Al Hakam - Jalsa Qadian Special - 28 December 2018

THE WEEKLY

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 28 December 2018 | Issue XLI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Jalsa Qadian 2018

INSIDE

Page 6-7

Cherished Memories of Jalsa Salana Qadian On the occasion of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2018, from Al Hakam Page 9

Jalsa Salana During the Partition Page 12 - 13

Touching Base

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y the grace of Allah, Jalsa Salana Qadian 2018 has commenced today and the Friday Sermon recently delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

From the Archives

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Jalsa Qadian 2005 Setting the Ball Rolling

marks the official inauguration of the threeday event. It was in Qadian that under divine inspiration, the Promised Messiahas first called members of the Jamaats, from all

The image below is of a letter from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa to the late Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib (then Nazir-e-Ala, Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian) in which Huzoor

Continued on page 2

Continued on page 3

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

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To Honour One's Neighbour and Guest

Darweshan-e-Qadian

Hazrat Abu Huraira, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should either utter good words or observe silence; and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should treat his neighbour with kindness and he who believes in Allah and the Last Day should show hospitality to his guest.”

(Sahih al-Muslim, Kitab al-Iman)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The Oath of Allegiance and Repentance

One should understand the benefit and need of swearing an oath of allegiance to a spiritual guide. Until the benefit and worth of a thing is known, its value cannot be appreciated.

For example, a person possesses diverse forms of wealth and property around their home, comprised of rupees, paise, cowries, and firewood, etc. Everything is safeguarded according to the degree of its worth. A person would not tend to the safekeeping of a cowrie as carefully as one is compelled to look after a paisa or rupee; firewood and the like is usually left lying Continued on page 3

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

over the Indian Subcontinent, to convene in Qadian for a gathering that he named “Jalsa Salana”. Although only around seventy-five members could manage to attend, but who could have known that this handful of people would act as pioneers of an institution that was to spread, along with the message of Ahmadiyyat, to the corners of the Earth?

The following Jalsas saw the number of attendees soar from this two-digit figure into four-digits, then five and then there came a time – when the Markaz had moved from Qadian to Rabwah – that the small town of Rabwah hosted an attendance that had soared to six figures.

As a tradition, Qadian is decorated during the days preceding Jalsa Salana.

The same has been the case this year where colourful lights are seen hanging from the walls and rooftops of buildings. The Minartul Masih is lit up so beautifully that it serves as a feast for every eye that looks towards it.

Thousands of members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat have flocked from various parts of the world to attend the blessed event. Jalsa Qadian is extensively reported in the press and media every year, which means a considerable presence of media-men in the town.

The three days will be traditionally filled with day-long schedules that kick off with the Tahajud prayer in the latter part of the night, followed by the pre-dawn Fajr prayer.

The sunrise witnesses these thousands of attendees walking to Bahishti Maqbara to visit the last resting place of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, many companions of the Promised Messiah and a great number of revered personalities of the Jamaat. While breakfast is served under Jamaat’s arrangement, cafes, bakeries and restaurants are seen full of those willing to have something of their own choice. The rest of the day has in store a morning session and an afternoon session, punctuated by Salat, lunch and dinner.

All Jalsa sessions are packed with informative, faith-inspiring and motivational speeches, the topics ranging from the teachings of Islam, modern day challenges, biographical descriptions of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam and of the Promised Messiahas. Each session starts with the recitation of the Holy Quran while poetic verses of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa are recited in melodious tunes at the start and even between speeches.

The highlight of Jalsa Salana Qadian is the concluding session where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivers his concluding address from London, relayed not only to Qadian but to all parts of the world. This address of Huzoor formally concludes Jalsa Salana Qadian. This concluding address of Huzoor enables all Ahmadis around the world to virtually be part of this blessed assembly. Millions of Ahmadis join their beloved Imam in the concluding prayer live via MTA. The seventy-five pairs of hands raised for supplication in 1891 have multiplied manifold into millions, raising before Allah the Almighty not only from the blessed hamlet of Qadian, but all over the world.

Huzoor’s concluding address to Jalsa Salana Qadian this year will be broadcast live on MTA on Sunday, 28 December 2018 at 10:30 GMT.

This Week in History Compiled by Tariq Hayat, Pakistan

28 December - 3 January 28 December 1897: The Promised Messiahas delivered his speech after the Zuhr prayer at the occasion of Jalsa Salana in Qadian.

28 December 1907: The Promised Messiahas delivered an address to listeners gathered in Qadian for Jalsa Salana. It was after Zuhr and Asr prayers in Masjid Aqsa.

28 December 1907: With connection to Jalsa Salana, taking benefit from the presence of members of the Jamaat, Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya conducted its conference after Maghrib prayer in Qadian.

28 December 1908: A massive earthquake occurred on this day, in Sicily and Calabria, southern Italy, with a moment magnitude of 7.1. The cities of Messina and Reggio Calabria were almost completely destroyed and between 75,000 to 200,000 lives were lost.

28 December 1939: Liwa-e-Ahamadiyat (the flag of Ahmadiyyat) was displayed and raised for the first time in Qadian.

30 December 1897: The Promised Messiahas delivered his third address of Jalsa Salana 1897. He started it after the Zuhr prayer, it was stopped for Asr prayer and continued with his topic following the prayer.

1 January 1877: Alexandrina Victoria, Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, took the title “Empress of India” in 1876. The new title was proclaimed at the Delhi Durbar on this day.

1 January 1896: On this day, the Promised Messiahas

inaugurated a movement for the general introduction of a holiday for Friday prayer, which is one of the most useful institutions of Islam, and a symbol of its greatness. He made arrangements for a proposal to the government of India regarding the closing of government offices on Fridays.

1 January 1897: A well-known Pir of India, Miyan Ghulam Farid of Chachran Sharif (a town in Khanpur Tehsil of the Rahim Yar Khan district in the Punjab state of Pakistan), testified in favour of the Promised Messiahas. Upon receiving an open invitation of mubahila (prayer duel), he wrote to the Promised Messiahas on 1 January 1897 (27 Rajab 1314 AH), in which Pir Sahib wrote: “O my dearest friend, know that I have held cherished feelings of deep respect for you from the very beginning in order that I may have its reward.

Never has any word of disrespect been uttered by me about you. Now I have to inform you that I acknowledge your goodness and there is no doubt about it. I am sure that you are a righteous servant of God.” 1 January 1899: The Promised Messiah’s Urdu book Ayyamus-Sulh (The Age of Peace) came from Zia-ulIslam Press Qadian on this day.

3 January 1898: The Promised Messiahas had expressed multiple times his intention to open and establish a middle school in Qadian to meet the educational requirements of the growing community.

On this day, this historic milestone was achieved and Talim-ul-Islam school was inaugurated in Qadian.

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From the Archives

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra writes:

Continued from page 1 ered by other speakers; three from Pakistan, three from India.

Dr Mir Muhammd Ismail Sahib

ra

related to me that in the early days, the Promised Messiahas used to eat both meals [lunch and dinner] alongside guests for a lengthy period of time. On some occasions, pilau [savoury rice] and

gave guidance in a particular matter of Jalsa Qadian, where Huzoor was to participate. This letter is one of the many where Huzoor gave instructions to the administration of the India Jamaat in relation to this historic Jalsa where Khalifatul Masih was to be present in person. The translation of the letter is as follows: Respected Nazir-e-Ala Sahib Qadian Assalamo Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahe Wabarkatohu I am in receipt of your fax dated 21.6.2005 in relation to the formal sessions and speeches of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2005.

Apart from the opening and closing addresses, my third address will be to the Lajna, meaning that I will deliver three addresses this year. Arrange for eight other speeches to be deliv-

Suggest names to select two speakers from other countries.

You may introduce external speakers before the concluding session, but I may not necessarily be present during this part.

The proposed site for Jalsa Gah sent by the Rabwah committee is acceptable. You may, accordingly, have the men’s Jalsa Gah on the land behind the Buyutul Hamd colony and the Lajna Jalsa Gah on the ground adjacent to Masjid Nasir Abad (formerly men’s Jalsa Gah).

May Allah graciously bless the occasion. Amin.

Wassalam [Signed] Khalifatul Masih V

zarda [sweet rice] would be prepared and Maulvi Abdul Karim Sahibra would mix both foods together. Having seen this, the Promised Messiahas would say, ‘I cannot eat these two combined.’ Sometimes, Maulvi Sahibra used to say whilst eating, ‘I wish there was some pickle’, and would gesture to a servant. Upon this, the Promised Messiahas would immediately rise from the dining table, head inside through the door of Baitul Fikr and bring pickle.

Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra narrates: Once, when I was about to depart Qadian after seeking permission of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooras said, ‘Stay for a while longer.’ He brought a glass of milk and instructed me to drink it. Sheikh Rahmatullah Sahib had also arrived and the Promised Messiahas brought him a glass of milk also. Afterwards, he came up to the river to bid us farewell and would do this on many occasions.

Continued from page 1

around in the corner of one’s home. In the same manner, a person is more protective of that which inflicts more harm if lost.

Likewise, the outstanding aspect of swearing allegiance to a spiritual guide is repentance (tawbah), which means to turn back (ruju). Repentance refers to the state when man forsakes the ties that bind him to sin. When a person is indulged in a life of sin, he begins to dwell in this state and sin becomes his homeland, as it were.

So, tawbah is to leave one’s homeland and ruju means to purify oneself. It lies heavy on a person to leave their homeland and one is faced with thousands of

difficulties in doing so. There are a myriad of problems that one is confronted with even when he leaves his home. But when it comes to migrating from one’s native land, an individual must sever ties with friends and loved ones, and bid farewell to everything, such as his hearth and home, his neighbours, the streets and alleys of his prior homeland, and its place of business.

He is compelled to move to a new country and he never returns to his homeland.

This is called tawbah. The friends of evil are different from those who befriend righteousness. The Sufis have named this transformation “death”. A person who repents is compelled to sustain a heavy

loss. Indeed, true repentance demands great sacrifices, but Allah the Exalted is Merciful and Munificent. God does not let a person die until He bestows upon them a better substitute for all such losses.

This is the very indication in: ّٰ َ ْ َّ ُ �َ �‫إِ ّن ا�� َ� يُ ِح ّب الت ّوَ ِاب‬ Allah loves those who turn to him.

When one repents, they become destitute and helpless and this is why Allah the Exalted holds love and affection for such a person, and includes them among the community of the righteous.

Other nations do not consider God to be Merciful and Munificent. The Christians

effectively hold God to be a tyrant and His son to be merciful, for the father refused to forgive sin, while the son gave his own life to have others forgiven. It is absurd for there to be such a stark difference between father and son. Father and son always carry a resemblance in morals and habits, but here the case is exactly the opposite. If Allah was not Merciful, man could not survive for even a moment.

How can one imagine that He who has created thousands of things for the benefit of man, even prior to his performing any action, would disregard his repentance and good deeds?

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 2-3)

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Early

Regarding his guests, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, said: I always remain concerned that no guest should face any inconvenience. In fact, I always continuously stress that guests should be granted as much comfort as possible. The heart of a guest is as fragile as glass and can be broken by the slightest offense. Prior to this, I would eat with the guests. However, since the deterioration of my health I have had to consume special food fit for my diet, and so, this has not been my practise. Further, the number of guests has multiplied to such an extent that there would not be sufficient space, and thus, I was compelled to separate myself. On my part, I allow every individual to bring forward their inconveniences. For those who are ill, special food arrangements can be organised.

(Malfuzat, Vol. 3, p. 292. 2003)

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n 1891, the Promised Messiahas, to further deliberate upon the establishment of an Anjuman as explained in his book Asmani Faislah (The Heavenly Decree), invited his followers to come to Qadian on 27 December.

Hence, on this date, 75 fortunate individuals gathered at Masjid Aqsa, Qadian before the Promised Messiahas and a meeting was held after Zuhr prayer. Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Silakotira read out Asmani Faislah before the gathering. Then the matter was discussed as to who should be the members of this Anjuman as well as the manner in which it was to operate.

These were the proceedings of the first Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in which only 75 companions of the Promised Messiahas participated. It was after this Jalsa that the Promised Messiahas published an announcement in which he informed his Jamaat that the Jalsa would now be an annual gathering.

In the early days, there was no continuous system of chanda [donations] for the purpose of Jalsa Salana and the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi

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Jalsa Salanas in Qadian Promised Messiahas would bear all costs for the hospitality and catering of guests.

It should be noted that even when regular donations began to be made by Ahmadis towards Jalsa Salana, the Promised Messiahas took such care in ensuring that the needs of guests were being met that it was as if he himself was making all the arrangements.

Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra of Kapurthala narrates: “Once, on the occasion of Jalsa Salana, there remained no means of expenses. In those days, chanda would not be collected for Jalsa Salana and Huzooras would spend from his own pocket. [Once] Mir Nasir Nawab Sahibra came and stated that there was no food for guests in the evening. The Promised Messiahas instructed to obtain some jewellery from his wife, which would be enough to cover the costs, and to make necessary arrangements. Hence, Mir Sahib sold the jewellery and used the money so it could cover the needs of the guests. After two days, Mir Sahib, again in the evening and in my presence, said that there were no means for the arrangements of the following

day. Huzooras replied by saying that he had made the necessary material arrangements prior to this to the best of his ability, but now he ought not to and the host of each guest should make arrangements themselves. The following day, at around 8 or 9am when the postman arrived, the Promised Messiahas sent for me and Mir Sahib. The postman had 10 or 15 money orders in his hand containing notes of 50 and 100 rupees which had been received from various places. The money orders were sent with the words: ‘We were unable to attend the Jalsa, therefore, this money is for hospitality of the guests.’

The Promised Messiahas accepted the money orders and then spoke to us on reliance upon God.” The second Jalsa Salana was held in 1892 and it was this Jalsa that was the first to extend for longer than one day. On 27 December 1892, the Jalsa began with a speech by Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra on the death of Jesusas which was followed by a recitation of a Qaseeda by Hazrat Syed Hamid Shahra. The Promised Messiahas then delivered an address negating the allegations

of the opponents regarding angels. Huzooras continued delivering his sermons after Asr and Maghrib as well with the proceedings concluding in the evening.

It was the second day of Jalsa, 28 December 1892, in which a formal session of Shura took place. The main topic of deliberation was how to conduct tabligh in Europe and America. The decisions that were made during this Shura were: 1. A magazine should be distributed in Europe and America which provides infromation regarding Islam free of charge 2. A printing press should be setup in Qadian 3. A newspaper should be published by the Jamaat 4. Hazrat Maulana Syed Muhammad Ahsan Amrohi should be appointed as a preacher who would journey throughout India propagating the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat 5. A committee be setup to look after the arrangements of Jalsa Salana – the president of which should be Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra.

On the second day of Jalsa Salana 1892, around 40 people took the oath of initiation and entered the fold of the Jamaat.

The Jalsa Salana in Qadian has a rich history that is heavily linked to the progress of the Jamaat. Even though at times the conditions were strenuous enough to sometimes not allow for a gathering, yet even in such times, the Jalsa Salana of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has been a ray of light for not just Ahmadis but people of all faiths to gather, reflect and deliberate upon how they can improve the world we live in.

On the first Jalsa Salana the attendance was 75. During the course of the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas this number grew as more and more people visited Qadian especially during the Jalsa days.

The final Jalsa Salana during the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas was attended by 3000 people, a number which continues to grow till this day. It is the occasion of the 124th Jalsa Salana Qadian. What began as a few individuals deliberating upon how to propagate the message of Islam in a remote village in India has now turned into an internationally commemorated occasion.

Qadian in the early days

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Exclusive

Cherished Memories of Asif M Basit 15 December 2018

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cold winter morning in England is usually quite chilly as it is, but on top of that, the rain that morning had made it even cooler. It was on such a morning that I awaited my turn to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand.

The emotions of elation and fear experienced in those moments are beyond words. Even though I had jotted down all the matters I intended to seek guidance on, they all appeared scrambled on that day. I thought to myself: Should I ask my question like this, or like this? Would it be more appropriate to mention this, or this? How long will I have today so that I can adjust the order of points accordingly?

There was one such matter that had been on my mind for the past few weeks, which I intended to mention. Al Hakam’s Jalsa Salana Qadian Special was being prepared and the editor, along with his team, were diligently preparing content for that issue.

As it was the first issue of Al Hakam to cover Jalsa Salana Qadian after its inception in London, it was the team’s desire to present something special for the readers on this occasion. But who are we and what do we have that is so special to present? There was only one way: to have the words of our beloved Imam bless the pages of Al Hakam, thus presenting something that can be cherished by all Ahmadis worldwide.

Many weeks had passed as I attempted, each time, to present this matter in various ways. In an atmosphere where even unsaid things come to light, how could even a gesture be kept a secret.

On the occasion of Jalsa Salana One day, when I had sought guidance on all official matters, I said, “Huzoor, you travelled to Qadian in 1991…”

I had only just said this when Huzoor added: “Yes, I went and I had duties to perform.

The responsibility assigned to me was the Langar Khana. The actual nazim [person responsible] was a local, the late Dr Arif Sahib, who was then a Naib Nazir. We had distributed responsibilities between us.

My work would end around 1-2am, and I would return shortly before Fajr prayer to commence work again. The work would carry on throughout the day.”

With this sentence, this mulaqat, too, came to an end.

In another mulaqat, I had only just said this much: “Huzoor, in 2005 you visited Qadian as Khalifatul Masih…”, when Huzoor added: “Yes, I stood beside the grave of the Promised Messiahas. I experienced different sorts of emotions.”

My question, which had not even seen its completion, received its answer. I did not disrupt the silence that followed the answer.

Huzoor said something thereafter, which was on another subject.

Then, on another occasion, I said, “At the 2005 Jalsa Salana Qadian, Huzoor’s revered mother had also travelled to Qadian.”

Huzoor replied: “Yes, after being elected as Khalifa, it was

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

my first time meeting her. Her health was very poor. She suffered extreme weakness. I would go to meet her every evening.”

The silence that followed this answer, too, did not permit me to interject. After a slight pause, Huzoor changed the subject of the conversation.

(I should clarify here that Huzoor commenced with his usual work of reading letters and signing the replies as he normally does during mulaqats. The pauses were only in our conversations.)

Yes, I went and I had duties to perform.

The responsibility assigned to me was the Langar Khana.

The actual nazim [person responsible] was a local, the late Dr Arif Sahib, who was then a Naib Nazir.

We had distributed responsibilities between us. My work would end around 1-2am, and I would return shortly before Fajr prayer to commence work again.

The work would carry on throughout the day.

Group photo with delegates from Rabwah at Jalsa Salana Qadian 1991. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa is seated on the floor, 5th from the right

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

f Jalsa Salana Qadian

a Qadian 2018, from Al Hakam

Huzoor’saa personal notes for Jalsa Salana Qadian 2016 & 2017 | Ahmadiyya ARC Thus, in recent mulaqats, after discussing official matters, I had the opportunity to gather these pearls. It was now a matter of placing them in an apt order. For us, each sentence and each word is considered a tabarruk [sacred item]. It was now time to collate what I had collected.

I set off for another mulaqat one morning with the intention of seeking permission for including these words in an upcoming issue of Al Hakam.

I entered Huzoor’s office for mulaqat.

Huzoor graciously gave time for the matters I had come to seek guidance on. Towards the end, when my points had finished, I asked, “Huzoor, for Jalsa Salana Qadian, Al Hakam…”

I had only said this much, when Huzoor opened up a notepad, picked up a pen and began writing something. I kept silent.

When Huzoor had finished writing, he said: “I thought of something this morning for the UK Jalsa Salana. I intended to note it down in the office. When you mentioned ‘Jalsa Qadian’ it reminded me to note it down.”

I remarked, “Huzoor, there is still quite some time for that.”

Huzoor replied, “This is how it is.

Points come to mind on various occasions,

sometimes for the Khutba [Friday Sermon], sometimes for an upcoming address. I note such points down in my notebook. I do not sit down on any one occasion to write down a speech. Points come to mind throughout the day and so, I note them down. Then, later on, I will write up all my points in one place. Sometimes, for certain points, references are required, and so, I search for them also. I make alterations in my sermons or addresses until the last minute.”

I have always noticed small notepads to the left of Huzoor on his desk. I have also seen Huzoor, at times, pick up a notepad and jot something down. On that occasion too, I saw Huzoor pick up a similar notepad and note something down for Jalsa Salana UK. Huzoor probably sensed the love in my eyes for those fortunate notepads, which possessed a precious treasure not for just me, not just the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, not just the Islamic world, but for the entire universe.

Huzoor picked up one of those notebooks and said, “Look at this.” With great interest and attention, I stood up and took a closer look at the notebook. Huzoor started with the first page and said, “This notebook has the notes of all my sermons starting from 18

November 2016,” and after checking the last page added, “until 23 February 2018.”

Then, Huzoor graciously showed me almost every page of that notebook.

“These are the notes of Ramadan 2017…”

“This was a sermon on the attributes of Allah.” (This was dated 2 February 2018.)

“This is the sermon I delivered on the various forms of lying. For this sermon, I researched on what percentage of people lie habitually, what percentage of people lie as a joke and what percentage of people lie to save someone.” Huzoor read out the entire list with the facts and figures from his notebook.

Accordingly, Huzoor bestowed upon me the good fortune of seeing with my own eyes Huzoor’s notes for many sermons and addresses. The notes that Huzoor showed would take me back to those very sermons, the sermons delivered by Huzoor in Baitul Futuh Mosque, and the memory of it would come to mind as I glanced through those notes. With that, the reality came to mind of how much effort Huzoor goes to for our benefit.

Huzoor then said, “It was also the practice of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to note down points on small pieces of paper and would keep them in his pocket. He would

then compile those notes and prepare his speech. There was a large room at the top of Qasr-e-Khilafat [in Rabwah], which was much like a hall; in that room, Huzoorra would walk from one side to the other; if someone was seated in the same room, Huzoor would be talking to him while, at the same time, reflecting on other matters.

Then, every now and then, Huzoorra would jot something down. This is something that I vividly remember.”

I submitted, “Huzoor, these notebooks should be preserved.”

Huzoor replied, “They are preserved. I have kept them securely. How do you wish to preserve them?”

I remained silent. Huzoor again asked, “What do you have in mind?”

I replied, “Huzoor, if they are preserved in the Jamaat’s records, the future generations will seek benefit from them. However, as Huzoor desires.”

Huzoor picked up a notebook and said, “Here you go. Let’s see how you preserve this. When you return this, I’ll consider about giving more.”

Carrying it with great care, I returned to my office and began preservation work for that notebook. I had the good fortune of reading every single page.

Two of those pages are presented to the readers of Al Hakam. One page is of the concluding address of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2016, while the other is of the Friday Sermon which marked the inauguration of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2017.

This gift is presented on behalf of the team at Al Hakam for all residents of Qadian; for all participants and guests of Jalsa Salana Qadian; for the Darweshan who reside in Qadian; for the Darweshan who have passed on to the eternal abode, but during the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, when his words reach the atmosphere of Qadian, whose souls ‫ ئ‬cry out: ‫ن‬ ‫ی‬ ‫امہرا وخن یھب اشلم ےہ ی‬ ‫زت� اتسلگں م‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ نمچ ی‬،‫رکلا‬ ‫� یھب ی�ار ی‬ ‫ہ ی‬ ‫م بج اہبر ٓاےئ‬ “Our blood went into nurturing this garden; Forget us not when spring descends upon it.”

This is for all readers of Al Hakam; for all Ahmadis the world over; for every such person who is a servant of every page, every sentence, every word written by their beloved Imam. Alhamdolillah!

The notes of all addresses and sermons in this notebook start off with “BismillahirRahmanir-Raheem”, followed by: ُ ُْ ْ َ ّٰ َ ‫الل ُہ َّم ایِّدنِ ْی بِ ُر ْو ِح القدس‬ (O Allah, assist me with the holy spirit.)

Let us all, the servants of Huzoor, now present these very words before God: ُ ُْ َ ‫اَلل ّٰ ُہ َّم اَیّ ْد ا َِم‬ ‫ام َنا بِ ُر ْو ِح القدس‬ ِ (O Allah, assist our Imam with the holy spirit.)

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Jalsa Salana 1947 in Lahore, Pakistan

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Jalsa Salana During the Partition

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he social and political climate during the partition months need not be elaborated since it is well known that the conditions were far from allowing the Jalsas that Qadian had been home to for half a century to take place. Yet we find that this divinely established gathering did not cease at this juncture. Rather, it became a means of bringing Ahmadi Muslims and people of various faiths together at a time when religious persecution had engulfed the subcontinent. Hence, on 16 December 1947, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced during the Friday Sermon that just as the Jalsa Qadian would continue as normal, a zilli Jalsa [meaning in reflection of the original] would be held in Lahore on 27 and 28 December 1947, which was to be preceded by the Shura on the 26 December.

The first Jalsa during the “Derweshane-Qadian era” was held in Masjid Aqsa just like the first Jalsa 56 years before. This Jalsa was attended by 315 individuals of which 62 were Sikh and non-Ahmadi Muslim guests. This marked a historic moment in the history of the Jamaat since it was the first time the Jalsa in Qadian did not have the presence of the Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat stands for. A few parts are presented below: “These conditions are temporary, and with the grace and blessings of God Almighty, we are convinced that Qadian, being the home of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the divinely established centre by God Who is One, shall surely return to the control of Ahmadis again and yet again Ahmadis from across the world shall walk its streets singing songs in God’s praise. Those people that are captives of our homes and our properties, there is no doubt that their capturing is out of opposition.

However, there is also no doubt that such people are forced to do so since they too were removed from their homes and they were estranged from their own properties.

Though they captured our homes and our properties with force, but the onus of the use of such force is not upon them, rather it is on the conditions that our country is undergoing. Therefore, we consider them to be our guests. So you too should consider them to be your guests. Show them, and all those noble people who acted with honour during these times of disorder, love and forgiveness… I see the finger of God Almighty spell out glad tidings for the victory of Ahmadiyyat in the heavens. What is decreed in the heavens cannot be neglected by the earth and man cannot alter the command of God. So be comforted and be joyful.”

The Jalsa continued for three days and ended on 28 December with closing remarks from Maulvi Abdur Rahman Jatt Sahib (President of the Jalsa) who Masjid Aqsa Qadian reminded the non-Ahmadi In order to better understand the attendees about the righteous conduct of feelings and emotions of the those gathered the Jamaat since its inception.

We learn much about the important in Masjid Aqsa for Jalsa Salana, a brief glimpse into the first day’s programme is role the Jalsa Salana has played from the Jalsas held in 1947. On the one hand, it presented below: has been a rallying force bringing people 26 December 1947 • Recitation of the Holy Quran: Hafiz from all parts of society together to collectively reflect upon its progress and Abdur Rahman Sahib Peshawari • Nazm: Bashir Ahmad Sahib of translate it into practice. Those Sikh and Gujranwala recited the well-known Urdu Hindus that attended the Jalsa Salana in Qadian were greatly moved by the efforts poem Naun-e-halan-e-Jamaat • Speech: Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahman of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to establish Jatt delivered a speech recalling the peace. Another role the Jalsa has played history of the Jamaat. He stated, “Qadian is that of a Shura – though the system of is here, its holy places are present, its Musharawat is now a separate institution – mosques exist, its Langar Khana exists, we find the elementary forms of the Shura but how unfortunate is it that our beloved in the Ahmadiyya Jamaat taking place at Imam is not present. My eyes yearn to the Jalsa; the first Jalsa Salana in 1891 is a see my master, but they are unable to. perfect example of this.

In short, the importance of this However, there is one joy and that is that our Imam has blessed us with a message.” gathering can be better understood when A profound and faith-inspiring message we cast a glance upon history and realise of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was then read the role the Jalsa Salana has played in the out, a message which echoes through the progress of the Jamaat. ages and is a living testament to what the

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra

Not long after Huzoor’s departure from Qadian, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, said: In the same Lahore and under the same trials and tribulations [as experienced by the Promised Messiahas], by my God-given strength, I declare that if even the Jamaat has to endure severe hardships, I shall, by His grace and kindness, not allow any grief or sorrow to hinder us in this struggle. This shall happen with the grace, strength and succour of God Almighty. May the Almighty Allah enable me to fulfil the oath of establishing Islam Ahmadiyyat, which He has entrusted me, and may Allah the Almighty assist me by His grace. In spite of the fact that I am near 60 years of age and difficulties and trials have taken a heavy toll on me, I still hope that it is not beyond the power of the Living, Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining God to show me the day of the victory of Islam prior to my death.

(Al Fazl, 21 September 1947)

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

Meeting with Leader of Liberal Democrats

Address at Ahmadiyya Muslim Medical Association Meeting

Address at National Waqifaat-e-Nau Ijtema

Address at National Waqifeen-e-Nau Ijtema

Laying Foundation Administrative Bloc

Address at Humanity First International Conference

5 January

21 January

24 February

25 February

3 March

4 March

In a meeting with the leader of the Liberal Democrats Sir Vince Cable and Sir Edward Davey Huzooraa expressed grief at the continued suffering of the Yemeni people and humanitarian crisis. The topics of conversation were Brexit and British and American politics.

Huzooraa stated, “You should make both a short- and long-term plan to assist the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community’s hospitals around the world so that they can grow and increase their capacities to serve humanity.”

There are many misunderstandings regarding women in Islam in the Western Society. Huzooraa clarified many in the address and said that the Hijab was “a supreme right and protection afforded to Muslim women” and that women are “nation builders”.

Huzoor expressed the desire for Waqf-e-Nau to become the “shining stars of Ahmadiyyat”. He said, “All of you, whether you plan to enter Jamia or not, must read the Holy Quran daily and try to read its commentaries, as well as studying the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and the books of the Promised Messiahas. Only then will you be in a position to guide and morally reform others.”

Addressing 220 delegates from 27 countries, Huzooraa reminded attendees of the fundamental objectives of Humanity First; to serve those in need, “irrespective of caste, creed or colour” and to “alleviate the mental and physical sufferings of mankind”.

After the Asr prayer, foundation stone at t he placed the ring of Messiahas on the ston prayed for the new c

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A

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Convocation of Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, Germany and Canada

Tour of

25 March

2-23 April

43 graduates from Jamia Ahmadiyya UK,

The historical land o blessed to host Huzo fourth occasion. Du Huzooraa delivered 3 in Valencia and Pedr with many Ahmadi f around the country.

Canada and Germany were awarded with Shahid Degrees in the convocation held in Jamia UK to officially mark the beginning of their responsibilities. In the address, Huzooraa reminded all students of their objectives; fulfilling the mission of the Promised Messiahas and drawing man closer to God.

Meeting with Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship

29 July

21 July During the course of the meeting, Huzoor

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conversed with the minister, Ahmed Hussen, regarding immigration, religious freedom and the development of poorer countries and praised the Canadian prime minister for embracing diversity.

Inauguration of Baitur Raheem Mosque in Alken, Belgium

Jalsa Salana Belgium, Brussels

Concluding Address at Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK Ijtema

Concluding Address at 36th Ansarullah UK Ijtema

Concluding Address at 40th Lajna UK Ijtema

12 September

14-16 September

23 September

30 September

30 September

Huzoor planted a tree to commemorate the inauguration of the mosque, and after the Zuhr and Asr prayers, he delivered an address before the local Ahmadis in which they were reminded of their increased responsibilities of preaching Islam now that they had a mosque and to give precedence to faith over worldly matters.

This was the 25th Jalsa Salana Belgium and over 3,800 people from 24 countries attended. In the Friday Sermon, Huzooraa spoke of the bounties of God and how true believers must always prioritise faith over all other matters. Over the course of the three days, he delivered two further addresses. They consisted of an address delivered in the Ladies Jalsa Gah and the concluding address.

Huzooraa also held various meetings with political leaders, mayors and dignitaries and answered questions in a press conference.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK had chosen the theme of their Ijtema to be the central pillar of Islam, Salat.

Thus, in an address to 5,600 youths, Huzooraa spoke about this core tenet of Islam in order to draw the youth closer to God. Huzooraa said that the five daily prayers ought to remain the “constant companion of a Muslim”.

In the address, attended by over 3,900 people, Huzooraa spoke about the importance of offering the five daily prayers and forming a strong personal relationship with God Almighty. Huzooraa said, “After reaching the age of 40, you should pay even greater heed towards offering Salat.”

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Inspection of Jalsa

The first inspection occ Futuh followed by an in lodgings in Jamia Ahm overseas guests would t Hadiqatul Mahdi was in Huzooraa delivered an a volunteer workers.

Inauguration of F Philadelphia, B

19 October

Huzoor said, “Be amongst those women

In the Friday sermon, H

and girls who light up the world through

it was not enough to sim

their sincerity and morality and through

the opening of the new

their readiness to give up everything for the

was the duty of Ahmad

sake of their religion and nation.” In this

the true purposes of mo

regard, he gave examples of brave women

together to worship All

who had made great sacrifices for the sake

peaceful teachings of Is

of their faith.

a special reception was

aa

Huzooraa said, “The mo

beacon of light and hop people”.

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

n Stone for New ck in Baitul Futuh

, Huzoor laid the the new site. Then, f the Promised ne itself and complex. aa

Spain

of Spain was ooraa for the uring the 22 days, 3 Friday Sermons ro Abad and met families from

Meeting with USA Lajna and Nasirat

Meeting with Swedish Academics

Inauguration of Baitul Ehsan Mosque and UK Administrative Headquarters

Keynote Address at 15th Annual Peace Symposium

4 March

6 March

10 March

17 March

23 March

A group of around 100 young Lajna and Nasirat from the USA had the opportunity to have a private audience, and from among them, there were a few who had never met Huzooraa prior to the meeting. They had the opportunity to ask many questions related to contemporary issues.

Jonas Otterbeck, Professor of Islamic Studies at Lund University in Sweden, travelled to London to meet Huzooraa for a second time and brought more than a dozen of his students. During the meeting, which lasted for 40 minutes, they sought guidance regarding the true teachings of Islam and asked various questions about religion and faith.

A plaque was unveiled to commemorate the inauguration followed by silent prayer. After the Asr prayer, a meeting was held with members of the local Jamaat. Huzooraa said, “There are a lot of Ahmadis who live nearby, and so this Mosque should always be filled with worshippers.”

Huzoor answered questions posed to him both prior to and after the event in press conferences and met with various dignitaries. During the event he presented the Annual Peace Prize to Angelina Alekseeva, the representative of Dr Leonid Roshal, a famous paediatrician from Moscow and chairman of an international charity which helps children in disasters. In his address, Huzooraa spoke of “inequality, extreme poverty, the international arms trade and unjust foreign policies” and raised concerns regarding the rise of far-right movements.

Al Hakam was a newspaper launched by the

Huzooraa prayed, “May Allah enable Al Hakam

Inauguration of Baitul Muqeet Mosque, Walsall

Inauguration of Baitul Hafeez Mosque in Nottingham

Eid Sermon

Address at National UK Shura

10th International Masroor Cricket Tournament

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curred in Baitul nspection of the madiyya UK, where temporarily reside. nspected last where address to 5,000

First Mosque in Baitul Aafiyat

Promised Messiahas in 1897 to act as an organ of the Jamaat. Its publication was temporarily postponed until it was relaunched by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. In the Friday Sermon, to continue publication permanently. As it is being published in English, the English-speaking people should derive as much benefit as possible from this publication.”

6 May

12 May

13 May

16 June

23 June

22 teams from around the world took part in the tournament which occurred from 2 to 6 May. Huzooraa attended the final match, in which Canada beat England and won the trophy for the 7th time, and awarded prizes to the victors and participants.

The reception was well-attended by various dignitaries and guests.

Huzooraa praised the locals for their open-mindedness in accepting the mosque within their local vicinity, and spoke about the peaceful teachings of Islam.

In his address, Huzooraa advised those

The blessed month of Ramadan had just

Speaking on the opposition of the “Messiah

Ahmadi Muslims who had migrated to the

passed and Eid – a day when the hearts of

UK to learn the English language as it would

Ahmadis are naturally filled with joy – had

both enable them to integrate into society

arrived. However, Huzooraa reminded Ah-

and assist them in guiding their children

madis across the world not to forget the less

with greater efficiency. He also spoke exten-

fortunate and needy whilst celebrating Eid

sively about the importance of worshipping

and to make the good deeds that they had

Allah the Almighty and of serving mankind.

carried out during Ramadan a perpetual part of their lives.

a Salana UK Site

Relaunch of Al Hakam

Jalsa Salana UK

Dinner with Jalsa Salana UK Volunteers

Inspection of Jalsa Salana Germany Site

Jalsa Salana Germany

3-5 August

27 August

6 September

7-9 September

Jalsa Salana UK was attended by 38,000 people. Huzooraa delivered four addresses over the course of three days. He announced during one address that over 647,000 people had joined the Jamaat in the past year and that the community was henceforth established in 212 countries and territories.

Huzooraa also met with many guests, dignitaries and delegations.

The invitees, who had the honour of dining with Huzooraa in Baitul Futuh, included officers, naib officers, nazimeen, naib nazimeen and muavineen, on both the men’s and women’s side.

Various departments were inspected throughout the Jalsa Site. Then, in an address to the volunteers, Huzooraa reminded them of the responsibilities as hosts and admonished them to be cheerful and courteous.

During Germany’s 43 Jalsa Salana,

Inauguration of Baitus Samad in Baltimore, USA

Arrival in Guatemala

has come” billboards, Huzooraa stated: “Do not be scared if some opposition arises. At least it is a sign that our message is reaching the wider public. For your outreach efforts to be successful, you must have courage, you must show wisdom and you must have knowledge of your faith. These are the key ingredients for spreading the message of Islam.”

Meeting with Delegations After Jalsa Salana Germany

7 September rd

Huzooraa delivered three addresses. On the 2nd day, he refuted the belief that Islam was a religion of violence before an audience

Various meetings were held with delegations from abroad including a meeting with hundreds of African guests and a delegation of Arab guests.

of over 1,000 non-Ahmadi guests and said, “Our goal and objective should be nothing less than to establish peace in every village, town or city of every nation in the world”.

Inauguration of Nasir Hospital & Launch of Spanish Edition of Review of Religions

Friday Sermon at Baitur Rahman Mosque in Maryland

Inauguration & Reception of Masroor Mosque, South Virginia, USA

20 October

22 October

23 October

2 November

3 November

Huzoor said that

In the reception held in Hilton Hotel,

Huzoor was greeted at the airport by

At the inauguration of the hospital in Guate-

Huzoor said, “To be a true Ahmadi

Huzooraa clarified the beautiful teachings of

mply celebrate

Baltimore, Huzooraa explained that mosques

Guatemala’s Congresswoman, Iliana Calle.

mala, Huzoor said, “This hospital has been

Muslim, a mere verbal proclamation of

Islam to the audience, removing the mis-

were actually centres of peace, where

Afterwards, he headed towards the Baitul

built with purely one intention, and that is,

accepting the Promised Messiahas is not

conceptions of many and said, “Certainly,

di Muslims to fulfil

Muslims joined together in order to worship

Awwal Mosque which was inaugurated

quite simply, to serve humanity by provid-

enough, nor is it enough to simply call

I hope and expect that in your interaction

osques by coming

God Almighty and to serve humanity, irre-

by Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh. Huzooraa

ing high quality healthcare to the people of

yourself an Ahmadi Muslim as a result of

with Ahmadi Muslims in the past, you will

lah and preach the

spective of faith or belief. During the day,

inspected the historical mosque and then

this nation.” On the very same day, Huzooraa

having Ahmadi Muslim parents. To be a

only have felt a spirit of love and respect

slam. In the evening,

Huzooraa also met with many dignitaries

held a meeting with hundreds of Ahmadi

launched the first ever Spanish edition of

true Ahmadi Muslim in practice requires

from them towards you. Now that this

including Hon Catherine Pugh, Mayor of

Muslims from various Central and South

the Review of Religions which would hence-

that we utilise all our capabilities in order to

mosque has been officially opened, this

osque will prove a

Baltimore and also answered questions

American countries. After the Maghrib and

forth serve as a vital organ of the Jamaat

try and live up to the expectations laid forth

spirit will only increase, and our message of

pe to all peace-loving

regarding Islam, posed by the media in a

Isha prayers, he led a Bai‘at ceremony with

within Central and South America.

by the Promised Messiahas.” After the Friday

peace and humanity will reverberate even

press conference.

hundreds of Ahmadis.

Sermon, Huzoor led Bai‘at.

louder and echo in all directions.”

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mosque, rather it

held in which

aa

aa

aa

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

Darweshan-e-Qadian Congratulations to you for you have been selected to remain in Qadian for the next two months. We hope your stay shall be with safety and peace and that you will co-operate with your peers; that you will bear hardships yourself without troubling your colleagues.

Darweshan-e-Qadian

T

he word darwesh in the Arabic language translates to someone who takes a vow of austerity and turns away from worldly pursuits devoting his life for the sake of Islam. There can be no greater champions of the true meaning and essence of what it means to be a Darwesh than the 313 Ahmadis that chose to remain behind in Qadian after the partition of India to protect the sacred places belonging to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

In October 1947, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote to some of the central office bearers in Qadian and asked their opinion with regard to the protection of Qadian as well as the manner in which Ahmadis should continue to stay in the city. After discussing this matter, a report was presented to Huzoorra with the opinions of the office bearers compiled by the Amir-e-Muqami, Sahibzada Mirza Aziz

Ahmad Sahib: “It is the opinion of these persons that these occupants shall not return the college to us nor vacate the buildings. Therefore, apart from the holy places such as the Bahishti Maqbara, Masjid Aqsa, Masjid Mubarak and Darul-Masih, nowhere else can our people be placed. 200 people will be enough for the protection of these places.”

Hence it was decided that Qadian would be evacuated and a few hundred Ahmadis would remain behind to protect the holy sites. These individuals came to be known as the Darweshan and served the Ahmadiyya Jamaat by keeping guard over the holy places in Qadian day and night and ensuring that the buildings owned by the Jamaat did not fall prey to captors. There were many occasions when death was inevitable, yet they remained steadfast and fostered an incredibly spiritual

atmosphere whilst working to ensure the survival of the Jamaat in Qadian. It is their sacrifices, under the guidance of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, due to which Ahmadis around the world are able to seek spiritual sustenance from the holy sites in Qadian today.

When the suggestions of the office bearers had been received, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra announced that all Lajna, children under 18 and men over 55 were to evacuate Qadian.

Those men that would remain would be selected for a few months to undertake the protection of the Markaz. All Ahmadis were asked as to who would voluntarily remain behind, after which lots were drawn from various categories of Ahmadis. For instance, the family of the Promised Messiahas had separate lots drawn; fundamental departments of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Tahrik-

Derweshan-e-Qadian group picture with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in the 1991 Jalsa Salana Qadian

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

The Darweshan of Qadian truly demonstrated what it means to live a life under the practice of tasawuf in line with the desire of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. They are a practical example of the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, for in the darkest hours and most troublesome times that befell them, they not only showed loyalty to their nation, served those in need, took care of the holy places of the Jamaat, but carried out all these tasks whilst establishing a spiritual kingdom in Qadian.

Bahishti Maqbara Qadian

e-Jadid ensured that its representatives would remain behind to continue the work of the respective offices; lots were drawn for those Ahmadis that were skilled in certain professions and for the benefit of the local population, Ahmadis employed in utility services such as tailors and barbers had separate lots drawn for them. Thus, a list of 313 Darweshan was finalised and approved by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. On 12 November 1947, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra wrote a letter to Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahibra which contained important guidelines for the Ahmadis in Qadian. The interesting fact is that whilst giving guidance to the Darweshan, he wrote: “The population of Qadian can only be established upon the rules of tasawuf [spiritual devotion and piety – mysticism]. Moreover, it is the rule of tasawuf to speak less, eat less and sleep less.”

He also instructed for Ahmadis to “incline others towards tasawuf.” Therefore, in light of the lifestyle that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wanted those Ahmadis that remained behind to protect the holy places of the Jamaat to adopt, the name Darwesh becomes perfectly apt since the word Darwesh is a term of tasawuf. Furthermore, when we read about the manner in which the Darweshan-eQadian lived their lives, we become convinced that they are truly deserving of this title since they offered the ultimate sacrifice of giving up their families, their professions and their lives lest the holy places, which were blessed with the presence of the Promised Messiahas, fell into the hands of the opponents.

Once the 313 Darweshan were chosen, a card was sent to congratulate them, informing them of their selection as a Darwesh – the card bore the signature of Hazrat Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahibra who was serving as Amir Jamaat Qadian. It read: “Darwesh by the name of ….

Congratulations to you for you have been selected to remain in Qadian for the next two months. We hope your stay shall be with safety and peace and that you will co-operate with your peers; that you will bear hardships yourself without troubling your colleagues.”

A pledge was also taken from each Darwesh in the words: “We, Ahmadis – whose signatures are below – holding God witness over us, pledge that until we do not receive any other command, we shall not abandon Qadian. We shall live in peace and harmony and shall co-operate with one another. Moreover, the officers from among us shall bear hardships ourselves, and shall not let our fellows be troubled.”

The Darweshan were divided into blocks and smaller groups, then allocated the protection of various sites throughout the stronghold in Qadian which they would guard day and night. Such a systematic manner of protection left a deep impression upon the hearts of those who came across the town.

Moreover, the Azan continued to be called out 5 times a day, which led to numerous women and children that had escaped the clutches of the Sikhs to flee towards Qadian where the Darweshan would arrange for their safe passage to Pakistan. In short, the few streets that were being guarded by the Darweshan day and night became a safe haven in the middle of a crisis that was claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands.

The valour of these few hundred Ahmadis can also be appreciated when we read the newspaper reports from the era which is full of admiration for these courageous souls.

An Ahrari newspaper by the name of Azad notes how all the Muslims had abandoned their offices leaving their mosques empty and had fled towards the safety of Pakistan.

However, it states that in western Punjab it was the town of the followers of Hazrat Mirza

Ghulam Ahmadas in which the mosques still proclaimed the Azan. The newspaper Tanzim published from Peshawar (30 July 1950) wrote: “The 313 companions of the Prophetsa defeated the Meccans and conquered Mecca thereafter. It is in these footsteps that today 313 followers of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadiani (son of Mirza Ghulam Murtaza of the Mughal nation, residence Qadian, Tehsil Batala, District Gurdaspur) stand strong in Qadian. It is their strong resolve that following the companions of the Holy Prophetsa, they are busy in the protection of Masjid Mubarak, Jamia Ahmadiyya and Bahishti Maqbara (where Mirza Sahib is buried) in Qadian with their full strength and imploring God for help. There are many scholars, huffaz [plural of Hafiz – those who commit the Quran to memory] and sufis among them.”

One should not be misled into thinking that because the Darweshan-e-Qadian were 313, they were a strong force, for such a number was next to nothing in the wake of the massacres taking place especially in western Punjab. By reading the accounts of those that were living in Qadian as well as the newspapers of the time, we can gauge the danger that they faced. For instance, there were constant rallies comprising of Hindus and Sikhs that would take place in the vicinity of Qadian aimed at flaring up religious animosity against Muslims. After one of these rallies at the wall of Baitul Barakat, which was opposite Noor Hospital, the following words were written: “O Hindus of Qadian! Beware of Qadian and destroy the Muslims!” Furthermore, the Qadian-Lahore correspondence is filled with stories of Muslims escaping their captors and taking refuge in Qadian after which the Darweshan would take it upon themselves to locate their families and then ensure their safe journey to Pakistan.

On one occasion, we find a group of 10

Darweshan being dispatched by the Amir to collect pages of the Holy Quran scattered in a nearby field by non-Muslims as a barbaric act of hate. On another occasion, we find the Darweshan engaging in Waqar-e-Amal to build two rooms on the corners of Bahishti Maqbara in order to safeguard it. From these accounts it would not be incorrect to conclude that for the Muslims, this was a state of war and anarchy. Yet at no place do we find any kind of hatred or violence being displayed against the government or those responsible for such atrocities. Rather, we find letters being written to the local government officials asking them to return the vehicles that they had borrowed from the Jamaat, thus demonstrating that in every circumstance, even where severe religious division was committing thousands to their graves, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat always held true to the Islamic belief of loyalty to one’s nation.

This is further reflected in a letter once written by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra to Maulvi Abdur Rahman Sahib (Amir of Qadian) in which he suggested that a speech be delivered at the Jalsa Salana of Qadian on the 50-year teachings and example of the Jamaat regarding loyalty to one’s nation and that Ahmadis in India be reminded that since they were part of the Indian Union, they should remain loyal citizens of India. Though the political conditions of the time were heavily against Qadian, yet the Darweshan held fast to this teaching and invited over 50 Hindus and Sikhs to their Jalsa in order to create ties of brotherhood.

Hazrat Bhai Abdur Rahman Sahib Qadianira went back to Qadian in May of 1948 and wrote to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra informing him of what he saw: “The effects of a new earth and a new sky are apparent”, he wrote as he described the revolutionary spiritual change in the Darweshan. He further wrote: “I found Masjid Mubarak to be full [with wroshippers], I found Masjid Aqsa to be crowded… Not only are the obligatory prayers offered with due attention, but voluntary prayers are well offered. I found an alert populace. I saw a wont in the youth to learn about every corner of the holy places… The condition is such that in these three weeks, I tried very hard to enjoy a few moments of prayer in solitude in the Bait-ul-Dua of the Promised Messiahas. However, until now, this desire has not been fulfilled. Whenever I visited, not only was it not empty, but I found three or four youngsters crying in anguish whilst standing, bowing and prostrating.”

The Darweshan of Qadian truly demonstrated what it means to live a life under the practice of tasawuf in line with the desire of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. They are a practical example of the teachings of the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam, for in the darkest hours and most troublesome times that befell them, they not only showed loyalty to their nation, served those in need, took care of the holy places of the Jamaat, but carried out all these tasks whilst establishing a spiritual kingdom in Qadian.

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

Retracing Blessed Steps In 1991, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh made a historic journey to visit Qadian on the occasion of the 100th Jalsa Salana. While it was the 100th Jalsa Salana Qadian, it was also the first time the streets of Qadian welcomed a Khalifatul Masih since the migration of Khilafat to Pakistan during the time of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in 1947. The streets that yearned for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih to once again tread on them – after 44 years – came to life once more.

Naseer Ahmad Qamar Sahib travelled along with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on that tour as his private secretary. He shares some of those moments with us.

Naseer Ahmad Qamar Additional Wakil-ul-Ishaat London

T

he significance of this journey has been spoken of by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV, may Allah have mercy on him, as to how the thought arose for this Jalsa and how the attention of Huzoorrh was drawn towards it.

I had the honour of serving as private secretary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihrh at the time and it was in this capacity that I had the opportunity to travel with Huzoorrh to this Jalsa.

[When we arrived in India] we were going to Qadian from Delhi by train and Huzoorrh was in the front carriage with the other carriages being occupied by Ahmadis.

It was during this journey that Huzoorrh wrote his poem “Apney des mein, apni basti mein” [in my country, in my town] after which he instructed me to write it out again neatly and train some individuals for its recitation.

Many people from various countries were travelling on this train and I had the opportunity to take interviews from them and enquire about their sentiments. At the time, we did not know that Huzoorrh was in the front carriage writing this poem, but Huzoorrh told me later that it was produced during that journey. It was given to me when we arrived in Qadian and I was told that it would be recited at Jalsa and we tested various individuals. Nasir Ali Usman Sahib was eventually selected to recite it.

Huzoorrh instructed me to listen to him [Nasir Ali Usman Sahib] and work with him on the tune of the poem. The private secretary usually has some idea as to what type of tune Huzoorrh likes. Moreover, a melody was finalised, Huzoorrh listened to it and it was approved. When it was recited at the Jalsa, it created an extraordinary atmosphere.

Around 25,000 people attended the Jalsa and many Ahmadis from far-off places in India participated. It was a large gathering with many people seeing Khalifatul Masih for the first time in their lives. There was a deep desire in everyone to somehow touch Huzoorrh and gain his blessings. When Huzoorrh would walk through the streets, he would have his arms extended and would

continuously be saying “Assalamo Alaikum” and people would be all around him trying to shake his hand. I saw that Huzoor’srh fingers had literally become swollen due to constantly shaking hands with guests.

Allah the Almighty has blessed the Khulafa with such an extraordinary ability to meet so many people that the common man is incapable of it. Thousands of people were meeting Huzoorrh on a daily basis, not only on the streets, but in both personal and official mulaqats. Everyone in Qadian, not just the Ahmadis, but the Hindus and Sikhs too, were incredibly happy. Before this, the conditions in the Punjab were not stable and there was a lack of peace. As soon as the blessed feet of Huzoorrh touched the soil, the circumstances completely changed

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh addressing Jalsa Salana Qadian 1991

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

It was during this journey that Huzoorrh wrote his poem “Apney des mein, apni basti mein” [in my country, in my town] after which he instructed me to write it out again neatly and train some individuals for its recitation. and an era of peace began, which they too attested to. There was no difference between day and night during those days. Huzoorrh also started various schemes for them, which in turn made them very happy and furthered the development of the Jamaat. In short, there was a visible difference in that place through the blessed visit of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.

During the days of Jalsa, Huzoorrh attended to the usual affairs of his office such as mulaqats etc. Huzoor’srh residence was in Darul-Masih and the adjacent residences had been allocated to guests by himself.

Huzoorrh had also invited many individuals to the Jalsa as his personal guests for which he made separate arrangements.

A team also came from Rabwah under the supervision of the private secretary, Aslam Mangla Sahib. When Huzoorrh arrived, there was a flood of Ahmadis, and upon reaching Batala he remained there for sometime. The train route from there onwards [till Qadian] had not been in use for a long time. The atmosphere was such that Huzoorrh would come and stand at the door of the train and greet people as the crowd took pictures.

The first prayer that was led by Huzoorrh upon arrival in Qadian was the Maghrib and Ishaa prayer. The atmosphere was electric at the time and hearts were overflowing with emotions.

The next day we began making office arrangements and the office of Nazir-e-Ala Sahib was where Huzoor’srh office was setup as it was next to Darul-Masih. The adjacent offices were setup for the secretariat and security.

The next day Huzoorrh called me and Mangla Sahib and asked about the programme. As Mangla Sahib had been in Qadian for a few days and had received instructions, he presented his programme.

Huzoorrh then turned to me and asked me what the plan was. Having travelled alongside Huzoorrh myself I had yet to make arrangements. So, I said, “Huzoorrh, I have just arrived and I will make arrangements for the mulaqats.” I met with Nazir-e-Ala Sahib and discussed the plan for mulaqats, both personal and official, along with interviews with other officials. Moreover, there were so many letters that had been received, that by the evening, a large pile of letters had accumulated. Even opening those letters became a big task. So we assembled a team which worked from dawn to dusk. Thousands of letters would be sorted into categories by people who were unaccustomed to the undertaking of such a task. That was by far the largest crowd of people that I dealt with in my life, with around 25,000 people attending that Jalsa with every single individual wanting to meet Huzoorrh.

In 1988 I saw a dream. Of course, this

is not due to a quality in me but it is Allah who shows a dream. I saw that Jalsa Salana Rabwah was taking place and it was the days preceding it when there were still some guests remaining. On the terrace of the offices of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was holding a meeting with various office bearers. The roof was open and Aslam Mangla Sahib was present there along with myself and we were both working in the capacity of private secretaries. It was a strange dream that I did not understand. I relayed this to other people but did not pass much attention to it. However, in those days many people were seeing such dreams and were writing to Huzoorrh stating that they had seen Huzoorrh travel to Pakistan. It was the blessings of Allah that Huzoorrh decided to take me with him and then, when we arrived, Mangla Sahib was there too and we both served as private secretaries.

At the close of the Qadian Jalsa, in a room adjacent to those offices, a meeting with all directors of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and other officials was held in which I was present along with Mangla Sahib. I did not recall that dream at the time.

However, at the end of the trip Huzoorrh called me into his office and asked regarding the travel arrangements. Mangla Sahib was outside the office as he had requested for a mulaqat and I asked Huzoorrh if Mangla Sahib could meet him. Huzoorrh instructed for him to come in and told me to join as well. We both sat down and Mangla Sahib presented a wind-up report of the tasks allocated to him while I was asked about the travel arrangements. Mangla Sahib then said, “Huzoor, Naseer Qamar Sahib saw a very interesting dream.” This startled me. He then relayed to Huzoorrh the same dream I had seen which I had also told him about. After hearing the dream, Huzoorrh said that the dream had been fulfilled in an extraordinary manner.

Of course, as I stated before this is no quality of mine, but it is the grace of God upon this community that He showed such dreams to many people beforehand. Now Allah the Almighty has created such means that a massive Jalsa takes place there each year.

During that tour, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh held many Majlis-e-Irfan sessions with journalists and others and visited the graves of holy personages where he would distribute charity amongst the poor too.

He would visit Bahishti Maqbara after Fajr every day during which people would stand around the sides waiting to meet or say “Assalamo Alaikum” to Huzoorrh. It was like a dream and it was so amazing that it cannot be fully expressed in words. It was also the first time that Huzoor’srh addresses were broadcast through satellite phones throughout the world.

Train Journey from Delhi to Qadian

Aftab Khan Sahib, former Amir of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, was also present on the train journey from Delhi to Qadian and was interviewed by Naseer Ahmad Qamar Sahib. The transcript of Atfab Khan Sahib’s words to illustrate the atmosphere at the time has been produced below: “I am indeed privileged to be on this historic journey in the company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV, may Allah strengthen his hand, to participate in the 100th Jalsa Salana Qadian. I also consider it a great honour for the UK Jamaat to be associated with the arrangements for this journey as well as the arrangements for Jalsa Salana.

As Amir of the UK, I consider myself most fortunate to be a part of this historic development.

“We were privileged in 1984 when Syedna Hazrat Amirul Momineen decided to come to Britain because he could not function as Khalifatul Masih in Pakistan due to the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan. And since his arrival, not only has the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in the UK undergone a revolution and reformation in every aspect but it has also been a historic event for the international Ahmadiyya Community which has now grown and spread to over 130 countries of the world. It is our privilege that we have this opportunity to serve our beloved Imam in different capacities, and it is in this context that we consider ourselves very humble servants of our beloved leader who has been pleased to give us this privilege to be a part of his entourage on this historic journey. Our hearts are full of deep emotion because starting from

Delhi this morning, we are retracing – metaphorically speaking – the steps the founder of the movement as well as of the Khulafa of Ahmadiyyat who had travelled on this route. The cities through which we have passed like Ambala and Ludhiana are milestones in the progress of Ahmadiyyat.

“We also believe and it is our faith that this journey is also a turning point; it is not only a historic moment, but also an epoch making event in the sense that there are certain events that [form] history, there are some that are part of history but certain events [make] history, and we believe that this journey of Hazrat Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV is a history-making event. And it will InshaAllah not only give great potency to the Ahmadiyya Movement in this country and in this part of the world, but throughout this world where Ahmadiyyat is already growing very fast and where Ahmadiyyat is already achieving great successes. InshaAllah, with Allah’s blessings and grace, the forthcoming Jalsa Salana and the presence of Hazrat Amirul Momineen in that Jalsa – where he is going accompanied by representatives of so many countries – will be a very important milestone in our progress. God has promised us success, and day by day we witness with our own eyes how God blesses us with success.”

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, with regard to remembering Qadian, said: The detachment from Qadian has undoubtedly been a cause of grief for people. This grief has personally had an effect upon me as well.

However, as I departed Qadian, I vowed that I would not mourn over it... At the time, one of my daughters gave birth to a child. It had only been a brief period since her marriage had taken place and within one year, a child was born to her. Her mother had passed away. She came to ask leave of me as her eyes shed tears. I placed my hand on her shoulder and said, ‘Be patient.

This is not the time to weep; it is the time for work.’ Thus, I strongly adhered to my vow.

“On some occasions, I feel as if my heart will shatter to pieces.

However, in my opinion, I believe that if I have made a resolve, why should I cloud that resolve with tears? We shall halt our tears until we reclaim Qadian.

(Al Fazl, 5 June 1949)

Historical Importance of Jalsa Salana Qadian 2005 Account of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’saa Activities in Qadian

Maulana Muhammad Inam Ghauri Nazir-e-Ala Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Qadian

O

n 2 May 2005, Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib, Nazire-Ala of Qadian called for an emergency meeting with Dr Muhammad Arif Sahib, Afsar Jalsa Salana of Qadian, Muhammad Naseem Khan Sahib, Nazir Umur-e-Ama and, in the capacity of Nazir Islah-o-Irshad, this humble one. In the meeting, he gave us the good news that Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Sahib, Additional Wakil-ul-Mal, London had conveyed to us that Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa had decided to attend the Jalsa Salana Qadian of 2005 in person. After this, the scent of this good news spread all over the Indian subcontinent. Everyone started to prepare for the arrival of Huzooraa in as much as they could. People from all over the world started their “flight” to encircle this flame. The inhabitants of Qadian started to decorate their houses while streets and corners of Qadian were also beautified.

In order to guide the management of Qadian, Huzooraa sent a Markazi delegation from Rabwah, which included Sultan Mahmood Anwar Sahib, Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib, Sahibzada Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib and Syed Qasim Ahmad Shah Sahib. This delegation visited Qadian twice in the months preceding Jalsa Salana, once in June and July and then again in September and October. They held detailed meetings with the management of Qadian and a number of recommendations were prepared regarding all the necessary arrangements for Jalsa Salana. These recommendations were then sent to Huzoor for his guidance and ultimate approval.

On the other hand, Munir Ahmad Javed Sahib, Private Secretary from London corresponded with Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib, Nazir-e-Aala, Qadian taking into account his recommendations and Huzoor’saa ultimate approval. A programme of Huzoor’saa activities in Qadian was dispatched to him which was scheduled in accord to the expected dates of his visit from 11 December 2005 to 17 January 2006.

All praise be to God – all the affairs related to the guests of Jalsa Salana, their food and boarding, the ones that were related to the programmes of Jalsa Salana and the speeches held therein, as well as all the matters related to the speeches delivered

by Huzooraa, the live transmission of all the programmes of Qadian Jalsa and the affairs related to the activities of Huzooraa while he was to be in Qadian were taken care of in the best possible manner by the grace of God Almighty.

This was a unique Jalsa which was being held after the partition of the Indian subcontinent and it held a unique importance in the history of Qadian as well. Hence, seventy thousand people from all over India and Pakistan and people from 45 other countries of the world converged around the illuminated glow of Khilafat. This proved that Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud ra

was indeed correct when he said: ‫�� � ا� رو� وہ � رخ ا�ر‬ ‫ن‬ �‫د� � �وا‬ ‫ی��ں � ی ہ�اں �� � یا‬ “Had not this illuminated flame been so bright; Moths from all over the world would not have gathered around it.”

It is notable to mention here the services rendered by Munir Ahmad Javed Sahib, Private Secretary and his staff, the services of Major Mahmood Sahib, then head of security and his staff, Munir Odeh Sahib and his staff. They all managed the blessed schedule of Huzoor’s activites, the video recordings of the Jalsa programmes, the addresses and speeches and their live transmissions, which were all quite historic indeed and they fall under the Quranic verse: َّ َ ّ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ ٰ ‫الت ْﻘ‬ ‫وى‬ ‫�عاونو ﻋﻠﻰ ال�ِ�ِ و‬ “Help one another in righteousness and

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM piety.” (Surah al-Maidha, Ch.5: V.3) and therefore they shall never be forgotten. May the Almighty God give them the greatest rewards for their efforts.

Furthermore, in cooperation with Nazarat Khidmat-e-Darweshan, Rabwah, various volunteers had been gathered from all around Rabwah and various other areas of Pakistan to serve in the management of various programmes in Jalsa Salana Qadian, making exemplary efforts day and night, selflessly and away from the eyes of the people. Their efforts may have been veiled from the eyes of most people, but they were seen by the eyes of the Almighty God, and the ultimate successful results emanate the scent of the sacrifices made during these efforts.

The year 1905 holds a unique importance in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya as the Promised Messiahas, with the blessings of Almighty God, initiated the system of AlWasiyyat and laid the foundations of the Bahishti Maqbara, Qadian. The main goal of this system was that a community of pious and righteous people be created who would give preference to religion and faith over the materialistic world. The love of worldly matters would be utterly repulsive to them, so much so that they would completely turn towards the Almighty God and would show great examples of truth and loyalty as the companions of the Holy Prophetsa had done before them. So, to this end, a community of pious and righteous people was established at the hand of the Imam Mahdias and now, day after day, the number of these loyal followers is growing and their religious prowess is increasing as well.

It so happened that in the year 2005, 100 years had passed since the inception of this heavenly system and thus, the year 2005 therefore attained a unique importance in history.

Another beautiful coincidence is that the institution of Khilafat was established in 1908 which, according to the lunar calendar, equates to 1326 and in 2005 it was 1426 according to the lunar calendar. Thus, a full century of lunar years had been completed.

Therefore keeping in mind these two historic occurrences, the arrival of Khalifatul Masih V, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa in Qadian seemed like a special divine decree

that was destined by God Almighty.

Regarding this special occasion, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, during his inaugural address of Jalsa Salana Qadian, said: “Last year, somebody wrote to me that in the year 2005, 100 years will be completed since the establishment of the institution of Khilafat according to the Lunar calendar, so therefore today, apart from 100 years being completed since the establishment of AlWasiyyat according to the lunar years, we would also witness the centenary of Khilafat.

I believe that the Promised Messiahas was shown great succour by God Almight through this sign, that even though I was not thinking about this when I was planning to come here and despite the conditions that cannot be called favourable, Allah created such circumstances that the Khalifa of the time can be present, at this moment, in this place when these two centenaries are being completed – the place where the institution of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya first started. May Allah make it so that whereas the financial system of the world benefits from the institution of Wasiyyat, where it establishes the rights of the poor, the orphans and the widows and where the people give dues to others only for the sake of the Almighty God, where they establish a great station in prostrating before God, each of us should firmly establish the fear of God Almighty and become a personification of this glad tiding of the Promised Messiahas: ‘When I go, God will send another manifestation for you that will be established for you forever.’

Thus, O lush green branches of the Messiah of Muhammad, be happy that the Almighty God has guaranteed an illuminated and bright future for you. Therefore, be steadfast on righteousness, see the blessings of God and forever become the verdant and fruit bearing branches of the tree of the Promised Messiahas.”

In this regard, another important faithinspiring incident is that a hundred years ago, the Promised Messiahas was vouchsafed with this divine revelation: “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.” It was fulfilled in a new light in Qadian, from where the live transmission and broadcast of Jalsa Salana Qadian was carried out.

Thus, from the blessed village of Qadian,

the voice of the Promised Messiah’s Khalifa was transmitted to the ends of the earth at the same time.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, during his stay that lasted over a month, held meetings with the national amilas of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya, Majlis Ansarullah and Lajna Imaillah. Moreover, various classes of Waqifeen-e-Nau and Waqifaat-e-Nau of India were held. Huzooraa met with the teachers and students of Jamia Ahmadiyya and Jamiat-ul-Mubashirin and blessed them with guidance. Huzooraa also met with missionaries of India and blessed them with guidance as well. Similarly, Huzooraa also met with staff of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Tahrik-e-Jadid Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Anjuman Ahmadiyya Waqf-e-Jadid and pointed out their responsibilities and blessed them with precious guidance.

May Allah grant all members of these organisations, as well as all the office-holders in all departments and other members to act upon the guidance of Huzooraa.

People who had arrived from far and near, all were seeking the same thing that they may somehow be granted access to a personal meeting with Huzooraa. Despite the time constraints and large number of people, Huzooraa allowed those who had arrived with their families to have personal meetings with him. Similarly, thousands upon thousands of people were also given the opportunity to individually meet Huzooraa who were blessed with shaking his hand and granted gifts as they took pictures as well. The refreshed and enlightened faces of those who came out of that meeting room showed visible signs of delight and ecstasy.

Apart from the members of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya, external guests also had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa. The beautiful personality of Huzooraa had a great impact on them. When the flow of guests from outside of Qadian came to a halt, then came the opportunity of the residents of Qadian to meet Huzooraa. They were blessed with the opportunity to individually meet Huzooraa with their families. Huzoor showed great love and compassion by visiting almost every home of Ahmadi residents of Qadian, asking about their wellbeing, blessing them with prayers and giving them the chance to have pictures.

After all the hectic engagements of the day, when staff came to know that Huzooraa had examined and given necessary directions on the local and foreign mail, they were awestruck with the question of how it was possible for Huzooraa to check all the files. It so happened that on 15 January, when Huzooraa departed for his journey back from Qadian to Delhi in the afternoon, he had already examined and given necessary directions on many letters and official papers since morning. May Allah bless our Imam with a long and healthy life!

A detailed account of the blessed happenings of Huzoor’s tour of India in 2005 has been recorded by Abdul Majid Tahir Sahib, Additional Wakil-ul-Tabshir, London in his personally compiled report which has been published.

Thus, a period of around five weeks passed by like a pleasant dream. Although it was bitterly cold, but everyone’s body was filled with warmth and souls were in a state of pleasure. The condition of the residents of Qadian, at the time of Huzoor’saa departure cannot be expressed in words, as there were sights of women and children who were crying their hearts out. As Huzoor’s entourage crossed the Ahmadiyya Ground and reached the Harchowal Road, men, women, boys and girls, filled with extreme love, ran towards it, where, yet again, they had the blessed opportunity to have a glimpse of their beloved Imam and to bid him farewell.

Sahibzada Mirza Waseem Ahmad Sahib, Nazir-e-Ala and Amir-e-Muqami of Qadian, left for Delhi to bid Huzooraa farewell. While on the train, on the night of the departure, he enquired about the condition of the residents of Qadian. My impetuous reply was that the condition was such as if a tyre had gone flat. There is not a shadow of doubt that every one of us was going through this exact same condition.

We pray to God Almighty in the end that He may bestow upon us the power to bring our faculties in action with the same passion of obedience, as was displayed in the presence of Huzooraa.

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Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 30 November 2018 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

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

T

he first of the Companionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa] that I will mention today is Hazrat Thabit bin Khalid Ansari. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Maalik bin Najjar. He took part in the battles of Badr, Uhud and Yamamah. It was during the Battle of Yamamah that he attained martyrdom. However, according to some, he attained martyrdom during the incident at Bi’r-e-Maunah. (Al-Isti’ab, Vol. 1, p. 198, Darul-Jamil, Beirut, 1992) Next is Hazrat Abdullah bin Urfatah. He migrated to Abyssinia along with Hazrat Jafarra bin Abi Talib. In a narration, Hazrat Abdullah bin Masudra states, “The Messengersa of Allah sent us to Negus and we numbered about eighty.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 2, p. 201, Hadith no. 4400, Musnad Abdullah bin Mas’ood, Alim-ul-Kutb, Beirut, 1998).

Hazrat Abdullah bin Urfatah participated in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Isti’ab, Vol. 3, p. 949, Abdullah bin Urfatah, Dar-ul-Jamil, Beirut, 1992) Next is Hazrat Utbah bin Abdullah. His mother’s name was Busrah bint Zaid. He took part in the Bai‘at [oath of allegiance] that took place at Aqabah as well as the Battles of Badr and Uhud. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, p. 1026, Utbah bin Abdullah, Dar-ul-Jamil, Beirut, 1992), (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 430, Dar-ulKutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990).

Then, there is Hazrat Qais bin Abi Sa‘sa and he was an Ansari [inhabitant of Medina].

The father of Hazrat Qais was Amr bin Zaid, however he was more commonly known by the title of Abu Sa‘sa. Hazrat Qais’ mother’s name was Shaibah bint Asim. Hazrat Qais participated in the Bai‘at that took place at Aqabah along with seventy Ansar. He also had the honour of participating in the Battles of Badr and Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 392, Qais bin Abi Sa’sa, Dar-ul-Kutb AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990).

When the Holy Prophetsa departed for the Battle of Badr, he, along with his army, camped at Buyut as-Suqya, located on the outskirts of Medina. Some minors, eager to accompany the Holy Prophetsa, who had also come along, were sent back from there. Then the Holy Prophetsa ordered his companions to fetch water from the well at Suqya. He drank from its water and then offered the prayer near the houses of Suqya. When departing from Suqya, the Holy Prophetsa ordered Hazrat Qais bin Abi Sa‘sa to take a count of the Muslims.

At that occasion he was also appointed to oversee the arrangements for water. After that, the Holy Prophetsa himself stayed near the well at Bir-e-Abi Inaba, located at about 2.5 kilometres from the Prophet’s Mosque.

Upon receiving the instruction from the Holy Prophetsa to count the number of people,

Hazrat Qais counted them and submitted to the Messengersa of Allah that their number was 313. The Holy Prophetsa was pleased to hear this number and said that the companions of Talut also numbered the same.

According to the note written with regard to Suqya, it was located about two kilometres from the Prophet’s Mosque. Its previous name was Husaiqa. Hazrat Khalladra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa changed its name from Husaiqa to Suqya. He states, “I wished to purchase Suqya but Hazrat Sa‘d bin Waqas had already bought it in return for two camels.” According to some, he bought it for seven Auqiyah i.e. 280 Dirhams. When

and had to cover his eyes with a piece of cloth.

He then began to complete the recitation of the entire Quran in fifteen days. At that time, he used to say, “If only I had accepted the concession granted by the Holy Prophetsa.”

(Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 4, p. 408, Qais bin Abi Sa’sa, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Tajul-Aroos).

Hazrat Qais had two children, Alfakeh and Umme Harith. They were both born to Amama bint Muaz. The progeny and offspring of Hazrat Qaisra did not continue further.

Hazrat Qaisra had three brothers, all of whom had the blessed opportunity of spending time in the company of the Holy Prophetsa.

this was mentioned to the Holy Prophetsa, he said his trade was very profitable. (Al-Sira AlNabawaiyyah Ala’ Zou Al-Quran Wa Al-Sina, Vol. 2, p. 124, Maktabah Shamilah) (Subl-ulHuda Wa Al-Rishad, Vol. 4, p. 23 & 25, Darul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) (Yaum-ulFurqan Israr Ghazwah-e-Badr, Dr Mustapha Hasn Al-Badwi, p. 124, Dar-ul-Minhaj, Beriut, 2015) (Imta-ul-Isma’, Vol. 8, p. 341, Dar-ulKutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1999), (Kitab-ulMaghazi Li-Al-Waqadi, Vol. 1, pp. 37-38, Darul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2013) Similarly, during the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa appointed him as the leader of the Saaqah. Saaqah is a part of the army that follows behind for protection. On one occasion, he said to the Holy Prophetsa, “O Prophetsa of Allah! In how many days should I complete the recitation of the entire Quran?”

The Holy Prophetsa replied, “In fifteen nights.”

Hazrat Qaisra said, “I find myself capable of doing more than this.” Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “You may complete it in the duration of one Friday to the next.” To this, he said, “I find myself capable of doing even more than this.” Following this, he recited the Holy Quran in this very manner for a long time. He continued with this practise till he grew old

However, they were unable to participate in the Battle of Badr. From among them, Hazrat Harithra was martyred in the Battle of Yamama and Hazrat Abu Kilaabra and Hazrat Jabirra bin Abi Sa‘sa were martyred in the Battle of Mautah. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 392, Qais bin Abi Sa’sa, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990).

Next, is a companion by the name of Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith. Hazrat Ubaida bin Al-Harith, who belonged to Banu Muttalib, was a close relative of the Holy Prophetsa. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Muttalib. His title was Abu Harith, whereas, according to others, it was Abu Muawiyah. The name of his mother was Sukhaila bint Khuzai. Hazrat Ubaida was ten years older than the Holy Prophetsa. He was among the first people to accept Islam and became a Muslim before the Holy Prophetsa went to Dar-e Arqam. Hazrat Abu Ubaida, Hazrat Abu Salama bin Abdillah Asadi, Hazrat Abdullah bin Arqam Makhzumi and Hazrat Usman bin Mazum, all became Muslim at the same time. The Holy Prophetsa held Hazrat Ubaida in great honour and esteem. Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith accepted Islam in its early stages and was among the chiefs of Banu Abdi Manaf. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, p. 547, Ubaida

bin Harith, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003), (Al-Asaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 4, p. 353, Ubaida bin Harith, Dar-ul-Kutb AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1995).

Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith migrated to Medina along with his two brothers, Hazrat Tufail bin Harith and Hazrat Hussain bin Harith. Hazrat Mistah bin Usasah was also with them. Prior to the journey, they had decided to meet in the valley of Najeh.

However, Hazrat Mistah bin Usasah remained behind as he was bitten by a snake. The following day, when they were informed of him being bitten by a snake, they returned and travelled with him to Medina. They stayed with Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Salamah in Medina. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 37, Ubaida bin Harith, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) The Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith and Hazrat Umair bin Al-Humam.

Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith and Hazrat Umair bin Al-Humam were both martyred in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Isti‘ab, Vol. 3, p. 1214, Umair bin Al-Humam, Dar-ul-Jamil, Beirut, 1992) His two brothers, Hazrat Tufail bin Harith and Hazrat Hussain bin Harith also participated alongside him in the Battle of Badr. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Vol. 3, p. 38-39, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990).

After migrating to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa implemented certain strategies in order to remain protected from the mischief of the disbelievers and in order to safeguard the Muslims, which serves as a clear proof of the excellent political acumen of the Holy Prophetsa and his farsightedness in terms of warfare.

In relation to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has stated the following in Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin: “Therefore, it is evident through history that when the Holy Prophetsa dispatched the very first company in the leadership of Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, who happened to encounter a group led by Ikramah bin Abi Jahl, two weak Muslims who had come along with the Quraish, managed to escape from the Quraish and join the Muslims. As such, it is narrated: ‘In this campaign, when the Muslim party encountered the army of the Quraish, two people – namely Miqdad bin Amr and Utbah bin Ghazwan, who were allies of the Banu Zahrah and Banu Naufal – fled from the idolaters and joined the Muslims. They were Muslims and had only set out to join the Muslims under the cover of the Quraish.’

Therefore, one of the purposes of the Holy Prophetsa in dispatching these parties was also to give such people an opportunity to

19

Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM be delivered from the Quraish and join the Muslims.” (Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 324) After eight months had passed following the migration, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Ubaida on an expedition with seventy or eighty riders. The Holy Prophetsa had tied a white flag for Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith, which Hazrat Mistah bin Usasah was holding. The purpose of sending this army or this group of riders was to stop a caravan of merchants belonging to the Quraish in its tracks. Abu Sufyan was the chief of the caravan of the Quraish. According to some, it was Ikrimah bin Abi Jahl while there is also an opinion that it was Miqraz bin Hafas.

This caravan consisted of two hundred men i.e. the caravan of the disbelievers who were carrying merchandise and goods. This group of companionsra confronted this caravan in the valley of Raabigh which is also known as Waddan. Apart from firing arrows, no battle took place between the two parties and no formal rows for combat were formed. The first arrow shot by the Muslims was done by the companion Hazrat Sa‘d bin Abi Waqas. This was the very first ever arrow to be launched by the Muslims. On this occasion, Hazrat Miqdad bin Aswad and Hazrat Uyayna bin Ghazwan (according to Ibn Hisham and in Tarikh AlTabari, it is mentioned as Utbah bin Ghazwan) escaped the group of idolaters and joined the Muslims as they had already accepted Islam and desired to join the Muslims. This was the second army of Islam, led by Hazrat Ubaida bin Harith. After firing arrows at one another, both parties retreated as the idolaters were so awestruck by the Muslims that they thought they were a huge army of the Muslims and they were receiving support. Therefore, they became afraid and retreated and the Muslims also did not go after them. (Al-Sira AlHalbiyya, Vol. 3, pp.215-216, Sirya Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Sirat ibn Hisham, Vol. 1, p. 592, Sirya Ubaidah bin Al-Harith, Mustapha AlBabi, Egypt, 1955) (Tarikh Al-Tabri, Vol. 2, p.

12, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, 1987) They did follow them but not to chase after them or to attack them. Both parties had attacked each other by firing arrows at one another. However, when the idolaters retreated, the Muslims also returned.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has written in his book, Seerat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin: “Upon his return from the Ghazwah of Waddan, in the month of Rabi‘ al-Awwal, the Holy Prophetsa dispatched a company of the Muhajirin, comprising of sixty men mounted on camels, in the leadership of a close relative, Ubaidah bin Al-Harith Muttalibi.

The objective of this campaign as well was to forestall the attacks of the Quraish of Mecca.”

(The objective of this expedition has been outlined here.)

“As such, when Ubaidah bin Al-Harith and his companions covered some ground and arrived close to Thaniyyatul-Murrah, they suddenly noticed that 200 armed young men had set up camp in the command of Ikramah bin Abi Jahl. The two parties encountered one another, and a few arrows were exchanged in a confrontation. However, this group of idolaters then stood down from further conflict due to the fear that the Muslims probably had hidden reinforcements at their disposal and consequently, the Muslims did not pursue them. Two individuals from the army of the idolaters named Miqdad bin Amr and Utbah bin Ghazwan fled from the command of Ikramah bin Abi Jahl and joined the Muslims. It is written that they set out with the Quraish for this very purpose, so that they

could find an opportunity to join the Muslims.

The reason being, that they were Muslims at heart, but could not migrate out of fear of the Quraish due to their weakness. Moreover, it is possible that this very occurrence caused them to lose heart and they decided to step back considering this to be an evil omen.

History has not recorded whether this army of the Quraish, which was definitely not a trade caravan (as they were fully equipped with weapons and were disguising themselves as a trade caravan) and regarding which Ibn-eIshaq has used the words Jamun Azeemun (a grand army) set out in this direction with a specific objective. However, it is definite that their intentions were not favourable.”

It is evident that they did not come with good intentions and in fact came to launch an attack. Hence, the Muslims also fired their arrows.

“It was due to the grace of God that upon finding the Muslims vigilant and upon witnessing some of their own men joining the Muslims, they lost courage and retreated.

Moreover, a practical benefit which the companions derived from this campaign was that two Muslim souls were delivered from the tyranny of the Quraish.” (Seerat Khatam-unNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp.

328-329) During the Battle of Badr, from the Muslim army he [Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harithra] was sent to combat in a duel against Waleed bin Utbah. It is mentioned in the Ahadith that a verse of the Holy Quran was also revealed in relation to this incident. Hazrat Alira relates: “The verse: ْ َ ْ َ َ​َ ‫ان اخ َت َص ُموا فِي َر ِّب ِه ْم‬ ِ ‫ان خصم‬ ِ ‫هذ‬ (Surah al-Hajj: V.20) was revealed regarding those individuals who fought in the combat duels in the Battle of Badr i.e. Hazrat Hamza bin Abdil Muttalib, Hazrat Ali bin Talib and Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harith, and they faced off with Utbah bin Rabi‘ah, Shaybah bin Rabi‘ah and Waleed bin Utbah.” (Al-Mustadrik Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 2, p. 419, Kitab-ul-Tafsir, Surah Al-Hajj, Hadith 3456, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) The meaning of this verse is, “These two are two disputants who dispute regarding their Lord.” The whole verse is as follows: ْ َ ْ َ َ​َ ُ َ ٌ ‫ين َك َف ُروا ُق ّط َِع ْت ل َ ُه ْم ث َِي‬ َ ‫اخ َت َص ُموا في َر ِّبه ْم َفالَّ ِذ‬ ‫اب ِم ْن نا ٍر يُ َص ّب‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ان خصم‬ ِ ‫هذ‬ ِ ِ ُ‫ِم ْن َفوْق ُرء‬ ُ‫وسه ُم ال ْ َحميم‬ ِ ِ​ِ ِ “These two are two disputants who dispute concerning their Lord. As for those who disbelieve, garments of fire will be cut out for them; and boiling water will be poured down on their heads.” (Surah al-Hajj: V.20) Further details of this combat duel have been recorded in Sunan Abi Dawud. Hazrat Alira relates: “Utbah bin Rabi‘ah, followed by his son and brother came forward and announced, ‘Who is it that will come to face us?’ Thereupon, many of the youth from among the Ansar answered him. Utbah asked ‘Who are you?’ They replied, ‘We are the Ansar’. Utbah then said, ‘We have no dispute with you, we only wish to fight the sons of our uncles’. The Holy Prophetsa then said, ‘O Hamzara rise; O Ali stand up and O Ubaidah bin Harith rise and go forth.’”

Hazrat Alira further narrates: “As soon as we heard the call of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Hamzara advanced towards Utbah, I advanced towards Shaybah and there was an encounter between Ubaidah bin Harith and Waleed and they both inflicted severe wounds on one another. Then we turned to Waleed and killed him and took Ubaidah bin Harith away from the battlefield. (Sunan Abu Daud, Kitab-ulJihad, Baab Fi Al-Mubariza, Hadith no. 2665)

During the duel, Utbah struck the calf of Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harith and cut open his calf. The Holy Prophetsa ordered for him to be removed from the battlefield and after the Battle of Badr had ended, he passed away in Safra, a place near Badr, and he was also buried there. (Al-Mustadrik Ala’ Al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, pp. 207-208, Kitab-ul-Marifa AlSahaba Min Manaqib Ubaidah bin Harith, Hadith no. 4862, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Lughat-ul-Hadith, p. 67, Mir Muhammad Kutub Khana Araam Baagh, Karachi) According to a narration, it was only when the calf of Ubaidahra was cut and the marrow was gushing forth from it, that the companions brought him to the Holy Prophetsa and he said, “O Messengersa of Allah! Will I be considered as a martyr?” He had been injured in the battle but did not die immediately. The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Indeed! You will be considered a martyr.” According to another tradition, when Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith was brought before the Holy Prophetsa and he placed his head on his lap. Hazrat Ubaidahra then said, “If only Abu Talib was alive today, he would know that I am more entitled than him to what he used to say, and that was: ّٰ ‫ونسلمہ‬ ‫حتی نصرع حولہ‬ ‫ونذھل عن ابناءنا و الحلائل‬

That is, “It is a lie that we will hand over Muhammadsa to you. Such will only be possible when we are struck down around him to the extent we become oblivious to our wives and children.”

Such was the passion of these people. At the time of his demise, Hazrat Ubaidah bin Harith was 63 years of age. (Al-Mustadrik Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 3, p. 208, Kitab-ul-Marifa Al-Sahaba Min Manaqib Ubaidah bin Harith, Hadith no. 4863, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2002) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 547, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) After the mention of these companions, I wish to talk about a long-serving life devotee missionary of ours from Indonesia who passed away a few days ago. His name was Suyuti Aziz Ahmad Sahib and he passed away on 19 November. To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return. Suyuti Sahib was suffering from a severe heart illness and was sent to Rabwah for treatment. There, in the Tahir Heart Institute in Rabwah he underwent major surgery, but after a few days his health did not improve and on 19 November he passed away. He is survived by his wife, two sons, two daughters and ten grandchildren.

Among them, six are part of the Waqf-e-Nau scheme.

Suyuti Aziz Ahmad Sahib was born on 17 August 1944 in Bone, South Sulawesi. He studied in Jamia Rabwah between September 1966 and October 1971. In April 1972 he was appointed as the central missionary of Indonesia. Then in 1985, after assessing his work and progress in the field, he was awarded the Shahid degree. In the year 2000, he had the blessed opportunity to perform Hajj.

Between 1972 and 1979, he spent these seven years serving as a missionary in South Sumatra, Lampung, Jambi and Bengkulu.

Between 1979 and 1981 he served as a teacher for the muallimin. In 1981, he was appointed as the missionary in Purwokerto. Then in 1982, he was appointed as the Assistant Director of the muallimin and muballighin classes. Between 1982 and 1992, he served as the principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia. In that period of time, in 1985 he was awarded the Shahid degree. From 1992 till 2016, he remained as the head of tabligh for twenty years. Then,

from 2016 till his demise he served again as the principal of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia.

In 1973, he married Afifa Sahiba, daughter of the missionary Abdul Wahid Sahib of Sumatra.

She was also the older sister of Maulana Abdul Basit Sahib, Amir of the Indonesia Jamaat.

She bore four of his children – Warda Khalid, Harith Abdul Bari, Saadat Ahmad and Aliyah Atiyyatul Aleem. Afifa Sahiba passed away in 2009. Thereafter, Suyuti Sahib married Arina Damayinti Sahiba, but they had no children together.

Regarding the spread of Ahmadiyyat in his family, he once gave an interview to MTA in which he said, “The main reason for myself and my family to take the oath of allegiance was that my grandfather instructed us that in the latter days the Imam Mahdi would appear so we must all accept him. To honour this instruction of his, my family migrated twice.

In 1959 my family moved to Lampung. In 1963 a missionary named Maulana Zaini Dehlan Sahib came to preach in Lampung and we met him. He told us that the Imam Mahdi had appeared. I then asked him for the proofs of his advent to which he gave us a book proving the truthfulness of the Messiah of the latter days and told us to read it. When I read the book, I was assured that the Messiah to come was none other than this man and that was the Imam Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Qadianias.” He says, “On 13 February 1963, at the age of 19, I and 40 other members of my family took the oath of allegiance through Maulana Zaini Dehlan Sahib.”

Then he further states: “In 1963, Wakeelut-Tabshir Sahib visited Bandung from Rabwah and I was there at the time. The truth became even more clear for me after attending the programmes of the Jamaat and meeting with its missionaries.”

Whilst talking about his admission in Jamia, he states: “In 1963, Maulana Abu Bakr Ayub Sahib, who was serving as a missionary of Southern Sumatra, visited us in Lampung for the training of new converts. After his visit, he reported to Raees-ul-Tabligh, Maulana Syed Shah Muhammad Jilani Sahib saying, “Some people from the Bogis tribe have taken the oath of allegiance in Lampung and we do not have a missionary from amongst these people. Whereas, we have missionaries from amongst the Java and Sunda people.”

He further says: “I met with three young men there who could be sent to Rabwah for studies.” He then says, “I was amongst those three young men. Our names were recommended for admission in Jamia Ahmadiyya Rabwah and we were instructed to apply for our passports. However, we could not get our passports due to the unstable political climate of Indonesia at the time.

Afterwards, in 1966, I applied for a visa with Raees-ul-Tabligh, Maulana Imam Al-Din, at the Embassy of Pakistan and obtained the visa within fifteen minutes.” He continues: “I arrived in Karachi and stayed there for one night and from there, I travelled to Rabwah via train. After arriving at the station, I walked to Jamia.” He says: “A lot of Jamia students welcomed me upon my arrival. The environment was new so it was quite difficult to get accustomed to at first, however, I managed to adjust accordingly. I was enrolled into to Jamia after three days. There was one person amongst the teachers whose name was Hazrat Master Ata Muhammad Sahib, who was a companion of the Promised Messiahas.”

He further says, “I had the honour of meeting with several companions of the Promised Messiahas during my stay in Rabwah. I would always seek an opportunity to meet with a

20 companion of the Promised Messiahas and would press their feet while conversing with them.”

While sharing a pleasant experience of an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, he states, “When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh was elected as Khalifatul Masih, we met with him and embraced him. Huzoorrh patted me lovingly on my cheek and stated, ‘They have come from Indonesia.’ There were other foreign students there. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh continued, ‘All of you have come from afar; you are all my children.’ The spiritual light of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh always remained amongst us, and for this reason, all of our difficulties became easy. Huzoorrh said: ‘You can come to me when facing any difficulty.’”

He states, “When I was about to return to Indonesia, I went to meet with Huzoorrh before my departure. Huzoorrh enquired: ‘Do you need anything?’ I responded: ‘I need some books. I visited the office but was not able to obtain anything.” Huzoorrh wrote a note from his pen that read: ‘Give the books to Suyuti’.

Soon after, I received a complete set of Ruhani Khazain, which I have in my possession to this day. Before I left, Huzoorrh embraced me lovingly and said in my ear: ‘Never be unfaithful to your master. This is my advice to you.’”

He writes about an incident: “In 1993, Shareef Ahmad Lubis, Amir Sahib Indonesia, sent me to the Philippines to ensure success in the International Baiat that was taking place there and said to me: ‘This is as per instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh.’ I said to him: ‘I am very weak and I do not know even the local language.’ He responded: ‘I have full faith in you.’ Then he said, ‘If these are the instructions then I am ready.’ Hence, I left the Jamaat headquarters and at the time, in order to get there, one had to go through Manila and Zamboanga. I ate some food and contracted cholera and became very weak. In this condition, I prayed: ‘O Allah! If I die here, then there are no Muslims here who would offer my funeral prayers.’” He says: ‘At night I saw in a dream that a nurse wearing a uniform visited me and whilst patting me on my forehead, she blew some air onto me. At that moment I felt as if my entire body had turned ice cold and this coolness exited my body through my toes. I had completely recovered in the morning when I woke up, so I departed for Tawi-Tawi. By the grace of Allah the Almighty one hundred and thirty people took the oath of allegiance and joined the Jamaat within three months.”

Abdul Basit Sahib, Amir Sahib Indonesia, writes: “I got the opportunity to observe Suyuti Aziz Sahib on a very personal level as my brother-in-law and missionary. He had a very simple personality and his greatest attributes were humility and meekness. He was a living example of patience and forbearance in all affairs. He would always supplicate to God, offer Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers regularly, display immense trust in Allah Almighty and he had a relation of tremendous love and sincerity with the system of Khilafat and the Khulafa of the Jamaat. He would give precedence to Jamaat affairs over his personal matters. He was a successful servant of the Jamaat. Whatever responsibility, duty and office he was entrusted with, he fulfilled that role with immense sincerity and loyalty. It did not matter whether he was performing that duty as a missionary or a teacher of Jamia or as a principal or as in-charge of propagating the message. He was an excellent model and

Friday 28 December 2018 | AL HAKAM an example for the life devotees.”

Ma‘sum Sahib, Vice Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia, states: “Suyuti Sahib would teach the translation of the Holy Quran to the third, fourth and fifth year classes [of Jamia]. He would teach the subject of Kalaam to the Mubashir [final year] class. In order to teach this class, he had translated the book Irfan-e-Ilahi into the Indonesian language.

When he became weak due to illness and was unable to move around, his students would visit him in the office to study. He taught his class on 8 November before leaving for Rabwah. He would always say: ‘Jamia years have been increased to seven years and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih has approved this. So you all should work very hard and fulfill the desires of Huzoor.’”

His daughter, Mardiya Sahiba, writes: “My father had fully devoted his life. He spent his life serving the Jamaat to the extent that we traveled very little for sightseeing or entertainment. We always considered this to be the lifestyle of a life devotee. He taught his children that a Waqf-e-Zindagi’s time should be spent completely for the sake of the Jamaat.”

Then she states: “In terms of training, my respected father did not give a lot of advice rather, he led by example.” She continues: “He would serve my mother patiently when she became ill and he would also do the house chores himself. He would prepare the morning and evening meals during the days of Ramadan. He never requested anyone to do anything for him. He had the habit of doing his work with his own hands.”

His son Saadat Ahmad Sahib writes: “He trained us very patiently however, he emphasised a lot about offering prayers.

During our childhood, he would instruct us to offer prayers in congregation at the mosque. If I was not seen in the mosque, he would look for me and take me to the mosque himself.” He further says: “He always advised us to never miss prayers, to offer Sunnah prayers with it and always recite the Holy Quran.”

His daughter Atiyyatul Aleem states: “My father would always speak the truth. He never uttered a falsehood in front of his children even as a joke. He would never miss Tahajjud prayer and would offer his prayer in congregation at the mosque. Apart from when he was ill, I never saw him offering his obligatory prayers at home.”

His second wife says: “Before leaving for Rabwah, he told me and the children, ‘My heirs, my family and household is Khilafat and my life and death is for the Jamaat.’”

He also attended Germany Jalsa this year.

He was very eager to attend even though his children advised him against travelling as he was ill, however he said that he wanted to meet the Khalifa. And so he attended the Germany Jalsa and met me there and this was the last time he met me.

She also said: “He was an excellent husband and I learnt the importance of obedience from him. He never showed any concern for his own health and wellbeing when it came to Jamaat work.”

Suyuti Aziz Sahib’s son-in-law, Zaki Sahib, says: “In 2005 when we were alerted about the news of an attack on our headquarters, the Khuddam were instructed to come and protect it. I was also there and at the time Suyuti Sahib was head of tabligh and I noticed he was never scared. He would go in the middle of the night and meet the Khuddam and give them

courage. I saw that he had immense love for Khilafat. He would say that he is a life-devotee and therefore whatever he does is with the approval and instruction of the Khalifa of the time. He suffered a stroke in 2017 and for some time, he could not even talk clearly, but despite this he continued studying books and it would always be his desire to go to Jamia and teach the students.”

Ahmad Sahib, Secretary Tarbiyyat, writes: “If he ever received a good piece of advice, he would openly appreciate it with great respect and whenever he faced any difficulty, he would sincerely ask for suggestions.”

Ahmad Noor Sahib, a missionary, says: “He led a very simple life and was very respectable. Despite his old age, he was very active in his Jamaat work as if he was a young man. One advice he gave which I always remember is that never turn away from God, and always ask Him for He never rejects the prayer of His servants.”

He further states: “When I had my interview for the Shahid class [final year of Jamia Ahmadiyya], he advised me in a very emotional manner with tears flowing and whilst trembling, ‘Never abandon your Waqf [pledge of life devotion]; whoever discards their Waqf is among those who incur great loss.’”

Another person has written that Suyuti Sahib visited Kendari and whilst imparting various advice, he said, “If you have any internal or external issues whilst trying to ensure people adhere to the system of the Jamaat, you should go forth without any fear because you will have the help and support of God Almighty.

However, if members of the Jamaat criticise you owing to any of your personal weaknesses, then you should assess your condition and bring about an improvement.”

One should never be worried in relation to Jamaat work, they should have complete trust in God Almighty and have pure intentions.

However, if one has any personal weaknesses then they should assess their condition.

Khalid Ahmad Khan Sahib, a missionary, writes: “During our time studying in Jamia, Suyuti Sahib was a shining example for us spiritually and morally. He would make great effort in offering the prayers in congregation. He would always arrive on time to the mosque, or at times he would come much earlier and right until his demise, despite his ill health, he continued this habit of greatly striving for his prayers.

Another missionary, Hashim Sahib writes: “I had the honour of being taught the subject of Ilm-ul-Kalam in Jamia from Suyuti Aziz Sahib. It was his habit that during the lecture, he would ask the students questions and he would highly praise and commend the answers from the students. Once, he asked us what the biggest proof for the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas was. We all quoted various verses from the Holy Quran and presented references of the Ahadith. Listening to our answers, he told us that he himself was the biggest proof for its truthfulness, meaning that every Ahmadi should consider himself to be the most powerful proof for its truthfulness.

He then said that everyone should raise themselves to a standard whereby everyone is a sign of its truthfulness.”

This was his style of morally training them in that if they completely followed the teachings of Ahmadiyyat which is the true Islam, then they themselves will become the biggest sign of its truth. Such was his style of training.

He would listen to the sermons very attentively. When he would listen to my sermons, he would discuss the various points of the sermon with his students and would make sure they took notes. He would always check to see whether or not the students had understood the message given by the Khalifa and he would advise the students about obedience to Khilafat.

Shamsori Mahmood Sahib, who is a missionary, writes: “Suyuti Sahib was a successful life devotee. On one occasion he advised me by saying, ‘Having dedicated your life, you must ensure that you do not become neglectful. Forsaking your dedication is akin to abandoning the Jamaat, always remember this point.’ He then repeated this statement and I saw that his eyes were red and had tears in them.”

Yusuf Ismael Sahib, who is also a missionary, writes that when he was appointed as a regional missionary, he went to meet him.

Since Suyuti Sahib was Raeesul-Tabligh, Yusuf Sahib went to see him and asked: “Why have you appointed me as a regional missionary?

I have many weaknesses and have little experience. I am not worthy of serving as a regional missionary. There are many others who are better qualified than me, so you should appoint one of them.” To this Suyuti Sahib gave a simple, but honest answer and said: “Who informed you that you have been made regional missionary because you are worthy of the job? You have been entrusted with this task so that you can learn in this capacity and develop a sense of responsibility.” He then said: “We are all weak human beings. However, if we have a strong relationship with God Almighty, then all of our tasks will become easy. Therefore, always bear in mind, whether you are serving as a regional missionary or not, you must always have a strong connection with God Almighty. Only then will you attain success and your tasks will be made easy for you.”

The general manager of MTA, Akhanoor Sahib says: “On one occasion we were faced with a certain difficulty for which I wrote to him for prayers. He did not reply immediately, however, the following day he obtained my phone number from someone. When I met with him, the first question he asked was that I had requested him for prayers, so did I write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih for prayers?

When I informed him that I had, he became elated and said that this is the way it should be.

Even at that time he had tears in his eyes. One can gauge his deep love for Khilafat from his expression.”

Similarly, at different occasions whenever the topic of establishing a relationship with Khilafat was mentioned, he would be overcome with emotion. By the grace of Allah, the deceased was a musi [part of the institution of Al-Wasiyyat]. His body was transported from Pakistan to Indonesia on 23 November.

He was buried on 24 November in the Parung centre, in the graveyard for musis. A large congregation from among the Jamaat attended his funeral. May Allah the Almighty elevate his status and grant him a lofty status in the gardens of paradise. May God bestow patience on all his family members, and may He enable his progeny and descendants to follow in his footsteps.

[After the Khutba Thania, Huzoor stated:] After the prayers, I shall lead his funeral prayer in absentia.

(Translated by the Review of Religions)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2018