressed as Jesus Christ as if raised from the dignity of Mary to the dignity of Christ. Thus, the promise contained in the Tahrim has been fulfilled in me and I am named by God as the son of Mary.” (The Review of Religions, September 1904, pp. 340-341) The Promised Messiahas also elucidated this matter in the following Persian couplets:

� ‫ّدمےت وبدم ربگنِ رم یمی‬

‫ران زِیم‬ ِ �‫دتس اندادہ ہب پ ی‬

“For long, I remained in a Maryam-like state, without following the contemporary divines.” ‫ت‬

�‫ف‬ ‫رکبے یا� م وشن و امن‬ ‫وچمہ ف ق‬ ‫از ی‬ ‫ر� راہ قح ان آانش‬

“Like a virgin was I raised – Unaware and unaccompanied – on the path of truth.”

‫رب م� ج�ی�د‬ ‫دعب‬ ّ ‫ازاں آں اقدر و‬ ‫روح ع� یسیٰ ادنراں ی‬ ‫رم� ی د‬ ‫دم‬ ُ

“Later, God Almighty, the Lord of grandeur, breathed into Maryam the spirit ‫ن‬ of Isa.” ‫خش‬

‫سپ ہب �ف�� رگن ی‬ ‫عاں‬ ‫د�ر دش ی‬ ‫رم� م یس�ح ی ن‬ ‫زاد زان ی‬ ‫ا� زامن‬

“With His breath, new life was created: The Messiah of the age was delivered by her.”

(The Philosophy of Divine Revelation, pp. 426 [English qatul Wahi]) Since time immemorial, expressions and figures of speech, i.e. similes and metaphors are used to compare two things of similar attributes or traits. For example, if a person named Jack is called Einstein due to his extraordinary intelligence, it would be irrational to raise the objection that the said person’s name is Jack, so he cannot be called Einstein.

It is said:

ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ُ َُ ٰ َ َّ ْ ‫اق‬ ‫اِطل‬ ‫اصہ‬ ِ ‫اس ِم الش ْی ِء علی َما یشابِھہ ِف ْی اکث ِرخ َو‬ ٌ‫َجائ ٌز َحسن‬ ِ

“It is justified and impressive to name one thing after another which resemble each other in their attributes.”

The Holy Prophetsa said:

ُ َْ ْ ُ َ ْ ٰ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َم ْن ا َح ّب ا ْن یّ ْنظ َر اِلی ِعی َسی ابْ ِن م ْری َ َم ِف ْی زھ ِدہ فل َی ْنظر‬ َ َ ٰ ّ ‫اِلی ابی الد ْر َداء‬

“Whoever among you wants to witness Isa Ibn-e-Maryam in a state of zuhd

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 Bukhari, Kitab Ahadith al-Anbiya) Mentioning the Masih al-Dajjal and then the Messiah of the Latter Days, the Holy Prophetsa said:

ْ ْ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ ‫يح الد ّجال أع َو ُر ال َعي ِن‬ ‫ ألا ِإن الم ِس‬،‫ِإن الله ليس بِأعور‬ َ​َ ٌ ْ َ ٌ ُ َ َ​َ​َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ ‫ كأ ّن ع ْي َنه ِع َن َبة طا ِفية۔ وأرانِي الليلة ِعند‬،‫ال ُي ْم َنى‬ َ​َ َ ٌ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ‫آد ُم كأ ْح َس ِن َما ي ُ َرى ِم ْن‬ ‫ ف ِإذا َر ُجل‬،‫ام‬ ِ ‫الكع َب ِة فِي ال َمن‬ َّ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ َّ ُ ْ َ ُْ َ ّ ،‫عر‬ ِ ‫ تض ِرب ل ِمته بين من‬،‫ال‬ ِ ‫أد ِم الرِج‬ ِ ‫ ر ِجل الش‬،‫كبي ِه‬ ُ ْ ُ ْ ْ َ َ َ ً ‫ َو‬،‫اء‬ َ ‫ك َب ْى َر ُجلَيْن َو‬ ‫هو‬ ِ ‫اضعا يَديْ ِه على َمن‬ ِ ً ‫يَقط ُر َرأ ُسه َم‬ ِ ُ ْ َُ ْ َْ ُ َُ ُ ‫ت َم ْن َه َذا فَ َقال ُ ْوا َه َذا ال ْ َم ِس‬ ‫يح ابْ ُن‬ ‫ت فقل‬ ‫يطوف بِالبي ِ ‏‬ َ ‫‏‬.‫م‬ ‫م ْري َ َ ‏‬

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi

[righteousness and purity], they should see Abu Darda[ra]” (Sheikh Shah Ismail Shaheedrh, Mansab-e-Imamat, Fasl 2 [Anbiya kay kamalat say auliya-ullah ki mushabihat], p. 69). In this hadith, Hazrat Abu Dardara has been called Jesusas, son of Mary, because of his piety.

When the Holy Prophetsa was bedridden and extremely weak, he instructed his wives to ask Hazrat Abu Bakrra to lead the prayer in his stead, but Hazrat Aishara thought that Hazrat Abu Barkrra would not be able to control his emotions and people would not hear him due to excessive weeping, so she asked Hazrat Hafsara to request Hazrat Umarra to lead the prayer. When the Holy Prophetsa came to know about this, he said:

ّ ْ َ ْ َ ُ َ ُ ُ ُ َ َ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َّ ُ َّ ‫ م ُر ْوا أبَا بَك ٍر فل ُي َص ِل‬،‫وسف‬ ‫احب ي‬ ِ ‫ِإنكن لأنتن صو‬ َّ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫ل ِلن‬

“Surely, you [the wives] are [behaving like] the companions of Prophet Josephas.

Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in the prayer” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Azan).

In this hadith, the Holy Prophetsa compared his wives with the companions of Prophet Josephas.

The above examples make it clear that the Holy Prophetsa called the Latter-Day Messiah by the name of Isa Ibn-e-Maryam due to his striking resemblance with Jesusas, son of Mary, and if we do not believe that, we will certainly be denying the Holy Quran, sunnah and other ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Holy Quran evidently proves that Jesusas, son of Mary, has passed away and we have discussed this in detail in a previous article (titled, The true meaning of rafa‘a: Proof that Jesus has passed away). Thus, it is impossible for him to come back physically because the sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa vividly demonstrates that prophets of God never come back physically after they pass away.

Moreover, the physical description of Jesusas, son of Mary, mentioned by the Holy Prophetsa differs from that of the LatterDay Messiah, which has been described in another tradition. The Holy Prophetsa said:

َ​َ ْ َ​َ​َ ٌ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ‫اه‬ ‫ فأ ّما ِعي َسى فأ ْح َم ُر َج ْعد‬،‫يم‬ ِ ‫َرأيْت ِعي َسى و ُم ْو َسى و ِإبْ َر‬ ُ َ ْ َّ ‫ع ِريْض‬ ‫الصد ِر‬

“I saw Moses, Jesus and Abraham [during the Mi‘raj (spiritual journey to heaven)]. Jesus was of red complexion with curly hair and a broad chest.” (Sahih al-

“Allah is not one-eyed. Surely, the Masih al-Dajjal is blind in the right eye and his eye looks like a protruding grape. While I was sleeping near the Ka‘bah last night, I saw a man of brown complexion in my dream.

He was the best amongst brown-coloured men somebody could see and his hair was falling between his shoulders. His hair was long and water drops were trickling from his head and he was placing his hands on the shoulders of two men while performing the tawaf [circling] of the Ka‘bah. I enquired, ‘Who is this?’ They replied, ‘This is Jesus, son of Mary, i.e. the Latter-Day Messiah.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Ahadith al-Anbiya) Moreover, the following hadith of the Holy Prophetsa indicates that the Messiah of this age would be of Persian descent:

ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ ‫ َر ِض َی الل ُہ ع ْنه قال ك ّنا ُجل ْو ًسا ِع ْند‬،‫ع ْن أبِی ه َريْ َرة‬ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّ َّ ‫ورة‬ ‫الن ِب ِی صلى الله علي ِه وسلم فأن ِزلت علي ِه س‬ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ​َ ُ َ ُ ُْ َ َ ْ َ ‫الجُ ُم َع ِة َوآخ ِريْ َن ِم ْنه ْم ل ّما يَلحَق ْوابِهِم قال قلت من ه ْم يَا‬ ٰ َ ُ ‫ َوف ْي َنا َسل ْ َم‬،‫اللّه فَل َ ْم ي ُ َراج ْع ُه َح َّتى َسأ َ َل ثَلَاثًا‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ِ ‫َر ُس ْول‬ ِ َ ُ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ ّٰ ُ َْ ‫ َوضع َر ُس ْول الل ِه َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِه َو َسل َم يَده َعلى‬،‫الفا ِر ِس ُّی‬ ُ َ َ َ ّ َ ٌ ُ ‫يم‬ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ان الْإ‬ ‫ان ِع ْند الث َريّا ل َنا ل ُه ِر َجال۔‬ ِ َ ‫سلمان ثم قال لو ك‬ ََُ ٌ ‫أ ْو َر ُجل۔ ِم ْن ھؤلا ِء‬

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra, narrates, “When Surah al-Jumuah of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, we happened to be there in his company. When he recited the verse, ‘Wa akharina minhum lamma yalhaqu bihim’ [And others from among them who have not yet joined them], one of those present asked, ‘Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?’ The Holy Prophetsa did not pay attention. The man repeated the question thrice.

“At that time, Salmanra the Persian was also sitting among us. The Holy Prophetsa turned to him, placed his hand on him and said, ‘Even if faith ascended to the Pleiades [completely disappearing from the earth], there would be some men, or a man [in another version of this hadith, “one man” is mentioned instead of “some men”] from his people who would restore faith [back] to earth.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir) In another hadith, the Holy Prophetsa said:

ُ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ َْ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ُْ َْ َ ْ َ ‫امك ْم ِم ْنك ْم‬ ‫كيف أنتم ِإذا نزل ابن مريم ِفيكم و ِإم‬

“How will you be when the son of Mary appears amongst you and he will be your Imam from among you?” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman) Hence, the Holy Quran, sunnah and the ahadith have to be considered null and void if we do not believe that Jesusas, son of Mary, and the Promised Messiah as two different persons.

(Research by Awwab Saad Hayat, Al Hakam)

Virtual interfaith seminar in Canada Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada has been hosting interfaith seminars of various types for many years. Even a global pandemic has not stopped it from doing so. Fostering better understanding and building bridges across a diverse Canadian society are some of the many notable achievements of these events.

Naseer Maharaj Sahib reports that on 3 January 2021, Majlis Ansarullah Canada hosted the first interfaith seminar of the year.

The topic of this seminar was “Natural disasters and the role of God in light of Holy Scriptures.”

Scholars and faith leaders from five of the world’s leading religions, from across Canada, participated in this online interfaith seminar.

The event was organised by the tabligh department of Majlis Ansarullah Canada.

The following five speakers represented their respective faiths: 1. Buddhism: Dr Eleanor Pontoriero, PhD of the Department for the Study of Religion at University of Toronto 2. Christianity: Mr Warren Larson, a senior research fellow and professor, Zwemer Center for Muslim-Christian relations, Columbia International University, USA. He has served as a Christian missionary in Pakistan and is fluent in Urdu 3. Hinduism: Mr Krsnadasa Kaviraja Dasa was initiated into the Brahma Madhva Gaudiya Sampradaya in 1974. He has been practicing Bhakti Yoga since his initiation.

He is a semi-retired respiratory therapist at the Ross Memorial Hospital, Lindsay, Canada 4. Islam: Mr Adam Abid Alexander is currently serving as a missionary of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada. Adam Sahib has been a student of comparative religions and has received his missionary training over the past three years. A very engaging and influential speaker, Adam Sahib continues to teach Islam as a serving missionary 5. Judaism: Rabbi Steven Schwarzman

is the Rabbi of Beth Shalom Synagogue in Edmonton, Canada and was ordained by The Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New York. He has degrees in Jewish Studies from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the University of Pennsylvania. He is also the author of four books and numerous articles.

Mr Krsnadasa Kaviraja Dasa characterised the seminar as an enlightening experience: “Sharing of our faiths will definitely help the world to be a better place. Unfortunately, it is the material world where death and unhappiness are constant. However, as people of faith, we understand that these are reminders of the necessity to re-establish our love for God. Love for God outweighs every happiness available in the material world. We only cheat ourselves if we do not constantly seek out love for God.” Dr Eleanor Pontoriero commented: “It is truly a blessing that we can have a respectful, friendly and insightful discussion on these very important ethical issues during these difficult times.”

An excerpt from Adam Abid Alexander Sahib’s presentation is as follows: “Recently in his Friday Sermon, His Holiness Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that for the past year, we have been enduring a grave pandemic, from which no place in the world is safe. His Holinessaa said that despite this, many do not seem to want to consider the fact that this pandemic may have come about as a warning for us to start fulfilling the rights we owe to God and one another.”

The Seminar was administered on Zoom and streamed live on YouTube with more than 500 viewers simultaneously.

An engaging question and answer session followed the presentations.

With the grace of Allah the Almighty, this seminar was successful and conducted in peace and harmony among all participants.

11 housekeeping rules were carefully adhered to and an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship prevailed. All guest speakers showed a keen interest in working with Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya on future projects, alhamdulillah.

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

18

100 Years Ago...

Questions to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II from an enquirer The Review of Religions (English), January 1921 A graduate from Koh-e-Muree [now Muree] posed some questions to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the role of the Khalifatul Masih in establishing equality and in times of maltreatment by governments.

Below are the questions and Huzoor’s insightful answers. principles of Islam? Should they not form part of the preaching of Islam?

Answer: I don’t think they are! These terms are ambiguous. According to certain views that have been taken of them, they cannot be called even good morals. And unless the terms are defined, it is difficult to say whether Islam permits them at all, or not. I do not know how you define them.

According to one definition it may possibly be the duty of every Muslim to attend to them both; according to another, they may come under permissible things; and according to a third, they may come only under things prohibited. The word masawat is nowhere to be found in the Shariah of Islam. The word hurr, according to the Quran and hadith, means a man who is free to enter into any kind of contract relating to individuals but not to States, one who is sole master of his property, which cannot be taken away by any of his fellow-subjects without permission or without his voluntary transfer.

Question 5: Is not Islam the champion of hurriyyat and masawat?

Answer: See answer to question number 4.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra

Question 1: Is the propagation of Islam the proper aim of the Ahmadiyya movement?

Answer: One of the aims of the Ahmadiyya movement is to convert the so-called Mussalmans [Muslims] into real Mussalmans. But as it is the duty of every Muslim to propagate Islam to the world at large to the best of his powers, it follows that it is the duty of every Ahmadi to propagate Islam.

Question 2: Does not the propagation imply the preaching of all the fundamental principles of Islam?

Answer: Propagation does indeed include the preaching of all its fundamental principles, but not the preaching of all principles which go by the name of Islam.

Question 3: Are there any principles of Islam other than the unity of God and the

prophethood of Muhammad, peace and the blessings of God be upon him?

Answer: The fundamental principles of Islam are of two kinds. Firstly, those concerning beliefs. Secondly, those concerning actions. The former kind comprises a belief in the unity of God, a belief in all prophets, in the decree and dispensation of God, in the existence of angels and in all the revelations vouchsafed to His prophets. As regards actions, prayers, fasting, pilgrimage and Zakat (legal alms) are the fundamental positive commandments [dos]; and not to kill, not to steal, not to commit adultery and not to be dishonest are the negative commandments [don’ts] of Islam. If idolatry is to be included among actions, it will then form another principle of the latter kind.

Question 4: Are not hurriyyat [liberty] and masawat [equality] the golden

Question 6: Is it not the mission of the representatives of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of God be upon him, to establish hurriyyat and masawat in the world?

Answer: If the two principles are so defined that they are included among the Islamic commandments, then, of course, their inculcation is a part of the Caliph’s duty; but they have, of course to see that they pay more attention to the comparatively more important aspects of their duties?

Question 7: Does it not fall within the duties of the Imam of the day to endeavour to protect small communities from the tyranny of the bigger ones and to secure for them liberty and the rights of citizenship?

Answer: It is the duty of the Imam to use all possible means to protect the big as well as the small communities against the tyrants and for this purpose, the best method is to invite them to the true faith. For when the true faith has been accepted, then only will there be no oppressor and no oppressed one.

Question 8: Are not one or two tyrannical nations of Europe nowadays depriving smaller nations of their liberty?

Have they not already swallowed us a good many of them in their desire for the extension of territories?

Answer: No doubt some European nations have now taken possession of certain

other countries, but do you not remember how our own forefathers came to India?

Did the Hindus go to invite them to this country? If their occupation was legal, why not so in the case of the English? It follows then that the mere occupation of a country is not a thing always to be condemned. The morality of the act of occupation depends upon circumstances and unless I know the circumstances, I am unable to go any further into the question.

Question 9: Is not the real aim of these Christian nations to destroy the existing Muhammadan kingdoms and to set up Christian states in their stead?

Answer: As to the secrets of the heart, God knows best, but so much can, of course, be said without fear of contradiction that the Christian nations do not forcibly convert other peoples to Christianity. But if you mean that Christian States are growing up in place of the Muhammadan States then the fact is quite apparent and needs no answer.

Question 10: Do you not claim to be the Imam of the day? If you do, does your conscience allow you to see these wrongs committed before your eyes and still remain inactive?

Answer: No doubt, my claim to be the Caliph does imply a claim to Imamship and as a matter fact, my sense of justice does not bear to see people committing these wrongs, but I dislike not only the cruelties committed by the Christians or the Hindus and Mussalmans, but I equally dislike the Hindus committing excesses against the Mussalmans or the Mussalmans against the Hindus, or both Hindus and Mussalmans against the Christians; or the Mussalmans themselves committing excesses against their own co-religionists.

Question 11: Does the propagation of Islam mean the conversion of a few nonMuslims during a year? Is propagation confined to theoretical Islam or does it include practical Islam as well?

Answer: The propagation does not mean the conversion of a few non-Muslims but it means to convey to others one’s own beliefs as a matter of fact, though not a single man may accept them. It is the business of God to make a man believe or disbelieve. It is a matter which concerns entirely the person to whom we offer our message. Our duty, like that of our Holy Master, the Prophet of Arabia, peace and blessings of God be upon him, is to convey the truth to the people in the best possible manner. When we have Continued on next page >>

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 << Continued from previous page

conveyed the truth to the people in the best possible manner, it is nether any credit, nor any blame to us whether the truth is accepted by thousands or is it not accepted by one out of a thousand.

If, by using the terms “theoretical” and “practical”, you mean to enquire whether Islam is the name of a set of beliefs or it implies certain actions as well, then certainly Islam is a practical religion and it is practical in the sense that not only are its precepts such as can be acted upon but that we can never follow Islam perfectly without actually performing a certain course of actions.

Question 12: Do you think equality exists between Indians and Englishmen in India?

Answer: I don’t think there exists.

Moreover, I believe that equality is nonexistent even among Englishmen, nay, even among Indians themselves. There is a difference between you and your cook, your washerman and your sweeper. Was there any nation in the world which extended equality to the subject peoples?

You cannot cite an example of one or two statesmen or generals of the days of Akbar or Jahangir to show that equality existed among the rulers and the ruled. Can you tell us the proportion of Hindu and Muhammadan population of India at that time? Out of a few lacs of Mussalmans and many crores of Hindus of that time, in what proportion were higher posts held by the two classes respectively?

Certainly, the ratio which exists in councils today between the English and the Indians was not to be found in those days between the Hindus and the Muhammadans. We, Ahmadis, too, demand rights for Indians but altogether on different grounds.

Question 13: Are you aware of the harsh and cruel treatment of the Indians by the English, and the fact that there is none to protect these poor victims? It is our everyday experience that an ordinary Englishman may maltreat any respectable Indian on the railway trains, in bazars and at railway stations.

Answer: Some of the Englishmen who live in India, no doubt, maltreat the Indians just as some Indians maltreat other Indians.

Just as efforts are made to check the highhandedness of cruel Indians, in a similar way, efforts should be made to put down the high-handedness of the cruel Englishmen.

But I do not quite understand your remark that “ordinary Englishmen” maltreat “respectable Indians.” You were just now speaking of equality; what then, do you mean by calling one “ordinary” and the other “respectable”?

Question 14: Are the Indians heard against the English in courts?

Answer: Well, I do not possess the files of all the cases but generally the Indians fail to get their rights in criminal cases and no reasonable excuse has been offered for this state of things. And I think the Indian magistrates are mainly responsible for this.

But the question is, whether when the English have left India, we shall be able to make our rights secure against the ruling majority? If this can be guaranteed, then only can your argument hold good.

Archbishop of Athens recklessly alleges Muslims “are people of war” Atta-ul-Naseer Missionary and National President Jamaat Greece

In a recent interview on Open TV, Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens said: “… as we know, Islam is not a religion; it is a political party, a political movement.

They are people of war – the people of expansion. This is a characteristic of Islam and Prophet Muhammad has said it.”

The archbishop’s statement gave an entirely false impression about Islam and the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

When the Muslims of Greece and Turkey condemned these comments, a statement was issued by the Archdiocese of Athens saying that the quote was misinterpreted.

Archbishop Ieronymos was “referring to the group of extreme fundamentalists, who sow terror and death throughout the Universe … These are exactly the people the Archbishop was referring to; people who are instrumentalising Islam and turning it into a deadly weapon against all those who have a different view.”

The statement underlined that the archbishop and all the metropolitans of the Church of Greece “respect all the known religions and treat all their faithful with Christian love and solidarity.”

While listening to the interview, it was noticeably clear the archbishop did not talk about the group of extreme fundamentalists. He clearly used the words “Islam” and attacked it by saying that it is not a religion, but a political party and the attacks continued as stated above.

Such is the stature of the archbishop that no matter what reference he spoke with, it was not appropriate for him to have made these unfounded comments in the current climate when, in many non-Muslim countries, Islamophobia is on the rise.

Question 15: Do you think the bloody Jallianwala affair and many such others are proofs of equality?

Answer: The Jallianwala affair is really a very cruel incident. I think the action of General Dyer is as far from humanity as that of the murderers of Katarpur and Behar. If we can forgive the men who burnt alive women and children in Katarpur, why can we not forgive General Dyer? Why should we overlook the principle of equality?

Question 16: Are you not duty bound as a citizen as well as the Imam in authority, to warn the Government of the grave consequences which follow from unpleasant events like these? And if the Government does not heed them, then, are you not bound to give expression to your sorrow and indignation by all legal means?

Answer: As a citizen as well as the Imam of the time, it is my duty to warn the people of the consequences of their wrongdoing; but it is not my business, but God’s, to determine whether every event which occurs in the world is just or unjust. No human being can

Archbishop Ieronymos II of Athens Wiki Commons

If he wished to warn about extremism and terrorism, he ought to have said that though some militant, so-called Islamic organisations have adopted an erroneous method, the teaching of Islam is contrary to this and to establish peace in the world, we should work together so that the innocent may be saved from destruction.

Rather than this, the archbishop has tried to lead his followers to believe a false narrative of Islam and has aided in dividing society. He also showed his total lack of understanding about Islam through these remarks.

Considering the teachings of Jesusas, he should have tried to create peace in the world; indeed, Jesusas gave the teaching of even treating one’s enemy with decency.

By condemning Islam as “not a religion” and attributing vile narratives to the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, the archbishop not only

trifled with the feelings of Muslims but also fueled hatred for Muslims in the hearts of his followers and those people who consider Islam to be an extremist religion.

The archbishop claimed that “Islam is not a religion but a political party”. Yet, the Holy Quran clearly states that the purpose of man’s creation is the “Worship of God”.

This is the fundamental characteristic of Islam.

If the archbishop had studied it fairly, he would have seen there are around 700 commandments addressing all the necessary aspects of life and especially demanding a believer to be in love with God and His creation.

He would have also seen that the purpose of religion as explained by the Holy Quran is to bring human beings closer to their Creator and to make them understand

do that. We do not conceal the mistakes of the English but point out the same to them.

We oppose every wrong act in our own way.

And as every cruelty is the result of moral perversity, we always busy ourselves with rectifying morals of the people.

of others, to be unmindful of the Home Rule, to try to secure a seat in the council, all these things do not become the followers of the Promised Messiah.

Answer: I am conscious of my duties and do my best to discharge them. I fear God only or those whom God has ordained that they should be feared. To make the Government realise her mistake, I do exactly what prophets and their representatives have been doing from times immemorial.

As to a seat in the council, I never desired it, nor have I leisure for it.

You speak of a seat in the council; I say the Government of the whole British Empire, nay, of the whole world does seem to me nothing in comparison with what God has granted me. As to your losing temper, I am not displeased at it, for I know you could not but be excused. I shall be glad to receive and answer any further question on the subject.

Question 17: Do you know it is your duty to warn a tyrannical and cruel Government of its repressive policy?

Answer: See answer to question number 16.

Question 18: If this is your duty, can you explain why you have failed to do it? Does it not follow that you people are afraid of the Government and have forgotten your real mission? You can say that you have warned the Government by means of letters, of the coming events, but the question is whether the Government realises its mistakes?

Remember, sir, that propagation of Islam does not mean the conversion of one or two persons during a year but it consists in fighting constitutionally for right and truth.

Merely to please the Government, to show your own loyalty and to prove the disloyalty

Continued on next page >>

(Originally transcribed in Urdu by Muhammad Ismael Maulvi Fazil. English translation published in The Review of Religions in 1921)

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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their responsibilities towards their fellow human beings.

Another important fact that needs to be highlighted in this regard is that the advent of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam was prophesied by not only the Old Testament but also by Jesusas himself in the same way the Old Testament prophesied the advent of Jesusas. The religion of Islam is the fulfilment of those prophecies.

The archbishop claimed that Muslims are people of war, but before making such a statement, he should also tell us in whose account does he put the endless internal wars that plague the history of Christianity?

In whose account does he credit the Spanish Inquisition or the Crusades? Is he unaware of the Christian nations who gave us the greatest and most horrific wars the world has ever seen? Was the atomic bomb used by the Muslims?

Greece’s history is riddled with several hundred wars; would the archbishop enlighten us if these were also fought by Muslims?

Islam is a complete code of conduct.

If Islam sanctions war, it is only at the time when the enemy is waging war or is creating oppressive circumstances – no fair-minded person would contest to these teachings. As soon as the circumstances turn normal and the persecution comes to an end, the commandment is that there is no justification for war.

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: “And fight them until there is no persecution, and religion is freely professed for Allah. But if they desist, then remember that no hostility is allowed except against the aggressors.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.194) Muslims were permitted to fight to defend the religious freedom of not only Muslims, but Jews, Christians and people of other religions. Allah declares: “Permission to fight is given to those against whom war is made, because they have been wronged – and Allah indeed has the power to help them – those who have been driven out from their homes unjustly only because they said, ‘Our Lord is Allah’; and if Allah did not repel some men by means of others, there would surely have been pulled down cloisters and churches, and synagogues and mosques, wherein the name of Allah is oft commemorated. And Allah will surely help one who helps Him. Allah is indeed Powerful, Mighty.” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.40-41) History is witness that all the wars fought by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam were defensive under these principles of the Holy Quran. If followers of Islam or other religions have acted against the teachings of their respective religions, then the onus of acting contrary to its beliefs lies with those people, not the religion. The religion of Islam or any other religion cannot be blamed for the actions of such people.

Once again, I would like to reiterate my belief that the status of the archbishop is such that he should have been more thoughtful of the outcomes of his remarks. In the current atmosphere of misunderstandings and disunity, he should have been a torchbearer of peace and harmony irrespective of differences in religious beliefs.

The exemplary young Companions: Contentment, indifference to worldly objects and aversion to asking

Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, had generated so much devotion for God in the hearts and minds of the Companionsra that it would never allow them to bow before humans in any circumstances, however straitened they might be. For this reason, they considered asking for something as very improper. A few accounts in this regard are as follows.

Wealth after patience shown in the way of Allah Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira was only 13 when his father, Hazrat Malikra, was martyred in the Battle of Uhud. The father had left no property for the family to live on. The family faced starvation after starvation, so much so that on many occasions, they had to endure the pangs of hunger by tying stones on their stomachs.

One day, his mother asked him to go to the Holy Prophetsa and ask of him as he had given another person something that day. In compliance with the mother’s instruction, he went to the Holy Prophetsa, who was addressing an audience at the time.

During the course of the talk, he said, “The Almighty Allah will enrich him who shows patience in adverse circumstances.”

Upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Saeedra thought it best not to ask for anything as he possessed a camel. Thus he returned without asking for anything. Ultimately, Allah the Almighty fulfilled the statement of His Prophetsa in his favour and he was granted so much wealth and riches that he became the richest of all the Ansar. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 3, p. 380, Hadith Abu Saeed al-Khudri, Hadith No. 10989) The habit of doing your own work yourself Hazrat Saubanra was a slave who was bought and emancipated by the Holy Prophetsa.

The Prophetsa had advised him not to ask anybody for anything. He followed this advice meticulously, so much so that if he ever dropped his whip from the horse, he

would not request anybody to help him with it; rather, he would dismount and collect it himself. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 6, p. 373, Hadith Thauban, Hadith No. 22385) Bai‘at condition: “Do not ask people for things” Once, some Companionsra, in order to pledge their association through bai‘at, went to the Holy Prophetsa. One of the conditions, aside from other conditions of the pledge, was, “Do not ask people for things.” Very meticulously, the Companionsra complied with this command. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Zakat, Bab Isti‘faf anil Mas‘alati) “The giving hand is better than the receiving one” Once, Hazrat Hakimra bin Hizam asked the Holy Prophetsa for something, which was granted to him. After that, he asked for more, which again was granted, but aside from that, the Holy Prophetsa advised him, “The giving hand is better than the receiving one.”

After this advice, Hazrat Hakimra vowed never to ask anybody for anything. He followed this advice so meticulously that not only did he refrain from asking anybody for anything in future, he would reject anything presented to him, considering it below his dignity.

During the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, whenever he offered him some gift, Hazrat Hakimra would refuse to accept.

Hazrat Umarra too desired to give him some gift, but he refused. At last, Hazrat Umarra had to say, “O Muslims! Bear witness that I give Hakim his right, but he himself refuses to take it.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 4, p. 251) Utmost aversion to asking Hazrat Sananra was so averse to asking that once, he starved for three long days but asked for nothing from anybody. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, vol.6, p. 4, Musnad Abdullah bin ‘Umar, Hadith No. 4474) “Start your charity from the one who you are guardians of ” Once, Abdul Aziz bin Marwan wrote to Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar to present to

him his needs so as to be satisfied. In reply, he wrote back that the Holy Prophetsa had said, “The giving hand is better than the receiving one. Start your charity from the one who you are guardians of.” Thus he said he did not ask of anything from him. (AlIsti‘ab, Vol. 4, p. 1563) Refusal of gifts Once, Hazrat Wa‘ilra bin Hajar visited Hazrat Amir Mu‘awiyahra who desired to offer him something as a gift and wished him to accept a stipend, but he refused, saying that he needed it not and that it should be given to someone else who needed it more. (AlIsti‘ab, Vol. 3, p. 866) Once, Hazrat Uthmanra wished to gift 30 thousand dinars to Hazrat Abdullahra bin Arqam, but he refused saying he needed it not. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Khiraj, Bab fi Biyani Qasamul-Khums wa Sahama Dhil-Qurba) Ahl-e-Bait reject portion of the khums The Ahl-e-Bait [family of the Holy Prophetsa] regularly received a portion from the khums, which was arranged and distributed

by Hazrat Alira.

During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra, a large amount of wealth came and he desired to give Hazrat Alira the share of the Ahl-eBait. But Hazrat Alira replied, “We do not need it this year. Distribute it among the needy Muslims.”

Hazrat Umarra thus deposited that share in the treasury. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab alKhiraj) Despite the Holy Prophet’ssa clear commandments and the precepts of the noble Muslims, we observe that one of the largest, if not the largest, number of beggars in the world today are Muslims – followers of the Holy Prophetsa. To see this situation, the head of every jealous Muslim who has a sense of honour, hangs low with shame.

(Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

100 Years Ago...

Preaching in London, loyalty of Ahmadi students and Mufti Sahib’s outreach in USA The Review of Religions (English), January 1921, pp. 37-40 American missions We are glad to note that Brother Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib, Ahmadiyya missionary in America, is meeting with success. In his letter to the press dated 6 November 1920, he reports the conversion to Islam of two gentlemen named Mr L Holt and Mr Andrew Jacob, who have been given the Muslim names of Fateh Din and Muhammad Yaqub, respectively.

In a later letter, dated 29 November [1920], he reports the conversion to Islam of two more gentlemen, Mr Lee Hutchinson (Muslim name Muhammad Ali) and Mr Ellis Russel (Muslim name Ghulam Rasul).

Our brother is propagating Islam by means of weekly lectures, distribution of literature, correspondence, interviews and articles in the press.

Our brother tries to avail himself of all means of propagating the truth which he has gone to preach to the people of America. For instance, the notice which he issues for weekly lectures has the following facts printed on the back of it: “There is one God – Creator, Father, Provider, Sustainer of all.

“Holy Angels work as mediums and helpers.

“The Prophets and Messengers of God are spiritual rulers, including Muhammad[sa] the Master; and his manifestation Ahmad[as].

“God’s will is revealed in the sacred Books, the latest, current and unadulterated being El Quran.

“Good actions and bad, all are ordained to a recompense by God, Who is Gracious, Merciful, Forgiving and Loving.

“Islam is a universal, practical, reasonable, historical, well tried and successful system of life.

“Arabic is the mother of all languages.

“The Tomb of the Blessed Prophet Jesus Christ[as] has been found in Kashmir (India).

“Through Islam we attain to heaven in this very life.”

Another card, which he always keeps

with himself and which he gives to every new visitor and others whom he comes across on various occasions and at various places, bears the following message: “There is none worshipable but one God. “The Blessed Prophets and Holy Reformers of all countries and all nations and all ages are worthy of being honored and respected. Muhammad[sa] is the Master-Prophet and Quran is the latest current [divine] law. The Prophet Ahmad[as] of Qadian is the Promised Messiah, Mahdi and the Holy Reformer of the day. His Hazrat Mahmud[ra] is the present leader and guide of the Ahmadiyya Movement. Sadiq is the authorised missionary to initiate new followers from Muslims, Christians, Jews and all into the fold of “Ahmad” who is appointed by Allah to raise the banner of Islam in a peaceful work of uniting all in union with our Creator, Father, Provider and Sustainer. Happy are they who believe and join and be blessed.”

The following is a copy of the New Year card which he has sent along with some literature, to the prominent men of the United States of America.

“I wish you all happiness in the New Year: “And may you attain all the Blessings, my dear.

“Which Allah the Gracious has ordained to send “Through Ahmad[as], the Guide, the Prophet, the Friend “And his Master and Teacher Muhammad[sa], the Elect “Who was the Prophet, the most perfect.

“M Muhammad Sadiq, Ahmadia Movement, 4334 Ellis Avenue, Chicago, Ill. (USA)” Our London Mission The open air lectures in Hyde Park are proving very beneficial and are largely attended in spite of unfavourable weather, and attract many enquirers to our missionaries’ offices. The number of new converts during the period under

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra

report is seven: 1. Mr Frederick Field 2.

Miss Alice Wright 3. Miss Lilian Mand Gauhar 4. Miss Madge Kennedy 5. Miss Margaret Addison 6. Mrs A Wright 7. Mr KC Bannerjee, Executive Engineer.

Besides these [open air lectures] and the Sunday lectures at home, our missionaries also deliver lectures in different societies on Islam and connected subjects.

The head of our London mission, Mr FM Sayal MA, is spending a few weeks at Oxford to improve his health. Under the directions of His Holiness, the Khalifatul Masih, Mr AR Nayyar will proceed to Nigeria instead of Maulvi Mubarak Ali BA BT, who will work in London in place of the former. Mr Nayyar sails in February and we wish him a successful journey.

The following little incident will, I believe, interest our readers. One of our missionaries one day proceeded to the YMCA [Young Men’s Christian Association] camps with a friend of his and a discussion on the crucification of Jesus[as] was begun with an African-American. The African-American being unable to refute the arguments of our missionary ended his speech with the words, “I would cut your head off if I could.” Our Missionary appealed to the ladies present but was astonished to hear one of them say: “Yes I would, if I could.”

Loyalty of Ahmadiyya students The Pioneer reports that a gang of shouting students burst into the class-room of the Continued on page 23

Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyar

ra

Liverpool port, where Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra – the pioneering Ahmadi missionary for Africa – boarded a ship for his journey to West Africa in February 1921

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 25 December 2020 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Alira After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said:

In the previous Friday sermon, I spoke about the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra, the rebels, as well as Hazrat Ali’sra efforts in this regard [i.e. against the rebels].

With regard to events mentioned relating to Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has elaborated on an extremely important matter.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “As you are similar to the Companions [of the Holy Prophetsa], it is my desire to present historical events, demonstrating how Muslims fell into disarray and what were the reasons that led to this division.

Therefore, take heed from this and educate those who join you in the future.” That is, they should be given correct moral training and religious education.

“The disorder that emerged during the time of Hazrat Uthmanra was not instigated by the Companions. Those who say that this mischief was caused by the Companions are mistaken. There is no doubt that many Companions stood in opposition to Hazrat Alira and many stood in opposition to Mu‘awiyahra. However, I say that the Companions were not the cause of this disorder; rather, it was those who joined [Islam] later and were not fortunate enough to have received the companionship of the Holy Prophetsa and never sat in his company.

“Hence, I draw your attention towards this and inform you of the method to abstain and protect yourselves from this disorder and that is to frequently and repeatedly come to Qadian” – Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in Qadian at that time – “so that your faith is rejuvenated and so that you increase in your fear of Allah.” (Anwar al-Khilafat, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 3, p. 171) In other words, it is so that you remain firmly attached with the Centre (Markaz) as well as with Khilafat. If this bond remains firm, then you will also receive the correct moral training. Nowadays, Allah the Almighty has blessed us with MTA. The sermons are listened to and broadcast across the entire world. There are also other programmes that are shown. Therefore, it is essential for your

moral training that, apart from personally studying the books of the Promised Messiahas, you also watch MTA regularly.

You should particularly listen to the Friday sermons on MTA so that your relationship with Khilafat remains firm and continues to increase and strengthen.

With regard to the Battle of the Camel,

it is mentioned in narrations that this battle was fought between Hazrat Alira and Aishara in the 36th year after the migration from Mecca to Medina. Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra were also on the side of Hazrat Aishara. Hazrat Aishara was riding a camel in the battlefield and as such, this battle is known as the “Battle of the

Camel”.

Hazrat Aishara had travelled to Mecca in order to perform Hajj and she was staying there when she received the news of the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra.

After completing the Umrah, she headed towards Medina. On the way, at a place called Sarf, Ubaid bin Abi Salama informed her that Hazrat Uthmanra had been martyred and Hazrat Alira had been elected as the Caliph and disorder was rife in Medina. Hence, Hazrat Aishara turned back towards Mecca and gathered the people in order to avenge the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra and to put an end to the disorder.

Many people had gathered together under the leadership of Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra bin Awwam and Hazrat Aishara; hence their convoy set off towards Basra.

Upon receiving news of this convoy, Hazrat Alira also set off towards Basra.

Upon arrival in Basra, Hazrat Aishara invited the inhabitants to join forces with her and a large number did so. However, one party pledged to support Uthman bin Hunayf, Hazrat Ali’sra appointed governor of Basra. During this time, both parties clashed. Hazrat Ali’sra army arrived and they set up camp near the army of Hazrat Aishara. Both parties made proposals to reconcile and the negotiations were successful. However, during the night, a party that was involved in the murder of Hazrat Uthmanra and had joined Hazrat Ali’sra army, attacked the army of Hazrat Aishara and this triggered the start of the battle.

Hazrat Aishara was riding a camel. One after another, loyal followers of Hazrat Aishara grabbed hold of the reigns of her camel and were martyred. Hazrat Alira realised that as long as Hazrat Aishara was riding the camel, the war would not come to an end. Hence, he ordered his soldiers to somehow kill and bring down the camel as the end of the war was linked to that. Upon this, an individual stepped forward and pierced his sword into the foot of the camel. The camel gave out a cry and sat down and the army of Hazrat

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

Continued from page 21

Islamia College, Lahore, of Professor Maulvi Hakam Ali BA, who had [also] been attacked the day before and drove his class out. They then turned savagely on their professor and would certainly have severely beaten him if he had not been protected by a small band of loyal Ahmadiyya students. The sole reason why this professor was attacked was his uncompromising opposition to the noncooperation movement. We congratulate the Ahmadiyya students on the practical example of loyalty they have shown and hope they will continue to have the same jealous regard of the good name of Islam.

Alira surrounded the camel from all sides.

Upon the fall of Hazrat Aisha’sra camel, the people of the Camel [i.e. those who fought on Hazrat Aisha’sra side] dispersed.

Following this, Hazrat Alira announced that whoever surrendered or closed the door to their home would remain safe and protected. No one would be chased, nor would anyone’s possessions be seized or considered as spoils of war. The army of Hazrat Alira followed these orders.

Hazrat Zubairra bin Awwam and Hazrat Talhara were martyred during this very battle. (Ibn al-Athir, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 2003], 99-149) This is a summary of this particular historical incident taken from the work of Ibn Athir.

In this regard, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “A group from among those people who murdered Hazrat Uthmanra went to Hazrat Aishara and urged her to declare Jihad against those who killed Hazrat Uthmanra. Thus, Hazrat Aishara declared Jihad and asked the Companionsra to assist her in this. Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra joined her. Subsequently, a battle ensued between the armies of Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Aishara, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra.”

Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra were part of Hazrat Aisha’sra army. A battle took place between the main armies of Hazrat Aishara and Hazrat Alira.

“This battle is known as Jang-e-Jamal [the Battle of the Camel]. In the beginning of this battle, upon hearing the words of the Holy Prophet’ssa prophecy from Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Zubairra separated himself and vowed that he would not fight against Hazrat Alira. Hazrat Zubairra accepted that he had been mistaken in his interpretation of the matter. Similarly, Hazrat Talhara also pledged allegiance to Hazrat Alira prior to his demise”; I mentioned this in the previous sermon also “because it is mentioned in narrations that when Hazrat Talhara was lying injured and breathing his last, a man walked by him. Hazrat Talhara asked him, ‘Which party do you belong

to?’ He replied that he was from Hazrat Ali’s men. Upon this, Hazrat Talhara held his hand and said, ‘Your hand is that of Ali’s and I pledge allegiance to Ali again at your hands.’ Thus, any dispute between the Companions was resolved after Jange-Jamal, but the dispute with Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra remained, as a result of which the Battle of Siffin took place.” (Khilafate-Rashidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 15, pp.

485-486) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra further narrates: “The killers of Hazrat Uthmanra spread out to various regions, but in order to save themselves from any culpability, they deflected the blame onto others.

When they saw that Hazrat Alira had taken the bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] of the Muslims, they found an excellent opportunity to level allegations against Hazrat Alira, because those who were involved in the assassination of Hazrat Uthmanra had later joined Hazrat Alira.

This gave them the perfect opportunity to level allegations against Hazrat Alira.

Similarly, one group [from among those who were involved in the killing Hazrat Uthmanra] went to Mecca and encouraged Hazrat Aishara that she should declare Jihad in order to avenge the blood of Hazrat Uthmanra. Therefore, she made this declaration and asked the companions to help her in this regard.

“Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra had pledged allegiance to Hazrat Alira on the condition that he would bring the killers of Hazrat Uthmanra to justice swiftly. Their interpretation of ‘swift’ was contrary to Hazrat Ali’sra viewpoint because according to Hazrat Alira, taking action ‘swiftly’ was not conducive to the situation at the time. He thought”, i.e.

Hazrat Alira thought, “that firstly, all the Muslim lands should be united and then they should turn their attention to dealing with killers of Hazrat Uthmanra because safeguarding Islam took precedence.

There would not be any harm in delaying taking action against them.

“Furthermore, there was a dispute in identifying who the killers were. The

people who were the first to go to Hazrat Alira under the guise of despondency and expressing their concern for the threat of division within Islam, it was only natural that Hazrat Alira would not suspect them of being the architects of this mischief.

Other people, however, suspected them.”

Hazrat Alira did not suspect them, but certain other people had their doubts about them. “Owing to this suspicion, Talhara and Zubairra thought that Hazrat Alira went back on his word because they had pledged allegiance on a particular condition and according to them, Hazrat Alira did not fulfil this condition.

Therefore, in accordance with the Shariah, they deemed themselves to be absolved from their bai‘at.

“When they heard about Hazrat Aisha’sra call [of Jihad] they joined her and they all went to Basra. The governor of Basra tried to prevent the residents from joining them. However, when they discovered that Talhara and Zubairra pledged allegiance under coercion and had stipulated a condition with their bai‘at, the majority of the residents [of Basra] joined them. When Hazrat Alira received news of this army, he too prepared his army and departed for Basra.

“Upon arrival in Basra, Hazrat Alira sent a man to Hazrat Aishara, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra. He first went to Hazrat Aishara and asked what the reason for her coming there was. She replied that she only wanted reconciliation. He then called Talhara and Zubairra and asked if they too had come for the same purpose (i.e. for reconciliation), to which they replied in the affirmative.

“This individual then said, ‘If you seek reconciliation, then this is not the way to achieve it. This will only cause disorder.

The situation prevalent throughout the land is such that if you kill one person, a thousand more will rise up in support of that individual and challenge you; this will in turn incite even more people to rise up. This will set off a chain of events which will continue. Thus, at present, reconciliation entails to first unite everyone and then turn our attention to

Convicted out of your own mouth At a recent public meeting held in Calcutta under the auspices of the Bengal Provincial Khilafat Committee, Maulavi Ahmad Ali, in a short speech dwelling on Noncooperation, exhorted the audience to follow the unique sacrifices of the Jews for their faith when tortured and tyrannised by the Romans by self-sacrifice, whole hearted devotion and untold suffering for the emancipation of the[ir] motherland. A bad example indeed for a Muslim to cite of a nation which suffered their punishment, according to the Holy Quran, agreeably to the curse pronounced upon them by God through Jesus[as] on account of their rebellion and rejection of their prophet.

Heaven forbid that the same should be the fate of the Mussalmans, although the course they have launched upon runs curiously parallel to that pursued by that unfortunate people and gives us cause for misgivings. For history strangely repeats itself.

punishing the evil ones. Given the current unrest, punishing anyone now will only lead to more disorder and chaos. First, the authority [of Hazrat Alira] should be established and that will then enforce the punishment.’

“They responded by saying, ‘If this is Hazrat Ali’sra view point, then very well; we are prepared to meet him.’ This individual returned to Hazrat Alira and related the entire account to him. Hence representatives of both parties met with one another. They mutually agreed that fighting was not correct and it would be better to reconcile.

“When this news reached the Sabais”, i.e. the party of Abdullah bin Saba, “who were had perpetrated the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra, they became extremely anxious and a party among them gathered in secrecy for consultation.

After consultation, they concluded that if the Muslims were to reconcile with one another, it would prove extremely unfavourable for them because they knew that they would only evade punishment for the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra, as long as the Muslims continued to fight against one another. They knew that if there was peace and harmony amongst the Muslims, they would have no escape. Therefore, no matter what, they could not allow this to happen.

“In the meantime, Hazrat Alira also

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arrived and on the second day after his arrival, he and Hazrat Zubairra met. During this meeting, Hazrat Alira stated to Hazrat Zubairra, ‘You have indeed prepared an army to fight against me, but have you also prepared a justification for this which you shall present before your Lord? Why are you all adamant to destroy Islam with your very hands which you once served by endangering your own lives? Am I not your brother? Why is it that spilling the blood of one another was deemed unlawful before and yet now it has become permissible? It would be understandable if a new injunction had been revealed, but when that is not the case, why then do you stand in opposition?’

“Hazrat Talhara was also with Hazrat Zubairra at the time and replied, ‘You incited those who killed Hazrat Uthmanra.’ “‘I curse all those who were involved in the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra!’ said Hazrat Alira.

“Addressing Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat ra Ali then stated, ‘Do you not recall that the Holy Prophetsa once stated, “By God, you will fight against Ali and you will be amongst the transgressors”’” i.e. referring to Hazrat Zubairra.

“Upon hearing this, Hazrat Zubairra returned to his army and vowed that he would not fight against Hazrat Alira and admitted that he had erred in his interpretation of the affairs.

“When this news spread amongst his army, they were content that battle would no longer take place between them and in fact, the two parties would reconcile.

However, the rebels who sought to spread mischief became anxious” and it was only natural that the rebels would become worried, “therefore they devised a plan in order to prevent them from reconciling.

When night fell, those who had infiltrated in Hazrat Ali’sra army, launched an attack against the army of Hazrat Aishara, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra, whilst those who had infiltrated in their camp, did vice versa” i.e. they attacked Hazrat Ali’s armyra. The hypocrites had joined both sides of the armies – Hazrat Aisha’sra and

Hazrat Ali’sra. “Subsequently, both sides of the hypocrites launched an attack”; they did not fight amongst themselves.

“Consequently, this led to chaos and both armies assumed that the other had deceived them, but in actuality, this was a ploy of Abdullah bin Saba’s men. Once the battle had commenced, Hazrat Alira called for someone to inform Hazrat Aishara as perhaps God Almighty may quell the disorder through her. Subsequently, Hazrat Aisha’sra camel was brought forward, but this led to an even more perilous situation because the rebels, fearing that their ploy was going to fail once again, began to shoot their arrows in the direction of Hazrat Aisha’sra camel. Hazrat Aishara began to loudly proclaim, ‘O people, cease fighting and recall Allah the Almighty and the Day of Reckoning.’ However, the rebels refused to pay heed and continued to shoot arrows at Hazrat Aisha’sra camel.

The people of Basra were with the army of Hazrat Aishara and upon witnessing these scenes and the dishonour of Umm-ulMomineen, Hazrat Aishara, they became extremely infuriated and drew out their swords and launched an attack against the opposing army. Subsequently, Hazrat Aisha’sra camel became the focal point of the battle. Many Companions and valiant men stood around the camel and one by one, they began to be slain, but would not let go of the camel’s reins.

“Hazrat Zubairra did not take part in the battle and had distanced himself to one side; however, a wretched individual went from behind whilst he was in a state of prayer and martyred him. Hazrat Talhara was martyred in the battlefield and was killed at the hands of the rebels.

When the battle intensified, some of the men realised that the only way to stop the battle was by removing Hazrat Aishara from the battlefield. Therefore, they cut the legs of the camel and placed the camel-litter in which Hazrat Aishara was sat, onto the ground. It was only then that the battle stopped.

“Upon witnessing this entire incident, Hazrat Ali’sra face became red with sorrow,

but there was nothing else that could be done either. When Hazrat Alira saw the body of Hazrat Talhara amongst those who were martyred during the battle, he expressed deep sorrow.

“From these events, it is evidently clear that the Companionsra were at no fault in this battle and this was all owing to the evil ploy of those rebels who had killed Hazrat Uthmanra. Moreover, Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra passed away whilst in the bai‘at [oath of allegiance] of Hazrat Alira because they had turned back from their original intentions and had resolved to support Hazrat Alira; however, they were killed at the hands of the rebels. Hazrat Alira cursed those who killed them.”

(Anwar al-Khilafat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 3, pp. 198-201) Upon the conclusion of the Battle of the Camel, Hazrat Alira prepared all the provisions for Hazrat Aisha’sra journey and went along with Hazrat Aishara himself.

He ensured that all those who wished to go with Hazrat Aishara also went with her. The day Hazrat Aishara was to depart, Hazrat Alira went to see Hazrat Aishara and stood in her presence. She came out in the presence of everyone and said, “O my sons!

By harming one another and committing excesses, we have aggrieved one another.

As of now, no one shall commit injustices against one another on account of the differences we had between us. By God, there was never any dispute between me and Hazrat Alira, except for the minor disagreements one can have with their inlaws”; in other words, very minor issues.

“My pious deeds are dependent on my obedience to Hazrat Alira.”

Upon this, Hazrat Alira stated, “O people, this statement of Hazrat Aishara is indeed excellent and full of truth. These were the only issues we had between us [i.e. very minor]. Hazrat Aishara is the noble wife of your blessed Prophetsa in this world and in the Hereafter.” Hazrat Alira then walked for several miles with Hazrat Aishara to see her off and instructed his sons to go with her and return after one day. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari,

Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Tahjiz Alira Aisha min al-Basrah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1987], 60-61) This reference which I just quoted is from al-Tabari.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Talhara remained alive after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra, dissension began amongst the Muslims.

Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra and Hazrat Aishara were leaders of the party which was of the opinion that revenge should be immediately sought against those who killed Hazrat Uthmanra.

“On the other hand, the other party was led by Hazrat Alira and were of the opinion that man was indeed a mortal being [with reference to Hazrat Uthman’sra martyrdom], but since Muslims had become divided, the foremost need was to unite the Muslims in order to reestablish the glory and grandeur of Islam and revenge could be taken later.

“This disagreement escalated to such an extent that Hazrat Talhara, Hazrat Zubairra and Hazrat Aishara alleged that Hazrat Alira wanted to grant refuge to those who had martyred Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Alira, on the other hand, alleged that they were giving preference to their personal interests and were not thinking of what was beneficial to Islam” by insisting to take revenge immediately.

“This disagreement went to the most extreme level and resulted in a battle between them; a battle in which Hazrat Aishara took command of one of the armies. Hazrat Aishara mounted her camel and would encourage others to fight and Hazrat Talhara and Hazrat Zubairra were also part of this battle.

“Whilst the battle was taking place, a companion approached Hazrat Talhara and said, ‘O Talhara! Do you remember on such and such occasion, you were sat in the company of the Holy Prophetsa and he stated, “Talhara, there will come a time when you will be part of an army and Ali will be part of a different army; however, Alira will be on the side of the

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021 truth and you will be the one in error.”’

Hazrat Talhara heard this and immediately realised and said, ‘Yes, I recall this.’

“He then left the army at once and as he was walking away from the battle so that he could fulfil the words of the Holy Prophetsa, a wretched individual who was fighting from Hazrat Ali’sra army, went from behind and stabbed Hazrat Talhara in the back resulting in his martyrdom.

“At the time, Hazrat Alira was sat in his camp and the one who had committed the killing of Hazrat Talhara, thinking that he would receive a great reward, ran towards Hazrat Alira and said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful [Amirul Momineen]! I give you tidings that your enemy has been killed.’

Hazrat Alira asked who the enemy was. He replied, ‘O Leader of the Faithful, I have killed Talhara.’

“Hazrat Alira replied to him, ‘I also give you tidings from the Messengersa of Allah that you will be thrown into the Hellfire because the Holy Prophetsa once said in a gathering in which Talhara and I both were present, “O Talhara! For the sake of the truth and establishing justice, you will have to endure indignity and you will be killed by an individual who God Almighty will cast into Hell.”’ (Aindah Wohi Qaumein Izzat Paein gi jo Malio-Jani Qurbanion Mein Hissah Lein gi, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 21, pp. 149-150) Then, there was the Battle of Siffin.

Regarding its details, it is mentioned that it was a battle that took place between Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Amir Muawaiyahra in 37 AH. Siffin is the name of an area located between Syria and Iraq.

Hazrat Alira left Kufa along with his army and when they reached Siffin, they saw that the Syrian army under the command of Amir Muawiyahra had already setup camp and one section of the army had taken over a valley near the Euphrates River. Hazrat Alira assured them that they had not come to fight but instead, had come to reconcile their differences; however, Amir Muawiyahra was not willing to reconcile. The Syrian army stopped the army of Hazrat Alira from accessing the water from the Euphrates River. Upon this, Hazrat Alira ordered his army to launch an attack and they succeeded in pushing the Syrian army to retreat and thus establishing their access to the river. Hazrat Alira, however, allowed the Syrian army to access the water from the Euphrates River. The Syrian army had prevented Hazrat Alira [and his army] from accessing water from the Euphrates River, but when Hazrat Alira took control of the river, he permitted them to access its water.

Amir Muawiyahra insisted that Hazrat ra Ali should hand over those who had carried out the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra.

At one point there was a potential danger that a battle was going to break out; however, some of the peacekeepers prevented this from happening and established calm.

The battle took place in the month of Safar 37 AH, but prior to the actual battle commencing, small skirmishes broke out. Yet still, both parties abstained from

engaging in a full battle considering its dangerous consequences. Both parties ensured to utilise all means possible in order to bring about reconciliation and thus both agreed that they should enter a temporary agreement of peace during the sacred months. However, this effort of theirs also proved unsuccessful. And so, at the beginning of the month of Safar, the actual battle was formally declared once again.

For quite some time, the fighting continued without any conclusive victory and Amir Muawiyah’sra resolve began to weaken. In such precarious circumstances, Hazrat Amrra bin Aas advised that they should tie the copies of the Quran on the tip of their spears and announce that they should settle the matter in accordance with the Quran. Thus, they did exactly that and as a result a disagreement arose between Hazrat Ali’sra men. A large party among them stated that their plea to adjudicate the matter by the Book of Allah should not be rejected. Subsequently, Hazrat Alira commanded the vanguard of the army to return and thus the battle stopped.

The majority of the army of Hazrat Alira accepted the suggestion presented by Amir Muawiyahra which was that each party should appoint an arbitrator and they should both reach a verdict based on the Holy Quran. According to the books of history, this incident is known as “Tahkim” [arbitration]. In any case, the Syrians appointed Hazrat Amrra bin Aas as their representative and Hazrat Alira appointed Hazrat Abu Musa Asharira.

After signing this declaration, both armies dispersed.

This is a reference from the historical accounts by Ibn Athir. (Ibn al-Athir, AlKamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], 161201) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 2, p. 608, Zair-e-Lafz Siffin) Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra has explained this incident in the following manner: “During this battle, Hazrat Mu‘awiyah’sra men very cleverly placed the Quran on their spears and stated that they would accept the verdict of the Quran and for this they should each appoint an arbitrator. The rebels – who were behind the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra and after his martyrdom had immediately joined Hazrat Alira in order to save themselves – began to insist that this was the right decision and urged him to appoint an arbitrator. Hazrat Alira continuously disagreed to this suggestion but they, along with some other weak natured people who came under influence of their deception, compelled Hazrat Alira to appoint a representative. And so, Hazrat Amrra bin Aas was appointed from Mu‘awiyah’sra side and Hazrat Abu Musa Asharira was appointed from Hazrat Ali’sra side.

“This tahkim was essentially to settle the matter relating to how to avenge the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra and the condition they had stipulated was that they would seek the verdict of this matter from the Holy Quran. Therefore, these representatives had been appointed so

that they could decide the matter based on the Holy Quran as to how they should punish those who were behind the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra. However, Amrra bin Aas and Abu Musa Asharira mutually consulted and decided that it would be better for Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra to step down from their roles of leadership.

“The purpose of tahkim and appointing the arbitrators were to decide the matter in relation to how to avenge the killing of Hazrat Uthmanra. However, the arbitrators mutually decided that both of them [i.e.

Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra] should first step down and thereafter they would discuss the matter because they felt that it was owing to the differences between the two that the Muslims were having to endure so much affliction.

“This was the belief of the two arbitrators. They further decided that the Muslims should then independently appoint the Khalifa of their choice.

However, neither of these arbitrators had been appointed for this purpose and this

line of thinking by both arbitrators was completely incorrect. They had not been appointed to decide on this matter.

“But in any case, they arranged a gathering for everyone to attend so that they could formally announce their decision. Hazrat Amrra bin Aas asked Hazrat Abu Musa Asharira to make his announcement first and that he would do it after him. Hazrat Abu Musara made the announcement that he absolved Hazrat Alira from his Caliphate. Thereafter, Hazrat Amrra bin Aas stood up and announced, ‘Abu Musa has absolved Hazrat Alira from the office of Caliphate and I also agree with this decision of his and also remove him from this office. However, I will not remove Muawiyahra; in fact, I declare that he ought to continue in his role as the Amir.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “Hazrat Amrra bin Aas was a pious man … However, I will not delve into this debate as to why he made this decision.

Despite his piety, he perhaps came under

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the influence of the people, but leaving this discussion aside, this decision of his was not correct.

“Upon the announcement of this decision, those who were on the side of Hazrat Mu‘awiyahra began to say that the arbitrators who had been appointed had passed their decision in favour of Mu‘awiyahra and this was the right decision. However, Hazrat Alira refused to accept this decision. He stated that the arbitrators were not appointed for this purpose, nor was their decision based on any Quranic injunction. The same

hypocrites who had initially insisted that Hazrat Alira should appoint an arbitrator began to raise a hue and cry, asking why these arbitrators were appointed in the first place as there could not be an arbitrator in regard to religious matters.

“Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Firstly, it was stipulated in the initial agreement that their decision would be based on the Quran, which they did not fulfil as this decision was not in accordance to the Quran. Secondly, these arbitrators’”, or the arbitrator, “‘was appointed owing to your continuous persistence and now you are

asking me why I appointed him?’ To this they”, i.e. the rebels and the hypocrites, “replied, ‘We had spoken foolishly and whatever we had said was a mistake but why did you accept what we said?” The rebels and hypocrites said “‘This means that we committed a sin and you also did the same. We erred and so did you.

However, we seek repentance for our mistake and you ought to repent as well.

Moreover you should admit that whatever you did was wrong.’

“Their intention behind this was that if Hazrat Alira had refused, they would have abandoned their pledge of allegiance to him saying that he acted contrary to the teachings of Islam and they would therefore no longer uphold their pledge.

And if he acknowledged an error on his part saying he repents, his Caliphate would have been rendered false, for how can one who commits a grave sin be the Caliph? When Hazrat Alira heard all of this he said, ‘I have committed no error.

As for the matter in which I appointed an arbitrator, this is permissible in light of the Shariah of Islam. Furthermore, when I was appointing the arbitrator, I made it clear that I shall accept any decision made in accordance with the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, and if not, then I shall not accept it under any circumstance. As they did not pay any regard to this instruction, nor did they give their verdict in accordance with the purpose with which they were appointed, therefore their decision was not binding upon me.’

“However, they did not accept this explanation of Hazrat Alira and rescinded their pledge of allegiance to him. These people became known as the Khawarij and began propagating the ideology that a Khalifa need not be obeyed; instead, they would be ruled by accepting the verdict of the Muslim majority, for having to obey one person as the Caliph would go against the principle of: ّ ٰ َّ ْ ُ َ ‫احک َم اِلا لِل ِہ‬ ‫ل‬ “‘The decision rests with none but Allah.’” (Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 15, pp. 485-486) The Battle of Nahrawan took place in 38 AH. Nahrawan is situated between Baghdad and Wasit and here the battle ensued between Hazrat Alira and the Khawarij. (Yaqut Ibn Abdullah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 5 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah], 375) Ibn Athir has written about this battle stating that in order to reconcile [between the two armies] during the Battle of Siffin, Hazrat Abu Musa al-Ash‘arira was appointed from Hazrat Ali’sra side and Hazrat Amrra bin al-Aas was appointed from Amir Mu‘awiyah’sra side as the arbitrators. In history, this incident is referred to as Tahkim [arbitration].

One group from the army of Hazrat Alira disputed the tahkim. They rebelled and separated themselves and were subsequently known as the Khawarij.

These Khawarij deemed the tahkim a sin and demanded Hazrat Alira to repent and abdicate the Caliphate, but Hazrat Alira

refused outright to do such a thing.

It has already been explained earlier why he refused. Hazrat Alira was already occupied in preparation to advance towards Syria against Amir Mua‘wiyahra when the Khawarij began their mischievous ploys. They appointed Abdullah bin Wahab as their leader and departed from Kufa towards Nahrawan.

The army of the Khawarij in Basra also gathered together and joined the army of Abdullah bin Wahab in Nahrawan.

Hazrat Abdullahra bin Khabbab, a companion of the Holy Prophetsa, was killed for siding with Hazrat Alira. His pregnant wife was mercilessly killed by cutting open her abdomen. They also killed three other women of the Tayy tribe.

When news of this situation reached Hazrat Alira, he sent Harith bin Murrah to investigate. He went to them as an emissary, but the Khawarij killed him as well. Owing to these circumstances, Hazrat Alira abandoned the thought of advancing to Syria and instead, the army of approximately 65,000 which was prepared for Syria, was now advancing to combat the Khawarij.

When Hazrat Alira reached Nahrawan, the Khawarij were called towards reconciliation. Hazrat Abu Ayyub Ansari was handed the flag and it was announced that whoever stood beneath it would be granted refuge and they will not fight him. Having heard this announcement, 100 members of the Khawarij – who numbered a total of 4,000 – joined Hazrat Alira and a large number of those remaining, returned to Kufa. Only 1,800 people advanced forward under the command of Abdullah bin Wahab Khariji and the battle between them and the 65,000-strong army of Hazrat Alira ensued, in which all the Khawarij were killed.

According to one narration, a small amount of the Khawarij, numbering less than 10 survived.

Seven people among the army of Hazrat Alira were martyred. (Ibn al-Athir, Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2003], 212-223) (Tarikh al-Mas‘udi, Chapter 2, p.

342, Nafees Academy Astrachan Road, Karachi, November 1985) Hazrat Amrahra bint Abdir-Rahman relates that before Hazrat Alira departed for Basra, he visited Hazrat Umm Salamahra, the noble wife of the Holy Prophetsa. She said to Hazrat Alira, “Go forth with the protection of Allah the Almighty. By God, you are in the right and the truth is with you. The Holy Prophetsa instructed us to remain in our homes. Were it not for my fear of disobeying Allah and His Messengersa, I would have accompanied you. But by Allah, I send my son, Umar, with you who is most beloved and dearer to me than my own self.” (Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p. 574, Kitab Marifat al-Sahabah, Dhikr Islam Amir alMomineen Ali, Hadith No. 3611, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) There are accounts remaining and will be narrated in the coming sermon.

I again request prayers for the Ahmadis in Algeria and Pakistan. There is

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AL HAKAM | Friday 22 January 2021

some good news in regard to Algeria that in recent days, two courts have acquitted many Ahmadis who had been charged with false accusations.

May Allah the Almighty reward those judges, who have acted with justice. May Allah the Almighty also enable their administration and judicial system, who are levelling false charges against Ahmadis, to act with justice.

May Allah the Almighty also enable the officials in Pakistan, who are moving away from justice and misusing their powers, to cleanse their hearts from harbouring rancour and enmity whilst dealing with these matters [concerning Ahmadis]. Those for whom it is destined that they will not reform themselves, then may Allah seize them swiftly and create means of ease and peace for the Ahmadis in Pakistan.

The Ahmadis living in Pakistan in particular should focus on offering nawafil prayers and supplications. Among these prayers, you should particularly recite the following prayer: َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ُ ّ َ ْ َ‫ک َر ّب ف‬ ْ ‫اح َف ْظ ِن ْی َوانْ ُص ْرنِ ْی َو‬ ‫ار َح ْم ِن ْی‬ ‫ر ِب کل شی ٍء خادِم‬ ِ [O my Lord, everything is Your servant; O my Lord, protect me and help me and have mercy on me.]

You should also recite: ُ َ ُ َُ َ ُ ُ َ ُ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫اللھ ّم اِنا نجعلک ِف ْی نح ْو ِرھِ ْم ونع ْوذ بِک ِم ْن ش ُر ْو ِرھِ ْم‬ [O Allah, we make You a shield against enemies and take refuge in You from their evils.]

Also, pay particular focus towards reciting istighfar [seeking forgiveness] and the durood [invoking salutations on the Holy Prophetsa].

There is a lot of need to focus on prayers these days and also to offer the

nawafil prayers. As I mentioned, may Allah the Almighty enable them [to act justly] and improve the conditions of the Ahmadis there.

Today, I shall also lead some funeral prayers after the Friday prayer. The first is of respected Humda Abbas Sahiba, wife of Abbas bin Abdul Qadir Sahib Shaheed of Khairpur. She passed away on 29 December at the age of 91. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return].

Her father, Dr Muhammad Ibrahim Sahib, studied in King Edward Medical College and owing to the positive influence of an Ahmadi class-fellow during his studies, he pledged allegiance at the hands of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1926 along with his wife.

Humda Sahiba married Prof Abbas bin Abdul Qadir in Lahore in May 1951, who was the grandson of Hazrat Maulana Abdul Majid Sahibra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas and son of Professor Abdul Qadir Sahib, the elder brother of Hazrat Syeda Saara Begum Sahiba, wife of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. In 1974, her husband, Professor Abbas bin Abdul Qadir Sahib was martyred in Khairpur, but she displayed outstanding steadfastness. She never showed any impatience and she was content with the will of God. Upon the martyrdom of her husband, her non-Ahmadi cousin wrote a letter of condolence to her, stating, “Abbas was a very good man. If only he had passed away whilst in a state of guidance.”

In response to this, Humda Sahiba wrote, “I am proud to say that the path on which he laid down his life was the path

of guidance.”

Humda Sahiba had a very dear friend from her school days named Shafiqa Sahiba, who later became the wife of General Zia-ul-Haq Sahib, [former President] of Pakistan. After her husband had become the President, Zia-ul-Haq Sahib’s wife said that everyone came to meet her except for Humda. When Humda Sahiba came to know of this, she said that she had no desire to meet with the wife of a person who holds such enmity towards her beloved Imam, the Promised Messiahas and his Community; and thus she never went to meet her.

She possessed a number of virtuous qualities; she had a meticulous nature, courteous, virtuous and sincere. She always took care to offer her prayers and observe fasts and she instilled the same qualities in her children. She would always be swift in offering monetary contributions and was always ready to offer charity. During the month of Ramadan, she would arrange for many people to open the fast at her home on a daily basis. She had a deep bond of love and connection with Khilafat. She regularly wrote letters to me by hand.

Until her final days, she studied books of the Promised Messiahas along with other literature of the Community, including Al Fazl.

In 2006, her youngest daughter, Dr Amira, along with her two children, passed away in a traffic accident. The deceased endured this tragedy with great forbearance and displayed an exemplary standard of patience. All of her family, friends and acquaintances as well as her non-Ahmadi relatives had great love for her due to all of her virtuous qualities.

She is survived by three daughters and two sons, who live in USA, Canada and

Norway. May Allah the Almighty enable her children and progeny to continue on her virtuous deeds and may Allah elevate her status in paradise.

The next funeral is of Rizwan Syed Naeemi Sahib who was from Iraq. He passed away on 13 November at the age of 70: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

His son, Mustafa Naeemi Sahib, writes: “My father saw a dream in which he was with Hazrat Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani, who gave my father one of his shoes. My father was hesitant to take it, saying he was of no rank to be wearing the shoe of Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani. However, Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani insisted, upon which my father took the shoe and wore it. Then Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani pointed towards a person and his community and advised my father to join them.”

Afterwards, Rizwan Naeemi Sahib also saw the Holy Prophetsa in a dream. A few years later, Rizwan Sahib came to know about the Ahmadiyya Jamaat through MTA and he said that the dream in which he had seen the Holy Prophetsa was actually referring to the advent of his true servant, the Promised Messiahas; and the other dream he had seen in which Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jilani pointed towards a person and his community and advised him to join was referring to the Caliph of the Messiah and his Community. Hence, he accepted Ahmadiyyat in 2012. He was very virtuous and pious and would help his relatives as well as the poor. He had a passion for spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat; despite his ill health along with the opposition of others, he

Friday 22 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

28 continued to propagate the message of Ahmadiyyat in his area. He always used to advise his family to accept Ahmadiyyat and join the Community. Now, his son, wife and brother-in-law have all accepted Ahmadiyyat. May Allah the Almighty grant them steadfastness and enable them to continue the virtues of the deceased and may Allah the Almighty elevate the station of the deceased.

The next funeral is of Malik Ali Muhammad Sahib who was from Hajka in the district of Sargodha. He was the father of Muhammad Afzal Zafar Sahib, a missionary serving in Kenya. He passed away on 20 August at the age of 90: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He had the honour of being a prisoner in the way of Allah in 1974. He held a great deal of respect for the workers, lifedevotees, missionaries and muallimeen of the Community. He was regular in offering Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer] as well as Salat and observing fasts. He was very hospitable and took care of the poor; he was patient and grateful and always treated his relatives with kindness. He was a virtuous and sincere individual. He was regular in reciting the Holy Quran and he was also able to teach many children the Holy Quran. He is survived by three sons and eleven grandchildren.

As I mentioned, his son, respected Muhammad Afzal Zafar Sahib is serving as a missionary in Kenya and due to his responsibilities in the field there, he was unable to attend the funeral or burial of his father. May Allah Almighty grant him patience and forbearance. May He grant the deceased His mercy and forgiveness and elevate his station.

The next funeral is of Ehsan Ahmad Sahib from Lahore, son of Shafqat Mahmud Sahib. He passed away on 27 July at the age of 35 years due to complications from the Coronavirus. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

He was the paternal grandson of Hazrat Maulvi Nooruddin Ajmal Sahibra from Goleki in the district of Gujrat, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.

He was also the maternal grandson of Irshad Ahmad Sahib of Gujranwala. For the past two years, he was serving as the Local President of the Rachna Town Jamaat in Lahore. Apart from this, he also served as the Secretary for New Converts under the Delhi Gate Amarat. He had a particular passion for propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and by the grace of Allah, he had the honour that through him, eight individuals accepted Ahmadiyyat.

He is survived by his wife, two sons, Hanan Ahmad Masroor who is six years old and Mubeen Ahmad Tahir who is three years old, along with one daughter, Saira Ahmad who is five years old, as well as his parents, three brothers and two

Who is the mujaddid of this age?

“The state of this era is such that reformation is needed in every place; therefore, Allah the Almighty has sent that mujaddid who has been named the Promised Messiah and who was long awaited; who all the prophets had prophesied and all the holy people before him desired to be a part of their age.”

To read the full article, visit: www.alhakam.org/who-is-the-mujaddid-of-this-age

sisters.

May Allah the Almighty grant them all patience and forbearance and be the Protector of these children and enable them to continue the virtuous deeds of their father. May He elevate the station of the deceased.

The next funeral is of respected Riaz-udDin Shams Sahib, who was the youngest son of Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahib.

He passed away on 27 May: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

His family background is that he was the paternal great grandson of Hazrat Mian Muhammad Siddiq Sahibra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas; he was the paternal grandson of Hazrat Mian Imamuddin Sahib Sekhwanira, the

maternal grandson of Hazrat Khawaja Ubaidullah Sahibra and the son of Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Sahib Shamsra, all of whom were companions of the Promised Messiahas. The deceased was a musi and is survived by two daughters and one son and his wife had already passed away before him. May Allah Almighty grant his children patience and forbearance.

May Allah grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.

His brother, Munir-ud-din Shams Sahib, says: “The deceased possessed many virtuous qualities; he was regular in offering prayers and always advised his children to do the same. He had a great bond of love for Khilafat and would always have conversations at home about remaining attached to Khilafat.”

Two years ago when he was ill, he came here to meet me and despite his illness, he displayed great patience and resolve and was in high spirits. If he was worried, it was only regarding his daughters, but not about himself. Everyone had the same impression of him, which was that no matter the circumstances, he would always be seen smiling and he was known to meet everyone with great affection and would be very supportive in both times of ease and hardship.

May Allah Almighty grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy and elevate his station.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 15 January 2021, pp. 5-10. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021