Al Hakam - 20 April 2018

AL HAKAM EXCLUSIVE

Noah's Ark

Huzoor narrates momentous series of events

The importance of familiarising ourselves with this work of Hazrat Ahmadas

aa

Page 4

The Blessed Fifth Era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya

100 Years Ago...

Tabligh Reports of Pioneer

15 Years on, since 22 April

Missionaries

2003

Page 12

Page 6

Page 7

THE WEEKLY

A

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 20 April 2018 | Issue V Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK. info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said: "Look at one who is below you and do not look at one who is above you. This will enable you to better appreciate the bounties that Allah has bestowed upon you. "

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab Al-Zuhd Wa Al-Raqaiq)

15 Years of Countless Blessings 22 April 2003 is a day of great historical importance not only in the history of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat but also in the history of Islam.

It was this day that a fifth Khalifa-e-Rashed – rightly guided Khalifa – was elected to guide the Muslim Ummah.

The first phase of rightly-guided Khilafat saw its end with the demise of Hazrat Alira, the fourth Khalifa of the Prophet of Islamsa.

The second phase of Khilafat in the latter days was to remain forever for Al-Jamaat – the Jamaat of the true believers of the Holy Prophetsa and his Promised Messiahas.

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa was elected Khalifatul Masih V – fifth Khalifa of the Promised Messiahas on this day.

He was elevated to this post at a time when the world was rapidly drifting away from God, when world-peace was at the brink of a breakdown and when majority of the world population was concerned about its “rights” and forgetful about its “responsibilities” towards fellow-beings. Material lust had embraced the collective psychology of political leaders, resulting in millions of people

AMA UK

…and Counting

living below the line of poverty. Above all, Islam had become synonymous with terror and violence.

It was in this setting that Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, may Allah strengthen his hand, emerged as a messenger of peace, love, justice and humanity. As the fifth Khalifa of the Promised Messiah and Mahdias, and as a servant of the Holy Prophet of Islamsa, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa embarked on a journey of bringing the true colours back to the picture of Islam; the colours that had faded away and turned grey.

As to how this had happened, some violent Continued on page 2

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A Complete Transformation is Required Be careful lest a few accomplishments delude you to think that you have sufficiently fulfilled your purpose. For God desires a complete transformation in your being and He demands from you a death whereafter He should revive you. Hasten to make peace with one another and forgive your brethren their sins. For he who is not inclined to make peace with his brother is wicked

and will be cut off, because he is the cause of dissension. Part with your ego in every way and do away with mutual grievances. Be humble like the guilty, though truth be on your side, so that you may be forgiven. Do not feed your vanity, for those who are bloated cannot enter the gate to which you have been called.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah's Ark, p. 22)

3

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM From the Markaz

Where Faith is Felt AMA UK

aa

S

ince the time of the Promised Messiahas, people from different backgrounds have been attracted to his cause.

His message was known to the general public in the Western World through English language newspapers that would publish stories about his claims, prophecies and other writings.

Alexander Russell Webb, living in the United States of America, stayed in constant touch with the Promised Messiahas through letters. He is known to have accepted Alexander Russell Webb Islam and was inclined towards the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

The famous orientalist D D Dickson, on his visit to India, made effort to reach Qadian (on 17 November 1901) and pay respects to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. He was fortunate to have accompanied the Promised Messiahas during one of the morning walks.

The Promised Messiahas – with Mufti Muhammad Sadiq sahibra interpreting in English – spoke at length to Mr Dickson about the teachings of Islam. D D Dickson also took three photographs of the Promised Messiahas (not yet discovered). He stayed in the famous Gol Kamra in the house of the Promised Messiahas and benefitted from his blessed company.

James Wilson, Financial Commissioner of Punjab, visited Qadian and expressed his desire to have an audience with Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas. The Promised Messiahas –

with Mufti Sadiq sahibra interpreting – answered Mr Wilson’s questions about Islam in general and about the claims of the Promised Messiahas.

Mr George Turner, an American from Chicago, visited Qadian (in 1908) with the desire to meet the Promised Messiahas. He was particularly interested in the challenge that the Promised Messiahas had given to Dowie. He was seated in the offices on the ground floor of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian. Hazrat Ahmadas came downstairs to meet him and answered his questions. Mr Turner enquired as to how the truth of Huzoor’sas claims could be judged.

Huzooras replied that the arrival of an individual all the way from America to a small hamlet in Punjab was itself proof of his truthfulness.

Clement Wragge, a renowned meteorologist from the UK, visited the Promised Messiahas in Lahore (1908).

Being a man of science, he asked questions Clement Wragge to do with the very existence of God and God being limited or unlimited.

After two sittings with the Promised Messiahas, he declared that his questions had been answered satisfactorily. He later accepted Ahmadiyyat.

This interest in the Jamaat, from all parts of the world, has continued during the time of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and continues to this day. ___________ _______

Canada HC Visits Sri Lanka Mosque The Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Sri Lanka hosted David McKinnon, Canadian High Commissioner of Sri Lanka at the national Headquarters of the Jamaat in Colombo on Wednesday 11 April.

He was accompanied by Trevor Ludowyke, Senior Development Officer of Canada High Commission.

The High Commissioner to right: M Anis Ahmad, A H Nasir, H E David McKinnon, A Abdul Aziz, Trevor was presented with World Left Ludowyke, R Bashirudin, Moulavi A B Musthaq Ahmad Crisis and the Pathway to Peace written by Hazrat Mirza Masroor The High Commisioner was thankful for Ahhmadaa. The Sinhala translation of the the visit and appreciated the kind gestures.

Quran was also presented for Sri Lankan members of staff at the Canadian Embassy.

AMJ Sri Lanka

he last 15 years have witnessed the remarkable progress of the Jamaat.

This progress is a continuation of the advancement that the world has witnessed since the time of the Promised Messiahas and during the time of Khilafat-e-AhmadiOn a regular basis, Huzoor takes time out of his schedule to personally meet guests yya.

Ever since Hazrat Mirza Masroor atheist comes to see Huzooraa and has the Ahmadaa was elevated by Allah the Al- chance to speak to Huzooraa, sometimes mighty to the status of Khalifatul Masih, not even about the existence of God but he has dedicated every single moment about general matters. He goes back and of his time to improve the declining sit- writes that for the first time in his life had uation of the world that we live in. he thought about seriously considering Here in the Markaz, we have seen the existence of God and revisiting his numerous persons from various walks belief (or disbelief). That gentleman, of life visiting Huzooraa to seek guidance after only one audience with Huzooraa, in a variety of matters. Politicians, has constantly written to Huzooraa for bureaucrats, writers, journalists and prayers. intellectuals take pride in seeking When asked what makes him write Huzoor’s guidance. for prayers when he doesn’t even believe Having attended events where in God, his reply was simply aweHuzooraa spoke about the teachings of inspiring: “I never believed in God but Islam and how they could be understood I have felt the acceptance of his prayer.” in the wake of contemporary situations, Then there is an English lady, who politicians have requested audiences was brought up in a staunch Christian with Huzooraa to know more. Those who family, later turned atheist and presently are fortunate to be granted audience, turning to spirituality She had the good express how they now see a new face of fortunate of having audience with Islam that they were not familiar with Huzooraa. The first thing she said when before. They truly appreciate the beauty she came out was, “I never knew that of Islam as shown to them by Hazrat still there are people that make you feel Khalifatul Masih Vaa. like believing in God.” Journalists of high esteem have A writer was in audience with requested interviews both here in Huzooraa seeking advice on a certain London and when Huzooraa is abroad. matter. Huzooraa gifted this writer a pen.

LBC, CBC, The Guardian, The Times, The writer called after many months to Newsweek and other esteemed media say that he uses the pen very carefully as outlets have interviewed Huzooraa and he does not want it to ever run out. have taken it as a great honour to have When people who are not even spoken to him. When most people Ahmadis, or not even Muslims for that are seen nervous facing journalists, matter, feel so lucky to even just know there have been journalists who found Huzooraa, how grateful should we be to themselves nervous in speaking to a Allah for being so blessed with Hazrat person of such high stature.

Khalifatul Masih.

Historians, social scientists, He is everything to us. The writer researchers, philosophers and is protective of a pen that he got from intellectuals have made it a point to Huzoor; we, too, have a lot to be sign and present their publications to extremely protective and proud of.

Huzooraa.

It is faith-inspiring to learn that an ___________ _______

Sir Harold Nicholas | Wiki Commons

T

White Doves

From the Archives

4

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM

EXCLUSIVE

Time and Tide Waited for One Huzooraa Narrates a Momentous Series of Events Asif M Basit, London

The days that ensued the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrt and before the Election of the Fifth Khalifa were turbulent days for the entire Jamaat. A lot has been said and written about that time and its sensitivity, but we always remained curious to know what Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa went through. 15 years have passed in this curiosity but thanks to Al Hakam that enabled me to muster up the courage to ask.

A few days ago, in a blessed moment, I enquired about this from Huzooraa and Huzooraa most graciously shed light on it. I have no claim or experience of speedwriting, but Allah enabled me to jot down every word that Huzooraa said in reply. Below, is the translation of the original Urdu narration of events by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa.

“I arrived home from my office to be told by my wife that Miyan Luqman had called from London to say that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrt had passed away. I immediately called Dr. Nuri sahib who was in London at the time, as a medical advisor to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrt. He confirmed the devastating news.

This news came as a great shock.

The sorrow was overwhelming, but the sensitivity of the situation demanded complete control of emotions as it was a testing time for the entire Jamaat. As Nazir-e-Ala [Chief Secretary], it was my responsibility to organise the series of events that would follow and oversee them.

I called the Private Secretary in London who, I realised, was then unaware of the situation. I asked him to gather all the details and send them to me as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I called a meeting of the Ulia Committee, which comprised the key officials of Jamaat bodies, like Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Tehrik-

those whose visas had expired, I ensured that they were given visas as quickly as possible.

In the meantime, I received the details of the time and cause of Huzoor’srt demise from the Private Secretary.

I conveyed these to Miyan Ahmad sahib [the late Sahibzada Mirza Ghulam Ahmad sahib] along with instructions on drafting an announcement to inform the Jamaats around the world.

He brought back to me the draft for approval, which was then sent out to all Jamaats and also broadcast on MTA. I had already

It was midnight or even past midnight when I got to [my residence at number] 41, Guest House. There, in my room was I, the darkness of the night and the blessings of my God.” e-Jadid etc. I gave instructions in the wake of the emergency situation. I also had to ensure that visas were up to date and that there were travel arrangements for members of the Electoral College;

instructed Sultan Mahmood Anwar sahib to make a formal announcement after the Asr prayer in Masjid Mubarak.

That time was a test of patience.

On one hand, there was the grief of

Huzoor’srt demise and on the other, the responsibility of fulfilling a crucial duty that had been entrusted to me by Huzoorrt: the duty of supervising the arrangements of Intikhab-e-Khilafat [election of the new Khalifa].

With these mixed emotions, I headed home to prepare for my flight to London. The preparation, by the way, was nothing more than grabbing a few clothes alongside my travel documents and setting off for departure.

As visas were still being processed for a few members of the Electoral College, it was decided that the members be split into two convoys: one to fly on the same day and the other to leave the following day once the visas had been acquired.

In the first convoy were Miyan Khurshid sahib [the late Sahibzada Mirza Khurshid Ahmad sahib], Miyan Ahmad sahib, Miyan Anas Ahmad sahib and myself; we were fourteen members altogether. We set off from

Rabwah to Lahore where we were to catch the flight. There was a short transit in Abu Dhabi from where we boarded the London bound flight.

I had already given instructions from Rabwah about washing and shrouding the body. When we arrived in London, the body had been washed, shrouded and placed in a casket and Huzoorrt was laid in state in Mahmood Hall for members of the Jamaat to pay their respects. I, too, initially paid my respects here in Mahmood Hall. The way one feels upon seeing their Imam in that situation cannot be described in words. But you can imagine; so, imagine what my feelings were in that moment.

By then, it was time for Namaz [prayers], so we offered Namaz in the Fazl Mosque. Now, Huzoor’srt body had been moved to a room adjacent to Mahmood Hall. I went to that room. A strange moment that was; in the room was Huzoorrt, myself and absolute

5

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM silence. It was a surreal setting. I stayed there, at Huzoor’srt side, for quite some time, praying for Huzoorrt.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrt, had issued a set of instructions well before his demise, for such an emergency situation. One clause was that before the arrival of Nazir-e-Ala in London, Amir Jamaat UK would be Additional Nazire-Ala to oversee necessary arrangements in the meantime. Upon arrival, I took charge from Amir sahib UK and commenced the process for convening the Electoral College, the funeral and the burial etc. Time was short; a lot had to be done and every task required full care and attention.

By the sheer blessings of Allah, everything was organised in good time.

I felt at peace that I had fulfilled my duty. Every moment was spent praying that Allah granted the Jamaat a new Khalifa, and that I and every member of the Jamaat were able to obey the new Khalifa; every moment was spent praying that Allah may keep the Jamaat united.

This state is, indeed, a state of fear. So of course, there was fear. But there was also firm faith in Allah’s promise that He would replace this state of fear with security. Thus, I was under the strong belief that Allah would grant the Jamaat a new Khalifa and that our fears would be replaced with peace.

Then came the time for the Election.

As a member, I also entered the Fazl Mosque that was full with members of the Electoral College. I stood near the

shoes with Chaudhry Hameedullah sahib for a while. Chaudhry sahib, as the senior-most official of the Jamaat, was to preside over the Election, so when he

that I did not have the courage to peer up and glance around nor did my conscience permit; a fragile time as it was. Thus, I sat with my gaze down.

I had said to my wife that on the seventh day after the Election, I would seek permission from the new Khalifa to return. I was also mentally prepared that the new Khalifatul Masih might not assign me the same responsibility I had. was called to the front, I sat where I was stood, at the back of the Mosque.

The aura of the gathering was such

When my name was presented, I felt instant fear, so I lowered my head.

When the votes were counted and the AMA UK

announcement made, I was confident that there must have been a mistake in the count. What happened after this made me tremble; there was no choice but to accept the decree of God. The Bai‘at and silent prayer followed.

How I felt in that moment, the whole world saw on MTA. It was as if the weight of a mountain had been placed on my shoulders.

It was midnight or even past midnight when I got to [my residence at number] 41, Guest House. There, in my room was I, the darkness of the night and the blessings of my God.” Huzooraa paused here. Having heard this directly from Huzooraa, I was enchanted and did not know how to ask for more details. But in that precious moment, I felt that I owed more to the readers of Al Hakam and so, built the courage to gather more pearls. “What thoughts had crossed your mind, leaving Rabwah, Huzoor?” Our beloved master, in his humility, replied in a low tone: “There was so much to be done before my departure that I did not have much else on my mind. However, I had said to my wife that on the seventh day after the Election, I would seek permission from the new Khalifa to return. I was also mentally prepared that the new Khalifatul Masih might not assign me the same responsibility I had.

But I pledged to myself that whatever responsibilities were assigned to me, I would perform them wholeheartedly and then return.”

I thought that this was it. But my master probably sensed my curiosity.

“Is that it? What else did you want to hear?”

He said this with great affection; the affection that produces valour. I asked, “Your life must have drastically changed after becoming Khalifa. How does it feel?”

The reply was simple but enlightening.

“That moment was a ‘U-turn’ in my life. What I had left behind, remained there and where I am heading to is, by Allah’s will, in constant motion. I was a free man, fond of sowing seeds and harvesting crops – a simple farmer. Then I was appointed as Nazir-e-Ala, and from then on, I had to perform administrative responsibilities. Then, Allah entrusted me with this responsibility.”

As I walked out of Huzoor’saa office, I was spellbound. Before my very eyes were the crops that had yielded out of the seeds sown by this great Khalifa, which he continues to sow. May Allah keep these crops forever waving with the winds of His Mercy, and may the farmer of these crops live long. Amin. ___________ _______

6

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

Tabligh Promised Messiahas”. The hall was packed to the extent that the crowd reached the road outside. On this occasion, we were blessed

by Allah in that we used a different tabligh approach.

I have observed that the people of Mumbai gather more for events where poetry is recited. So this time, I used this technique and presented the poem of the Promised Messiahas in which he has presented proofs of his truthfulness. By this, I am referring to the revealed Persian poem that starts with “Jaikeh Az Masih Wa Nazdalish Sukhan Rawad”. This poem was recited before the audience. After every verse, I would explain its meaning also. By the sheer grace of God, throngs of people had gathered and the hall was packed to the end, so much so that people were standing on the roads outside in large numbers…

Every time I mentioned the blessed name of the Promised Messiahas, the joy of the crowd could be seen from their expressions.

When I would passionately recite certain couplets regarding the state of the Maulvis and how they misguide people about the reality of Jesusas, the crowd would get filled with passion and enthusiasm exclaiming “Subhanallah!” In this manner, I recited the entire poem of the Promised Messiahas with its translation and explanation.

Then, I addressed the audience and said: “Can such a person – whose proofs of truthfulness I have just presented before you and whose enthralling poem captivated your attention – be, God forbid, labelled kafir, irreligious or Dajjal? What has happened to your Maulvis, who term light as darkness and who affiliate pleasantness with bitterness. What’s more is that they have persuaded you to believe all this! Tell me honestly: is it possible for followers of the Dajjal to take up ship-journeys, in a time when people refrain from such journeys, not for worldly gains or for national interests but merely for sake of God? Is it possible

Al Fazl, 23 April 1918 Tabligh in Amritsar: n 12 April 1918, Hafiz Roshan Ali sahib’s lecture, on “The Blessings of Islam”, began at 8pm and ended at 10pm. In my estimation, there were between 400-500 attendees.

When the announcement was published [about the lecture], some opponents began delivering sermons against it.

As a precautionary measure, we informed the police about the resistance and they arranged for Constables and two Sub-Inspectors to help with maintaining order.

Hazrat Hafiz Roshan Alira Prior to the arrival of the Police, some opponents threw fifteen or sixteen rocks at the crowd, striking the forehead of a bystander and causing serious injury and blood to flow, as well as minor injuries to others...

Hafiz sahib’s speech was extremely captivating. The audience comfortably listened to it.

The following day, Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad [Siyal] sahib’s English lecture commenced at 8am on a specific revelation.

There was a significant gathering. Chaudhry sahib spoke constantly in English for about half an hour uninterrupted. The audience listened to his speech attentively.

Afterwards, Chaudhry sahib presented the Urdu translation of the speech as well.

(Dr Abdullah Amritsar)

O

Tabligh in Mumbai This Sunday’s lecture was also, by the grace of God, extraordinarily successful. My speech was on “The Truthfulness of the

Penang Trishaws Ride Home Muslim Message AMJ Malaysia

he Ahmadiyya Muslim message of T peace, epitomised by their motto: “Love for All, Hatred for None” is being spread across Penang (also known as Georgetown), on 100 Penang trishaws.

What are trishaws? They are traditional and iconic modes of transport, used since

Tabligh in Basra Asghar Ali Khan sahib, Secretary Anjuman Ahmadiyya Basra, writes: “On 31 March, people gathered and listened to Babu Abdur Rahim sahib speak on Hajj. We are continuously performing tabligh duties and people are given books to study.”

Tabligh Tour, District Multan Hafiz Jamal Ahmad sahib is performing a tour for tabligh purposes. May Allah produce prosperous results.

___________ _______

(23 April 1918)

The launching ceremony was widely covered by the local newspaper. The feedback from locals was highly positive and many of them applauded the efforts taken by the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and enquired further about the Community.

During the launching ceremony, 170 people took part in this campaign. 40 members of Jamaat Penang from Ansar, Khuddam and Lajna took part in this launching ceremony. 30 participants represented the local State Government Body and NGOs while the remaining 100 participants were trishaw riders.

AMJ Malaysia

Penang Trishaws Ride Home Muslim Message

the time of British occupancy in Penang, Malaysia by both locals and tourists.

The campaign by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Penang, Malaysia aims to assert the Islamic principles of peaceful co-existence as part of a nationwide effort to denounce extremism and terrorism, and promote the true guiding principles of Islam, which are peace with God and mankind, freedom, loyalty to one’s country and justice.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat hopes that the message will change public opinion.

Hopefully these slogans will catch the eye of public and give a positive message for a change.

The idea is to emphasise ideals that relate to the Islamic faith, but do not always attract media attention. The slogans on the trishaws are the key themes of peace, respect, equality, freedom and loyalty.

for a person to place himself in the midst of turbulent waves, and upon reaching London, begin preaching to non-Muslims and enter them in the fold of Muhammade-Arabi, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, by teaching them the essence of the Kalima? Send your Maulvis and Sufis, and prepare your Lords and Feudal Barons; Muslims have ruled India for hundreds of years but in this day and age nobody has considered establishing a Muslim mission in Europe. Today, this noble task is being achieved by our Khalifatul Masihaa, and it is this humble Jamaat – that your Maulvis call “the Jamaat of the misguided” – that is performing such duties that could not be accomplished in hundreds of years. The tree that our Mirzaas planted now yields fruits; test it for yourself and see whether they are pleasant or bitter. If they are sweet, then do not bring destruction to yourself by falling into the trap of these ill-informed people.”

It was God’s doing that as I spoke of tabligh in Europe, at that moment and in that very crowd, I received mail from abroad.

Therein was Hazrat Mufti [Muhammad Sadiq] sahib’s letter in which he mentioned a doctor and a lady accepting Islam. I read out the letter to the audience and presented this contemporary and living proof of the Promised Messiah’sas truthfulness. This gave the crowd all the more reason to be pleased.

After that, I made a heartfelt prayer for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II and everyone, including the audience said “Amin”, which echoed in the hall. Then, we prayed for Hazrat Mufti sahib and the entire audience, after which the event came to a close.

Mirza Fazl Ahmad sahib was in the same convoy as Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad sahibaa, en route to London for the Electoral College in 2003.

Abid Khan sahib, in his diary, included some of Mirza Fazl Ahmad sahib’s reminiscences: “I saw that Huzoor remained calm and probably did not even have time to consider his own personal grief, and his only worry was protecting the Jamaat at that time of crisis.”

Mirza Fazl Ahmad sahib had to go to Huzoor’s house to drop off or pick up something. He was told that Huzoor was saying his prayers.

“I could hear Huzoor engaged in the most fervent and desperate of prayers and could hear his utterly emotional state. Whilst in prostration, bowed before Allah, he was crying uncontrollably. I had never seen Huzoor in such a state ever before. Yet, when Huzoor returned to the public, he was composed again and, as far as I am aware, he remained so until the moment of his election as Khalifatul Masih V.” Mirza Fazl Ahmad sahib narrates a very interesting incident from the road-journey to Lahore, “I was also part of Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and so I had arranged for some tea and biscuits at the services. It had already been a very long day and I knew no one had eaten and the elderly people would need something. However, when tea was served, one of our senior and elder office-bearers became very angry and said, ‘Is this any time to be drinking tea?’

“Emotionally, what he was saying was right that nobody wanted to eat or drink but the reality was that some of the elders could have collapsed if they did not eat or drink anything.

Anyway, Huzoor observed this entire incident and I was worried that he too might admonish me, but without saying a single word, he picked up a cup and started to drink from it.

“Huzoor handled the delicate situation beautifully and with great wisdom. He neither said anything to the office-bearer who had scolded me, as he knew emotions were running very high, but at the same time, he also knew that people would need to eat or drink.”

7

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM

The Blessed Fifth Era of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya 15 Years On The blessings that Allah has bestowed upon His Jamaat during the blessed Khilafat of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa are unfathomable. So that our hearts can pay gratitude to Allah the Almighty, we present below only a brief glimpse of the achievements of this blessed era so far.

•

Tahir Foundation (to collate the immense works of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IV)

•

Inauguration of Baitul Futuh Mosque in London

•

Scheme for contributions towards Tahir Heart Foundation

•

•

Extension of Jamaat Offices in Tahir House, London

•

Purchase of land for Jalsa Salana: Hadeeqatul Mahdi in Alton, Hampshire

•

Mosques in all major cities of UK

•

Model Village Scheme through IAAAE

Establishment of Noor Foundation (scheme to translate books of Hadith)

•

Relief efforts for calamity-stricken areas through Humanity First

•

Launch of MTA 2 to cater for European languages

•

Establishment of the Press and Media Section in London

•

Call for 15,000 new members to join the Wasiyyat Scheme before its centenary in 2005

•

Installation of printing presses in various countries of the world

•

Establishment of Russian Desk in London

•

• •

Establishment of Nazarat-e-RishtaNata (matrimonial affairs) in Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya Launch of Annual Peace Symposium UK

•

Establishment of International Jamias in Canada, UK, Germany and Ghana

•

Establishment of Wakalat-e-Tamilo-Tanfidh (India, Nepal, Bhutan)

Awarding of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Peace Prize

•

•

Launch of MTA 3 to cater for the Arab world

Establishment of Wakalat-e-Ishaat Tarseel (Dispatch)

•

•

Establishment of MTA Earth Station, USA

Makhzan-e-Tasaweer reestablished

•

•

Scheme of Waqf-e-Arzi for Spain (January 2005)

Scheme for prayers on Khilafat Centenary

Planting the Roots of Islam in Argentina

By the grace of Allah, through this radio programme the message of the True Islam is weekly received by more than 27,000 listeners.

•

Live concluding addresses for Jalsa Salana Bangladesh

Scheme for financial sacrifice for a mosque in Valencia (2005)

•

•

Live addresses at Annual Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam ul Ahmadiyya UK

Scheme for restoring historic buildings in Qadian

•

•

Scheme for regular prayers for countries where Ahmadiyya persecution is rampant

Scheme to develop Qadian to modern standards

•

Opening of Baitur Rehman Mosque in Valencia (2013)

•

London

•

Scheme to establish teams to respond to allegations on Islam in the media

•

Doctors instructed to offer Waqfe-Arzi in Rabwah and African countries

•

Tehrik-e-Jadid Daftar Panjum (5th Generation of financial sacrifice under Tehrik-e-Jadid)

•

Youth urged to pursue careers in Journalism

•

Addresses to the UK Parliament, Capitol Hill, European Parliament, New Zealand Parliament and many other global arenas

•

Instructions for Zakat to be paid at appropriate rates

•

Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre established as a central office in London

•

Launch of MTA Africa to cater for the African countries

•

Rabwah office of Ahmadiyya ARC established

•

Nazarat-e-Sehat (Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya) established as an autonomous department

•

Message delivered in Arabic language to the Arab world

•

Live and interactive programmes launched on MTA like Al-Hiwarul-Mubashir, Rah-e-Huda, Shotter Shondane and Beacon of Truth

•

Launch of The Weekly Al Hakam in English language online

•

•

Heads of States, Parliamentarians, Bureaucrats, intelligentsia, journalists and academics seek guidance from Huzooraa Television and radio interviews explaining the true teachings of Islam by mentioning the endeavours of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

•

Letters to key Heads of States urging them to play their role in establishing peace

•

Regular connection with Jamaat through regular Sermons every Friday

•

Keynote address at the World Faith Conference in Guildhall,

Flood Relief in Shkodra, Albania

ith the blessing of the Allah, the W Albania Jamaat brought relief to 30 flooded families in the district of Shkodra.

On the morning of 25 March, the Jamaat team – consisting of 9 Khuddam – left from Tirana and arrived in Shkodra City at 10:45am.

The Mayor of Shkodra, Mrs. Voltana Ademi, warmly welcomed the members of the Jamaat in her office. As they spoke, the Mayor briefed them about the severe situation caused by the floods in that province. The President of Jamaat Albania said that the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community strives to help people in need, especially in remote areas of the country, because the belief of the Jamaat is that by helping the creation indiscriminately, we can achieve the pleasure of the Creator.

The President presented the Mayor

with the Albanian translation of the book, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The Mayor praised the Jamaat for their efforts and provided assistance in getting them to the remote areas which had been struck with floods. With the coordination of the Municipality of Shkodra the 9-man team met with 30 such families in the villages of Baks, Ças and Pulaj of Velipoja, Shkodra.

Most families could only be reached by boat. They were given packets containing 14 kilograms worth of food items, with the packing citing the motto of the Jamaat “Love for All, Hatred for None”.

The Municipality of Shkodra published the efforts with gratitude and gave coverage of the team at work on their official Facebook Page.

AMJ Albania

Marwan Gill sahib (right) Missionary Argentina at local radio station

AMJ Argentina

spreading the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat far and wide.

Last summer, three Argentinian journalists from the news & radio channel “ABC Mundial” participated in Jalsa Salana UK. By the grace of Allah, the Jalsa and the message of the Ahmadiyya Community had such a positive impact on them that they offered us themselves to start a radio programme on their channel to introduce our community and the real Islamic values to the local people here in Argentina.

Hence, it was another fulfilment and manifestation of the Divine promise, “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth,” with the inauguration of the radio show Discubra el Islam (Discover Islam) on 10 February 2018.

This programme is held in Spanish every Saturday from 10-11am and is

repeated on Tuesdays. It is also transmitted live via Facebook. So far, 9 episodes of Discubra el Islam have been broadcast, in which various topics have already been covered, such as, terrorism and Islam, the Islamic Veil, true concept of jihad, and the purpose of life.

The programme starts with a recorded recitation of the Holy Quran and finishes with a recording of Durud Sharif.

In the first half the Missionary and his wife answer different questions and in the second half of the programme they speak to different Spanish speaking Ahmadi members all over the world. So far, guests from Spain, UK, Germany, Mexico, United States, Guatemala and Uruguay have participated.

Live concluding addresses for Jalsa Salana Qadian

AMJ Albania

Ahmadiyya Argentina was recently Jtheamaat sent its first Missionary and since then, Jamaat has had the good fortune of

•

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon 23.03.18

Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque The Promised Messiah and Mahdias After reciting the Tashahud, Ta’awuz and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba stated: Today is March 23rd, and this day is commemorated by the Community as the “Promised Messiah Day” in which various Jama’ats organise Jalsas [gatherings] in respect to this day. In the coming two days, as the weekend approaches, many Jama’ats will host these Jalsas by relating the history, background and all other aspects in regards to this [day].

At present, I will present some excerpts of the Promised Messiahas, in which he has elucidated the purpose of the advent of the Promised Messiah, his need and his status. Upon making his claim, the so-called Muslim scholars left no stone unturned in their efforts to incite the general Muslims against the Promised Messiahas. They exerted their utmost efforts and they still continue to do so. However, with the Help of God Almighty, his Community continues to make progress and the pure-natured people continue to join the Community.

Whilst mentioning his advent in accordance with Divine promises, and also proclaiming that he was indeed the aforementioned Messiah, the Promised Messiahas states, “Malicious attacks have been launched against the true concept of Tauhid [Oneness of God Almighty], and against the honour, sanctity and veracity of the Holy Prophetsa and against the Divine origin of the Holy Quran. Would it not then behove the Honour of God Almighty to raise in this era, an individual who shall break the cross?” Since, in that era, the attacks were being levelled against the Holy Prophetsa by Christians.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Did God Almighty forget His promise:

ّ َ ْ َّ َ َ َّ َ ‫الذكْ َر َو ِانَّا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِف ُظ‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ‫ِانا ن ْح ُن نزلنا‬

[Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian. (Al Hijr: 10)] Verily the promises of God are ever true.

He has sent a warner to the world according to His promise. The world did not accept him, but God Almighty will surely accept him, and will establish his truth through mighty Signs.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “I tell you truly, I have come as the Promised Messiah in accordance with God’s promise.

Let him, who so wills, accept and let him, who so wills, reject. However, your rejection will make no difference. Whatever God has willed shall surely come to pass, because God Almighty has made the promise in Braheen-e-Ahmadiyya:

َْ ّٰ َ َ َ َ َ ‫لہ َوک‬ ُ ْ‫الل ُہ َو َر ُسو‬ ‫ان َو ْع ًدا ّمف ُعوْلًا‬ ‫صدق‬

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, Pg. 206, 1985, UK) In other words, Allah and His Messenger have spoken the truth and the promise of God was fulfilled.

On another occasion, the Promised Messiahas stated, “Asses this community on the precepts of the Prophets and determine with whom the truth sides? Self-professed principles are of no avail, nor do I base my claims on mere conjecture. Rather, I present my claims against the standard of the precepts of prophethood. Thus, why should its truthfulness not be judged according to this principle?”

saying: “However what can I say to those whose vision is impaired and oppose me?

In short, we observe that if these people repeatedly present anything then it is a collection of Ahadith [traditions of the Holy Prophetsa], which they themselves do not consider to be anything more significant than a state of conjecture. They are unaware that a time will come when people will ridicule their absurd principles.” People will mock their farcical views.

Then the Promised Messiah furtheras states, “It is the right of every seeker of truth to demand from us the proof of our claim.”

Indeed, this is absolutely correct in that one should search for proofs; everyone has a right to do so. “For this, we present exactly what the earlier prophets did.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “That is, the Qur’anic text, Ahadith and logical arguments, i.e. the current necessities, which demand the advent of a reformer.

Furthermore, I have documented the signs of God Almighty, which He has manifested at my hands. These comprise of approximately one hundred and fifty signs and to which millions of people are witness.

Thus, to present absurdities is not an act of

rejecting me alone. Rather, it is to reject God and His Messengersa. The reason for this is that whoever rejects me, prior to doing so, God forbid, deems God Almighty to be a liar because despite witnessing that internal and external disorders have exceeded all bounds and despite His promise of:

َّ ْ ّ َ ْ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َّ ُ ‫الذك َر َو ِانا ل َ ٗہ ل َ ٰح ِفظوۡ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا نحن نزلنا‬

[Verily, We Ourself have sent down this Exhortation, and most surely We will be its Guardian].

“He did not make any provisions for their reform. Moreover, he also believes that God Almighty promised in the verse of Istikhlaf [establishment of the institution of Khilafat] wherein He would establish the system of Khilafat [successorship] amongst the followers of Prophet Muhammadsa in similitude to the Mosaic dispensation.

However, God forbid, He did not fulfil His promise and there is presently no Khalifa amongst the Ummah [followers of Islam].

“Furthermore, it does not end here.

Rather, he will also be compelled to reject the statement of the Holy Qur’an where the Holy Prophetsa has been referred to appear in the likeness of Moses, God forbid. The reason for this is that for the absolute resemblance and similarity of this dispensation it was necessary that a Messiah would be born from within this very Ummah at the turn of the fourteenth century, just as a Messiah appeared in the Mosaic dispensation at the turn of the fourteenth century. Similarly, they would be compelled to falsify this verse of the Holy Qur’an:

َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ‫ّو ٰاخ ِریۡ َن ِمن ُہ ْم ل َ ّما یَل َحقوۡا ِب ِہ ْم‬

The Promised Messiahas further says, “I am certain that those who hearken to my words with an open heart shall derive benefit from them and will accept me.

However those who harbour malice and rancour in their hearts will not be able to benefit from my words. Their similitude is that of an Ahwal,” i.e. an individual whose vision is impaired and sees double.

“One who has double vision. Irrespective of how many arguments presented that there is only one object instead of two, he would not accept them.”

The Promised Messiahas then related an incident, “It is said that there was once a servant [of an individual] who suffered from double vision.” i.e. a person who was cross eyed and employed as a servant.

“His master told him to bring a mirror from inside. He went inside and returned saying that there were two mirrors, which one shall he bring? The master replied that there is only one mirror and not two. The servant replied: ‘Does this mean that I am a liar?’ The master then replied: ‘Go ahead and break one of them.’ When he broke the mirror, he realised that in fact he was in the wrong.”

The Promised Messiahas continues by

virtue.”

The Promised Messiahas states: “It is for this reason that the Holy Prophetsa had declared that he [the Promised Messiah] would come as an arbiter.” In other words, when the Promised Messiah will appear, he will be the arbiter, “and you should accept his decisions.” He will be one who shall pronounce verdicts and they should be followed. “Those people, whose hearts are filled with mischief, as they do not wish to believe, they continue to present vain arguments and allegations. However, they should remember that ultimately God Almighty, in accordance with His promise, will manifest my truth through mighty signs. I firmly believe that if I had fabricated lies, He would have destroyed me at once.

However, every undertaking of mine is in fact His undertaking and I have come from Him. To reject me is to reject Him. Therefore, He will personally manifest my truth.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 34-35, 1985, UK) Furthermore, whilst explaining the fact that rejecting the Promised Messiah leads to rejecting God Almighty and His Messengersa, the Promised Messiahas states, “To deny me is not, in fact, limited to

[and among others from among them who have not yet joined them. He is the Mighty, the Wise], which gives the glad tidings of the advent of one who shall appear as a reflection of Ahmadsa. Similarly, there are many verses of the Holy Qur’an, which a person would have no choice but to reject. As a matter of fact, I declare with full conviction that the entire Qur’an will have to be abandoned, from Al-Hamd all the way to Al-Nas. Now, ponder: is my rejection a simple matter? I do not say this of my own accord. Rather, I swear by God the Almighty and declare that this is the very truth that whoever leaves me and rejects me, whether he does so verbally or not, he has [certainly] falsified the entire Qur’an and abandoned God through His actions. One of my revelations also alludes to this.”

God Almighty revealed to the Promised Messiahas:

َ ْ َ​َ ّ َْ ‫ان َت ِم ِن ْی َو انا ِمنک‬

[You are from Me and I am from you].

The Promised Messiahas further states, “There is no doubt that my rejection mandates the rejection of God and that my acceptance testifies the truthfulness of God and a firm faith in His existence is developed. Furthermore, to reject me is not in fact limited to rejecting me. Rather, it is to reject the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, prior to mustering the courage to reject and deny me, a person should reflect and seek the verdict from his own heart as to who he is rejecting.”

9

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM Further elaborating on the fact that why rejecting the Promised Messiah results in the rejection of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas says, “Why does this equate to the rejection of the Holy Prophetsa?” In other words, how is the Holy Prophetsa rejected as a result of denying the Promised Messiahas?

The Promised Messiahas states, “The reason for this is that the promise made by the Holy Prophetsa stating that a reformer would appear at the turn of every century, would be rendered false, God forbid.

The Promised Messiah was explaining this to a visitor.

The Promised Messiahas states, “Do not hasten in relation to me. Rather, you should reflect with pure intentions and a clear mind.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 14-16, 1985, UK) On another occasion the Promised Messiahas states, “Thus, if the hearts of these people are free from grudges and malice, they should listen to my words and follow me and observe whether God Almighty

The Promised Messiahas further states, “There is no doubt that my rejection mandates the rejection of God and that my acceptance testifies the truthfulness of God and a firm faith in His existence is developed.

Furthermore, to reject me is not in fact limited to rejecting me. Rather, it is to reject the Holy Prophetsa.

Moreover, the statement of the Holy Prophetsa:

ُْ ُ​ُ َ ‫امک ْم ِمنک ْم‬ ‫ِام‬

[your Imam shall be from among you] that too, God forbid, would prove to be incorrect. Furthermore, the glad tidings that the Holy Prophetsa gave of a Messiah and Mahdi to appear at the time of the discord caused by the false doctrines surrounding the cross would also have proven to be false, God forbid. The reason for this is that the discord is present, however, the Imam failed to appear. Thus, when one acknowledges all of this, then does he not practically prove the Holy Prophetsa to be false?”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Thus, I again declare that my denial is not a simple matter. Before declaring me as a disbeliever, you will have to become a disbeliever yourself. Even before declaring me to be sacrilegious and misguided, you will first have to accept your own misguidance and humiliation. In order to declare me as someone to have abandoned the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith, you will have to first abandon the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith yourself.” i.e. It will not be me who will abandon them, rather he who makes such a claim is the one who will abandon it.

The Promised Messiahas then says, “I testify to the truthfulness of the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith and equally I have come in its fulfilment. I am not misguided, rather, I am the Mahdi. I am not a disbeliever, but a true fulfilment of

ْ ْ ْ َ​َ َ​َ ‫انا ا ّو ُل ال ُم ٔو ِم ِنی َن‬

[I am the first to believe].

Furthermore, God has manifested to me that whatever I say is true. Whoever believes in God and believes the Holy Qur’an and the Holy Prophetsa to be true, it is sufficient evidence for him to hear these words uttered by me and remain silent. However, what can be done about the one who is audacious and impudent? God Himself will deal with him.”

leaves them in darkness or guides them towards the light. I am certain that whoever follows me with patience and a pure heart will not perish. Rather, he will partake of the life which is eternal”. In other words, he will be honoured in this world and God Almighty will also shower blessings upon him in the hereafter.

The Promised Messiahas states, “I present the verdict of Jesus himself with regards to his second coming to those whose hearts are pure and fear God. They should explain to me whether or not Jesus was correct in his answer to the question of the Jews (saying Elijah must first appear). The Jews presented their scriptures stating that the second coming of Elijah is mentioned in the book of Malachi. There is no mention of someone coming in the spirit of Elijah,” instead he shall appear in person himself. That is to say that there is no mention of someone coming in his spirit, nor is it written that someone would appear in his likeness.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Jesusas said that the one to come is none other than John the Baptist. It is up to you whether you choose to accept him or not.

Leave this decision to any fair-minded person and see in whose favour his verdict will be.” It is evident that if they were to leave the decision to any judge, “the verdict would surely be in favour of the Jews,” - because the decision would be made according to what is literally written. However the Promised Messiahas explains that this decision is wrong because, “anyone who believes in God and understands how God Almighty’s chosen ones are sent, will know for sure that whatever Jesus said is correct.”

The Promised Messiahas then states, “Tell us, is it not the same situation in this case?

If you fear God then you would tremble if you had the audacity to say that this claim is false. It is a shame and regretful to say that these people do not even have as much faith as the one who was among the people of Pharaoh and said that if he was a liar then he would perish himself. If one acts with

righteousness with regards to me, then one would say the same and witness whether God Almighty is supporting and aiding me or destroying my movement.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 30-31, 1985, UK) By the grace of Allah today, the voice which emanated from a small village has now spread to 210 countries and thus, this too is a proof of his truthfulness. In far-off places where, 30-40 years ago, one could not imagine Ahmadiyyat would have spread, not only has the message reached there, but God Almighty is also granting people with such firm faith that one is left astounded. I shall present an account in this regard.

Benin is a relatively small country in Africa. In 2012, a [local] Jama’at was formally established there. An Ahmadi from that village, Ibrahim Sahib accepted Ahmadiyyat, but prior to this he was a Muslim who was well versed and knowledgeable. After accepting Ahmadiyyat he began exceling in earnestness and sincerity. He began preaching to his brothers and relatives. His brother was perturbed by his preaching, feeling he would sway them from their faith, and began to dispute with his brother.

Even still, he continued his preaching to the people about Ahmadiyyat and the true Islam. As a result of his efforts, by the grace of Allah, three neighbouring villages entered into the fold of Ahmadiyyat. Ibrahim Sahib’s brother, alongside his friend, devised a plan to kill him because he continued to spread Ahmadiyyat and thought ending his life would be the only solution.

Ibrahim Sahib says that he saw in a dream that his elder brother and his friend were digging a ditch and placing something inside it. Three days after seeing this dream his brother’s friend suddenly fell ill and

deal with his brother. His brother handed him the money and the Chief summoned Ibrahim Sahib. When he arrived the Chief became enraged and in an infuriated manner said: “What is this you have done; you have adopted a new faith? Renounce this new religion which you are spreading once and for all and repent, otherwise you will not live to see the sun rise. You will not live to see tomorrow.” Ibrahim Sahib replied “I accepted this religion realising it was the truth. I cannot therefore abandon it. As for dying, life and death are in the Hands of God.” The Chief said “I am the god of this land, I do as I please. You know full well what decision I am about to make and that whoever I say will die tomorrow, will certainly die.” Ibrahim Sahib answered, “It is all well and good that you say this to your followers but I cannot say anything in this regard. Even still, I shall not forsake my religion as this is the truth and the true Islam.” Upon hearing this the Chief became even more enraged and ordered his people to take him and lock him in a room.

Whilst they were taking him away Ibrahim Sahib told them not to get involved in this affair and to let him free instead of detaining him. In any case, since these people were somewhat selfish, they took some money and let him go. The next day, the news came that the Chief had suffered a stroke and became paralysed, and two days later he died. Having witnessed this, Ibrahim’s brother, who opposed him, asked his family members to reconcile between them. Ibrahim Sahib said, “I never had any enmity with anyone and we seek to yearn for peace and this in fact is also the true message of Islam.” Having witnessed the sign of the Chief passing away, there was a profound

The Promised Messiahas states, “I swear by God Almighty that thousands of signs have appeared in my favour; are still appearing, and will continue to appear in the future.” These signs have not ceased, rather they shall continue to occur. “Had this been the work of a human, it would have never received this much support and success.” died. His brother began claiming that this Ahmadi had cast a spell on him. He then said that a while later he again saw a dream that his brother was measuring himself against a tree. In that area there is a tradition that whenever someone passes away, in order to dig the grave they measure the deceased with the branch of a tree so that the grave is dug according to size.”

He further says that after a few days his elder brother’s pregnant wife fell ill and died within two days. His children also began falling ill, but still it had no effect on his brother and he continued spreading rumours that he was a sorcerer. He complained to the local Chief and asked for his help. He asked for some money and said that he would

effect on the people there and the news of this became widespread. The truthfulness of Ahmadiyyat was demonstrated. Hence, by the grace of God Almighty, such incidents even today are happening in support of the Promised Messiahas.

The Promised Messiahas states, “I swear by God Almighty that thousands of signs have appeared in my favour; are still appearing, and will continue to appear in the future.” These signs have not ceased, rather they shall continue to occur. “Had this been the work of a human, it would have never received this much support and success.”

(Haqqiqatul Wahi, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.22, pg.48) This is the work of God, due to which so

10

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM

much support is received.

On one occasion, explaining the need for a reformer and the Promised Messiah, the Promised Messiahas stated: “Just as there comes a time to cut each crop, the time has now come to remove all evils.” The time has come to eradicate all disorder and vices which have spread in the world.

The Promised Messiahas further says, “Disgracing and dishonouring the truthful one has exceeded all limits. The respect afforded to the Holy Prophetsa is even less than a fly or a wasp (God forbid). People even fear hornets and ants, however they fail to show the slightest hesitation when it comes to insulting the Holy Prophetsa. They have become the embodiment of:

َ ٰ َّ َ ‫کذبُوۡا ِبا ٰی ِتنا‬

[And they rejected Our Signs totally] They have exerted their utmost effort in hurling abuse and using foul language. Now the time has truly come for God Almighty to reprimand them. In times such as these, He always sends someone who possesses the passion to uphold His grandeur and glory.

Such a person is granted support from the unseen. In reality it is God Almighty Who does everything and causing the advent of such a person is in fact a fulfilment of His established practice.

َ ّٰ َّ َ ‫َول َ ۡن ت ِج َد ل ُِسن ِۃ الل ِہ ت ْب ِدیۡلًا‬

[and thou wilt never find a change in the way of Allah] Now that the time has come, He has sent me in accordance with His practice.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “After studying the scriptures of God Almighty it can be discerned that when all limits have been crossed, preparations are then made in heaven. These are in fact a sign in his support that the time draws near. A manifest sign of a true prophet, messenger or reformer is that he appears at the right time and in the time of need. Can one say on oath that this is not the time for preparations to be made in heaven?” The Promised Messiahas was asking people to swear on oath and affirm that is this not that specified time. In that era as well as now, people continue to say that we are in need of a reformer. In fact, the clerics in Pakistan acknowledge this, yet they reject the Promised Messiahas.

The Promised Messiahas states, “Bear in mind that God Almighty does everything Himself. If my community and I were to sit idle in our homes, even then this work would continue and the Dajjal [The Antichrist] will perish.

َّ َ ۡ َ َ ُ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ۡ َ ْ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫ِتلک الایام ندا ِولہا بین الن‬

[Such days We cause to alternate among men] The Promised Messiahas says, “Its perfection indicates that its downfall is imminent.” Whenever something reaches its peak, when it believes it has power over all things and all success is in its hands, then that progress which it has attained starts to decline. In the same way the decline of these powers has also begun. Whether they are the forces working against Islam or those

opposed to Ahmadiyyat and the Promised Messiahas.

The Promised Messiahas continues, “The fact that it has reached its pinnacle shows that it will now see its own decline.” It has reached the absolute heights and this shows that it will now begin to deteriorate. “The strength of its population is in fact a sign of its destruction.” The power and population which it deems to be in abundance will become the sign of its destruction. “Indeed, a cool breeze has begun to blow. The works of God Almighty happen gradually.”

Certainly, the sign has begun to appear and the works of God Almighty will be steadily carried out, God willing.

contact with the Jama’at and say that due to the opposition of such and such cleric or after hearing something said against the Jama’at, they became more curious to research and learn more about the Jama’at.

And now due to the internet, the literature of the Jama’at is available everywhere and lots of information is available. One can even draw parallels and thus after researching, they wish to join the Jama’at. Therefore the clerics, opponents, are becoming a source of our propagation.

Responding to the allegation that if we are already following the teachings of Islam, then what is the need of creating a new sect and joining this Jama’at, and in those days

The Promised Messiahas explained that the purpose of the Promised Messiah’s advent was to safeguard Islam from the internal and external evil ploys and attacks.

The Promised Messiahas then says, “If I did not have a single proof [to my claim], even then considering the current state of affairs of this age, it was obligatory upon the Muslims to go forth and desperately search for the Messiah who was to break the cross. They should not have yearned for the Messiah to resolve their own disputes.”

If they had any sense of honor for Islam, then they should have sought the Messiah for the sake of defending the faith, instead of looking for him to resolve their own internal issues. The Promised Messiahas further says, “The reason is that he was the one to break the Cross, which is the precise need of the time.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 396-398, 1985, UK) Similarly, in one place the Promised Messiahas says: “Atheism is on the rise and thus, my purpose was also to refute this.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pg. 28, 1985, UK) The Promised Messiahas then states: “It is for this reason his name is the Promised Messiah. If the Muslim clerics had any consideration for the goodness and welfare of mankind then they would not have treated me in the manner they have. They should have considered this fact what have they gained by issuing edicts against us? Regarding whom God has made a declaration, who can then refute it?” What was gained from issuing edicts? The Jama’at is progressing in the same manner. This is because when God Almighty decrees for something to occur, it is then set in motion and no one can prevent it.

The Promised Messiahas says: “Those who oppose me also serve as my helpers by spreading my message to the East and the West, in one way or another.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pg. 398, 1985, UK) Those who oppose us are in actuality spreading the message of Ahmadiyyat and True Islam through their opposition because it directs people’s attention towards us. Many people write letters and establish

and even now at times, Ahmadis remain silent when they hear such allegations, the Promised Messiahas says, “There are a lot of people who object at the need of this movement. They claim that ‘Do we not offer prayers and observe fast?’ They mislead others in this manner and it is of no surprise if some ignorant people are deceived when they hear such statements and perhaps they end up joining such people and say that ‘if we are offering prayers, observing fast and reciting the traditional prayers, then what is the need of creating this division?’”.

Why was a new sect created which caused further division? We are praying and offering fasts, then what is the point of creating this disorder and unrest by joining your Community? The Promised Messiahas says, “Remember, such ideas result from a lack of understanding and insight. This is not my doing, rather if a disorder has been created, it is God Almighty Who has caused this, for He Himself has established this Community. (I did not initiate this Movement, it was God Almighty Who has established it) because the spiritual state had deteriorated to the extent that it resulted in the utter extinction of the strength in one’s faith. However, God Almighty desires to revive the spirit of true faith through this Community. In such circumstances, such objections raised by people are baseless and absurd. Hence, bear in mind that such evil suggestions should never take root in anyone’s heart and it is not possible for something like that to take root if one were to deeply ponder and deliberate. Those who merely observe the superficial state of others and claim that there are other Muslims as well, such doubts only come to mind when one fails to deeply reflect over a matter. Such doubts cause one to perish quickly.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “I have read letters of those people who are seemingly part of my Community (they have taken the Bai’at), but they say we are

asked that there are other Muslims who apparently offer prayers, recite the Islamic creed, perform virtuous deeds and seem to be righteous people, then what is the need for a new movement?”

The Promised Messiahas says, “Despite the fact that such people are part of the Community, however they write to me after taking my Bai’at stating that they do not have an answer to these allegations. After reading such letters, I feel pity and mercy for such people for they have failed to understand my real purpose and objective. They only consider the customary actions of people who are following Islamic practices and fulfil the divine obligations like us, whereas the spirit of truth cannot be found in them.”

This should not be done ceremoniously or as a mere formality, in fact worship should be done in its real sense as well as fulfilling other obligations. “Therefore, such doubts can appear as enchanting.” The doubts they create can have a captivating effect on people. “At that moment in time, they fail to understand that we desire to create true faith in them which saves one from the death of sin. Those who simply follow tradition and ceremonial formalities, they simply focus on the physical aspects and are heedless of its essence. They possess only the shell and are bereft of its essence.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 6, pp. 237-239, 1985, UK) There is no doubt that Muslims adhere to the physical practices [of Islam] but are devoid of its true spirit, and lack in Taqwa [righteousness]. The Promised Messiahas states that if the practise of Muslims is righteous then why is this not producing pure results. In relation to this, the Promised Messiahas states, “Some Muslims think, ‘What is it that we do that is against Islam.

We proclaim the creed: “There is none worthy of worship except Allah.” we observe the prayers, fast during the days of fasting and pay the Zakat.’”

In other words, those Muslims who are not part of the Jama’at, they claim, “Everything we do is in accordance with Islam. It is not as if by attaching with you we will be enabled to acquire a better understanding of Islam because we already recite the creed: ‘There is none worthy of worship except Allah’, we recite the prayers, we keep the fasts and pay the Zakat.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “However, I say that not all their practises are performed in a righteous manner, in fact they are like a shell without its true essence.

If these were righteous actions then why do they not produce pure results? A practise can only be righteous when it is pure from all kinds of disorder and external influence.

However, this is not the case with them. I can never accept that one who is a believer as well as being righteous and performs pious deeds and yet opposes those who have come with the truth. These people label me as disobedient and an atheist and they do not fear God Almighty. I have sworn

by God that it is He Who has sent me as an appointed one. If the realisation of God Almighty’s greatness remained even in the slightest in their hearts then they would not have rejected me. They would be fearful

11

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM over the fact that they may be dishonouring God’s name, but this would only happen if they had true and honest belief in God Almighty and feared the Day of Reckoning and their actions were in accordance to:

ْ َْ َ ‫لَا تق ُف َما ل َ ْی َس لَک ِب ِہ ِعل ِم‬

[And follow not that of which thou hast no knowledge.]”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pg. 343, 1985, UK) The Promised Messiahas explained that the purpose of the Promised Messiah’s advent was to safeguard Islam from the internal and external evil ploys and attacks.

The Holy Prophetsa also prophesied this.

The Promised Messiahas states, “Regarding the latter days, the Holy Prophetsa stated there will be two kinds of evils. One of them will be internal and the other external. The internal evil shall be that the Muslims will no longer remain established on the true teachings and will fall prey to Satanic influences. (Their actions will be devoid of righteousness.)

They will diverge from the boundaries prescribed by God Almighty and will show no consideration to what He has forbidden by being immersed in gambling, alcohol and all kinds of other immoralities and ills.

They will give up on praying and fasting and will dishonour the commandments of God Almighty. They will mock and ridicule the Quranic injunctions.” This will be the internal form of evil in that the state of the Muslims shall become deplorable and this is the case for majority of the Muslims. We can see how in the Muslim countries they are perpetrating cruelties against one another.

“The external evil shall be that great lies will be fabricated against the blessed character of the Holy Prophetsa. (This is something that is increasingly witnessed in this day and age) and all kinds of extremely vicious attacks shall be levelled against Islam in order to defame and dishonour it. Every kind of effort and plan will be made in order to make people believe in the divinity of Jesus and the accursed death on the cross.

In short, for the reformation of both of these evils, internal and external, the glad tiding was given through the Holy Prophetsa that a person from his followers shall be commissioned to shatter the external evil and reveal the reality of the Christian faith, it is for this reason that he shall be called Jesus, son of Mary. He shall also be called the Mahdi for he will establish them on the right path by resolving the internal conflicts and disorders. The words, ‘And among others of them [who have not yet joined them]’ alludes to this.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.

444-445, 1985, UK) Therefore, since we have accepted the Promised Messiahas, the standard of our relationship with God Almighty and our Taqwa should be much higher than other Muslims. Our condition should not be like the general description [of the Muslims] given by the Promised Messiahas. Our practical condition should be better than others. Our actions should be in accordance with the pleasure of God Almighty and we should be righteous. Regarding this, the Promised Messiahas explains:

“One who does the Bai’at should not just simply be content with only believing this community to be on the truth. (Considering it sufficient to merely believe it as the truth.) God Almighty is not pleased with merely believing in the truth unless one accompanies that with virtuous deeds. Once you have entered the community, then become pious, righteous and refrain from every kind of evil. Pass through this time with supplications and pray with utmost fervency day and night. During times of trials, God Almighty’s wrath is also kindled.

At such a time, pray, supplicate with utmost fervency and give charity. Soften your tone, remain occupied in seeking forgiveness and pray. The proverb is well-known that one who supplicates never perishes. Simply believing in something is of no benefit, if one believes in something and then discards it is of no benefit and subsequently it will be futile for one to then complain that he has derived no benefit from doing the Bai’at.

God Almighty is not happy with mere utterance of the tongue.”

Whilst elaborating on the meaning of Amaal-e-Saliha [righteous deeds], the Promised Messiahas says: “In the Holy Quran, God Almighty has linked faith with righteous deeds. Righteous deeds are those in which there is not even an iota of disarray. Remember, man always falls prey to complacency. What is that makes him complacent? It is pretentiousness, i.e. when man carries out a deed to show other people.

Ujab means to carry out a deed and to be pleased with their own actions. Similarly these sorts of vices and evils ruins ones good deeds.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “Righteous deeds are those deeds which are free from all injustices, conceit, pretentiousness, arrogance and usurping

medication, it means that one should take the medication as prescribed. If he does not take the medications and simply places the prescription to one side, how can he benefit from it? Since you have repented, God Almighty now wishes to see how much you have cleansed yourself after professing belief. The time has come in which God Almighty wishes to make a distinction between the righteous ones. Many people harbour complaints against God Almighty, yet they do not look within themselves. It is the injustices of one’s own actions, because God Almighty is Benevolent and Merciful.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “There are some individuals who are aware of sin, yet there are other individuals who are oblivious to it. For this very reason God Almighty has ordained the recitation of Istighfar [seeking forgiveness]. One should recite Istighfar for every sin, whether that sin is visible or concealed, whether they have knowledge of that sin or not. Similarly, they should recite Istighfar for sin committed by their hands, feet, tongue, nose, ear, eyes.” In other words, no action of this nature should be committed or none of the limbs should be used in a manner in which it results in sin. Therefore, repeat Istighfar so that no limb of the body is guilty of sin.

The Promised Messiahas then says, “These days you should recite the prayer of Adamas, which is:

َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ َۡ ۤ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ َو ِا ۡن ل ْم تغ ِف ْرلَنا َو ت ْر َح ْمنا‬ٜ ‫َر ّبنا ظل ْمنا انف َسنا‬ ْٰ َ َُ ‫لَنکوۡن َّن ِم َن الخ ِس ِریۡ َن‬

[Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost] This prayer has been accepted from its inception. Do not live your life heedlessly. A

Today, there is also an announcement and a source of good news in that the Al Hakam newspaper that was once published in Qadian will now be published from here.

In 1934 it began printing again but stopped soon after.

Today, on the Promised Messiah Day it will be launched from here [UK] in the English language. the rights of others. Just as one can be safeguarded due to their righteous deeds in the hereafter, similarly, one can be safeguarded through them in this world as well.” This means that one will be saved in the hereafter due to one’s righteous deeds.

If one has carried out righteous deeds then God Almighty will be pleased and shall grant a reward in return. Similarly, if one performs righteous deeds in this world, he will be saved from various trials and anxieties.

The Promised Messiahas then states, “Even if there is one individual in the home who carries out virtuous deeds, the entire house can be saved as a result. Be mindful of this fact that until one carries out virtuous deeds, simply believing is not beneficial. If a doctor prescribes some

person who does not live heedlessly should have no worry for him to be placed in a great trial.” Which means a person who lives their life with the fear of God in mind is never placed in difficult trials or misfortunes. The Promised Messiahas then says: “No trial befalls an individual were it not for the Will of God. Just as the prayer has been revealed to me:

ْ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ُ ّ َ ْ ‫احفظ ِن ْی َوان ُص ْرنِ ْی‬ ‫ر ِب کل شی ٍء خادِمک ر ِب ف‬ ْ ‫َو‬ ‫ار َح ْم ِن ْی‬

It is our belief that everything is in the Hands of God Almighty, irrespective of the fact whether He uses a medium or without.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 274-276, 1985, UK) Whether God Almighty creates a means

for an individual or not, the fact of the matter is that everything is governed by Him. Therefore recite both of these prayers and understand these prayers.

Thus, every Ahmadi from among us should analyse themselves that if they have accepted the Promised Messiahas, are they fulfilling the due rights of their Bai’at? Often when I have assessed the situation it has come to light that many people do not even offer their prayers properly. They do not pay any attention to their prayers. Some people pay no attention towards Istighfar nor towards fulfilling the rights of each other. If this is the situation, then how can we say that we are the ones who carry out Righteous deeds?

[How can we then say that] We fulfil the rights due upon us after entering the Bai’at of the Promised Messiahas? Other people are guilty of the sin of not accepting. The people who have rejected the Promised Messiahas have sinned by not accepting him, however, we are guilty of sin as we have accepted him but fail to reform ourselves and also by pledging allegiance then breaking our promises. Thus, every one of us should analyse themselves with great concern. May God Almighty protect us that we do not commemorate Promised Messiahas merely as a celebration, rather, may we fulfil our responsibilities of accepting the Promised Messiahas and may we be protected from all forms of discord, both internal and external.

May God Almighty always keep us in His protection and also safeguard us from all trials and difficulties.

Today, there is also an announcement and a source of good news in that the Al Hakam newspaper that was once published in Qadian will now be published from here.

In 1934 it began printing again but stopped soon after. Today, on the Promised Messiah Day it will be launched from here [UK] in the English language. This newspaper was the first newspaper published in the time of the Promised Messiahas. It will be printed in a small quantity, however, immediately after this Friday Sermon it will be available on the internet on www.alhakam.org Similarly, there will be an app called “Al Hakam” for mobile phones and tablets from which one will be able to easily download the newspaper and read it. The app for the familiar mobile devices such as Apple and Android and will be available for download after this sermon.

The first edition is a special feature for the Promised Messiah Day and in future, a new edition will be uploaded every Friday. Also there will be a few printed copies available.

Nevertheless, people will be able to derive benefit from this.

After this launch, may God Almighty enable it to continue incessantly. Since this newspaper will be in English, therefore the English speaking members should derive maximum benefit from this.

Translated by The Review of Religions info@reviewofreligions.org

___________ _______

12

Friday April 20 2018 | AL HAKAM

Book Intro

Noah's Ark [Kashti-e-Nuh] Book: Noah’s Ark [Kashti-e-Nuh] Author: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadianas Islam International Publications Reading time: 2 hours Fazal Malik Prince Edward Island, Canada

Noah’s Ark is a comprehensive manual that provides guidance towards being a good Ahmadi Muslim and a remarkable human being.

Noah’s Ark is not the story of Prophet Noahas, his people or the biblical Ark that he built; it is an account of the philosophy that befell the people of Noahas. The Ark was a means of saving Noahas and his followers from the flood that engulfed the valley.

Accordingly, Ahmadas and his followers held tight to the rope of Allah and were saved by means of the Divine promise mentioned in the book – “I will save those who are in your house” from the relentless plague.

The book was published in 1902, at a time when the plague was wreaking havoc in India, especially Punjab. In 1896, after a hiatus of a few hundred centuries, the plague awakened, reaching the shores of Mumbai. Soon the death toll reached thousands. The Promised Messiahas, having published his foreknowledge on at least four prior occasions (Majmu’a Ishtiharat, Vol. 3, Announcements 182, 185, 189 & 210) and unable to bear fellow humans in pain, published another tract (Announcement 237) urging people to join his fold and save themselves from the wrath of God. His request was met with jest.

The plague did not stop its devastating journey and by 1902, hundreds of thousands had fallen to an avoidable fate. The government, having poured precious funds into research, announced a vaccine and offered it for free to all residents of British India. The British government had two motives to find a cure. One was the obvious loss of life in India, and second was the effect on the British economy as the Ottoman Empire placed quarantine restrictions on all travel and trade from India.

The book opens with a prologue, The Plague Vaccine. Hazrat Ahmadas, after thanking the British government for “having undertaken the expenditure of hundreds of thousands of rupees for the welfare of the servants of God,” examines the sorry state of Muslims in India, who were “far detached from God” and had become “sworn enemies of the path of righteousness”.

A common Muslim had come to distrust the government and all their actions, as they felt a deep loss of identity. Even when the cost of distrust was their life or that of a loved one, they refused to get inoculated.

The Promised Messiahas admonished this practice, stating that a person who refused help was “foolish.” He then explained his reasons for declining the vaccine. As the plague was a sign from God, he assured the Government, “In relative comparison to others, God will grant this community a special favour”.

The second chapter of the book, titled Our Teaching opens with a surety for those who belonged to the house of the Promised Messiahas. The only way to be safe in this world is to put all your belief in the Omnipotent God Who is nearer than a person can imagine. Ahmadas said that a person whose inner and outer appearance was not the same and whose word and thought conflicted could not be accepted

by God. Purity of soul and cleanliness of thought is the key to becoming righteous.

This chapter is full of advice that is a cure for ill hearts. “Show mercy to His servants,” and striving for what may appear seemingly impossible behavior, he advises “Behave not arrogantly towards anyone even if they be your subordinate, and revile not anyone even if they should revile you. Become humble, tolerant, well-intentioned and

comp assionate towards God’s creation so that you may be accepted by God.” In this age, the road to success is the Holy Quran.

We should follow the teachings of the Holy Quran and exert our utmost efforts to follow in the footsteps of the Holy Prophetsa.

A person must remember that salvation is not something that will come in the next life, but it is a journey we embark on in this life and continue to the next.

To be counted in the house of the Promised Messiah and Mahdias, it is not enough to merely say a few words of the Baiat (pledge); one must change their inner being. Only when hearts and minds are in sync with the message of God, can one tread upon the path of righteousness and become the recipient of Divine favours.

In summary, the book is a treasure trove for anyone looking for guidance. Three points that form the central theme of the book are: 1. Guidance for any and all matters can be found in the Holy Quran and through observing the life of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam 2. The guide of this age is Hazrat Ahmadas, the restorer of Islamic values 3. A person’s heart is their beacon towards goodness or wickedness The plague in British-India was at its peak from 1902 to 1907, during which the death toll reached millions. (Seal, S.C., 1960.

Epidemiological studies of plague in India.

Bulletin of the World Health Organization) As this was testimony to the Promised

Messiah’sas truthfulness, the logical result was a sharp growth of the Jamaat. There were days when 500 or more letters of Baiat were received from all over India (Silsila Ahmadiyya, Vol. 1, p.118). The remarkable truth was that while some Ahmadi Muslims fell on the battleground against the plague, it was nothing compared to the millions that met an unfortunate fate.

In this age, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih reminds us to stop and reflect on our habits, behavior and deeds. He has reminded us time and again that our beliefs should be a reflection of the Promised Messiah’s teachings. Water was the means of destruction for the enemies of Noahas. The Plague destroyed the enemies of Ahmadas.

Nuclear weapons appear to be the main destructive force today. It is, indeed, a time for self-reflection.

___________ _______

Tahir Heart Institute (THI) is a 107 bed unique tertiary care institute located in the heart of Rabwah with the aim of providing affordable,

Those interested, please

quality medical facilities for diagnosis and treatment of Cardiac, Renal,

contact:

Respiratory and Pulmonary diseases to patients from all over the

+92 47 621 5640

country and around the world.

nazarat.sehat@saapk.org

Tahir Heart Institute encourages applications from consultants, doctors and paramedic staff to join our team under the scheme of Waqfe Arzi. This means that you can choose to devote as much time as you want.

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad|© Al Hakam 2018