Al Hakam - 12 July 2019

“Ahmadiyyat changed my life” New converts attend mulaqat with Huzoor

Responsibilities of Ahmadi parents in the West Huzoor addresses ladies at Germany Jalsa

“Eternal blue skies of peace and prosperity” Huzoor speaks to external guests at Jalsa Germany

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Introduce to the world your Prophet, the most excellent example Huzoor delivers concluding address at Germany Jalsa

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 12 July 2019 | Issue LXIX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Return to Islamabad after successful Germany Jalsa On 9 July, after a successful tour of Germany, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived back at Islamabad, Tilford at about 20:45 local time.

Huzoor’saa journey back to the Markaz from Frankfurt started at around 10:30am German time. Hundreds of Ahmadis had gathered to bid farewell to their Imam after his week-long tour where he blessed the 44th Jalsa Salana of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Germany.

The Jalsa Salana had concluded with Huzoor’saa address on Sunday afternoon.

Straight after the concluding session, new converts were given an audience by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa – men and women had an exclusive opportunity to speak directly to their Imam whom they had pledged allegiance to a couple of hours earlier.

After these two sessions (the report of which is included in this issue), Huzooraa departed from Messe Karlsruhe – the Germany Jalsa Gah – heading back to Baitus-Subuh. Huzooraa arrived at Baitus-Subuh at 22:16 local time and was welcomed by hundreds of Ahmadis that had flocked back from Karlsruhe to see

their Imam once more in Frankfurt.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa led the Maghrib and Isha prayers before retiring for the day.

The following day – Monday, 8 July – was heavily occupied with foreign

delegations having meetings with Huzooraa. The delegations that saw Huzoor on this day were from Estonia, Russian states, Indonesia, Georgia, Albania, Latvia, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Malta, Azerbaijan, Continued on page 2

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

Obey Allah and His Messenger Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever obeys me, obeys Allah, and whoever disobeys me, disobeys Allah.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The Holy Quran is a perfect guidance One benefit of this is that the Holy Quran possesses within itself every necessary teaching. Its tenets are more than sufficient to uproot every false doctrine or ill teaching that could possibly exist in the world. This is the deep wisdom and power of Allah the Exalted.

Since this perfect book was destined to bring about perfect reformation, it was necessary for spiritual disease to be at its peak at the time and place of its revelation as well. This was so that a perfect remedy could be provided for each and every malady. As such, this peninsula was home to ailing people of all sorts, who suffered from every spiritual illness that was to afflict the people of that age or those of future generations.

This is why the Quran brought all religious law to its perfection.

At the time of the revelation of other books, neither was this needed, nor did they possess such a perfect teaching.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 37-38)

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Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

Turkey, Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia, Macedonia, Kosovo and Africa.

The next morning – on Tuesday, 9 July – Huzooraa departed from Frankfurt and arrived at Islamabad, Tilford where Ahmadis eagerly awaited their Imamaa to be among them once again. Huzooraa later led the Maghrib and Isha prayers at the Mubarak Mosque.

Details of this tour and Jalsa Salana Germany are spread over this issue.

This year, at Germany’s Jalsa Salana, Al Hakam had the opportunity to report live updates from Karlsruhe during the Jalsa on the Al Hakam website and app. Our readers have been sending us very encouraging feedback on the Al Hakam Jalsa updates.

We intend to do the same at Jalsa Salana UK, Insha-Allah, and request our readers to remember the Al Hakam team in their prayers.

This Week in History 12 - 18 July

12 July 1915: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra returned to Qadian from Lahore.

12 July 1920: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra issued a special message for members of the Jamaat; he had instructed them to send their children to study in Madrassa Ahmadiyya whilst also drawing their attention to make sacrifices so that the financial needs of the school could be met without any inconvenience.

12 July 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra sent Shahzada Abdul Majeed Khan Sahib to Iran with the aim of establishing a mission. He was accompanied by Maulvi Zahur Hussain Sahib and Muhammad Amin Khan Sahib. Both were assigned the task of spreading the message of peace in the Bukhara region. On the same day, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra also set out for his tour of Europe, the first journey of a Khalifa outside of the Indian subcontinent.

12 July 1931: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra services for the Kashmir cause are an unforgettable chapter in history. On this date, Huzoorra sent a telegraph to the Viceroy of India; the message was to draw his attention towards the dire situation occurring in Kashmir. Huzoorra also dispatched a lawyer to provide help to those who were in need. He also donated a large amount of money for financial needs. On 16 July, Huzoor’sra third article related to the prevailing situation in Kashmir was published, the article cautioned the concerning authorities. On 18 July, a special session was held in Qadian to record the protest about the atrocities being committed on Kashmiri Muslims. Unfortunately, the transgressions and violations against the innocent remained prolonged. On 25 July, almost all political parties and noteworthy leaders held a special summit. During this, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was unanimously and repeatedly asked to lead the Kashmir cause as president of the All

India Kashmir Committee.

12 July 1935: The Saudi Crown Prince visited the Fazl Mosque in London and a reception was arranged to welcome him.

12 July 1937: Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Wahid Samatri Sahib laid the foundation stone of the Ahmadiyya mosque in Java.

12 July 1948: Hazrat Syed Azizullah Shah Sahib passed away. He was the father of Hazrat Syeda Mehr Apa, son of Hazrat Syed Abdul Sattar Shahra and the maternal uncle of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. 13 July 1952: An all-party convention was arranged in Barkat Ali Muhammadan Hall, Lahore and was attended by more than 700 delegates from all prominent religious sects and schools of thoughts across the country. The attendees had come to support the demands of the Ahrar party against the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

They also decided to contribute towards the false propaganda against the Jamaat. So, as expected, hate and agitation against Ahmadis across the country increased. However, educated and civilised people and communities in Pakistan expressed their displeasure and fear concerning damaging outcomes if these hate-mongers remained at large. These religious fanatics also demanded the banning and removal of all the religious literature by prominent personalities that was used by Ahmadi Muslims in support of their arguments during debates.

14 July 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was on tour in Europe to attend the Wembley Conference. On this date, Huzoorra was travelling and Eid-ul-Adha approached. Huzoorra delivered the Eid prayer to his entourage members.

15 July 1909: The Promised Messiahas foretold the upcoming political turmoil and disorder in

Iran. The world witnessed the first manifestation of this prophecy on this very date; the Iranian Monarch was besieged by rebels and compelled to take refuge in the Russian embassy and later to be overthrown by the rebels.

15 July 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra embarked on his journey to Europe from Bombay Port by ship. On this occasion, Huzoorra also sent a telegraph, full of love and affection, to the members of the Jamaat.

16 July 1919: Hazrat Hafiz Muinuddinra passed away. This fortunate companion had joined the company of the Promised Messiahas at a very young age.

16 July 1925: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra invited scholars from the Deobandi school of thought for a decisive debate concerning the commentary of the Holy Quran.

17 July 1952: Owing to the ongoing troubles of law and order for Ahmadi Muslims in the country, a delegation from the Jamaat had a detailed meeting with the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Khawaja Nazimuddin in Karachi (the then capital city of Pakistan) to brief him about the Ahmadiyya concerns.

18 July 1908: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira instructed to compile a new list of Jamaat members so that the published literature of the Jamaat could be distributed in a better manner.

18 July 1835: Al Fazl published an article by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra written in refutation to the demand of Allama Muhammad Iqbal that Ahmadis should be declared as a non-Muslim minority sect. Huzoor’sra powerful and logical arguments had an impact and drew a clear message for religious and political spheres.

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Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

Jalsa Germany duties inspection and inauguration

Karlsruhe, 4 July: The tradition of Jalsa Salana facilities being inspected by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was upheld once again earlier this evening.

Amirul Momineen, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa graciously examined the entire Jalsa Germany facilities, guiding the organisers in various matters.

Jalsa Salana Germany to inspect the entire Jalsa site.

Huzooraa and his entourage walked through part of the Jalsa site’s main corridor – the corridor that works as the main vein of the Germany Jalsa Gah and who many of us are now familiar with – after which the entourage headed towards

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa donating money at the Humanity First stand

Huzooraa arrived at the Messe Karlsruhe – the German Jalsa Gah – a few minutes past 8pm. A short while after his arrival, Huzooraa was received by Amir Sahib Germany, Afsar Jalsa Salana, Afsar Jalsa Gah and other officials of the 44th

the Langar Khana area via cars.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa thoroughly inspected the kitchen and met with the cooks, enquiring about the quality of meat, vegetables and food in general. Thereafter, Huzooraa examined the kitchen stores.

Adjacent to the Langar area are private tents where families have temporarily settled to reside for the duration of the 3-day event. Here, Huzooraa passed through the crowd of dwellers who were buzzing with excitement. Huzooraa ensured that they were being looked after and were being provided with the best facilities possible in a makeshift arrangement like Jalsa Salana. One fortunate family was that of Muhammad Bashir Sahib of Darmstadt whose tent Huzooraa blessed with his footsteps and thorough examination.

After visiting the Lajna side of the Jalsa site, which has an equal amount of preparation and effort behind it as the men’s side, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa visited MTA International’s Germany Studios, which had just about finished setting up their makeshift Jalsa studios. Next to the studios, this year, is a marquee housing MTA offices, editing suites and graphics studios – a makeshift facility where all material to be shown on MTA during the course of the three days is being prepared. Huzooraa visited the part allocated for MTA operations and inspected the facilities where MTA staff will be working day and night to bring viewers as close to the Jalsa atmosphere as possible. This marquee was also blessed by the footsteps of Huzooraa.

During Huzoor’saa short stay in the

MTA compound, the workers of MTA could be seen energised with the presence of their blessed Imamaa; the energy that every Jalsa worker thrives upon for the days and nights that demand an energetic drive to sail through.

From the MTA compound, Huzooraa walked to the adjacent plot where marquees have been set up for exhibitions, book stalls and other hubs of various Jamaat departments, for example, Jamia Ahmadiyya, Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya, Al Fazl International, Rishta Nata, Waqf-e-Arzi, IAAAE and Humanity First. At the Humanity First exhibition, Huzoor’saa keen interest in charitable activities was evident from the amount of time he spent at their marquee. It is, after all, under Huzoor’saaguidance that all humanitarian projects take place through Humanity First.

As Huzooraa walked throughout the Jalsa site, scores of devoted Ahmadis flocked on either side to catch a glimpse of their beloved Imamaa and raised slogans of “Allahu-Akbar”, invigorating the entire atmosphere.

This inspection of the Jalsa site was followed by Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa address which he delivered in the main Jalsa Gah to those on duty.

After the recitation of Surah alBaqarah, verses 149-151 and its Deutsch and Urdu translations, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed the duty holders.

After tashahud and ta’awuz, Huzooraa said that many weeks, or months rather, prior to the Jalsa Salana, work commences on this convention. The larger Jamaats are fortunate that in a short period of time, it is possible through their efforts to achieve huge tasks. Huzooraa said that within 36 hours the Jalsa Gah was prepared – something that had initially worried Afsar Jalsa Gah. Huzooraa said that this was achieved very successfully and this was a result of our Ahmadis having exceptional qualities like jinns.

Another blessing upon Ahmadi volunteers is that Allah blesses them and He enables them out of His sheer grace to overcome all hurdles.

Huzooraa prayed that Allah helped all workers and volunteers in the Jalsa period and thereafter, during the wind-up phase.

During these days, Huzooraa said, it is incumbent to remember that duties should not be taken to compensate for prayers.

All prayers should be said on time.

Aside from this, Huzooraa reminded everyone to treat others in a decent fashion and display an excellent conduct, no matter the department; this is for both men and women. Irrespective of the fatigue workers may experience, everyone should display the best conduct towards others.

After these words, Huzooraa led the congregation in silent prayer, before heading back to his residence in preparation for Maghrib and Isha prayers.

We remind our readers that this inspection by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa formally inaugurates the Jalsa duties. All those blessed with the honour of serving in any capacity at this year’s Jalsa were present to listen to the address.

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

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“My philosophy is, if women work outside the shade of men, they flourish better” Huzoor speaks to German press Karlsruhe, 5 July: Immediately after the Jumuah prayer, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa made his way for a meeting with press representatives who had questions to ask on social issues related to Islam.

The first question asked was with regard to Huzoor’saa message at Jalsa Salana. Huzooraaexplained that the purpose behind the event is for the spiritual level of members of the community to improve and for them to fulfil their responsibilities towards their Creator and fellow beings.

Another press representative asked why Islamophobia existed.

Huzooraa replied that we should understand the real reason behind this hostility towards Islam. Huzooraa explained that there is a very small percentage who feel threatened by Islam.

There are two groups: one who, in the name of Islam create unrest and violence, while there is the other group who, again in the name of Islam, promotes peace and love.

Disturbances by extremists are the fault of the very extremists. If one cannot find anything wrong with the teachings of Islam, then there can be no Islamophobia.

Huzooraa then advised to look at countries such as USA where thousands of people are killed too frequently. Huzooraa said that American civilians are responsible for those

instances and asked why such people are not considered a similar sort of threat? Thus, we should not brand these actions in the name of Islam, even if they are committed in the name of Islam.

After that, a brief question was posed to Huzooraa about his message to the world through this Jalsa. Huzooraa said that he had already alluded to this in his Friday Sermon: we should discharge our responsibilities to God and our fellow beings and live peaceably across the world.

A question was then asked in Bosnian, which was translated for Huzooraa; Why do Europeans feel threatened and insecure by immigrants. Huzooraa said that such a question should actually be asked to those who feel threatened. If Europeans feel threatened, then, Huzooraa explained, it is because of the growth of certain communities which results in locals having many apprehensions. Huzooraa went on to clarify that religion never spreads through immigration. If values are kept in tact, then

there should be no threat felt by anyone.

A lady asked about the role of women in the community, to which Huzooraa responded that we must, as Muslims, follow the teachings of Islam, the Holy Book and the sayings of the Prophetsa.

If we do not, then this would be deviating from the actual purpose of our religion. It is an established fact that only a century ago, rights were not given to women in the West. It was Islam that offered rights for divorce, the freedom in choosing a life partner and other such privileges over a thousand years ago.

Huzooraa added that the following day, the ladies would be holding their session in which ladies would offer speeches and that he would also be addressing them in their hall. Their side of Jalsa Salana has an equal amount of effort and preparation behind it and the same facilities and amenities. The journalist who asked this question was accompanied by a German Ahmadi lady, Khola Hübsch Sahiba. Huzooraa told the journalist that her host speaks much better than many of the men of the community.

Huzooraa added at the end, “My philosophy is, if women work outside the shade of men, they flourish better.”

This brought the press conference to a close.

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

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“We never withdraw our hand of friendship” Foreign delegations meet Huzoor in Karlsruhe Karlsruhe, 5 July: Three foreign delegations today got the opportunity to have audience with Huzooraa. The first delegation to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was from Senegal; government officials were accompanied by the missionary of Senegal and their local mualims.

One of the government officials who supervises hospitals in a region of Senegal expressed his gratitude to Huzooraa for the Jamaat’s contribution in providing healthcare facilities in their country.

The two government officials expressed that they were overawed to listen to Huzoor’s Friday Sermon and that it had a deep effect on them. They expressed their desire to one day join the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. Huzooraa advised them that it is only purity of heart that leads to true faith.

One of the guests said that a region had discovered petroleum fields. Huzooraa said that he had been informing world leaders of such circumstances before and reminded that everyone has a right over such resources and not just a specific circle of society.

Many of the guests said that they agreed with everything Huzooraa had said earlier in his Friday Sermon.

Another guest, an imam of a large mosque in the country, expressed his gratitude for the invitation to Jalsa Salana, after which he mentioned that he would like to visit Huzooraa in the UK. Huzooraa said that he would be welcome at any time to stay as the Jamaat’s guest.

Towards the end, Huzooraa said, “We never withdraw our hand of friendship. We hope that you too will not.”

Both the gentlemen said, in a very affirmative tone, that they too would not withdraw their hand of friendship.

Huzooraa prayed for their wellbeing after which they requested a photograph with Huzoor.

The next delegation to see Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa this evening was from Mayotte. After a brief introduction to the guests by Usama Joya Sahib, Missionary of Mayotte, one of the guests, who is a lawyer, said that he had the desire to build a library in collaboration with the Jamaat.

Huzooraa explained that by looking at the large halls and great hospitality, he should not think that we are a rich community as we are not. All this becomes possible through the funding of members of the Jamaat and Allah’s grace.

The gentleman expressed his desire to help regardless of funds, to which Huzooraa said that he was more than

welcome to help, but he should be aware that the orthodox Muslims of the area would not take kindly to his relationship with our Jamaat, even though we would of course appreciate the help. The gentleman was adamant to be of any help whatever the reaction.

Another gentleman who is the first in his family to accept Islam Ahmadiyyat said that he had to go through many hardships after accepting Ahmadiyyat, but at the same time, he had witnessed Allah’s blessings in abundance; he got married, his economic condition improved, he was blessed with a child and all this, he said, was only to mention a few.

The next and last delegation to have an audience with Huzooraa this evening was from Lithuania. This was a large group, but many of them got the opportunity to speak to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa on various matters and seek guidance.

A member of the delegation asked Huzooraa how he had felt when he became Khalifa. Huzoor replied that it was as if a heavy burden had fallen upon his shoulders.

Another member – an author – expressed his desire to write about the institution of Jalsa Salana. Huzooraa advised that it would be better that he wrote about the peaceful teachings of Islam.

A Christian lady mentioned that she was aware of the beliefs of many religions and was particularly interested in the purification of the soul. She wanted to know Huzoor’s views on the topic.

Huzooraa explained that every religion has its own concepts in this regard, but we should all pray that Allah keeps us on the right path. Once one is conscious that God watches every deed of ours, one tends to lead their life in the best possible way.

This automatically leads to the purification of the soul.

Another gentleman, from Azerbaijan, requested for prayers and enquired when Huzooraa intended to visit their land.

Huzoor said that they should pray that this becomes possible soon and also advised that they should plan for such an event and formally send out an invitation so that plans could be made accordingly. The gentleman happily agreed to do whatever was in his capacity.

Another delegate told Huzooraa that he worked for the state education department.

He mentioned that they worked on schools working in collaboration within the country and was willing to extend this countrywide scheme to an international scale. Huzooraa instructed the missionary

Photo courtesy of The Review of Religions

to look into the matter and discuss the feasibility with the Markaz.

A lady was eager to know how Huzooraa finds time to fulfil his personal interests and hobbies. Huzooraa replied, “My hobby is the work that I do for the Jamaat.”

A young man enquired why Islam seemed more attractive than Christianity.

Huzooraa explained that all prophets were from Allah the Almighty and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was also from Allah.

It was through him that the last book of

God, the Holy Quran, was revealed for the welfare of mankind. Huzooraa said that since there is no coercion in religion, anyone is welcome to accept Islam, but whosoever does not, it is a matter of their own choice.

Some members wanted to know about the basic teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Huzooraa very lovingly stated briefly the magnificent teachings in the most appealing manner.

After each mulaqat, Huzooraa graciously permitted photographs with him.

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

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Responsibilities of Ahmadi parents in the West Huzoor addresses ladies at Germany Jalsa

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

Karlsruhe, 6 July: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa presided over the session at the ladies Jalsa Gah at 11:00 GMT, delivering an insightful address on the responsibilities of Ahmadi men and women in light of the Holy Quran.

The programme was initiated with the recitation of the Holy Quran – verses 12-15 of Surah al-Hujurat – with Urdu translation. A poem written by the Promised Messiahas was then recited, following which Huzooraa handed out awards to exemplarily academic achievers.

After tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah alFatihah, Huzooraa recited verses from Surah al-Nahl that highlighted the equal reward for both women and men if they carry out good deeds.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that the Holy Quran sets out separate responsibilities for men and women.

One example is the offering of Salat in congregation that is compulsory upon men and not for women. Accordingly, Huzooraa explained that if women were to offer their prayers at home whilst also taking care of their home, then according to the Holy Prophetsa , they will attain the same blessing and reward as a man who offers his Salat in the mosque. Huzooraa said that Islam has stressed that each person, man and woman, will be granted reward according to their own intentions and responsibilities.

Huzooraa explained that Islam wants men and women to carry out deeds for the pleasure of Allah. He spoke of those who raise allegations against Islam saying that it does not deliver equal rights to women as

compared to men. This verse of the Holy Quran presents the answer and nullifies their objection. Those who ponder over whether or not Islam grants women rights are not aware of the beautiful teachings of Islam.

Huzooraa exhorted that every woman and man in the Jamaat should remember that we must adopt the teachings of Islam whilst not being affected by those who are away from religion; we must prove that Ahmadis follow the truth. We must act upon the commandments of Allah; if we do this, then we will gain the pleasure of Allah.

Speaking of various events, Huzooraa stressed that no matter how many tarbiyati classes, Jalsas or events take place, they are useless unless good aspects are adopted forever within our lives; temporary actions are not enough. Huzooraa reminded the congregation that our knowledge and insight is void unless we act upon the instructions of Allah the Almighty.

Discussing the passage of the Holy Quran that states “And give glad tidings to the believers”, Huzooraa said that both men and women are addressed and the first trait mentioned by Allah after this is that “they seek forgiveness”. Regarding seeking forgiveness, Huzooraa presented a saying of the Promised Messiahas in which he said that true forgiveness is such that if one is even thrown into a fire, they will not commit sin.

Istighfar [seeking forgiveness] is essential to protect oneself from modern day ills that are encompassing society today.

During the address, it was explained that people are so engrossed in the world today

that their hearts have become perverse and rust has developed whilst the light of religion has been lost. If one desires to be protected from this, then believers must continuously occupy themselves in istighfar and make a special effort; this cannot happen without the grace of Allah.

Huzooraa explained that after speaking of seeking forgiveness, Allah points towards the need for worship; the most important being Salat.

Women must pay special attention in establishing the habit of offering Salat within their children. Huzooraa said that fathers also have a strong effect upon their children, especially boys, therefore fathers also have a responsibility.

Mothers who themselves offer prayers and exert effort in the righteous upbringing of their children will gain the blessings of Allah. Huzooraa said that some children, due to the example of their fathers, are ruined. However, it is observed that through the tarbiyat and prayers of mothers, they revert back. Thus mothers have a huge responsibility for the righteous upbringing of their daughters.

The next trait of believers Huzooraa mentioned was that “they praise Allah”. Huzooraa said that when one is able to exercise true praise, they realise that all praise belongs to Allah. Some young girls start thinking that even though they prayed, worked hard and praised Allah, they did not achieve what they wanted; they then begin to divert away from Allah. Huzooraa said that if we look towards the Hereafter and realise that this life is temporary, then we will always praise Allah and never give up. No matter what the condition, a true believer praises Allah.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa reminded the audience that one should always keep in mind that every blessing is due to Allah and is not the result of some personal quality.

Steadfastness and patience is essential for a believer; Allah always blesses such a believer, he reminded.

Referring to the Holy Quran, Huzooraa said that another quality of a believer is that they travel for the sake of Allah. Pointing towards the migration of Ahmadis towards Western countries, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa reminded listeners that they had travelled for the sake of Allah and this requires us to walk in accordance with the commandments of Allah.

If women self-reflect, they will realise that all the material wealth they possess is a reward from Allah because they travelled from Pakistan to these countries for His sake. Talking about the education of women in particular, Huzooraa highlighted that it would not have been possible to be educated to this level if they were still in Pakistan.

Therefore, due to these blessings, Ahmadis should always be attached to Allah and not be influenced by the so-called freedom of the West.

Referring to the kindness of Western governments, Huzooraa said that even though the influx of Ahmadis is a burden upon the government, however they still keep Ahmadis here due to the good actions of Ahmadis; this is another blessings of Allah.

Talking about taking social welfare, Huzooraa advised Ahmadis to find work and not become a burden upon the government – one should give rather than take.

If we want the grace of Allah in this world and the next, then within ourselves and our children we must ensure that we have immigrated for the sake of Allah and we should never be unfaithful to Him. Referring to the Holy Quran again, Huzooraa spoke of the trait of worship within a true believer. True and effective prostrations are those that draw one to a close relation with Allah.

Believers are also those who exhort towards good and shun bad. If Ahmadi women and men act upon this teaching of the Holy Quran, then we will develop a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.

Huzooraa strongly expressed that if men do not act righteously and present a good example, then they will be at error. And if good examples are presented within parents, then children will be protected from the ills of Western society; this is the responsibility of both parents.

If every household purposefully takes action to save themselves from the ills of society, it is only then that we can be protected. Huzooraa said that society is trying to destroy religion with full force; this can be counteracted only if mothers and fathers acquaint themselves with knowledge and teach their children. Shyness cannot be adopted with current day issues and children should be told of the ills of society and its Islamic solution.

Huzooraa said that despite this, Ahmadis should be active members of society and serve society to the best of their ability. The rights of mankind must be fulfilled.

An Ahmadi mother’s responsibility is that they inculcate the teachings of Islam within their children and pray for them.

This responsibility is upon men as well.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded the audience towards the Bai‘at we have taken of the Promised Messiahas, and thus we should act in accordance with his teachings.

Reading out an extract of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa reminded Ahmadis not to be wholly engrossed in the world alone, rather one should aim to establish the true essence of Islam within themselves; praying before Allah, seeking His grace and guidance.

Underlining the teachings of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said that one must try to gain the grace of Allah and seek His power and protection.

Huzooraa concluded the address by praying that we are all able follow the teachings of Allah, His Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas. He prayed that may we stay protected from the ills of the world and fulfill our pledge of allegiance to the Promised Messiahas.

Various poems in many languages were recited before Huzooraa by lajna from various nationalities, after which Huzooraa proceeded for the Zuhr and Asr prayer.

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Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

Georgia and Arab delegations meet Huzoor Karlsruhe, 6 July: Among the countless people meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on a daily basis during Jalsa Salana, many delegations travel from distant countries to attend this annual convention.

Among the groups who met Huzooraa prior to Maghrib and Isha prayers this evening was a delegation of European Georgia party, an opposition party of the Georgian government. Among the advice that Huzooraa gave to the party was to try and remain in the EU as this would help strengthen their economy. Huzooraa, upon being told that Georgia is a peaceful country, advised them to promote their tourism industry. But at the same time, Huzooraa expressed his desire that tabligh of the Jamaat in Georgia is accommodated as it should be in a peaceful country.

The next group to have an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa was from the Arab world. As soon as Huzooraa saw them, Huzooraa asked, “What do you have to say?”

All members unanimously said out aloud, “Alhamdolillah!”

Huzooraa then said, “Do you want to ask for prayers? I pray that Allah have mercy on you!”

A member of the delegation thanked Huzooraa for the provision of MTA 3 Al

Arabiyya. He said that it had come as a saviour as there is no better guide than Ahmadiyyat to salvation. Huzooraa asked the member whether he watched MTA 3 Al Arabiyya regularly, to which multiple people replied that they were regular and keen viewers.

A gentleman told Huzooraa that life before Ahmadiyyat meant nothing more than earning money. The quality of his Salat, he said, was not up to the mark and he would just rush through it without understanding it. Ahmadiyyat had made a whole lot of difference in giving him an understanding of his connection with Allah.

A girl was fortunate to recite a few lines from a Qaseeda written by the Promised Messiahas. Huzooraa listened to this young girl’s recitation with great affection.

A youth told Huzooraa that he had once supposedly heard him say that one who does not go to the mosque for congregational prayer was a hypocrite. Huzooraa replied that he would not declare anyone a munafiq.

But the importance of congregational Salat could not be denied.

Huzooraa said that even if one cannot attend the mosque, they should at least strive to offer it on time and in a befitting manner.

A congregation does not necessarily have

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

to be in a mosque. If there is no mosque nearby, Ahmadis can gather in one house and say it in congregation. Even members of a household can have congregational Salat.

A gentleman told Huzooraa that he had seen in dream that he was embracing Huzooraa.

Huzooraareplied that he could do so later in a private mulaqat. He then added that if time permitted, he would allow him to do so.

A woman became very emotional as she told Huzooraa that she had only just accepted Ahmadiyyat about three months earlier.

None of her family was aware of this and she was still not confident enough to bring it to their knowledge. Huzooraa advised that she should take her time and not hasten in anyway. When circumstances become favourable, she should look into informing them.

While spiritual blessings were being showered upon the audience, some of the delegates took the opportunity to seek advice on health issues from Huzooraa. For example, a gentleman asked about a certain health issue. Huzooraa graciously advised that he should increase physical activity and drink more water, especially in the mornings.

A little girl asked Huzooraa if she could show

Huzooraa her painting. Huzooraa very keenly enquired what it was and graciously granted her permission to bring it over to him.

Huzooraa saw the painting and appreciated her effort, advising her that humans should not be drawn as it comes out distorted, however, there was no harm in other still life drawings.

A gentleman made a reference to today’s speech where Huzooraa had mentioned that the world was on the verge of a global war.

Huzooraa replied that the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiahas was to unite the world on din-e-wahid – one faith.

Those who do not pay heed, whether they are Muslims or otherwise, will see that the result will be neither pleasant nor desired.

The Promised Messiahas said: � � �� � ‫آگ � � آگ � وہ‬ � �� ‫� � ر� � �� �ا� ذوا�� � � ���ر‬ It is every Ahmadi’s responsibility to spread this message and obey the one sent

by Allah; the servant of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas.

As Huzooraa left the gathering, Huzooraa turned to the gentleman who requested to embrace Huzooraa and Huzooraa lovingly embraced him.

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

8 Karlsruhe, 6 July: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered his second address today at a special session with non-Ahmadi guests attending Jalsa Salana Germany.

Before the opening session commenced, Urino Jose Botelho, representative of Sao Tome, presented Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa with a key to a new hospital on behalf of the President, Manuel Pinto da Costa. Mr Botelho thanked Huzooraa for the hard work carried out by Humanity First in Sao Tome whilst also inviting him to Sao Tome for the opening of the new hospital.

The recitation of the Holy Quran from Surah Ha Mim al-Sajdah, verses 34-36, initiated the formal session. Thereafter, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa addressed the assembly.

After tashahud and ta’awauz, Huzooraa thanked the guests for attending the Jalsa after which he explained its purpose: the spiritual, moral and religious development of attendees.

The prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa was mentioned concerning the advent of the Messiah. Huzooraa explained the practice of God Almighty Who had always sent spiritual entities to revive religious communities. In the same light, the Promised Messiahas was sent by Allah as a reformer who revived and rejuvenated the true teachings of Islam whilst also bringing mankind back to its Creator.

After the brief introduction to the Jamaat, the current situation of the world was discussed. Humanity desires harmony, security and peace – world peace being the desire of every single person. However, the truth is that division and conflict have spread to all corners of the world; for example, currently, civil wars are rife. Tensions within states are present, immigration has caused a rift within countries and the world is now at a breaking point.

At an international level, nation states are fighting one another and unjust wars are taking place. Economic and trade wars have started to assert dominance. Huzooraa said “The world is being plagued by the bloodsoaked stain of conventional warfare.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stressed the sad reality of the world ruining the future prospect for our children. The unimaginable threat of a war is at its brink.

Huzooraa highlighted that powerful nations are asserting their influence in an unjust manner, trying to achieve their own aims.

Terrorist organisations and their political ideals were talked about whilst the dangers of the rise of the far-Right was also discussed. Mentioning “intolerant bigots”, Huzooraa said that they are disuniting society and causing disruption. It is therefore evident that though humanity has an innate desire for peace, the reality is quite the opposite.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said that he had been raising the voice against the situation of the world for a long time and now, other people were also raising such a voice.

Huzooraa mentioned a French ambassador to the United Nations Security Council who expressed his dismay at the condition of the world and the failure of the UN in various matters, saying “We are now in a new world disorder.”

Huzooraa indicated that powerful nations aim to establish a new world order, however even high ranking diplomats admit

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

“Eternal blue skies of peace and prosperity” Huzoor speaks to external guests at Jalsa Germany

the reality is far from it; instead, we have a new world disorder.

The same mistake that took place in Syria cannot express itself with Iran again.

Reiterating the words of a professor who was a senior economist at the White House during the Clinton administration, it was voiced that a war between the US and China would be worse than the infamous RussoUS Cold War. Huzooraa said, “My greatest fear lies in the potential of a nuclear war breaking out.”

A war between the US and Iran would have an effect on the whole world, including Germany and other European nations.

Therefore, Germany and other European nations must take practical steps to stop such a war.

Professor Taylor, an economist and academic, mentioned that the youth are not worried by the threat of a nuclear war, rather, climate change is seen as the greatest danger, something which worried him.

According to a recent survey, Germans are most worried about climate change.

However, this is not the greatest risk; nuclear war is a far greater risk. Referring to various academics, it was highlighted that the nuclear threat the world is experiencing currently is the greatest danger.

Economic issues naturally came under discussion. The current economic structure based on a capitalist system has been widely accepted as weak and frail. Huzooraa said that economic fairness should underpin the world financial system.

The potentially devastating effect of Brexit on Germany was also mentioned.

Huzooraa presented a recent study in support of the economic benefits of immigration. To blame immigrants for all

the problems of a country is greatly unjust when actually all nations are interdependent.

Huzooraa said that “instead of creating barriers and isolating ourselves” we should “work together for common good”; governments should strive for this. At the same time, it is the responsibility of immigrants to integrate.

With all of these points in mind, it can be deduced that the blame for the lack of peace in the world cannot be put upon Islam, rather there are geopolitical issues underlying these problems.

There is only one path that can lead us to salvation and deliver us from war and conflict – that is the path of God. Huzooraa said, “Peace does not lie in power or wealth, rather peace lies in the cradle of God Almighty.”

Allah’s mercy has always been expressed when the world has been on the brink of destruction through a reformer; for this era, it is the Promised Messiahas. This

Messiahas told the world that Islam is a religion of peace and brotherhood, whilst also exhorting Muslims that they must fulfil the rights of God’s creation.

Echoing the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said to seek refuge under the shade of God Almighty to be safe from wars and conflict.

Drawing on the saying of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa said that if mankind did not recognise its Creator, then no nation would be safe.

At the end, Huzooraa prayed that we set a positive example for those who follow us so that our coming generations live in peace.

Huzooraa prayed for the dark clouds of war and enmity to give way and be replaced by eternal blue skies of peace and prosperity in all parts of the world.

Huzooraa thanked the guests for taking the time out to attend the event.

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Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

Introduce to the world your Prophet, the most excellent example Huzoor delivers concluding address at Germany Jalsa

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

Karlsruhe, 7 July: The 44th Jalsa Salana Germany 2019 concluded with the Bai‘at ceremony and the final address of Khalifatul Masih Vaa, broadcast live on MTA International. The final session of Germany also served as the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Canada.

The total attendance in Germany was 42,729 with a representation from 102 countries.

Canada had a total attendance of 18,572 with a representation of 27 countries.

The Bai‘at ceremony, which has its origins in the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, is an extremely powerful occasion during which Ahmadi Muslims pledge to lead their lives in accordance with Allah’s commandments, vow to follow the ten conditions of Bai‘at set by the Promised Messiahas and to obey the Khalifatul Masih in everything good.

Today, tens of thousands took Bai‘at at the Karlsruhe Jalsa site, while millions joined the ceremony with the live broadcast on MTA. The German translation followed Huzoor’saa words of the Bai‘at simultaneously in Urdu.

Zuhr and Asr prayers were then led

by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, following which was the formal closing session of the 44th Jalsa Salana Germany.

The session commenced with recitation of the Holy Quran from Surah Al-e-Imran, verses 82-90. Thereafter, an Urdu poem written by the Promised Messiahas was read

out – the poem articulated the luminous light that radiates from Islam and the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa.

A German state secretary expressed his sentiments about Islam Ahmadiyyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and Jalsa Salana.

An awards ceremony for high academic achievers also took place; awardees had the honour to receive their prizes from the blessed hands of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

The highlight of the final session was the address by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. After tashahud, ta’awuz and Surah alFatihah, Huzooraa recited verse 21 of Surah al-Ahzab. Huzooraa said that the wrong concepts about Islam present within the West is a result of their ignorance of the teachings of Islam; the misguided beliefs of so-called clerics have also played a role in this.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa stressed that every Ahmadi must continuously strive to propagate the teachings of the Promised Messiahas to the whole world. Humanity is disconnecting itself from religion, thus preaching the beauty of Islam is a huge challenge. To eradicate this, every Ahmadi, through their voice and actions, needs to play their role.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa drew the listeners’ attention to the beautiful example of the Holy Prophetsa and underlined

the need to follow him; inadvertently, by following his example, tabligh will be done.

If we structure our lives in accordance with the example of the Holy Prophetsa, we will achieve success.

Allah, speaking of the Holy Prophetsa, says in the Holy Quran that He observes when we stand for prayer. Here, Huzooraa mentioned, Allah is talking of the great prayers and agitation the Holy Prophetsa had within his heart for humanity.

In another place, Allah says to the Holy Prophetsa“Will you grieve thyself if they do not believe?”. We can recognise the pain the Holy Prophetsa had for humanity from these verses – therefore, how can someone with such a heart desire pain for humanity?

One companionra of the Holy Prophetsa related how he heard emotional cries from the Holy Prophetsa whilst he was praying in deep anguish. Huzooraa said that these fervent prayers were for humanity to be saved from the wrath of Allah. These prayers resulted in the coming of the Promised Messiahas who was to correct humanity.

We should perform such prostrations that are not only for our own desires, rather they should be for the nearness of Allah, to save humanity and for the propagation of Islam.

The Holy Prophetsa, during the evening of the Battle of Uhud, was badly injured, and another wound was that 70

Companionsra had been martyred, yet still the Holy Prophetsa came for the Fajr prayer the following day; this was his great and noble example.

Huzooraa reminded the audience to question themselves whether we are up to this level of worship. After all, we are the ones who claim that we will spread Islam once again.

Laziness can only be overcome with effort. Without prayers, our tabligh will have no results and our academic pursuits will also revert to nothing without prayers.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stressed the need to raise our standards of worship as that of the Companionsra, who had adopted great examples from the Holy Prophetsa. We should be the ones who prostrate and worship during the night.

Hazrat Alira relates that the final guidance of the Holy Prophetsa whilst he was on his death bed was to take care of Salat and the rights of slaves. Therefore, we should not forget the purpose of our lives and be totally engrossed in this world.

The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was so concerned about his own standards of worship and trust in Allah that even on his death bed, he ordered that the gold he had once given to Hazrat Aisharato keep be donated to Sadqa.

When we achieve high levels of worship and trust in Allah then we will be successful.

The Holy Prophetsa demanded his Ummah

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Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

to trust Allah and reach the highest levels of trust.

Huzooraa emphasised that we should not be totally engrossed in work to the extent that we forget to worship Allah – striving for the world is acceptable, however our trust should be in Allah.

The Promised Messiah’sas writings regarding the deep trust the Holy Prophetsa had in Allah were then read out

by Huzooraa.

Another high moral is being grateful to Allah. The Holy Prophetsa was always in search of how to be increasingly thankful to Allah, in fact, the Holy Prophetsa used to pray for this.

The Holy Prophetsa would pray, “O Allah, make me such that I become the most thankful person, and follow Your guidance and remember Your guidance”.

Huzooraa reiterated how great an example this is; the most thankful man in the world asking Allah to be more thankful.

Huzooraa mentioned that some Ahmadis are not thankful and even complain if the food made in their houses is not to up to the mark; this is wrong.

Elucidating upon the writings of

the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stressed that we should be thankful to have the great example of the Holy Prophetsa to guide us. And true gratitude is performing good deeds – this is how Ahmadis can be thankful to Allah.

Another trait is fulfilling covenants; the Holy Prophetsa presented the greatest example with regard to this as well.

Huzooraa mentioned incidents from the life of the Holy Prophetsa that showed his great integrity in fulfilling covenants, even during wars. Such integrity will never be witnessed in warfare today. Those who raise allegations against Islam themselves have the worst practices.

Huzooraa reminded the listeners to introspect and ask to what extent they fulfil their own covenants. The Holy Prophetsa said that the greatest disregard of a covenant would be if one consorts with his wife and then goes about telling people of his wife’s secrets. Huzooraa said such people do this today as well and share this on social media – Allah will certainly question such people and they should be concerned for themselves. Huzooraa strongly condemned such a practise and expressed that such

people incur the wrath of Allah upon themselves.

The Promised Messiahas said as to how fortunate those people are who cleanse their hearts and are faithful to their lord; Allah will never disgrace them as they are from Allah. Huzooraaemphasised that if we have a close connection with Allah, it is only then that we will be able to fulfil our covenants with Allah. We should fulfil our covenants at home and in our businesses as well. As a result, such people shall be under the protection of Allah.

Humility is also a great moral. Referring to the Holy Quran, Huzooraa presented verses in which Allah stresses the importance of humbleness. The Holy Prophetsa once exhorted his Companionsra not to praise him like Christians praised Jesusas – this was the great level of his humility. Writings of the Promised Messiahas were then read out that highlighted the grandeur of the Holy Prophet’ssa humility Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Porphetsa would fully take part in household chores to such an extent that he would knead the dough along with his servant.

Huzooraa said that today, some men show great arrogance with regard to household chores and they cannot even put clothes in the washing machine, let alone brush the floor.

Arrogance was discoursed upon. The Promised Messiahas said to reflect upon the success of the Holy Propehetsa and how great those successes were. However, with every success, the Holy Prophetsa grew in meekness.

In another instance, the Promised Messiahas said that one should stay away from arrogance and look towards the great humility mentioned in the Holy Quran about the Holy Prophetsa. The Promised Messiahas referred to a blind person who tried to talk to the Holy Prophetsa but could not; later, the Holy Prophetsa went to his house to meet him.

Prophet Muhammadsa said that none shall reach salvation on account of their deeds alone. The Companionsra enquired

“O Prophet of Allah; you as well?” The Holy Prophetsa replied by saying, “Yes me as well.

However, Allah will protect me with His mercy.”

Referring to the teachings of the Hoy Prophet Muhammadsa, Huzooraa said that having a balanced life is essential and God should not be forgotten. Fulfil the rights of Allah and when it is required, fulfil the rights of business as well.

Hazrat Bararara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa was the most beautiful in appearance and also had the most beautiful conduct amongst us. The Holy Prophetsa used to pray, “O Allah! As You have made me beautiful, make my morals beautiful as well.”

Another Companionra narrates that he had not seen anyone smile more than the Holy Prophetsa. Another Companionra narrated that the Holy Prophetsa was the most beautiful amongst people when looked at from a distance, and from close up, he had the most beautiful discourse.

If we want to display the greatness of the Holy Prophetsa to the world, it is vital that we adopt his character.

The Promised Messiahas said that the great morals mentioned in the Holy Quran of the Holy Prophetsa are greater than Hazrat Mosesas a thousand times. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa continued, profusely, reading out extracts of the Promised Messiahas regarding the majestic nature and morals of the Holy Prophetsa.

In the end, Huzooraa prayed that Allah enables us to adopt the great example of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa concluded by leading the audience in silent prayer.

After announcing the attendance figures of not just Jalsa Salana Germany but also Jalsa Salana Canada, who also held their Jalsa during these three days, taraney (choral poems) from various languages were recited before Huzooraa by members from several nationalities.

Photo courtesy of AMJ Germany

11

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM Letter to the Editor

The only traffic I love

Noor ul Ain Frankfurt, Germany

It is the last day of Jalsa Salana. There is a certain sadness in the air accompanied by the sound of raindrops splattering against the windscreen of our car. When Huzooraa left the Jalsa Gah, the heart of every Ahmadi was echoing, “Jaate ho meri jaan Khuda Hafiz-o-Nasir.”[As you leave my dear, may Allah be your Protector and Helper.]

It is strange that despite my fatigue, there isn’t a feeling of relief associated with the end of Jalsa. It is a bittersweet, emotional moment. As I sit waiting in the car, surrounded by hundreds of other cars

all belonging to Ahmadi brothers and sisters, I recall what someone said at the last Jalsa; “Ahmadis are surely going to block the Autobahn [German motorway]!”

It happens almost every year and my heart swells with gratitude and pride as I watch cars around me with stickers of “Love for all, hatred for none.” By the grace of Almighty Allah, the number of Jalsa attendees has risen from a few hundred in Qadian to millions all across the globe.

Traffic around Jalsa sites is normal, yet it never ceases to amaze me. Each year, the operations of Jalsa Salana outgrow the Jalsa Gah in comparison to the ever growing number of guests. The anticipation for Jalsa, the three days that go by so fast and then the moment when Huzooraa bids farewell to us all; in that moment we always pledge to become better people, better Ahmadis.

A promise I make to Allah in this moment is that when the next Jalsa comes around, I will try to be a better version of myself.

Amidst tears running down my cheeks, in a crackling voice, I join in raising the slogans.

“Narey Takbir; Allah-u-Akbar!”

The Jalsa has come to an end. It is time

to go home. Waiting in the car, I realise that this is the only traffic jam that I love being a part of. It does not bother or irritate me.

It makes me happy. It brings me joy to see hundreds of cars filled with the guests of the Promised Messiahas, flocked together.

I look at the duty workers in the parking area, some of them completely soaked in the pouring rain, but still there is a smile on their faces.

They take pride in serving the guests at Jalsa Salana. I see brotherhood personified everywhere. It fascinates me how the persecuted Ahmadiyya Community has flourished to such an extent that heads of

100 Years Ago...

Ahmadi news from around the world Al Fazl, 12 July 1919 London letter Hazrat Maulana Mufti Muhammad Sadiq Sahib has been appointed in London to represent the Ahmadiyya Jamaat regarding the national reforms for Hindustan. He is engaged in carrying out the assigned task through writing articles, delivering lectures and meeting [with various people].

Apart from that, the work of tabligh is being performed side by side. Last Sunday, Maulana Sahib’s lecture was held on the topic of reformation, through which the need for spiritual reformation was demonstrated. An Englishman, currently serving in the army, by the name of Mr McCartney has embraced Islam. This revered brother was given the Islamic name Jariyullah. O Allah, grant many more!

Professor Abdul Hayy Arab (Maulvi Fazal) London, 21 June Tabligh of Ahmadiyyat in Malabar All praise belongs to Allah! Our Jamaat has been established in Pangari. Previously, a Jamaat did not exist over there.

A system of Chanda [monetary funds] has been established and around 40 individuals have entered the pale of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. A noble and wealthy gentleman, Kunji Ahmad Sahib has been appointed the secretary of that place. He prepared a mosque for Ahmadis without any delay by presenting his own land and all the expenses of the mosque by himself. A well has also been built. He is a very courageous

person; may Allah grant him the best of rewards. The Chanda has been collected and it will be sent to Qadian very soon.

Eid prayer was led by Hazrat Maulvi Ghulam Rasul Sahib in Kannanur after which he delivered a sermon that was full of wisdom. New Ahmadi converts are being gifted to us in Kannanur. Today, a letter has been dispatched to the chief judge of this region composed in Arabic language, propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Wassalam, Sheikh Mahmud Ahmad, Malabar Congratulatory gathering Respected Munshi Farzand Ali Sahib was given a grand garden party in the town hall of Firozpur city by the entire staff workers of Qila Firozpur on 2 July 1919 [to congratulate him] for the honourary title of “Khan Sahib” which was awarded to him by the government.

The party was due to be held at 6:30pm in the evening. The total number of participants was around 200 to 250 in the gathering, including individuals from all walks of life and faiths. Apart from local chiefs and officers, European officers and dignitaries were present in great numbers. A series of speeches began at around 7:30pm under the presidency of Inspector for War Material, Respected Captain Prior Sahib.

Initially, Shah Muhammad Khan Sahib and Mian Inayat Muhammad Khan Sahib (both

non-Ahmadis) presented their respective poems and delighted [the audience].

Thereafter, respected Lala Fatehchand Sahib Pensioner (ex-second clerk of Qila Firozpur) on behalf of the entire workers of Qila, read out an address in English; the exceptional services, excellent morals and praiseworthy attributes of Khan Sahib were mentioned.

Then Khan Sahib delivered a brief yet relevant speech, thanking the organisers and the participants of the gathering.

The president of the gathering, in his presidential address, congratulated respected Khan Sahib on behalf of the entire European associates. Thereafter, the gathering was served with fruits and sweet etc. By the grace of Allah, the event concluded successfully.

Thereafter, most of the Hindu and Christian associates left for their homes. We offered the Maghrib prayer at the grounds of the town hall and being grateful to Allah the Almighty for the award of honour, prayed before Him that this appreciation becomes a source of blessings for Khan Sahib in both religious and worldly matters.

Humbly yours, Muhammad Amir Ahmadi, Firozpur city A request for Ahmadiyya literature This humble one is financially destitute. I possess a great deal of interest in viewing the books of Ahmadiyyat, the true faith, in which the beliefs of the non-Ahmadi people are pointed out with distinction, for

states consider it an honour to be part of the Jalsa. It must be frustrating for the hatemongering mullahs in Pakistan to realise that Ahmadis whom they were trying to crush are now gathered in huge halls and surrounding motorways in Germany, Canada, UK, USA and the list goes on.

On the way back home, my heart says a silent prayer, asking for a chance to attend the Jalsa again next year and hoping to witness an even bigger traffic jam.

Jalsa Salana Germany, zindabad!

instance, regarding the death of Jesusas and various other issues of dispute. As frequent discussions are held on these issues with the non-Ahmadis of this region from time to time, we are unable to answer them [properly] owing to the lack of availability of Jamaat Ahmadiyya’s books. There is no other person here except for this humble one who is a well-wisher of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

I am in a state of doubt as well. Therefore, prosperous brothers of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat are requested that they be rewarded

by Allah the Almighty by sending books and magazines comprising the answers to the allegations of opponents and beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to this humble one for responding [to allegations] and promulgation…

Humbly yours, Abdul Rahim Khan Lodhi, Samba State, Jammu Ballabhgarh A gathering was arranged at the occasion of the [Amin] ceremony on the completion of the Holy Quran in Ballabhgarh which had the presence of most non-Ahmadi brothers along with various officers, i.e. Deputy Tehsildar [revenue collector] Sahib, SubInspector Sahib and Sergeant Sahib. In the beginning, children recited the Holy Quran which was followed by a poem, “Nur-eFurqan hay jo sub nuron sey ajla nikla” [‘Tis the light of the Quran that outshines all lights], recited with great passion.

Thereafter, respected Anwar Hussein Khan Sahib (expert Hakim) delivered an impressive lecture of tabligh and then Hafiz Salim Ahmad Sahib Atawi presented a few words. The entire audience and the officers listened to the speeches with patience and keen interest. By the grace of God, it had a great impact. May Allah the Almighty produce the best of results.

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

12 Responding to Allegations

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas – Part XIV

Death from plague: Martyrdom or divine punishment?

“As far as I can understand, the cure to this impending universal death is only possible through the refinement of faith and enlightenment of belief. The earth cannot cure it as this plague is not a worldly thing.

It is from the heavens and none can stop it.

It is: َّ ‫ْ ٌ ّم َن‬ ‫الس َما ِء‬ ِ ‫ِرجز‬ [Punishment from the heavens.]

“It has appeared as a sign of torment in the times of the earlier prophets as well.

Hence, the only remedy for it is to raise one’s faith to the highest level. Reunite with Allah the Almighty before it strikes. Seek forgiveness, repent and engage in prayers.

There is no medicine for this [disease of the plague]. A medicine could cure it if it was a disease, however, in reality it is a divine torment and a heavenly wrath. What remedy is there except for righteousness? Be aware that if an entire household possesses a single righteous person, Allah the Almighty shall safeguard their complete family. In fact, if their righteousness has reached the highest level, then they can act as an intercessor for their neighborhood as well. Though a righteous person enters paradise whenever they pass away, but at a time when this death is a manifestation of divine wrath and has appeared as a sign upon this earth, my heart does not testify that a righteous person would pass away by this disgraceful death.

A righteous one would surely be saved.

“I have repeatedly expressed to my Jamaat that they must not rely merely on [verbal claim] of Bai‘at. Salvation cannot be attained until they realise its reality. The one who is satisfied upon the shell deprives themselves from the kernel. The nobility of a saint does not benefit a disciple if they do not act by themselves. If a doctor gives a prescription to someone and they place it in a box, then it would never prove beneficial for them; they would have only taken benefit by using the prescription from which they deprived themselves. Study [the book] Kishti-e-Nuh [Noah’s Ark] over and over again, and adapt yourselves according to its [directions]. َ َ َْ ْ َ َ َّ َ ‫قد أفلح َمن زكاها‬ [Surely, he prospers who augments it].

“Ordinarily, thousands of thieves, adulterers, drunkards and crooks claim to belong to the ummah of the Holy Prophetsa,but are they [truly his ummah] in reality? Certainly not. Only that person belongs to his ummah who follows his teachings in their entirety.

“The [present] plague epidemic has not come as a disease. It has only appeared to reform people. You should not correct yourselves from [fear of] its chastisement, but instead, reform yourselves for the sake of Allah the Almighty so that you stay free of Shirk [attributing partners to Allah].

Certain people raise the objection that the plague only takes the lives of the poor. It is another kind of helplessness. Instead of learning a lesson, they object. Several others say that it is a mere disease therefore it has nothing to do with worship, fasting, good

and bad deeds, and that one should get it treated from doctors. Hence, recklessness has gone beyond imagination. However, the plague is a mirror of God through which He shall manifest Himself. Beware that Allah the Almighty has not given the plague the name of mercy so that the one who dies from it be considered a martyr. This age is full of threats. It has occurred as a sign. It will dissipate after distinguishing between a believer and a non-believer. Its name is ‫[ رجز‬punishment] and it has been called a torment in my revelation. It has been mentioned in the Holy Quran 1300 years ago from today that: ّ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ّ ً َّ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫ض تكل ُِم ُه ْم۔۔۔‬ ِ ‫أخرجنا لهم دابة ِمن الأر‬ [‘We shall bring forth for them a creature out of the earth which shall injure them’ (Surah al-Naml, Ch.27: V.83)]. Meaning, that in the age of transgression and wrongdoing, people’s faith in God would become like a child’s play. At that time, We [Allah] shall bring forth a germ which will bite them. Thus, this [plague] is a sign of the wrath of Allah the Almighty. It is necessary upon every individual to strive for their salvation in order to save themselves from it.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp. 541-542) Referring to the words of the Promised Messiahas mentioned in the above extract: “Beware that Allah the Almighty has not given plague the name of mercy so that the one who dies from it be considered a martyr”, opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat’s founder, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, proclaim that he has rebuked and differed with the Hadith of Bukhari in which the Holy Prophetsa has declared that person to be a martyr who dies as a result of the plague.

The opponents have mischievously presented a phrase from the sayings of the Promised Messiahas without its context and have refrained from citing the entire context to deceive others. The aforementioned complete statement of the Promised Messiahas clarifies that the opponents have raised this allegation by deliberately cherrypicking his sayings and presenting them in a way of objection.

We have presented the statement of the Promised Messiahas at the outset in which neither has he stated that a person who passes away due to the plague cannot be considered a martyr nor has he indicated that he holds such a belief. He states on another occasion: “Certain Companionsra passed away from this disease [of plague] but they were martyrs.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, p. 362) In order to understand the words of the Promised Messiahas, “Beware that Allah the Almighty has not given plague the name of mercy so that the one who dies from it be considered a martyr”, we must read the entire text within its context. By pondering over the statement, we find that these words have been used by the Promised Messiahas for that plague which befell his opponents as a torment because of his denial and it appeared as a sign of his truth in accordance

with the prophecies mentioned in old scriptures and foretold by the Holy Prophetsa (which have been mentioned in the earlier articles of Responding to Allegations under the heading Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas—Plague).

Hence, referring to this sign of plague, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat states, “Beware that Allah the Almighty has not given plague the name of mercy so that the one who dies from it be considered a martyr”, and explains in the next sentence, “This age is full of threats. It [the plague] has occurred as a sign. It would leave after distinguishing between a believer and a non-believer. Its name is ‫[ رجز‬punishment] and it has been called a torment in my revelation.” The Promised Messiahas has vividly elucidated the fact that those opponents who die by that plague which has appeared as a sign of torment cannot be considered martyrs.

He called the plague “‫ ”رجز‬on the basis of the following verse mentioned in the Holy Quran: َّ َ ّ ً ْ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُ‫الس َما ِء ب َما كَانُوا يَ ْف ُسق‬ ‫ون‬ ‫فأنزلنا على ال ِذين ظلموا رِجزا ِمن‬ ِ “We sent down upon the transgressors a punishment from heavens, because they were disobedient” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.60).

Below is the revelation of the Promised Messiahas in which plague was called a torment: ‫غضبت غضبا شدیدا‬ “Days of Allah’s wrath” (Al Hakam, 17 August 1901).

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran regarding the end of those who worshipped a cow: ْ ُّ َ َ ْ ٌ َّ َ ْ ّ َّ ّ ٌ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ ْ ُ َ َّ َ َّ َّ ‫الدن َيا‬ ‫إِن ال ِذين اتخذوا العِجل س ٰينالهم غضب ِمن ر ِب ِهم و ِذلة فِي الحيا ِة‬ َ ِ‫ۚ َوك َ َذل َِك ن َ ْجزي ال ْ ُم ْفتَر‬ ‫ين‬ ِ “As to those who took the calf for worship, wrath from their Lord shall overtake them and abasement in the present life. And thus do We reward those who invent lies” (Surah al-Araf, Ch.7: V.153). The word ‫ غضب‬points towards the plague in this verse as the Promised Messiahas stated: “Those who worshipped the cow would experience a torment of abasement and they will receive humiliation in the worldly life, and likewise We [Allah] shall punish other liars … It is verified from Torah, chapter 32 of Exodus, verse 35 that Allah the Almighty sent death upon Bani Israil due to worshipping the cow, i.e. an epidemic fell upon them which caused them to die.”

(Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p.

70) Taking look at Exodus of the Old Testament, we find that the torment which came upon those who worshipped a cow from the Bani Israil was in fact the plague: “Now go, lead the people to the place I told you about; see, My angel will go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for the sin. And the Lord inflicted a plague on the people for what they did with the calf Aaron had made.” (Exodus: 32:34-35) The Holy Prophetsa said: ‫الطاعون رجز أو عذاب أرسل على بني إسرائيل‬ “The plague is a “‫[ ”رجز‬punishment] or a torment, which was sent upon Bani Israel” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab as-Salam).

Likewise in Sunan al-Tirmidhi, Abwab al-Janaiz, the Holy Propetsa said that the plague was the remainder of “‫”رجز‬ (punishment) or torment which was sent

upon a group of Bani Israil. These sayings of the Holy Prophetsa also point towards chapter 2, verse 60 of the Holy Quran, which has been mentioned earlier.

Coming back to the Hadith of Sahih alBukhari, which in view of the opponents has been rebuked and reproached by the Promised Messiahas, we find that the Holy Prophetsa said: “The martyrs are of five kinds; those who pass away due to plague, stomach illness, drowning, being crushed and those who are martyred in the way of Allah.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab al-Jihad wal-Siyar) The above mentioned Hadith clearly shows that the Holy Prophetsa is referring to people who are true believers. This is indicated from the last kind of martyrs, “the one who is martyred in the way of Allah”.

Moreover, the Hadith states that the person who drowns is also considered a martyr.

So, in this respect, those opponents of Noahas who drowned in the flood should be considered martyrs according to opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. The fact is that the opponents of prophets who die due to a torment cannot be considered martyrs, whether they die from the plague, drowning etc.

The opponents have crafted this allegation in order to stir the emotions of Muslims because followers of the Holy Prophetsa are very sensitive regarding his sayings. However, the Promised Messiah’sas complete statement demolishes their objections, which evidently proves that he is referring to those people who are his deniers and their deaths caused by plague cannot be considered martyrdom as they are tormented in accordance with the prophecies mentioned in old scriptures and foretold by the Holy Prophetsa.

Once, a question was presented before the Promised Messiahas that certain people say that the plague is not a torment from the Divine, but in fact, it is way of martyrdom.

Responding to this, the Promised Messiahas said: “[The status of] martyrdom is related to a true believer who has already sacrificed their soul in the way of Allah the Almighty.

Their death is considered martyrdom in all circumstances. However, considering it a general rule that every person who passes away due to the plague is a martyr, [one must ask,] are ... Hindus, Arya Samajists, Christians, Atheists and idolaters, who are dying in thousands, attaining the status of martyrdom? Syed Abdul Muhyi Arab said to Maulvi Sanaullah that Rusul Baba of Amritsar died by the torment of the plague, to which he replied that he had died a martyr’s death. Thereupon, Arab Sahib said, ‘Fair enough! I pray that Allah the Almighty grants you a similar kind of martyr’s death.’

“Hence, martyrdom is not connected with death from plague but in fact, this status of martyrdom is for those true believers who devote themselves for Allah the Almighty within their lifetime. The torment of the plague also fell during the time of Mosesas upon his opponents and then again this torment befell the opponents of Jesusas after his death and even now, this torment has descended as a sign by Allah the Almighty.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 9, pp. 194-195)

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

13

Friday Sermon 14 June 2019

Men of Excellence After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: In the previous sermon, I began narrating incidents from the life of Hazrat Zaidra and mentioned that Hazrat Zaidra accompanied the Holy Prophetsa during his journey to Taif.

I will relate some more details with regard to the journey to Taif undertaken by the Holy Prophetsa, which Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has written in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin: “When the Holy Prophetsa came out from the Valley of Abu Talib, he travelled to Taif. When the ban was lifted, and the Holy Prophetsa found a sort of freedom in his movements, he decided to visit Taif and invite its people to Islam. Taif is a famous place situated forty miles to the south-east of Mecca. During this era, it was home to the Banu Thaqif. Putting aside the speciality of the Ka‘bah, Taif was recognised equal to Mecca and many eminent, influential and affluent people resided there. The people of Mecca themselves admitted to this importance of Taif . As such, it was Mecca itself that said: ُۡ َ ُ ۡ َۡ ‫لَوۡ لَا ن ِّز َل ٰﻫذا ال� ۡ� ٰا ُن َع ٰلى َر ُج ٍل ِّم َن ال� ۡ�يَ َﺘی ِن َعﻈ ِۡي ٍم‬ “Meaning, ‘Why has not this Quran from God been sent to some great man of Makkah or Taif?’ [Surah al-Zukhruf, Ch.43: V.32] “Therefore, in Shawwal of 10 Nabawi, the Holy Prophetsa took a journey to Taif by himself. On the authority of other narrations, Zaid bin Harithahra also accompanied him. Upon his arrival, the Holy Prophetsa remained there for ten days and one after another, he met with many chieftains, but like Mecca, it was not in the destiny of this city to accept Islam either. Therefore, all of them refused; as a matter of fact they mocked at the Holy Prophetsa. At last, the Holy Prophetsa approached the grand chieftain of Taif named Abdu Yalail and invited him to Islam, he also refused, rather, in a manner of mockery he said, ‘If you are truthful, then I have not the strength to speak to you, and if you are a liar, then to speak to you is useless.’ Then, concerned that the youngsters of the city may become influenced by the Holy Prophetsa, he said, ‘It is best that you leave this place, for there is nobody here who is willing to listen to you.’ After this, the evil man had the miscreants of the city start off behind the Holy Prophetsa. “When he left the city, this rabble chased the Holy Prophetsa and began to bombard him with rocks, due to which the entire body of the Holy Prophetsa became drenched in blood. (According to another narration, Zaid bin Haritha, who was with the Holy Prophetsa was also hit with rocks when he would try to stop them.) These people pursued the Holy Prophetsa for three miles, more or less, and cursed at him and

threw stones at him continuously.

“At a distance of three miles from Ta’if, there was an orchard, which belonged to a chieftain of Mecca named ‘Utbah bin Rabi‘ah.

The Holy Prophetsa took refuge in this orchard, and his ruthless enemies returned exhausted. Standing beneath a shadow, the Holy Prophetsa prayed before Allah in the following words: َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َّ ُ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫اس۔‬ ��‫ا���ﻢ اِليﻚ اش‬ ِ ‫ﺿعﻒ قْوﺗِ َ ْى ْو َ ِقلة ُّ ِﺣ ْيل ِت َ ْى ْوهوا ْﻧِ ْى علَ ْى َالﻨ‬ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ‫ا���ﻢ یاارﺣﻢ‬ ‫اﺣ ِم� َ� اﻧت َرب ال ُم ْستض َع ِﻔ� َ� َواﻧت َربِّى‬ ِ ��‫ا‬ “Meaning, ‘O My Lord, I complain to you of my helplessness and my inability and my helplessness before the people. O My God, You are the most merciful, for You are the guardian and protector of the feeble and

helpless – You are my Lord. I seek refuge in the light of Your countenance. It is You Who dispels all darkness and it is You Who bestows the inheritance of favour in this world and in the next.’

“At this time, Utbah and Shaibah were in their garden. When they saw the Holy Prophetsa in this state, perhaps moved by emotions of near or far relations, or perhaps national responsibility, they sent the Holy Prophetsa a tray of grapes in the hand of their Christian slave named Addas. The Holy Prophetsa took them and addressed Addas saying, ‘Where are you from and which religion do you follow?’ ‘I am from Nineveh,’ responded Addas, ‘and a Christian.’

The Holy Prophetsa enquired, ‘The same

Nineveh, which was home to the righteous servant of God, Jonahas son of Matthew?’ ‘Yes,’ responded Addas, ‘but how are you aware of Jonahas?’ ‘He was my brother,’ said the Holy Prophetsa, ‘for he was a prophet of Allah, and I am also a prophet of Allah.’ Then the Holy Prophetsa preached the message of Islam to him, which moved him greatly. In his passion of sincerity, he moved forward and kissed the hands of the Holy Prophetsa. Utbah and Shaibah observed this sight from afar; as such, when Addas returned to them, they said, ‘What happened to you that you began to kiss the hands of this man? This man shall ruin your faith, while your religion is better than his.’

“The Holy Prophetsa rested in this orchard for some time. He then departed from here and arrived at Nakhlah, which is situated at a distance of approximately one day’s journey from Mecca, and remained there for a few days. After this, the Holy Prophetsa departed and reached the mountain of Hira, and since the apparent failure at Taif entailed the possibility of the Meccans growing overly bold, the Holy Prophetsa sent word to Mut‘im bin Adiyy that I wish to enter Mecca, can you help me in this regard? Although Mut‘im was a firm disbeliever, his disposition possessed graciousness, and in times like these, it was against the nature of noble Arabs to refuse”, i.e. to refuse granting protection to the one who sought it. This was a characteristic of the Arabs even in the days prior to the advent of Islam. “For this reason, along with his sons and relatives, fully armed, they stood by the Ka‘bah, and sent word to the Holy Prophetsa that he may enter. The Holy Prophetsa entered and performed the Tawaf of the Ka‘bah, and along with Mut‘im and his children, escorted under the shadow of swords, the Holy Prophetsa entered his home. On the way, when Abu Jahl witnessed Mut‘im in this state, he was astonished and enquired, ‘Have you given Muhammad[sa] refuge, or have you become a follower?” Mut‘im responded, “I am only one to give refuge, not a follower.’

Upon this Abu Jahl said, ‘Alright, then there is no problem.’ Nonetheless, Mut‘im died in a state of disbelief. (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 181-183) However, he was responsible for this noble deed.

When Hazrat Zaidra arrived in Medina after the Migration, he resided at the house of Hazrat Umme Kulthumra bin Hidam.

According to some narrations, he stayed at the house of Hazrat Saadra bin Khaithamah.

The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Usaidra bin Hudhair. Some have written that this

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

14 bond of brotherhood was established with Hazrat Hamzara i.e. Hazrat Hamzara was declared to be his brother. This is why Hazrat Hamzara wrote a will in favour of Hazrat Zaidra on the occasion of the Battle of Uhud.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 32, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Tabaqaat-ulKubra, Vol. 3, p. 6, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra further writes about this in his book Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin: “Shortly after reaching Medina, the Holy Prophetsa sent Zaidra bin Harithah to Mecca with some money. In a few days, he returned safely to Medina with the family of the Holy Prophetsa, and his own. Along with him, Abdullah bin Abi Bakr also brought the family of Hazrat Abu Bakrra to Medina as well.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 269) It is narrated by Hazrat Bara‘ara: “When the Prophetsa intended to perform Umrah in the month of Dhul Qa‘dah, the people of Mecca did not allow him to enter Mecca. Eventually, he made an agreement with them under the condition that he would return to Mecca in the following year and stay there only for three days. When the agreement was being written, it stated: ‘These are the terms of the treaty as agreed

by Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah.’

The Meccans said, ‘We do not agree with you on this, for if we knew that you were the Messenger of Allah, we would not have prevented you from anything.’ The Meccans further said: ‘To us, you are Muhammad, the son of Abdullah.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘I am the Messenger of Allah as well as Muhammad bin Abdullah.’ He then said to Hazrat Alira, ‘Erase the words “Messenger of Allah.”’ Hazrat Alira submitted, ‘No, by God, I will never erase your title (i.e. he cannot erase the title of ‘Messenger of Allah’ which God Almighty Himself granted to the Holy Prophet).’ The Holy Prophetsa took the treaty (even though he was not able to properly read or write) and wrote the following: ‘This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, the son of Abdullah, has agreed to: “Muhammad[sa] will not bring arms into Mecca except sheathed swords and will not take with him any of the people of Mecca, even if the person in question wished to go with him. Also if any of his companions wished to stay in Mecca, he will not forbid them.

“In the following year, when the Prophetsa entered Mecca and the agreed period of stay elapsed, the disbelievers came to Hazrat Ali and said, ‘Tell your companion (i.e.

Muhammadsa) to leave as the agreed period of stay has finished.’ (There was a condition of staying for three days only and they had elapsed.) So the Prophetsa departed from Mecca and Ammarah, the daughter of Hazrat Hamzara – whose name in one narration is reported as Amamah and also as Amatullah in another narration – followed the Holy Prophetsa saying, ‘O Uncle, O Uncle!’ Hazrat Alira took her by the hand and said to Hazrat Fatimara, ‘Take the daughter of your uncle.’

And so, she placed her on her mount.

Following this, there was a disagreement between Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Zaidra and Hazrat Jafarra with regard to who would be responsible for the care of Hazrat Hamza’s daughter. Hazrat Alira said, ‘I took her for she is the daughter of my uncle.’ Hazrat Jafarra said, ‘She is the daughter of my uncle and her aunt Asma bint Umais is my wife.’ Hazrat Zaidra said, ‘She is the daughter of my brother – as the Holy Prophetsa had established a

bond of brotherhood between him and Hazrat Hamzara.

Following this, the Holy Prophetsa decided that she should stay with her maternal aunt, that is, with Hazrat Jafar’s wife. Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa said that a maternal aunt has a similar status to a mother. He then said to Hazrat Alira, ‘You are from me and I am from you.’ To Hazrat Jafarra he said, ‘You resemble me both in physical appearance and in character’ and to Hazrat Zaidra he said, ‘You are my brother and friend.’ Hazrat Alira asked the Holy Prophetsa why he did not marry the daughter of Hazrat Hamzara? The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘She is the daughter of my foster brother; we have been suckled by the same wet nurse and as such, I am the paternal uncle of this girl.’”

This narration is found in Bukhari as well as Sirat al-Halabiyya. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Baab Umrahtil Qadha, Hadith no. 4251) (Sirat al-Halabiyya, Vol. 3, p. 95, Baab Zikr Maghazia, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah married Hazrat Umme Aimanra. Hazrat Umme Aiman’s name was Barakah. She was known by the title of Umme Aiman due to her son, Aimanra. She was originally from Abyssinia.

She was a servant of Hazrat Abdullah, the father of the Holy Prophetsa. Following the demise of Hazrat Abdullah, she stayed with Hazrat Amina. When the Holy Prophetsa was six years old, his mother took the Holy Prophetsa with her from Mecca to Medina.

Hazrat Umme Aimanra accompanied them as a servant on that occasion. She would have been young at that time. On the return from Medina, when they reached Abwa, which is at a distance of five miles from Masjid Nabawi, Hazrat Amina passed away. Hazrat Umme Aimanra brought the Holy Prophetsa back to Mecca on the two camels they originally set out with. Prior to the Holy Prophet’ssa claim to prophethood, Hazrat Umme Aimanra married ‘Ubaid bin Zaid in Mecca, who was a slave of Abyssinian decent. A son was born to them by the name Aiman. Hazrat Aimanra attained the status of martyrdom during the battle of Hunain. The husband of Hazrat Umme Aimanra passed away and she was subsequently married to Hazrat Zaidra.

According to one narration, Hazrat Umme Aimanra treated the Holy Prophetsa with utmost kindness and took great care of him. As a result of this, the Holy Prophetsa said that whoever wishes to rejoice by marrying a woman from among the inhabitants of paradise, he should marry Umme Aimanra. Thereafter, Hazrat Zaidra bin Haritha married and were blessed with a son, Hazrat Usamahra. Hazrat Umme Aimanra migrated towards Abyssinia along with the other Muslims. Following this migration, she returned to Medina and participated in the Battle of Uhud. During the battle, she gave water to people and tended to the wounded.

She also had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Khaybar. She wept profusely when Hazrat Umarra was martyred in the twenty-third year after Hijra [migration of the Holy Prophetsa to Medina]. When the people enquired as to the reason why she was crying, she replied that owing to the martyrdom of Hazrat Umarra, Islam had become weakened.

Hazrat Umme Aimanra passed away towards the beginning of the caliphate of Hazrat Uthmanra. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 8, pp.

179-181, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Sirat al-Halabiyya, Vol. 1, p. 77, Baab Wafaate Walidati Rasoolullahsa, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 7, p. 291, Umme Aiman, Dar-ul-Kutub al-

Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Mu’jam-ul-Buldan, Vol. 1, p. 102, Abwah, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut) The gist presented by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra in relation to the marriage of Hazrat Zaidra with Hazrat Umme Aimanra from historical sources, is as follows: “This is the same Umme Aimanra who was given to Muhammadsa as a female slave through inheritance when his father passed away. When Muhammadsa matured, he freed her and would always treat her with much kindness. Umme Aimanra was later married to a freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa named Zaidra bin Harithah and from this relationship Usamah bin Zaid was born, who was known as Al-Hibb Ibn al-Hibb that is, ‘The dear son of the beloved.’ (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 99) (AlIstiab Fi Ma’rifat Al-Sahab, Vol. 1, p. 75, Usamah bin Zaid, Dar-ul-Jalil, Beirut, 1992) When the Holy Prophetsa saw Hazrat Umme Aiman, he would say: “O Umm!” - That is, “O my mother!” And would then say: ٰ َُْ َ ‫ه ِذ ٖه ب َ ِق ّية اه ِل ب َ ْي ِت ْى‬ meaning, “This is what is left behind of my close family.”

According to another narration, the Holy Prophetsa would state: ُ َ ُ َ ُ​ُ ‫أ ّم أيْ َم َن أ ِ ّم ْي ب َ ْعد أ ِ ّم ْي‬ meaning, “After my own mother, Umme Aiman holds the status of being my mother.”

The Holy Prophetsa would also visit her house to meet her. (al-Tabari, Vol. 13, p. 375, Darul-Fikr, Beirut, 2002) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 7, p. 291, Umme Aiman, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that when the Muhajireen arrived in Medina from Mecca, they had nothing in their possession whilst the Ansar were landowners and also owned property. The Ansar formed an agreement with the Muhajireen that they will offer them the fruits from their orchards and will also carry out all the farming work themselves. In other words, they will give them the produce from the land and will also carry out the labour duties of all its farming.

Hazrat Anas’ mother, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra, who was also the mother of Hazrat Abdullah bin Abi Talhara, had presented some of her date palm trees to the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa granted these trees to Hazrat Umme Aimanra, who was the mother of Hazrat Usamah bin Zaidra. Ibn Shihaab states that Hazrat Anasra bin Malik told him that when the Holy Prophetsa returned to Medina after the battle against the people of Khaibar, the Muhajireen returned whatever had been granted to them by the Ansar, i.e. all the fruit trees which they had been given from their orchards. This is because they had now been able to acquire some wealth and land of their own. The Holy Prophetsa also returned the date trees to Hazrat Anas’ mother and in place of them granted Hazrat Umme Aimanra some date trees from his own orchard. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Hibba, Baab Fazl-ulMunaiha, Hadith no. 2630) In another narration from Bukhari, it mentions further details in which Hazrat Anasra narrates, “One of the companions had presented some date trees to the Holy Prophetsa. When the Holy Prophetsa was granted victory against the tribes of Quraizah and Nadhir, he no longer required those trees. Upon this, some of the members of my family asked me to go to the Holy Prophetsa and request him to give back some of the trees that they had presented to him as he

was no longer in need of them. Since those trees had been granted to Umme Aimanra, therefore upon hearing about this, she came and placed a cloth on my neck and said, ‘I will certainly not give these back. I swear by the One Who Alone is worthy of worship that you will never get these trees because the Holy Prophetsa has already given them to me’ – or she said something along these lines. The Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Umme Aimanra, ‘It is fine; return these trees and I will give you the same number of trees from somewhere else.’ However, she replied, ‘By God, I will certainly not give them back.’”

Hazrat Anasra further relates, “Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa offered to give Hazrat Umme Aimanra ten times as many trees – or perhaps something to this effect – upon which she returned the trees.” (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Hadith no. 4120) In another narration it states that whilst migrating to Medina on foot, Hazrat Umme Aimanra became extremely thirsty. She was a very pious lady and had a very strong bond with God Almighty. At the time, she did not have any water with her and it was extremely hot, however she heard a sound from above her head and saw a pail-like vessel descend upon her from the heavens from which clear drops of water began to fall upon her. She drank from it until her thirst was quenched.

She would often say that thereafter, she never felt thirst or the desire [to drink].

Subsequently, she would not feel the pangs of thirst, and if she ever felt dehydration whilst observing the fast, she would go on without feeling thirsty. Thus, whilst citing incidents of the Companions, the women who were related to these Badri Companions are also mentioned so that we may become aware of their lofty status, and this is why I also relate the accounts of these female companions alongside the Badri Companions. Hazrat Umme Aimanra had a slight stammer in her speech. Whenever she would meet someone, instead of saying Salamullahi Alaikum, as was the custom at the time, she would say Salamun la Alaikum due to her stammer. The Holy Prophetsa permitted her to say Salamun Alaikum or Assalamu Alaikum, which is now the custom.

Hazrat Aishara narrates that one day, whilst the Holy Prophetsa was drinking water, Hazrat Umme Aimanra was also present and said, “O Messengersa of Allah, give me water so I may drink also.” Hazrat Aishara states that she questioned her saying, “Is this the manner in which you ask the Messengersa of Allah for something?” To this she replied, “Have I not served the Holy Prophetsa for a long time?”

The Holy Prophetsa then said, “You speak the truth” and gave her water to drink. (Sirat al-Halabiyya, Vol. 1, pp. 77-78, Baab Wafaat Walidati Rasoolullahsa Maghazia, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) Hazrat Anasra relates that when the Holy Prophetsa passed away, Hazrat Umme Aimanra would not stop crying. When she was asked why she wept so much for the Holy Prophetsa, she answered, “I knew of course that the Holy Prophetsa would one day pass away, yet I weep because the revelations have been taken away from us”; in other words, besides her pain over the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, she also wept over the fact that the word of God and the revelation of the Holy Quran which would descend upon them, had come to an end. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 7, p. 291, Umme Aiman, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) Hazrat Anasra bin Malik narrates, “On one occasion, after the demise of the Messengersa of Allah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said to Hazrat

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM Umarra, ‘Accompany me to visit Hazrat Umme Aiman and let us meet her just as the Prophetsa would.’ When we arrived there, she began weeping. They enquired, ‘Why are you crying? For whatever is with Allah is better for His Messengersa.’ She was a very pious person, as mentioned before and replied, ‘I am aware that indeed whatever Allah possesses is better for His Messengersa, however I cry because the door of revelation has now closed.’ This moved both of them to tears also.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Fazail Al-Sahaba, Hadith no. 2454) There was a visible difference between the complexion of Hazrat Usamara and Hazrat Zaidra, because the mother of Zaid was from Abyssinia and of African descent. Hence, there was a difference in appearance between father and son because Zaidra resembled his mother more in appearance. Due to this, people would raise objections about the lineage of Hazrat Usamara saying that he was not the son of Hazrat Zaidra and the hypocrites would do the same.

Hazrat Aishara states, “One day, the Messenger of Allahsa visited me and was extremely happy. He said, ‘O Aishara! Mujaziz Mudlaji visited me just now and he saw Usama bin Zaidra and Zaid bin Harithahra in a manner whereby they were covering themselves with the same cloth’”, perhaps to shield themselves from the heat or rain, they were both covering themselves with the same cloth. “‘Their faces were covered by it, but their feet were visible.’ Mujaziz said, ‘Both pairs of feet are one and the same.’” meaning that both pairs of feet had a strong resemblance.

The Prophet of Allahsa was pleased that the objection raised against the lineage of Hazrat Usamara had been refuted, to the extent that even a person of worldly disposition and a physiognomist bore witness to it. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab-ul-Faraidh, Hadith no. 6771), (Fathul Bari, Sharah Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul-Faraidh, Hadith no. 6771, Vol. 12, p. 58, Dar-ul-Rayyaan Li Al-Turath, Cairo, 1987) Although it may not seem to have more to it, but in those days the Arabs considered it as definitive proof and this silenced those who were of a worldly nature and also the hypocrites.

Hazrat Zaidra was the freed slave of the Holy Prophetsa and his adopted son as well.

The Holy Prophetsa arranged Hazrat Zaid’sra marriage with Hazrat Zainabra bint Jahash.

However, this marriage did not last long and Hazrat Zaidra divorced Hazrat Zainabra.

This marriage lasted a year or a little more than that, after which the Prophet of Allahsa himself married Hazrat Zainabra bint Jahash.

(Al-Sirat-ul-Nabawaiyyah, pp. 628-629, Darul-Ma’rifa, Beirut, 2007) The details collected from various sources

by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra in his book Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin are as follows: “In 5 AH, shortly before the ghazwa of Bani Mustaliq, which took place in Sha‘ban 5 AH, the Holy Prophetsa married Zainabra bint Jahash. Hazrat Zainabra was the daughter of the paternal aunt of the Holy Prophetsa, whose name was Amimah bint Abdil-Muttalib. Although she was extremely righteous and pious, she was somewhat conscious of her family status at heart. In contrast, the disposition of the Holy Prophetsa was absolutely pure of such thoughts, and although he was considerate of family circumstances from a social perspective, the Holy Prophetsa considered innate merit and individual virtue and purity as being the true criteria for nobility.

“To this affect, the Holy Quran states:

15 ُ ٰ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ‫ِا ّن اک َر َمک ۡم ِعن َد الل ِہ اتقک ۡم‬ “‘O Ye People! The most honourable among you is the one who is most righteous.’

[Surah al-Hujaraat, Ch.49: V.14] “Hence, the Holy Prophetsa proposed the marriage of this dear one, i.e. Zainabra bint Jahash, to his freed slave and foster-son Zaidra bin Harithah without any hesitation.

At first, Zainabra did not accept this match considering her family status to be greater, but ultimately, upon noticing the strong desire of the Holy Prophetsa, she agreed. In any case, according to the proposal and desire of the Holy Prophetsa, the marriage of Zainabra and Zaidra took place. Although Zainabra fulfilled her vows with goodness, in his own heart, Zaidra felt that Zainabra still harboured hidden feelings that she was from a noble family and a close relative of the Holy Prophetsa, while Zaidra was merely a freed slave and not her equal. Even in his own heart, Zaidra felt that his position was lesser than that of Zainabra.

This feeling slowly and gradually became stronger making their marital life unpleasant, causing husband and wife indisposed to one another. When this upsetting situation grew out of hand, Zaidra bin Harithah presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa of his own accord, and complaining about the treatment of Zainabra, sought permission to divorce her. In another narration it is related that he complained, ‘Zainab uses harsh tongue, and therefore, I wish to divorce her.’ Naturally, the Holy Prophetsa was grieved upon hearing the state of affairs, and he restrained Zaidra from giving a divorce. Perhaps feeling that Zaidra could do more to fulfil his end, the Holy Prophetsa exhorted him saying, ‘Fear God and settle your differences however you may.’

These words of the Holy Prophetsa have been recorded by the Holy Quran as well in the following words: ّٰ َّ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ ‫ا ۡم ِسک َعل ۡیک ز ۡو َجک َو ات ِق الل َہ‬ “‘Do not divorce your wife, and fear God.’ [Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.38] “The reason for this advice of the Holy Prophetsa was that firstly, in principle, the Holy Prophetsa disliked divorce. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated: ُ َ َّ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ‫ال اِلی الل ِہ الطلاق‬ ِ ‫ابغض الحل‬ “‘Of all lawful things, divorce is most undesirable in the sight of God.’ “For this reason, it has only been permitted as a last resort. Secondly, as related

by Imam Zainul-Abidin Ali bin Husainra, the son of Imam Husainra (and Imam Zuhri has declared this narration as being authentic), since the Holy Prophetsa knew by way of divine revelation that Zaidra bin Harithah would ultimately divorce Zainabra, and then she would subsequently come into a matrimonial bond with the Holy Prophetsa, feeling that he had a personal connection in the matter, the Holy Prophetsa wished to remain absolutely unrelated and neutral.

Moreover, from his own perspective, it was the utmost desire of the Holy Prophetsa that he should have no part in the dissolution of the marriage of Zaidra and Zainabra, and that they should continue living together for as long as possible. It was under this consideration that the Holy Prophetsa emphatically exhorted Zaidra not to give a divorce, fear God, and settle the differences between husband and wife in any way possible.

“Furthermore, the Holy Prophetsa also apprehended that if Zainabra was to marry the Holy Prophetsa after having separated from Zaidra, people would raise the allegation that the Holy Prophetsa had married the divorcee

of his foster-son, and people would be put to trial. As such, Allah the Exalted states in the Holy Quran: َّ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ ُ ُ ّٰ َ َ ۡ َ ٰ ۡ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ ُۡ َ ‫الن‬ ‫اس ۚ َو الل ُہ ا َح ّق ا ۡن تخش ُہ‬ ‫َو تخف ِۡی فِ ۡی نف ِسک ما اللہ مب ِدی ِہ و تخشی‬ “‘O Prophet! You had concealed in your heart what God was going to bring to light, and you were afraid on account of the people, whereas God has far greater right to be feared.’

[Surah al-Ahzab, Ch.33: V.38] “In any case, the Holy Prophetsa admonished Zaidra to fear Allah and held him back from giving a divorce. In light of this exhortation, Zaidra bowed his head in submission and silently returned. However, it was difficult for these distant personalities to come together, and what was not meant to be remained as such. After some time, Zaidra gave a divorce.

“When the iddat of Zainabra had elapsed, the Holy Prophetsa received revelation again with respect to her marriage, which instructed that the Holy Prophetsa should take her into a bond of matrimony himself. In this divine command, the wisdom was so that Zainabra could be comforted and so that it could be demonstrated that there was no disgrace in Muslim men marrying a divorced woman.

“Moreover, another wisdom was that since Zaidra was the foster-son of the Holy Prophetsa and was generally known as his son, by marrying his divorcee, a practical example could be demonstrated by the Holy Prophetsa before the Muslims that a foster-son is not a real son, nor do such injunctions apply to them, as are enforced upon biological sons.

As a result, this ignorant Arabian custom could be completely expunged from among the Muslims. In this regard, the Holy Quran, which is the most authentic of all historical records states: َ َ ٰ َ َ َ ۡ َ َٰ َ َ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ‫فل ّما قضی زیۡ ٌد ِّمن َہا َوط ًرا ز ّو ۡجنک َہا ل ِک ۡی لَا یَکوۡ َن َعلی ال ُم ٰ ۡؤ ِمنِی َن َح َر ٌج فِ ۡۤی‬ ّ ُ ۡ َ َ َ َ ً َ َ َّ ُ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ً‫اللہ َم ۡف ُعوۡلا‬ ِ ‫ازو ِاج اد ِعیٓائِ ِہم ِاذا قضوا ِمنہن وطرا ؕ و کان امر‬ “‘When Zaid dissolved his relationship with Zainab, We married her to you, so that there may be no hindrance for the believers with regard to the wives of their adopted sons, after their adopted sons dissolve their relationship with their wives. This is how it was decreed that the Will of God would come to pass.’ [al-Ahzab: 38] “Therefore, after this divine revelation was sent down, which was absolutely free from the personal desire or thought of the Holy Prophetsa, he decided to marry Zainabra. The Holy Prophetsa sent his proposal to Zainabra through Zaidra himself. Upon the consent of Zainabra, her brother Abu Ahmadra bin Jahash served as her guardian and married her off to the Holy Prophetsa and the dowry was set at 400 dirhams. In this manner, the ancient tradition which was firmly rooted in the plains of Arabia, was uprooted at the very source and stem, and discarded by Islam through the personal example of the Holy Prophetsa.

“At this instance, it is also necessary to mention that historians and muhaddithin generally believe that since divine revelation had been sent down with respect to the marriage of Hazrat Zainabra and as this marriage took place due to special divine command, an actual ceremony of Nikah did not take place. However, this notion is incorrect. Undoubtedly, this marriage took place in accordance with the command of God, and it can be said that this marriage was settled in the heavens, as it were. However, this cannot relieve a person from the practical application of the Shariah, which is also instituted by God Himself. Hence, the

reference of Ibni Hisham, which has been alluded to above, has explicitly stated that the actual ceremony of Nikah did in fact take place and in this respect, the matter is clear and leaves no room for uncertainty or doubt.

“Moreover, as for the Hadith which states that Hazrat Zainabra would express in a manner of pride to the other UmmahatulMomineen that their marriages were announced through their guardians on the earth, while her marriage was announced in the heavens, it is also false to deduce from this that the physical ceremony of her marriage did not take place. The reason being, that even in the case of an apparent ceremony, she maintains the distinction that her marriage was settled in the heavens under the special order of God, while the marriages of the other Ummahatul-Momineen took place under normal circumstances, merely with an apparent ceremony having taken place. In another narration it is related that the Holy Prophetsa went to Zainabra without permission, and it is deduced from this as well that a physical ceremony did not take place.

However, if one reflects, this fact does not have any relation whatsoever with a physical ceremony being held or not. If it is inferred from this that the Holy Prophetsa went to the home of Hazrat Zainabra without permission, then this is incorrect and contrary to the facts, because an explicit narration in Bukhari states that after their marriage, Zainabra was bid farewell from her home, and came to the home of the Holy Prophetsa, not vice versa. If however, this narration is inferred to suggest that after her rukhsatana took place and she entered the home of the Holy Prophetsa, he went to her without any specific permission, this is nothing out of the ordinary and not at odds with general practice. After coming to the home of the Holy Prophetsa as his wife, it was obvious that the Holy Prophetsa would go to her, and no permission was required in this respect. Hence, the narration regarding the Holy Prophetsa not seeking permission has no relation whatsoever with the question as to whether a formal ceremony of Nikah took place or not. The fact of the matter is that as Ibni Hisham has clearly related, despite divine command, a formal ceremony of Nikah took place. Rationality also dictates that it occurred as such, because firstly, there was no reason for an exception to the general rule. Secondly, when the very objective of this marriage was to break a custom and remove its influence, it was required to an even greater degree that this marriage in particular take place with great proclamation and publicity. So the world would know that this custom has now been abolished.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 543-546) In the accounts relating to the life of Hazrat Zaidra, I have mentioned some details regarding the marriage of the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Zainabra. The reason for this is that people raise allegations against this marriage even today and therefore we ought to know about this in detail. There are some further details with regard to this incident and other incidents about Hazrat Zaid. I will explain further details regarding this subject matter as required in the future, but for now the general life account of Hazrat Zaidra will continue.

(Translated by The Review of Religions.

Originally published in Al Fazl International on 5th July 2019, pp.

5-9)

Friday 12 July 2019 | AL HAKAM

16

“Ahmadiyyat changed my life” New converts attend mulaqat with Huzoor

Photo courtesy of The Review of Religions

Karlsruhe, 7 July: After the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Germany and prior to his departure for Baitus-Subuh, Frankfurt, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa granted an audience to some new converts.

Most of new converts in attendance were those who had accepted Ahmadiyyat today during the Bai‘at in the Jalsa gah at Karlsruhe.

The first part of this audience was dedicated to ladies who had just converted to Ahmadiyyat while the latter was attended by men.

A Ghanaian gentleman caught Huzoor’saa attention, whom Huzooraa asked where in Ghana he was from, when he had come to Germany and whether he was settled or not.

Then a gentleman from Guinea Conakry introduced himself to Huzooraa and requested his prayers.

As the microphone got passed on, a young boy’s turn came, whose passion, emotions and very visible love for Huzooraa gripped everyone. This Arab boy, a student of year 10, asked permission to relate his dream.

After being given permission, he informed Huzooraa that he would often pray that Allah showed him the right path because his father and brother had accepted Ahmadiyyat but

his mother had not. He had once attended Jalsa previously with his father, but felt no connection, so he continued to pray until he was shown in a dream that during a mulaqat between many Arabs and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, everyone was weeping, and the scene was such that it moved him.

After seeing this dream, he said that he was satisfied with regard to the truthfulness of this Jamaat and had thus accepted Ahmadiyyat in Islam. Huzooraa very lovingly listened to his account and prayed that Allah blesses him.

An Arab from Norway introduced himself and invited Huzooraa to visit his country of residence.

Another Arab, this time from Germany, was extremely happy to have seen Huzooraa for the first time. He related a dream that he had seen in which Huzooraa was holding a class with children and Huzooraa called him over and told him to sit by his side.

Upon hearing of this dream, Huzooraa said, “May Allah make this love long-lasting.”

This prompted another gentleman to relate his dream in which he had seen that Huzooraa called him close and showed great love and affection. The gentleman informed Huzooraa that having accepted Ahmadiyyat,

all his troubles and worries had vanished.

Huzooraa replied, “Alhamdolillah!”

A German new convert mentioned to Huzooraa that he was not brought up in a Muslim household, hence he had felt no inclination towards spirituality. He asked how he could progress further in spirituality. Huzooraa answered by saying that he should offer the five daily prayers regularly, memorise Surah al-Fatihah and ponder over its meaning.

An Estonian gentleman said to Huzooraa that his wife had accepted Ahmadiyyat four years earlier, whereas he was accepting Ahmadiyyat today. He expressed his thanks for the immense support that the Jamaat gave to his wife after she had accepted Ahmadiyyat. It was after her conversion that they were blessed with their first child and he said that he was delighted with the fact that this day, he shared the same faith as his wife.

A Syrian gentleman informed Huzooraa that having accepted the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas, he had witnessed many blessings of Allah the Almighty and that his family had left Syria and reached Germany safely.

A gentleman of Turkish origin said that when he initially was inclined towards Ahmadiyyat, his parents opposed his trend

a great deal. However, he told Huzooraa, he had now converted and pledged to live as an Ahmadi until his dying breath.

Huzooraa enquired what it was that had convinced him, to which he responded by saying that his brothers had asked him to make a firm decision as to whether he wanted to continue his life as an Alawite or convert to Ahmadiyyat. He opted for the latter and declared to Huzooraa that he was satisfied with this decision. Huzooraathen asked whether he would endure any possible opposition in the future, to which he replied, “I will indeed. I should have accepted a long time ago.”

After this, the tenth-grade teenager expressed eagerness to talk to Huzooraa again. He requested Huzooraa to pray for all those who had done tabligh to him and made his decision to join his father in Ahmadiyyat easier.

Shortly after this, the mulaqat came to a close and everyone had the chance to have photographs taken with Huzooraa.

After the mulaqat, Huzooraa departed for Frankfurt, where he led the Maghrib and Isha prayers.

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