Al Hakam 06 July 2018

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s First Week in Dalhousie Taken from Al Hakam 14 July 1918 Page 4

Professor Abdus Salam KBE FRS

Annual Prize Distribution 2018 Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

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2nd Convocation Jamia Ghana

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THE WEEKLY

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 6 July 2018 | Issue XVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Jalsa Canada 2018

Jalsa Salana Canada 2016 with the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa | alislam.org

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he 42nd Jalsa Salana Canada starts today, 6 July, at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario. The Jalsa will continue through Sunday, 8 July.

The expected attendance is around 26,000 which comprises Ahmadis from all over Canada. Guests from other countries

are also expected to attend.

Farhan Khokhar Sahib, Naib Amir Jamaat Canada, said, “Speakers are travelling from as far as Pakistan to address the annual Jalsa of Canada Jamaat.”

The Jalsa starts at 12:00 EST today with the repeat of the Friday Sermon delivered

earlier today by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa being played in the Jalsa Gah. This will lead to the formal opening of Jalsa Salana Canada, followed by the first session.

Maulana Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib will attend Jalsa Canada as Markazi – central – representative and will also speak

on the topic of “Jihad Against Innovations and Bad Customs”.

Malik Lal Khan Sahib, National Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Canada is scheduled to speak on “Blessings of Nizame-Jamaat in the Context of Sacrificing Life, Wealth and Honour”. Other speakers include Mubarak Ahmad Nazir Sahib on “Khilafat: The Source of Unification of Mankind”; Hadi Ali Chaudhry Sahib on “The Religious Awakening of the West”; Khalil Ahmad Mubashar Sahib on “Our Wealth and Progeny: Are they a Test?”; Farhan Iqbal Sahib on “Emerging Societal Challenges and their Solutions” and Asif Afzal Khan Sahib on “Hazrat Muhammadsa: Beacon of Absolute Justice”.

Syed Tahir Ahmad Sahib, Additional Nazir Ishaat (MTA Pakistan) is another distinguished speaker who is expected to speak on “The Great Comet of 1882: A Celestial Sign for the Promised Messiahas”.

Other speakers include Afzal Mirza Sahib, Hanan Sobhi Sahib and Tariq Azeem Sahib.

Maulana Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib will also speak on the last day of Jalsa on the topic of “The Advent of the Promised Messiahas”.

Speaking to Al Hakam, Asef Hadi Sahib, Head of MTA Studios Canada said, “We will be broadcasting the proceedings of Jalsa Salana Canada via web stream. This will include the Jalsa sessions and speeches, but we will also include some studio discussions and short documentaries in between the sessions.”

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

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

On Relieving the Needs of your Brethren

Divine Trials

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said: “He who removes from a believer his distress in this world will have his distress of the Day of Judgment removed by Allah. He who eases the hardship of another, will have ease bestowed upon him by Allah in this world and the next. He who covers up the faults of a Muslim will have his faults covered up in this world and the next. Allah goes on helping a servant so long as he goes on helping his brother. He who treads a path in search of knowledge, has his path to Paradise made easy by Allah thereby. Whenever people gather in a house of Allah for the purpose of reading the Book of Allah and share its reading between them, serenity descends upon them, and mercy covers them and angels spread their wings over them and Allah discourses about them to those around Him. He who is slow in his conduct will not make it proceed faster by the nobility of his birth.

(Muslim)

It is inevitable that you should also be tried with various forms of anguish and misfortune, just as the faithful before you were tried. Be on your guard, lest you should falter. So long as you have a firm relationship with heaven, the earth can do you no harm.

Whenever harm befalls you, it will be from your own hands and not from the hands of your enemy. Even if you lose all honour on earth, God will bestow eternal honour upon you in heaven. So do not forsake Him.

You will certainly suffer pain and many of your desires will not be fulfilled, but do not lose heart in such situations, for your God tries you to see whether you are steadfast in His path or not. If you desire that even the angels should praise you in heaven, then endure beating and remain joyful, hear abuse and be grateful, suffer setbacks but do not sever your relationship with God. (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, pp. 26-27)

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Editorial Rulers in Disguise

Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 6 – 12 July

Asif M Basit amira Shackle advises not to be “fooled by the S elections” that are due to take place this month in Pakistan; she suggests that “the military is still

in charge”. (www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/dont-be-fooled-by-elections-the-militaryis-still-in-charge-in-pakistan).

Samira is absolutely right in advising not to be fooled by the elections because this advice stays evergreen in Pakistan; it just doesn’t change. But who is actually in charge? Samira might want to give it a second thought.

The mullahs have, in the name of Islam, taken control of every matter in the Pakistani society.

Even if one wants to argue that the military is still in charge, they will eventually reach the conclusion that the mullahs take charge of the army too, just like all other crumbling organs of the frail body of Pakistan.

It all started off when the Republic of Pakistan, only an infant at that time, was abducted by the clergy and transformed into a so-called “Islamic” Republic of Pakistan. All this happened within the first three years of the birth of this state, established as a safe haven for those who classed themselves as Muslims. But by 1953, the definition of “a Muslim” was being controlled by the clergy. To ensure that only their type of Muslim was classed as Muslim, the mullah-mafia had penetrated into the flesh and bone of the Pakistani society – from the executive to the legislative to the judicial bodies.

Since America has always had its gazes fixed on the Pakistan Army to fight as their ally in the anti-Soviet conflict, the Pakistan Army had to be “Islamised” in the name of jihad. This is where the clergy found their way into the control centres of Pakistan’s armed forces. The coup of Zia-ul-Haq saw the army turn into a religious fatwa-factory controlling religious affairs within the country rather than a military force appointed to protect the borders. The infamous Ordinance XX by General Zia-ul-Haq, defining the do’s and don’ts for the Ahmadiyya sect, was the most shameless act of a man in charge of the armed forces of Pakistan, who happened to be the self-styled Head of State. What followed is ample proof to show that the Pakistan Army is, like other institutions of Pakistan, a mafia controlled by extremist mullahs.

The plot to topple the Benazir Bhutto’s government and assassinate the entire army command in 1995 was led by none else but a group of high ranking army officials under Qari Saifullah's leadership and with strong ties with the banned extremist group Harkat-ul-Jihad al-Islami. Fifty-seven officials of the Pakistan Airforce were found to have connections with banned extremist groups in 2009. The attack on the Mehran Base of the Pakistan Army – for which the Tehrik-i-Taliban accepted responsibility – turned out to be fully assisted by the army-men inside the camp; militants were seen dressed in uniforms and seemed to know the facilities too well.

So, agreeing with Samira that the military is in charge and at the helm of affairs in Pakistani politics, we need to look behind this smoke-screen and see the faces of the actual culprits: the extremist groups functioning in the name of Islam, attempting to bring down the whole structure of the state that was founded in the name of Islam.

6 July 1903: Mirza Imam Din departed this world on this day. He was brother of Mirza Nizam Din and cousin of the Promised Messiahas. Both brothers, on account of their irreligious temperaments and their worldly ways, were bitterly opposed to the Promised Messiahas. In fact, they were enemies of Islam itself. But once, a son of the Promised Messiahas, due to lack of understanding in childhood, referred to this abovementioned neighbour and relative in an improper way. The Promised Messiahas stopped him instantly and explained that he was, after all, his uncle.

7 July 1890: The Promised Messiahas went to Ludhiana for a change of routine. He stayed there until October in the residence of Shahzada Haider in the locality of Iqbal Ganj.

7 July 1950: The Ahmadiyya Jamaat was established in the Netherlands in 1947, and since then, the foremost item on the agenda was to build a mosque there. On this day, the Dutch authorities in The Hague approved a piece of land for the mosque to be built. Hazrat Musleh Maudra put forward a unique scheme that that mosque should be built with the chanda (donations) collected only from Lajna Imaillah – ladies of the Jamaat. Huzoorra asked only for 100,000 rupees, but the passion of the Jamaat’s ladies produced 143,664 rupees.

7 July 1954: In Rabwah, Zia-ul-Islam Press started functioning. This press has been serving the Jamaat since the very first day, despite the fact that every now and then, this press and its staff have come under state censorship and unjustified limitations.

9 July 1883: Elder Brother of the Promised Messiahas, Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib passed away on this day at 7:00pm at the age of 55. In 1868, Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib became seriously ill. Though the Promised Messiahas had seen a dream in which he saw that his brother would die, he prayed to God for his recovery.

His prayer was accepted and it was revealed to him that his brother would recover, as he did. Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib left behind no child, and his wife, Hurmat Bibi, later entered the fold of the Jamaat as foretold to the Promised Messiahas.

my finger also. Then I observed a few wet red spots on his shirt which made me wonder. I got up and examined the whole chamber but did not find a red stain anywhere else. I was very puzzled. I asked, ‘Huzoor, where did these red drops fall from?’ At first, Huzooras did not answer, but on my persisting, he related the whole incident. He expounded to me in detail the matter of beholding God Almighty and the external materialisation of elements observed in visions. He drew upon the experiences of Hazrat Muhyuddin Ibn-e-Arabirt to make me fully comprehend how perfect individuals are vouchsafed the experience of the personification of Divine attributes of Beauty and Majesty.

“I begged the Promised Messiahas persistently to bestow upon me the shirt on which the red drops had fallen.

Huzooras agreed on the condition that I should give a direction in my will that on my death it should be buried along with me. His hesitation in bestowing it upon me was due to his apprehension that after our demises, people might convert it into an object of worship. Thus Huzooras gave it to me after a good deal of discussion between us. This is my true personal testimony.”

(Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira can be seen standing with the blessed shirt of the Promised Messiahas with red ink spots, which was given to him with the condition that it should be buried with him upon his demise.)

12 July 1903: The Promised Messiahas used to give talks inside the house also, lest the womenfolk, living, staying or serving inside his house, remain deprived from his wise counsel. Then Editor of Al Hakam, Hazrat Sheikh Yaqib Ali Irfanira put great effort into compiling and recording Huzoor’sas valued sermons for us, something that is of immense value today and will forever continue to remain a treasure. On this day, the Editor of Al Hakam added a small note: “I noted down these words of the Promised Messiah, while standing outside the door, and naturally, sometimes noise made by the children present would disturb my hearing and concentration.”

10 July 1885: A very uncommon heavenly sign was shown to the Promised Messiahas on this day. Those familiar with the history of the spiritual world find many likes of it, but terrestrial minds and hearts find it hard to believe. An eye witness, Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira, says the following: “It was the month of Ramadan and the 27th day, which happened to be a Friday. I had the honour of being in Huzoor’sas blessed presence. After offering the Fajr prayer, the Promised Messiahas, as was his routine, retired into the chamber (the small room to the east of Masjid Mubarak) and lay down on a charpoy. Sitting near him, this humble one began massaging his feet as usual. The Promised Messiahas was lying on his side and his forearm covered his face. While massaging, suddenly I perceived a slight trembling in his body, whereupon he removed his forearm from his face and looked at me.

His eyes were wet and were possibly running with tears.

He covered up his face again and continued in that posture. When I looked at his ankle, I noticed a red drop which was round and had not spread out. I put the tip of my forefinger on the drop, it spread out and coloured Hazrat Maulvi Abdullah Sanaurira

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

Martyrdom of Qazi Shaban Ahmad Khan Sahib

From the Archives

Re-revolutionising Tarticle titled “The Saudi Revolution Begins”.

he Economist (23 June 2018) carries a lead

t is with great sadness that the Imartyred Jamaat has seen another Ahmadi for his faith. Qazi Shaban

Ahmad Khan Sahib from Lahore was murdered by two gunmen at the age of 47.

Qazi Sahib was the son of Qazi Muhammad Salman Sahib. On 25 June 2018, opponents of the Jamaat entered his home and shot at him point-blank.

Huzooraa, in his 29 June Friday Sermon, said: “According to reports, two masked men entered his home in the evening of 25 June. Qazi Sahib, along with his wife, was in one room while his daughters were in the other. His wife went to the bathroom, and upon returning, saw the two masked men. One of the men pointed his gun at her head and directed her to the room where their daughters were. The other masked man fired three shots at Qazi Sahib’s abdomen, causing him to pass away on the spot. Inna lillahi wa inna ilaihi raji‘un [‘Surely to Allah we belong, and to Him shall we return’].

“The decesased accepted Ahmadiyyat, along with his family, in 2001 through a friend, Muhammad Iqbal Sahib.”

Huzooraa further added: “Qazi Shaban Sahib was running a school for children with disabilities and resided on the top floor of the school building. Recently the lower floors of the school were undergoing some construction, and scaffolding was being put up. The two men entered and hid in that scaffolding, waiting for the opportunity to attack.

“The deceased martyr possessed countless qualities. After Bai‘at, he proved to be an extremely pious and sincere individual. He had a deep love and attachment to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. The deceased had set up a satellite dish to watch MTA so that he and his family could remain attached to Khilafat through this. He would excel in offering chanda – monetary donations – and other financial sacrifices. He was currently serving as Secretary Au-

dio & Video in his local chapter. He would fix satellite dishes for locals without remuneration.

“Qazi Sahib was married to his cousin, and among his family, he, his wife and children were the only Ahmadis. As a result of them accepting Ahmadiyyat, their family began to oppose them. A few months prior, Qazi Sahib’s brotherin-law came to his house and said that the family had come to know that they had ‘become Mirzai’. It was then that he noticed the satellite dish and tried to damage it …

Nevertheless, he [the brother-inlaw] said to his sister that her nikah had become annulled and hence, she should go back with him as her husband was now a ‘Mirzai’. Qazi Sahib’s wife said to her brother-inlaw, ‘I have also accepted Ahmadiyyat and am a Muslim. I deem Qazi Sahib to be a Muslim also, so I am not going anywhere with you.’

“Qazi Sahib’s wife said that he had been receiving threats, for which he was quite anxious and, for a few days, particularly quiet. Very rarely would he leave the house. The late Qazi Sahib said to his wife that if anything was to happen to him, she should contact the local President. After the incident of his martyrdom, she did exactly that and informed the Jamaat’s office bearers. Very patiently, despite the fact that their non-Ahmadi relatives had come, his wife said that the funeral prayer would be led by Ahmadis, as would the burial.”

Talking about those who Qazi Shaban Sahib leaves behind, Huzooraa said: “The deceased martyr is survived by his wife, Shahnaz Shaban Sahiba, who is 40 years old, and his daughters: Kiran who is 19 years old, Sidrah Shaban who is 18 and Malaika who is 11. All three daughters suffer from polio and have certain disabilities. May Almighty Allah become their Guardian Himself and may He remove all their worries and distress. May Allah continue to elevate the status of Qazi Sahib.”

It mentions how Prince Muhammad bin Salman is “revolutionising” Saudi Arabia by, for example, letting women take the wheel to drive. While this is being celebrated as a breakthrough in the “antiwoman” history of Saudi Arabia (as termed by the West), what should be of more surprise is that Saudi history seems to be moving back some 1500 years in what is seen as a move towards modernity.

Now more commonly known as the largest exporter of oil and for its gigantic revenues generated through the annual pilgrimage of Hajj, the land of Saudi Arabia is where the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, was born and where he lived all his life; Hejaz as it was then known. It was here that the Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Muhammadsa, wrote the first ever documented constitution known as the “Covenant of Medina”. It was here that women were recognised as living- and human-beings rather than the commodities they were treated as before the advent of Islam.

It was through the Prophet Muhammadsa that women were given a say in decisions about them going into a wedlock and also of coming out of it if the need arose; they were given rights in inheritance; they were given the loftiest status they could have imagined in the role of wives, sisters and, above all, mothers. Women in early Islam are reported to have been involved in trade and also in acquiring education. Narrations in history have it that women in early Islam were heavily involved in the public welfare and health facilities of their society.

Apart from the peaceful circles of society, women in the time of the Holy Prophetsa are known to have significantly contributed in battles also. As water bearers and nurses, Muslim women would be present in the battlefield treating the ill and wounded.

Hazrat Rufaidahra bint S‘ad was not only among the first believers in Medina but also the first known nurse from the time of the Holy Prophetsa. She is said to have attained medical skills from her father, Sa‘d al-Aslamy, who was a physician and from the Khazraj tribe of Yathrib (later Medina). Hazrat Sa‘d bin Muazra, when wounded in a battle, was sent to the tent of Rufaidahra by the Holy Prophetsa to be treated. She successfully removed the arrow from his

arm, stopped the bleeding and treated him.

In times of peace, Hazrat Rufaidahra is said to have set up a nurse-training camp for Muslim women. Among many women whom she trained, Hazrat Umm-e-Ammarara is one of the most commonly known names from those at the forefront in dealing with injuries and casualties during battles.

As the Holy Prophetsa prepared to head for the Battle of Khaybar, Hazrat Rufaidahra is reported to have sought his permission to accompany the army, along with her team, to the battlefield where they could treat those in need of medical attention. She was not only granted permission but also an equal share from the booty as all other soldiers after the battle.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, in line with this tradition, encourages its women to become active members of the society and help mankind in whatever possible way they can.

Ahmadi women are seen observing purdah and yet working in the fields of teaching, nursing and other areas of medical and surgical excellence.

The late Dr Nusrat Jehan, who passed away in 2016, was an excellent reminder of the women from early Islam who stayed in purdah but did not fall behind in serving mankind. In a Friday Sermon not too long ago, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned her services in the field of medicine, particularly pointing to the tremendous services she had been able to carry out without compromising her faith.

Lajna Imaillah – the ladies’ wing of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat – continues to encourage women to pursue higher education and careers in fields where they can serve humanity.

And by the Grace of Allah, they have always lived up to this expectation.

That the Saudi princes are now taking action, however highly they may be spoken of by the Western media, is nothing to be classed as revolutionary. If anything, they seem to be moving (albeit slowly) back to the revolution that was brought about by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam.

In terms of human rights and religious freedom, they still have a long way to go. Ahmadis cannot perform Hajj if their passports say they are Ahmadis.

Does the Western influence care the least about this?

Perhaps not. And why should it? This doesn’t affect its oil trade with Saudi Arabia!

Holy Ka‘bah, Mecca,1905

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s First Week in Dalhousie Al Hakam 14 July 1918

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad in Dalhousie

Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira

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s readers will know, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II [may Allah be pleased with him] has travelled to Dalhousie at the advice of doctors.

In the afternoon of 25 June, along with his companions, he arrived at Dalhousie. After arriving at Banikhet, Huzoor had to alight the vehicle that he was travelling on, and along with Maulvi Sheikh Abdur Rahman Sahib, Doctor [Mir Muhammad Ismail] Sahib and his brothers [Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Hazrat Mirza Sharif Ahmadra], he walked up the hill to reach Dalhousie.

This was around a three-mile walk. The rest of the entourage stayed with the luggage.

As the old road is currently under construction, yakkas and tangas [horsepulled vehicles] travel on an alternative route. In order to control traffic, the horse-carts that arrive to travel up the hill at 12 o’clock go up the hill not before 5 o’clock. Thus, we had to wait until the allocated time to travel further, while Huzoor went ahead.

The reason Huzoor went earlier was not because he was in a hurry to reach the destination, rather tasks had

been mutually designated. One party remained with the luggage whilst the other went to search for a place to stay, the latter being the more challenging task. Huzoor took upon himself the responsibility of searching for a place to stay, which he did. Huzoor arranged a hotel where Chaudhry Muhammad Ismail Khan Sahib, District Superintendent, was residing. He showed great sincerity and compassion.

Allah reward him.

Example of Huzoor’s high morals This is not the first time I have had the good fortune of accompanying Huzoor on a journey. That is why what I am about to narrate is of no surprise to me, but many members of our Jamaat may not be aware of this.

I have seen Huzoor on journeys when he was not yet Khalifatul Masih and now I have seen him on a journey during his Khilafat. In both states, he strived to provide comfort to those accompanying him on journeys, and never did he bear in mind his status or individuality in doing so.

During his tour of India, I noticed (as did others who were on the trip) that

at times, Huzoor would be the first to rise in the morning. After waking up, Huzoor would fill a vessel full of water, place it at the bedside of his companion [for ablution] and would wake him up. At railway stations, if others were carrying the luggage, Huzoor would also carry it with them. Thus, through his actions, Huzoor would show us how one’s treatment should be towards fellow travellers.

There are ample examples of how the Noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would distribute responsibilities during journeys. At one occasion, when the companions had assigned tasks among themselves to cook food, the Chief of all Prophetssa himself went to fetch firewood. Such instances cannot be seen as ordinary occurrences, rather they are great examples of morals of the highest order.

An ordinary person performing such a deed among his peers does not equate to such a person around whom the hearts, minds and souls of many orbit, and whose single gesture is enough for anyone to gladly sacrifice themselves, and then for him to show such standards of morals, forgetting

their stature and position. This is truly something exceptional.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, even before Khilafat was worthy of being served. However, now with such stature, on journeys he takes care of his companions and is ever more hospitable, and now, in spite of the stature of Khilafat, this characteristic has evolved even more.

This is not the first time. In Dalhousie we have often noticed that Huzoor takes part in manual work and does his work and the work of his servants with his own hands. Huzoor takes great care of the comfort and ease of his servants, even now that he is ill and has travelled on doctors’ advice. Those travelling with him feel great honour to be with him and are ever-ready for the opportunity for Huzoor to express something and for them to accomplish it. However, we have observed that Huzoor gives precedence to the comfort of those travelling with him than his own. At first glance, one may think that there is no difference or distinction [in stature] between us and Huzoor, and due to the nature of work, a person may not be able to distinguish master from servant.

To those who are not here with us, how should I describe the great character of this person. Words cannot do justice. In fact, permit me to say that even a great artist cannot paint the true picture. Today, we consider the Great Umar Farooq’sra entry in Bait-ul-Maqdas [Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem] with his camel’s bridle in hand and his servant riding the camel to be a wondrous and miraculous sign of high morals. However, for those who he lived among and who witnessed such revolutionary morals on a daily basis, it was an ordinary sight.

Similarly, those who accompany this “Fazl-e-Umar” [Hazrat Musleh Maudra], seeing such occurrences on a daily basis may be considered ordinary, but a time will come when these instances of wondrous morals will have a deep impression and impact on the hearts of hundreds of thousands. The biography of this great personality will be collated through these very high morals.

In short, Huzoor went ahead in search of a place to stay and accordingly arranged a hotel where the rest of Huzoor’s entourage gathered to stay.

From the hotel to finding another place The location of the hotel – especially the rooms that had been booked – was at such a place that was not at all beneficial for health. So, the search for a new place started from the very first day of our stay, which Huzoor took upon himself. Travelling to various locations of Dalhousie, Huzoor himself went around approaching property owners and house stewards enquiring if their houses and villas had any rooms available. This process continued from 25 to 29 June, and for this, Huzoor had to move around extensively. Eventually, Continued on page 5

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

Annual Prize Distribution 2018 Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

Jamia UK

Waseem Ahmad Fazal Jamia Ahmadiyya UK

n 27 June 2018, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK had the opportunity to once again host its Annual Prize Distribution for the academic year 2017-2018 in Haslemere, Surrey.

This event highlights the remarkable achievements made by students in academic competitions throughout the year.

Along with judges, office-bearers and other dignitaries of the Jamaat around the country, parents of students obtaining first positions in competitions were also invited to attend this event. This traditional houselike system consists of 5 groups, namely: Sadaqat, Shaja‘at, Rafaqat, Amanat and Diyanat.

The history behind the selection of the above house names derives from Jamia Rabwah and Qadian, as they were the foremost Jamiaats in the world to put these into use, thus inspiring Jamia UK to put this

house-system into practice.

Parents, guests, judges and dignitaries made their way to this event at around 5:45pm, allowing the Annual Prize Distribution to promptly start at 6:15pm.

As per custom and tradition, the programme commenced with Tilawat, followed by Nazm, upon which an introduction to the audience was given on the fine details and constituents of the academic year in numbers. Towards the end of the report, gratitude was paid to each and every judge.

From a total of just over 130 students, 84 students participated in various competitions throughout the year, ranging from very conventional competitions such as Tilawat, Nazm and Azan to relatively new competitions like the General Knowledge Quiz and Presentation Competition.

Positions were to be acquired through either

Continued from page 4

so that the needs of those working in the kitchen are also in Huzoor’s mind.

Huzoor wishes ease for all his fellow travellers.

Prayers are being offered at their correct timings. The muezzin [one who calls the Azan – call to prayer] has been given instructions on the exact time when he must give the Azan.

O

out of God’s grace, we found the place that we are currently staying at.

There are two large rooms in this building.

Khan Miyan Abdur Rahman Khan Sahib and Khan Miyan Muhammad Abdullah Khan Sahib have also arrived, and Huzoor has arranged for a modern partition in his own room for their sake to split the room in two.

Huzoor resides in one room, the Khan brothers in the other and members of Huzoor’s entourage (Huzoor’s brothers, Maulvi Abdur Rahman Sahib and Khalifa Taqiyuddin Sahib) in the veranda.

Fasts Now, after finding a place to settle down, the time of fasting has come upon us.

Huzoor also intends to fast and has said that he will see if his health permits by initially keeping one fast. Huzoor does not just strictly urge those travelling with him to observe fasts but he is also very mindful of their comfort and ease.

Apart from a few who are unwell, the rest of the entourage is, by the grace of God, fasting. Very generously and openheartedly does Huzoor cater for the needs of his companions, so much

The laziness that produces sin One day at Fajr time, a fellow traveller was asleep while the one sleeping next to him was awake. Huzoor said: “Why have you not wakened him?

This is wrong. Sometimes people are of the thought that if someone is sleeping peacefully, then wakening them would be disturbing them. Such a thought is wrong and sinful. For prayer, one should wake people up physically and no one should think that by doing so, they would be disturbing them or causing them discomfort. Such care for a person’s comfort is actually a sin, causing another to be bereft of the blessings of a righteous and obligatory deed. One should cater for the rights of their neighbours. To provide them comfort is a great right of theirs and to prompt them on righteous acts is actually a great

individual or group-based competitions, increasing the spirit of unity within the five houses.

After the opening address, Ataul Momin Zahid Sahib announced the prize winners of this year’s Annual Prize Distribution, whereupon students made their way to the stage and were presented with their respective awards by the guest speaker, Syed Mansoor Ahmad Shah Sahib, Naib Amir UK. Towards the end of the prize distribution, outstanding awards were presented to joint Best Speaker, Nasar Arshad and Noman Hadi, as well as joint Best Student to Danial Tasawar and Sarfraz Bajwa. These results were decided according to results collated from various competitions.

Subsequently, before drawing a close to this session, in recognition to the exceptional effort put in by Shaja‘at Group, Majlis-e-Ilmi expressed their appreciation by awarding them with an award as they fell short with a matter of only a few points. Group secretary, Ataul Fatir Tahir and group leader, Hafiz Tayyeb Sahib were called to the stage to collect their award. The last award of the day to conclude this session was presented to Sadaqat group for ranking Best Group in overall competitions. In order to receive this prize, group secretary, Nasar Arshad and group leader, Hafiz Mashood Sahib were ultimately presented with the annual

Waseem Ahmad Fazal Sahib, Chairman Majlis-e-Ilmi presenting the annual report | Jamia UK

shield award.

To conclude the event, Syed Mansoor Ahmad Shah Sahib delivered a faith inspiring and thought-provoking address, focusing on the subject of prayer and how each and every one of us must ensure to be steadfast, regular and punctual with our daily prayers. Mansoor Sahib stated that it is incumbent upon us to make the concept of offering prayer regularly part of our nature, whilst also remembering our duties as devotees of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

This event was brought to a close with Dua – prayer – led by our guest speaker, Syed Mansoor Ahmad Shah Sahib, followed by dinner at 7pm.

Sadaqat group accepting their award as Best Group | Jamia UK

source of comfort. From now on, no one should let their neighbour sleep while it is time for prayer.”

Thus, these days are extremely sublime. We have a comfortable place to stay and it is having a positive impact on Huzoor’s health. Although nowadays some complaints reach Huzoor, however generally we are witnessing God’s blessings. This first week has passed with such engagements and activities.

Whilst out for a walk one day, Huzoor met the former Deputy Commissioner of District Gurdaspur, Mr H D Watson.

This gentleman is always well-known for his gentle disposition. He recognised Huzoor, enquired about his health and happily requested for a more formal audience. Therefore, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih went to his visit him one day and he showed utmost respect and regard to Huzoor. Their sitting lasted quite long and towards the end, he expressed his desire to meet Huzoor again.

The conduct of English officials There is no better way to win the hearts than by good morals, and it becomes the foremost responsibility of officials of the government to show morals of the highest order to win peoples’ hearts.

The higher up you go in the hierarchy of the British Government, you will see a distinct transformation in their ethics and morals. They are ever ready to treat each citizen with immense kindness.

As long as Mr Watson remained in Gurdaspur, the general public sang praises of his warm-heartedness, and now District Jalandhar enjoys the pleasure of having such an officer.

The Government should bear in mind how much some of their district officials are well-known among the masses for their good conduct. At times, the slightest inattentiveness or disregard can have a negative impact on the public. It would not be inappropriate to say that the political situation that arose in previous days was initially a result of the poor work ethics of some officials.

Nonetheless, such officers are a blessing for the Government and members of the public.

Note: The journey from Pathankot to Dalhousie will be covered in an upcoming issue.

[By Editor Al Hakam – Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira]

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

Professor Abdus Salam KBE FRS

Wiki Commons | Molendijk, Bart / Anefo

Ahmad Salam here has been much written about my father, Professor T Abdus Salam, so rather than simply repeat much of that, I thought it may be interesting to narrate some of the

private moments of my father for those who did not know him or meet him, may not have heard about and may give the reader more insight into the character of Abdus Salam.

I have highlighted just a few of memories which will be of interest and, I hope, inspiration to the readers of Al Hakam.

It was clear from an early age that this child was, by the grace of Allah, an exceptionally gifted child. He went to school at the age of six and was admitted into the fourth class, where he stood first in all the exams; he had already memorised the multiplication tables up to forty and was a prodigious reader of books of all subjects which lasted throughout his life. There was no subject he did not at least glance at throughout his life.

I recall later in life looking through his bookshelf and seeing as diverse a collection as one could find; subjects such as physics, mathematics, biology, history, biographies, comedy, language books, medicine, Islamic history, Islamic art and culture; there were even books such as Teach Yourself Air Navigation and Russian Made Simple!

I recall as a child one of the many lessons my father taught me was to read; he always encouraged me to read as many books as I could. There was never a limit on the amount and variety of books I could have, provided of course I read them. But what was more relevant is that my father would then ask me to précis each book I had read.

This made sure I read the book carefully and perhaps more importantly, showed my father’s continued interest and involvement in my education.

Much of my father’s inspiration and guidance came from his father, especially in his formative years. While he learnt the Holy Quran initially from his mother, it was his father who instilled in him a great sense of duty, discipline, humility, hard work and, above all else, a total belief in the submission to the will of Allah and the teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

When my father won the Nobel Prize, he used the prize money to set up a charity in memory of his parents to offer scholarships to young bright students, in Pakistan and India in particular.

My grandfather had been told in a vision that he would have a son and he was to name him Abdus Salam. In another vision, my grandfather was informed this son would be a great achiever and so he knew that he had to help and encourage the young Abdus Salam to reach the highest standards in both his work and his moral character. An example of my grandfather’s influence was when my father came home from school; my father would complete his homework and then my grandfather would sit and prepare the next day’s lesson so the young Abdus Salam was always ahead of the class. This was a lesson my father remembered throughout his life: to work hard and to always be prepared ahead of time, and not to just do the minimum. My father would tell me “To fail to prepare meant prepare to fail”.

My father would teach me science and maths from a young age. He was not that successful as I chose to follow the arts rather than science. He would also spend time talking to me about great Islamic scholars and the wonderful tradition of education and innovation we have in our Islamic history.

He would also talk to me about the great battles and great warriors of Islamic history. My father would also talk to me and teach me about my family’s cultural history as Rajput, of which he was very proud.

Another lesson my father taught me, which he had again learnt from his father was, “Early to bed and early to rise makes man healthy, wealthy and wise”. So my father would sleep by 8:30pm and rise at 3am to pray and work.

This was the best time for him as he would awake refreshed and then be uninterrupted. He would work from 3:30am to about 7:30am, then breakfast, shower and dress and go to Imperial College or the Centre when he was in Trieste.

My father worked incredibly hard: literally seven days a week, never taking a holiday. He simply did not see the need for a holiday. When we used to visit him in Trieste during our summer holidays, he would arrange for me to have lessons in Italian, Maths or Physics from one of his students, who he paid of course.

This capacity for hard work came from my father’s father.

My grandfather was a very disciplined and hardworking man. He had a great influence on my father, and my father’s wish was always to be buried at the feet of his parents. I am pleased to say we were able to fulfil my father’s last request.

There was also another figure who guided and inspired my father, and that was the late Sir Muhammad Zafrulla Khanra. I was only witness to the incredibly deep and affectionate relationship between these two men for a short while, but I knew that my father learnt a great deal from this wonderful man. He was a wonderful teacher, mentor and guide to my father throughout his life. When my father was in London, Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra would always be kind enough to come for breakfast on Sunday mornings at 8:15am until 10:30am.

This was a most valuable time for my father as Chaudhry Sahibra would guide him on how to deal with certain people and situations. This was most valuable advice and guidance which, undoubtedly, was of great benefit to my father. My father’s very close relationship with Chaudhry Sahibra also

inspired Chaudhry Sahibra. In Chaudhry Sahib’s book The Prophet at Home, there is a dedication to my father who gave Chaudhry Sahibra the idea to write the book.

Another mentor and sage to my father was the late Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad, the grandson of the Promised Messiahas.

Miyan Sahib was a very senior figure in the World Bank in Washington and for a while served as the Finance Minister for Pakistan. Miyan Sahib also advised and guided my father immensely.

Both Miyan Sahib and Chaudhry Sahibra had great regard and respect for time. Just like my father, they hated anything which wasted time. My father would repeatedly warn me against the “Sub-continental” habit of idle talk, or gup in Punjabi. He would warn me in the strongest terms about the destructive nature of such a practice and also how it was un-Islamic and to be avoided at all times.

My father was always very punctual and believed it was important to try and be early rather than late. My father would tell me that being late showed an arrogant lack of respect for other people as it suggested that your time was more valuable than theirs.

However, the greatest influence on my father was the Holy Quran. He would carry a small copy of the Holy Book in his jacket pocket and would always read it when he had a free moment. Indeed, he admitted that his finest works were achieved when he was alone in a room and could listen to one of the many records and tapes he had acquired of the recitation of the Holy Quran in the most melodious and harmonious voices. This would give him great inspiration.

His favourite qari was the Egyptian, Abdul Basit, and I recall my father listening for hours to the recitation of the Holy Book.

Allied to this love of the Quran and Islam of course was his total devotion to Ahmadiyyat and the Khulafa he served.

I know from my own experience, how highly he valued and treasured their advice and guidance. He would also encourage me to write to the Khalifa just as he had done at an early age to seek their advice and request for prayers. This was extremely important to him throughout his life. I was too young to really appreciate the relationship with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh; but I know how Huzoorrh would always meet my father with great affection. Indeed, we were so blessed that Huzoorrh visited our house in London and I have photos of my father serving Huzoorrh with mangoes.

I witnessed first-hand the love and affection and relationship between Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and my father.

A wall from Professor Abdus Salam Sahib's study | Ahmad Salam

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

A notebook of Professor Abdus Salam Sahib showing his personal notes | Ahmad Salam

My father had great humility and always remembered his simple roots. There are countless examples of this, but one which always stick in my mind was when he had returned from a long overseas trip and had come into the house and we had greeted our father, my job was always to ensure my father’s driver had been given food and drink, and only when I had done this and come back into the house would my father then eat himself. He was more concerned about the driver than himself. My Aunt in Karachi would tell me the same story. When my father visited her on his trips to Pakistan, her son would have to give the driver refreshments before my father would sit down and eat with the family.

Another example of this humility was when my father visited India in December 1979, just after he had attended the Nobel ceremony in Sweden. He asked the Indian Prime Minister, Mrs Indira Gandhi, to try and find his old primary school teacher, and when he had been found some 50 years after he had taught my father, my father visited him. He was bedbound and could not sit up to greet my father, so my father took the Nobel medal and placed it in his hands and said that that medal was a tribute to his teaching and my father shared it with him.

My father was a simple man who had simple tastes and simple requirements. He was very keen on cleanliness in every way. He did feel the cold badly though and would always keep his head covered; he usually wore an overcoat and sweater even in the middle of summer. He would always keep his room where he would work hot. He would greatly enjoy my mother’s wonderful cooking, be it pilau, roti or simply dal. He liked simple, well cooked meals; one dish was all he wanted. He did not want extravagance or many dishes.

He was also a great one for desserts and had a very sweet tooth. Every meal would be followed with a dessert; usually tinned or fresh fruit if it was in season. He would love tinned lychees, pears, pineapple or peaches. His favourite fresh fruit was Pakistani and Indian mangoes.

I remember in his bag he would always carry some chocolate biscuits, bars of chocolate, nuts and sometimes some dried fruit. He would say that those snacks would give him energy.

Another lesson my father taught me was to always have the upper hand and always be the one to give rather than to take. He would always take gifts for those he would visit.

He gave me a very valuable lesson when I wanted to buy my first car. I have always been interested in cars and I had found a BMW I wanted to purchase. I asked my father if he would lend me the money and said that I would pay

Sri Lanka Cricket Tournament 2018 – Khuddam and Atfal

MKA Sri Lanka

R A Muhammad Fahim Sadr MKA Sri Lanka

he Annual Cricket Tournament of MaT jlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya and Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Sri Lanka was held on

27 June 2018 at Major Raj Ground, Kurana, Negombo.

The event started with Holy Quran rec-

itation followed by silent prayer. Missionary, Javed Raheem Sahib made a short speech in which he said that these events are organised to encourage healthy living and to enhance skills to fulfil the needs of our religious duties. He added that such events create unity among members.

The teams in the Khuddam side were Ne-

him back. He refused and said that if I wanted something, I should go and get a job, save the money and buy a car with my own money; so I did. I got a job as a cashier at a petrol station and earned enough to buy a Fiat 500, one of the smallest cars you can buy. But the point was that I had worked myself to make the money. I was not indebted to anyone and that was a very valuable lesson for which I am ever grateful; not to borrow money to live beyond my means. This is lesson I have followed throughout my life and I hope I have passed it on to my children.

gombo A, Negombo B, Colombo and Pasyala. According to Huzoor-e-Anwar’saa instructions, from Negombo Majlis, two teams were selected combining non-Sri Lankan Ahmadi members who live temporarily in Sri Lanka for the first time.

In total, 6 matches were played with 7 overs each. Negombo A and Negombo B were played in the final and the support for both teams was very passionate. Negombo A batted first and scored 67 runs. In response, Negombo B got 68 runs and were declared winners.

Prizes were awarded to Best Batsman, Best Bowler and Man of the Match of the final. Winners and runners-up were presented trophies by Anis Ahmad Sahib, National Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Sri Lanka.

Ahmad Salam

MKA Sri Lanka

Similarly, a cricket tournament for Atfal was also held and trophies as well as certificates were distributed to them also.

All participating Khuddam and Atfal spent the entire day in the grounds. In between matches, players offered Zohr and Asr prayers.

The people of the city gave special attention to this event, and as the railway station is next to the playing field, members of public spectated our matches, as well as when the players observed Salat.

MKA Sri Lanka

Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon 8.6.18 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Allah's Mercy Transcends all other Attributes After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba recited verse 157 of Surah al-A‘raf and then stated: After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba recited verse 157 of Surah al-A‘raf and then stated: The translation of this verse is as follows: “And ordain for us good in this world, as well as in the next; we have turned to Thee with repentance.’ God replied, ‘I will inflict My punishment on whom I will; but My mercy encompasses all things; so I will ordain it for those who act righteously, and pay the Zakat and those who believe in Our Signs.”

It is evident from this verse that God Almighty manifests His favours upon His servants in extraordinary ways. God Almighty states, “My mercy encompasses all things.”

Rehmat [mercy] means “to be lenient”, “to be gracious” and “to shower mercy”. It means that God Almighty treats people with leniency and overlooks their shortcomings to an unlimited extent. God Almighty treats His servants with such kindness that has no bounds. The kindness of God Almighty and such treatment is so prevalent that it encompasses everything. His Rehmat includes grace and mercy. His Grace is that He has created countless things in the world, without man asking for them. He then manifests His mercy to those, who fulfil His rights, follow His commandments and implore Him with humility.

God Almighty here states that His objective is not to punish people. Some people have the gross misconception, “Why did He create Man, if He was to punish him?”

God Almighty says that, “This is not My objective. However, those people become recipients of my punishment, who exceed all bounds of evil deeds. Moreover, My punishment is temporary and it serves to reform and to develop a sense of realisation.

Eventually, a time will come that even the dwellers of hell will partake of My boundless mercy. Their punishment will cease. The punishment of hell will be a result of their evil deeds and this punishment in fact will become a means for their reformation.”

Thus, if we ponder over this, we realise that, in fact, this punishment is also a kind of reformation. This period of punishment is, in a way, a kind of mercy. However, God Almighty is also the Master of the Day of Judgement. Thus, He can cover those people, who seem sinful to us, with the mantle of His mercy and forgiveness and let them pass by without any punishment. Nonetheless, drawing our attention to the paths of righteous deeds, God Almighty states, “My Mercy encompasses everything, and I will certainly bestow My Mercy upon those, who are righteous, pay Zakat and believe in My signs”, that is those, who believe in the signs

of God Almighty. Thus, God Almighty has said, “I will, considering it My right, certainly cover those with the mantle of My mercy, who follow the path of righteousness, pay Zakat and follow My commandments with due diligence and conviction and have complete faith in [My] Signs.”

Then, at another place God Almighty states: َ َ ّٰ ْ ۡ ‫ِا ّن َر ْح َم َت الل ِہ ق ِریۡ ٌب ِّم َن ال ُم ْح ِسنِی َن‬ That is, “Surely, the mercy of Allah is nigh unto those who do good.” Mohsin – those who do good – are those who fulfil their duties in accordance with all of its

requirements. Hence, one who fulfils the requirements of righteousness, acts in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty, has absolute conviction in the signs of God Almighty and submits himself before Him will partake of the mercy of God Almighty. Thus, a believer should try his utmost to act in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty, tread on the path of righteousness and be absolutely firm in his faith. Only then can an individual be deemed a believer.

Furthermore, he should try to acquire the blessings of this declaration of God Almighty that the mercy of God Almighty is nigh unto those who act in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty by fulfilling its due rights. Furthermore, God Almighty has made it incumbent upon Himself and it has been decreed that if one adheres to this, then the breadth of His Mercy will encompass such people. How Gracious and Benevolent is our God! How can this be possible? We are the servants of

God Almighty; how then can a servant demand his rights from his Master? However, the Master of the heavens and the earth says that if we tread on the path of righteousness and if we continue to act in accordance with His commandments whilst believing in His signs, we will most certainly become deserving of His mercy.

The very first aspect that has been mentioned by God Almighty here is righteousness. In fact, if a person truly comprehends righteousness, then all other virtues and acquiring strength in one’s belief are encapsulated within it.

With regards to this, the Promised Messiahas states at one place, “The entire spiritual beauty of a person lies in him treading on all the subtle paths of righteousness. The subtle paths of righteousness are the minute details and pleasant features of spiritual beauty. It is evident [that this is achieved through] upholding the trusts of God Almighty and to act in accordance with one’s spiritual pledges to the best of one’s abilities”, i.e. to uphold them in their proper manner.

“Furthermore, it is achieved through utilising every faculty and limb from head to toe, which are outwardly visible in the form of eyes, ears, hands, feet and other limbs, as well as those that are internal such as the heart and other faculties and moral qualities, on their appropriate occasion and to

the best of one’s ability.”

In other words, one must utilise all these faculties properly, and in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty and to fulfil their due right. “Furthermore, this is achieved through restraining one’s faculties from unlawful use and to remain mindful of their subtle attacks.”

That is, to restrain them from improper use and to remain mindful of them as Satan utilises these limbs and faculties in order to secretly attack. To be mindful of this is the responsibility of man. Only then will one truly be able to tread on the path of righteousness and only then will one truly be able to fulfil the commandments of God Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas states, “On the other hand, he should also be mindful of the rights of mankind. The entire spiritual beauty of a person is attached to this aspect. Furthermore, God Almighty has defined righteousness as a garment in the Holy Quran.

Hence, Libas-ul-Taqwa [garment of righteousness] is an expression from the Holy Quran. This indicates towards the fact that spiritual beauty and elegance can only be attained through righteousness. Furthermore, righteousness is that a person upholds and fulfils every trust of God and spiritual covenant made with Him, as well as the trusts and covenants made with His creation to the best of one’s abilities. In other words, he should uphold and fulfil even the minutest aspects of it to the best of his abilities.” (Zameema Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part 5, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 21, pp. 209-210) A person should uphold and act in accordance with even the subtlest aspects of this to the best of his abilities.

Thus, when a person acquires this standard, they reach the stage where the mercy of God Almighty becomes incumbent upon His servant. In other words, God Almighty makes this incumbent upon Himself. And as I mentioned earlier, what status does a servant have that they may seek something from God Almighty as if it was their right?

We are currently passing through the days of Ramadan and only a week remains.

In relation to this, the Holy Prophetsa has said that when the month of Ramadan approaches, the doors of heaven are opened, the doors of hell are shut and Satan is shackled. (Sahih Mulsim, Kitab-ul-Siyam, Baab Fazlu Shar-e-Ramadhan, Hadith no.2495) However, it is only the believers who truly benefit from this. Only a person who truly believes and acts in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty is able to derive benefit from this. The followers of Satan do not refrain from their activities even during these days. Acts of indecencies and shamelessness in the world are carried out on a daily basis. These have not come to a halt during Ramadan. Hence, this is a glad tiding for the believers, who tread on the path of righteousness and those who partake of the mercy of God Almighty. God Almighty has extended His mercy for them in even greater abundance than before. Thus, derive benefit from this and try to fulfil the rights of God Almighty and try to act in accordance with His commandments.

Drawing our attention towards the fulfilment of these due rights, the Holy Prophetsa said on one occasion that the person who fulfils the requirements of faith and wakes up during the nights of Ramadan in order to pray with the intention of acquiring its reward, their previous sins would be forgiven. All of their previous sins would be forgiven. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Iman, Baab Saum-e-Ramadhan, Hadith 38) This is another manner in which the vastness of the mercy of God Almighty has been manifested, in that a person makes a small effort and God rewards him manifold. His graciousness and mercy are manifested in various ways. Thus, fortunate are those who derive benefit from these days.

Furthermore, this is also one of His blessings in that He has drawn our attention towards seeking the Laylat-ul-Qadr [The Night of Decree] in these last days, so that we may witness the signs of the acceptance of prayers even greater than before. This is also not our right. This, too, is His blessing so that He may encourage His servants to draw closer to Him and it is an expression of His great mercy.

Then, we find in a Hadith that the first

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Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM ten days of Ramadan are a period of mercy, the second ten days are a period of forgiveness and the last ten days are a period of being saved from the fire. (Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 8, p. 463, Hadith 23668, Muassisatul Risala, 1985, Beirut) During Ramadan, when a person observes the fast and along with it, acts in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty greater than before, and when they increase their worship and progress in righteousness, they then become the recipient of God Almighty’s mercy even greater than before. The reason for this is that God Almighty says that when a person observes the fast for His sake and refrains from certain lawful aspects in these days purely for His sake, then God Almighty Himself becomes the reward for the one who observes the fasts. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Saum, Hadith 1904) If God Almighty Himself becomes the reward, then surely such a person has acquired the means for their forgiveness. Furthermore, if they have acquired these means and God has forgiven them and accepted their repentance, then a person shall surely also be saved from the fire; they are saved from the fire of this life as well as from the fire of the hereafter. However, the condition is that they observe the fast sincerely for the sake of God Almighty and also act in accordance with the commandments of God. Following this, these deeds become a perpetual part of one’s life and become the means of permanently remaining immersed in the mercy of God Almighty. The mercy of God Almighty is not limited to the first ten days of Ramadan. Rather, it also carries forward to the middle ten-day period as well as the last ten days. As a matter of fact, it will permanently remain with an induvial as long as one’s deeds are performed with righteousness and firm faith. Similarly, His forgiveness is not limited to the second ten days [of Ramadan]. Rather, it remains with a person until the end of Ramadan and even beyond that. As a matter of fact, it remains with a person for as long as they live. It protects a person from the punishment of God Almighty. Similarly, a person does not remain safeguarded from the fire in only these ten days. Rather, even if a person passes the month of Ramadan, considering the fact that they derive benefit from the mercy of God Almighty and seek forgiveness from Him, they will continue to remain distant from the fire. However, if after the month of Ramadan, we fall prey to worldly affairs, forsake righteousness, do not pay heed to the commandments of God Almighty, become weak in faith and disregard the signs of God Almighty, then it is similar to the case of a person building a safe fortress and then ruining it and destroying it with their own hands.

Therefore, God Almighty has made Ramadan a source for obtaining His mercy more than ever before and to attain His nearness. The mercy of God Almighty and His forgiveness is not limited to a few days.

It is not possible to be delivered from fire if His forgiveness is sought only for a few days or a small period of time and it is accepted.

Hence, we should continuously ponder over this. In this day and age, the Promised Messiahas has guided us at every step in regards to how we can obtain the nearness of God Almighty and what its true essence is and how we can become those who obtain

His mercy; how God Almighty provides the means to cover us in His mercy; how He grants us manifold rewards for just one action of ours and becomes a source of forgiveness; how we should strive towards obtaining His forgiveness in order to be under the shade of His mercy forever. In light of this, I will present certain extracts and will elaborate upon them as well.

Whilst explaining the verses that I recited before you, the Promised Messiahas states, “God Almighty says, ‘I will inflict My punishment on whom I will, and My Mercy encompasses all things. Those who safeguard themselves from every type of shirk [associating partners with God], disbelief and immoralities and they pay the Zakat, and those who have firm belief in Our signs, I shall decree My mercy for them.’” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part 4, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 1, p. 564) Here the Promised Messiahas has elaborated on the word taqwa [righteousness] in three words, that is, safeguarding from shirk, disbelief and immoralities. Nowadays, immodesty and vulgarity can be found everywhere on the television, internet and other media platforms. Hence, protecting oneself from such vulgarities and vain programs can also lead one to attain the Mercy of God Almighty.

During these days of Ramadan, one has to wake up early to keep the fasts and there are other engagements as well. Perhaps it is for this reason that a lot of people do not pay much attention to such things during the month of Ramadan, or they do not participate in vain endeavors, and they protect themselves from it, however it is necessary to guard oneself from these things at all times.

Nowadays, complaints are received about the youth, in fact, also regarding the adults too that such vulgarities are polluting their minds and are corrupting morals and they are moving away from faith. Hence, every Ahmadi should pay close attention towards this and make every effort in this regard. Also, they should utilise these various sources in a proper manner and with great caution.

In one place, the Promised Messiahas states, “It is evident from this verse that God’s mercy is for everyone and is vast.

And His wrath which manifests as a result of His attribute of being ‘Adl [Most Just], only comes into effect in certain particular circumstances. That is, this attribute is manifested when one transgresses the Divine laws.” (Jang-e-Muqadas, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, p. 207) Therefore, the reason God Almighty punishes someone is when one contravenes God’s Divine law. As it has been mentioned already that such a punishment is carried out for the sake of reformation, and ultimately the mercy of God Almighty prevails over all things. The Promised Messiahas further states, “Nevertheless, it is evident that if God Almighty’s wrath descends upon someone then it must be because that person has exceeded all limits in breaking the law of God. Such a person falls under His wrath despite the fact that God Almighty has expanded the scope of His Mercy.”

Whilst elaborating on this further, the Promised Messiahas states, “When God admonishes one about His impending punishment, it does not mean that it will most certainly occur. Rather, owing to His Holy

and Pure Being, it is necessary that He punish one who commits an offence. However, when the offender seeks to fulfil the due right of imploring for forgiveness and repentance, and supplicates with utmost fervency, then His Mercy overcomes His Wrath and conceals it within it. This is the meaning of the verse, َ ُ ُ ‫َع َذاب ۡۤی اُصِ ۡی ُب ب ٖہ َم ْن اَ َش‬ ‫ٓاء ۚ َو َر ْح َمت ِۡی َو ِس َع ْت ك َّل ش ۡی ٍء‬ ِ ِ That is, ‘I will inflict My punishment on whom I will; but My mercy encompasses all things’, in other words, َ​َ َ ‫َر ْح َمت ِْی َس َبق ْت غض ِب ْی‬ (Tohfa Ghaznavia, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 15, p. 537) However, if one repents, seeks forgiveness, supplicates and prays, and if they fulfil the due rights of this, then the Promised Messiahas states that God Almighty has not made it incumbent upon Himself that He must punish, rather, He has made it incumbent upon Himself to grant His mercy for such people. His mercy encompasses His wrath. His wrath vanishes and is concealed behind a veil.

The Promised Messiahas states that one of the ways to attract the mercy of God Almighty is through seeking forgiveness and repentance. What is the true essence of istighfar [seeking forgiveness]? What does it really mean? Regarding this, the Promised Messiahas says, “The true meaning and essence of seeking forgiveness or istighfar is to implore God so that no human weakness becomes manifest and so that God may support human nature with His strength and envelop it within the circle of His protection and succour.”

What is the objective of istighfar? It is to conceal a person’s weaknesses for humans are weak. It is so that God Almighty provides support to the human nature; so that He may safeguard humans from sinning and erring.

The Promised Messiahas states, “The word istighfar is derived from ghafara, which means to cover up. Hence, this supplication implores from God that He, with His power, may cover up the natural weakness of the person who seeks forgiveness from God.” That is, the natural mistakes of a person seeking forgiveness, which are countless, are not made apparent to others and such a person does not commit sin due to those weaknesses. “This meaning is then extended to the masses at large in that God may cover up such sins which have already been committed.” That is, He conceals (from others) the sinful act that has been carried out by someone. He safeguards one from its ill effects and the punishment that might result from it.

“However, the true and proper meaning is that God protects from human frailty the person who seeks forgiveness and performs istighfar with His own Divine power and grants him strength from His own strength, and knowledge from His own knowledge and light from His own light. For after having created man, God has not left him alone, but as He is man’s Creator and the Maker of all his external and internal faculties, He is also the Sustainer of man. In other words, He safeguards with His unique support everything that He has created. God is All-Sustaining and maintains creation through His own support. It is, therefore,

incumbent on man that since he has come into existence by the creating Hand of God, he should seek to safeguard the features of his creation from corruption through God’s support.” (Ismat-e-Anbiya, Ruhani Khazan, Vol. 18, p. 671) After creating mankind, God Almighty did not forsake humanity. He is the All-Sustaining, hence, the creation of man is subservient to the Divine laws. Despite the fact that God Almighty created mankind and has occurred through His Divine will, however the human endeavor is subservient to the Divine laws and it is essential that it must pass through the Divine laws of God Almighty. Therefore, the Promised Messiahas says that it is integral for mankind after having been created to express God’s attribute of All-Sustaining by following and adhering to His commandments. One should focus their attention towards prayer and istighfar so that God Almighty manifests His attribute of All-Sustaining and once again provides the strength through which man can follow His commandments.

Elaborating on this further, the Promised Messiahas says, “Therefore, this is a natural requirement of man for which he has been directed to perform istighfar. It is to this that the Holy Quran refers in the following: َ ْ ْ َّ ۤ ّٰ َ ‫الل ُہ لَا ِالٰ َہ ِالا ُہوَ ۚال َح ُّی الق ُّیوۡ ُم‬ [There is no God but He, the Living, the Self-Subsisting and All-Sustaining.]

And so, it is God who is both the Creator and Sustainer. The attribute of creation was manifested when man was brought into existence, but the divine function of providing sustenance was to work ceaselessly.”

When man was created, the attribute of creation was completed, however the attribute of the All-Sustaining is always with man as long as he lives.

“Hence arose the need for constant istighfar.” In order to adopt this attribute of All-Sustaining, there is a constant need to do istighfar. “Every attribute of God bestows a form of grace, and istighfar is needed to draw out the grace of God’s support.”

If one wishes to benefit from the bounty of God Almighty’s attribute of All-Sustaining, then carry out istighfar so that God Almighty may enable one to properly utilise the God-given abilities, strengths and powers in accordance with His desire. The Promised Messiahas states, “It is to this that the following verse of Surah Al-Fatihah refers: َ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ِا ّیاک ن ْع ُب ُد َو ِا ّیاک ن ْس َتعِی ُن‬ This means that You alone [O God] do we worship and You alone do we implore so that Your support and providence may uphold us and protect us from stumbling, lest we fall prey to weakness and are unable to worship you.” (Ismat-e-Anbiya, Ruhani Khazan, Vol.18, pg.672) Hence, this is the fundamental point which we must always keep in mind. To merely think that just because God Almighty has said that His Mercy encompasses everything, therefore one can do as they will and later they will simply seek God Almighty’s mercy and forgiveness; this is not correct. God Almighty has taken it upon Himself to show mercy to those who come to Him, who adhere to His commandments and who seek His forgiveness.

Further expounding on the topic of istighfar, the Promised Messiahas states,

10 “There are some people who are aware of the sins they are committing and there are others who are completely unaware of them.”

They do not even know that they are committing a sin, they have become completely insensitive to it and are oblivious to what sin is. “For this reason, God Almighty has made it forever incumbent upon us to do istighfar so that man may continue to seek forgiveness for every sin; be it outward or hidden; whether one is aware of it or not; whether it is the sin committed by one’s hand, foot, tongue, nose, ear or eye, or anything else.”

However many body parts there are, there should not be a single sin carried out by any of them. Thus, one should continue to seek istighfar.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “In these days we should always recite the prayer of Hazrat Adamas: ْٰ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ َۡ ۤ َ َ َ َ َ ‫َر ّبنا ظل ْمنا انف َسنا َو ِا ۡن ل ْم تغ ِف ْرلَنا َو ت ْر َح ْمنا لَنكوۡن َّن ِم َن الخ ِس ِریۡ َن‬ This prayer has already been accepted.”

[The translation is] “O Allah I have wronged my soul and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the losers.” The Promised Messiahas states that this prayer has been accepted from the outset. “Therefore, do not live a life of ignorance. Those who do not live their lives in ignorance, it is impossible for them to be afflicted by a calamity which they cannot bear.

No calamity befalls them without the will of God, just as the following supplication was revealed to me: ْ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُّ ُ ّ َ ْ ‫احفظن ِْی َوان ُص ْرنِ ْی َو ْار َح ْمن ِْی‬ ‫ر ِب کل شی ٍء خا ِدمک ر ِب ف‬ [O my Lord, everything is subservient to You, O Lord, protect me and help me and have mercy on me].” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp.

275-276, UK, 1975) Therefore, to come under the protection of God Almighty, to attain His succour and help, and to gain His mercy, it is necessary to make an effort, recite istighfar and pray.

We often use the terms istighfar and taubah [seeking repentance], so in order to clarify the difference between the two, the Promised Messiahas states, “Istighfar [seeking forgiveness] and taubah [seeking repentance] are two different things. One reason for istighfar to be presiding over taubah,” i.e. it has priority over it and comes before it, “is that istighfar is the aid and strength which is sought from God Almighty.” In order to protect oneself from sin, one should recite istighfar to acquire the strength and succour from God Almighty.

“Taubah however means to stand on one’s own two feet.”

After having protected oneself from sin and remaining steadfast on this through carrying out istighfar, one then needs to pray to God Almighty to remain resolute thereon and for that there is taubah, which is a form of a prayer. Taubah is therefore the prayer wherein one states, “O Allah! Enable us to remain firmly established on the prayers which we have made whilst seeking istighfar. Make this salvation from the Fire that You have granted us eternal. Do not allow any of our actions or efforts to become a means of incurring Your displeasure, lest we regress to our former state.” Therefore, taubah is in order to acquire this and hence, َُ ‫َو اتوْ ُب ِال َ ْی ِہ‬ “And I turn to Him” has been stated. This is so that He may enable us to remain firmly established upon this and that we may

Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM continue to refrain from sin, attain His forgiveness and continue to be saved from the Fire.

The Promised Messiahas states, “It is the practise of God that when one seeks help from Him, He grants a strength, and after granting it, man can stand on his own two feet and a strength will be granted to him to carry out noble deeds, which is called, ُ ‫توْبُوْا ِال َ ْی ِہ‬ ‘Turn to Him’.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “One is enabled to do taubah once he has carried out istighfar. If one does not do istighfar, then know that the ability to do taubah will certainly die away. So if one does istighfar in such a way and then does taubah, then the result will be: ً ُ َ ً ً ‫یُ َم ّت ِْع ُك ۡم َّم َت‬ ‫اعا َح َسنا ِالٰۤی ا َج ٍل ّم َس ّمی‬ That is, ‘He will provide for you a goodly provision until an appointed term.’”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “It is the established practise of God Almighty that if you carry out istighfar and taubah, then you will continue to attain higher ranks. Every faculty has its own scope in which one can excel in its various levels. Not every person can become a Nabi (prophet), Rasul (messenger), Siddiq (truthful) or Shaheed (martyr).” (Malfuzat, Vol.2. pp.68-69, UK, 1985) Whatever bounds have been appointed in one’s ranks, the levels to which one can reach, it is necessary for one to make exerted efforts to attain that, and that can only be done so through istighfar and taubah.”

Further explaining taubah, the Promised Messiahas states, “In Arabic idiom, taubah (repentance) means ‘returning’, and that is why in the Holy Quran, God’s name is also Tawwab, that is to say, He Who is Oft-Returning with compassion. This means that when a person discarding sin turns to God with a sincere heart, God Almighty turns even more to them. This is altogether in accord with the law of nature. God Almighty has made it part of human nature that when a person turns to another with a sincere heart, the latter’s heart is also softened for him. Then how can reason accept that when a servant turns towards God Almighty with a true heart, God should not turn to them?

Indeed God, Who is Benevolent and Merciful, turns even more towards His servant.

That is why in the Holy Quran, God’s name, as we have just mentioned, is also Tawwab, meaning Oft-Returning with compassion.

Man’s turning to God is through remorse and humility and meekness, and God’s turning to man is with mercy and forgiveness. If mercy was not one of the attributes of God Almighty, no one would be able to attain deliverance from their sins.”

The Promised Messiahas continues, “It is a pity that people do not ponder over the attributes of God Almighty and depend entirely upon their own actions,” i.e. those who think that that can achieve everything through their own actions.

“But can it be the attitude of God, Who, without any action proceeding from man, has created thousands of bounties for him upon the earth, that, when weak man, being warned of his heedlessness should turn to Him, a turning which is like death and should put off his old garment and should be consumed in the fire of His love, God should not turn to him with mercy? Is this

the law of nature?” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, pp. 133-134) The Promised Messiahas is responding to those who claim that God Almighty does not show mercy even if one supplicates and seeks forgiveness and turns to Him, a turning which is like death and should put off his old garment and should be consumed in the fire of His love, and purifies himself, but will God still not turn to him with mercy? Such a view can only be of those people who utter falsehood. ۡ ٰ ْ َ ّٰ َ ‫ل َ ْعنت الل ِہ َعلی الک ِذ ِبی َن‬ That is, the curse of Allah be upon the liars.

It can never be the case that a man fulfils his obligations and God Almighty does not reward him at all. This is in conflict with the grand stature of God Almighty and in contrast to God Almighty’s announcement that “My mercy is all-encompassing” and this is against His law. As I have mentioned it is against His pronouncement of His mercy being all-encompassing, however the duty which man must fulfil is that he must strive in such a manner as if he has died and removed from his body the former unclean garment, i.e. the garment of sin, and burns in the fire of His love. The Promised Messiahas states that when these are acted upon, this is something to greatly ponder over, then God Almighty will also turn to man in a way which he could never imagine.

Thus, this should be the level of one’s seeking of forgiveness, which makes an individual deserving of God Almighty’s mercy and God Almighty has ordained this mercy for Himself. The Promised Messiahas also outlined the conditions of how one can strive to seek true repentance. The Promised Messiahas says that there are three conditions for repentance. The first of these is that one should discard all those thoughts which arouse evil propensities. This cannot be fulfilled until one imagines those evils to be repulsive and abhorrent. If those evils remain in one’s mind and one does not perceive it to be abhorrent, then it will be difficult to abstain from such evils. The first condition is that one has to remove these thoughts from one’s mind and try to create a sense of abhorrence for them. The second condition is that at the thought of any evil or immoral act, one should show remorse and regret. When such thought is aroused in one’s mind, they should immediately show remorse and regret over that thought. They should have the thought in their minds that the evil desires which they are indulging in are transient and are such that can destroy their lives. Soon a time will come wherein this transient passion will finish.

In essence one should listen to one’s own conscience as it is one’s conscience which always guides one to determine whether something is evil or good. When one’s thoughts become in line with this and one listens to their conscience, then gradually they can safeguard themselves from these evils. The third condition is that one should have a firm resolve that they will never revert to these vices in future. Subsequently, in order to remain firm on this, one should use all their resolve and also pray in this regard, then these vices will disappear and one will perform virtues in their stead. Where the Promised Messiahas mentions about removing the tainted cloak [of vice], this means that if one strives to their utmost ability, us-

ing all their resolve to do so, they will then become deserving of God’s mercy. (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 138-139, UK, 1985) Further elaborating on how one can protect themselves from the fire through seeking forgiveness and repentance, the Promised Messiahas says, “For man, repentance is not a futile act or something worthless.

Furthermore, its effects are not only confined to the Hereafter, rather, through this one’s worldly life, as well as their faith, is resolved. They become blessed with peace and serenity in this life as well as in the Hereafter. Observe that God Almighty states in the Quran: َّ َ َ َ َ َّ ً َ َ َ َ ٰ ۡ َّ ً َ َ َ َ ْ ُّ َ َۤ​َ ‫َر ّبنا ٰاتِنا فِی الدنیا حسنۃ و فِی الاخِر ِۃ حسنۃ و قِنا عذ‬ ِ‫اب النار‬ ‘Our Lord, grant us comforts in this world as well as peace and serenity in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.’ The truth of the matter is that there is a subtle indication towards repentance in the word Rabbana [our Lord]. The word Rabbana requires [and implies] that a person has left other gods which they had previously adopted, and turned towards their Lord. Furthermore, this word can only be uttered from the heart of a person with true anguish and fervour.”

When a person recites Rabbana in its true sense, it is not uttered by the tongue, rather it is from the heart. There are people who say Rabbana and offer this prayer superficially. Only if a person offers this prayer wholeheartedly will the word Rabbana be uttered in its true sense.

The Promised Messiahas says, “Rab means the One Who enables a person to reach their pinnacle in stages and also the One Who nourishes. The fact of the matter is that a person creates multiple gods for themselves. They have utmost faith in their schemes and deceptions, as those are their gods. If they are proud of their knowledge or power then that is their god. If they are proud of their beauty or wealth then that is their god. In short, there are thousands of such gods which are attached to them. Until they do not forsake them all, bow their head before the One True Lord and fall at His threshold, supplicating the words of Rabbana, with true heart-wrenching emotions, they will not be able to understand the nature of the True Lord. This is only possible when one accepts their sins and supplicates with true pain and fervour, and then addresses their Lord, Rabbana i.e. ‘O my Lord!

You were in fact the True God! Yet out of my error I wandered away from You, but now I have abandoned those false gods and I sincerely proclaim Your Providence and come to Your threshold’. Until one removes from his heart the grandeur and dignity of all other gods, he will not be able to call upon the Providence of the True Lord.

Certain people have adopted falsehood as their lord. They believe that without uttering falsehood, it will be difficult for them to get by. Others have made theft, robbery and fraud as their lord. They believe that besides this there is no other means for their livelihood and sustenance. Thus, these are their lords.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Such people who solely rely and trust their own sources of earning livelihood, what need do they have to pray and seek help from God Almighty? One only is in need of prayer when all other means are not

11

Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM available except His alone; only such a person supplicates from their heart. Thus, the prayer: ًَ ْ ُّ َ َۤ​َ ‫الدن َیا َح َسنۃ‬ ‫َر ّبنا ٰاتِنا فِی‬ [Our Lord, grant us good in this world] is only recited by those who consider God as their True Lord and they have firm belief that all other false gods are completely worthless before Him,” The Promised Messiahas further states, “The hellfire does not only refer to the fire that will burn on the Day of Judgment.

However, one who lives a long life is able to witness that there are thousands of fires in this world. Those who have experienced this will know that there are all kinds of different fires that exist in this world. Various forms of calamities, fear, sorrow, poverty, illnesses, failures, fear of humiliation and deprivation, numerous kinds of grief and sorrows, afflictions relating to one’s wife, children, etc. and ties turning sour with near relatives all constitute as fire. Therefore, a Momin [believer] prays to be saved from every kind of fire. If one has attached himself to God Almighty, they should pray to be saved from all kinds of calamities which can cause one to experience difficulty and hardship in their life and are in likeness to the fire.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, pp. 187-190, 1985, UK) The Promised Messiahas once drew the attention of the Jamaat to frequently recite the following prayer: َّ َ َ َ َ َّ ً َ َ َ َ ٰ ۡ َّ ً َ َ َ َ ْ ُّ َ َۤ​َ ‫َر ّبنا ٰاتِنا فِی الدنیا حسنۃ و فِی الاخِر ِۃ حسنۃ و قِنا عذ‬ ِ‫اب النار‬ “Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 9, 1985, UK) Therefore, we also need to pay heed to this, so that God Almighty out of his Mercy may save us from all forms of fire in this world and in the hereafter. The Promised Messiahas states, “The essence of this [prayer] which God Almighty has mentioned in the Holy Quran is, ‘O Servants of Mine! Do not lose hope in Me for I am Merciful, Gracious, One Who Covers Faults, Most-Forgiving and will bestow My Mercy upon you in such abundance that no one else can show as much mercy as I shall. Love Me even more than your own fathers for I am even more loving than them.

If you come towards Me, I shall forgive all your sins, and if you repent, I will accept your repentance. Even if you slowly tread towards Me, I will come running. One who searches for Me, shall find Me. One who turns towards Me, shall find My doors to be open. I forgive the sins of one who repents even if they are as high as the mountains.

My Mercy for you is greater than My wrath because you are My creation and I have created you, and My Mercy encompasses you all.’” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 56) May God Almighty enable us to sincerely devote ourselves to God Almighty. May we attain His taqwa and grow stronger in our faith and belief, so that we always partake from His mercy. May it never happen that we are deprived of His Mercy and receive His punishment on account of our evil deeds. May God Almighty always bestow His mercy upon us.

(Translated by The Review of Religions.)

The 42nd Jalsa Salana Canada will be held on 6, 7 & 8 July 2018 at The International Centre in Mississauga, Ontario.

The expected attendance is 26,000.

Details of the Speeches is as follows:

Day 1 Friday Sermon Jihad Against Innovations and Bad Customs By: Maulana Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib, Markaz Representative, Mufti-e-Silsila Blessings of Nizam Jamaat in the Context of Sacrificing Life, Wealth & Honour By: Lal Khan Malik Sahib, National Amir Jamaat Canada Khilafat – Source of Unification of Mankind By: Maulana Mubarak Ahmad Nazir Sahib, Missionary

Day 2 Blessings of Salat and Supplications By: Maulana Tariq Azeem Sahib, Missionary, Vancouver Love of Companions for the Holy Prophet (pbuh) By: Kaleem Ahmad Malik Sahib, National Secretary Wasaya

‫آر� � اس �ف ا�ا ِر �� �رپ � �اج‬ ‫� � � � �دوں � �� ز�ہ وار‬

By: Maulana Hadi Ali Chaudhry Sahib, Naib Amir Jamaat Canada

� � � � ‫ا� آز�� � ��؟‬ � � � ‫� �رے ا�ال اور �رى او�د �رے‬ �

By: Maulana Khalil Ahmad Mobashir Sahib, Missionary Incharge Jamaat Canada Emerging Societal Challenges and their Solutions By: Maulana Farhan Iqbal Sahib, Missionary Ottawa Hazrat Muhammad (sa) – Beacon of Absolute Justice By: Muhammad Asif Afzal Khan Sahib, National Secretary Umur-e-Kharjiyya The Great Comet of 1882 – A Celestial Sign for the Promised Messiah (as) By: Syed Tahir Ahmad Sahib, Additional Nazir Ishaat (MTA Pakistan)

Day 3 Trust in Allah

By Maulana Hanan Ahmad Sobhi Sahib, Missionary Toronto Timely Marriage – A Citadel against Contemporary Challenges

By Maulana Muhammad Afzal Mirza Sahib, Missionary Peace Village

��‫ا��ﻌﻮا ﺻﻮت اﻟﺴﻤﺎء ﺟﺎء اﻟﻤﺴ�� ﺟﺎ ء اﻟﻤﺴ‬

By: Maulana Mubashar Ahmad Kahlon Sahib, Markaz Representative, Mufti-e-Silsila

12

Friday 6 July 2018 | AL HAKAM

2 Convocation nd

Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana

Abdul Rauf Omoyele Jamia Ahmadiyya International

• Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa sends special message to Jamia Ghana • 13 Shahideen (Graduating Missionaries from Jamia Ghana) • 800 individuals including government officials attend Jamia Ahmadiyya International Ghana held its second Annual Convocation Ceremony for its final year students on 24 June 2018.

Last year, 26 students from 11 countries acquired their Shahid degrees and proceeded to the practical field, while this year, 13 more

missionaries from 10 countries are going to join the practical field.

This ceremony of Jamia Ahmadiyya was organised in the assembly ground of Jamia.

Canopies were erected and an elevated stage was put up.

The chairman of this ceremony was the Amir and Missionary In-charge, Nur Mohammad bin Salih Sahib. The special guest was Paul Essien, Deputy Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.

The programme commenced at 10:30am.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and poem of Hazrat Musleh Maudra, Amir Sahib Ghana delivered the opening address.

Thereafter, a special message from Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was read before the audience.

In his message, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said, “You are now considered

to have entered that fortunate group who have pledged that by becoming thoroughly learned and versed in religion, you will offer your life in the path of Allah to fulfil the mission of the Promised Messiahas and will spread the true message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.”

Huzooraa further added, “...you must intensify your standard of worship and recite the Holy Quran with deep insight and concentration. You should pay constant attention to reading the literature of the Jamaat.”

The General Secretary of Jamaat Ghana, Abbas bin Wilson Sahib introduced the guests. Naibeen of the Amir (Vice Presidents), members of Majlis-eAmila, the Trustee of the Jamaat, Respected Nuruddin Momin Sahib, National Sadr Lajna Imaillah Ghana, doctors and teachers of the Jamaat, tutors of Jamiatul-Mubashirin as well as the central missionaries of the Jamaat participated in the ceremony.

The Principal of Jamia-tul-Mubashireen Nigeria was also present. Present also were central missionaries from UK and Canada who are serving in Ghana during their Waqf-e-Arzi period.

Among the other officials were the District Municipal Officer, in-charge of the Ghana Revenue authority, in-charge of the

fire service, Managing Directors of banks and some officials of court.

After the introduction of the guests, a group of students presented a poem in praise of Allah the Almighty which comprised of six languages. This was followed with the report of the convocation by the in-charge of the academics, Mirza Khalil Ahmad Baig Sahib. He mentioned that 13 missionaries from 10 countries (Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Tanzania, Guinea Bissau, Kenya, Mali, Gambia and Kyrgyzstan) would be receiving their degrees. The graduating missionary from Kyrgyzstan, Giasbek Bin

Aashirali, would have the honour of being the first indigenous missionary from the Russian states.

The distribution of prizes started after the addresses of guest speakers. Students who obtained positions during the academic competitions and classes received their prizes from the special guest and guest speaker. The graduating Shahid students received their prizes comprising a copy of the Holy Quran, Medals and Certificate.

Gifts were also presented to the guests.

A poem composed by Respected Principal Sahib: Khilafat key adna sipahi hain ham was also enchanted by two students.

Thereafter, Amir Sahib introduced Jamaat Ahmadiyya to the guests and also shed more light upon the community’s effort towards establishing of world peace.

This ceremony was attended by about 800 individuals; 600 men and over 200 women and children. Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat (flag of Ahmadiyyat) and the national flag of Ghana were hoisted at the Jamia flag post.

The main team of the MTA Africa recorded all proceedings of this programme while representatives from 4 television channels, 4 newspapers and 2 radio stations were also present. They also covered the ceremony and interviewed Amir Sahib, Principal Sahib and other individuals.

All guests commended the arrangements of the function and Jamaat’s message of love while also praising the attitude and morals of the Ahmadis.

Jamia Ghana was initiated in 2012, and this institution established during the fifth Khilafat has grown to be a fruit-bearing tree.

Currently studying in the institution are 168 students from 24 countries.

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