Al Hakam - 15 March 2019

From the Markaz

Responding to Allegations

100 Years Ago...

Press conference at 2019 Peace Symposium

Fourth part of Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas – Earthquakes and Divine Signs

The first speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra

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A Prophecy Fulfilled Tsar – agony and distress Part I

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 15 March 2019 | Issue LII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Rivalries, nuclear war, nationalism, Brexit and immigration

Peace Symposium 2019 IMuslim Jamaat to counsel, guide, advise

t has been the practice of the Ahmadiyya

and spearhead efforts towards peace wherever it exists.

Under the divinely guided Khilafat, the track-record of the Jamaat constitutes a stunning hallmark of success in striving to alleviate the political, social and economic problems of the world.

Today’s time is no different. This year’s Peace Symposium was the 16th to be held at Baitul Futuh, London and carried the theme: The Critical Need for World Peace.

The words of Archbishop Emeritus Kevin McDonald of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Southwark summed up the importance of this gathering. He thanked the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the initiative which was “quite unusual, different, imaginative, bringing together people

of different religions”. He emphasised a “particular timeliness about this year’s peace symposium” against a backdrop of Brexit and the surge of youth-related violence on the streets of Britain. The social, political and economic climate of the rest of the world is also rife with war and an uncertain future.

The Peace Symposium had a large international representation from around 30 countries including Israel, Gambia, Uganda, Eritrea, Canada, Liberia, Morocco, Hungary, Iraq and many more. The mayors of seven London boroughs were also in attendance.

The 2019 Ahmadiyya Peace Prize for the Advancement of Peace was awarded to Dr Fred Mednick, Founder of Teachers Without Borders – an organisation providing education in emergencies, education for women and aiming to close the educational divide in the poorest parts of the world.

Dr Fred Mednick received the prize from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa and stated in his acceptance address: “I am deeply honoured and privileged to receive this award and I do so on behalf of Teachers Without Borders. We are really moved and profoundly grateful for your commitment to peace-making through education.”

The keynote address was delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in which he opened with the words: “Each year, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community hosts this Peace Symposium in which current issues and the overall state of the world are analysed, and in my address, I seek to present answers to these contemporary issues in light of the teachings of Islam.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa drew

attention towards the intensifying geopolitical state of affairs by the forging of new battlefields and increasing number of rivalries. Huzooraa cited a number of experts that were also pointing towards a disastrous future and deterioration of international relations and stated: “During the past year, the United States claimed with a degree of confidence that it was close to securing an historic peace deal with North Korea. But in recent days, it has become clear that nothing of substance has been achieved.”

Huzooraa further commented: “Expert commentators and experienced politicians are reaching the conclusion that nuclear war no longer remains a remote and distant prospect but is a growing threat that Continued on page 4

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

Editorial Abuse cases – avoiding them altogether

#MeToo

cross the globe, events of sexual abuse, A rape and harassment are day-today occurrences, influencing millions of

children and countless women and men, leaving devastating effects on their lives.

Be that as it may, regardless of the inescapability of these violations, laws are deficient and, in some cases, helpless.

The rise in sexual harassment scandals coming to surface over the past decade has dismantled and degraded the very spirit and soul of societies all over the world.

A documentary film, directed and produced by British filmmaker Dan Reed, which goes by the title Leaving Neverland, premiered on HBO recently. It includes new allegations of child sex abuse against the famous pop icon Michael Jackson. #MeToo and #TimesUp movements reflect the ferociousness of similar exploitations at work, home, school and especially in the media industry.

Meanwhile, there is a great debate to find the causes which lead to these vicious crimes and moreover to define the actions as to where one should draw the line. For many, even a handshake or a hug could be considered inappropriate behaviour or an act of advancement.

On the other hand, the statements like that of US Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur are on the record where she described a woman’s dress so revealing that it was nothing but an open invitation. She clarified (or had to clarify) on a later occasion that her intention was not to cast blame on the victims of sexual harassment.

Even though Western societies are boastfully presented as strongholds of women equality and the Eastern world is portrayed as the oppressor of women’s rights and of freedom of expression, recent scandals of mistreatment of women in show business and parliaments seem to suggest otherwise.

The segregation of men and women in Islam is taken as a threat to the freedom

of both genders, although it is opposite to the general perception. The Islamic idea of gender segregation is based on a model of virtue, compulsory on both men and women that enables both to keep up limits of respect, modesty and dignity between each other.

The worldwide head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa highlighted in an address how authorities in Berlin were forced to erect a separate “safe zone” for women at a New Year’s Day celebrations, whilst “women-only” concerts had been proposed in another European state.

Shedding light on the circumstances leading to the recent scandal that triggered various movements of women’s rights, Huzooraa said: “Men have sought opportunities to take advantage of women and to mentally or physically abuse them, and in some cases, it escalated to what can only be termed as torture … The question is why were women abused across the world? The answer, whether they like it or not, is the free-mixing that took place which meant that the women were unable to safeguard themselves.”

In the rising world of allegation and accusation being carried out against the teachings of Islam, Huzooraa said that Waqifaat-e-Nau should be “spearheading” the movement to portray the real true picture of Islam “without any fear or complex”.

Huzooraa said: “You should openly proclaim the fact that you take pride in your modest dress, in your Hijab and in keeping a distance from men.

You should openly declare that these are the essential safeguards that Allah the Almighty has chosen in order to protect women, and so rather than being a restriction, Hijab is actually a supreme right and protection afforded to Muslim women.” (Concluding Address, UK National Waqifaat-e-Nau Ijtema, 24 January 2018)

This Week in History 15-21 March 15 March 1889: The Promised Messiahas was in Hoshiarpur on this day. Huzooras blessed the marriage ceremony of Sheikh Mehar Ali Sahib’s son with his presence.

15 March 1891: The Promised Messiahas sent a personal letter to Hazrat Mian Muhammad Sanorira while he was in Ludhiana, expressing, “Correspondence work is piling up due to my chronic health condition. If you could come here and assist me for the next two months, it would be very helpful. I am staying at the same residence in Iqbal Ganj of Ludhiana.” In those days, Huzooras was engaged in a written debate with Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi about his claims and mission.

local populace to take precautionary measures to protect themselves.

18 March 1966: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh introduced the scheme of Waqf-e-Arzi. Through this scheme, every Ahmadi is able to take part in missionary work for a limited period.

20 March 1907: The Promised Messiahas issued another announcement about his book Haqiqatul Wahi, and this time, he addressed Christian priests and asked them to ponder over his book without being hasty.

21 March 1894: The lunar eclipse occurred after sunset on Thursday, 13 Ramadan. According to Calcutta time, the lunar eclipse was visible in India in the 15 March 1907: The Promised Messiahas evening between 7-9:30pm, in accordance issued an announcement for Muslim with the Hadith narrated by Hazrat Imam clerics and invited them to read his book Baqir Muhammad bin Ali, son of Hazrat Haqiqatul Wahi with deep consideration.

Ali bin Hussain, Zain-ul-Abidin (may Allah 15 March 1917: The Promised Messiah’sas have mercy on them): “For our Mahdi there are two signs prophecy about the Tsar of Russia was that have never appeared before since fulfilled on this day when the abdication of Nicholas II of Russia took place after his the creation of the heavens and the earth, decades long reign. Huzooras predicted in namely, the moon will be eclipsed on the first night in Ramadan (i.e. on the first of one couplet of his famous Urdu poem: ‫ئ‬ the nights on which a lunar eclipse can ‫لحمضم وہ ی‬ ‫اج� ےگ اُس وخف ےس بس نج و اسن‬ occur) and the sun will be eclipsed on the middle day (i.e. in the middle of the ‫اباحل زار‬ ِ ‫زار یھب وہاگ وت وہاگ اس ڑھگی‬ days on which a solar eclipse can occur), “Men, high and low, will be consumed with and these signs have not appeared since fear; And the Tsar himself will, at that God created the heavens and the earth.” hour, be in a pitiable state.”

(Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab-ul-Eidain)

16 March 1903: Pandit Nand Kishor visited Qadian on this day and had the opportunity to seek blessings from the company of the Promised Messiahas before Isha prayer. He was a renowned scholar of Sanatan Dharam and a great orator of his age.

17 March 1896: Hazrat Ahmadas wrote a letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra in which he mentioned the publishing of his book on linguistics, Minan-ur-Rahman (The Blessings of the Gracious God). Huzooras informed him that the press had stopped printing after initial copies. This book – a monument of methodical research about Arabic as the mother of all languages – was published in 1922.

21 March 1905: Hazrat Babo Muhammad Afzal Sahib, Proprietor and Editor of the newspaper Al Badr, passed away on this day. Owing to the services provided by this newspaper for the spread of his divine mission along with Al Hakam, Huzooras referred to them as his two arms.

21 March 1907: Sir James Wilson, Financial Commissioner of Punjab came to Qadian for a day’s visit. His camp was settled in an open ground outside the village of Qadian. He made a request for a meeting with the Promised Messiahas.

Huzooras, accompanied by some of his devoted disciples, went to see him in the evening at 5 o’clock. During this meeting, Huzoorra explained to Sir James the beauties of Islam and told him that the religion of Islam was based on sound as 17 March 1897: The Promised Messiah’s reason and very clear signs from the Arabic book Hujjatullah (God’s Final Almighty God. He told him that Islam Argument) was printed on this day at would win through reason and not with the Zia-ul-Islam Press, Qadian. In this book, sword. Every battle fought by the early he highlighted various signs which God Muslims was a defensive battle. The idea had shown in his favour. He also pointed that Islam spread by the sword was totally out the error of his Shia opponents. In a erroneous and was a mere fantasy of the graphic and eloquent manner, Huzooras enemies of Islam. explained that the Shia beliefs were not The financial commissioner wished to right because the Khalifas – Hazrat Abu continue the talk further about matters Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Usmanra – not relating to religion. But Huzooras were the rightful Khalifas and Hazrat Alira said, “You are a worldly ruler. God has had acknowledged this also. appointed me a ruler of the spiritual domain. As you have fixed times for 17 March 1901: The Promised Messiahas certain matters, so are our times fixed wrote a two-page announcement for the for various works. Now is the time for general public warning them about the our prayer.” Saying these words, Huzooras pandemic of the plague that was claiming stood up and returned. lives. This message was to caution the

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

From the Markaz

Press conference at 2019 Peace Symposium Nauman Hadi Al Hakam Correspondent

PKhalifatul Masih V

rior to the keynote address of Hazrat aa at the 2019 Peace Symposium at Baitul Futuh, London, a press conference was held that hosted an entire spectrum of questions, especially since the media wanted to take the opinion of a Muslim Leader on matters related to Islam.

The on-going issue of jihadis returning to the UK was also brought up a couple of times with regard to what manner of action the British Government should take?

Huzooraa stated in the case of one particular female jihadi wanting to return to the UK: “I have sympathy for the child”, referring to the new-born child of the jihadi who was innocent in the mother’s crimes and who later died. He also stated: “If the British Government has stripped her of her nationality, then another country should adopt her, any Muslim country …

Since her parents were from Bangladesh, the first duty is of Bangladesh to take her as a national.”

A question that came up was with regard to the purpose behind building the Baitul Futuh Mosque. Huzooraa stated: “Mosques are built for Muslims to worship … there are quite a number of Ahmadi Muslims residing in this area or in this city and they gather here for congregational prayer on Fridays. Almost 4-5 thousand people come

here to offer their congregational prayers, so this is the reason; the same reason for which churches are built.”

A journalist asked Huzooraa for his thoughts on religious groups becoming radicalised. Huzooraa stated: “I have been speaking on this issue for so many years. If they are Islamic extremists, then they are not practicing Muslims.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa further cited the example of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa entering into the treaty of Medina with other religious groups in order to grant religious freedom and emphasised that the Islam he knew never taught extremism.

It has been argued that war, as controversial as it may sound, plays a role in economic growth (the journalist who asked this question gave the example of the economic unity of the EU being a result of war).

When Huzoor’saa opinion on this matter was sought, he responded by disagreeing with such a notion. He stated that if this was to be the case, then all war-torn regions should be economically developed. Especially in the case of an Indo-Pak war, it was apparent that such a scenario would leave nothing but destruction in its wake reaching further than the subcontinent.

Huzooraa said: “If there is any war – conventional or atomic – then they are going to ruin themselves. There will not be any economic development after the war, rather they will go 100 years back.’

A journalist asked whether we would ever achieve world peace? The answer, in light of present circumstances, was negative.

“We all talk about world peace, but we are not ready to sacrifice ourselves for creating peace in the world.”

Huzooraa added that there would be no peace without letting go of vested interests.

On the matter of a solution to a war between India and Pakistan, Huzooraa commented that the major dispute was over Kashmir, which should be resolved through the UN. If the UN was truly serious and wanted to resolve this issue, then India and Pakistan would be ready.

Huzooraa further stated that the road map for ending this dispute was the one laid out by Sir Zafrulla Khan Sahibra.

Another question presented to Huzooraa was whether he had met the Pope and if not, whether he would like to? Huzooraa stated that he had not yet met the Pope, but would like to and described Pope Francis as “an openminded person” as he had travelled to Middle Eastern countries.

In recent years there has been a growing interest in Africa with trade and industry growing rapidly. A journalist asked Huzooraa about establishing peace in the African continent.

Huzooraa replied by stating that if the rulers were honest, discharged their duties properly and provided opportunity to all their people then this would lead to peace. The rulers needed to reform themselves.

Furthermore, the case of terror groups

gaining strongholds in those countries was also due to the dishonesty of the governments in those regions. Huzooraa pointed out that the resources were not being used adequately to the benefit of the local populace and the rights of the people were also not protected.

To summarise, the entire responsibility of upholding peace in Africa was upon the rulers to govern properly. If they did so, then Huzooraa stated that “these extremist groups would die their own deaths.”

On the question of nuclear weapons beings necessary as deterrents, Huzooraa stated that this was just a “flimsy excuse” as nuclear weapons were not saving countries, but destroying them, especially due to the economic disturbances they cause. Huzooraa then cited the example of the Cold War between Russia and the USA. At the end, Huzooraa gave a light-hearted comment, saying: “Had you listened to my address before asking these questions, then you would not have asked so many.”

The press conference concluded with Huzooraa meeting dignitaries in the Aftab Khan Library and then proceeding to Maghrib prayer followed by the main function in Tahir Hall.

Huzoor’saa opinions and comments were cited in various media outlets including the Evening Standard, Sky News, the Daily Mail and the Mail Online.

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The last hour

One Ought to Pray for One’s Opponents

Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “[When] the time would draw close to the Last Hour, knowledge would be snatched away, turmoil would be rampant, miserliness would be put [in the hearts of the people] and there would be much bloodshed.” They said: “What is al-Harj?” Thereupon he said: “It is bloodshed.”

I have only ever sternly addressed my opponents in order to purge them of arrogance. This is not an act of retaliation for harsh words; rather, it is a bitter pill meant to cure them—as the [Arabic] proverb has it: �� ‫ا�حﻖ‬ (The truth is bitter). However, it is not justified that anyone should feel at liberty to pen such harsh words. The community ought to exercise caution. Each and every individual ought to first delve into their heart and see whether they write such words with pure intention or merely out of obstinacy and enmity.

One should not harbour malevolence against one’s adversaries. Instead, a person ought to pray for such people more than anything else and use other means to reform them.

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Ilam)

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 7)

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

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Continued from page 1

can no longer be discounted.”

On the issue of the escalating tensions in the subcontinent between India and Pakistan, Huzooraa pointed out that both countries were nuclear powers and had alliances, thus a war between them would have far-reaching consequences.

The rise of nationalism is also a pressing

issue which was spoken on: “Nationalism has reared its ugly head again and far-right parties are gaining popularity across the Western world. They may not have secured outright political majorities, but unless justice at all levels of society prevails, they will continue to gain support.”

It is clear that nations with vested interests are seeking out policies of injustice that in turn are causing such havoc in various parts of the Middle East that the citizens of such places have no option but to migrate.

When such immigration occurs to the West on a large scale, especially against the backdrop of an already struggling Western world, this automatically creates tensions and resentment towards those seeking protection of Western nations in the hearts of the indigenous population.

This has been the primary reason why nationalism is gaining ground. Hence, the simple solution to this, as presented by Huzooraa, is to adopt policies of peace that would enable the war-torn Middle Eastern nations to achieve their potential, thus

alleviating the need for their citizens to migrate elsewhere in search of safety.

Whilst commenting on nationalism, Huzooraa stated: “One of the core reasons underpinning their popularity has been widespread immigration which has caused resentment and a belief that existing indigenous citizens are being short-changed in order to fund and support immigrants … If genuine efforts are made to cultivate peace and to help all countries achieve their potential, this desperation of people to flee their homes would automatically subside.”

Huzooraa then counselled the immigrants that settle elsewhere to stand on their own two feet rather than live a life on benefits, and play a positive role in society, since the underlying cause of resentment is always economic.

On the topic of Brexit, Huzooraa pointed out that all possible efforts to preserve unity by upholding each other’s rights was paramount to peace. Moreover, it was the responsibility of the EU governments to remove the fear of their citizens by adopting progressive and practical policies with regard to immigration.

Huzooraa also addressed the question of whether it was apt to look for solutions to global unrest from an Islam perspective since it was Islamic countries themselves that were in the worst state. The answer to this was that present-day countries are not the hallmark for Islamic practice, rather we should reflect upon the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa to understand how he created a society that protected the rights of all without discrimination.

Rear Admiral Mike Bath, after the event, commented on the importance of the Peace

Symposium: “Tonight we’ve seen people of many faiths all in one place, all sharing the vision and the message which we all agree with, which is we all need to come together if we are going to solve some of these problems in the future.

“Why it has particular resonance for me in the Navy is because so much of what His Holiness talked about in terms of commitment, loyalty, respect are those same values that we in the Navy have. So, the armed forces and the Ahmadiyya share common goals in much of this as we all want to see a more peaceful world.”

Senator Maria Arrelas from Spain commented after the event: “It was an honour for me to be here. For me the speech from His Holiness was really nice and really important and everybody here saying ‘peace’ together with one voice is really important.”

The Peace Symposium of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community has become an important event in its calendar since one of the principle missions of its founder, the Promised Messiahas was to establish peace through righteous Islamic conduct.

However, one may ponder over what impact this gathering is having if the state of the world is continuing to deteriorate.

The words of Huzooraa at the outset of his address are enough to answer this. He stated: “In terms of what impact this event has on the wider world, I have said before that I do not know. However, regardless of its effect, we shall never give up our efforts to promote peace and justice and certainly I’m sure all of you share our ardent desire for true and longlasting peace to be established in the world.”

The next issue will be a as Promised Messiah Day special, also marking one year of successful publication of Al Hakam in English

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

5 Responding to Allegations

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas Part IV

Earthquake like Judgement Day

f the revelations that pertain to O the coming of an “earthquake like Judgement Day”, the following revelation is

presented as an allegation: َ ُ ْ َ ٰ ُ ّ ٰ ُ َ َّ َ ‫ت ّم َس ّمی‬ ٍ ‫اخرہ اللہ اِلی وق‬ “Allah has postponed it, till a time appointed.” This was revealed to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, on 28 March 1906.

After presenting this revelation, the opponents of the Jamaat say that on 8 April 1906, God said: َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ُ ّ ٰ ُ ُ ْ ُ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ّ َ ‫الساع ِة‬ ‫ر ِب ا ِرنِی زلزلة الساع ِة۔ ی ِریکم اللہ زلزلة‬ “O my God, show me the earthquake which is the example of Judgement Day because of its severity. Allah will show you the earthquake of Judgement Day.” Then, on 20 May 1906, God said: َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ّ َ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ‫ا ِریک زلزلة‬ ‫الساع ِة ۔ اِن ِ ْی ا َحا ِفظ کل َم ْن ِفی الدا ِر‬ “I shall show you the earthquake which shall be the example of Judgement Day. I shall safeguard everyone in this house.”

With these revelations, opponents seek to assert that Hazrat Ahmadas said that the “earthquake like Judgement Day” would appear in his life, yet it did not, thus rendering the prophecy false and proving that this was not from God. First and foremost, let’s take the issue of whether or not the revelations he received were, in actuality, from God. When the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa claimed to be a prophet having been

divinely appointed by God, the Quraish said, as Surah al-Haqqah puts it, that his words were not the words of God, rather they were the words of a poet, while some said that they were uttered by a soothsayer.

Allah rebutted this claim by saying, “[It is] a revelation from the Lord of the worlds.”

(Surah al-Haqqah, Ch.69: V.44) Allah went on to say: “And if he had falsely [attributed] even a trivial statement to Us, We would surely have seized him by the right hand, and then surely We would have severed his jugular vein, and none of you could shield him [from Us]. And verily, it is a reminder for the righteous.” (Ch.69: V.45-49) From the time he was given prophethood until the revelation of these verses, the proof of the Holy Prophet’ssa revelations being from God was the fact that had they not been from God and had he fabricated them, then God would not have given such ample time for him to spread his message far and wide.

Regarding the revelation of the aforementioned verses, Hazrat Umarra said: “These verses had been revealed before my accepting Islam. Once, the thought crossed my mind that the Holy Prophetsa would go to the Ka‘bah at night to worship, so I should go and kill him. Thus, I went there and hid in the dark. After some time had elapsed, the Prophetsa arrived and began offering Tahajud prayers. At first I intended to immediately attack him, but then I thought to listen to what he was saying.

Upon hearing, I found that he was reciting these very verses of Surah al-Haqqah. These verses had such an impact on me that it kept me from attack him.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Umar bin al-Khattabra, Hadith 107) Hazrat Umarra accepted him in his sixth year of prophethood. In other words, these verses were revealed 6 years after being commissioned as a prophet, and the 5 to 6 year period that had elapsed was a proof of the truthfulness of his prophethood and

claim to talk to God. The Holy Prophetsa claimed prophethood at the age of 40 and passed away at 63. Allah bestowed upon the Prophetsa 23 years to propagate his claim and message.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas presented this argument in support of his claim saying that if God had bestowed upon him so much time and potential to propagate his mission as he had done to the Holy Prophetsa, then how could his claim be false?

Some opponents say, These verses are exclusively with regard to the Prophetsa that if he made a false claim then God would have destroyed him. In these verses, God did not say that whoever falsely claimed prophethood would be destroyed.

In response to this assumption, the Promised Messiahas said: “Although this verse has been revealed regarding the Holy Prophetsa, it is of general application, quite like the idiom of the entire Holy Quran where most of the commands and prohibitions are apparently addressed to the Holy Prophetsa, but others are also addressed in these commandments, or such commandments are exclusively meant for others…

“After this short digression, let me turn to the main subject. God says about the Holy Prophetsa, that, had he lied against Us, We would have destroyed him. This does not mean that God has expressed His jealousy only with reference to the Holy Prophetsa in that were he an impostor, God would have destroyed him; but His jealousy is not roused in the case of others no matter how much they lie against God or concoct false revelations and ascribe them to God. Such a concept is as irrational as it is against all of God’s Scriptures.

Continued on page 6

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 5

“The Torah still contains the sentence that whoever lies against God and makes a false claim to prophethood shall be destroyed. Besides, Muslim scholars have َ َ َ​َ long been quoting the verse ‫[ َو لَوْ تق ّوَ َل َعل ْینا‬and if he had falsely attributed to us…] before the Christians and the Jews as evidence of the veracity of the Holy Prophetsa. It is obvious that an argument is of no use unless it has a general application.

“How can this be an argument that had the Holy Prophetsa fabricated [against God], he would have been destroyed and the whole undertaking would have come to naught, but God is not offended if someone else fabricates [against Him]; rather, He loves such a person and grants him respite more than He did to the Holy Prophetsa and even helps and supports him! This should not be called an argument. Rather, it is a claim which itself stands in need of an argument.

“Alas! In opposing me, they have stooped so low as to attack even the Signs of the veracity of the Holy Prophetsa. Since these people know that more than twentyfive years have elapsed since my claim of being a recipient of divine revelation and inspiration, which exceeds even the tenure of ministry of the Holy Prophetsa as that was twenty-three years; while, in my case, it is close to thirty years and I do not know how long the extent of my period of call is in the knowledge of God. “This is why these people, despite being hailed as maulvis, assert that one who

lies against God and is a false claimant of revelation can even survive for as long as thirty years from the beginning of his fabrication and that God can help and support him, and yet they do not produce any precedent for it.” (Haqiqatul Wahi [The Philosophy of Divine Revelation], pp. 259261) When, according to the criteria of the Quran, the Promised Messiah’sas claim to prophethood proves true, then we should reflect over the revelations to do with an “earthquake like Judgement Day” neutrally and free of any spite.

Allah revealed to Hazrat Ahmadas revelations like “Allah will show you the earthquake of Judgement Day” and “I shall show you the earthquake that shall be the example of Judgement Day”. Through interpreting these very revelations did the Promised Messiahas allude to the coming of

the “earthquake like Judgement Day” in his time.

Previously, we have discussed the fact that interpretation of divine news can be interpreted one of two ways – either it can be correct or it can be incorrect. The correct interpretation will be proven through the outcome of events. Prophet Noahas interpreted that the promise of protection would extend to his son, whereas he drowned, and the events proved that the son was not part of the promise.

The Holy Prophetsa thought one year that that was the year he and his companions would be given the chance to circumambulate the Ka‘bah. With this in mind, the Prophetsa set off with 1,400 companions for Mecca. However, the resistance of the Quraish, the treaty of Hudaybiyyah and the later events would show that the Prophet’ssa interpretation was incorrect.

Similarly, the Holy Prophetsa was promised that his migration would be to a place famous for its dates. The Prophet’ssa interpretation of this was that his migration would be to Yamama or Hajar, however later events proved that his interpretation was not correct and that he migrated towards Yathrib, later known as Medina. (Sahih alBukhari, Kitab Manaqib-ul-Ansar) When God said that He would “show you the earthquake” that would be a sign of Judgement Day, the events that unfolded showed that Allah did not mean physically showing him.

َ َ The Arabic verbs ‫( َرای‬he saw) and ‫ا َری‬ (he showed) do not just mean seeing with one’s eyes, rather it also means to obtain knowledge of something by any means. For example, Allah addressed the Prophetsa and said:

ْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫اب ال ِف ْی ِل‬ ِ ‫ا لم تر کیف فعل ربک ِباصح‬

“Hast thou not seen how thy Lord dealt with the People of the Elephant?” (Surah alFil, Ch.105: V.2) Similarly, God says:

َ ْ ْ ّٰ ُ َ ٰ ْ َ ّ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫الم تر ِالی ال ِذی حاج ِابرا ِہیم فِی ر ِب ِہ ان ات‬ ‫اہ الل ُہ ال ُملک‬

“Hast thou not heard of him who disputed with Abraham about his Lord, because Allah had given him kingdom?”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.259) Much like other similar verses, the incidents mentioned in these verses occurred well before the birth of the Prophetsa. Despite َ َ this, God Almighty used the words َ‫( ال َ ْم تر‬have

you not seen…?), which, in other words, َ َ َ mean ‫( ال َ ْم ت ْعل ْم‬are you not aware…?). This is because the Prophetsa came to know of some of the incidents mentioned in verses like these through either divine knowledge or through people.

Further, God says in the Quran:

َّ َ ْ َ َ ُ ْ َ ّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َّ ّٰ َ َ ‫اس ِب َما ا َراک اللہ‬ ِ ‫ِانا انزلنا ِالیک ال ِکتاب ِبالح ِق ل ِتحکم بین الن‬

“We have surely sent down to thee the Book comprising the truth, that thou mayest judge between men by that which Allah has taught thee.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.106) َ َ In this verse, much like others, ‫ ا َراک‬does not mean seeing with one’s eyes, rather it is to convey knowledge or pass on information.

Thus, the revelation the Promised Messiahas received, “I shall show you the earthquake which shall be the example of Judgement Day” does not mean that God would show him through his physical eyes, rather He would show Hazrat Ahmadas through divine revelation and vision.

Accordingly, on 11 June 1906, the Promised Messiahas was shown a vision about which he said: “I was shown the scene of an earthquake.

With that, I receivedٰ the revelation: ْ ّ ْ ُ ْ ْ َ َْ ‫اح ِد الق ّہا ِر‬ ِ ‫ل َِم ِن ال ُملک ال َی ْو َم۔ لِل ِہ ال َو‬ ‘Whose is the kingdom this day? It is that of Allah, the One, the Most Supreme.’”

(Badr, 14 June 1906, p. 2) The Promised Messiahas said: “Of course, I have also reiterated again and again, as is my belief, that it cannot be categorically claimed with regard to the prophecies that they will necessarily be fulfilled in a certain way. It is possible that God – the All-Knowing, the All-Wise – may choose some other manner for its manifestation that has the same grandeur and power and awe-inspiring feature as the prophecy signifies.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, Appendix to Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, pp. 360-361) Then, with regard to the tremors of the earth as a result of the earthquake, the Promised Messiahas says: “This is what my understanding is.

Beyond it, God knows well His hidden secrets, and it is possible that He may at a later stage disclose to me more than this, for He has power over all things.” (ibid., p. 350) “… probably and preponderantly the word zalzalah means ‘earthquake’. And yet it is possible that these words may, in conformity with the eternal practice of God, signify some other such terrible, extraordinary, and devastating calamity that has the appearance and characteristics of an earthquake. Metaphors do abound in the discourse of God Almighty…” (ibid., p. 345) “… the word zalzalah [earthquake] in my prophecies, most probably implies an earthquake – if it is not that, then an extraordinary calamity is implied that would have a very great resemblance with an earthquake and would have the character of an earthquake fully…” (ibid., p. 346) This “earthquake” came to light in the form of the First World War, starting from 1914 and lasting until 1918.

Hazrat Ahmadas mentioned aspects of this in the following couplets: ‫اِک اشنں ےہ ٓاےن واال ٓاج ےس ھچک دن ےک دعب‬ ‫ئ‬ ‫اھک� ےگ ی ہ‬ ‫سج ےس رگدش ی‬ ‫د�ات و رہش اور رمزغار‬ “A Sign will appear some days hence; Which shall overwhelm the countryside,

the cities, and the meadows.” ‫ٓاےئ اگ رہق دخا ےس قلخ رپ اِک االقنب‬

‫اِک ربہنہ ےس ہن �ی وہاگ ہک ات ابدنےھ ازار‬ “People will be seized with a revolution by the divine wrath, so suddenly that a naked one will have no time to secure his clothing.” ‫ئ‬ ‫� اِک ززلہل ےس تخس شبنج ی‬ ‫ی� ب ی‬ ‫اھک� ےگ‬

‫ک احبر‬ ‫ک رجح اور ی ا‬ ‫ک رجش اور ی ا‬ ‫ک رشب اور ی ا‬ ‫یا‬ “All of a sudden, with a severe earthquake, all will be shaken up – Be they humans, tree, mountains, or seas.” ‫م �ی ی‬ ‫اِک کپھج ی‬ ‫زم وہ اجےئ یگ ز�ی ر و زرب‬ ‫� ٓاب رود ابر‬ ‫ان یلاں وخں یک � چل�یں یگ ج ی‬ “In the twinkling of an eye, the earth will be turned upside down; Streams of blood shall flow like the flowing of a channel.” ‫ی‬ ‫وپاشک ربگن ی�انمس‬ ‫رات وج رےتھک ےھت‬ ‫ن‬ ‫حبص رکدے یگ ہ ی‬ ‫ا� لثمِ دراتخن انچر‬ “Those whose night garments were white as jasmine will wake up in the morning as if clad in red, like the poplar ‫ ئ‬tree.” ‫وہش اُڑ ی‬ ‫اج� ےگ ااسنں ےک رپدنوں ےک وحاس‬ ‫ی‬ ‫وھبل ےگ ومغنں وک اےنپ بس وبکرت اور زہار‬ “Men and animals will go out of their minds; All pigeons and nightingales will forget their songs.” ‫رہ اسمرف رپ وہ استع تخس ےہ اور وہ ڑھگی‬ ‫ب خ‬ ‫راہ وک ی‬ ‫وھبل ےگ وہ رک تسم و ی�ود راوہار‬ “That hour will bear heavily upon every traveller, and those who are on a journey will lose their way in a fit of forgetfulness.” ‫ٓاب رواں‬ ‫وخن ےس‬ ِ ‫رمدوں ےک وکاتسہن ےک‬ ‫ئ‬ ‫رسخ وہ ی‬ ‫رشاب اابجنر‬ ‫� وہ‬ ‫اج� ےگ ج ی‬ ِ “The flowing waters of mountain streams will run red, like red wine, with the blood of the dead.” ‫ئ‬ ‫لحمضم وہ ی‬ ‫اج� ےگ اس وخف ےس بس نج و اسن‬

‫احل زار‬ ِ ‫زار یھب وہ اگ وت وہاگ اس ڑھگی اب‬ “Men, high and low, will be consumed with fear; And the Tsar himself will, at that hour, be in a pitiable state.” ‫اِک ومنہن رہق اک وہاگ وہ راّبین اشنں‬ ‫ن‬ �‫کھ� ی‬ ‫ٓاامسں ےلمح رکے اگ چ� رک اینپ اٹکر‬ “That divine Sign will be a specimen of terror; Heaven will attack with a drawn dagger.” ‫اہں ہن رک دلجی ےس ااکنر اے سف� ی ِہ انانشس‬

‫اِس ہپ ےہ یمری اچسیئ اک یھبس دار و دمار‬ “Hasten not to deny this – O ignorant fool!

– for my truthfulness depends entirely on the fulfilment of this Sign.” ‫ویح قح یک ابت ےہ وہ رک رےہ یگ ےب اطخ‬ ‫ھچک دونں رک ربص وہ رک یقتم اور ربدابر‬ “This is a prophecy based on revelation of God and will surely be fulfilled; Wait, then, a while in righteousness and steadfastness.” ‫�ی امگں تم رک ہک �ی بس دب امگین ےہ اعمف‬ ‫رقض ےہ واسپ ےلم اگ ھجت وک �ی اسرا اداھر‬ “Do not imagine that all your ill thinking will be forgiven; It is a debt that will be repaid to you in full.”

(Research by a panel of scholars at the Research Cell, Rabwah)

7

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

The first speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra Upon the sad demise of Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira on 13 March 1914, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra was elevated to the office of Khalifatul Masih on 14 March.

In the 14 March 1919 issue of Al Hakam, the first ever address delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra after being elected as Khalifatul Masih II was published. Immediately after this address, he took Bai‘at [oath of initiation] from all those present.

The English rendering of that address is presented below.

Al Hakam, 14 March 1919

ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ً َ ُ َ​َ ُ َْ َ َ َ ََُ ‫اش َہد ا ْن لا اِل َہ اِلا الل ُہ َو ْحدہ لا ش ِریْک ل ُہ َو اش َہد ا ّن محَ ّمدا‬ ُ​ُ ْ ُ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ‫عبدہ ورسولہ‬ [I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah; He is one and has no partner. And I bear witness that Muhammadsa is His servant and messenger.]

Friends, listen to what I have to say!

It is my belief – my firm belief – that God is one and there is no one beside him.

My dear ones, again, it is my belief that Hazrat Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Almighty Allah’s prophet and Khatamul-Anbiya [seal of all the prophets]. It is my belief that no one after him can abrogate an iota of his Shariah [law].

Dear ones! This beloved prophet of mine, the chief of all the prophets, bears such a status that a person who follows him completely and obediently can obtain the status of prophets. It is a fact that the Holy Prophet’ssa station and reverence is such that complete obedience to him can result in prophethood. This is my faith and I say it with full conviction.

Then, it is also my belief that the Holy Quran is that beautiful book which was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa and it is Khatamul-Kutub [seal of books] and Khatam-Shariah [seal of laws].

Furthermore, it is my belief that the Promised Messiahas was the same prophet whose prophecy can be found in Sahih Muslim and the very Imam who was foretold to appear in Sahih al-Bukhari.

I reiterate, no aspect of the Islamic Shariah can be abrogated now. So follow the example of the Companions, may Allah be pleased with all of them, who were the recipients of the prayers and tarbiyat [method of edification] of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Ijma‘ [unanimity of Companionsra] after the Holy Prophetsa was manifested in the form of true, rightly guided Khilafat.

Reflect and ponder over the history of Islam for the number of achievements during the period of Khilafat when it had taken the form of a monarchy began to fall and it fell to the extent that we witness this state in Islam and the Muslims today.

After 1300 years, Allah the Exalted sent the Promised Messiahas on these very precepts of prophethood and in accordance with the promises of the Holy Prophetsa. After his demise, we see the continuation of Khilafat-e-Rashida [rightly guided Khilafat]. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, Maulana Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra was the first successor of this Jamaat (may Continued on page 8

8

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

Now that you have created a bond with me, I urge you to fulfil it loyally. I shall forgive your shortcomings, as you will mine, with the grace of God. You must obey and follow me under amr bilma‘ruf [commanding of good]. If – God forbid – I say that God is not one, then I swear by God, Who has full control over decree and our souls and Who is one and has no partner whatsoever, that you should never obey me in such a matter.

Continued from page 7

his status be counted among the highest of high-ranking souls. Allah descend His limitless mercies upon him. May Allah grant him the company of the purest and most beloved souls in Paradise in accordance with the love he had for the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas). We pledged the Bai‘at at his hand with the same belief.

So long as this Jamaat continues to floiurish, Islam will also progress materially and spiritually.

When you repeatedly cried out for me to take this burden and you expressed your desire to take my Bai‘at, I felt that I should state my beliefs before you.

I tell you truthfully, I am fearful. I find myself to be extremely weak. It is stated in a Hadith to not assign one’s servant such a task that cannot be performed by him. At this moment, you have made me a servant.

So [I request you] do not ask of me that which I cannot perform.

I am aware that I am weak and not flawless. How can I claim to be a guide for mankind to promulgate the true message of Islam? We are very few and the enemies of Islam are vast in number, however our hopes are extremely high as a result of God’s grace and mercy upon us.

Listen, for the responsibility you have placed on my shoulders can only be fulfilled with your help – pray to the Almighty God for His succour and obey me in obeying Allah and attaining His pleasure.

I am only human and a weak one at that. I vow to the Almighty Allah that I shall pardon your shortcomings; should you notice mine, I request that you forgive them

too. Our combined mission – both yours and mine – is to bring about the progress and purpose of this movement.

Now that you have created a bond with me, I urge you to fulfil it loyally. I shall forgive your shortcomings, as you will mine, with the grace of God. You must obey and follow me under amr bil-ma‘ruf [commanding of good]. If – God forbid – I say that God is not one, then I swear by God, Who has full control over decree and our souls and Who is one and has no partner whatsoever, that you should never obey me in such a matter.

If – God forbid – I describe a defect in prophethood to you, do not accept it. If I describe a defect in the Holy Quran, by God, do not accept it. If I utter anything contrary to the teachings that the Promised Messiahas conveyed to us through divine guidance, do not – I repeat – do not, accept it.

I say again, do not disobey me in amr bil-ma‘ruf. If you show obedience and submission and strengthen your oaths, then remember that God’s grace shall be with us and our combined prayers shall avail us.

I have firm faith in my Beneficient Lord; I have full certainty that I shall be helped.

The day before yesterday, on Friday, I narrated a dream in which I saw that I had fallen ill and I felt a pain in my thigh. I felt as though the plague had begun to affect me.

I then shut my door and worriedly thought to myself about what was to happen. I thought to myself that Allah had assured the Promised Messiahas: َ ُ َّ ّ ُ ُ ّ ‫اِن ِ ْی ا َحا ِفظ کل َم ْن ِفی الدا ِر‬ “I shall protect all those that dwell in your house.” I thought that although this

Health promise was fulfilled during his lifetime, perhaps it had expired after the Promised Messiah’sas demise, as his holy person was no longer amongst us.

During this perturbation, I realised that it was not a dream and I was, in fact, fully awake. I looked towards the walls and the various items in the room.

In that same state, I saw Allah the Exalted in a bright, radiant white light. It started from below and carried on above; it had no beginning or end. A hand appeared from that light, which held a white china cup with milk in it and I drank of that cup.

Immediately thereafter, I felt no pain and was comforted.

I only narrated this much of the dream and did not carry on with the second part. I shall now present what happened next.

When I was fed from the cup, the following words were immediately uttered by me: ‫یمری اتم � �اہ ہن وہ یگ‬ [My ummah shall never be misguided.]

I have no ummah [nation]. You are my brothers. But the relationship that the Promised Messiahas has with the Holy Prophetsa compelled me to say these words.

The mission that the Promised Messiahas started has fallen on my shoulders at the appointed time.

So pray and strengthen your ties. Make efforts to visit Qadian and come repeatedly.

I once heard the Promised Messiahas say, “Whoever does not come [to Qadian] repeatedly carries the risk of having a defect in his level of faith.”

To spread Islam is our foremost duty.

Make combined efforts so that God’s favours and blessings may descend upon us.

I say to you again, and again, and yet again: now that you have pledged the Bai‘at and have formed a bond with me after the Promised Messiahas, show loyalty and remember me in your prayers. I shall also remember you in my prayers, in fact, I have always remembered you in my prayers. To date, I have not said a single prayer in which the members of the movement were not in mind. However, I shall pray for you even more than before. I have never experienced a passion for prayer in which I did not pray for all Ahmadis.

Listen again! Do not do anything that was done by those who broke their oaths with Allah. Our prayer should be that we live as Muslims and die as Muslims. Amin.

I say to you again, and again, and yet again: now that you have pledged the Bai‘at and have formed a bond with me after the Promised Messiahas, show loyalty and remember me in your prayers. I shall also remember you in my prayers, in fact, I have always remembered you in my prayers. To date, I have not said a single prayer in which the members of the movement were not in mind. However, I shall pray for you even more than before. I have never experienced a passion for prayer in which I did not pray for all Ahmadis.

Nutrition, Exercise and Mental Health

Samar Hafeez Clinical Psychologist and Counsellor Bangalore, India Research suggests that a poor diet and lack of exercise can contribute to the onset of many mental health problems, such as depression, anxiety and several other cognitive issues.

An emerging discipline named nutritional neuroscience suggests that there is a close relationship between nutritional factors, human cognition, behaviours and emotions.

Recent times have seen major shifts in the lifestyles of people; dietary intakes have drastically changed with a marked increase in consumption of sugar, sodium rich, deep fried and take away foods. As the availability of the variety of such foods increases, our food choices are getting less and less nutritious.

The consumption of nutrient-dense foods has diminished significantly in these years.

Industrialisation and urbanisation has negatively impacted the physical activity levels of people, especially younger generations. Many people in the global population are categorised as insufficiently physically active.

You are what you eat Starting and sustaining a healthy diet should be everyone’s primary health motive. Think about it! Your brain is always functioning, even while you are asleep, and it needs a continuous supply of “fuel”, which comes from the food you eat, to continue dispatching its functions. The more high quality fuel you provide it, the more efficiently it works. Eating foods that contain lots of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants nourish the brain and detoxifies it.

If substances of low quality fuel such as processed and junk foods get to the brain, it hinders brain growth and important functions.

Multiple studies have found a correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function as well as increasing the risk of developing depression.

Foods can change your brain capacity for good. A Mediterranean-style diet (high in vegetables, fruits, nuts, legumes, beans, whole grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil) have shown to increase cognitive functions like thinking, learning and memory.

Major nutrients to keep in mind Omega-3 fatty acids: These are vital for brain health as the brain is one of the organs with the highest levels of lipids (fats). They help improve neuronal membranes which further adds to functional efficiency of the brain. Studies have found omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid treatments benefit patients with depression, anxiety, ADHD and borderline personality disorder.

The best sources of omega-3 and omega-6 are oily fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, sardines, plant-based foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds, nuts and dark green leafy vegetables.

B vitamins: These help regulate neurotransmitters (chemical messengers in the brain). Emerging research findings show B vitamins like cobalamin (B), thiamine (B), niacin (B) and folate/folic acid (B) may help alleviate symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, alcohol abuse and dementia.

In addition, vitamin B complex improve red blood cells in the body, thereby increasing oxygen levels in the blood, making you more active and energetic. Deficiency of these vitamins are major reasons why some children perform poorly on their academic front.

Best food sources of group B vitamins are whole grains like brown rice, barley, millets

Continued on page 11

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

A prophecy fulfilled The Tsar in agony and distress Part I

Waseema Uppal Australia

remote village of Qadian, India in Iwithnthethetrue year 1905, a humble man was blessed visions and given knowledge of

the unseen as God spoke to him.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas claimed to be the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi who was to come in the latter days. In one of his poems, he foretold various signs: a formidable “earthquake”, a catastrophic tribulation that would shake the world and the immense misery that would fall upon

Tsar of Russia.

At that time when this prophecy was made, few could have believed such misfortune would fall upon humanity let alone the Tsar – the ruler of the largest and one of the most powerful nations of that time. However, this prophecy proved to be true, manifesting in the First World War and the miserable end of Tsar and his family.

Tsar – agony and distress Travelling back in time and reaching the end of 19th century, we can explore the

Lajna Nairobi Ijtema Amatul Qayyum Bhatti Secretary Tarbiyat Kenya

extraordinary lives, the agony and trauma and tragic deaths of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II and his family.

The exhibition in the Science Museum, London is set up from 21 September 2018 to 24 March 2019 to reveal the turbulent backdrop of social upheaval and war between 1900 and 1918.

Facts have been disclosed about the rare blood disorder of the Tsar’s son Tsarevich Alexei, mental health of Tsarina and the fear and anxiety of the Tsar to uncover the science behind one of the greatest mysteries of the 20th century; all this in The Last Tsar, Blood and Revolution exhibition.

Today, some of the striking buildings in Russia are in the city of Saint Petersburg located on the Baltic Sea. It was the imperial capital for two centuries and established by Tsar Peter the Great in 1703 CE, who named it after his patron Saint Peter, so it was called Saint Petersburg instead of Nyen, which was its previous name.

The city’s first building was the Peter and Paul Fortress. In 1712, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to Saint Petersburg and wanted to make it a defensive city for Russia. Until today, it has had a sinister history and never served its defensive purpose.

Another significant building is Saint Peter and Paul Cathedral, the burial place of all tsars from Peter I to Alexander III (but not Peter II). However, the remains of the last tsar, Nicholas II and his family and entourage were re-buried here in the side chapel of Saint Catherine on 17 July 1998, the 80th anniversary of their death.

Today the icon of the city is the tall tower of the fortress seen across the Neva River. An important city worth mentioning

An autocratic ruler In 1894, 26-year-old Romanov Nicholas II ascended to the Russian throne. He was married to Alexandra, a German lady and Queen Victoria’s granddaughter. It was a loving family with four healthy daughters.

In his diary, Nicholas wrote: Continued on page 10

Indonesian intellectuals to Qadian

Imaillah Nairobi held their regional Ijtema on 10 Lajna March 2019.

The total attendance was 55, with 41 Lajna and 14 Na-

sirat members, from 4 Majalis – Kasarani, Dandora, Kenol and Nairobi.

The programme started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the Lajna pledge and opening speech

by Regional Sadr Qaisra Shah Sahiba. A brief annual report about work done in all departments for previous year was presented by General Secretary Basima Tariq Sahiba.

Thereafter, academic competitions started including memorisation of the Quran, recitation of the Quran, qasida, Swahili and Urdu nazms and English and Swahili speeches.

In the second session, Lajna and Nasirat’s sports events were held.

At 3pm, after the Zuhr and Asr prayers, the closing session commenced. During the session, Secretary Tarbiyyat Amatul Qayyum Bhatti Sahiba presented some tarbiyat comments.

National President Khadija Juma Sahiba distributed prizes to those that had won positions in competitions.

Therefater, the closing speech was delivered by the national sadr Lajna Imaillah Kenya.

After the wind-up, in which all Lajna members participated, this blessed event came to an end. May Allah accept our humble efforts.

is Yekaterinburg that lies east of the Ural Mountains. It was given this name by Tsar Peter the Great after his wife Yekaterina, who became Catherine I after Peter’s death.

Today the significance of this city is that following the Oct Revolution the family of the deposed last Tsar Nicholas II were sent to internal exile in Yekaterinburg where they were imprisoned in the Ipatiev House.

The city is known for the golden-domed “Church on the Blood”, built in the early 21st century on the site of the 1918 Romanov executions. The nearby Regional Local Lore Museum includes the “Hall of the Romanovs” where the personal items of the last Tsar and his family are kept.

The Russian Imperial family called Romanov started their rule in 1613 and continued until 1917. Peter the Great (16721725) brought autocracy into Russia and played a major role in bringing his country into a state system. Russia became the largest country in the world, stretching from the Baltic sea to the Pacific Ocean. He founded the city of Saint Petersburg and made it a capital, thus opening a window into Europe. Later an autocracy and orthodoxy developed in the Imperial rule and there was no question of democracy, constitution and the parliamentary system at the end of 19th century during the time of Alexander III (1881-1894) who was succeeded by his son Nicholas II (1894-1917). But the Industrial Revolution was gaining power to exert a significant influence in Russia that ultimately brought an end to the Imperial rule. Such a tragic and brutal end of the last Tsar was beyond imagination.

Hafizurrahman Indonesia Correspondent

WAugust, some Indonesian intellectuals from Alaudin

hat a great blessing it was that after visiting Jalsa UK last

State Islamic University of Makassar, South Sulawesi had the honour of journeying to Qadian.

They would have a joint seminar under the title Theology and Culture in collaboration with Ahmadiyya Movement of Punjab.

They arrived on 25 February 2019 and followed a series of visits for a week.

On the first day, they visited historical places in Qadian

and held discussion with lecturers and students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Qadian. After that, they came to Hoshiarpur and Ludhiana, which are also blessed and historic places.

A couple of days later, they also visited Agra and the Great Mosque of New Delhi and stayed in the Ahmadiyya mission house in Delhi. They then returned to Indonesia on 4 March 2019.

Maulana Saifullah Mubarak Ahmad, an Indonesian missionary who studies in Jamia Qadian was assigned to accompany them.

The intellectuals included the following: 1.Prof Dr H Ahmad M Sewanng, MA, Head of Doctoral Program Department and Chairman of the Indonesia Mosque Association Mushalla Muttahidah (IMMIM) in South Sulawesi 2. Prof Dr H Syamsuduha Saleh, M.Ag, Leader of Islamic Women in South Sulawesi 3. Prof Dr HM Natsir, M.Ag, Dean in Usuluddin and Philosophy Faculty 4. Chairman of Islamic Brotherhood Committee in Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI) 5. Dr H Barsihannor, M.Ag, Dean of Literature and Humanities Faculty 6. Dr H Muhammad Amri, Lc, M.Ag, Dean of Education and Teacher Training Faculty 7. Prof Dr H Abdul Rahim Yunus, MA, Lecturer of Islamic History and Culture, Literature and Humanities Faculty Through this visit, hopefully, Allah the Almighty will bestow on them the true understanding of Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam.

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 9

“No more separation. At last, united for life and when this life [ends], we [shall] meet in the other world to remain together for all eternity.”

But the first ten years of their reign were marked by great pressure to provide a son and a heir. A person like Nicholas II who was not only emperor but had a number of titles – including By the Grace of God Emperor Nicholas II, Autocrat of all Russians (on one silver ruble coin), Tsar (an archaic Slavic title), Great Authority and Power – was greatly upset and disturbed without a son.

As for Tsarina, she was under great stress to give the nation a male heir – the future supreme ruler of Russia. With the birth of each daughter, her stress and anxiety increased. Her husband Tsar Nicholas II was worried and sought treatment from experts. Her anxiety was treated with gentle medications and spas prescribed by physician Eugene Botkin (1865-1918). As time passed, Tsarina lost trust in professional medication and found comfort in faith and spiritual healing. Rumours suggested she suffered from nervous problems.

Under the Russian autocratic system, health care was provided by the church, private charities and local government.

Although care was inconsistent, many hospitals and asylums adopted progressive principles that abolished restraining pressure from those with mental illnesses.

But that was not the case for political prisoners.

As the socialist Marxist policies grew, a number of women were imprisoned, and many struggled in solitary confinement and against abusive male guards. Those who showed signs of anxiety were labelled hysterical and many were driven to suicide.

In the Science Museum, London exhibition is displayed the case of a 26-yearold student Maria Ventrova (1870-1897) who was detained in complete isolation at the Trubetskoy Baston Prison where you never hear any sound. Maria set herself alight with kerosene from a lamp and died from burns four days later.

This was not an isolated case. There was an “epidemic of suicide” and “revolutionary psychosis”. There were political factors as causes of mental health. But the psychological problem of Tsarina was due to great pressure from the state to have a heir for the empire. A professional medicine could not have produced a male, so spiritual healers flooded the Imperial court.

Heir for the monarchy Tsar Nicholas II struggled to find any “spiritual” and “mystic” healer for Alexandra Tsarina to bring her out of mental stress and save his own monarchy.

In 1902, Monsieur Philippe, a so-called “miracle worker”, promised her a son, but the result was Tsarina’s “Phantom pregnancy”. It was declared that her mental state was due to some “divine powers” on “blessed souls”.

In 1904, Alexandra was blessed with Tsarevich Alexei, long awaited son and heir to Imperial Russia. But sadly, this happy jubilation turned to horror. Alexei contracted a rare blood disease called haemophilia where blood clotting is very difficult. Tsarina Alexandra was horrified as she knew it was a “royal disease” in the family of her grandmother Queen Victoria and knew that her uncle, brother and

nephew had died of this disease. The news threatened to destabalise Russia. Knowledge of Alexei’s condition was kept as a state secret. The Tsar family was plunged into great fear anxiety and distress. In Nicholas II’s diary (that is displayed in the Science Museum exhibition) the birth and first bleeding episode of Alexei has been written.

Agony and fear of Tsar The news of Alexei’s haemophilia threatened to destabilise Russia and fear gripped the Tsar and his family. Knowledge of Alexei’s condition was to be guarded as a state secret. In Russia, any disability was perceived as a divine punishment. The future tsar, who would serve as head of the church and country, should not have any disability. So, the haemophilia of Alexei was concealed from the court and public and his photos were carefully displayed. In public, he was carried by his father or safely on a royal carriage. There was never an official statement about Alexei’s condition.

But when the Tsar was on holiday in Spala (present Poland) Alexei experienced a near fatal haemorrhage during a boat accident and his condition was published in 1912.

In the Science Museum, London a picture of the Tsar with the royal doctor Eugene Botkin on board the Imperial yacht is on display and the date mentioned is 1908.

Finding comfort in the closeness and safety of their family, the Tsar and Tsarina left the capital and withdrew greatly from their court life and made a comfortable home at their countryside residence. The public life of the family was secluded. Protected from the vast country they ruled, the Romanovs were gradually losing touch with it.

Alexei experienced painful haemorrhages and professional help was of little use. The agony and distress of the Tsar took him to find natural and spiritual healers who flooded the palace. The last and most notorious was Grigori Rasputin.

His power and influence on the Tsar mystified the nation. Curiosity and suspicion led to outrage as the nation was not familiar with Alexei’s condition. Rasputin considered himself a “natural healer” and was regularly visiting the Imperial family.

His ability to settle Alexei’s bleeding secured his friendship with the Tsar and Tsarina.

He was very unpopular at court and with public. His presence gathered rumours and damaged the Imperial family.

Another “fake” healer was a Tibetan doctor Pyotor Badmaeu (1851-1920) running a successful clinic at Saint Petersburg selling herbal medicines and alchemical remedies of Tibetan Shamons and became a regular visitor to treat Alexei’s haemophilia.

The agony and suffering, anxiety and distress of the Tsar was mentioned by Maurice Paleologue, French Ambassador to Russia in his diary which is displayed in the Science Museum, London: “During recent months, [the] Emperor suffered from nervous maladies which betray themselves in unhealthy excitement, anxiety, loss of appetite, depression and insomnia. The Emperor would not rest until he had that quack Badmaeu.”

(Diary of Maurice Paleologue, 6 November 1916)

Indonesia Waqf-e-Nau Ijtema 2019

Hafizurrahman Indonesia Correspondent

The national Waqf-e-Nau Ijtema of Indonesia was held in Manislor, West Java for three days, from 1 to 3 March 2019.

After recitation of the Holy Quran and nazm, the chairman of the committee and local sadr of Manislor made some remarks.

Following that, the National Waqf-e-Nau Secretary conveyed a blessed message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for our Ijtema.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “The reason [to hold these events each year] is to remind all of you, the members of Waqf-e-Nau, about the importance of your responsibilities and to train and to guide you about how to discharge these duties.”

Then, Huzooraa advised: “It is only through your conduct that you can attain the true blessings associated with being a part of this scheme. At all times, you must strive to fulfill your pledge as members of Waqf-e-Nau and this requires that you raise your moral, spiritual and educational standards and set the very best example for others to follow. At all times, every Ahmadi man, woman and child is expected to act upon the teachings of Islam, and so if members of Waqf-e-Nau are only following the basic standards, they cannot claim any distinction.”

Huzooraa continued: “Foremost amongst these, as I often say, is to fulfill the rights of Allah through His worship, and so you must try to constantly improve your standards of worship and try to develop a true and everlasting connection with Allah.

“Of course, the most important and chief form of worship are the five obligatory prayers that must be offered each day. Thus, you should be extremely careful that you do not miss any Namaz. Furthermore, you should offer your prayers in congregation whenever possible and, outside of school or college times, attend your local mosque or Salat centre as much as possible.

“Regrettably, students often use their schools and university studies as an excuse to delay their prayers or even to not offer of them at all. What they fail to realise is that Namaz is a shield that saves a person from other mistakes, and so by failing to fulfill the rights of worship, they are leading themselves

towards other vices and sins and away from Islam. Thus, you must guard against any form of laziness or weakness in this respect.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa also quoted the advice of the Promised Messiahas for someone who was prone to many mistakes and weaknesses about how to overcome his shortcomings: “Namaz and Istighfar were the best remedies to overcome such weaknesses. Every person knows his own deficiencies better than anyone else, so pay great attention to the guidance of the Promised Messiahas, that the best medicine to overcome negligence in our faith is to be regular in the obligatory prayers and seeking repentance from Allah for our sins.”

The Promised Messiahas also taught us to pray: “‘O Allah, create a great distance between me and my sins, meaning that a person be saved from all wrongdoing and sin.’ If a person sincerely and regularly offered this prayer, it would surely be accepted over time.”

This event was opened by missionary in-charge, Maulana Mirajuddin Shahid by leading a silent prayer.

About 1,126 participants from 20 regions – consisting of 163 Atfal, 138 Nasirat, 179 Khudam, 149 Lajna and 348 parents of Waqifeen – attended this blessed event.

A sequence of activities had been scheduled within 3 days. This included listening to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa Friday Sermon, talk shows on diverse and interesting topics, interactive discussion with full-timer Waqifeen, career planning counseling, test on Waqf-e-Nau syllabus, childrens corner, general medical check-up and also fascinating outdoor games. There was also participation from Jamia Ahmadiyya and Madrasah Hifzul Quran to invite school-age Waqifeen to join these blessed educational institutions.

On Sunday, 3 March, before Zuhr and Asr prayers, National Amir Maulana Abdul Basit Shahid led the conclusion session.

The national Waqf-e-Nou secretary read again the message from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Special rewards were presented by the national amir to Waqifeen-e-Nau who were practically serving the Jamaat and to the best Waqifeen in academic and non-academic affairs. Finally, the national amir led the silent prayer to conclude this blessed event.

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 8 and wheat. Red meat, poultry, fish and eggs are crucial too as well as leafy green vegetables and fruits like bananas and avocados.

Vitamin C: Apart from causing scurvy, vitamin C deficiency can cause depression and cravings for sugary delights. A diet rich in vitamin C can improve or reverse symptoms of anxiety, depression and bipolar disorder.

Interestingly, vitamin C closely functions with B group vitamins and iron absorption. It has been shown to enhance iron absorption by capturing non-heme iron (found majorly in plant based foods) and storing it in a form that is more easily absorbed by our body.

Some of the rich sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, dark green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, bell peppers (especially red ones), radish, melons and strawberries. Always be mindful about combining iron and B group vitamin foods with foods rich in vitamin C for optimal absorption.

Vitamin D: This sunshine vitamin is important for optimal brain functioning, including mood and critical thinking and also to boost overall metabolism. Low levels of vitamin D is linked to depression, particularly Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) which occurs during times of the year when there is relatively less sunshine. Sunlight is a major source of vitamin D so try getting enough sun for at least 15 minutes daily around midday. This is because at this time, sunlight is at its highest point and you can produce vitamin D efficiently in less time. Lighter skinned people require less time to produce vitamin D than those with darker skin.

Vitamin D is found in very few foods, for example fatty fish, cod liver oil, oysters, shrimp,

egg yolks, mushrooms, vitamin D fortified cereals, milk, orange juice or soy milk.

Iron: Iron is a crucial element for oxygenation and energy production, and for synthesis of neurotransmitters and myelin sheath. Iron deficiency in women (especially those of child bearing age) has been known to contribute to the onset of depression, chronic fatigue and anxiety.

It has also been found in children with attentiondeficit hyperactivity disorder.

Its role is of critical importance during the growth of the foetus and in relation to the child’s IQ in later growth years. Iron rich plant based sources can be leafy green vegetables, lentils, beans, whole grains like wheat, finger millets, brown rice and fortified cereals.

Animal based sources are chicken, duck, turkey, beef and fish. Dried fruits like apricots, berries, raisins, figs and prunes are delicious and wholesome choices. As discussed earlier, iron rich sources should be combined with vitamin C rich ones for optimal absorption. Avoid drinking coffee and tea with meals as they impair the absorption of iron.

Zinc: Lower zinc levels have been found in patients with clinical depression. Oral intake of this mineral has aided in effectiveness of antidepressant therapies, for example for alcoholism, Pick’s disease (type of progressive dementia) and schizophrenia. Furthermore, insufficient levels of zinc have been associated with poor learning abilities and mental retardation in children. Hence, this micronutrient is not to be taken lightly. The best sources of zinc are meat, seafoods, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, oats, dark chocolate and dairy products.

Probiotics: The gut flora (good gut bacteria which keeps immunity strong) is involved in improving gastrointestinal system. Your gut and

brain are very closely linked. One has the ability to influence the other by reducing anxiety, regulating stress levels, memory and learning process. A Harvard medical school research states, “Since a large percentage (about 95%) of serotonin receptors are found in the lining of the gut, research is examining the potential of probiotics for treating both anxiety and depression.”

Perturbations of these systems result in alterations in the stress-response behaviour.

Foods like yoghurt with added live cultures, curd, kefir, fermented foods, pickles and buttermilk are all great sources.

Exercise for mental health We all know that regular exercises have varied physical health benefits, but few know its effectiveness in improving mental health.

Studies have shown that exercise can treat mild to moderate depression as effectively as antidepressants.

Exercise relieves stress and muscle tension, which are common symptoms of anxiety. It can also boost mental energy and blood supply to the brain and enhance the well-being through the release of endorphins (potent mood enhancing chemicals that gives us feelings of happiness).

A regular exercise regimen can help us improve slow-wave sleep (deep sleep), which is crucial for brain detoxification and this also makes us more resilient to daily stressors of life.

Furthermore, it helps sharpen memory and learning skills by stimulating growth of new brain cells and preventing an age related decline. Many studies have suggested that parts of the brain that control thinking and memory have greater volume in people who exercise versus people who don’t.

The typical exercise requirement for a normal

adult is to perform 30 minutes of moderate intensity aerobic exercises at least 4-5 days a week; moderate means that you breathe a little heavier than normal, but not out of breath, and your body feels warmer as you move, but not sweaty. In addition to this, try to engage in 20 minutes of vigorous activity like jogging, running or swimming at least twice a week.

If this sounds daunting, then not to worry.

For starters, even just a few minutes of exercise is better than nothing, start with 5-10 minutes sessions 4-5 days a week and slowly increase your time over days/weeks.

If you have a desk job, keep moving whenever you find time, move out to get some fresh air, your body is going to love you for this.

Last but not least, exercises can serve as a healthy distraction enabling you to find some time to break out of the cycle of deterring thoughts and destructive self-talk that feed depression and anxiety.

Outdoor activities like hiking, sailing, river rafting, rock climbing and skiing give us opportunities to meet new people and explore new possibilities thereby contributing to your mental and emotional reservoirs.

Modification of lifestyle factors like a healthy balanced diet and improved physical exercise are increasingly recognised as potential preventive and therapeutic measures to enhance one’s mental and emotional well- being.

So let us hasten to take charge of our health for a better tomorrow. There will be good days and bad, disappointments and triumphs, but we have to commit ourselves, keep going and strive towards making a wholesome living one of our major goals in life.

For more information, please consult a doctor or a health coach.

Activities of Italy Jamaat in 2018 Ataul Wasih Tariq Missionary, Italy

2018 has been a significant year for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Italy.

The very first day began with a Peace March in the Centre City of Bologna, in which we also had the opportunity to represent the Jamaat and its peaceful message to all the participants of the march. A group of brave Khuddam and Atfal participated on this very cold day to represent the true message of Islam.

Later on 16 January, the Jamaat in Italy, was introduced at an event on religious freedom in the Italian Parliament for the first time. The members of the Jamaat delegation consisted of the Abdul Fatir Malik Sahib National President, Mohammed Akram Sahib General Secretary, Rana Naseer Sahib Sadr Majlis Ansarullah, Kashif Kamal Sahib Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, Shoaib Ahmad Iqbal Sahib Secretary Umur-e-Kharija, Mohammad Afzal Sahib Sadr Jamaat Rome, Arsalan Afzal Sahib a Khadim from Rome and myself.

During our presentation, the picture of the Promised Messiahas was shown. As the topic of this presentation was on the history of the opposition and persecution of the Jamaat, I was told by the national general secretary, Mohamed Akram Sahib, that it was very difficult to hold his tears when the picture of Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Latif Shaheedra was shown during the presentation.

Many politicians, academics and religious leaders who participated in this event expressed their regret of having little knowledge of the Jamaat and were looking forward to getting to know more about the Jamaat in the future.

In March, a delegation of academics and journalists participated at the UK Peace Symposium. Dr Luigi di Salvia, President of Religions for Peace also had the honour to address the participants of the symposium and to sit with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa.

A world-renowned scholar on religious movement, Prof Massimo Introvigne also participated in this event as a member of the Italian delegation.

Another highlight was Jalsa Salana Italy, held from 11 May to 13 May in San Pietro in Casale in the Suburbs of Bologna. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa graciously appointed Laiq Ahmad Atif Sahib, President and Missionary of Malta Jamaat as his special representative.

We were all surprised that the number of participants had increased by around

30% this year and, by the grace of Allah, we were able to manage the unprecedented number of participants.

Among other nonAhmadi guests was the world-renowned Catholic scholar on Islam, Prof Dr Zannini who currently holds the chair on Tafsir-ul-Quran at the Papal University of Islamic Sciences (PISAI) in Rome, Italy.

Also, Mr Louis Bono Deputy Ambassador of the United States to the Holy See (Vatican) traveled with his wife and children from Rome to participate at our Jalsa. In his address to the participants, he highlighted his pleasure to be with the Ahmadiyya Community in Italy and the concerns of the US Government on the lack religious freedom in some countries.

A delegation of academics and journalists from Italy then participated at the 2018 UK Jalsa. Among them was the religious priest and orientalist scholar, Prof Justo Lancuba who has been a close advisor to Pope Benedict and previous popes.

Another important member of the delegation was Prof Di Marzio, who is the director of a Research and Study Centre on Religious Freedom in Italy (LIREC) and who wrote a very positive and impressing article on the Jamaat, which was circulated among the academic elite in Italy.

It was also planned for the Honourable Prof Emanuela del Re, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy to participate at

the Jalsa, however she had to change her plans due to other official commitments.

Nonetheless, she sent her greetings to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and expressed her concerns on the persecution of the Ahmadiyya Community and stated, “Italy stands beside all those who are unjustly persecuted”.

On 13 October, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Italy held its first Peace Symposium in Parma, a detailed report of which has already been published in Al Hakam, on 14 December 2018.

Aside from this, the Jamaat has held various presentations on the Italian translation of Huzoor’saa book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace. Among other locations, such presentations were held also in Bologna, Parma, Florence and Rome.

Of course there have been many more tarbiyat and tabligh events organised during this year and we hope and pray that Allah accepts our humble attempts to convey the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the Italian people.

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 15 February 2019 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

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

T

he name of the first companion that I will mention today is Hazrat Khalidra bin Qais. Hazrat Khalidra belonged to the Banu Bayada branch of the Khazraj tribe.

His father’s name was Qais bin Malik and his mother’s name was Salma bint Harithah. His wife was Umme Rabee and they had a son called Abdur Rahman.

According to Ibn Ishaq, he participated in the pledge that took place at Aqabah along with 70 companions from among the Ansar. Hazrat Khalidra also participated in the Battles of Badr and Uhud. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 449-450, Khalid bin Qaisra, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The second companion is Hazrat Harisra bin Khazama Ansari. His title was Abu Bishr and he belonged to the Khazraj tribe of the Ansar, who were confederates of the Banu Abdil Ash‘hal tribe. Hazrat Haris bin Khazamara participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq [the ditch]. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Haris bin Khazamara and Hazrat Iyas bin Bukairra.

In the accounts of history it states that during the Battle of Tabuk, the Holy Prophet’ssa camel went missing. The hypocrites raised the allegation against the Holy Prophetsa saying, “How can he have knowledge of the Heavens when he does not even know where his camel is?” When the Holy Prophetsa came to know about this, he said, “I only possess knowledge of those matters which God has informed me of.” The Holy Prophetsa then said that God had informed him about his camel and that it was in the mountain pass of a certain valley. This incident has been mentioned before as well, in reference to another companion. The companion who went in search of the camel according to the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa and brought it back was Hazrat Haris bin Khazamara. He passed away in Medina in 40 AH during the Khilafat of Hazrat Ali at the age of 67. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, pp. 602-603, Al-Harith bin Khazamara, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 666, Al-Harith bin Khazamara, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) The next companion to be mentioned

is Hazrat Khunaisra bin Huzafah. His title was Abu Huzafah. His mother’s name was Da‘ifah bint Hizyam. He belonged to Bani Saham bin Amr tribe. He accepted Islam before the Holy Prophetsa went to Dar-eArqam. Hazrat Khunaisra was the brother of Hazrat Abdullah bin Huzafahra. Hazrat Khunaisra was among those Muslims who participated in the second migration to

to his simplicity in nature, Hazrat Umarra met Uthman bin Affanra himself and mentioned that his daughter Hafsahra was now a widow, and that if he was interested, he could marry her. However, Hazrat Uthmanra avoided the subject. After this, Hazrat Umarra mentioned it to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, but he too remained silent and did not respond. At this, Hazrat Umarra was

Abyssinia. He is considered among the foremost of the Muhajireen. When Hazrat Khunaisra first migrated to Medina, he stayed with Hazrat Rifa‘ah bin Abdil Munzirra. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Khunaisra and Hazrat Abu Abs bin Jabarra.

Hazrat Khunaisra participated in the Battle of Badr. Ummul Momineen, Hazrat Hafsahra was married to Hazrat Khunaisra before she married the Holy Prophetsa (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 300, Khunais bin Huzafahra, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, p. 188, Khunais bin Huzafahra, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2003).

The details of this are recorded in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra] as follows: “Hazrat Umarra had a daughter by the name of Hafsahra who was married to a faithful companion, Khunais bin Huzafah, who had taken part in the Battle of Badr. After Badr, upon returning to Medina, Khunais fell ill. He was unable to recover from his illness and passed away. Sometime after his demise, Hazrat Umarra began to feel a sense of concern for her second marriage. At the time, Hafsahra was over twenty years of age. Due

deeply saddened, and in this very state of dismay, he presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and submitted the entire account. The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘O Umar! Do not worry at all, if Allah so wills, Hafsah shall find a better husband than Uthman and Abu Bakr; and Uthman shall receive a better wife than Hafsah.’ The Holy Prophetsa said this because he had already intended to marry Hafsahra and to give his own daughter Umme Kulthumra to Hazrat Uthmanra in marriage. Both Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Abu Bakrra were aware of this (they had already been told) and this is why they turned down the proposal of Hazrat Umarra. Sometime thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa married his daughter Umme Kulthumra to Hazrat Uthmanra, and this has already been mentioned above. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa sent a proposal himself to Hazrat Umarra for Hafsahra. What more could Hazrat Umarra have asked for? He very happily accepted this proposal. In Sha‘ban 3 AH, Hazrat Hafsahra was married to the Holy Prophetsa and became a part of his household. When this marriage had taken place, Hazrat Abu Bakrra said to Hazrat Umarra: ‘Perhaps your heart has been saddened on my account.’” Perhaps due to some

grief and a feeling of resentment had formed in his heart). “‘The fact is, that I was already aware of the intention of the Holy Prophetsa, but I could not reveal his secret without permission (of the Holy Prophetsa). Of course, if the Holy Prophetsa had not intended so, I would have most gladly married Hafsah.’

One special wisdom in marrying Hafsahra was that she was the daughter of Hazrat Umarra, who one could say was considered to be the most eminent companion after Hazrat Abu Bakrra, and he was from among the most intimate friends of the Holy Prophetsa. Hence, in order to further strengthen mutual relations and to alleviate the grief of Hazrat Umarra and Hafsahra, which they had sustained by the untimely demise of Khuanis bin Huzafahra, the Holy Prophetsa deemed it appropriate to marry Hafsahra himself.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 477-478) According to another narration, Hazrat Khuanis bin Huzafahra was wounded during the battle of Uhud and sometime later, he passed away in Medina as a result of these wounds. The Holy Prophetsa led his funeral prayer and he was buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi, next to Hazrat Uthman bin Maz‘unra. (Al-Isti‘aab Fi Ma’rifati Al-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 452, Khuanis bin Huzafahra, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 300, Khunais bin Huzafahra, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The next companion is Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘manra and his title was Abu Abdullah. Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘manra was an Ansari companion and belonged to the Banu Najjar clan of the Khazraj tribe. He participated alongside the Holy Prophetsa in all battles including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. He is considered among the prominent companions.

Hazrat Haritha’s mother was Jadah bint Ubaid. The children of Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘man are as follows: Abdullah, Abdur Rahman, Saudah, Umrah and Umme Hisham. Their mother’s name was Umme Khalid. His other children include Umme Kulthum, whose mother belonged to the tribe of Banu Abdullah bin Ghatfan and Amatullah, whose mother belonged to the Banu Jundu tribe.

In another narration, Ibn Abbas relates that Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘man passed by

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Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM the Holy Prophetsa and at the time, Gabrielas was sitting beside him. In reference to this incident, there is a brief narration which is as follows: “Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘manra passed by the Holy Prophet and offered his Salam to which Gabriel replied, ‘Wa alaikumussalam.’”

However, a detailed narration of this incident is as follows: “Hazrat Ibn Abbas relates that Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘manra passed by the Holy Prophetsa while Hazrat Gabrielas was sitting beside him and the Holy Prophetsa was speaking to him in a low voice. Hazrat Harithara did not say Salam to the Holy Prophetsa and Gabriel asked why he did not say Salam? Afterwards, the Holy Prophetsa enquired from Harithara “When you were passing by, why did you not say Salam?” He replied, ‘I saw a person beside you and you were speaking to him in a low voice. I did not deem it appropriate to interrupt your conversation,’ i.e. he did not want to cause the Holy Prophet to divert his attention by saying Salam. The Holy Prophetsa asked, ‘Did you see the person sitting beside me?”

He replied in the affirmative. Upon this the Holy Prophetsa said: “It was Gabrielas and he said that had that person extended the greeting of Salam, he would have replied to his greeting. Following this, Gabrielas said, ‘He is among those eighty individuals.’ The Holy Prophetsa then asked Gabrielas for the meaning of this to which Gabrielas replied, “He is among those eighty individuals who remained steadfast alongside you during the Battle of Hunain. The responsibility of providing for him and providing for his offspring in paradise lies with God Almighty.’”

Hence, the Holy Prophetsa mentioned all of this to Hazrat Harithara.

Hazrat Aishara relates that the Holy Prophetsa had great respect and honour for Hazrat Harithara. Hazrat Aishara has also spoken about him with regard to his excellent treattent towards his mother and the Holy Prophetsa advised that everyone ought to follow his virtuous example.

Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘man’s eye sight worsened gradually and towards his last years, he lost his sight. He had tied a rope from the praying area to the door of his room and he used to keep a basket full of dates with him. Whenever a poor person, someone in need or a guest would come to see him and say Salam, or whenever he considered someone to be in need, he would use that rope to walk from his prayer room to the door and give them some dates. His family members used to say to him that they could help him and carry it out on his behalf as his vision was worsening, and he did not need to burden himself. However, he used to say, “I heard from the Holy Prophetsa that helping the needy safeguards a person from an evil death.”

It has been mentioned in a narration that Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘man had a few houses which were situated close to the houses of the Holy Prophetsa. He owned several homes and properties in Medina and whenever there was a need, he would offer his properties to the Holy Prophetsa.

(Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 371372, Haritha bin Nu’manra, Dar-ul-Kutub

Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, pp. 655-656, Haritha bin Nu’manra, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) In other words, whenever a need arose, for instance if there was a marriage, or for any other reason, he would offer his home, in fact he would donate it. When Hazrat Alira married Hazrat Fatimahra, the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Alira to search for a separate house for himself. Therefore, Hazrat Alira found a place of his own and settled there with Hazrat Fatimahra after their marriage. Following this, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Fatimahra, “I wish to bring you close to me.” That is, for her to move closer to the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Fatimahra suggested to the Holy Prophetsa if he could ask Haritha bin Nu‘man to move elsewhere and they could move into his house. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Harithara has moved for me on a number of occasions. He has some properties nearby and always vacates those properties for me. Therefore, I feel embarrassed to ask him to move again.”

When Hazrat Harithara heard this, he moved out of his house to a new property.

He then came to the Holy Prophetsa and stated, “O Messengersa of Allah! I heard that you would like for Hazrat Fatimahra to move close to you. These houses of mine are the closest to your home from amongst all the houses of the Banu Najjar. My wealth and I are all for the sake of Allah and His Messengersa. O Messengersa of Allah, please take any wealth of mine that you wish. Whatever you leave for me will be dearer to me than any wealth.” The Holy Prophetsa stated, “Indeed you have spoken the truth. May God shower his blessings upon you.” Hence, the Holy Prophetsa asked Hazrat Fatimahra to move into the house of Hazrat Harithara.” (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra, Vol. 8, pp. 18-19, Fatimah bint Rasulillahra, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has written some further details to this incident in Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin [The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets].

He writes: “Until now, Hazrat Alira perhaps lived with the Holy Prophetsa in an apartment built next to the mosque. However, a separate abode was now required, where husband and wife could reside after marriage. Therefore, the Holy Prophetra instructed Hazrat Alira to find a place where both of them could reside. Hazrat Alira temporarily arranged for a home and the rukhsatana [marriage] of Hazrat Fatimahra took place. On the very same day, after the rukhsatana, the Holy Prophetsa visited their new home and called for some water to be brought to him, prayed on it and then sprinkled it on both Hazrat Fatimahra and Hazrat Alira, whilst repeating the following words: ّٰ َ َ َ َُ ْ َ ْ ْ ‫الل ُھ َّم بَا ِرک ِف ْی ِہ َما َوبَا ِرک َعل ْی ِھ َما َوبَا ِرک لھ َما ن ْسل ُھ َما‬ Meaning, ‘O my Allah! Bless the mutual relations of both of them, and bless the relations of both which are built with others and bless their progeny.’” That is, he prayed for their mutual relations, their relations with their family members and the society at large. He prayed for their progeny to be blessed. “‘After this,

the Holy Prophetsa left the newly wedded couple alone and returned. Afterwards, one day, when the Holy Prophetsa came to visit Hazrat Fatimahra, she submitted to the Holy Prophetsa that Haritha bin Nu‘man Ansarira was in possession of a few homes, and asked if the Holy Prophetsa would request him to vacate one of them.

The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘He has already vacated so many homes for our sake.

Now I feel embarrassed in requesting more of him.’ In some way or another, when Harithara happened to find out about this, he came running to the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, ‘O Messenger of Allah! Everything I own belongs to you, my Master. By God, whatever you accept of me causes me greater joy then that which remains with me.’ Then, this faithful companion insisted and vacated one of his homes, and presented it to the Holy Prophetsa. After this, Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra moved to this home.”

(Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 456) Hazrat Aishara narrates: “On the day of Hunain, the Holy Prophetsa addressed the Companions and stated: ‘Who amongst you will be on watch at night?’ Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘manra stood up slowly and calmly. It was not his habit to rush through anything. The Companions commented on the slow and relaxed manner in which he stood up stating: ‘His modesty has tainted his habits. He should have stood up quickly on this occasion.’ The Holy Prophetsa stated: ‘Do not say such a thing, rather, it would be true to say that modesty has saved Haritha.’ (Al-muntaqa Min Kitab Makarim Al-Akhlaq lil-Khara’iti, p. 68, Bab Fadeelatil Hayaa Wa Jaseem Khatarahu, Hadith 127, Darul Fikr, Damascus, 1988).

Hazrat Haritha bin Nu‘man passed away during the rule of Hazrat Amir Muawiyah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 372, Haritha bin Nu’manra, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The next companion is Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra. His title was Abu Nu’man.

His father was Sa‘d bin Thalbah, and his brother’s name was Hazrat Simaak bin Sa‘d. Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra belonged to the Khazraj tribe (Al-Isti‘aab Fi Ma’rifati Al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 172, Bashir bin Sa’dra, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992). His mother was Unaisah bint Khalifah, and his wife was Amrah bint Rawahah. Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra knew how to read and write during the period of Jahiliyyah [era prior to the advent of Islam], a time when very few among the Arabs literate. He took part in the second Bai‘at at Aqabah along with seventy companions. He participated in all battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the battles of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq.

In Shaban 7 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent an expedition of thirty companions to Fadak towards the Bani Murrah tribe under the leadership of Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra. An intense battle ensued in which Hazrat Bashirra fought valiantly. During the battle, he was struck on his ankle with a sword and it was assumed that he had been martyred. The enemies had left him as they thought that he was unconscious or had been killed. However, in the evening

he regained consciousness and came to Fadak where he stayed a few days in the home of a Jewish man, before returning to Medina.

Similarly, in Shawal 7 AH, the Holy Prophetsa sent him along with three hundred men into Yuman and Jubar which are located between Fadak and the Valley of Quraa. This was the place where some people of Ghatfan had gathered with Uainah bin Hisan Al Fazari and were devising schemes against Islam.

Hazrat Bashirra confronted them and [as a result] they dispersed. Some from among them were killed by the Muslim army and some were taken captive. They returned [to Medina] with the spoils of war (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, pp. 402-403, Bashir bin Sa’dra, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990). This expedition was a precautionary measure because these people were making plans to attack the Muslims and cause them harm.

The purpose was not to kill them or to loot their wealth. As I mentioned in my previous sermon that on one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa expressed great displeasure when some companions launched an unjustified attack and questioned them as to why they did so.

There is a narration about Bashir bin Sa‘dra from his son, Hazrat Nu‘man bin Bashirra in which he said that his father brought him to the Holy Prophetsa and stated: “I have granted a servant to this son of mine.” The Prophet of Allahsa enquired: “Have you granted the same to all your sons?” He said: “No.” The Holy Prophetsa then stated: “Then you should take the servant back.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Hiba, Bab Al Hibatu Lil Walad, Hadith 2586) According to another narration, Hazrat Nu‘man bin Bashir states: “My father bestowed some of his wealth to me.”

Both these narrations are from Bukhari.

“My mother, Amrah bint Rawahah stated: ‘I will not be satisfied until you request the Holy Prophetsa to be a witness regarding this matter.’ My father came to the Holy Prophetsa in order to request him to become a witness about the gift he had bestowed to me. The Holy Prophetsa stated: ‘Have you given the same to all of your children?’” Meaning, have you given everyone the same amount of wealth or the same gift? “He responded: ‘No.’ The Holy Prophetsa then said: ‘Fear Allah and treat your children in a just manner.’ My father returned and took the gift back.” (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Hiba, Babul Ash’haad, Hadith 2587) Regarding this narration, in Sahih Muslim it is written that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Do not ask me to be a witness about this, because I cannot be a witness over a transgression.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitabul Hibaat, Karahiyyatu Tafdeel Ba‘d Awlaad Fil Hibati, Hadith 4182) While commenting upon this issue or elaborating on this Hadith and explaining the act of giving a gift of this sort, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has very eloquently explained this, which serves as an excellent source of guidance. He states: “In my opinion this instruction of the Holy Prophetsa is regarding significant things and not about small trivial matters.

14 For example, if one is eating a banana and decides to share it with one of the children present at the time, it is possible that the other children will be deprived of it. The examples used in the Hadith of the Holy Prophetsa are that of horses, money or slaves; i.e. something that has value. The Holy Prophetsa said to one person that he ought to either give a horse to each one of his sons or not to give it to anyone.

The reason for this was that in Arabia, horses were of great value.” Slaves were also considered property and the same is true for any other wealth. Therefore, this prohibition is for expensive possessions and Arabs considered horses to be precious. “Thus, this commandment is about the things which can cause mutual enmity to take root in the hearts.”

If a person gives something to one child and does not give the same to the others, this can become a source of contention between them. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “This injunction is not for insignificant things. For example, if we take one child to the market place and purchase a piece of cloth for their coat, it is perfectly permissible. It cannot be said that until we purchase coats for all the children no one should be given anything.”

He further states: “Sometimes, it so happens that we receive a gift and the child present at the time asks for that gift to be given to him and we comply with their request. This does not mean that we have deprived the other children from this; rather, whenever another present is received in the future, the other children will receive it. Hence, this instruction is not about small insignificant objects; rather, it is about matters of importance in which any favorable treatment to one over the other can lead to feelings of resentment and ill will between the involved persons.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “It is my practice to give away a portion of land to my children when they become adults, so they can pay their Wasiyyat” or they will have some wealth of their own through which they can pay their Wasiyyat. “This does not mean that I deprive others of their right; instead, I intend to grant them with their share when they reach maturity. Nonetheless, with regard to assets, they should not be of such significant value that if someone gives it away as a gift to only one, others will feel resentful over it. In such a case, it is the commandment of the Holy Quran that one should take their gift back and it is incumbent upon other relatives to prevent such a person from committing this sin.”

(Al Fazl International, 16 April 1960, p. 5) A similar case in relation to giving a gift was presented to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra

by Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra. At this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra said that he would have to examine the Quranic principle of distribution of the property.

The Holy Quran does not recognise gifts of this kind. Instead, the laws of inheritance have been stated and the shares of all the relevant parties have been determined.

Sometimes people distribute their property and do not pay attention to these details, and this consequently leads to court cases and feelings of resentment.

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “The shares determined by the Holy Quran cannot be changed. We should try and understand the wisdom of the allocated shares. Why should all boys get equal share in inheritance and also owing to a complaint by a son, why did the Holy Prophetsa order his father to either purchase that son a horse, or to take back the one he had given to his other son?

The wisdom is that in the same manner as children are required to obey their parents, parents are also obliged to treat their children and love them equally. But if the parents show preferential treatment and favour one child over another, perhaps the children may continue to discharge their duty towards their parents and fulfil their rights, however they will not do so happily.”

They will do it as a chore, simply because God Almighty had commanded them, but they will not be doing this willingly.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “The attitude of such parents is harmful and destroys the loving relationship between parents and children. That is why it has been forbidden. However, the will or gift that are not given to children, but instead are given for the sake of Allah is permitted. You can also gift or leave inheritance to others who are not your direct heirs because the person making the gift is also denying himself that wealth.

Not only are the children deprived of it, but he also deprives himself from it as it is sacrificed in the way of God Almighty, thus the children are not grieved or upset over it. However, if the gift is granted to only one of the children, it is unlawful.

“However, at times, one has to fulfil an obligation at a particular given time.

For instance, a man has four sons and he pays for his eldest son’s education until he completes his Masters (MA), while the rest of the sons are studying in the lower years.

In the meanwhile, he loses his job or his income decreases and the education of his younger children has to be stopped. At this, one cannot say that he showed favouritism towards the eldest son. It is completely incidental. His intention was to ensure his eldest son completed his masters, then subsequently support his younger children to complete their masters as well or to whichever level their potential was.

Meaning, in view of the need of the time, he prioritised his responsibilities in good faith, and decided to support one son and later support the others in turn, but since his circumstances changed, he was not able to fulfil his plan. On the other hand, if a father gives two thousand rupees to his eldest son – who has a family of his own – to start a business, but does not do the same for the others upon getting married, it would be wrong and discriminatory.”

Nonetheless, this is the jurisprudential law regarding gifts and certain inheritance. It should be kept in mind while making a will or a gift. (Farmudat Musleh-e-Maudra, Syed Shamsul Haq Sahib Murabbi-eSilsila, pp. 316-317) During the Battle of Khandaq, the daughter of Bashir bin Sa‘dra – the account of whom is being discussed – narrates: “My mother, Amrah bint Rawaha,

gave me some dates, placed in a cloth, and asked me to take them to my father and uncle and to tell them it was for morning meal.” She says: “I took those dates and started looking for my father and uncle.

When I passed by the Holy Prophetsa, he asked me, ‘O young girl! What have you brought?’ I told him about the dates, which my mother had given me to take to my father, Bashir bin Sa‘dra and my uncle, Abdullah bin Rawaha. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Give them to me’. I placed them in both of his hands. He put them on a piece of cloth and covered them with another.

He then asked a man to invite everyone to eat those dates. All those who were digging the trenches gathered and started eating them. The dates kept on increasing, to the extent that when everyone had finished eating they were still overflowing from that piece of cloth.”

The dates were blessed by the Holy Prophetsa. (Sirat ibn Hisham, pp. 454-455, Bab Maa Zahara Li Rasulillahsa minal Ayaat Fi Hufar Khandaq, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009) Hazrat Bashirra participated alongside Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid in the battle of Ainul Tamar during the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakrra in the year 12 AH during which he was martyred. (Al-Isabatu Fi Tamyiz Al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, p. 442, Bashir bin Sa’dra, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) Ainul Tamar is a place near Kufa, which Muslims conquered in 12 AH during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 4, p. 199, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut) When the Holy Prophetsa set off for Umrah Qaza during Dhul Qa‘dah 7 AH, he sent the weapons in advance and placed Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘d responsible of that caravan. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 403, Bashir bin Sa’dra, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The details of Umrah Qaza is that at the time of the treaty of Hudaibiyyah, plans for Umrah were abandoned that year and the condition was that the Holy Prophetsa would not perform Umrah in that year.

Instead he would return the following year and stay in Mecca for three days. (Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Maghazi, Bab Umratul Qada, Hadith 4252) According to this condition of the pact, in 7 AH, he announced that he was going for Umrah and all those who were present during the journey of the previous year should accompany him. Thus, everyone participated in this, except those who had died or were martyred during the battle of Khaiber. Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘d was sent as an advance party with all the weapons.

What was the need for the weapons? The detail found regarding this matter is that because the Holy Prophetsa did not trust the Quraish to stay true to the treaty, therefore, he made full preparations for battle and took all the weapons he could with him. He made one of his companions, Abu Reham Ghaffari, as the Amir of Medina and left for Mecca with 2,000 men including 100 on horseback. 60 camels were taken along for sacrifice.

When the Meccans heard that the Holy Prophetsa was coming prepared for war with all his weaponry, they became anxious and sent some men to Marr Al-

Zahran to investigate the matter. They met Muhammadra bin Maslama, who was in charge of the riders, who assured them that the Holy Prophetsa would enter Mecca without his weapons, as per dictates of the treaty. This satisfied the Quraish. Thus, when the Holy Prophetsa arrived at Yajaj, a place eight miles short of Mecca, he left all his weapons in custody of a small contingent of companions under the command of Bashir bin Sa‘dra and kept only a single sword with him. He then entered Mecca with his Companions, reciting the talbiya [prescribed prayer recited during the pilgrimage]. It is said that when the Holy Prophetsa entered the premises of the Haram, out of jealousy, some of the disbelievers of the Quraish could not bear watching the Muslims enter Ka‘bah and therefore went to the mountains.

However, some of the disbelievers gathered in Dar Al-Nadwah, the house in which they would gather to plot their schemes. There they stood looking at one another in astonishment as they beheld the Muslims performing circuits of the Ka‘bah, who were intoxicated in the love of the Unity of God and His Message. They began saying amongst themselves, “How can these Muslims perform the circuits for they are weak due to suffering from starvation and have been inflicted with the fever of Medina.”

The Holy Prophetsa reached the Masjide-Haram and he covered himself with the cloth in a way that his right shoulder and arm became visible. He then said, “May Allah send down His mercy on us and manifest His power before these disbelievers.” That is to say that the Holy Prophetsa was aware of what the disbelievers were saying and so therefore prayed that God Almighty should manifest His power to them in a way that the bodies which seem weak to them should be shown to them as strong and with broad shoulders. The Holy Prophetsa then walked swiftly along with his Companions and completed the first three circuits of the Ka‘bah with their shoulders spread out.

In Arabic this is known as ramal. Hence, this practice has continued to this day and will remain till the Day of Judgment as each pilgrim performs the ramal in his first three circuits of the Ka‘bah. This is therefore the reason for the way one walks in the first three circuits of the Ka‘bah during pilgrimage. (Sharh Zurqani Ala Mawahib Al-Deeniyyah, Vol. 3, pp. 314317, 231-323, bab Umratul Qada, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Sirat ibn Hisham, p. 529, Bab Umratul Qada…, Dar Ibn Hazam, Beirut, 2009) (Lughaatul Hadith, Vol. 2, p. 163, Nu’mani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005) With regard to how many Umrahs the Holy Prophetsa performed in his lifetime, the narrator in a Hadith of Bukhari writes that he asked Hazrat Anasra how many Umrahs the Holy Prophetsa performed?

He replied, “Four – Umrah Hudaibiyyah.”

Despite the fact that they were not able to complete the Umrah, this is considered an Umrah as they made the sacrifices and shaved their heads etc. so this is why some have counted it as an Umrah. The narrator then states: “The second was in Dhul-Qa‘dah the

15

Friday 15 March 2019 | AL HAKAM following year.” In other words, the Umrah of Hudaibiyyah was not completed in the first year and the second Umrah was performed in Dhul-Qa‘dah when the Holy Prophetsa had made a truce with them. He then writes, “Then there was the Umrah-e-Ji‘ranah when the Holy Prophetsa distributed the spoils of war.” He says, “In my opinion this was when the spoils of the Battle of Hunain were distributed. He also performed the Umrah on that occasion.”

The narrator then asked about the number of times the Holy Prophetsa perform the Hajj? Hazrat Anasra stated, “The Holy Prophetsa only performed one Hajj and on this occasion, he also performed the Umrah.” Hence, this is why some are of the opinion that he performed four Umrahs and some say it was only two.

(Sahih Bukhari, Kitabul Umrah, Bab Kam I’tamara An-Nabi, Hadith 1778-1779) Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra was the first among the Ansar to take the oath of allegiance at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakrra on the day of Saqifah Banu Sa‘idah.

(Al-Isti‘aab Fi Ma’rifati Al-Sahaba, Vol. 1, pp. 172-173, Bashir bin Sa’dra, Dar-ul-Jeel, Beirut, 1992) What was Saqifah Banu Sa‘idah? It is said that this was the assembly point in Medina for the Banu Khazraj tribe.

(Mu’jamul Buldan, Vol. 3, p. 259, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut) In that era, it was a room or an area with a shade. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the Banu Sa‘idah tribe held a sitting in Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah with regard to the successorship after him. Hazrat Umarra was informed of this meeting and it is also mentioned that there was a chance of a spread of sedition at the hands of the hypocrites and the Ansar. Thereupon, Hazrat Umarra took Hazrat Abu Bakrra along with him to Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah.

When they reached, they discovered that the Banu Khazraj tribe had claimed to be the successors of the Holy Prophetsa which was opposed to by the Banu Aus tribe.

Both of these were tribes of the Ansar in Medina. On this occasion an Ansari related something he heard from the Holy Prophetsa that the leaders shall be from among the Quraish, which was accepted by most of the people during this dispute.

The Ansar therefore rescinded their claim and they all immediately performed the Bai‘at at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakrra as the Khalifa. Yet despite this, for three days Hazrat Abu Bakrra continued to proclaim that they were free from this Bai‘at that took place at Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah and that if anyone had any complaint about it, they should raise it now. Yet no one had any protest to this. This was an extract from the book of Dr Hameedullah, where a brief mention has been made to this incident. (Sirat ibn Hisham, p. 668, Amru Saqifah Bani Sa’idah, Dar Ibn Hazm, Beirut, 2009) (Muhammad RasulullahsaKi Hukumrani Aw Janashini, Dr Muhammad Hameedullah, Mutarjamah Prof. Khalid Parvez, pp. 155-156, Al-Maktabah AlRahmaniyyah, Lahore, 2006) Further details of this have been mentioned as follows: “When this whole incident took place where the meetings were being held and the hypocrites were trying to cause a stir

among the Ansar, Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra reached at the scene and upon their arrival, the Ansar presented their point of view. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra also gave his opinion and it is evident from this whole incident that the Ansar and the Muhajireen only had the benefit of Islam in mind. The hypocrites would have thought to themselves that they could cause sedition and mischief, but the believers from the Ansar were only thinking about the betterment [of Islam] when they deliberated that the establishment of Khilafat or Imamat was necessary, whether it be from the Ansar or the Muhajireen.

Furthermore, it was their wish for Khilafat to be established after the Holy Prophetsa and they did not want a single day to pass without there being a Jamaat or an Amir. For this reason, one opinion was that there should be an Amir from among the Ansar, whilst another view was that he should be from the Muhajireen as the Arabs would not accept anyone besides them. Apart from that, a third opinion was that there should be two Amirs – one from the Ansar and one from the Quraish. At this point the Muhajireen told the Ansar that the Amir must only be from the Quraish and in support of this view, highlighted the instruction and prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa that after him there should be an Imam from among the Quraish, as has already been mentioned: ُ َ َ َْ ُ ‫الائِ ّمۃ ِم ْن ق َریْش‬ “The Imams will be from among the Quraish.” (Al-Sira Al-Halbiyyah, vol. 3, pp. 504-506, Bab Yudhkaru Fihi Muddah Mardah…, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarahra addressed the Ansar saying, “O Ansar of Medina! You are those very people who have given the most in service to your faith, so do not now be the first to change your ways and go astray. Do not say that the Amir should be from the Ansar or from among both groups.” The Ansar were moved by this truthful message and Bashir bin Sa‘dra – the Companion being discussed at present – stood up from among them and addressed the Ansar saying, “O Ansar,

by God, even though we have surpassed the Muhajireen in our faith in terms of waging our Jihad against the idolaters, we have only achieved this through the grace of Allah, our obedience to His Messengersa and through the reformation of ourselves.

It does not behove us to act with pride and to ask for such rewards that have a hint of worldly benefit, instead of serving our faith. Our reward lies with God and that He is sufficient for us. The Holy Prophetsa was from the Quraish and only they are truly deserving of Khilafat. Let it not be that we are in dispute with them. O Ansar!

Fear God Almighty and quarrel not with the Muhajireen.”

Thereafter, Hazrat Habbab bin Munzirra began stating the importance of the Ansar, but Hazrat Umarra controlled the situation – I am only mentioning the incident briefly – and held the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakrra saying, “Take our pledge of allegiance” and Hazrat Umarra immediately took the oath of allegiance at the hand of Hazrat Abu

Bakrra. Hazrat Umarra then said, “O Abu Bakrra, the Holy Prophetsa instructed you to lead the prayers, so you alone are the Khalifa of God. We pledge our allegiance to you because you are the most beloved to the Holy Prophetsa amongst us. Right after Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrahra performed the Bai‘at and from the Ansar, Hazrat Bashir bin Sa‘dra immediately took the oath of allegiance. Thereafter, Hazrat Zaid bin Thabitra took the oath of allegiance. He then held the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and turned to the Ansar telling them to do the Bai‘at. Hence, the Ansar also pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Al-Kamilu Fi Al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 193, Hadith Al-Saqifah Wa Khilafatu Abi Bakrra Wa Ardaahu, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2006) (Al-Sira AlHalbiyyah, vol. 3, p. 506, Bab Yudhkaru Fihi Muddah Mardah…, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) This has been recorded in Islamic literature as Bai‘at-eSaqifah and Bai‘at-e-Khasah.” (Tarikhul Khulafaa Al-Rashideen, Muhammad Suhail Taqush, p. 22, 367, Dar Al-Nafa’is, Beirut, 2011) Hazrat Abu Mas‘ud Ansarira relates, “Once we were in the company of Hazrat Sa‘d bin Ubadahra that the Holy Prophetsa arrived. Hazrat Bashir Bin Sa‘dra enquired of the Holy Prophet, ‘God Almighty has instructed us to invoke salutations upon you - how should we do this?’” The narrator states, “The Holy Prophetsa became silent at this, and remained silent for so long a time that we began to wish that we had not asked the Prophet this question. Finally, the Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘You should say: ٰ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ َ َّ َّ َ ُ ٰ َ ّ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ ٰ ‫لی ا ِل محم ٍد کما صلیت ع‬ ٰ ‫لی ا ِ ٰل‬ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ٰ َ َّ ‫ْاللھ ْم َ َص َ ِل ع ْل َی محمُ َ ٍد َّوع‬ َ َ ٰ ‫لی ا ِل محم ٍد کما بارکت ع‬ ٰ ‫لی محم ٍد وع‬ ٰ ‫اھیم وبا ِرک ع‬ ‫لی ا ِل‬ ِ ‫اِب َر‬ ٌ ْ َّ ٌ ْ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ ‫اھیم ِفی العال ِمین اِنک ح ِمید م ِجید‬ ِ ‫اِبر‬ “O Allah! Bless Muhammad and his people as You did bless Abraham, and prosper Muhammad and his people as you did cause to prosper the people of Abraham in the whole world. Surely, You are the Praiseworthy, the Exalted.” ‘“And You should say Salam in the same way that You already know.’” (Sahih Muslim, Kitabus Salat, Bab Al-Salat Ala An-Nabisa Ba’da Al-Tashahhud, Hadith 907) ّٰ َ َ َ ُ ٰ ٰ َ َ ُ ٰ ّ َ َّ ّ ْ ٌ ‫الل ُھ َّم َص ِل َعلی محَ ّم ٍد ّو َعلی ا َ ِل محَ ّم ٍد ّو بَا ِرک َو َسلِ ْم اِنک َح ِم ْید‬ ٌ ّ ‫م ِج ْید۔‬ [O Allah! Bless Muhammad and his people and make him prosper. Surely, You are the Praiseworthy, the Exalted.]

The account of the companionsra ends here for today.

I would like to make an announcement for prayers. Some days ago, preparations were underway for the Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] in Bangladesh, and the convention was to be held at a new place – a city called Ahmad Nagar. The scholars there – or I should say, “so-called” scholars and opponents – caused a great stir and commotion. At first, they urged the government to stop the event from taking place, and when the government did not comply, the mob attacked the homes and shops of Ahmadis, burning some homes and looting some shops. Some Ahmadis were also injured. Pray that God Almighty improves the situation, and He grants a

swift and complete recovery to those that were injured. May He also make good all material losses and in the future, whenever the date for Jalsa Salana is decided, may they be able to hold it.

After the prayers, I shall also be leading a funeral prayer of absentia for Respected Siddiqa Begum Sahiba of Dunyapur, Pakistan. She was the mother of Laeeq Ahmad Mushtaq Sahib, Missionary Incharge of Suriname, South America, and wife of Sheikh Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib. She passed away on 1 February at the age of 74 years – Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.

It was through her paternal grandfather, Respected Sheikh Muhammad Sultan Sahib, that Ahmadiyyat entered their family. He was blessed with the opportunity to pledge allegiance in 1897 at the age of 24 years. The deceased was married on 29 August 1964 and spent her entire life as an exemplary wife. Despite a modest income, she always remained content and dignified. Not only did she bring up her own children, she also arranged the marriages of her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. She always gave precedence to the comfort of others over her own. She was regular in her prayers and fasting.

She was ever-inclined to supplicating, she had a humble, cheerful and modest disposition, looked after the poor, and was a pious and sincere woman. She was also regular in reciting the Holy Quran, and also enjoyed the honour of having taught many Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi girls its correct recitation. She had great love for the Holy Quran. At her own expense, she paid for a Hafiz to come to her home and help her daughter and two sons commit the entire Quran to memory. Aside from having served as president of the women’s auxiliary in Dunyapur, she also had the honour of serving as the secretary of finance and ishaat [publications]. She had a deep connection of subservience with Khilafat and was a Musiya [part of the scheme of Al-Wasiyyat].

She is survived by her husband, two daughters and five sons. Two of her sons are life-devotees, of which one, as I have mentioned, is Laeeq Ahmad Mushtaq Sahib, currently serving as Missionary Incharge of Suriname in South America. At his mother’s demise, he was not able to go to Pakistan. Her other son is Muhammad Waleed Ahmad, a missionary of the Jamaat, who is serving in Pakistan. She has a son-in-law, Muzaffar Ahmad Khalid Sahib, a missionary serving in Islah-oIrshad Markaziya, Rabwah, Pakistan.

May God Almighty shower His forgiveness on her and have mercy upon the deceased and elevate her status; may He grant her children the ability to continue her good works; may He accept her prayers in their favour.

(Translated by The Review of Religions) (Originally published in Al Fazl International, 8–14 March 2019, pp. 5-9)

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