Al Hakam - 01 February 2019

Friday Sermon 4 January 2019 Financial Sacrifice - Waqf-e-Jadid 2019

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Forget Not the Account of Badr

A Promised Messiah?

Or Many?

Responding to Allegations Part I

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Lajna Imaillah UK Successfully Host Peace Symposium

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 1 February 2019 | Issue XLVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

A Glance From East to West

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he British Prime Minister, Theresa May has revealed another plan – plan B – which is in fact quite similar to the previous plan A. Currently, it appears to be unsuccessful, leaving the same muddle of difficulties and dissatisfactions.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has, on many occasions, spoken in favour of international unity and about its advantages to respective regions.

According to The Economist, missionaries from the south are trying to save the “godless West”.

In earlier years, Africa and Asia were the main focus and preachers would generally be Europeans or Americans. Nowadays, the tides have turned.

Poor nations are undeniably more faithful than the rich ones. As the devotion continues to decline in the wealthy world, missionaries from the south are on a mission to save the rich from destruction.

The case of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam is very similar as its members devote their lives to save the “godless West”.

Furthermore the members who present themselves for this cause come from all walks of life, irrespective of Northern or Southern Hemisphere.

The Promised Messiahas, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, states: “I have dedicated my whole life … not to confine the spread of the light of truth

to the or ient a l world, but, as far as it lies in my power, to further it in Europe, America … where the attention of the people has not sufficiently been attracted towards proper understanding of the teachings of Islam.” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Letter to Alexander Russel Webb, 4 April 1887)

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa says: “So, now we have missionaries being trained in Jamias in UK and Canada, and these are boys who grew up in the West and then volunteered to study in Jamia and succeeded. Most of them are also a part of the Waqfe-Nau scheme. Despite living in Western countries with all the attractions of the world, to devote oneself for the service of the faith speaks to the goodness of their nature and their preference for faith above everything else.

And remember, this is not possible without God’s grace … May Allah enable us to do everything for His sake, may we live up to the expectations of the Promised Messiahas, and may we come under God’s benign protection. Amin.” (Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa, Friday Sermon, Baitul Futuh Mosque, 10 March 2017) Nowadays, there is a great concern for the rights of animals. The laws of their welfare are being considered just, not on the grounds that they have rights, rather in light of the fact that their safety is valued and in opposition to the cruelty of animals.

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Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

Sweden Ansar Mulaqat O

n Saturday, 26 January 2019, Majlis Ansarullah travelled from Sweden for a mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, to seek guidance on various matters.

Whilst speaking to Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Sweden, Naseer Ahmad Waseem Sahib, he told us that the main purpose behind this mulaqat was for the benefit of members of Ansarullah.

“We had the good fortune of visiting last year and all members said that they would return after a year.”

The mulaqat started with silent prayer led by Huzooraa, after which Huzooraa then turned to the Ansar and, starting from the right, enquired from each person of their respective roles and the tasks they were assigned. Huzooraa further enquired about the details of plans, targets and achievements.

During the mulaqat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa emphasised the importance of offering Salat in congregation and urged all the Ansar that they should make great efforts in going and calling others to the mosque for Salat.

Huzooraa further stated that a new ambitious plan and guideline should be made for the Ansar to further increase their level of work.

Huzooraa turned to the department of tarbiyat and asked what programmes they had made. They said that a 3-month plan was made for various activities. Huzooraa then stated, “First a complete yearly plan should be made, and certain tasks should be set for you to achieve.”

Towards the end of the mulaqat, Huzooraa stated that those who were free should spend their day doing tabligh and distributing leaflets to further clear the misconceptions and false notions people had regarding Islam.

The mulaqat concluded with a group photo.

Naseer Ahmad Waseem Sahib, President of Majlis Ansarullah Sweden told Al Hakam, “Following the mulaqat, we sat down together and unanimously felt a significant change within ourselves. Members of the amila were also part of this trip and Huzooraa gave the amila members specific instructions and guidelines. This, in turn, will be a means of improving their standard of service.

“Some of the office bearers were embarrassed that they had not been performing their duties in a satisfactory manner. But now that they have felt a change within them having met Huzooraa, they will work with a new zeal and fervour.”

Lajna Switzerland Mulaqat O

n Sunday, 27 January, a group of Lajna Imaillah travelled from Switzerland for the first time to have an audience with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. During the year, many groups of Lajna, Ansar and Khuddam come to visit Huzooraa from around the world to strengthen their bond with Khilafat and to further seek guidance from Huzooraa on various matters.

At the start of the mulaqat, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked the Lajna group what their purpose was for travelling to the markaz (headquarters). A Lajna member said that they had come to seek Huzoor’s guidance on various matters and added that it was their first time travelling to the markaz.

Huzooraa then commenced the mulaqat with silent prayer and asked each Lajna member about their role and duty.

During the mulaqat, Huzooraa asked what the tarbiyat department had planned for this year and what tasks and goals they had set for themselves. The Lajna replied that a monthly syllabus had been sent to all Lajna to follow.

Huzooraa enquired about the number of members offering Salat and those who regularly listened to the Friday Sermons.

Huzooraa said, “The tarbiyat department should pay emphasis to these things.”

Regarding purdah, Huzooraa stated, “The philosophy of purdah should be explained to all Lajna as to why we do it and what the importance of it is.”

A member from the tabligh department said to Huzooraa that they often held tabligh sessions and school visits for tabligh. Huzooraa asked, “What kind of questions are usually asked?” upon which the Lajna replied that mostly questions Continued on page 3

This Week in History Compiled by Tariq Hayat, Pakistan

1-7 February February 1892: The Promised Messiahas journeyed to Sialkot in the month of February, during which he stayed at the residence of Hazrat Hakim Mir Hisamuddin.

February 1893: In the month of February, the book of the Promised Messiahas Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam (Reflection of the Excellences of Islam) was published. Huzooras was occupied for an entire year in completing this masterpiece of Urdu, Arabic and Persian.

February 1894: In the month of February, the Arabic book of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Hamamatul Bushra (The Harbinger of Good News) from Punjab Press, Sialkot and yet another Arabic book (with Urdu translation) Nur-ul-Haq Part I, were published.

1 February 1896: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to a priest, Fateh Masih, in which he preached to him regarding disputed matters and advised him to talk morally.

Ahmad (letters of Ahmadas) shows that Hazrat Ahmadas had previously written letters on 24 and 31 January as well.

In the month of February, Hazrat Ahmadas wrote letters on 9, 12, 14, 16 and 19 February after the letter sent on this date.

5 February 1898: The Promised Messiahas used to advise his Jamaat regarding administrative matters on a regular basis. An announcement was published on this day, in which it was notified that from that point onwards, contributions for Madrasah Ahmadiyya should be sent directly to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra so that the expenses for the Madrasah remained separate from other expenses.

The news about the publication of Kitab-ul-Bariyya was conveyed to members of the Jamaat in the same announcement.

5 February 1906: In fulfillment of a divine vision seen by the Promised Messiahas, the Nikah of Hazrat Syed Mir Muhammad Ishaqra, son of Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra was announced with Saliha Khatun Sahiba, daughter 1 February 1897: The Promised of Hazrat Pir Manzoor Muhammadra in as Masjid Aqsa, Messiah published an announcement in Persian which had a message for Qadian on Shiites like Haji Shiekh Muhammad the day of Raza Tehrani Najfi, who came up Eid-ul-Adha. with a way of examining the truth Hazrat Mirza of a claimant of prophethood. Haji Bashiruddin Sahib suggested that the claimant Mahmud should jump from the roof of Shahi Ahmadra Mosque Lahore, and if the claimant composed a was honest, they would survive the poem on this fall. The objections regarding the occasion of death of Jesusas and the solar and happiness lunar eclipses were answered in the which was same announcement. full of prayers. The couple was blessed with 2 February 1900: It was Eid-ul-Fitr seven children. in Qadian. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra led the Eid prayer.

6 February 1898: The Promised Thereafter, the Promised Messiahas Messiahas saw in a dream that the delivered a detailed sermon in angels of God were planting blackwhich he prayed for the victory coloured saplings at different of the British Government in the sites of Punjab and published an ongoing war of Transvaal against announcement comprising of four the Boer nation in South Africa. This pages which was printed from Gulzar convention is known as Jalsa Dua Muhammadi Press, Kashmir Bazar, (Prayer Meeting).

Lahore. The Promised Messiahas had such compassion for the creation of 4 February 1890: The Promised God, thinking day and night for their Messiahas was in Ludhiana in Mohalla salvation that he wrote this phrase in Iqbal Ganj. the announcement before the main title: “Every person to whom this 5 February 1891: The Promised announcement reaches should convey Messiahas felt unwell and wrote it to others and make an effort for its a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi circulation.”

Nuruddinra. A study of Maktubat-e-

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Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM From the Markaz

Continued from page 2

Ansarullah Switzerland Mulaqat

were raised on the status of women in Islam.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then said, “In the 2017 Jalsa Salana Germany, I delivered a speech with regard to this very topic, and many of the women in Germany said that they had now understood the true status of women in Islam.” Huzooraa further stated, “Extract all the points I have mentioned in my speeches and you will then have a book that you can give to others, who, upon reading, will be convinced Insha-Allah.”

One of the Lajna members said to Huzooraa that some areas in Switzerland were very rigid and did not wish to hear anything regarding Islam or religion. Huzooraa replied, “The Holy Prophetsa was told to convey the message that was revealed to him.

First convince them that there is a God and then move towards religion.”

Addressing the department responsible for the Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid departments, Huzooraa said, “The amount of funds collected is not what matters. What really matters is that all members of Lajna, Nasirat and children should know the importance of financial sacrifice, even if they participate by giving 1 franc.”

where there was no mosque or Salat centre, a place had been allocated where people could gather for prayers.

Huzooraa spoke to the qaid talim-ulQuran about the programmes they had made and further asked, “How many Ansar, in the past year, have gone for Waqfe-Arzi?” The qaid replied that three Ansar had gone, but for less than two weeks.

Hearing this, Huzooraa stated, “They should go for at least two weeks”.

Speaking to the Zaeem Ansarullah of Geneva Jamaat, Huzooraa emphasised that Salat centres should be functional for all five daily prayers, especially Fajr prayer, which is often one of the prayers that is observed at home.

Alongside seeking guidance from Huzooraa, the Ansar also had the opportunity to ask Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa questions regarding various issues. Among such questions, one Nasir (member of Ansarullah) asked what the main focus for Switzerland Ansarullah should be. Huzoor gave a comprehensive outline to the Ansar by saying that they should pay attention to Salat, watching programmes of MTA, listening to Friday Sermons and showing a good example to children.

Speaking with one of the members of the amila, the subject of the hatred people

Huzoor affectionately replied, “I am relaxing right now.”

In recent weeks and months, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has been delivering a series of Friday Sermons on the noble Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa who took part in the Battle of Badr. One person asked about this, to which Huzooraa stated, “I started this series so that we may remember the sacrifices made by the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa.

Though it had not crossed my mind before, but just a few days ago, someone reminded me about a revelation the Promised Messiahas received [in Urdu] ‘Do not forget the event of the Battle of Badr.’”

Referring to this series of sermons, Huzooraa said, “Through this, we are able to gauge the level of righteousness of the Companionsra, their services to the Holy Prophetsa and his love for his Companionsra. By means of these sermons, they will be recorded in our history.”

Huzooraa then added, “If we try to adopt the excellent character that the Companionsra possessed in our lives, then a great change can come about within us.”

Towards the end of the mulaqat, the group of Majlis Ansarullah were fortunate to have a group photograph with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

O

n Sunday, 27 January 2019, a group of Ansar travelled from Switzerland for a mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The importance of meeting with Huzooraa is not only to seek guidance in official matters, but also to establish a firm and unique bond with our beloved Imam and to progress in our spiritual journey.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa commenced the mulaqat with silent prayer and then turned to the Ansar and enquired about the total number of Ansar and majalis in Switzerland. Upon this, a member answered that in total there were 159 Ansar, 14 majalis and 3 regions.

Huzooraa individually asked each member of Ansar what duty and task they had been assigned and what efforts they were making to achieve their goals.

Whilst talking to the tarbiyat department, the secretary explained that the main task set for their department was to focus on was congregational Salat and listening to Huzoor’saa live Friday Sermons.

Huzooraa turned to the missionary that had travelled with the group and asked if any centre or place had been allocated for those living far away from mosques to offer Salat in congregation.

Upon this, the missionary replied affirmatively and said that in every Jamaat,

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

Deeds Hazrat Anas, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Envy consumes good deeds just as fire consumes wood, and charity extinguishes bad deeds just as water extinguishes fire.

Prayer is the light of the believer and fasting is a shield against the Fire.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Zuhd)

had for Islam arose. Huzooraa stated, “Ansarullah should go for leafleting, and should hold seminars and symposia to remove misconceptions people have concerning Islam.”

Whilst discussing issues related to challenges the youth face, especially concerning Waqf-e-Nau, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stated that their proper upbringing was the responsibility of the parents.

Huzooraa said, “After reaching the age of 15, Waqf-e-Nau should write to the concerned department if they wish to remain Waqfe-Nau. Then, when they reach the stage of university, they should write again. They should do the same [for a third time] upon completion of their studies.”

A member of the Ansar mentioned to Huzooraa that they had been doing tabligh and setting up bookstalls. He asked for further guidance on what else could be done to propagate the message of Islam.

Huzooraa explained that this task could not be achieved with little effort and said, “It is your duty to do tabligh and it is up to God to guide people.”

As the Ansar sought guidance, they also felt a deep connection with their Imam. The zaeem Ansarullah of Geneva Jamaat asked Huzoor, “Please pardon me for asking a personal question; I’m just interested in knowing how you relax?”

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

To Bear Hardship for the Sake of Allah the Exalted When disciplinary action is meted out to people in employment and in other matters – and they are reprimanded by rulers – how wonderful would it be if they were to bear hardship for the sake of Allah the Exalted!

Those who shoulder pain and difficulty so that righteousness may be upheld find favour amongst people as well. This is the way of the Prophets and the Truthful. Allah the Exalted never remains in debt of an individual who sustains material loss for His sake, and always grants a full reward.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 5)

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

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London Region Remember the Life of the Holy Prophet

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Jalees Ahmad Al Hakam Correspondent

n Sunday, 27 January 2019, after the O Asr prayer, the UK Jamaat successfully held an event highlighting the beautiful

life and character of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, in Baitul Futuh Mosque, London.

Every year, around the world, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat holds such events to further acquaint members with the noble example of the Prophetsa and thereby invoking blessings and salutations on him.

The Jalsa commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by various speeches with regard to the life of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

Talks on various aspects of the Holy Prophet’ssa life were given, such as the Holy Prophet’ssa treatment towards mankind, his family life and how his example in every matter was a lesson for us all to learn from.

Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya UK, gave the concluding address in which he first expressed the importance of such events.

He said that it was important for parents to bring their children to such events as it created a unique bond with the Jamaat. He further stated that these events were in fact the spiritual upbringing of our children.

Amir Sahib UK continued his speech by further mentioning the character of the Holy Prophetsa, both before and after

prophethood. He said that the people of Mecca gave the Holy Prophetsa the titles Sadiq and Ameen due to his pious and honest character.

The event concluded with silent prayer

by Amir Sahib UK, followed by Maghrib prayer.

It is important and vital for us all that we continue to study the character and life of our beloved master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, because it is through understanding his excellent character that we can attain a perfect way of life. May Allah enable us all to truly adopt the excellent character of our beloved master and may we forever be counted among those who devote their lives for the cause of Islam.

Continued from page1 Considering the fact that there are many other pressing issues, including the violation of basic and fundamental human rights, we should prefer to focus on humans first.

Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, shedding light on the negligence in providing fundamental human rights and drawing mankind’s attention towards them, stated: “It is essential that every effort is made to raise the standards of the developing world. Poor nations must not be looked down upon, rather we should consider them as part of our family – our brothers and sisters. By helping the developing nations stand on their own feet, and by giving their people opportunities and hope, we will actually be helping ourselves and safeguarding the future of the world. Otherwise, we are already seeing that the poverty and destitution in the developing world is negatively affecting the rest of the world as well.” (15th National Peace Symposium, Baitul Futuh Mosque, 17 March 2018)

Lajna Imaillah UK Host Successful Peace Symposium

Shermeen Butt Lajna Imaillah UK

L

ajna Imaillah UK hosted their tenth annual Peace Symposium on Thursday, 24 January at Baitul Futuh Mosque.

The symposium brought together a diverse group of some 570 women to join the important discussion about the role of women in society.

All major faiths and those of no faith were represented at Baitul Futuh Mosque as were the worlds of politics and civic society.

The aim of the Peace Symposium is to promote a deeper understanding of Islam and other faiths and to inspire a concerted effort towards lasting societal peace. In this, our tenth year, the focus of discussion was the role of women as nation builders.

Katie Harrison, Director of ComRes Faith Research Centre and Dr Nazila

Ghanea, Associate Professor in International Human Rights Law at the University of Oxford, presented their respective analyses of the topic.

Sadr Lajna Imaillah UK, Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba, then presented the Islamic viewpoint on women’s role as nation builders.

A charity cheque presentation of £17,800 raised by members of the British Lajna was made to Leukaemia Care UK. Lively discussions continued over dinner and into the late evening. Attendees had the opportunity to view exhibitions, participate in the Al-Qalam project and take tours of the Baitul Futuh mosque.

Katie Harrison demonstrated that it is women who hold the key to future prosperity through examples. She reminded

women that they have the power and opportunities in their daily lives to bring peace to troubled people and reconciliation in their personal spheres. She finished with a call to action, “Do you know what kind of future you want? Let’s agree together today to make it happen.”

Dr Nazila Ghanea shared her thoughts on peace, how women of faith might contribute. She said, “The means of achieving justice should not be unjust in themselves.” She pointed out that women seem to have a higher calling to peace, for sacrifice and for establishing peace between members of our family, between ourselves and our neighbours, and within the community.

Dr Fariha Khan Sahiba explained the Islamic perspective of the topic under discussion whilst addressing some of the unique rights that Muslim women were afforded 1400 years ago.

Sadr Sahiba addressed the topic of female literacy and maternal health, widely accepted to be determinants of economic development, from an Islamic perspective.

Islam places great importance on the care of mothers as “paradise lies under the feet of your mothers.” She narrated a saying of the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) which promises paradise to the one who educates their daughter.

She explained that in Islam, men and women are spiritual equals. She concluded with a quote from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V (may Allah be his Helper), “Any man who thinks that women should not take an active part in religious affairs … is guilty of extreme ignorance. Similarly, if any woman thinks that due to her domestic responsibility she does not need to partake in religious matters or make sacrifices for her faith and nation, she too is mistaken…”

Alhamdolillah, we have received very positive feedback from the guests.

Roxanne St Clair, the chair of the Commonwealth Girls Education Fund wrote, “I found the evening to be very informative, and appreciate the time and effort that must have gone into making the evening such a success. The young lady who looked after our table is a real credit to the community.”

Christy Burdock of the Royal College of Arts wrote, “[This is] a little note to thank you for your hospitality and welcome yesterday. I loved every minute. The mosque is beautiful. The event was so well organised, with so many women working hard around us to make us welcome. It was informative, interesting, and stimulating, with very good food.”

A guest, Diane Miles, wrote, “I was impressed by so many things; your friendliness, your beautiful mosque, the efficient organisation, which meant that you could cope with so many people so well. It will be a delight to see the mosque when it is finished.”

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

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A Promised Messiah? Or Many?

Responding to Allegations Part I An allegation usually raised by the Jamaat’s adversaries is that Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi (peace be upon him) said on one occasion that no messiah could appear after him, whereas at another place he wrote that many more messiahs could. Below is the answer to this allegation.

I

t is alleged on the basis of an extract from Ijazul-Masih – a book of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas – that he mentioned that no Messiah would descend after him other than the Promised Son, whereas after mentioning the three occasions of the Messiah’s advent in his book Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam, he himself prophesied the coming of a jalali messiah (messiah of might) after his advent, close to the Day of Reckoning.

Aside from that, in his book Izalae-Auham, Hazrat Ahmadas revealed the possibility of the appearance of ten thousand messiahs.

We are not in a position to determine whether further messiahs will appear after him or one messiah alone; who is the second Messiah and when will he appear?

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra never said about himself that he was likened to the Messiah. He merely declared that the prophecy of the Promised Son was fulfilled in his person.

In answer, the extract of the Promised Messiahas, against which the objection has been levelled, shall be presented alongside its proper context.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, states: “The greatest and grandest tiding of Surah al-Fatihah is that it foretells the era and time of the Promised Messiah and Mahdias. Seeking strength from the loving God, I shall expound on this topic in its appropriate place.

“Moreover, one of the tidings of this chapter is that it informs us of the age of this petty world. Seeking strength from the One God, I shall also write on this. This is the very same Fatihah regarding which a prophet from among the prophets had given tidings.

He said, ‘I saw a powerful angel descending from heaven and Surah al-Fatihah was in his hand in the form of a small book. By the command of the Almighty Lord, the right foot of that angel set upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth. He called out with a mighty voice like the roar of a lion. With this voice of his, seven thunderbolts flashed.

Every thunder from among them uttered voices. It was said, “Bear well in mind the things that the thunder uttered and write them not.” The loving Lord has stated as such. Swearing upon the living God Whose light had illumined the countenance of rivers and inhabited lands, the angel who had descended said, “After this age, there shall be no age that shall have the glory the likes of it.”’

“Commentators unanimously agree that this tiding (prophecy) is related to the age of the divine Promised Messiah. That time

In other words, the Promised Messiahas says in this particular extract that the Israeli Messiah had passed away and one who has died can never return to this world because following death, those who have passed away are either hell-bound or in paradise.

As Jesusas was a prophet of God, he is hence in heaven, and in accordance to:

ْ ْ ْ ‫َو َما ُھ ْم ِمن َھا ِب ُمخ َر ِجی َن‬

Accessed from a publication titled A Warning to a Pretender to Divinity sent by Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas to John Hugh Smyth Piggot in 1902

has indeed arrived and the cries of the seven oft-repeated verses [Surah al-Fatihah] have been manifested. This era is the final age and shall manifest blessings and guidance, and no age after it shall be of the same rank in grace and calibre. When we bid farewell to this world, there shall be no messiah after us till the Day of Judgement. Neither shall anybody descend from the heavens, nor shall they emerge from any cave, save the person regarding whose generation my

Lord has ordained already.

“This prophecy is absolute and he who was to descend from Allah the Almighty has already descended. The heavens and the earth bear testimony to him, but alas, you are the people who are ignorant of that testimony. And you shall remember me after a time has passed. However, fortunate is he who accepted [the claim of] the time and did not waste it in ignorance.” (IjazulMasih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, pp. 71-73)

“They shall never be ejected therefrom” (Surah al-Hijr: V.49), dwellers of paradise shall not be ejected therefrom. Thus, the prophecy of the descent of Jesusas, which mentions that he would break the cross, slay the swine, would be the judge and arbitrator and would cause Islam to prevail over other religions refers to the person of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. For this reason, he said, “Abandon the thought of Jesus’ descent”.

Thus, where he stated that there would be no messiah after him till Judgement Day, alongside that he also clarified which type of messiah could not appear till end of this world. Thus, he mentioned, “Neither shall anybody descend from the heavens, nor shall they emerge from any cave”.

It is clearly evident from this statement that the Messiah who would not come was the one whom people had sat alive in the heavens and whose descent they awaited.

Similarly, he stated that the Mahdi whom people had sat in a cave and whom they awaited to emerge would not come.

The Holy Quran states: “Allah sets forth for those who disbelieve the example of the wife of Noah and the wife of Lot. They were under two righteous servants of Ours, but they acted unfaithfully towards them. So they availed them naught against Allah, and it was said to them, ‘Enter the Fire, ye twain, along with those who enter.

“And Allah sets forth for those who believe the example of the wife of Pharoah when she said, ‘My Lord! build for me a house with Thee in the garden; and deliver me from Pharoah 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: V.11-13] In these final verses of Surah al-Tahrim, Allah the Almighty has given the example of disbelievers with the wives of Noahas and Lotas. They are in the image of such disbelieving women.

He has also drawn the example of believers with two women. Allah the Almighty says that some believers are the reflection of the wife of Pharoah, Asiya, who are supressed by the metaphorical Pharaoh Continue on page 8

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Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

Forget Not the Account of Badr

Click here for original Urdu

Asif M Basit

Raudience with our beloved Imam, Hazrat ecently, I had the opportunity for an

Amirul Momineenaa. Something happened in the mulaqat that I deem to be a trust to the Jamaat. This is why I was motivated to write this piece.

While discussing a certain matter, Huzooraa mentioned that the Promised Messiahas was worried that the mission that God had entrusted him was incredibly profound, but would the people with him be able to help and assist in carrying out the mission? Thereupon, it was revealed: �‫�ب‬ ‫ہم�یں رمدامں ب ی�ادب استخ‬ “You will have to make do with these people.”

(Tadhkirah, p. 1090) Thereafter, as the mulaqat drew to a close, and on another matter, Huzooraa mentioned that the Promised Messiahas had received the revelation: ‫گنج دبر اک ہصق تم وھبول‬ “Do not forget the event of Badr.” (Tadhkirah, February 17, 1904, p. 1047) Huzooraa then added, “When I began the series of sermons on the Companionsra who participated in Badr, this revelation was not present in my mind. My attention has only recently been drawn towards this revelation.”

During the mulaqat, I did not seem to pick a link between the two as both had been mentioned in independent contexts. However, upon returning from the mulaqat, when one reverts from a trance-like state, has mustered up thoughts and notes, and acts upon the instructions issued, each and every moment of the mulaqat starts to replay in one’s mind.

At times, this occurs sequentially and on others, at random. Later on, when these thoughts pass through the mind in their actual sequence, faith strengthens upon the realisation that no word of the Khalifa of the time is without purpose or just “by the way”.

Every word is impregnated with wisdom.

Thus, although Huzooraa related these two accounts separately and in independent contexts, but as the circumstances of the mulaqat in my mind replayed, I felt that both the accounts were inextricably linked.

I recall that when the series of sermons paying homage to the Companionsra that fought in the Battle of Badr began, it initially appeared to me that since the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa were living manifestations of the great revolution, the underlying purpose of paying them homage would be to remind us of that revolution. This would be so that we, who affiliate ourselves with the Messiahas of the age, bear these Companionsra in mind and create in ourselves a similar, pure change.

Then, as the sermons continued, we began to gain a wealth of knowledge at each occasion.

Through these sermons, we began to acquire knowledge of the patronymic and matronymic names of the Companionsra, their narrations, the circumstances of their acceptance into the fold of Islam, their sacrifices and much, much more.

However, during this mulaqat, such an aspect pertaining to this series of sermons came to light that struck fear in my heart. I write these lines to share with the readers the fear and the mixed emotions that I experienced.

I do not dare to interpret any revelation.

However, my love gives me the courage to reflect upon and attempt to comprehend these revelations. Hence, I submit a few words.

“Do not forget the event of Badr.” What is so special about this battle that it should not be forgotten?

Perhaps, it may be in the number; a handful of people clash with a large multitude of enemies and return victorious. Or perhaps, it is the miraculous storm from a handful of pebbles, by which the enemy was defeated.

Cemetery of martyrs of the Battle of Badr at the field of Badr |

Or maybe, it was of the Holy Prophetsa entering his tent and supplicating in agony for the safety of a small band of believers, despite receiving glad divine tidings of victory beforehand. It perhaps may be the destitute state of the community of believers, in which they had to encounter battle.

It is probable that it may be some or all of these aspects, and perhaps, it could be none of these at all; none because it could be so that it refers to something completely different, which could be a matter between God and the recipient of the revelation. Allah knows best.

For now, let us talk about the probable apparent aspects, and place it side by side with the second revelation, i.e. �‫�ب‬ ‫ ہم�یں رمدامں ب ی�ادب استخ‬meaning, “You will have to make do with these people.”

What a degree of resemblance there is between Badr and the circumstances faced by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa today! Numerous sermons, speeches and instructions come to mind, and many words of Huzooraa echo.

For instance, addressing a class graduating from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, Huzooraa said, “Currently, the greatest challenge which you will encounter is the fullfledged storm of atheism.”

During the Lajna and Khuddam Ijtemas, Huzooraa has drawn our attention to the rapid rise of Westernism and its impact.

We have the Western world where prevails a storm of irreligiousness and atheism, the rise of which simply refuses to yield. People are generally losing faith in religion, let alone turning away from Islam and are increasingly becoming areligious.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa is the sole individual who confronts the millions of people that have turned away from religion; he not only stands with complete steadfastness but is engaged in

Wiki Commons| Dr Pukhtunyar Afghan

practical endeavours to rescue the world from this poison.

Proportionally speaking, the forces of atheism are thousands of times greater in number than of the Quraish of Mecca, and the Jamaat of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa is thousands of times smaller. In such a state of affairs, imagine the state of our Imam’s heart?

If the Holy Prophetsa went to supplicate in his tent before his Lord in pain and anguish for the safety of his community, in spite of receiving glad tidings of victory, how must our Imam feel in the wake of this toxic surge of faithlessness? The Promised Messiahas too was given glad tidings of success. On the occasion of the Khilafat centenary, Huzooraa mentioned that Allah the Almighty had bestowed similar glad tidings upon him a long while ago as well.

Yet, where he had been entrusted to succeed the Holy Prophetsa in every matter, the agony and anguish of people, too, has constituted part of this sacred inheritance.

The following matter is very personal so it does not behove me to mention the name.

However, a dear one informed me that if anyone was to hear Huzoor’saa cries in his supplications at night, they would not be able to bear it even just passing by from outside his room. The echo of the anguished and agonising supplications in a tent at the field of Badr is today reverberating from the “tent” of Khalifatul Masih.

Then, there is also a similar lack of resources. In fact, when we look at the matter in terms of proportion here as well, it will become apparent that the proponents of atheism are equipped with the latest arsenal of battle and are in far greater number. Talking of weaponry in battle, it should be borne in mind that this instance refers to every kind of battle; be it one fought on the field or one fought with knowledge, wisdom, propagation, words and speech.

Technology too happens to be subservient to these very forces. Social media is also a part of their arsenal. In what we know today as entertainment, the forces of irreligiousness are instilling their notions into the minds of the youth.

The question of how to pass time was once

7

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM a prominent issue, when in the present day, to find a pass-time is not difficult in any sense at all as you can always be connected with anyone; literally anyone, as you can connect with someone known or unknown, acquaintance or stranger, and time just flies, turning dawn into dusk, dusk to night, and then night reverts to morning; time flies past unfelt.

Against this multitude of opposition, the small Jamaat of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa is, under his leadership, fighting back. They are occupied in protecting others from the detrimental effects of technology, albeit through the very same means. However, modern means of communication – or social media as we like to call it – is like a coin which always has two sides. Thus, this Community too is utilising all the given resources – or apps as we know them – but all our efforts are limited to usage.

The control of these media resources remain in the hands of irreligious and atheistic forces. Employing these resources, they are leading the world towards the ideology of their choice. So just as the Holy Prophetsa prayed for his small band of companions, saying, “These are a few who are heading to fight a large host. O Allah! Do not let them be destroyed.” Similarly, this would be the very same supplication which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa makes before his God. The Companionsra of Badr, as we have learnt from Huzoor’s sermons, would bring food, water and any other requirements from home as they made their way to the battlefield.

Such was the lack of resources at the Battle of Badr.

Today, the men, women and youth who offer financial sacrifices are utterly insignificant in the sight of the world, but Allah the Almighty greatly values these sacrifices and blesses them manifold. These accumulated wealth and resources are spent in religious pursuits.

Would the love that had surged in the heart

of the Holy Prophet for his Companions not gush forth in the heart of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa (his successor) for his followers who partake in financial sacrifices for religious pursuits?

Another aspect of our lack of resources is that the anti-Islam forces and those of atheism commonly use every means to estrange people from religion, particularly from Islam.

Everything is within their domain – from television talk shows to documentaries, from comedies to adverts. They utilise every means to attain their objectives.

However, we are fortunate to be witnesses of the miracle of a handful of pebbles at Badr.

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa honours a country with his presence, his interviews, introduction and press conferences are broadcast by national and international media outlets. In this manner, our message reaches millions of people living across the world.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa once said that it was beyond our capacity to publicise the message of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat on such a vast scale as had been done though the media in these countries. Thus, a few words of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa fly like a handful of pebbles, turn to a strong gust of wind and reach every corner of the earth.

But the question here is, have we discharged our responsibilities by just making some financial sacrifices, sparing some time for tabligh, preparing for functions and by performing some duties? Perhaps the answer to this question lies in those sermons which Huzooraa is nowadays delivering, expounding on the glory of the Companionsra of Badr.

Who amongst those Companionsra rested on their laurels after offering some services? None! They would, returning from one expedition, longing to head for the next!

Who amongst them was not prepared to offer all their possessions before their leader and master, the Holy Prophetsa? sa

ra

Such were the Companionsra who would offer everything from their homes, leaving behind only the name of Allah and His Messengersa. Who amongst them offered one of his horses for battles and retracted one for members of his household? Through Huzoor’saa very sermons, we have learnt that they were people who would be prepared to part with both mounts.

Who amongst them would remember their offspring when the enemy would overpower them, sword on throat, ready to kill them?

Through the sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, we are reminded that they would happily embrace death to keep the flag of Islam soaring high, bearing witness that there is no God except Allah and that Muhammadsa is His Messenger.

Who amongst them prevented their mature children to participate in religious battles? From the sermons of Huzooraa, we have come to realise that they would send their children to fight in the way of faith, however many they possessed. They never complained of hunger, nor of thirst. If food and water did become somehow available, they would insist on passing it on to others. If there was time for rest, they would still remain alert and everready for encounter.

Their most significant quality was their zeal to protect the nucleus of their Jamaat.

Every one of them would leap forward to take an arrow on their chest lest it reached the Holy Prophetsa. They were well aware that their lives could be risked, but the life of their beloved Prophetsa was more precious than anything as it was he who ensured the survival of faith.

Having heard the anguished supplications of the Holy Prophetsa at the field of Badr, none of these Companionsra sat idle in reassurance.

They had this much reassurance that his prayers were with them, but on the battlefield, they thrust forth to fight with full fervour.

Seeing the flying handful of pebbles turn into a windstorm, none of them turned

back assuming that the storm alone would henceforth be sufficient to destroy the enemy. All stood steadfast on the battlefield and, considering the storm as a favourable occurrence, continued to battle the enemy.

Thus, in this day, if Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa has to make do with individuals like ourselves, should we rest on our laurels, assuming his night supplications to be a substitute for our efforts?

Should the lack of worldly means and resources leave us sitting and thinking whether it is worth even trying? Should we – having seen our beloved Khalifa contending with the irreligiousness, faithlessness, injustice and tyranny of the entire world – assume that what Huzooraa is accomplishing is enough and that we have no responsibilities?

Having witnessed a handful of pebbles turning into a miraculous storm on television, should we sit back in the comfort of our homes with the false notion that the storm is now blowing and that our only duty is to sit and witness the progress of the community?

The responses to all of these questions are the sermons which Huzooraa is delivering on the Companionsra of Badr.

At the beginning of this note, I humbly mentioned that my mind was diverted to these thoughts when I put both of the statements that Huzooraa made during the mulaqat together.

In the end, I would also like to mention that whilst writing, I did a bit of introspection. The shame and guilt I felt as a result prevents me from writing any further.

May Allah turn us into that which Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa desires of us. May He bestow Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa with a host of helping hands in this troublesome age and in every coming era. May we be among this fortunate group of helpers. Amin.

(Translated by Fateh Alam, UK)

At the occasion of the Centenary of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that he had been promised a long time ago that God would help him with people who He would direct from the heavens

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

8 Health

Headaches

Dr Noureen Ahmad General Practitioner, Belgium

The series of Friday Sermons that Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has been delivering regarding the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa can be read on our website www.alhakam.org (titled “Men of Excellence”)

Continue from page 5

of their own baser egos. On some occasions, they perform good deeds, and on others, commit evil deeds but do not delight over their faults. Contrarily, they continue to pray, like the wife of Pharaoh, to be saved from being overwhelmed by their baser egos and the actions resulting from its effects.

After mentioning this example, God Almighty says that some believers possess an even higher rank. They are likened to Maryas – they are pure from every evil and sin from the outset. Like Maryas, God’s angels descend on these believers as well.

When some believers progress further from their spiritual resemblance to Maryas, it leads to the spiritual creation of the Son of Mary. Then, due to spiritually attaining the status of the Son of Mary, they become like unto him.

Thus, believers born between the advent of the Holy Prophetsa and Judgment Day are attaining a rank from among these stages and will continue to do so. Some believers are in the image of Asiya, the wife of Pharoah, and others are the reflection of Maryas, and the believer who progresses from the stage where they are spiritually like Maryas is likened to Jesusas, Son of Mary.

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa states: ُّ ْ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َُ ‫ان ی َ َم ّسہ ِحی َن ی ُ ْولد فی ْس َت ِھل‬ ‫ما ِمن مولو ٍد یولد اِلا و الشیط‬ َ ْ َّ ّ َ ْ ً َ ُ َّ َ‫اہ اِلَّا مَ ْری َ َم َو ابْ َنھا‬ ‫ان اِی‬ ِ ‫س الشیط‬ ِ ‫صا ِرخا ِمن م‬ “When a child is born, Satan strikes it as a result of which it shrieks loudly, except Mary and her son.” (Sahih al-Bukhari; Book of Tafsir, Hadith 4548) In this Hadith, the same topic as Surah al-Tahrim has been mentioned.

If, in this instance, it is merely deemed

that Maryas and her son mean the very mother and son, this Hadith would translate in a way that would defame all prophets and saints. This is because the purport of it would turn out to be that other than that particular mother and son, all prophets and saints including the Holy Prophetsa used to shriek and cry loudly, having been struck

by Satan (God forbid), whereas Allah, addressing Satan, informs the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa:

ٌ ‫ا َّن ع َباد ْی ل َ ْی َس ل َ َک َع َل ْیھ ْم ُس ْل َط‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

“Surely thou shalt have no power over My servants”. (Surah al-Hijr: V.43) Hence, it is incorrect to infer from this Hadith that Satan struck all prophets and saints and that they used to shriek and cry from his blows. For this reason, it is written as an explanation to the aforementioned Hadith: ‫فمعناہ ان کل مولود یطمع الشیطان فی اِغوائہ الا مریم و‬ .‫ابنھا فانھمامعصومان و کذلک کل من کان فی صفتھما‬ (Irshad al-Sari, al-Sharah Sahih al-Bukhari lil-Qustulani, Book of Tafsir, Hadith 4548) That is, every individual who is imbued with the attributes of Maryas and Jesusas is safeguarded from the influence of Satan.

Thus, in light of the purport of the aforementioned Quranic verse, those who have attained closeness to God have been declared like unto Maryas and Jesusas in this Hadith as well.

In other words, some of the righteous are in the image of Maryas and some are in the image of Jesusas.

(Research by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah. Translated by Fateh Alam, UK)

Headaches are one of the most common medical complaints today. Most people will have experienced a headache at some point in their lives.

There are different kinds of headaches that all vary as a result of different factors.

Primary headaches are headaches when there are no underlying medical conditions. Most of the headaches that fall under this category are tension-type headaches (TTHs), migraines and cluster headaches. TTHs are the most common type of headaches and migraines are the second common. Cluster headaches are not so common and are quite rare. Primary headaches usually don’t require extra technical investigations and the diagnosis is based on the clinical symptoms.

TTHs are caused by depression, stress or anxiety. Sometimes neck and head problems can also result in TTHs. This headache is located on both sides of the head, feeling like a tightening or pressing sensation. The pain is moderate, so the patient can remain active and is not refrained from daily activities. The pain can last from 30 minutes to 7 days.

Treatment of TTHs focuses on relieving stress, for example through exercise, yoga and massage. If neck muscle problems are also being experienced, this should be treated with physiotherapy.

Sometimes simple analgesics (paracetamol, ibuprofen etc.) can help, however codeine-containing painkillers should be avoided.

The second type of headache which falls under primary headaches are migraines which are found to be suffered more by women. The exact cause of a migraine is uncertain, but studies suggest that it is related to the blood flow alternations in the brain.

This headache is mostly located at one side of the head with a throbbing or pulsating sensation. The pain is moderate to severe and can affect normal activities.

Alongside the headache, migraine sufferers can also experience other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and a higher sensitivity to light and sound. The pain can last from a few hours to about 72 hours.

Migraine patients can also develop aura symptoms in the form of visual symptoms (flickering lights and spots), sensory symptoms (numbness) or speech disturbances. A migraine attack can be triggered by many factors such as stress and extreme emotions, environmental factors (loud noises, weather, perfume),

food (lack of food, alcohol, caffeine), overtiredness and sleep problems.

Treatment lies in the control of an acute attack of migraine with medication.

NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly used to relieve this headache pain, and it is usually accompanied with anti-sickness medicines for the nausea and vomiting.

If NSAIDs fail to help against the headache, then special medication for migraines can be used, called triptans.

These have an influence on the blood flow in the brain and are very effective in stopping migraine attacks. During an acute attack of a migraine, most patients prefer to rest and sleep in a dark, quiet room.

When there are more than 3-4 attacks of a migraine each month, specific medication is required to prevent these attacks.

Finally, the last type of primary headaches are cluster headaches. These are extremely painful headaches, usually located on one side of the head. The pain usually radiates from around the eye and the temple area. This is a deep, worsening and explosive sensation and can last from 15 minutes to 3 hours. Besides the headache, there is also irritation and restlessness and these can affect normal activities quite drastically.

It is found to be more common in men and smokers.

In an acute attack, treatment exists of inhalation of pure oxygen and triptans.

Secondary headaches are headaches which are due to an underlying medical condition and require further technical investigations. The most common causes for secondary headaches are sinusitis (infection of the sinuses in the front part of the head), medication overuse (painkillers, codeine), illnesses (infection of the brain and the meninges), post-traumatic stress or trauma (head injury) and malignancy (brain tumours).

Mostly, these secondary headaches are associated with symptoms such as fever, weight loss, abnormal neurologic functions such as difficulties in speech, vision and senses.

In these situations, imaging of the brain with an MRI or a CT-scan can be performed as well as a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) sometimes. The latter is for when the cause of the headache is suspected from an infectious, inflammatory or malignancy process.

(Please always consult a doctor or specialist to diagnose health conditions and follow the advised plan of a qualified doctor.)

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

9

Friday Sermon 4 January 2019 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Financial Sacrifice – Waqf-e-Jadid 2019 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

T

oday is the first Friday of 2019; first of all, I wish to congratulate Ahmadis around the world with regard to the new year. May God Almighty bless this year for us and may it bring countless successes.

However, we should also remember that mere customary greetings are of no avail, nor do they help one attain the pleasure of God Almighty. The true spirit of the New Year greeting is to make a pledge that, since God Almighty has shown us the light of another year and has enabled us to witness a new year, we will endeavour to remove our weaknesses and the shortcomings within us. We should promise to remove our errors of the previous year and also strive to bring about a greater change within us, for which we have pledged through our Bai‘at [pledge of allegiance] of the Promised Messiahas.

The Promised Messiahas states on one occasion as to how an Ahmadi ought to act. He says, “Having pledged allegiance, one should be remain content with the fact that they have accepted the truth and that they will receive blessings due to this belief … After entering this Community, strive to become virtuous and righteous, safeguard against every evil ... spend each day and night in humility ... Speak in a soft tone; ensure istighfar [the seeking of forgiveness] becomes part of your habit; offer supplications during the daily prayers.” We can only offer supplications during prayers, when we do justice to our prayers and observe them diligently.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “…mere belief does not benefit a person …

God Almighty is not pleased with words alone. In the Holy Quran, God Almighty has prescribed righteous deeds along with faith.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “An action is considered Saalih or righteous when it is free from all blemishes.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp.

274-275, UK. 1985) Thus, if we strive to the best of our abilities to act upon this standard and guideline, then this year will certainly be prosperous for us and will be a source of many more blessings.

However, if this is not the case, then, as I mentioned earlier, our New Year’s greetings will be nothing more than a custom.

Offering Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary prayers] and then Fajr [obligatory prayer before dawn] in congregation at the beginning of the new year does not equate to an entire year’s worth of good deeds. Rather, true virtue is to maintain this effort throughout the year as far as possible.

May God Almighty enable us to act on this and may this year truly bring countless blessings in our personal lives as well as be a source of extraordinary progress for the Community.

After this, I will now turn to the next subject. As we all know, the year of Waqf-e-

Jadid begins in January. The start of the new year for Waqf-e-Jadid is usually announced on the first or second Friday of January.

By the Grace of God Almighty, financial sacrifice is a distinctive feature of the Community of the Promised Messiahas.

Why should this not be the case! In this era, the Promised Messiahas, in light of the commandments of the Holy Quran and sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, has enlightened us to the true understanding of this financial sacrifice. God Almighty has drawn our attention towards spending in the way of Allah in numerous places throughout the Holy Quran. This is not because God

On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated to save oneself from Hell, even by giving half a date in charity (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Al-Zakat, Bab Ittaqun naara walaw bishiqqi tamratin…, Hadith 1417). Even making such small sacrifices in the cause of God Almighty and in order to acquire His pleasure, protects one from the fire. Hence, financial sacrifices are there to benefit us.

Drawing our attention towards financial sacrifices, the Promised Messiahas states: “It is not possible for you to love wealth and also love God Almighty. You can only have love for one.”

The Promised Messiahas further states:

Almighty is in need of our wealth, rather, it is because it is beneficial for us and collectively, we can see the progress of the Community, which benefits the Community as a whole.

God Almighty states in the Holy Quran:ٰ َّ ُ ُ َّۡ ۡ َ ُ َۡ َ ُ ّ ُ َ َ ْ ‫اس َت َط ْع ُت ْم َو‬ ْ ‫الل َہ َما‬ ‫فاتقوا‬ ‫اس َم ُعوۡا َو ا ِط ۡی ُعوۡا َو انفِقوۡا خی ًرا لِانف ِسك ْم ؕ َو َم ۡن ّیوۡق‬ ُ َ َ ُ َ ْ ْ ْ َ ّ ُ ‫شح نف ِس ٖہ فاولٰٓ ِئک ہ ُم ال ُمفل ُِحوۡ َن‬ That is, “So fear Allah as best you can, and listen, and obey, and spend in His cause; it will be good for yourselves. And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul — it is such who shall be successful.” (Surah alTaghabun: V.17) In the following verse, He has stated, ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ٰ ُّ ً ُ َ ّٰ ً َ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ ‫ِا ۡن تق ِرضوا الل َہ ق ْرضا َح َسنا یضعِف ُہ لَك ْم َو یغ ِف ْر لَك ْم ؕ َو الل ُہ شكوۡ ٌر َحل ِۡی ٌم‬ “If you lend to Allah a good loan, He will multiply it for you, and will forgive you; and Allah is Most Appreciating, Forbearing.”

(Surah al-Taghabun: V.18) Thus, for the one who spends in the way of God Almighty, He returns that wealth manifold. This financial sacrifice benefits people on an individual level, as well as enabling the progress of the Jamaat, which in turn serves as a means of the progress for its members.

Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa has stated that one should abstain from miserliness, as it was miserliness that destroyed pervious nations. (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab Al-Zakat, Bab fi Al-Shuhh, Hadith 1698)

“Fortunate is the one who loves God. If one of you loves God and spends in His cause, I am certain that their wealth will be blessed more than that of others. The reason for this is that wealth is not acquired by itself, rather, it is acquired through the will of God. Thus, the one who leaves aside a portion of their wealth for the sake of God, will certainly have it returned to them. However, the one who loves wealth and does not render their service in the cause of God as required, they will certainly lose that wealth.” In other words that wealth will go to waste.

The Promised Messiahas states further, “Do not believe that wealth is acquired through your own endeavours. On the contrary, it comes from God the Exalted. Do not believe that you are conferring a favour upon God Almighty and His Chosen One by spending a portion of your wealth or by rendering another form of service. Rather, it is His favour upon you that you were able to serve in this manner.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “…let it be known that this matter has been decreed from heaven, and whatever services you offer will be to your own benefit.” (Majmu’a Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, pp. 497-498) By the grace of God Almighty, those who have pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas have understood the spirit of

sacrifices and services in an excellent manner and they pay attention towards making great sacrifices. This is not only limited to those who accepted Ahmadiyyat a long time ago, but in fact, those who have pledged allegiance also understand the spirit and truth of these financial sacrifices after entering into the Community. There are some who live in extremely impoverished circumstances, however, they do not desire to be left behind by anyone in terms of their financial sacrifices.

They offer sacrifices similar to those made by the companions of the Promised Messiahas in his time. There are such examples to be found even today.

In relation to those companions, the Promised Messiahas stated at that time “I am astonished at the love and sincerity of my Jamaat, since there are individuals among them with little means of income.”

The Promised Messiahas then goes on to give an example by stating “Such as Mian Jamaluddin, Khairuddin and Imamuddin Kashmiri.” The Promised Messiahas states “…they live near my village. These three brothers, who perhaps earn only three or four annas [currency] daily, yet they earnestly contribute towards the monthly Chanda [financial contribution].” (Zameema az Risala Anjaam-e-Atham, Ruhani Khaza’in, Vol. 11, p. 313, footnote) It is a result of the sacrifices offered by these elders for the propagation of faith that today their progenies are living in ease and lives of comfort.

As I mentioned earlier, we see this very spirit in some places, as a matter of fact, we witness this in many places today. We are able to observe this amongst impoverished people, living far away, who were born or became Ahmadis a hundred years after the time of the Promised Messiahas and never even met the Khalifa of the time in person. Yet, their love for religion, obedience to Khilafat, their oath of devotion and pledge of initiation to the Promised Messiahas and their passion for offering sacrifices for the sake of religion, have reached such levels that one is left astounded.

If we merely look at this aspect, it serves as evidence of the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas. Besides God Almighty, no one can instil this passion within the hearts of the people.

I will present some of the incidents in relation to the sacrifices of some individuals and God Almighty’s treatment towards them.

An Ahmadi in Ghana, Frimpong Sahib says, “A few years ago, I had to pay a fee of five thousand pounds for my studies. Although I was working at the time, but my income was not sufficient. Even if I had saved my salary over twelve months, I would not have been able to accumulate this amount. Nevertheless, I received a loan of three thousand pounds

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM

10 from the bank and forty percent of my salary was taken to pay off the loan every month.

Regardless of this, I paid my Chanda based on my full income.” He did not worry that forty percent of it was deducted.

He says, “One day, I went to the mission house in Kumasi.” This is a city in Ghana.

“There, the circuit missionary reminded me of my promise for Waqf-e-Jadid. At the time, I put my hands in my pocket and found the amount needed to pay for my promise. However, I thought that if I donate this amount for Chanda, then I will not have enough money to pay for the journey to work in the next few days.” He says, “Nonetheless, I contributed this amount towards Chanda there and then. I was on my way home from the mission house, when I received a message on my phone that an amount had been transferred to my bank account, which was five times greater than the amount I had contributed towards the Chanda.”

This was just as the Promised Messiahas had stated, that God Almighty returns it and increases it manifold.

He further says, “Initially, I thought that this amount may have mistakenly been transferred by the bank, which they would withdraw later, as my salary had already been transferred to my account. However, when I went to work the following day, I found out that I received this amount from the government, which was an outstanding payment from the previous months. Upon this, I expressed my gratitude to God Almighty that despite my worries, He enabled me to contribute towards Chanda. Since that day, I pay great attention towards my promises and towards contributing to the Chanda.” This gentleman is from Africa and lives far away.

A missionary from Bobo-Dioulasso in Burkina Faso, which is a French-speaking country, writes: “Zodi Sahib, a Khadim [youth] who is a new convert, was very stressed due to a mental illness and was taking sleeping pills. He was suffering from depression and his condition had worsened significantly. One day he came to our mission house and enquired about how much payment he should make for Tahrik-e-Jadid and Waqf-e-Jadid donations. Our missionary informed him that one can make as much donation as they can afford. Zodi Sahib asked him what was an acceptable standard of payment towards this Chanda? The missionary informed him of the amount and he happily made the payment and left. After a few days he returned to the mission house and said: ‘I was unwell, however, as a result of giving Chanda, I feel much better now. I have stopped taking sleeping pills and feel a sense of contentment in my heart.’”

Thus, he became inclined towards God Almighty, offered monetary sacrifice, his attention was turned towards the worship of God Almighty and in return God blessed him. Whereas before, his condition was such that he was contemplating taking his own life.

A member of the Jamaat from the UK writes, “A short while ago, I was reminded over the phone to donate towards Tahrik-eJadid and was informed of the total amount I had paid last year. So I pledged to pay a greater amount than the previous year. At the time I had no money. I began praying for God Almighty to make arrangements for this amount from Himself.”

He states: “After two weeks, I received a letter from the Department of Tax stating that I had overpaid my tax during the previous year and they were returning that amount back to me. I am an accountant myself and

am aware of the details relating to my taxes.

However, God Almighty, arranged for this amount in a miraculous manner, because according to my estimation, I had paid the correct amount in tax.”

He states: “After a few months, Sadr Sahib [local president] called me again to remind me about Waqf-e-Jadid donations. He informed me of the total amount I had paid the previous year. So I pledged an amount greater than the previous year. Coincidently, on this occasion again I did not have any money with me. I thought to myself that previously God Almighty had arranged the amount from my tax returns, however, currently there seems to be no other means for me to pay.” (He then says that he began to pray for this.) “A week later when I was going through my papers, I saw a bill with an offer attached to it. I called the relevant company and they sent me a prepaid card with more money in it than I had pledged for Waqf-eJadid. This is how Allah Almighty arranged for my Waqf-e-Jadid Chanda.”

Such incidents are not only to be witnessed in Africa, rather, they are witnessed everywhere by anyone who desires to offer financial sacrifices wholeheartedly.

Basharat Ali Sahib, a missionary from Burkina Faso, states: “Kone Adama sahib, a new convert from Boromo region, was encouraged to participate in Waqf-e-Jadid.

He began contributing towards this with the money he would originally give to the Maulvi [muslim cleric] of the village every year. He was a [non-Ahmadi] Muslim and would give that amount to the Maulvis. However, after performing the Bai‘at, he began donating that same amount towards Chanda. When his father found out about this, he was furious.

Consequently, his father gave a portion of the land to him and severed all ties with him.

“Kone Adama Sahib says that that year, he planted his crops and by the grace of God Almighty they grew successfully. In certain areas it had rained heavily and as a result of this, some crops were damaged. However, the crops in the part of his land where it had rained were not affected, whereas his father’s crops and other relatives’ crops were destroyed due to heavy rain. He then helped his father to plant his crops again, and even shared a portion of his own unaffected crops from his land. Previously he was a Muslim and later became an Ahmadi Muslim. His father commented on this and said: ‘Certainly, God Almighty has blessed you through your financial contribution towards the Jamaat.’ His father accepted this fact and also said: ‘Your Community is on the right path. You should always stay attached to it. I cannot abandon our maulvi due to some constraints.’” Some people are restricted due to ancient customs and tradition. “This year he has donated twice the amount as compared to last year.”

Some opponents tried to turn some Jamaat members away from Ahmadiyyat in a village of the Kiang district in The Gambia.

They claimed that they were successful in ensuring all Ahmadis abandoned the Jamaat.

Jalu Sahib, who belongs to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, told the Mualim: “This opposition served as a catalyst because prior to the hostility, I was not an active Ahmadi.

However, now I am not only participating in the Waqf-e-Jadid and other schemes, rather I have also signed up for the blessed scheme of Al-Wasiyyat.” The opponents were trying to eradicate the Jamaat, however their opposition caused some Ahmadis to increase in their faith even more than before.

Akobi Sahib, a member of the Jamaat from

Guinea Conakry says that the missionary in-charge there presented my sermon from last year regarding Waqf-e-Jadid, wherein various incidents of financial sacrifices were presented. He says, “This sermon deeply impacted me. The next day I was preparing to travel for a business trip to Sierra Leone and realised I had only three hundred dollars for the trip and was still in need of more.

Despite this, I took a hundred dollars out of the three hundred and wrapped it up in an envelope, intending to donate it to Waqf-eJadid. Shortly afterwards, I became occupied in some other matters and forgot to give the envelope. Hardly two hours had passed that an individual came into my office and handed me a bag saying a friend of mine had sent it for me. As I opened the bag, I found three hundred dollars with a written note, saying ‘You are going for travel, so I am sending this to you for your travel expenses.’ I instantly recalled that I had not even sent the money for donation yet and God Almighty returned to me several fold the amount I had donated.”

He further says, “My heart was filled with the praise of God for how He had enabled us to be a part of this beloved community of the Promised Messiahas.”

This is how God Almighty continues to increase the faith of people. These people are beginning to understand what the Promised Messiahas has explained to us regarding the fact that wealth comes from God Almighty alone.

A missionary from the Bohicon Region of Benin writes, “In the Bohicon region, a local president of the Abomey branch, Ahouangan Jacques Sahib says that he was struggling to pay off a large sum of debt that he had previously taken. Meanwhile, the local Mualim paid a visit and drew our attention to the fact that the financial year for Waqf-e-Jadid was coming to a close, so anyone who had not yet fulfilled their pledge should do so.” The local president states, “At the time, I did not have much money, and further, the thought of paying Waqf-e-Jadid also began worrying me. Therefore, I took out the five hundred francs I had in my pocket at the time and donated it to the Chanda. I then made my way back home and began praying and wondering how I would possibly pay off the debt.”

He says, “The very next day I was offered temporary employment and the total salary for the job was slightly more than the remaining debt. I agreed to the job and was able to complete it within a few days. Hence, my entire debt was paid off, leaving me with enough surplus money to arrange for provisions at home.” He says, “I now realised all this was purely due to the blessings of the Chanda.” These people do not believe such incidents to be mere coincidences, rather they believe that it is God Almighty Who is arranging this for them.

A missionary from the Sikasso Region of Mali states that a new convert by the name of Abu Bakr said that ever since accepting Ahmadiyyat, he has personally felt the wonderful blessings of paying Chanda.

He says, “Every year in the monsoon season, one of my sons would become severely ill and I would have to spend large amounts of money on his treatment. Furthermore, this would be a cause of stress and I would have to take time off work. Yet, ever since I have started contributing to the various Chandas, my son no longer gets sick. There is not even a shadow of a doubt that this is a result of the blessings of spending in the way of God Almighty.”

A missionary from the San-Pedro region of Ivory Coast writes that several people from the village of Kamp Elephant were blessed with the acceptance of Ahmadiyyat.

In November 2018, he was able to go on a tour of the village. He stayed there overnight and conducted a preaching session that lasted long into the night in which a good number of non-Ahmadis had also joined. After this, Fajr prayer was offered at the house of an Ahmadi member where many Ahmadi members joined and listened to the dars [sermon] that was delivered after Fajr. After this, the members were told that the following month was the last financial month for the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme; all Ahmadi members should strive to take part in this scheme.

Having heard this, the people returned to their homes.”

The missionary says, “Looking at the impoverished condition of the village, I thought that perhaps only 5000 CFA francs would be collected, which would be a substantial amount given the circumstances.”

He then says, “However, before I was about to return, to my utter amazement, a member came to me and said in an apologetic manner that due to the poor yield from the crop and generally difficult circumstances, they were only able to contribute seventeen thousand CFA francs. Moreover, they requested for prayers that may Allah bless their business and crops so that they may be able to contribute larger amounts in God’s way.”

The Jamaat’s Finance Secretary of India, Iqbal Sahib, writes, “Members of the Kamoradi branch were encouraged to make contributions towards the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme, to which a young man stood up and gave the entire pledged amount he had pledged for Chanda. Shortly after, on the same day, he received a large sum of money for which he had been waiting for almost eight years. In fact, so many years had elapsed that he had given up hope that the amount would ever be given to him. Not only did he receive this amount, but he was offered a fulltime job, despite his previous job only being temporary. Upon this he became very happy and would say this is solely the result of having spent in the way of Allah. He also said that from now on, he would contribute equivalent to 15 days income each month to Chanda Waqf-e-Jadid.”

A missionary from Romania, which is in Eastern Europe, writes of a local Ahmadi named Faheem Sahib who works as a tailor in Romania and contributes regularly to the Chandas with complete sincerity and happiness. There has never been a need to remind him of contributing to any Chanda as he always pays it on time. Moreover, he would employ an incredible amount of civility in presenting the amount by placing it in a simple bag or white envelope upon which he would neatly write the words ‘financial sacrifice’.”

He also wrote a letter to me, and the missionary is making reference to that same letter. In this letter he had written, “By the grace of God, I pay my financial contributions. Ever since I started paying these contributions, I have observed that by offering them for the pleasure of Allah, the number of my customers increase as well.

God Almighty blesses my income greatly. On the one hand, I empty my pockets to spend in the way of Allah, and on the other, God returns that amount back to me manifold, because after I make my contribution, my customers increase.” Despite living in European Countries and spending their lives

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM in the midst of materialism, God Almighty – having guided them to Ahmadiyyat – continues to bless them and strengthens their faith.

The [finance] inspector of Jamaat India, Saleem Sahib, writes, “A private school teacher from Jaipur was encouraged to contribute to the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme and requested that considering his income, his pledge should be 5,000 Rupees. He responded by saying, ‘I am a school teacher in an ordinary private school; how will I be able to contribute such a large amount?’ In any case, he was told that God would enable him to fulfil it. Next year, when Saleem Sahib again went to visit him, he found him seated on the principal’s chair at the same school. The man [who was now principal] explained ‘Allah has blessed me so much due to financial contributions that I have purchased this entire school.’ In light of this, the principal was encouraged to further increase his pledge that year so that God may enable him to purchase even more schools.

The principal revealed that there were talks underway for purchasing another school. The previous owner had just called and told him to come and take the keys.”

The finance secretary further writes, “Now, that individual owns four separate schools.

He used to live in a small house with a tin roof which resembles more of a shelter than a home. By Allah’s grace, he now owns a threestorey house, of which one floor is dedicated for the Friday prayers.” This grace is only due to having spent in the way of Allah, and through this, it is also increasing his faith.

Amir Sahib of Liberia writes, “In December, our tabligh team arrived at a village called Sookar Town, which is not too far off from the city of Monrovia, but is completely bereft of modern facilities. It is also very difficult to reach there and in order to reach there, one has to take three Monkey Bridges (makeshift bridges temporarily made using sticks and ropes). After prayers, we began preaching.

We conveyed the message of the Promised Messiahas to them and informed them about the purpose and objectives of the Ahmadiyya Community. At this, one elderly member of the village, Usman Kumara, stood up and related a dream of his, saying, ‘Some days ago, I saw that the heavens burst open and there is commotion all around. In the midst of all this chaos, a car comprising people of white complexion stops, and the people inside invite me to come with them, as they would grant me safety. This is where the dream ended.

After this, I began contemplating on the sort of dream this was and what it could mean?

It is upon your arrival that I have come to understand its true meaning. I have reached old age, but this is the first time in my life that I have seen non-Africans (people with white complexion) coming to preach Islam here.’”

As a result, all those present decided to join the Jamaat and did the Bai‘at. It was also the end of the Waqf-e-Jadid year, so they were encouraged to make financial sacrifices. After their initiation when they were requested, they also paid their Waqf-e-Jadid Chanda, through which their faith and sincerity are ever-increasing.

The National President of Lajna Imaillah Canada [the Women’s Auxiliary in Canada] writes that during a meeting, one woman said that her 12-year old daughter had won an $80 prize from her school. She originally wanted to buy something with it, but after having been encouraged by the Waqf-eJadid Secretary, she decided to donate the entire amount in Waqf-e-Jadid. The National President relates that God also blessed her in

11 return the following day when she obtained first position in the Abdus Salam Science Fair and received a $300 reward. In this way, God Almighty reinforced her faith and belief.

Nowadays a game called Fortnite is being played regularly amongst the youth in which their money is going to waste. Parents as well as the auxiliary organisations such as Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and Atfal-ulAhmadiyya in particular must protect them from getting involved in it because one step leads to another and they will eventually get hold of bank cards and spend the money on it.

In fact, a few days ago an article was published in which a survey was quoted showing that there are certain groups which get in contact with the youth and having incited them into using bank cards, they gain access to the bank accounts of their parents. Only some time later do the parents realise that money is missing from their bank account. This is as a result of this game which is becoming a drug-like addiction amongst the youth, where not only is their time being wasted and dangerous thoughts are creeping into their minds, but on top of that some of their parents have even suffered a great deal. Hence, one must avoid this and instead instil the habit of spending in the way of Allah among children, which He draws our attention to, especially to schemes such as Waqf-e-Jadid.

The finance secretary from India writes, “A refresher course was held in the Karnataka province which I attended along with the Naib Nazim Mal [assistant finance secretary] and Waqf-e-Jadid secretary. There, the Naib Nazim Mal mentioned in the house of a local Muallim that there were severe rains in Kerala causing terrible destruction, and for this reason there had been difficulty in receiving the donations for Waqf-e-Jadid in that area.”

As he was leaving the house, the Naib Nazim Mal gifted 100 rupees to each of the children of the Muallim. He says, “Later on I returned to that Jamaat on tour and the children of the Muallim donated the 100 rupees towards Waqf-e-Jadid which was gifted to them saying that due to the flood, the situation in Kerala was not so good, therefore they desired that they accept the Chanda from them.” Despite their young age, they had understood the significance of giving Chanda.

A member of Lajna from a UK Jamaat states, “I had the honour of accepting Ahmadiyyat in 2010. Having taken the oath of allegiance, I was thrown out of my home and at the time, I had no job. I was extremely embarrassed every time I was unable to give Chanda (even though it is not necessary for converts to contribute in their first year)”. She further says, “I was concerned with regard to this and made a vow that the moment I found a job, I would give Chanda from the day I did the Bai‘at. A few months later, I secured a job and began giving Chanda. By the grace of Allah and through the blessings of giving Chanda, I received a pay-rise three times in my first year. Thereafter, the ties with my family, which had previously been severed, were also restored and our bond became even stronger. I also married and by the grace of Allah I now have everything I need.”

The local Muallim from the Cape Mount County of Liberia says, “The Ngbina Jamaat were reminded with regard to donating towards Waqf-e-Jadid, and a few days later a sincere Ahmadi woman named Musu Kamara Sahiba told me, ‘When you spoke about the blessings of financial sacrifice whilst encouraging us to contribute to Waqf-

e-Jadid, others were making their donations whilst I had nothing and was therefore unable to contribute at all. But last night I had a dream where I saw you coming once more and I donated 100 Liberian dollars in Chanda. I was left astonished when I woke up in the morning as I did not have the money to make such a contribution. But it was only by the grace of Allah that a few moments earlier someone came and gave me 500 Liberian dollars from my son (from the woman’s son). Thus, I donated 100 Liberian dollars in fulfilment of the dream.”

There are many such incidents of women giving Chanda, in fact they are often a means of reform for their husbands by drawing their attention towards giving Chanda and often they have greater understanding of its importance.

Abu Bakr Sahib of Guinea Conakry, who is also the Sadr of a Jamaat and works in the agricultural department, writes, “After I accepted Ahmadiyyat, the missionaries and Muallims would regularly draw our attention to giving Chanda. However, I would only give a small amount whereas my wife was very strict in this matter and would give Chanda on a regular basis. She would always encourage me to also make regular contributions, but I would put it off by saying only when we had more money would I start giving Chanda regularly. Her answer would be that the only way we would have more money is when we first gave the due rights to Allah Almighty.

In this way, my wife made me start giving Chanda, and when I started paying Chanda at the prescribed rate, I witnessed God Almighty’s blessings rain down upon us.

The crops of those who were better educated than me and who had degrees in agriculture did not bear the same fruit as the ones God Almighty had begun granting this humble self of little understanding. Now I only bring back home the harvest once I have taken it all into account, given it in Chanda to the local missionary and brought back the receipt.”

The regional missionary of Ivory Coast writes, “Zablu Sahib, a member of the Jamaat had the honour of accepting Ahmadiyyat through his dreams. After taking the oath of allegiance, he regularly listens to the Friday sermons and is very passionate in calling people to God. He buys literature of the Jamaat from his own pocket and hands it to non-Ahmadi contacts. Zablu Sahib had a great position working in a hotel, but he is without work at the moment and his wife is supporting him by paying the expenses of the family. A few days ago he spoke to me over the phone saying that he was sending 30,000 CFA francs for the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme. I responded by asking how this was possible when he was not in the best of circumstances.

I said this as I was aware of his situation and so that he should contribute a little less. I told him this amount was too much for him and on top of that, the Annual Jalsa is also upcoming. He answered saying, ‘I told my wife that we should give 20,000 CFA francs in Chanda but my wife insisted we give 30,000.’

By the grace of God Almighty they were also able to attend the Jalsa.” There are so many women like her around the world who have their husbands make sacrifices.

The Sadr of the Australia Jamaat states, “A sincere friend had already made his contribution towards Waqf-e-Jadid on 20 December. The members of the amila were once again especially encouraged to pay the remainder [of their promises] and they were contacted in this regard. Subsequently, he donated a large sum of money. The following

evening, I received a phone call from him where he very emotionally told me that not even a day had passed that God Almighty had returned the Chanda he had given for Waqfe-Jadid. He said that he had been running a food takeaway shop for the last three years, but in that time not a single day had passed where so many customers had come, as had done so after he gave Chanda on this occasion.”

Similarly, there is an account from Indonesia – one is left astounded at such accounts in which people show such determination in their faith. There is a convert from Indonesia who took the Bai‘at in 2016. After doing so he began facing intense opposition from his family and neighbours, to the point where one day, members of his family beat him relentlessly, forcing him to forsake the Jamaat and forbidding him to meet the local missionary. Thereafter he would only meet the missionary in secret.

The missionary told him, “You will find that one must make sacrifices after joining the Community.” Nevertheless, he replied by saying, “I will continue to make sacrifices, even if the persecution increases.” He was also taught about the importance of Chanda and financial sacrifice. After a month of taking the Bai‘at, this person began giving Chanda. He had not as of yet secured a job, but he kept aside a portion of the little income he would earn from odd jobs here and there, to pay in Chanda. He would keep out of sight of the people and secretly visit the mission house at night. Prior to going to the mission house he would visit a few different villages so that no one could see him going directly to the mission house. In this way he would keep regular contact with the mission house, and this is how he would come to give his Chanda.

Then there is another incident which demonstrates just how God Almighty on occasions inspires even those who are not Ahmadi. A missionary from the Mali Jamaat writes, “Huzoor’s sermon on Waqf-e-Jadid last year was playing on Radio Ahmadiyya Keeta. During that time the chief of a village, situated 45 kilometres from the town, rang and invited us to preach in his village. When we went to preach in the village, the chief said in an emotional tone ‘The Khalifa was narrating faith-inspiring incidents from all over the world. Listening to those incidents had an extraordinary impact on the people of our village.’” There were Ahmadi Radio stations there and they were listening to them. “‘Our villagers were regretful that they had not taken part of this blessed scheme.

That is why we called you here.’ There was a tabligh programme held and on the same day, by the grace of Allah, fifty people accepted Ahmadiyyat. The people of the village immediately gave one bag of maize and 1,000 franc in the blessed scheme of Waqfe-Jadid.”God Almighty is not only spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas in extraordinary ways, but He is also providing helpers [for this cause].

A missionary in Benin writes: “The Jamaat in Lokossa was encouraged to take part in the Waqf-e-Jadid Scheme. Our regional Jalsa [convention] was only a few days away, hence they were encouraged to participate in that also. Ghaffaar Sahib, who is the Sadr Jamaat [local president], came to me and asked that he had gathered some money for him to be able to participate in the Jalsa, however, since giving Chanda is also important, what should he do? I advised him to participate in the Jalsa and God Almighty will bestow His grace, also that he could pay the Chanda at a later

12 date. After a few days he met me during the Jalsa and said for me to accept his Chanda.

I asked the mal secretary [finance secretary] to give him a receipt. At this, the finance secretary informed me that Ghaffaar Sahib has given the same amount in Chanda as he had saved for attending the Jalsa. He travelled 15 kilometres on foot along with his family in order to attend the Jalsa.”

These are the people who God Almighty has granted to the Promised Messiahas. They listen to the words of God Almighty, His Messengersa and the Promised Messiahas, then in order to purify themselves they are prepared to offer every sacrifice. In reality, these are the very people who fulfil the right of their Bai‘at. If those who are devoid of understanding and have a covering over their eyes ponder over the sincerity and loyalty these people have and the sacrifices they offer, are these not evident signs of God Almighty’s support for the Promised Messiahas? If their judgement was not impaired, they would be able to see that this alone is proof of the fact that the Promised Messiahas was sent by God Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas was sent to this world to further expound upon the teachings of the Holy Prophetsa. If the Muslims understand this and if only they would understand this truth, then through the grace of God, Islam would spread rapidly throughout the world, God-willing. Then we will see the reverse of what we are witnessing today in which Muslims and the name of Islam are ridiculed, God-willing. Nevertheless, our responsibility is to reform ourselves and to prostrate before God Almighty, focus our attention on propagating the message of Islam, offer sacrifices and highlight the truth of Islam to the world.

I shall now present some facts and figures [for Waqf-e-Jadid]. By the grace of God Almighty, the 61st year of the Waqf-e-Jadid concluded on 31 December 2018.

The members of the Jamaat were able to make a total sacrifice of £9.134 million. There was an increase of £271,000 from last year’s total collection. Pakistan has continued to maintain its top position, however apart from them, the first ten positions of the countries is as follows: 1. UK Germany held first position for Tahrik-eJadid and Amir Sahib [UK] said that InshaAllah they would come first in Waqf-e-Jadid and by the grace of God Almighty they have come top by a great margin. May God Almighty bless the members of the Jamaat and their wealth, and enable them to excel in the future as well.

2. Germany 3. USA 4. Canada I should mention to USA here that there is a very small margin of difference between them and Canada. If they do not make any extra effort then having once held the first position, they dropped to third position, but in future they could perhaps fall even further behind.

5. India 6. Australia 7. Indonesia 8. A country from the Middle East 9. Ghana

Friday 1 February 2019 | AL HAKAM 10. A country from the Middle East In terms of contribution per person, the positions are as follows: 1. USA 2. Switzerland 3. Australia In terms of the total contribution of countries in Africa, the positions are as follows: 1. Ghana 2. Mauritius 3. Nigeria 4. Tanzania 5. Burkina Faso 6. Benin By the grace of God Almighty, 1,732,000 people took part in the Waqf-e-Jadid scheme this year. There is an increase of 123,000.

The countries which have made a notable effort in relation to increasing the number of participants are Niger, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon, Benin, The Gambia, Congo Kinshasa, Tanzania, Liberia and Senegal.

The collection of the Chanda for the adults and children is recorded separately, particularly in Pakistan and more recently in Canada. In terms of collection from the adults, the first three positions of the Jamaats in Pakistan are: 1. Lahore 2. Rabwah 3. Karachi The positions for the districts of Pakistan are as follows: 1. Sialkot 2. Islamabad 3. Faisalabad 4. Rawalpindi 5. Sargodha 6. Gujranwala 7. Multan 8. Hyderabad 9. Mirpur Khas 10. Dera Ghazi Khan The positions of the large Jamaats for the collection from Atfal are as follows: 1. Lahore 2. Karachi 3. Rabwah The positions of the districts are as follows: 1. Islamabad 2. Sialkot 3. Rawalpindi 4. Sargodha 5. Gujranwala 6. Hyderabad 7. Dera Ghazi Khan 8. Sheikhupura 9. Umerkot 10. Nankana Sahib The first ten positions in terms of collections for the large Jamaats in UK are as follows: 1. Worcester Park 2. Masjid Fazl 3. Birmingham South 4. Gillingham 5. Birmingham West 6. Islamabad

7. Hayes 8. Bradford North 9. New Malden 10. Glasgow The positions of the regions are as follows: 1.

London B 2. London A 3. Midlands 4. North East 5. Middlesex The UK has also submitted a report for the collection from the Atfal and their positions are as follows: 1. Bradford South 2. Surbiton 3. Glasgow 4. Roehampton Vale 5. Islamabad 6. Roehampton 7. Mitcham Park 8. Battersea 9. Malden Manor 10. Mosque West The first five local Jamaats of Germany are: 1. Hamburg 2. Frankfurt 3. Wiesbaden 4. Moerfelden Walldorf 5. Dietzenbach The positions of the first ten Jamaats in USA for their total contribution are as follows: 1. Silicon Valley 2. Seattle 3. Detroit 4. Silver Spring 5. Central Virginia 6. Boston 7. Dallas 8. Laurel 9. Georgia Carolina 10. York The positions of the Jamaats in Canada for their total contribution is as follows: 1. Vaughan 2. Calgary 3. Peace Village 4. Brampton 5. Vancouver The position of the large Jamaats in Canada are as follows: 1. Durham 2. Windsor 3. Bradford 4. Edmonton West 5. Saskatoon North 6. Saskatoon South 7. Montreal West 8. Milton West 9. Hamilton West 10. Abbotsford The top five positions for the collection from Atfal is as follows: 1. Durham 2. Milton West

3. Bradford 4. Hamilton South 5. Saskatoon The positions for the provinces in India are as follows: 1. Kerala 2. Jammu Kashmir 3. Karnataka 4. Telangana 5. Tamil Nadu 6. Odisha 7. West Bengal 8. Punjab 9. Delhi 10. Uttar Pradesh The positions for the districts in India are as follows: 1. Hyderabad 2. Qadian 3. Pathapiriyam 4. Calicut 5. Kolkata 6. Bangalore 7. Chennai 8. Karauli 9. Rishi Nagar 10. Delhi The positions of the first ten Jamaats in Australia in terms of collections are as follows: 1. Castle Hill 2. Melbourne Long Warren 3. Penrith 4. Melbourne Berwick 5. Marsden Park 6. Brisbane 7. Adelaide South 8. Brisbane Logan 9. Canberra 10. Plumpton The positions from the Atfal collection are as follows: 1. Adelaide South 2. Brisbane Logan 3. Melbourne Long Warren 4. Melbourne, Berwick 5. Brisbane South 6. Marsden Park 7. Mount Druitt 8. Castle Hill 9. Melbourne East Since these names have been written in Urdu, therefore there is a possibility that some may have been mispronounced but those local Jamaats will nonetheless have been informed.

May God Almighty bless all those who have taken part and bless their wealth and enable them to offer exemplary sacrifices in the future as well.

(Translated by The Review of Religions) (Original Urdu sermon published in Al Fazl International, 25-31 January 2019, pp. 5-9)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad |Sub-Editorial: Junaid Ahmad Waraich| News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2019