Al Hakam - 03 May 2019

100 Years Ago...

Responding to Allegations

From the Markaz

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas Part V Plague and Earthquakes

Over 100 Atfal travel to Markaz for audience with Huzooraa

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A

Tabligh in Baghdad Al Fazl, 10 May 1919

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Huzoor addresses Ahmadi architects and engineers Concluding session of the 15th annual International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE)

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THE WEEKLY

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

“Loyalty is paramount” – Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V to Jamia Ahmadiyya graduates

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

Whoever does not give up lying while observing fasts Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink [i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting].”

(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Al-Saum)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Even those in the company of the righteous are safeguarded

Report of the event and summary of Huzoor’s address at Jamia UK, Haslemere n 29 April 2019, 17 students from O Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, 18 from Jamia Germany and 6 from Jamia Canada

received their Shahid degrees from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, officially graduating as missionaries of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, in a convocation hosted by Jamia Ahmadiyya UK in Haslemere.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa not only awarded the Shahid degrees to graduates and awards to position holders of the rest of

the seven batches for the previous academic year, but also addressed the fresh batch of missionaries.

This was the seventh convocation held at Jamia Ahmadiyya UK and was attended by around 600 guests, including national office bearers of the UK Jamaat, Lajna Imaillah, families of Shahideen, as well as the amirs of those countries where the graduates belong to.

With this outgoing batch, a total of 131

missionaries have now graduated from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK since its start in 2005 – the first convocation was held in the Haslemere campus in 2012 and marked a new era for the UK Jamaat as it witnessed a new generation of missionaries entering the practical field under the direct guidance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

The proceedings began in the Jamia Continued on page 4

People are victim to a host of afflictions, but the righteous are safeguarded. In fact, even those who are in their company find refuge. Hardship has no end.

Even from within, man is plagued so severely by affliction that it is beyond imagination. Even if one takes the example of various illnesses, they are enough to result in countless other afflictions. But those who are within the fortress of righteousness are free from such affliction as distances one from God. However, those who are beyond its walls sit in a jungle teeming with ravenous beasts.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.13-14)

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

َّ ّٰ ُ َ َّ ‫الﺸ ْﻴ َﻄ‬ ‫ﻴم‬ ‫أ ُعوذ ِبالل ِه ِم َن‬ ِ ِ ‫ان الر ِﺟ‬ ٰ َّ ٰ ْ َّ ّ ْ ‫ﻴم‬ ِ ‫ِبس ِم الل ِه الرحم ِـن الر ِح‬

This Week in History

ّٰ ْ َ َ ُ ‫الل ِه تَ ْﻄ َم� ُّن الْقُ ُﻠ‬ ‫وب‬ ‫ألا ِب ِذ� ِر‬ ِ “Aye! it is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort.”

(Surah al-Ra‘d, Ch.13: V.29)

3-9 May 3 May 1935: On this day, Dr Sir Muhammad Iqbal, a renowned figure in the Indian subcontinent, made a demand of declaring Ahmadis a nonMuslim minority. The responsible Muslim press of that era found this demand objectionable and condemned the whole idea.

3 May 1938: A tourist from Iran, who was Zoroastrian by faith and agriculturist by profession, visited Qadian on this day. Mr Manochehar was so impressed by the spiritual aura of Qadian that he decided to enter the fold of the Jamaat.

3 May 1943: Hazrat Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, a scholar and missionary of the Jamaat, completed the Swahili translation of the Holy Quran.

3 May 1946: The Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Sierra Leone conducted its first ever national Shura.

Norway Peace Symposium 2019 Tahir Mahmood Khan Norway Correspondent

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of T Norway hosted a peace symposium on 9 April 2019 at the Bait-ul-Nasr

mosque in Oslo, Norway. Around 200 guests from across the country attended

this unique event, including politicians, ambassadors, faith and civic leaders as well as representatives from different faith communities.

The theme of this year’s peace symposium was Challenging Intolerance & Promoting Moderation.

Various dignitaries spoke at the event and shed light on the subject from their viewpoint. They were thankful to be invited to such a gathering, which they thought was a good initiative through which we could build strong relations with communities and attain peace in the world.

Dignitaries who spoke at the event included Mr Ed Brown (Secretary General for Stefanus Alliance International), Ms Chro Borhan (Dialogue Advisor for the Nansen Peace

Centre), Mr Torstein Dale Akerlund (Director of Studies at the Bjorknes College), Mr Steinar Murud (Secretary General of Universal Peace Federation in Norway) and Mr John Roger Lund (Unit head of unit east at Oslo Police District).

The keynote address was delivered by Sir Iftikhar Ayaz Sahib. He conveyed the greetings of peace from Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa to the audience.

He then addressed the audience explaining the true teachings of Islam as taught by the Holy Prophet of Islam (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and revealed by God almighty in the Holy Quran. He emphasised that Islam, as a religion of peace, teaches no form of extremism or terrorism, and that the true Islam, as shown by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, is not to be feared.

After dinner, guests were offered a guided tour of the mosque and the peace exhibition.

3 May 1952: Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Rehan Botalvira passed away. He entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat in 1901. He was the first amongst the Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas to be buried in the designated area for the Companionsra at Bahishti Maqbarah, Rabwah.

3 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was in Damascus. On this day, he announced a Nikah between a Syrian Ahmadi boy with an Ahmadi girl who belonged to the same country. It is also reported that on the same day, Huzoorra graciously blessed a question and answer session in Damascus.

4 May 1928: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed members of the Jamaat to devote their lives for the cause of Islam. More than 20 members, as a result, requested and presented themselves to Huzoorra to be considered for this blessed cause.

5 May 1948: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra directed Ahmadis while addressing the participants of Shura that they should come forward to reinhabit those localities vacated by the Ahmadi immigrants of Qadian post-partition.

On this call, 35 devoted members departed for Qadian, amongst whom were 12 companions of the Promised Messiahas.

5 May 1952: Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yousufra passed away. He accepted the Promised Messiahas in the early days of the

Jamaat in 1889. He was the editor of Nur newspaper and had the blessed opportunity of translating the Holy Quran into Punjabi.

6 May 1911: Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra graced a two-day convention organised by Anjuman Ahmadiyya Batala with his presence and two speeches.

6 May 1935: From Qadian, a team of three missionaries – namely Maulvi Ghulam Hussain Ayaz Sahib, Sufi Abdul Ghafur Sahib and Sufi Abdul Qadeer Nayaz Sahib – departed for Singapore, China and Japan.

6 May 1949: Bashir Ahmad Orchard Sahib who was appointed as a missionary in Glasgow, Scotland conducted the first public meeting as an outreach effort for locals.

6 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra delivered a Friday sermon in Damascus.

7 May 1933: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra stepped down from the presidency of the Kashmir Committee.

7 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived at Beirut, Lebanon and went to visit the ancient remains of the Baalbek.

7 May 1960: A prize and certificate distribution ceremony was held in Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah. The guest of honour was Justice MR Kayani, part of the top brass of Pakistan’s judiciary.

8 May 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra departed from Beirut on an aeroplane.

Passing over Athens and Rome, Huzoorra reached Geneva. He then left for Zurich and reached there on 9 May. A medical checkup was carried out in a hospital situated in Zurich on 10 May. Huzoorra met a homeopath specialist in Zurich on 12 May. On the same day, digging began for the foundations of a mosque in Holland.

8 May 1959: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra departed for Nakhla and stayed there until 16 September. During his stay, Huzoorra spent more than a month in reviewing the manuscript of Tafsir-eSaghir for a third time.

8 May 1957: The foundation stone of Noor Mosque, Frankfurt was laid on this day.

9 May 1932: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra presided a session of the All India Kashmir Committee.

9 May 1935: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra travelled to Sindh for a period of ten days to survey lands there.

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

From the Markaz

Over 100 Atfal travel to Markaz for audience with Huzoor

ver one hundred Atfal from Germany O travelled to the United Kingdom for the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The audience took place at the new Mubarak Mosque in Islamabad, Surrey.

The opening question was regarding the Christchurch mosque shootings in New Zealand. A Tifl asked Huzooraa why Allah did not save the victims as they were His worshippers. Huzooraa explained the concept of martyrdom in Islam and highlighted the fact that since time immemorial, worshippers had been martyred due to their faith, including Ahmadi Muslims.

Discussing the shootings, Huzooraa said: “The blessings of being martyred whilst praying double”, while further saying, “Martyrdom, in Islam, is an immense honour”.

Huzooraa then emphasised the importance of life in the Hereafter and addressed the Atfal saying: “You should etch this in your hearts that the real life is the life after death. This worldly life is just temporary – then [in the next life] will all of your worries vanish.”

The topic of atheism was raised by a youngster who wanted to know how to prove the existence of God to an atheist. Huzooraa presented a two-part answer, first saying that the foremost thing to do is “establish a relationship with Allah yourself ”. Further, Huzooraa recommended two books to read: Our God by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Ten Proofs for the Existence of God

by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra. With respect to the importance of establishing a relationship with Allah, Huzooraa explained, “To establish a personal relationship, Allah says you must work hard.

He says you must do Jihad to find Him.” Huzooraa added, “Ahmadi Muslims should establish a relationship with Allah and then tell others about their own incidents of the acceptance of prayers.” Huzooraa said that they can tell atheists, “You say God does not exist but my prayers have been accepted.”

Another Tifl from the German delegation asked if Islam permitted vegetarianism.

Huzooraa explained that the whole notion is down to personal preference; one can eat whatever they like, so long as it is Halal.

Huzooraa said “Islam emphasises to keep your diet balanced. Eat meat protein, bean protein and vegetables etc.” Throughout his answer, Huzooraa explained that the issue was on personal preference and did not relate to religion as such.

“How can we establish love for Khilafat” was asked to Huzooraa upon which he responded by saying, “Pray for Khilafat that Allah enables us to be obedient to the Khalifa of the time and that Allah establishes Khilafat forever.” Huzooraa concluded by stating, “This love is given by Allah, so pray for it.”

Huzooraa chose a young member of the audience, who had his hand up, to ask a question. He wanted Huzoor’s advice on how to be patient, upon which Huzooraa lovingly responded by saying to the child that he was still young and should have patience. Huzooraa then gave insight into ways to be patient saying: “The Quran says to avoid all immoral things; to just pass by and avoid them. If someone swears and uses abusive language, just pass by them. Also, one should do istighfar [seek repentance] a lot and pray that Allah grants you patience.”

The next question was regarding Jews and Christians and whether they can enter

heaven, even though, according to the questioner, they had been cursed in the Holy Quran. Huzooraa replied by saying “Allah has also commended Jews and Christians in the Holy Quran; Allah has said that among them are pious people as well. You should always read the context of the verse first.

Allah has only cursed those who do bad deeds; He did not curse them generally … it was about those people who were causing discord.”

Regarding questions concerning the Holy Quran, Huzooraa strongly emphasised that the whole context of a particular verse or passage should be read first, before asking a question. And when we ask such questions, we should have the verse and reference at hand.

A member of the Atfal group was holding a microphone and to his fortune, Huzooraa said, “You have the microphone so you may ask your question”. His question was about shaking hands with women and whether it was permissible to shake hands with senior members of staff. Huzooraa said: “In general you must not shake hands [with the opposite sex]. The Holy Prophetsa advised not to shake hands with women as sometimes it may lead to wrong. The instruction has a lot of background to it.

However, if a senior teacher who is elderly or any senior teacher for that matter puts her hand forward to shake your hand then, you are a child and so, there is no harm to do so. Nevertheless, you must not be the one initiating it.”

A Tifl told Huzooraa about a discussion he was having with his Muslim friends about Khatm-e-Nubuwwat (finality of prophethood). He asked Huzooraa what the Ahmadiyya viewpoint is regarding the true translation of the Khatamun-Nabiyyin.

Huzooraa explained by stating: “[Muslims] say that the appearance of prophets has stopped and none can now come. We say that the word khatam means stamp, meaning that if there is a prophet to come, then he can only come with the stamp of the Holy Prophetsa. It is not only us who believe this; a plethora of past Muslim scholars also held this view.”

“Huzooraa, why do you wear a turban?” one Tifl innocently asked. Huzooraa smiled and said: “As this has been a tradition of previous Khulafa, I thought I would also wear one. I had to wear something – a topi or a turban.

It is a tradition in the subcontinent to wear a turban and also in other countries like Sudan, Somalia and Yemen etc. who wear their own kind of turban – dress codes develop. It is not essential that all the coming Khulafa wear a turban.”

Huzooraa spoke of his childhood after a Tifl asked Huzooraa about his hobbies as a child. Huzooraa said that he would play cricket after Asr prayer to Maghrib prayer, and after Maghrib prayer, he would stay indoors as it was not permissible for them to leave the house after Maghrib during that time.

The topic of creation was raised by another Tifl. Huzooraa explained to the boy that we believe in evolution, however we do not believe that humans were created from monkeys – humans were always humans.

A member of the group asked how one can establish taqwa in an age where dangers of the internet and social media lurk.

Huzooraa said: “There are also decent things on the internet and social media. There is MTA, speeches, dars of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV’srh question and answer sessions, speeches of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, books, my addresses etc. – you should listen to these. Why does one need to watch pornography, immodest images or play games like Fortnite that waste money?

Use the internet in the proper way and you will have the opportunity to do good.”

Huzooraa said that one should not be addicted to social media and the internet and emphasised the importance of being regular in the five daily prayers to all Atfal present.

Huzooraa also gave advice on studies to the group, highlighting the need to develop the correct way to study, recall information and the need to revise constantly. Huzooraa said to be regular in revision and to revise daily, especially paying special concentration on weak subjects. Huzooraa said that if another student excels in studies but does not offer his prayers, it does not mean he is better than you.

“Did you miss your family after you became Khalifa and had to leave Pakistan?” one Tifl asked. Huzoor said: “My son already resided here, my daughter and wife also joined me later – so my immediate family was with me. Apart from this, there was my mother, others, and there was Rabwah. I would remember them; even now, sometimes, I remember Rabwah.

However, there is so much work and I get so busy that I do not even have the chance to reminisce or miss these things.”

The Atfal group were blessed with the opportunity of having a group photo with Huzooraa.

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

4 Continued from page 1

auditorium just after midday with the recitation of a portion from Surah al-Fath (Ch.48: V.29-30) and translation, followed by the recitation of an Urdu nazm written by the Promised Messiahas.

The academic report for Jamia Canada was then read out by the Principal Daud Hanif Sahib in which he highlighted the seven-year journey undertaken by the Jamia Canada graduates. This was followed by reports read out by the Principal of Jamia Germany, Shamshad Ahmad Qamar Sahib, and Zaheer Ahmad Khan Sahib, President of Academic Committee Jamia UK on the seven-year journey of their respective graduates.

After the reports, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa distributed awards and degrees.

Each Shahid graduate received their degree, a copy of Tafsir-e-Saghir and a collection of Huzoor’saa addresses at past convocations, collated as a handbook titled Laiha-e-Amal.

The highlight of the convocation each year is the address delivered by Hazrat

‫اتر� ی‬ ‫بطق اک اکم دو مت تملظ و ی‬ ‫م‬ ‫وھبےل وکٹھبں ےک ےئل راامنہ وہ اجؤ‬ (Serve as a guiding star in times of darkness; guide those who have gone astray) Khalifatul Masihaa in which Huzooraa guides the graduates as to how they can best fulfil their roles as missionaries of the Jamaat.

Huzoor’saa advice to the outgoing class is always eagerly anticipated, not only by the graduates, but by all in attendance and Ahmadis around the world.

In his address, after Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah,

Top: Jamia Ahmadiyya UK graduates Middle: Jamia Ahmadiyya Germany graduates Bottom: Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada graduates

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that missionaries are those people who dedicate their lives for the spread of faith. The efforts they made during their studies would now assist them, but this should continue in their practical field.

Knowledge, Huzooraa said, is something that as it grows, spiritual knowledge should also increase, and with this, one’s relationship with Allah becomes more and more clear.

These young missionaries sacrificed their lives for the sake of the Messiah of Muhammadsa, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. To further this mission is an immense responsibility which now rests on the shoulders of the graduates.

The missionaries have also sacrificed their lives to serve the Khilafat which was to be established in the latter days.

Huzooraa explained that it is no ordinary matter to make such a pledge. The responsibilities are vast, and the missionaries presented themselves for this very purpose.

This should always be in their minds. These oaths should be fulfilled with all their Godgiven capacities.

Some of the missionaries, Huzooraa said, in the past had asked Huzooraa to write them a piece of advice. Huzooraa said that he had often written “Never be disloyal to your Lord” and always remain loyal to Allah as was Hazrat Abrahamas (as stated in the Holy Quran).

The Promised Messiahas has explained this level of devotion. At one place, the Promised Messiahas stated that Abrahamas was commended because, as stated in the Quran, he remained loyal and fulfilled his covenant. As Waqifeen, the graduates have also made a covenant, and to fulfil it requires all efforts to be made in this cause.

Such cowards who do not remain loyal to God, the Promised Messiahas said, are of no value. Huzooraa explained that if one does not stand by the promises they have made, then there is no use for such a one.

Hazrat Abrahamas was given his status due to his extreme loyalty to God, for example, he was put in the fire and bore immense pains and struggles. These difficulties, however, never allowed him to waver in his devotion. This is the level of devotion that is an example for all missionaries.

There are some Waqifeen who, not to speak of being practically left in the wilderness but even in fairly decent circumstances, begin to make the smallest of demands. As Waqifeen, the missionaries should remember that they should be able to endure all difficulties.

Even in normal circumstances, if there is a person who serves you well, you would naturally prefer such a one over a person who does not serve you at all. Huzooraa explained that the graduates should be those who remain loyal to their Lord and never waver in their resoluteness.

At one place, the Promised Messiahas explained something very important, that until a person is not completely faithful to their Lord, they have not fulfilled their faith. To achieve this, one must pray and develop a connection and personal relationship with God. To excel in devotion to our Lord requires a lot of effort.

Huzooraa emphasised that this is the level of devotion expected of our missionaries.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra once pointed our attention towards this in one of his couplets: ‫دہع ینکش ہن رکو الہ واف وہ اجؤ‬ (Remain loyal, never breaking your promises) The oaths made by a Waqif-e-Zindagi and missionary surpass the promises made

by Ahmadis. ‫ن‬ ‫م وافداروں ی‬ ‫� وہں ی‬ ‫م ہی‬ ‫ےب وافؤں ی‬ ‫م وہں‬ (I am not of the disloyal; I am among those who are loyal) This is something that all missionaries should make their goal and target. This is what they should be working towards.

Huzooraa said that we must assess ourselves whether we are excelling in our relationship with our Lord. How much love is there in our hearts for Allah? Are we making all efforts to develop a connection with Him? If the answer is negative, then this is something that requires our immediate attention, especially once graduates enter the practical field.

Huzooraa went on to say that it is also necessary for the missionaries to study the Quran and tafsir, pondering over the deeper and hidden meanings of the Quran.

When people ask questions later on in the practical life, a missionary should be able to answer questions from the Holy Quran, the practices and sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and the writings of the Promised Messiahas. All questions that are asked today can be answered from all these sources.

The seven-year course is not sufficient for this; this is just the start, and this should continue. Huzooraa said that every day, a few hours should be dedicated for increasing knowledge and personal study. Along with this, one should pray that God increases their knowledge.

Huzooraa said that a missionary should also have compassion for fellow humans. Within the system of the Jamaat,

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

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

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The delight of my eyes is in Salat.” missionaries should be able to reconcile with people who are against the Jamaat or Islam in a way that they can explain the realities calmly to such people. To determine how to show compassion to even a wrongdoer, in light of the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, is something that should be a skill of each missionary.

For the edification of the youth, missionaries should show immense compassion; this will naturally bring everyone towards them. Huzooraa said that in the practical life, everyone has their eyes set on the missionaries. The graduates should not think that as they are young, they will not be questioned as much as senior missionaries. They too have responsibilities to show members of the Jamaat the correct path.

However, Huzooraa said, this can only be achievable through adopting the teachings of the Holy Quran and the high and noble example of the Holy Prophetsa in their lives.

When one’s intentions are pure, this can all be achievable and God Almighty shall help such a person.

As far as the Shariah, the teachings of the Prophetsa, the sayings of the Promised Messiahas or the sayings of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa are concerned, no cowardice should be displayed. Missionaries should never display weakness in their faith. They should respond to allegations like unsheathed swords.

Only a few days ago a missionary wrote to Huzooraa saying that during Friday Sermons, some missionaries had attempted to quieten office-bearers, but they responded by saying that as they were office-bearers, they sometimes had to talk among themselves. Huzooraa explained that as office-bearers, this is not permissible. It is not permissible for anyone to talk during the sermon as it is part of the Friday prayer, in which the Prophetsa forbade speaking.

People at times interpret religion in their own manner. It is the responsibility of the missionaries to clarify such misconceptions, but before this, they must purify themselves. ‫اتر� ی‬ ‫بطق اک اکم دو مت تملظ و ی‬ ‫م‬ ‫وھبےل وکٹھبں ےک ےئل راامنہ وہ اجؤ‬ (Serve as a qutb [guiding star] in times of darkness; guide those who have gone astray) Today, as the majority of the world delves in materialism, it is the responsibility of missionaries to become qutb (guiding stars) for the world as this is the oath made

by the missionaries. The missionaries have been made leaders so that they may bring the world to them in order to show the truth and excel in spirituality. It is essential, however, to excel themselves first before encouraging others to do so.

The graduates were told that they should be confident in their own faith and should not follow the world. “Follow not the world, but let the world follow you.”

Belonging to this environment, being born and raised here, being educated here is something that should assist the missionaries in teaching the truth to people in the West. This cannot be done without the help of God. As those who have pledged to spread the mission of the Holy Prophetsa far and wide, we must be able to teach true morals to the world.

A heavy responsibility rests on the shoulders of the missionaries. In servitude of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, missionaries have been given authority. If they do not realise their responsibilities, then there is no point in dedicating their lives for this cause.

Huzooraa said that his prayer for the missionaries was: ِ ‫�ر ِد � و رکم‬ ‫�ى‬ ٰ ‫وارث یا�ان و‬

‫�ب �ا وہ اجؤ‬ ‫��ِ ا� و‬ ِ (Become the recipients of God’s grace, blessings, guidance and faith; become a lover of Ahmadsa and a beloved of God) Huzooraa, towards the end of his address, prayed that the missionaries were able to always remain loyal to their Lord and after receiving blessings, spread it among people.

May they always be Sultan-e-Naseer (true helpers) of Khilafat and may we once again hoist the flag of Muhammad Rasulullahsa in the world. May they always be the ones who fulfil their promises and not the ones who break them.

Huzoor’saa address was followed by silent prayer, group photos of each batch as well as a collective Jamia Ahmadiyya UK photo.

This was then followed by Zuhr and Asr prayers and lunch.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V’saa address at the 2019 convocation of Jamia Ahmadiyya can be viewed online at www.mta.tv

(Sunan al-Nasa’i, Baab an-Nisa)

28th Jalsa Salana Burkina Faso Taimoor Ahmad AMJ Burkina Faso

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Burkina Faso held its 28th Jalsa Salana on 29, 30 and 31 March 2019.

This year’s theme was “It is in the remembrance of Allah that hearts can find comfort” (Ch.13: V.29). The Jalsa was held at Bustan-e-Mahdi, located 20km from the capital Ouagadougou.

The Jamaat of Burkina Faso was honoured to welcome Mufti-e-Silsila Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib as representative of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

Along with Mubashar Kahlon Sahib, another special guest present at this Jalsa was Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib, Missionary Incharge and Naib Amir Belgium. A delegation all the way from Ghana also took part in this event.

On Thursday, 28 March, Mubashar Kahlon Sahib along with Amir Sahib Burkina Faso, Mahmood Nasir Saqib Sahib, inspected the Jalsa site where they visited all the departments of Jalsa. Kahlon Sahib gave valuable suggestions and spoke briefly with the participants of Bobo Dioulasso region who came for the convention.

The opening session of Jalsa Salana commenced on Friday, 29 March at around 5pm after the flag hoisting ceremony. Amir Sahib Burkina Faso and Hafiz Ehsan Secundar Sahib hoisted respectively the national flag and Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat. Hafiz Secundar Sahib led the opening session along with the inaugural speech.

At the session, the Minister of State Mr Simeon Sawadogo, with three members of parliament and two governors came to visit the Jalsa. The delegation visited various exhibitions. Mr Sawadogo took great interest in the organisation of Jalsa. He took along with him literature and donated funds for Humanity First.

Saturday, 30 March, started with Tahajud and Fajr prayers and a dars on the importance of prayer.

The second session began at 9am and was led by Amir Sahib Burkina Faso. Two speeches were presented: Who is Our God? and The Outset of Dissension in Islam.

The third session was led by one of the oldest members of Jamaat Burkina Faso, Alhaj Jibril Sahib. The Blessings of Khilafat and Our Responsibilities was the title of the third session’s speech.

After dinner on Saturday, the Ahmadi Muslims Student Federation in Burkina Faso (FEEMAB) organised a forum on Religion and Rationality. Many religious leaders presented their point of view on the matter.

Hafiz Secundar Sahib spoke on behalf of the Jamaat. The forum was presided by the Chief of Election Commission Mr Newton Ahmed Barry. It was next followed by questions and answers.

On Sunday, after Fajr, a dars on the martyrs of Islam was presented.

The final session started at 9am chaired

by Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib. Kahlon Sahib spoke about the remembrance of God and how we can achieve His help.

More than 9,200 participants took part in this year’s Jalsa Salana. May Allah bless all those who came for the Jalsa and the organisers of this event.

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

6 100 Years Ago...

Health

Tabligh in Baghdad

Emotional Eating

Al Fazl, 10 May 1919 Working in Baghdad at the time, Syed Fateh Ali Shah Sahib wrote to Al Fazl the following: went to the main part of the city Iopportunity today (22 April 1919). There I had the to meet and talk to an Arab

who was well versed in Persian. We had a conversation for almost an hour. Drawing his attention towards the prophesies of the Holy Prophetsa, I asked him, “Is it still not the time for the arrival of the Mahdi and the Promised Messiahas?”

I then explained to him almost every prophecy regarding the Messiah and Mahdi. Highlighting the root cause of the catastrophes and wars of the present age, I informed him about the claim of the Promised Messiahas.

Accompanying him were two persons belonging to Kurdistan. One of them raised the issue regarding the Mahdi’s reappearance that he would kill all the kuffar [infidels] and ensure the victory of Islam. I replied that he was completely mistaken because the Holy Quran openly stated: ‫لا ا�راه فی الدين‬ “There is no compulsion in religion.” So, taking this manifest guidance into account, I asked him how one could believe that the Mahdi would kill the kuffar. Moreover, I highlighted the fact that the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra never took up the sword to convert anybody to Islam by force. When the brutalities of the kuffar had exceeded certain bounds, the sword was drawn in defence.

Had the opponents refrained from carrying out extreme acts of cruelty, violence and inflicting pain on the Muslims, the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra would under no circumstances have drawn the sword. In fact, the principles of Islam are so firm, clear and easy to act on that every fortunate soul accepts them instantaneously.

Further, I laid emphasis on the fact that in the period of 1300 years after the exalted Seal of all Prophets, Muhammadsa, Islam was only able to spread in Arabia, Syria, Afghanistan and Egypt etc. while there are a number of other religious groups who are still thriving in most of these countries, and the majority of the world is deprived of this blessing [Islam]. I asked him, in his view, whether the coming Mahdi or Jesus, who would convert the entire world to Islam in a matter of days, would surpass the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa. (As Islam progressed gradually in the past, likewise it would progress in the latter days.)

I informed him about the progress and present condition of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, which was a source of delight for them all. Thereupon, the objector left the first allegation and presented another, saying that the Mahdi would appear soon but there was still time. I replied that in raising this allegation, he had made an even bigger mistake than the previous one because accepting his view, the denial of both the Holy Quran and the Hadith became inevitable.

It is stated in the Holy Quran that the appearance of a prophet is imperative before a universal catastrophe can occur. This is

evident from the verse: َ َ ّٰ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما کنا ُم َعذ ِبی َن َحتی ن ْب َعث َر ُسوْلًا‬ “We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.” I then said to the gentleman that he could not deny the fact that the world had witnessed a great catastrophe.

On the other hand, it is stated in a Hadith that a mujaddid [one who revives Islam] would appear at the turn of every century.

This is clear from the Hadith: ّ َ ّٰ ّ ‫نۃ من ��دد‬ ٍ ‫إن اللہ يَبعﺚ ��ذه ال�مۃ علی رأس كل ِماﺋۃ َس‬ َ ‫��ا دينها‬ “Verily, Allah shall appoint for this Ummah, at the head of every century, a person to revive their faith for them.” (Sunan Abi Daud) 37 years of this century have passed, but so far, their Mahdi has not appeared.

So, I explained, this would naturally cause frustration because this could be none other than Hazrat Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi.

The one who was to appear had descended, I informed them. “The decision rests in your hands whether to accept him or not.”

Then, I reminded him that the one who does not recognise the Imam of the age dies the death of ignorance.

In addition, we had a comprehensive discussion about the Jamaat and on the life and death of Jesusas, which resulted in securing a positive impact on this person regarding the Jamaat.

He now asks for Arabic books of the Promised Messiahas. Thus far, I have duly conveyed the message of the Jamaat to the successor of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilanirh, a bookseller Numan Afandi and a mualim [teacher of theology] who has been reading the books I have been sending for a while. Alongside them, I have conveyed the message of the Jamaat to several other individuals through Numan the bookseller.

I also had the chance to converse with a scholar belonging to the town of Imam Azam [“The Great Imam” – title of Hazrat Imam Abu Hanifarh], who was left speechless and unable to give a reply to my questions.

He was briefed in detail about the Jamaat.

Similarly, there are a number of other individuals to whom I have conveyed the rightful message. Allah will grant the strength to whoever He pleases from among them to enter the Jamaat. The members of the Jamaat should pray that Allah the Almighty grants success because mere words, without the prayers of fellow members, are not enough. Surely, Allah the Almighty will fulfil our tasks.

I request members of the Jamaat to pray for this humble one because the intensity of the hot and cold weather is extreme. May Allah the Almighty grant me peace and safety through His blessing and benevolence and save me from pain and suffering.

Wassalam. Syed Fateh Ali Shah, Baghdad (Translated by Al Hakam)

Samar Hafeez Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor Bangalore, India

Have you ever reached out for a bag of crisps (or chips, depending on where you’re from), a bowl of ice cream or a bar of chocolate when you are feeling bored, lonely, angry or sad?

Have you ever indulged in any food without even realising what it was?

Have you ever noticed anyone eating excessively when they are out of sorts or when an unpleasant experience or argument has passed?

Most of us have gone through such instances at some point in our lives wherein we have eaten to soothe our feelings. Food can be a distractor, but eating does not solve the problem that caused discomfort or distress in the first place.

When things get rough and stressful, people often turn to food for comfort and this type of eating is referred to as emotional eating, which simply means that your emotions, not your body, dictate and govern when and how much you eat.

Most of the time, people use food to deal with negative feelings, this usually includes a desire to distract oneself from a disagreeable or unpleasant emotional scenario. Emotions ranging from stress, sadness, frustration, anger, anxiety, embarrassment and regret all encourage you to eat emotionally.

Sometimes, it is life’s major stressors, but most of the times, it can be small day to day upsetting situations that cause someone to gravitate towards “comfort foods” (foods that are consumed to obtain and sustain a specific feeling) and people use such foods to soothe their riled up emotions.

People who eat in response to stress usually consume high fat and sugary foods. We all at some point have felt the bliss after eating chocolate or an ice cream. Have you ever wondered why?

Research indicates that high fat and sugary foods activate chemicals in the body that give a sense of contentment and joy. According to psychological research, any behaviour that is positively reinforced or rewarded is more likely to be repeated and sustained.

Emotional eating affects both men and women, but its prevalence is higher in adolescent girls, women and in people who are overweight.

Differences between physical and emotional hunger are: 1. Physical hunger occurs more gradually, whereas emotional hunger is sudden, impulsive and overwhelming 2. When one is physically hungry, he or she can include any healthy foods, but when you eat to fill a void that is not related to a hungry stomach, you crave for specific comfort foods

such as pizzas, burgers, fried foods, chocolates, ice creams and so on 3. While eating in response to a physical need, one is more aware as to what one is consuming, while eating in response to emotions, a person may not actually realise this 4. We usually stop eating when we are full – our brain signals us to stop when we are done. A person eating in response to emotions tends to crave more and more, stuffing oneself with food unless they are uncomfortably full 5. Eating to satisfy physical hunger does not include guilt or regret, because you are simply eating to provide the body what it needs to function, but when you eat to satisfy emotional hunger, it leads to guilt and regret at the end of it. This is because deep down, one knows they have not eaten for a nutritional purpose Causes of emotional eating Chronic stress and anxiety tends to elevate cortisol (primary stress hormone) levels, which in turn disrupts the hunger hormone named ghrelin.

This then causes one to overeat without regulating hunger and satiation signals to the brain; it also increases food cravings and reward-driven eating behaviours.

Major life changes like death of a loved one, divorce, separation, unemployment, depression and loneliness are contributing factors. In a 2012 study at Columbia University and St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, researchers found that subjects who were sleep-deprived were attracted to unhealthy food choices than those who were not.

It’s important to note that emotional eating can put an individual at high risk for various lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, irritable bowel syndrome, obesity, insomnia, diabetes, chronic acidity and constipation, high cholesterol, eating disorders and cancer.

Self-help tips to manage emotional eating 1. Ask yourself a few mindfulness questions to increase more awareness, for instance, ask: “Why am I eating? Am I eating because I am angry, sad or bored? Do I crave for specific foods? Do I regularly stuff myself with food until uncomfortably full? Do I reward myself with food? Does food make me feel safe? Does food make me go out of control? Do other people around me use food to soothe feelings?” These questions, Continued on page 11

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Huzoor addresses Ahmadi architects and engineers

ith the recitation of Surah al-Rahman, verses 1-14, and translation, the W concluding session of the 15th annual

International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) Symposium of the European chapter commenced in the presence of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa on 27 April at around 17:45 BST in Baitul Futuh, London.

The theme for this year’s event was Education for Sustainable Development.

IAAAE was established in 1980 during the time of Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh to collect and employ the talents of Ahmadi architects and engineers for the progress of the community. The first supervisor of this association was Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh.

IAAAE has an impressive track record of serving the Jamaat in various capacities, including the setting up of the simultaneous interpretation system used in Jalsa Salana for the translation of live speeches for the

first time in the Jamaat’s history.

In 2004, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa directed IAAAE to form sub-committees in order to carry out humanitarian aid.

In the exhibition part of the conference, we spoke to the Chairman of the Model Village Committee (which aims to design and construct schools, hospitals and mosques) Khalid Ahmad Kareem Sahib who told us: “Today’s symposium is about education for sustainable development, so this theme is based around one of the concepts we’re developing at the moment, which is the Masroor International Technical College.

The purpose of the college is, rather than our engineers coming from the UK to work over there, we want to help the local people and improve their education and knowledge.”

Khalid Sahib was talking to us inside a 360 immersive experience pod in which the ongoing projects were shown in a unique way to the visitors.

The other committees in IAAAE (which

also were hosting exhibitions and talks during the conference) are: • Water for Life: Tasked with providing clean portable drinking water to remote parts of Africa • Alternative Energy: Investigate and provide renewable energy solutions to remote parts of Africa • Architecture: Provides services in the design and construction of sustainable buildings across Africa Throughout the day, various sessions were held in which presentations were delivered aiming to give insight into the ongoing projects of IAAAE by members of the association.

Patricia Haveman, Founder of the NGO Mundo Younido, delivered a presentation on her work on an international scale.

Another interesting presentation was on Islamic sacred buildings and its influence on urban development, as well as a short pictorial walkthrough on the building of the Dar es Salaam Mosque in Tanzania from its design to construction phase.

Akram Ahmedi Sahib, International Chairman of IAAAE, stated in his presentation in the presence of Huzooraa: “Through your vision, IAAAE has done so well, so what we thought we should give you is that your name should be remembered forever. So, we named the technical college after you.”

The day started for participants at around 8am with breakfast, after which participants were taken through various talks and presentations related to the various projects being run under IAAAE around the world.

Before Akram Ahmedi Sahib’s presentation of the year’s activities, Ataul Mohsin Tahir Sahib of IAAAE presented a report of the day.

In his address to the gathering, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, said that in recent years, IAAAE had become far more active and the breadth of its work had increased a great deal.

“According to my instructions, which I have been giving from time to time, members of the IAAAE from the United Kingdom and other countries have now initiated many new projects and are working on extensive and complex assignments throughout the world. For example, IAAAE is playing an excellent role

in the construction of some of our mosques and Jamaat buildings, as well as continuing to develop and expand its humanitarian projects.

“With the grace of Allah, wherever in the world IAAAE is serving, its members are working in an exemplary fashion and with a spirit of true service and dedication.

In this regard, I pray that may Allah enable all of you to continually increase the scope of your work and expertise.”

Huzooraa said that amongst the various projects of the European chapter, one of the largest projects was construction work in Mali and Tanzania. The complex in Mali includes a mosque, various offices, guest house and missionary house. From the photos that were presented to Huzooraa in the report, Huzooraa said that it was clear that the new mosques and associated buildings were aesthetically pleasing and well designed, something that was reflected by comments of those who had travelled and visited the mosque.

Similarly, Huzooraa said, in Tanzania, there was another construction work of a mosque and a multi-storey building of offices and other Jamaat needs there. The complex was built in a developed area and was designed, ensuring that it blended in with the local buildings.

“With the grace of Allah, these building are also providing us with new avenues for tabligh and have increased the awareness of our Jamaat amongst the local people who cannot help but be impressed when they see the new structures and centres.

They are seeing how we use our centres to serve humanity and try to improve the lives of those who are suffering, irrespective of caste, creed or colour and to offer a helping hand to the most vulnerable and weakest members of society.”

Huzooraa went on to say: “Of course, our efforts to serve humanity predate these recent projects in Mali and Tanzania. However, the new complexes have enabled us to further advance our efforts and have made a very positive impression on the local people and are proving a means of spreading the message of the true Islam.

“Furthermore, the humanitarian projects established by the IAAAE continue to progress and develop. For example, you have now completed the construction of 20 model villages, Alhamdolillah.

Continued on page 9

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM Responding to Allegations

Prophecies of the Promised Messiah

as

Part V Plague and Earthquakes n allegation raised by opponents of A the Jamaat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah is that

are united in marriages and blessed with children, but when glad tidings are given regarding the birth of a child, it is considered a sign. Hence, it is stated in the Holy Quran: ٰ َّ َ ُ َ َ ‫ف َبش ْرن َھا ِب ِا ْس ٰح َق َو ِم ْن ّو َرا ِء ِا ْس ٰح َق ی ْعقوْ َب‬

as

he stated in his book Chashma-e-Marifat, published in 1908, that the miracles displayed by him numbered 100,000 or more and that the earthquakes and plague that occurred in his age belonged to those miracles that were bestowed to him from Allah the Almighty.

In response to this, opponents suggest that the world witnessed earthquakes and plagues at all times. Before the claim of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, plagues wiped out a hundred times more individuals than those who died in his age. For instance, in the 14th century, one third of the total population of Europe was totally wiped out from the face of the Earth due to the plague.

They then ask whether this can be compared with the plague that spread in India. The plague that occurred in India was nothing as compared to that of Europe. Similarly, the earthquake of 1905, although it was effective, but comparing it with massive earthquakes, it seems ordinary.

The founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat claimed to be the Promised Messiah and several religions acknowledge this fact that the Promised Messiah would appear close to Judgement Day i.e. it would be the last age.

The Bible, the Holy Quran and the Hadith contain different prophesies about the arrival and time of the Promised Messiah.

Jesusas pointed out various signs regarding his second coming, as it is stated in the Gospel of Matthew: “As Jesus was sitting on the mount of olives, the disciples came to him privately.

‘Tell us,’ they said, ‘when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?’ Jesus answered: ‘Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’ and will deceive many. You will hear of wars and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.

Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places.” (Matthew, 24:3-7) Similarly, it is stated in the Gospel of Luke: “‘Teacher,’ they asked, ‘when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?’

He replied: ‘Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and, “The time is near.”

Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and revolution, do not be frightened.

These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.’ Then he said to them: ‘Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and

The Kangra Earthquake, 1905

great signs from heaven.’” (Luke, 21:7-11) Luke states that these incidents would occur before the second coming of Jesusas, but the intellect proves it wrong because punishment befalls people when the law is violated and not before it. Great catastrophes engulf the Earth only after the appearance and denial of a prophet. As it is stated in the Holy Quran: َ َ ّٰ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما کنا ُم َع ِذ ِبی َن َحتی ن ْب َعث َر ُسوْلًا‬ “We never punish until We have sent a Messenger” (Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.16).

Similarly, it is stated in the Bible, “I myself will call to account anyone who does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name.” (Deuteronomy, 18: 19) Regarding the arrival of the Promised Messiah, it is stated in the Gospel of Matthew that he would appear suddenly, which also shows that the catastrophes would occur after the advent of the Promised Messiah.

Hence, Jesusas said: “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.

But understand this: If the owner of the house had known at what time of night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew, 24: 42-44) Similarly, it is stated in the Gospel of Mark: “But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard!

Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. It’s like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with their assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back – whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him

find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’” (Mark, 13: 32-37) The Holy Prophetsa, highlighting the signs of the final days, stated: ‫تکثر الزلازل‬ “Earthquakes shall occur frequently.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Fitan) Thus, the earthquakes or plague that occurred before the advent of the Promised Messiahas are not under discussion as they are not associated with the prophecies of his age. The earthquakes and plague that engulfed the Earth in the era of the Promised Messiahas are in accord with the prophecies.

Hence, comparing them with previously occurred catastrophes seems illogical.

The Promised Messiahas received a revelation from Allah the Almighty: “A warner came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall accept him and demonstrate his truthfulness with mighty assaults.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part IV, p. 435 [English translation]) Accordingly, Allah the Almighty demonstrated the truth of the Promised Messiahas with powerful assaults.

Earthquakes and plagues occur naturally, but when they occur in accordance with prophecies, then they are considered as a sign. Similarly, wars take place between two sides and one of them turns out victorious, but when it is foretold that a particular side would triumph, then its victory becomes a sign. As for the wars that were fought in the era of the Holy Prophetsa against the opponents, they were divine signs because it was foretold by Allah the Almighty that the Holy Prophetsa would triumph.

Likewise, tempests and floods occur naturally; moreover, ships and vessels are built, but Noah’s Ark stands out as a sign as it was built under the command of the Divine, carrying a glad tiding that those who would mount Noah’s Ark would be saved from the flood.

The same is the case of marriages; people

“We gave her glad tidings of the birth of Isaac and, after Isaac, of Jacob” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.72). So, the births of Isaac and Jacob happened as a sign, and denying this fact on the basis that many people are blessed with even more children than the mother of Isaac and Jacob seems irrational.

Referring to the sign of plague, the Promised Messiahas states: “Let it also be borne in mind that both the Holy Quran and even certain books of the Torah foretell that plague will break out in the time of the Promised Messiah. In fact, the Messiah, peace be upon him, also spoke of this in the Gospel. It is impossible for the prophecies of the Messengers to be revoked.” (Noah’s Ark, pp. 7-8) Below is the list of deaths that occurred due to the outbreak of plague in India between the years 1896 to 1906, according to Encyclopedia Britannica: • 1896: 2,219 deaths • 1897: 47,974 deaths • 1898: 89,265 deaths • 1899: 102,369 deaths • 1900: 73,576 deaths • 1901: 236,433 deaths • 1902: 452,655 deaths • 1903: 684,445 deaths • 1904: 938,010 deaths • 1905: 940,881 deaths • 1906: 300,355 deaths (Encyclopedia Britannica, Vol. xxi, p. 700 [edition 1911]) This clearly shows that the plague killed 3,868,182 people in India alone in the span of almost 11 years.

The New Encyclopedia Britannica states: “An outbreak in Canton and Hong Kong in 1894 left 80,000 to 100,000 dead, and within 20 years the disease spread from the southern Chinese ports throughout the whole world, resulting in more than 10,000,000 deaths.” (The New Encyclopedia Britannica, Wol. 9, p.493 [15th edition, 2010]) Opponents allege regarding the earthquake of 1905 that it seems ordinary when compared with various other massive earthquakes.

The earthquake of 1905 holds significant prominence because it occurred according to the divine prophecy vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas. Thus, comparing this earthquake with various other earthquakes cannot be considered just in any way.

9

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

As the births of Isaac and Jacob proved to be divine signs for the reason that glad tidings preceded them, the earthquake of 1905 belongs to the sign of the Divine. The Promised Messiahas frequently received revelations about the occurrence of this earthquake from Allah the Almighty which were published from time to time.

Al Hakam (Urdu) wrote under the heading Revelations and Dreams: “I [Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas] saw in a dream that someone said: ‫ززلہل اك دهك�ا‬ ‘Shock of an earthquake.’ I saw the house shaking but did not see anything fall, nor did I feel the earthquake. Then came the revelation: َ ٰ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ َّ َّ ْ َ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ ّٰ َّ ُّ ُ َ َ َ ّٰ َّ ‫ري ن ْص ًرا‬ ‫ِان الله لا يضر۔ ِان الله مع ال ِذين ٰاتقوا و ال ِذين هم مح ِسنون۔ ت‬ ّ ْ َ ‫ِّم ْن ِعن ِد الل ِه َو ُه ْم ي ْع َم ُهوْ َن‬ ‘Allah will cause no damage. Allah is with those who are righteous and who do their duty to the utmost. You will see help from Allah and they will continue to flounder.’”

(Al Hakam, 17-24 December 1903, p. 15) Similarly, under the heading God’s Pure Words, the weekly Al Badr had it: “On 19 December 1903, in a dream I saw someone saying: ‫ا� دهك�ا‬ ‫ززلہل اك ي‬ Continued from page 7

Furthermore, according to the report I have received during the past year, IAAAE has installed 119 new water pumps, which provide clean running water in extremely remote areas, whilst 200 other water pumps have been rehabilitated. Moreover, a lot of effort has been made in providing electricity through the installation of solar panels in deprived areas.”

Huzooraa said that there are many other projects by IAAAE, where people, both fulltime workers and volunteers, show their expertise in the works that they do.

In all the spheres IAAAE serves, it proves its need in the Jamaat and in the world.

‘A single shock of an earthquake.’

Neither did I feel any tremors, nor did the walls shake. Thereafter, I received the revelation [same Arabic as above], ‘Allah will cause no damage. Allah is with those who are righteous and who do their duty to the utmost. You will see help from Allah and they will continue to flounder.’” (Al Badr, 1 January 1904, p. 6) Then, under Revelations, the weekly Al Hakam (Urdu) says: “8 June 1904: َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ّ َ َ ّ َ ‫ام‬ ُ َ ‫الدي‬ ُ ‫ار َمحَل ُّ َها َو ُم َق‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ا۔ َاِن ِ ْي ا َحا ِفظ كل َم ْن فِي الدا ِر۔‬ ِ ‫عف‬ ِ ‫ت‬ َّ ّ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ْ‫النعيم‬ ِ ِ ‫اعطيتك كل‬ ‘Temporary residences and permanent ones will be wiped out. I shall safeguard all those who are in this house. I have bestowed upon you all bounties.’” (Al Hakam, 10-17 June 1904, p. 10) The Promised Messiahas stated about the earthquake that occurred on 4 April 1905: “This very earthquake which wrought so much damage in the Punjab that, regarding it, researches have been published in the Civil and Military Gazette and other sources that incontrovertibly conclude that an earthquake of such magnitude has not been experienced in the Punjab during the last 1,600 years.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V [English translation], p. 232) The Promised Messiahas further states:

“According to research published in the Civil and Military Gazette, the temple at Kangra that was destroyed in the earthquake was about 2,000 years old. Had such earthquakes occurred before, this temple would already have collapsed long ago.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V, p. 236) Now, for the benefit of the readers, we present a brief account of the destruction caused by the Kangra earthquake of 4 April 1905.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra writes in his book, Zikr-e-Habib: “As the earthquake struck on the morning of 4 April 1905, several towns located in the valley of Kangra were destroyed, and the temple of Hindu Goddess, Jwalamukhi blacked out and the building collapsed. On the same morning, a severe earthquake was felt in Qadian around 6:30am. Although some houses collapsed in Lahore and Amritsar, resulting in deaths and injuries to countless individuals, with the blessing of Allah the Almighty no such incident occurred in Qadian.” (Zikr e Habib, pp. 98-99) It is stated regarding the earthquake of Kangra: “The Kangra earthquake of 4 April 1905 in the north-west of the Himalayas was the first of several devastating 20th century earthquakes to occur in northern India. The

Some of the volunteers, Huzooraa said, do not even claim expenses and work free of charge, bearing their travel expenses and other such costs. Such people are, Huzooraa expressed, working with the same level of devotion as Waqifeen.

Huzooraa prayed that Allah may bless them manifold for this dedication and prayed that each member of IAAAE continued to enhance in their dedication and service to the Jamaat and to humanity so that they may reach the best of standards.

Advising members of IAAAE, Huzooraa said: “In addition, I wish to remind all of you that it is of the utmost importance that you pay special attention to establishing

a true and lasting connection with Allah the Almighty and remain ever-grateful to Him and continually strive to improve the standards of your worship. Your sole focus should not be the material work you are doing, but rather building your personal relationship with Allah the Almighty should always remain your paramount objective. If you sincerely aspire to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty, you will see how He blesses your efforts and you will come to see the most beautiful fruits of your labour.”

Praying for the members of IAAAE, Huzooraa said: “May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to grow ever closer to Him and

Punjab Government estimated that more than 20,000 people of its 375,000 epicentral population were killed, and that 100,000 buildings were destroyed by the earthquake.

Farming was disrupted by the loss of 53,000 domestic animals and extensive damage to a network of hillside aqueducts that had been constructed over many generations.

The cost of recovering from the earthquake was estimated at 2.9 million rupees (1905) … There is a dispute in the magnitude of the earthquake; some say it was 7.6 while others say 8.6 on the Richter scale.” (A note on Kangra Earthquake Ms 7.8 of April 1905

by Nicholas Ambraseys and Roger Bilham) Dharamshala was the central point of District Kangra which was completely obliterated by the earthquake of 1905.

Apart from Kangra, tremors were felt in Murree, Jhelum, Gujranwala and Rawalpindi, causing very little damage.

Severe shocks were observed in Jammu and Srinagar, resulting in the total destruction of countless buildings while several others were damaged. Many lost their lives in Srinagar. A hundred houses were razed to the ground in Sialkot. Extreme shocks were felt in Shimla as well.

Nobody in the past 1600 years of India ever experienced an earthquake of such a scale as that of the 1905 Kangra earthquake, causing massive destruction, claiming countless lives and wiping out huge buildings. Previously, 2,000 people died in the earthquake of 1819, and 1542 people lost their lives in the earthquake of 1897 that occurred in Shillong, while the earthquake of 1905 singlehandedly claimed more than 20,000 lives.

The opponents should ponder over this fact that in all the destruction and devastation caused by this horrifying earthquake, the glad tiding vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas was fulfilled, which is as follows: َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ّ ‫اِن ِ ْي ا َحا ِفظ كل َم ْن فِي الدا ِر‬ “I shall safeguard all those who are in this house” (Al Hakam, 10-17 June 1904, p.

10).

Had the revelation concerning the earthquake been fabricated, Allah the Almighty would have wiped out the very name of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, but instead, every single individual who belonged to his spiritual house was saved from this catastrophe.

(Research conducted by a panel of scholars)

increase your efforts to serve humanity in the best possible way. May you all prove to be great assets for the Jamaat and may the younger generations step forward in great numbers to follow in the footsteps of the older members who have offered years of service. May they learn from the positive examples of their elders and serve with even greater passion, energy and skill than their predecessors so that the work of IAAAE continues to go from strength to strength.

May Allah the Almighty continually bless the efforts of IAAAE and may He reward all of you for your sincere efforts.”

Thereafter, Huzooraa led the congregation in dua, after which the event came to a successful close.

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Questions related to Ramadan Part I

What is the purpose of fasting?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: ُ ‫الﺼ َﻴ‬ َ ‫ين‬ ّ ‫آم ُنوا ُکت َِﺐ َع َﻠ ْﻴ ُک ُم‬ َ ‫ام َک َما ُکت َِﺐ َع َﻠی الَّ ِذ‬ َ ‫يَا أَ ّيُ َھا الَّ ِذ‬ ‫ين‬ ِ َ َ ُ‫من َﻗ ْبﻠ ُِک ْم ل َ َع ّﻠ ُک ْم تَ َّتق‬ ‫ون‬ ِ “Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.184) Fasting is a way to mend one’s soul by leaving one’s own desires for Allah. It nourishes the believer in almost every area of their spiritual life. A person becomes aware and personally experiences what hunger, poverty, loneliness and discomforts mean to the less fortunate sections of society. As a result, a person abstains from performing bad deeds and strives to do good works during Ramadan.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever wakes up in the middle of the night and offers prayer with the intention of reward and to fulfil the demand of belief, and fasts, his previous sins are forgiven.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum) Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “The purpose of fasting is not to starve.

If one could enter Paradise by starvation, then in my view, disbelievers and hypocrites would be ready to do so, as it is not so difficult. In reality, the challenging thing is moral and spiritual transformation. People starve themselves for the most trivial of matters; prisoners go on hunger strikes; Brahmans famously stop eating when they are not listened to. Thus, it is nothing extraordinary to remain hungry, nor is it the purpose of Ramadan.

“Ramadan’s actual purpose is to abstain from everything for Allah during this month and fasting is a way of expressing that one can leave every right for Allah. Eating, drinking, conjugal relationships between a husband and wife, etc. are all rights of a person; whosoever leaves these rights, shows

that they are ready to leave their rights for Allah.” (Al Fazl, 17 December 1966) As fasting is a source of spiritual elevation, there are physical benefits to it as well which include good health, patience and strength to bear hardships.

How should one keep fasts?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: ْ ُ​ُ َْ ُ َ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ ّٰ ‫َو�ﻠوْا َوا� َربُوْا َحتی يَ َت َبی َن لَک ُم الﺨ ْﻴﻂ الْ� ْب َﻴﺾ ِم َن الﺨ ْﻴ ِﻂ‬ ْ َْ َ َ ْ َْ ِ‫ال�سو ِد ِمن الﻔﺠر‬ “And eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinct to you from the black thread of the dawn.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188) In order to fast, one should eat and drink

before the time of Fajr, which is called sehri (or sahoor).

The Holy Prophetsa said: “Eat sehri because there are blessings in eating sehri.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab asSaum) However, if someone has the intention to fast but happens to wake up late without deliberation and the time for sehri is over, it is permissible to keep fast without eating sehri.

Intention is also mandatory for keeping fasts. A person who wishes to observe the fast must have the intention to fast.

The Holy Prophetsa said: “Whoever does not have the intention of fasting before morning, he has no fast.”

(Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab as-Saum) Although words are not necessary to show the intention of fast, but traditionally the following words are expressed after eating sehri: َ ‫َوب َﺼوْم َﻏد نَّوَيْ ُﺖ م ْن َﺷ ْھر َر َم َﻀ‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ٍ ِ ِ ِ “I hereby express my intention to keep the fast of tomorrow during the month of Ramadan.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “For fasting, intention is necessary.

Without it, there is no reward. Intention is from the heart. One is allowed to eat and drink until they see light from the eastern horizon. If one takes precautions and is later told that daybreak has already happened, his fast will still remain. The time span between eating and Fajr prayer for the Holy Prophetsa was equal to the time spent on reciting 50 verses.” (Al Fazl, 28 July 1914) However, if someone intends to fast throughout the month of Ramadan but

forgets to make a proper intention for a fast or two, this won’t affect their fast. Also, if there is a valid excuse – for instance, they are mistakenly informed about the appearance of the moon of Ramadan after Fajr time and they have not eaten anything – they may still make the intention of the fast and it will count.

How should one break their fast?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: َّ ُ َ​َُ َ ‫الﺼ َﻴ‬ ‫ام إِلَی الﻠ ْﻴ ِﻞ‬ ِ ّ ‫ﺛ ّم أت ِّموا‬ “Then complete the fast till nightfall.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.188) It was the practice of the Holy Prophetsa to open a fast with a date, milk or simple water. The Holy Prophetsa said: “When one wants to open a fast, they should open it with a date because there are blessings in it. If this is not available, then open it with water because it is a very pure thing.” (Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi, Kitab as-Saum) The prayer for opening the fast is: َّ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ّ َ ّٰ َ ‫الﻠ ُھ ّم ِانِی لَﻚ ُﺻ ْم ُﺖ َو ِبﻚ ٰا َمن ُﺖ َو َعﻠ ْﻴﻚ توَ�ﻠ ُﺖ َو َع ٰﻠی رِزﻗِﻚ‬ ُ َ َْ ‫اف� ْ�ت‬ “O Allah, I observed the fast for Your sake. I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I end the fast with what You have provided me.”

According to the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa, it is essential that one should break their fast immediately after sunset.

Prolonging it beyond this point is not acceptable. The Holy Prophetsa said: “My people will adhere to good as long as they hasten to break their fast [at the fixed time].” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Man’s creation is such that he is obliged to love his mohsin (one who has been beneficient).”

(Jami al-Saghir, Vol. I, p.120)

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Practices of the Promised Messiahas in Ramadan

Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammed Ismailra related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra: “In 1895, I happened to pass the entire month of Ramadan in Qadian and offered the Tahajud – i.e. the Tarawih – prayers behind the Promised Messiahas throughout the month. It was Huzoor’sas custom to offer the Witr prayer in the first part of the night and eight rak‘aat [units of prayer] of the Tahajud prayer in divisions of two in the latter part.

“In it, he would reciteٰ Ayat-ul-Kursi in َّ َّ ْ the first rak‘ah, i.e َ‫ الل ُه لَا ِالٰ َﻪ ِالا ُهو‬up until ‫َو ُهوَ ال َعﻠ ُِّی‬ ْ‫ ال ْ َعﻈِﻴم‬and in the second rak‘ah, he would recite Surah al-Ikhlas. Mostly, whilst in ruku or sajda, he would recite: َ َ َ ‫يَا َح ُّی يَا ﻗ ُّﻴوْ ُم ِبرَ ْح َمتِﻚ ا ْس َتﻐ ِْﻴث‬ “‘O Living and Self-Sustaining God, with Your mercy do I seek help.’ His manner of reciting this was such that I would be able

to hear his voice. Moreover, he always used to partake in sehri directly after the Tahajud prayer and would delay it to the extent that the Azan would sometimes occur whilst he was eating.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra added to this: “I would like to make it clear that partaking in sehri is permissible until the break of dawn on the eastern horizon.

Partaking in sehri holds no connection with the Azan because the timing of the morning Azan is fixed to occur upon the break of dawn. For this reason, people mostly consider the end of sehri to be the moment when the Azan is called. As the morning Azan would immediately be called out upon the break of dawn in Qadian and was perhaps, on some occasions by mistake and due to inattentiveness, called even prior

to it, the Promised Messiahas would, on the most part, not halt at the Azan and used to partake in sehri up until the break of dawn.

“The fact is that in this matter, the Shariah does not advocate the halting of food and drink upon the break of dawn in the light of scientific facts and perception. Rather, food and drink should be stopped when the first light of dawn becomes manifest to the َّ َ masses. Hence, the word ‫ ت َبی َن‬also makes this matter plain. In a Hadith, it is also recorded that the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Do not stop eating and drinking at the Azan of Bilal, but instead, continue to do so until the Azan of Ibn-e-Maktum because he is blind and does not call out the Azan until people raise a hue and cry of the morning.”

Regarding the diet of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, it is said that in sehri, during Ramadan, there usually used to be

Continued from page 6

your weight each month. Structure your shopping, include nutrient dense snacks and do not shop when hungry as you are less likely to pick healthy stuff 4. Do not eat whilst watching television, playing video games, driving or while working. These behaviours do not help us build a healthy relationship with food 5. Take away temptations: Clean your refrigerator and cupboards of all unnecessary comfort foods and stock it with healthy foods like fresh vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts. These help balance the vital functions within the body 6. If you feel overwhelmed, sad or lonely,

call someone (family or friend) who can make you feel better. Distract yourself; substitute it with a healthy behaviour like taking a stroll in the park, listening to relaxing and soothing tracks, engaging in a favourite hobby or watching something pleasant 7. Engage in relaxation techniques like deep breathing meditations for ten minutes every day. Meditation helps to improve focus and mental calmness. The resulting reduction in stress will make you become more considerate and cheerful 8. Refrain from over-scheduling your day as this can lead to exhaustion, and while we are tired, we tend to overeat. Plan

when answered, should give you a basic sense of realisation about your reasons to eat 2. Food for thought: Identify emotional triggers and record them for a few days in a mood or a food journal. Rate your hunger and satiation on a 0-10 scale, and ideally, you would want to eat when your hunger is at 3-4 (mild hunger) and stop when you are at a 7-8 (comfortably full) 3. Increase your awareness by tracking what and how you eat. Keep a track of

salan [curry dish] or chicken leg and firni [Indian sweet dish] for Hazrat Ahmadas.

Huzooras would take a paratha [Indian fried bread] instead of a roti [flat bread], though he would only eat a small amount of it.

In his formative years of seclusion, he performed many spiritual exercises and meditations. At one occasion, Hazrat Ahmadas kept fasts for six consecutive months under the will of God. At iftari his food intake would merely be half a bread or even less. He also would not eat sehri and would secretly hand the food, which used to arrive from home, to less privileged individuals so that members of his household remained unaware. However, his general stance was that he disliked for his Jamaat to carry out exercises of such a nature and in its place, declared the jihad of this age to be services in relation to tabligh and the pen against the opponents of Islam.

Thus, if entertaining the notion that such a person was desirous of material pleasures is not a complete injustice, then what is?

Hafiz Nur Muhammad Sahib of Faizullah Chak narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that once during the month of Ramadan, somebody called the Azan prior to its actual time during sehri. The Promised Messiahas entered the mosque and said, “I had just raised a glass of milk to my mouth when I heard the call for Azan.

For this reason, I put down the glass at that very moment.” Someone humbly submitted, “Huzoor, there is still time to eat and drink.”

He replied, “I do not desire to partake of anything after the Azan.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, with regard to this narration, said: “I would like to add that if this narration is authentic, then Huzooras would have taken precautions for his own sake at that particular occasion. Otherwise, the practise of the Promised Messiahas was that he did not estimate the time [for the end of sehri] by the Azan but through the emergence of the break of dawn. In this regard, he would also adhere to the stance that the break of dawn should be clearly manifest as is the objective of the Quranic verse. However, it is of the scholar’s opinion that fatwa [Islamic verdict] and taqwa [righteousness] are two very different matters.”

(Taken from the compilation of narrations related to the life of the Promised Messiahas by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra in Sirat-ul-Mahdi.

Translated by Fateh Alam, UK)

your day based on priorities and do not overwork yourself. Taking breaks at home or at work helps immensely by breaking the vicious cycle of stress and fatigue If you feel self-help strategies are not helping you any longer, then it is suggested that you to see a therapist specialising in treating eating disorders or a clinical psychologist, who can help you combat the deeper reasons behind why you eat emotionally. They will teach you skills to build a healthier relationship with food. Therapy can also identify if you have an eating disorder, which might be contributing to emotional eating.

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

2014 Physics Noble Prize Evidence of divine involvement for Africa Dr Ataul Habib Khalid Lecturer in sensors and sensor systems

he 2014 Nobel Prize for physics was T awarded to three scientists in Japan and the US for the invention of blue light emitting diodes (LEDs). They are Professors Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano and Shuji Nakamura who made the first blue LEDs in the early 1990s.

It would be beneficial to non-expert readers to learn briefly about this light emitting device technology.

Gallium nitride is a semiconductor material where its electrical properties can be changed to positive and negative type i.e. p-type or n-type material. The problem was in making good p-type material that would ensure a good semiconductor device with pand n-type material to form a light emitting diode or LED. Nakamura, the inventor of this LED, not only solved the problem, but also developed an industrial process to achieve a high-power blue light emitting device. All white LEDs are in fact blue light devices with a suitable phosphorus coating that absorb the blue light and re-emit it as white light.

I was attending an international semiconductor conference in the University of California, Santa Barbara, where Professor Shuji Nakamura is a faculty member, and he gave a talk about his Noble Prize winning a year earlier in 2014. The meeting hall was full to its capacity and many people were standing patiently at the back to listen to what Nakumura had to say.

Professor Nakumura glanced over the crowded hall and said that a long time ago, he had seen similar sorts of crowded halls

when renowned researchers were present- are all now used to having these energy-saving their research on the blue light emitting ing, yet highly bright and versatile lights diodes made from a different semiconduc- everywhere, from our homes to our streets.

The white LED light, or solid state light tor material than the one he was working, gallium nitride (GaN). He said that in those source, has had a revolutionary impact that days, he would rarely see anybody in the is even visible from satellite pictures taken halls where he used to present his work because no one believed that a blue light emitting diode was possible in GaN material. So many people had tried before and failed, and as a result, all efforts and money was directed elsewhere; people were making claims but without real success.

Professor Nakumura questioned himself Lights in cities and towns are now visible from space thanks to the many times as to why white LED light he was working in an area where there was no apparent prospects by astronauts in space.

The other big impact of this invention is of success. “But then, I needed a PhD,” he added, “and it was not possible without just becoming apparent and that is how the publications. So it was easier to publish my African continent will light up to its popularesearch as there was no competition for tion across its small towns to smallest of vilgallium nitride work”, with tongue firmly in lages. With the increasing needs for lighting solutions in Africa, a consensus is now becheek!

In reality it was his perseverance and ing reached on the need to have LED lights hard work that finally delivered the desired which are environmentally safe but most blue light emitting device, which is the basis importantly, highly energy efficient and can of the white solid-state lights around us. run on solar charged batteries, hence withThe biggest impact of their work can be out the grid supplied electricity (https:// seen in the new generation of bright, ener- www.lightingafrica.org/).

The International Association of Ahmagy-efficient white lamps, as well as colour LED screens of all gadgets around us. We di Architects & Engineers (IAAAE) is an in-

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria and Humanity First collaborate in charity event Zubair Khalil Khan Director Projects in South East Europe Humanity First Germany

hmadiyya Youngsters who have come all the way from the UK, France and A Germany to study medicine in Bulgaria

were lined up for a great cause to donate their blood for the people of Bulgaria. The following day, the same youth participated in organising a charity walk and football matches by Humanity First in collaboration with the municipality of Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria.

It was a great festive ceremony in the main Plovdiv Stadium. Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat missionary, Mr JawwadUddin Affan – currently stationed in Bulgaria –initially contacted the Social Welfare Department of the municipality of Plovidv, and on behalf of Humanity First, offered to donate medical equipment required by a school taking care of children with special needs.

Director of social welfare in the municipality, Ms Vaselina Boteva, along with head of the school Ms Bateba, the mayor and the deputy mayor of Plovdiv, appreciated the humanitarian gesture and

wholeheartedly welcomed the idea.

13 April was agreed for the festive ceremony for handing over the donated equipment. Along with the donation, additional activities were also planned, which included two charity runs (800-metre and 200-metre) by male and femal adults as well as children.

An exhibition football match was also scheduled between students and professors.

Ms Boteva, the director of social welfare of Plovdiv, remained the true spirit behind the success of this humanitarian event.

Weather forecasts in Bulgaria indicated heavy rain on 13 April, which created apprehensions for the success of the event.

An urgent fax requesting the special prayers of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was sent to the UK. After two nights of heavy rainfall, on the morning prior to the start of Humanity First event, Allah showed His mercy and Kindness and clouds began to disperse. Throughout the entire programme, the sun continued to shine on us.

Amir Jamaat Germany Mr Abdullah Wagishauser, Director

Marketing Humanity First Germany Mr Stefan Haerter and Director Projects for South East Europe Mr Zubair Khan travelled from Germany to be part of this festive event.

Almost 35 Ahmadi Students currently undergoing medical studies were the most visible group to donate blood and to facilitate organisation of this event under the leadership of Mr Haseeb, recently appointed as Qaid Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Bulgaria.

In addition to Humanity First, many other humanitarian organisations including Red Cross also sponsored the event. Almost half a dozen stalls were erected to house the activities of different organisations.

Children with special needs were very happy to have received the equipment and one could see tears of joy and gratitude in their eyes. It was an historical event, the first of its kind in Bulgaria by Humanity First. Local officials expressed appreciation and recognition certificates were given to Humanity First with the hope that such activities continued in the future.

ternational organisation that has a dedicated department, Alternative Energy Committee (AEC) that is doing exactly that in Africa.

Hazrat Hafiz Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said in his tour of Africa in 1970: “I foresee – as indeed many people do now – an even richer future for you. A strange wind blows today, promising change and hope, inducing a new awareness, new enterprises, and, if I may add, pointing to new evidences of divine involvement in your destiny.” (https://www.alislam.org/library/books/Africa-Speaks.pdf) It is very interesting to see an amazing evidence in the destiny of Africa. I remember thinking about the developments in Africa – I used to wonder how it would even happen because the development of a country needs the infrastructure of communications, electrical grid for power transport and roads for human and goods transportation.

Yet, every new technological development points towards the “divine involvement” for the destiny of Africa.

The advent of mobile phones eliminated the telephony cable infrastructure and the inventions of solar electricity panels removed the need to install electrical grids to transport the power. And white LEDs have solved the lighting issue that can be sustained with the solar charged batteries.

One can now foresee the fast technological developments of electrical vehicles, land based and airborne, that will eventually solve the transportation problems in Africa!

However, the most important thing that will enable this divine destiny is the spiritual light that will change the hearts, and we know that light is shining brightly without any sunset on Africa. This light is the message of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas that is spreading all over Africa through MTA and other means – it is truly evidence of divine involvement.

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book is the eating of sehri.”

(Musnad Darimi, Baab Fazl as-Suhoor)

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Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 5 April 2019 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Men of Excellence After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

T

he first of the Companionsra that I will mention today who took part in the Battle of Badr is Hazrat Khiraashra bin Sima Ansari. Hazrat Khiraashra belonged to the Banu Jusham, a branch of the Khazraj tribe. His mother’s name was Umme Habeeb. Abdur Rahman and Aisha were among the children of Hazrat Khiraashra.

Hazrat Khiraashra participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. He sustained ten injuries on the occasion of Uhud. He was among the skilled archers of the Holy Prophetsa. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 425, khiraash bin al-Sima, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Khiraashra took Abul Aas, the son-in-law of the Holy Prophetsa, as captive and imprisoned him during the Battle of Badr. (Sirat ibn Hisham, vol. 1, p. 312, Isr Abi al-Aas ibn Rabi’ Zauj Zainab bint Rasulillah, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009) The second companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Ubaid bin Tayyihanra.

The name of Hazrat Ubaid bin Tayyihanra is also reported as Ateek bin Tayyihan. His mother’s name was Laila bint Ateek. He was the brother of Hazrat Abul Haitham bin Tayyihan. He was among the confederates of Banu Abdil Ash‘al. He participated in the Bai‘at-e-Aqabah along with 70 Ansar.

The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Masudra bin Rabee. He participated in the Battle of Badr along with his brother, Hazrat Abul Haithamra. He attained martyrdom during the Battle of Uhud. He was martyred by Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl.

However, in another narration it states that he was martyred during the Battle of Siffin whilst fighting on the side of Hazrat Alira. There exists a difference of opinion regarding this matter. In any case, the common factor in both of the narrations is that he attained the status of martyrdom.

From among his children, we particularly find mention of Hazrat Ubaidullahra and Hazrat Abbadra. According to the account of Tabari, Hazrat Abbadra also participated in the Battle of Badr, and with regard to Hazrat Ubaidullahra it states that he was martyred during the Battle of Yamama. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp.

342-343, Abul Haitham bin al-Tayyihan, Ubaid bin al-Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 153, Abbad bin Ubaid, p. 521, Ubaidullah bin Ubaid bin al-Tayyihan, p.

529, Ubaid bin al-Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003)

The next companion is Hazrat Abu Hannah Malik bin Amrra. Abu Hannah was his title, while his actual name was Malik bin Amr. Muhammad bin Umar Waqidi has counted him among those who took part in the Battle of Badr. There are varying opinions regarding his name. In some narrations, his name is reported as Aamir and also Thabit bin Numan. His title is also reported as Abu Habbah and Abu Hayyah. However, Muhammad bin Umar Waqidi states that two people are reported to have the title of Abu Habbah; one is Abu Habbah bin Ghazziyyah bin Amr and the other is Abu Habbah bin Abd Amr al-

was proficient in writing Arabic prior to his acceptance of Islam. This was at a time when writing was very uncommon among the Arabs and there were only a few people who knew how to write.

The children of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra remained in Medina. One of his sons was called Muhammad, who was born to him from his wife, Sa‘dah bint Kulaib. One of his daughters was Umm-e-Humaid, whose mother was from Yemen.

His brother, Hurais bin Zahid, was amongst the Companions of Badr. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 248, Abdullah bin Zaid al-Ansari, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut,

Ma‘azani. Neither of the two participated in the Battle of Badr. None of the participants of the Battle of Badr bore the title of “Abu Habbah”. An individual, who participated in the Battle of Badr did however bear the title of “Abu Hannah”. Due to this, he emphasises that his title was indeed Abu Hannah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 365, Abul Hannah, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 6, p. 63, Abu Habbah al-Ansari, Darul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Abdullahra bin Zaid bin Tha‘labahra.

He was known as Abdullah Bin Zaid Ansari and his title was Abu Muhammad.

His father’s name was Hazrat Zaidra Bin Tha’labah, who was also a companion of the Holy Prophetsa. He belonged to the tribe Banu Jusham from the branch of Khazraj.

He participated in the Bai‘at at Aqabah along with 70 Ansar. He participated in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq and all other battles along with the Holy Prophetsa. During the conquest of Mecca, he was carrying the flag of Banu Harith bin Khazraj. Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra

2003) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 405-406, Abdullah bin Zaid Huraith bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990) The name of one of his sisters was Quraibah bint Zaid and she was also counted amongst the female companions.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 8, pp. 271-272, Qareebatu bint Zaid, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra is that very companion, who was taught the words of the Adhan [Islamic call to prayer] in a dream. He informed the Holy Prophetsa about this, upon which the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Bilalra to call the Adhan according to the words Hazrat Abdullahra saw in the dream. This incident occurred in the first year of Hijra, after the Holy Prophetsa had constructed Masjid Nabawi.

(Al-Isti’ab fi Ma’rifatis Sahaba, Vol. 3, p.

913, Abdullah bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) Some of the details are as follows.

Hazrat Abu Umair bin Anas Ansarira was from among the Ansar. He narrates on the authority of his paternal uncles that they

said that the Holy Prophetsa deliberated as to how to gather Muslims for prayer. It was suggested to him that a flag should be hoisted at the time for prayer and when people observed it, they would inform each other. However, the Holy Prophetsa did not approve of this suggestion. The narrator says that the blowing of a horn was suggested to the Holy Prophetsa, that is to adopt the method of the Jews by blowing loudly into a horn. However, the Holy Prophetsa disliked adopting this method of the Jews as well. The narrator further says that the use of a bell was mentioned to the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa said that this was the method of the Christians.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra returned and felt anxious due to the concerns of the Holy Prophetsa. He offered supplications and says that he was subsequently shown the words of the Adhan in a dream.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra continues to narrate that he saw a person in a dream, who was holding a bell in his hand. He enquired, “O servant of God! Are you going to sell this?” The person replied, “What are you going to do with it?” I said, “We will use it to call people towards prayer.” He replied, “Shall I tell you of something that is better than this?” I said, “why not!” Hazrat Abdullah says that he then repeated the words of the Adhan: ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ‫الل ُہ أکب ُر الل ُہ أکب ُر۔ الل ُہ أکب ُر الل ُہ أکب ُر۔ أش َھد أ ْن لا اِل َہ اِلاالل ُہ۔‬ َ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ٰ ُ َ ً َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ‫أش َھد أ ْن لا اِل َہ اِلاالل ُہ۔ أش َھد أ ّن محَ ّمدا ّر ُس ْول الل ِہ۔ أش َھد أ ّن‬ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ ُ ْ ُ َّ ً َّ َ ُ ‫محمدا رسول الل ِہ۔ حي علی الصلا ِۃ۔ حي علی‬ ‫الصلا ِۃ۔ َح ّي َعلی‬ ُٰ ّ َّ َ ٰ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ َ َ​َْ َ َ َ َ َ​َْ ‫اح۔ اللہ أکبر اللہ أکبر۔ لآ اِلہ اِلااللہ‬ ِ ‫اح۔ ح ّي علی الفل‬ ِ ‫الفل‬ I will also read its translation as it will prove beneficial for children as well as for Muslim converts. We hear the Adhan daily, however, I have observed that some people are not even aware of its translation. The translation is: “Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest. (This is to be repeated twice) I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah. (This is to be repeated twice.) I bear witness that Muhammad is the Messengersa of Allah. (This is also to be repeated twice.) Come to prayer; come to prayer. Come to success; come to success.

Allah is the Greatest. (This is again to be repeated twice). There is none worthy of worship except Allah.”

He then continues to narrate that after repeating these words, this individual distanced himself somewhat from him and then said, “When you are standing, ready to

14 pray, you should say the following. He then repeated the words of the takbir [iqamah]: ً َ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ‫الل ُہ أکب ُر الل ُہ أکب ُر۔ أش َھد أ ْن لا ِإل َہ ِإلاالل ُہ۔ أش َھد أ ّن محَ ّمدا‬ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ ّ ٰ ُ ْ ُ َّ َ َ‫اح۔ قَ ْد ق‬ ‫ت‬ ‫رسول الل ِہ۔ حي علی الصلا ِۃ۔ حي علی الفل‬ ِ ‫ام‬ ِ ٰ َّ َ ٰ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ ُ َ َّ ُ َ َّ ُ‫اللّہ‬ َ َ‫اۃ۔ قَ ْد ق‬ ‫ت الصلاۃ۔ اللہ أکبر اللہ أکبر۔ لآ اِلہ اِلا‬ ‫الصل‬ ِ ‫ام‬ These are the same words of the Adhan with the addition of the words, “Qad qamat-is-Salah” i.e. “the prayer has begun; prayer has begun”. Following this, the same words of “Allah is the Greatest; Allah is the Greatest” are repeated.

Hazrat Abdullahra further says, “The next morning, I presented myself before the Holy Prophetsa and informed him of my dream. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘If Allah wills, this is a true dream. Stand with Bilal and tell him what you saw, so that he may call the Adhan according to those words, as his voice is louder than yours.’ Hence, I stood with Bilal and continued to tell him the words and he continued to call the Adhan accordingly.”

The narrator further states, “Hazrat Umar bin Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, was in his home when he heard the Adhan. He left his home, dragging along his cloth which he used as an outer garment and said, ‘O prophetsa of Allah!

I swear by Him, Who has sent you with the truth! I saw exactly what he saw in his dream.’ Hearing this, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘All praise belongs to Allah the Exalted.’” (Sunan Abi Daud, Kitab al-Salat, Bab Bad’ul Adhan, Hadith 498, Bab Kaifal Adhan, Hadith 499) In another narration, it states that the Holy Prophetsa said, “To Allah belongs all praise; this indeed is the truth.” (Jami’ al-Tirmidhi, Kitabus Salat, Bab ma Jaa’a fi Bad’il Adhan, Hadith 189) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has written further details to this account in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, using various sources of Islamic history. He writes: “Until now there was no arrangement for a call to Salat, or Adhan etc. The Companions would generally congregate in the mosque at the approximate time themselves. These state of affairs, however, were not satisfactory. Upon the construction of Masjid-e-Nabawi, the question as to how Muslims would be congregated at the appropriate time was felt even more. One Companion proposed the use of a bell, like the Christians. Someone proposed the use of a trumpet, like the Jews; and others made other suggestions. However, Hazrat Umarra proposed that an individual be appointed to announce that it was time for Salat at the appointed time. The Holy Prophetsa approved this proposal, and appointed Hazrat Bilalra to perform this duty (this was prior to the formal establishment of the Adhan). As such, after this, when the time for Salat would arrive, Hazrat Bilalra would announce in a loud voice: ٌ ُ َ َّ َ ‫ا‬ ‫لصلاۃ َجا ِم َعۃ‬ and people would congregate for the Salat.

As a matter of fact, the very same call would be made if it was necessary to congregate the Muslims in the mosque for a purpose other than the Salat as well. Sometime afterwards, the words of the current Adhan were taught to a Companion named Abdullah bin Zaid Ansarira, in a dream. He presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and mentioned

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM this dream saying, ‘I saw an individual in my dream call out such and such words as if calling the Adhan.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘This dream is from Allah,’ and instructed ‘Abdullahra to teach these words to Bilalra.

A strange coincidence was that when Bilalra called out the Adhan in these words for the very first time, upon hearing them, Hazrat Umarra made haste to the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Today, the words in which Bilalra called out the Adhan were exactly those which I also saw in my dream.’ In one narration it has also been related that when the Holy Prophetsa heard these words of the Adhan, he said, ‘Revelation has already been sent down as such.’” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 271-272) Bashir bin Muhammad relates from his father: “Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra, (i.e. the companion who saw a dream about the Adhan), offered his entire wealth in charity and nothing remained with him. The wealth they had was their only means of provisions for him and his son. When Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra handed everything to the Holy Prophetsa, his father approached the Holy Prophetsa and requested: ‘O Messengersa of Allah!

Abdullah bin Zaidra has offered his wealth towards charity. However, that wealth was serving as a means of our provisions.’ When the Holy Prophetsa heard this, he called for Abdullah bin Zaidra and stated, ‘Allah has accepted the charity that you offered.

However, return this to your parents as an endowment.’” Thus, his father states that they acquired this wealth as an inheritance and their future generations were able obtain a share from it later. (Ma‘rifatis Sahaba Li Abi Na’eem al-Asbahani, Vol. 3, p. 149, Abdullah bin Zaid…, Hadith 4172, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 2002) On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa bestowed his nails to Hazrat Abdullahra bin Zaid as a blessed gift. The details of this incident are that Muhammad, the son of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra narrates that on the occasion of Hajjat ul Wida, his father was with the Holy Prophetsa in the plain of Mina at the Manhar, i.e. the place where the sacrifices are offered.

There was another person from the Ansar who was present there as well. When the Holy Prophetsa distributed the sacrificed animals, Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra and his Ansari companion did not receive any share of the sacrifice. Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa had his hair cut and placed his hair on a piece of cloth and distributed this among the people. Then he had his nails cut and granted them to Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra and his Ansari companion. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.

406, Abdullah bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlimiyya, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Aishara narrates, “A person came to the Holy Prophetsa and requested, ‘O Messenger of Allah! By God, you are undoubtedly more beloved to me than my own self, my family and my children. I was at home thinking about you, and I could not hold myself back to the point that I just had to come and meet you and now I am looking at you. When I thought about the idea of you and I passing away, I realised that after entering paradise, you shall be

exalted along with other prophets. So I became afraid that when I enter paradise, I will not be able to find you.’ The Holy Prophetsa did not respond to this person until the angel Gabriel descended with the revelation of the following verse: َّ َ َ ٰٓ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ ّٰ َ ّٰ ُ َۡ ‫الر ُس ۡول فاول ِئک َمع ال ِذیۡ َن ان َع َم الل ُہ َعل ۡیہِ ۡم‬ ‫َو َم ۡن یّ ِط ِع اللہ و‬ ۡ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ُّ َ َ ۡ ۡ ّ ّ َ َ ّ َّ َ ّ ‫الص ِل ِحی َن‬ ‫الص ِدی ِقین و الشہدآ ِء و‬ ِ ‫ِمن الن ِب ٖین و‬ ‘And whoso obeys Allah and this Messenger of His shall be among those on whom Allah has bestowed His blessings, namely, the Prophets, the Truthful, the Martyrs, and the Righteous. And excellent companions are these.’” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.70) (Tafsir Ibn Kathir, Vol. 2, p.

311, al-Nisa: 69, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1998) We present this verse to support the argument that one can attain the status of a non-law bearing prophet through one’s devotion and subservience to the Holy Prophetsa. And through one’s complete obedience to the Holy Prophetsa, one can progress from being at the stage of righteousness to the status of a prophet. In any case, the status of a non-law bearing prophet, which can only be achieved through one’s subservience to the Holy Prophetsa, is indeed of a lofty status and God Almighty can grant this status to whomsoever He wills. Moreover, in relation to the Promised Messiah, the Holy Prophetsa himself has used the word Nabiullah i.e. that he would be a prophet of God. (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Fitan Wa Ashraat al-Saa‘ah, Bab Dhikr al-Dajjal Wa Sifatihi Wa ma Ma’ahu, Hadith 2937) For this reason, we accept the Promised Messiahas as a non-law bearing prophet who came in the complete servitude of the Holy Prophetsa. This does not cause any blemish on the finality of his prophethood.

Rather it elevates his status further, making the blessing of prophethood attainable, but only through the servitude of the Holy Prophetsa. We are not alone in holding this interpretation; previous scholars have presented it as well. For instance, Imam Raghib has also stated that a nonlaw bearing prophet can come after the Holy Prophetsa but only through complete obedience to him. (Tafsir Al-Bahrul Muheet, Vol. 3, p. 299, Al-Nisa:69, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2010) However, I have mentioned this as an additional point in light of this verse so that the matter is properly clarified.

Allama Zurqani writes that the aforementioned incident is found in various books of Quranic commentaries and records the name of Hazrat Thobanra, who was a servant of the Holy Prophetsa.

Whereas in Tafsir Yanbu’ Al Hayaat, Muqatil bin Sulaiman relates that the aforementioned incident was in relation to Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaid Al Ansarira – i.e. the companion who had seen the words of the Adhan in his dream.

However, Allama Zurqani writes that if this is the case, it is likely that both may have mentioned it to the Holy Prophetsa upon which this Quranic verse was revealed.

This particular narration has been linked to many companions of the Holy Prophet.

(Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib alDeeniyyah, Vol. 12, pp. 417-418, Khatimah, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996)

Aside from the aforementioned incident, various commentaries have also mentioned Hazrat Thoban’sra incident and what he said to the Holy Prophetsa. Its detail are as follows: Hazrat Thobanra had intense love for the Holy Prophetsa and could not bear to be away from him for too long. One day when he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa, he seemed to be greatly perturbed and looked to be in a state of great sorrow. The Holy Prophetsa enquired of the cause of why he was overcome with such a state. Hazrat Thobanra replied that he suffered from neither ailment nor disease except that he had not been able to see the Holy Prophetsa. Meaning, the only reason for this downed and distressed expression was the result of not having seen the Holy Prophetsa for such a long time.

He states: “I remained in this state until I finally met you. Similarly, when I thought of the Day of Judgment, I again was overcome with a state of fear as I realised I would not be in your blessed presence for you would have been exalted to a higher station in paradise with the other prophets. Then, even if I am granted entry into paradise, my status would be far too insignificant to yours; and if I am not granted entry, I would forever be left bereft of seeing you.”

(Tafsir al-Baghwi, Vol. 1, p. 450, Al-Nisa:69, Idarah Ta’leefaat Ashrafiyyah, Multan, Pakistan, 1424A.H.) Allama Zurqani writes that Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra was once working in his garden. (The account of Hazrat Abdullahra continues) and it states that his son came, informing him of the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. Upon this he said: ْ َ ّٰ ً َ ً َ ُ َ َٰ َ ٰ ‫الل ُھ َّم اذ ِھ ْب ب َ َص ِر ْی َح ّتی لا اری ب َ ْعد َح ِب ْی ِب ْی محَ ّمد ا َحدا‬ That is, “O Allah take from me my sight so that after the departure of my beloved Muhammadsa, I may not have to see another individual again.”

It is written in the commentary of Zurqani that after this incident, his eyesight gradually weakened until he became completely lost his sight. (Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 9, pp. 84-85, Fi Wujoob Mahabbatihi Wa Ittiba’ Sunnatihi, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) There is a difference in opinion with regard to the demise of Hazrat Abdullah bin Zaidra. Some have written that he passed away after the Battle of Uhud. However, majority have written that he took part in all battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa and passed away much later in the year 32 AH in Medina, during the caliphate of Hazrat Usmanra. Likewise, the incident regarding the loss of his eyesight – if accepted to be accurate – also points to his passing away in the time of Hazrat Usmanra at the age of 64. His funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Usmanra. (Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain Lil-Hakim, Vol. 5, p. 266, Kitab al-Fara’idh, Hadith 8187, Dar-ul-Fikr, 2001) (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.

406, Abdullah bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlimiyya, Beirut, 1990) Then, the next companion is Hazrat Muazra bin Amr bin Jamooh. He belonged to a branch of the Banu Khazraj called Banu Salma. He participated in the Second

15

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM Bai‘at at Aqabah as well as the battles of Badr and Uhud. His father, Hazrat Amrra bin Jamooh, was a companion of the Holy Prophetsa who was martyred in the Battle of Uhud. His mother’s name was Hind bint Amr. According to Musa bin Uqbah Abu Ma‘shar and Muhammad bin Amr Waqidi, his brother, Muawwiz bin Amr, also partook in the Battle of Badr. His wife’s name was Subaitah bint Amr who belonged to Banu Sa‘idah, a branch of the Banu Khazraj tribe. He had one son with her named Abdullah and a daughter named Ummamah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp. 426-427, Mu’adh bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilimiyya, Beirut, 1990) (Al-Siratun Nabawiyyah Li Ibn Kathir, p.

197, Fasl fi Ruju al-Ansar Lailat al-Aqabah al-Thania ilaa al-Medina, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlimiyya, Beirut, 2005) Hazrat Muazra participated in the second Bai‘at at Aqabah, but his father, Amr bin Jamooh, remained firm upon his idolatrous beliefs. The story of the conversion of Hazrat Muaz’s father is recorded in Sirat Ibn Hisham. About a year ago, I mentioned this incident in relation to his account. It states that when those who had participated in the second Bai‘at at Aqabah returned to Medina, they actively spread the message of Islam. There were still some elders among their people who remained firm on their polytheistic beliefs. Among these was also Amr bin Jamooh. His son, Hazrat Muaz bin Amr had participated in the second Bai‘at at Aqabah and had pledged allegiance on this occasion to the Holy Prophetsa.

Amr bin Jamooh was among the chieftains of the Banu Salma tribe and was one of their elders as well. He kept an idol carved from wood in his house, as was the practice of elders in those days. This idol was called Manat, and they would show respect to it and revere it. When some young men from the Banu Salma tribe accepted Islam, among whom was also Hazrat Muaz bin Jabl and the son of Amr bin Jamooh, i.e. Hazrat Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh (who was also among this group of youth who had converted at the second Bai’at at ‘Aqabah).

One night, these young men entered into his idol-chamber and brought back the idol, and laid it down face-first in a pit that was dug out for the Banu Salma tribe to throw their waste. The next morning, when Amr woke up, he cursed those who had taken away their idol in the night and shown enmity towards it. He then went in search of it and when he found it, he washed and cleaned it, saying, “I swear to god, if I find out who has done this to you, I will certainly ruin him.” And when the night fell and Amr would be asleep, his son would repeat the act. When morning came, Amr bin Jamooh again did the same thing, undertook the same effort to look for it and washed it, etc.

When several nights passed like this, Amr bin Jamooh removed the idol from where it had been thrown, washed it and cleaned it. Then he brought his sword and hung it around its neck, saying, “By God, I don’t know who is doing this to you. So if you have any power at all, here is a sword I leave with you. Use it to stop him.” And he placed the sword by the idol. When the sun

set and Amr went to sleep, the same youth, among whom was also his son, did the same thing to the idol. Removing the sword from around its neck, they tied the idol to a dead dog with a rope, casting it into an old well of the Banu Salma tribe which was used to dispose of waste. When Amr bin Jamooh awoke in the morning and didn’t find the idol where he had left it, he went out in search of it, until he found it lying face-first tied to a dead dog in the well.

When he witnessed this sight, the truth of his erred ways opened up to him. The Muslims of his tribe also introduced him to the teachings of Islam, and by Allah’s mercy, he became a Muslim. (Al-Siratun Nabawiyyah Li Ibn Hisham, pp. 207-208, Sanam Amr bin al-Jamooh, Dar-ul-Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009) This incident has been recorded in the Sirat of Ibn Hisham, and it also states that he said, “This idol couldn’t even do anything with a sword. What benefit could there possibly be in worshiping such a god.”

Hazrat Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh took part in the killing of Abu Jahl. It is written in Sahih Bukhari, “Salih bin Ibrahim narrates on the authority of his grandfather, Abdur Rahman bin Auf that he stated: ‘I was standing in the rows for battle on the day of Badr. When I looked to my right and left, I saw two Ansari youths standing on either side of me. At that moment, I wished that I was in between two people who were more mature and stronger. One of the youths nudged my hand and asked: “O my uncle! Do you recognise Abu Jahl?” to which I said, indeed I recognise him, why is it that you ask?” The youth replied: “I heard that he would use foul language for the Holy Prophetsa. I swear by the One in Who’s hands is my life, if I see him I will not let him out of my sight until the one who’s destined to die from among us perishes.” I was astonished by this reply. Then the other youth also tapped my hand and made the same enquiry. A short while passed when I saw Abu Jahl walking between the ranks.

I said to the youths that there was the one about whom they enquired. Immediately the two youths drew their swords and cutting the ranks pounced on Abu Jahl and killed him. They then returned to inform the Holy Prophetsa of the news. The Holy Prophetsa asked which one from among them killed him? They both laid claim to the kill. The Holy Prophetsa then asked whether they had wiped their swords after they had killed him? They replied in the negative. The Holy Prophetsa then inspected their swords and said that both of them had in fact killed him. The Holy Prophetsa then said that the spoils of war would be given to Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh. Both youth had the same name; one was Muaz bin Afraa and the other was Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Fardil Khumus, Bab Man Lam Yakhmus al-Aslab, Hadith 3141) This incident regarding Abu Jahl has been narrated before in the earlier sermons, in which it was mentioned that it was Muaz and Muawwiz. Consequently, this could lead to doubt as the latter refers to someone else. With regard to the killing of Abu Jahl, from various books of Hadith – such as the narration of Bukhari as mentioned earlier – as well as from books

of history, we learn that Hazrat Muaz bin Amr bin Jamoohra and Hazrat Muaz bin Afraara killed Abu Jahl, and Hazrat Abdullah bin Masudra severed the head of Abu Jahl. In another narration, the names of Muaz and Muawwiz are mentioned.

Nonetheless, in Bukhari there is another narration in which it is stated that Abu Jahl was killed by the two sons of Afrah, Muaz and Muawwiz, and later Hazrat Abdullah bin Masudra dealt the final blow to Abu Jahl. In the narration of Bukhari, the details are as follows: “Hazrat Anasra narrates that on the day of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Who will go to see the outcome of Abu Jahl?’ Hazrat Ibn Masud went and saw that the two sons of Afraa, Muaz and Muawwiz had attacked him with their swords to the extent that he was on the brink of death.

Ibn Masud enquired of him: ‘Are you Abu Jahl?’ and took hold of his beard. Abu Jahl then said: ‘Have you ever killed a person of greater rank?’ or perhaps he said: ‘Is there any person greater than I, who is killed at the hands of his own people?’” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Qatl Abi Jahl, Hadith 3962) Both of these narrations are found in Bukhari. In one narration both of them are named as Muaz, and in the other incident they are recorded as Muaz and Muawwiz.

Similarly, in one of the narrations they are stated as two brothers, but in the other narration the two youths are not related.

With regard to how one can reconcile both of these narrations in relation to the killing of Abu Jahl, Hazrat Syed Zainul Abideen Waliullah Shah Sahibra writes: “According to some narrations, the two sons of Afraa, Muaz and Muawwiz, attacked Abu Jahl to the extent that he was on the brink of death. After this Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud severed his head.

Imam Ibn Hajr has stated, ‘After Muaz bin Amr and Muaz bin Afraa attacked Abu Jahl, Muawwiz must have attacked him as well.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 5, p. 491, Hashiyah, Urdu Tarjumah, Nazarat Isha’at, Rabwah) For this reason, in one of the narrations there is mention of two brothers and in other narration, there is mention of two different youths who are not related.

In the commentary of Fath-ul-Bari, it is written that perhaps all three of them attacked Abu Jahl.

Allama Badruddin Aini writes regarding the death of Abu Jahl: “Abu Jahl was killed by Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh, Muaz bin Afrah and Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud. Hazrat Abdullah bin Masudra was the one who then brought the severed head and presented it to the Holy Prophetsa.” (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 17, p. 120, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 2003) He further writes: “In Sahih Muslim it is written that Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh and Muaz bin Afraa killed Abu Jahl. Muaz bin Afraa’s father was Harith bin Rifa‘ah and his mother’s name was Afraa, who was the daughter of Ubaid bin Tha‘labah Najjaria.”

Similarly, in Bukhari, Kitabul Jihad, Bab Man Lam Yukhamis Al-Aslaab, it is written, “Hazrat Muaz bin Amr cut the leg of Abu Jahl, as a result of which he fell down.

Subsequently, Muawwiz also launched an

attack and left him on the ground. When Abu Jahl had little life left in him, Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud dealt him the final blow, severing his head.”

He further writes: “If one questions the reason why all these events needed to be mentioned together, then I would say that perhaps they all had a hand in the killing of Abu Jahl.” (Umdatul Qari, Vol. 17, pp. 121-122, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut, 2003) According to one narration of Zurqani, when Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud found Abu Jahl, he was on the brink of death.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud put his leg on Abu Jahl’s neck and said: “O enemy of God! God Almighty has humiliated you!” Abu Jahl replied arrogantly: “I have not been humiliated! Have you ever killed a person greater than myself?” Meaning that he did not feel any humiliation and then asked who had been victorious in the battle.

Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud replied that God and His Messengersa were victorious.

According to another narration, it is stated that Abu Jahl said: “I was his [i.e. Muhammad’ssa] enemy all his life, and even today, my enmity has not subsided in the slightest.” Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud then severed his head and brought it to the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa said, “Just as I am the most beloved and revered of God from among all the prophets and my people are the most honourable from all other nations, similarly, Abu Jahl is the most severe and violent Pharaoh of all those who had pharaoh like traits.” For this reason, it is stated in the Holy Quran: ٰ َ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ ۤ َ ٰۤ ٰ ۤ َّ َّ ٰ ۤ َ ٗ َّ َ ُ ۡ ‫َح ّتی اِذا اد َرکہ الغ َرق ۙ قال ا َم ۡنت انہ لا اِل َہ اِلا ال ِذ ۡی ا َم َنت‬ ۤ َ ‫بِ ٖہ ب َ ُن ۡوا ا ِۡس َرآءِیۡل‬ Meaning, “Till, when the calamity of drowning overtook him, he said, ‘I believe that there is no God but He in Whom the children of Israel believe”’ (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V.91) Thus, the Pharaoh of that era was the gravest in terms of enmity and disbelief, and this is evident from the last words of Abu Jahl.

Aside from this, in another narration it is stated that when the Holy Prophetsa received news of the death of Abu Jahl and saw his head, he said: ُ َّ ٰ َ َّ ّ ٰ َ ‫الل ُہ ال ِذ ْی لآاِل َہ اِلا ھ َو‬ “There is no God but Allah,” Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa repeated three times: َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ ّ َ َ ْ َّ ّ ٰ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ‫ام َوأھل ٗہ‬ ‫الحمد لِل ِہ ال ِذی أعز ال ِاسل‬ “All Praise is due to Allah, Who honoured Islam and its followers.” Another narration states that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Every nation has a Pharoah. In this era, the pharaoh was Abu Jahl, who God Almighty destroyed in a terrible manner.”

(Sharh Zurqani Alaa al-Mawahib alDeeniyyah, Vol. 2, pp. 297-298, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) Hazrat Muaz bin Amr bin Jamoohra passed away during the Caliphate of Hazrat Usmanra. (Al-Isaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 114, Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyya, Beirut, 1995) Khalifa bin Khiyaat states, “On the day of the Battle of Badr, Muaz bin Amr

16 bin Jamooh suffered a wound as a result of which he remained unwell until the caliphate of Hazrat Uthmanra. He passed away in Medina. Hazrat Usmanra led his funeral prayer and buried him in Jannatul Baqi.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Muaz bin Amr bin Jamooh was an exceptional individual.”

(Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain Lil-Hakim, Vol. 4, pp. 140-141, Dhikr Manaqib Mu’adh bin Amr bin al-Jamooh, Hadith 5895-5897, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002) May God Almighty shower His endless mercy on all those who immersed themselves in the love of God and His beloved, and attained their pleasure.

After the Friday prayers, I will lead a funeral prayer in absentia of respected Malik Sultan Harun Khan Sahib, who passed away on 27 March in Islamabad.

Inna Lillah Wa Inna Ilahi Rajioon.

His eldest son is the son-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, married to his youngest daughter. Malik Sultan Harun Sahib was a born Ahmadi and his father’s name was Col Malik Sultan Muhammad Khan Sahib, who did Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra in 1923 at the age of 23. At the time, he was the only Ahmadi in his family. Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra himself arranged his marriage with respected Aishah Siddiqa Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Siyal Sahib.

He belonged to a very honourable and noble family of the Punjab. Malik Amir Muhammad Khan, who was the Governor of West Pakistan and was famously known by the title of Nawab Kalabagh, was the paternal cousin of Malik Sultan Harun Khan Sahib’s father, i.e. Col Malik Sultan Muhammad Sahib. His grandfather was Malik Sultan Surakh Ruh Khan and in those days, India and Pakistan were a colony of the British Empire, however, owing to his status of Nawab, he was held in high regard by them. Four years after the Bai‘at of his son, Malik Sultan Muhammad Khan Sahib also had the honour of accepting Ahmadiyyat. Despite heavily immersed in worldly endeavours, he had an inclination towards faith and due to this, God Almighty blessed him with the opportunity to accept Ahmadiyyat.

Sultan Harun Khan Sahib was married to Sabiha Hamid Sahiba, daughter of Chaudhry Abdul Hameed Sahib, who was a General Manager at WAPDA. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh led their Nikah and during the Nikah sermon, regarding Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Siyal Sahib who was a pioneer missionary in England, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh stated: “Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Siyal was a well-respected elder of mine, and I am indeed indebted to him for his kindness.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further stated, “At a young age, while still inexperienced, he would take me along with him and provided me with many opportunities to enhance my experience.

My affinity for those living in rural areas which was concealed in my heart was able to be manifested through the opportunities I received by staying with Chaudhry Fateh

Friday 3 May 2019 | AL HAKAM Muhammad Siyal.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further stated, “Even now, when a simple villager meets me, I enjoy the frank and straightforward conversation far greater than if I were to have a conversation with someone from the city. This is because those living in the cities have a habit of employing many formalities in their style of speech and thus owing to this habit of theirs, I also naturally start conversing with them in a similar way.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further states, “Nevertheless, today I shall lead the Nikah ceremony of the grandson of this benevolent elder of mine, Malik Sultan Harun Khan, son of Col Sultan Muhammad Khan.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh further stated, “Members should pray that just as our elders selflessly and with great sincerity served the religion of God, may this same passion to serve the faith and the spirit of sacrifice continue extraordinarily in their progeny.” (Khutbat-e-Nasir, Vol. 10, pp.

437-440) By mentioning this again today at the occasion of his funeral, I pray that may God Almighty enable Malik Harun Sahib’s progeny to not only maintain a relationship with Ahmadiyyat and Khilafat, but further strengthen it. The deceased has three sons and three daughters, and as I mentioned his eldest son, Sultan Muhammad Khan is the son-in-law of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Malik Harun Sahib took great care of the poor and needy of the local area. In particular, he treated those women who had genuine needs with great kindness.

The women also mentioned that while Malik Sahib was alive, they felt very safe in their area, but now, after his demise, they have become more fearful. There is a lot of hostility and enmity in the area of Attock and the poor are neglected of their rights, but despite being a landowner and an influential individual of the area, he took great care of the poor. Sultan Harun Khan Sahib’s sister, Rashida Siyal Sahiba, who resides in Canada says, “My brother, Sultan Harun Khan Sahib, possessed many qualities. He had a great sense of honour for Ahmadiyyat and was willing to sacrifice his life for the institution of Khilafat.

He was a truly loyal to his friends and courageous in the face of the enemy. He supported the poor and needy.” She further states, “Once, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh wrote a letter to me stating, ‘Your father, Col Sultan Muhammad Khan Sahib, was like an unsheathed sword for Ahmadiyyat, and your brothers share the same quality.’”

Once, there was a lot of hostility in that area. On the one hand, there would be a lot of enmity over land and wealth, but moreover, they had to endure far greater hostility owing to them being Ahmadi. She writes, “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh said, ‘Bullets will be fired but they will pass over your head and Insha-Allah nothing will happen to you.’” She writes, “They witnessed how the words of the third Khalifa proved to be true. In 1977, an attempt was made to assassinate Malik Sultan Harun Sahib at the Fatah Jang Police Station and shots

َّ ّٰ ُ َ َّ ‫الﺸ ْﻴ َﻄ‬ ‫ﻴم‬ ‫أ ُعوذ ِبالل ِه ِم َن‬ ِ ِ ‫ان الر ِﺟ‬ َّ َ ْ َّ ّٰ ْ ‫ﻴم‬ ِ ‫ِبس ِم الل ِه الرحم ٰـ ِن الر ِح‬

َ َْ َ ْ ْ َ َ َّ َّ ‫الﺼ�َاة تن َھ ٰی َع ِن الﻔ ْحﺸا ِء َوال ُمن� ِر‬ ‫ِإن‬ “Surely, Prayer restrains one from indecency and manifest evil.”

(Surah al-Ankabut, Ch.29: V.46)

were fired at him, but the bullets passed just over the hair of his head and he did not even sustain a scratch. Thus, God Almighty protected him in a miraculous manner. He was extremely generous towards the poor and greatly supported those who were helpless and weak.”

His elder brother, Malik Sultan Rashid Khan Sahib, states, “After the demise of our father, Malik Sultan Harun Sahib was the head of our family. Despite all my efforts, he would always excel ahead of me when it came to serving the Jamaat. He was a true and ardent devotee of the Promised Messiahas and for Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat.

After the events of 1974, a high-ranked officer once asked him in front of me about the state of his faith in Khilafat and he responded in Punjabi that it was like metal, i.e. his faith in Khilafat was as strong as steel. During the migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he had the opportunity to accompany him in the travel up to Karachi.”

Rashid Sahib further writes, “In some of the letters which I have kept preserved of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he mentioned that he was a valiant soldier of Ahmadiyyat and an unsheathed sword in his love and honour for Ahmadiyyat.”

Rashid Sahib further writes, “As far as his Nawafil [voluntary prayers] during the night and bond with the Holy Quran is concerned, very few people will know because he never spoke about this.

However, in both aspects he was very regular. Perhaps I too would not have come to know of this had I not shared the same room with him for four months during my severe illness in 2016. During those days, it was extremely difficult for me to stand up and sit down and he stayed with me in the same room in order to take care of me. It was during that time I witnessed him reciting the Holy Quran and offering Nawafil.”

He states, “I asked him to appoint a

few people to look after me instead of him looking after me, but he asked what the need was for employing anyone else when he was there.”

Rashid Sahib further writes, “He was a very caring person. Through many efforts, he built 9-10 schools. If ever a time came when he did not have enough funds to pay for the construction of the school, he himself would work alongside the labourers and would say to them that he was doing more work than them. He never entertained the thought that he was a son of a Nawab or that he was a landowner.”

His daughter, Mahmooda Sultana Kashif Sahiba, writes, “My father’s love and loyalty for Khilafat is not hidden from anyone. Right from my birth, my father always taught us to always place our faith in God Almighty and to pray to Him in all of our dealings and that nothing can be achieved without prayer. He had great trust in God Almighty and was an extremely courageous and brave man. He did not fear anyone expect God Almighty. He was always ready to serve mankind.”

Similarly, his son, Sultan Muhammad Khan, writes, “My father did a lot of social work. He built 8 schools and helped construct another two and also donated some land for the use of two graveyards. He gave land for 8 schools to be built. He gave numerous poor people jobs and helped them.”

May God Almighty grant him His mercy and forgiveness and enable his progeny to continue his good deeds and remain attached with the Jamaat and Khilafat. As I mentioned, I shall lead the funeral prayer in absentia after the Friday Prayers.

(Translated by The Review of Religions) (Originally published in Al Fazl International, 26 April 2019)

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