Al Hakam - 15 June 2018

Eid-ul-Fitr 1940 Eid sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra

100 Years Ago...

Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia Picnic

Mischief of the Paighamis A response to the actions of those adamant in misguiding the Jamaat

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Students of Jamia and Hifz-ul-Quran participate in an activity packed event

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52nd Jalsa Salana Kenya Jamaat Ahmadiyya Kenya held their 52nd Annual Jalsa at Nairobi Headquarters

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THE WEEKLY

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 15 June 2018 | Issue XIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates that he saw the Holy Prophetsa leave his house for Eid-ul-Fitr. He offered two rak‘aat [units] of Eid prayer; he did not offer any nawafil before or after it.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitabul Eidain)

Wishing You a Happy Eid id will be celebrated in London E on Saturday, 16 June. Being the headquarters of the Ahmadiyya

Muslim Jamaat, and with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa residing here, London is the centrepiece of the whole community.

While dates of Eid can vary with the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, Eid day in London holds a significant meaning for the worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

The revolution brought about

by MTA means that each and every member of the Jamaat can celebrate their Eid with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih even if their Eid is scheduled for a different date or a different time, subject to their time zones.

The opportunity to listen to Huzoor’s Eid sermon is what completes the joys of Eid; the cherry on the cake being the “Eid Mubarak” that Huzoor conveys with great love and affection to the worldwide Jamaat at the end of his Sermon.

MTA International begins its live broadcast with Huzoor’s Eid Sermon which is expected at around 9.30am GMT tomorrow, Saturday 16 June.

Huzooraa delivers his Eid sermon at Baitul Futuh Mosque – the central mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, UK – situated in Morden,

Surrey. It is in the Greater London area and very easily accessible from all parts of the city – a characteristic that adds to the desire of every Ahmadi to say the Eid prayers behind the Imam and listen directly to his sermon.

The Baitul Futuh mosque, when inaugurated in 2003, was taken to be a huge mosque which not only adequately fulfilled the demands of a rapidly growing Jamaat but was also sufficient for the many years to come. We as humans have our own plans that we think are grand, but the grandeur of Allah’s design is beyond the grasp of human faculties.

As with all Jamaat facilities, it took less than a couple of years for the mosque to become just sufficient and another couple of years for it to become insufficient. The adjacent halls that were once thought to be more than sufficient for an overflow (should the need have ever arisen) soon started to function as annexes accommodating the turnaround.

Marquees appeared in the car park for overflow but that meant providing parking facilities elsewhere.

The Merton Council (the local authority of the London Borough that houses the Baitul Futuh Continued on page 3

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Love the Quran and the Prophetsa n essential teaching for you is that you should not A abandon the Holy Quran like a thing forsaken, for therein lies your life. Those who honour the Quran will be honoured in heaven. Those who give precedence to the Quran over every Hadith and every other saying will be

given precedence in heaven. Today, there is no book on the face of the earth for mankind except for the Quran.

The sons of Adam have no Messenger and Intercessor but Muhammad, the Chosen One, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Endeavour, therefore, to cultivate

true love for this Prophet of glory and majesty, and do not give precedence to anyone over him, so that in heaven you may be counted as those who have attained salvation.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, p. 24)

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

From the Archives

Eid and an Act of Charity n 2 February 1900, it was Eid-ul-Fitr in Qadian. The O Promised Messiah had encouraged Ahmadis of not only villages and nearby towns, but from other areas of as

Mosque) has to be contacted to hire parking facilities in nearby parks and paid car parks on occasions like the Eid and even for the Friday congregations.

This shrinking space is never seen by the Jamaat as a problem; it is a blessing of Allah and we remain ever thankful to Him for making us a witness to the ever-rising trajectory of the Jamaat’s success. Such has been the case from the time of the Promised Messiahas and the Jamaat has witnessed this prosperity with every passing day; Baitul Futuh being no exception.

Mohammed Nasser Khan sahib, Naib Amir UK, is responsible for the logistics of events of this scale in the UK Jamaat. We spoke to him to see how Jamaat UK sees these challenges. Nasser Khan Sahib said, “This is all down to the blessings of Allah. It is very challenging but there are other challenges that entail the attempts to resolve them.

By the Grace of Allah, the council allows us to hire the park right opposite the Baitul Futuh Mosque, which means we have 73 acres at our disposal. This park has – for the past several years – provided parking facilities for those attending which helps in moving away the motor-traffic from the site. We have had overflow arrangements in a marquee in this park but this year we are having 4 marquees which will accommodate up to 6,000 persons; almost the same number as in the mosque.

“As the park is just across the road, connectivity becomes easier and we are able to have large screens and speakers relaying the Eid prayer and sermon.

“Every passing year has been a learning experience for us and now, the massive operation has become more systematic and organised. The police are always here to help with controlling the traffic and keeping the roads around the mosque moving. This is all by the sheer Grace of Allah and the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih.”

All this was to give our worldwide readers a feel of Eid in London. Eid Mubarak from Al Hakam!

India to assemble in Qadian for Eid. Around a thousand Ahmadis travelled from Madras, Kashmir, Shahjehanpur, Jhang, Multan, Patiala, Sinaur, Kapurthalla, Malir Kotla, Ludhiana, Shahpur, Sialkot, Gujrat, Lahore, Amritsar, Batala, Gurdaspur and other parts of India.

The Promised Messiahas walked, along with his entourage, to the ground at the west of Qadian, which is now known as the “Old Eid Gah”. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra led the Eid prayer which was followed by an enlightening sermon on the meanings of Surah Al-Nas, bringing to light the hidden treasures of this Surah.

As England at that time was at war with the natives of South Africa – in what is known as the Boer War – the Promised Messiahas touched upon the topic by praising the

Hazrat Ibn Umarra narrates that on the occasions of Eid, the Holy Prophetsa would first lead the prayer and then deliver the sermon. Azan was not called for Eid prayers.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Eidain)

policy of freedom of religion exercised by the British Government. Huzooras urged that all ought to pray for the victory of the British and also led the congregation in prayers. It is from this prayer that this congregation of Eid came to be known as “Jalsa Dua”.

The Promised Messiahas raised funds for the aforementioned Boer War and arranged for the funds to be sent to the British Government for relief of wounded soldiers. Upon receipt of the donation of five-hundred rupees, the officials wrote to the Promised Messiahas, expressing their gratitude. The Promised Messiahas mentioned this in the booklet named Roedad Jalsa Dua (Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 15, p. 627).

The Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre (ARC) have, in their records, the wording of the letter as it was published by the Homeward Mail. Below is the image of the newspaper with the letter of acknowledgment:

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Eid-ul-Fitr 1940

Future of Ahmadiyyat To mark the blessed occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr, the Fazle Umar Foundation English Desk has produced a translation of an Eid sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the Promised Reformer and Second Successor of the Promised Messiahas, on 2 November 1940. amadan has passed and the day which we refer to as Eid has arrived. The months of Ramadan which are sent by Allah R the Exalted always end and then God bestows on His servants

the celebration of Eid. The longest trial that God has determined for His servants is the month of Ramadan. For thirty days the servants of God keep the fasts; endure hunger; withstand thirst; exercise refrain and abstinence; wake through the night; offer prayers; increase their recitation of the Holy Quran; immerse themselves in the remembrance of Allah; and some even observe the Tarawih prayers. Accordingly, this 30-day month is, from a religious perspective, a time of extraordinary happiness and delight, and yet from a physical standpoint it is a trial as the servants of God must pass through hunger and thirst and refrain from their sexual desires.

However, after one month, this tribulation is brought to an end and God gifts His servants with the day of Eid. Moreover, through this, believers are taught that whenever a hardship comes from God it is always temporary and it soon gives way to happiness and ease. But those difficulties which people bring upon themselves are sometimes so protracted that they extend across generations, and at times even cast a shadow over people for centuries, and their day of Eid is not only postponed, it moves further and further away.

Therefore, people should always keep in mind that whenever a trial is prolonged, it owes itself to the faults of people themselves. Otherwise, Allah the Exalted does not set out lengthy periods of hardship. Whenever a trial is raised by Allah the Exalted it is temporary, and after a short period of time, such means and provisions are manifested which indicate that God wishes that His servants soon witness Eid. For example, in the time of the Holy Prophetsa, his companions made every effort to spread Islam and obediently follow his instructions. As a result, their Eid was quick to come. Whereas, the circumstances of the people of Mosesas show that God Almighty wished to bring for them a day of Eid in quick order, but the people themselves turned it away. God wanted them to reach the Promised Land in the lifetime of Mosesas, and from the Holy Quran it is clear that God wished for this to happen 40 years earlier [than when it transpired], but the people delayed it. Thus God wanted them to experience Eid as soon as possible, but through their actions they caused it to be postponed until a later time.

Our community ought to reflect over whether it is working towards hastening forward the day of Eid or postponing its arrival. For there is a good chance that those people who do not have a day of Eid as their goal, may be doubtful of their success.

Allah the Exalted has promised to show us a day of Eid just as He promised the people of Mosesas and Jesus of Nazarethas.

How, then, can our community have any doubt over its coming? Similarly, this promise must be fulfilled just as it was for the earlier prophets because the God Who lived in the time of Noahas, Abrahamas, Mosesas, Jesusas and Muhammad the messenger of Allahsa is still alive. However, our community ought to reflect over why, [in our case] the Divine help due to us has been postponed until a later date. Surely, this delay is a result of our own shortcomings, apathy and heedlessness. If we discard these traits, we will see that the time of our trials and tribulations, which the followers of all prophets are destined to face,

will be reduced just as it was in the lifetime of the Holy Prophetsa. The Messenger of Godsa continued to live until he had established Islam in the Arab Peninsula and his companions did not die until they made Islam victorious over the whole world.

Allah the Exalted treats those prophets who share in the qualities of Mosesas differently to those who share in the qualities of the Messiahas. He bestows on the former governance and rule because He wishes to see the sharia practically implemented in their lifetime. However, since The last Jalsa Salana the Promised Messiahas attended saw 700 participants and that was considered a great achievethe latter type of prophets ment. these 75 years, 50 have already passed and only 25 remain. If do not bring a new law and only teach in accordance with the we wish to show that we follow the path set out for us by the previous law, therefore, it is not necessary for them to exercompanions of the Holy Prophetsa and we are the recipients of cise worldly rule. Accordingly, [God instructs] the followers of the same Divine blessings the Companions received, then in the these prophets to preach with love, compassion and humility next 25 years our tabligh ought to spread to such an extent that and remain steadfast in the face of the enmity of their oppoeven our enemies are forced to admit that Ahmadiyyat has been nents and, therefore, by comparison He also delays the time of established across the world. However, the next 25 years seem their progress. Since the Promised Messiahas was a messianic insufficient for this, particularly when looking back at the past prophet, it was necessarily true that the time of his triumph 50. would take longer to reach than that of the Holy Prophetsa.

Even still, it is true that just 50 years ago there was a solitary However, it need not take as long as that of Jesus of Nazarethas. individual in Qadian who claimed that God spoke to him and Both Mosesas and the Holy Prophetsa shared similarities, howconferred on him the mission to guide the whole world. His ever, their triumphs occurred at different times. It took 80 to neighbours, friends and kin heard his voice and rejected him 90 years for the people of Mosesas to reach the Promised Land. with arrogance and hatred. They called him a liar and vowed to Whereas it took the companions of the Holy Prophetsa only 20 destroy him. Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi, who was a years to achieve a similar success; that is in a quarter of the close friend and acquaintance of the Promised Messiahas during time, a reduction of 75 percent. as his youth and used to praise his [writings and] essays, said upon Moses lived for around 40 to 50 years [after he was raised hearing his claim that he was the reason the Promised Messiahas as a prophet] and continued to preach his religion. Thereafter, achieved his fame and he would be the one to bring him down. his people roamed in the desert for another 40 to 50 years until Who could have thought that a respectable and powerful figure they reached the Promised Land. Meaning to say that it took like Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi would commit himthem 80 to 90 years to attain their goal. In contrast, the Holy self to destroying someone and yet that this would not come Prophetsa spent 13 years in Mecca and 7 years in Medina before to pass? he prevailed; a quarter of the time it took the people of MoFurthermore, the relatives of the Promised Messiahas ansesas. It took 300 years for the followers of Jesus of Nazarethas to nounced and published in various newspapers that he had achieve [the pinnacle] of their eminence. made his claim only for his own economic benefit and that peoToday, if we continue to tread on the path of the Companple should pay no heed to him. They tried to defame him and ionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa] and follow it with full obedience turn the whole world against him. Then I myself remember that as they did, and prove ourselves to have travelled on the same those who used to work at his home and are referred to as kapath as them, it is likely that God Almighty will also bestow meen [servant] in the language of land holders, refused to perupon us the same sign which He manifested for them. Acform their chores owing to the hatred spread by our relatives. cordingly, we ought to prevail in 75 years which is exactly one Thus friends and foes alike tried to destroy him. But instead fourth of the time it took the followers of Jesus of Nazarethas God prophesied to him: to emerge triumphant. The current year is 1940 and just prior to 1890 the Promised Messiahas took the first bai‘at. So out of Continued on page 5

Tokyo Iftar with Guests Sabahuz Zafar Missionary, Japan

Opan hosted its first Ramadan Iftar dinner n 2 June, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Ja-

in its capital, Tokyo. There was an open invitation for everyone to attend and learn about the month of Ramadan and break the fast with local Muslims. This event was promoted and publicised on social networking sites as well

as an event promoting website, with 350,000 readers every month.

The event was attended by people from all walks of life including university students, businessmen and a professor of Chiba University who specialises in cultural anthropology.

A student of the prestigious Tokyo University, upon seeing the event on the website mentioned above, decided to fast on the day of the event so that he could break the fast with us.

Before Iftar, the guests were given a brief introduction of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Japan and its humanitarian efforts for disaster affected people. A brief but comprehensive overview of fasting was given to the guests highlighting its importance and blessings.

Following the Iftar, Maghrib prayer was offered. Some guests expressed that it was their first ever experience of seeing Muslims offering Salat. Thereafter, dinner was served.

The event concluded with a question and answer session in which the majority of ques-

tions were focused around the topic of fasting and Ramadan.

Also at the event, various books and booklets were displayed both in Japanese and English on a variety of topics including a booklet in Japanese on Ramadan and fasting. Guests benefited greatly from the literature provided.

Tokyo Lajna members, mainly Native Japanese Ahmadis, played a key-role in organising and running this special event. From setting-up the event, preparing the food and serving and dealing with the female guests.

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 4

‫ن‬ ‫ن‬ ‫ک ی ن‬ ‫د�ا ی‬ ‫ا۔رپد�ا ےن اےس وبقل ہن ی‬ �‫ا� یبن ٓا ی‬ ‫م ی‬ ‫ا۔ل دخا اےس وبقل رکے اگ اور ڑبے‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ی‬ ‫زور ٓاور ولمحں ےس اس یک اچسیئ وک اظرہ رک دے اگ۔‬ A Prophet came unto the world, but the world accepted him not; yet God shall manifest His favour and demonstrate his truth with powerful assaults. [Tadhkira, p.

128, 2009 Ed.] [And yet despite this] a helpless and vulnerable man stood up in Qadian, a remote village where the mail was delivered only once a week and which did not even have a primary school. Nor were its residents capable of buying wheat flour worth a single rupee. Moreover, this claimant was neither a cleric nor did he possess immense wealth. (It is true that the Promised Messiahas belonged to noble family but unlike nawabs and rajas they did not own vast amounts of land).

Under these circumstances he came forward and from the very first day claimed before the world that God would spread his name to the corners of the earth. Today who can challenge the fact that his name has not been spread to the corners of the earth?

His followers who accept his claim and invoke peace and blessings on him, reside in London. There are thousands in America who, from the depths of their hearts, believe in him and every week I receive letters of devotion and sincerity from them. He has followers in Java and Sumatra and there are thousands in West Africa who believe in his claim. In a recent census, his followers numbered 25,000 in just one West African state.

Similarly, his followers have thrived in East Africa, Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Arabia, Italy, Iran, China, Japan, Russia, West America and Argentina.

Thus, there is no territory or country on earth where his message has not reached, but 50 years before today no one would have guessed he would achieve such magnificent success.

However, this success was not attained without enduring hardships. He faced severe opposition from friends and foes alike, from the authorities and from the general public. [Indeed there was a time that] whenever an Ahmadi would visit Qadian, their name was recorded by the authorities. [There was even] a police constable who was dispatched to Qadian and who would note down the names of all visitors. Qadian was, in the eyes of authorities, a place of miscreants where visitors were kept under surveillance. This opposition continued for a long time, but one by one the Promised Messiahas drew people towards him, and Ahmadiyyat progressed to such an extent that the total number of Ahmadis residing today in Qadian exceeds that of the number who gathered for the annual conventions in Qadian

during the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas. In the last Jalsa Salana held in his lifetime, the attendance figure was 700. And this was considered to be such a manifest sign that during one Jalsa, Huzoor went for a walk but returned shortly afterwards saying that it was too difficult to do so in such a large gathering and indicated that he thought his end was near because the prophets of God are called back when their mission achieves success. Hence, back then a gathering of 700 people was considered a manifest sign of Allah the Exalted, whereas today at a regular gathering in Qadian there are usually 3000 to 4000 people. Again, it used to be that during the Jalsa Salana a gathering of 700 hundred people was considered a great sign and now our circumstances are such that at the Jubilee Jalsa, 42,000 people were in attendance.

No doubt this is a miraculous rate of progress, but it is still not such that it makes the world think that it cannot compete with Ahmadiyyat. True progress is that which makes the enemy succumb. Such a victory has not yet been achieved by us even in Qadian and indeed cannot be attained until people from the north, south, east and west accept Ahmadiyyat and accept that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and Muhammadsa is His messenger.

This victory will not come from just the acceptance of the people of India or Asia or Africa or America. Rather until people belonging to all continents do not come together under this banner, the spiritual reform which has been decreed [to be undertaken] by Ahmadiyyat cannot be achieved.

Therefore, our community should look towards the next 25 years as if their life or death depended on it and all members should commit themselves to spreading the message of Ahmadiyyat. If they are able to preach to their relatives, they should do so. If they are able to preach to strangers, they should do so. If they are able to preach in their own countries, they should do so. And if they are able to preach abroad, they should go and do it. All members should commit themselves to this undertaking with zeal and fervour. They should spread the light of God Almighty which has enlightened their own eyes, because as the progeny of Adamas all the people of the world are our brothers and it is our duty to share with them the riches God has blessed us with. They belong not only to us but to all people. Though they do not ask for their share, it goes against decency to withhold something from your kin regardless of whether they ask for it or not. An honourable person is not satisfied until they hand over to their kin what is their right.

Thus we have been given a great responsibility and been charged with the safekeeping of an incredible trust, which in truth belongs to all the children of Adamas, and until we spread

Annual Picnic Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Muhammad Sulaiman Feroz Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Oheld an annual tarbiyat tour. This event is n 13-15 May, Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

part of the academic calendar. The 3-day event was held at the camping site in tea hills area in Puncak, Bogor. All Jamia students, Hafiz-ulQuran students and lecturers enthusiastically attended.

On the morning of 13 May, all students prepared to depart. Before leaving the campus, every student attended the morning assembly, after which all students were ready to go. It took about

two hours.

Upon arrival at the location, all students seemed really energetic to set up tents. Within only a few minutes, our tents were put up and we waited for Zuhr time.

After the combined Zuhr and Asr prayers, lunch was served. All students seemed really excited and even the weather was pleasantly cold for common Indonesians.

At 2pm, the game started. This game was for students of Hifz-e-Quran. The students were formed in groups which functioned to enhance team-spirit. The game ended at 5pm.

this guidance amongst all people we will not be deemed to have been successful before God. Accordingly, I say to all those members of the Jamaat who are present at this Eid gathering that they should direct their focus towards tabligh more than ever before. And wherever our Jamaat is established, all of them should immerse themselves in the tabligh of Ahmadiyyat so that in the next 25 years, and in consideration of that which the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa had over the people of Mosesas and that which the community of the Promised Messiahas has over the community of Jesus of Nazarethas, we are successful in bringing the whole world beneath the banner of Islam and so that only one religion and one prophet prevails over the world and like the first Adam, the second Adam should unite the world at one hand to ensure that the Kingdom of God is established in the world just as it is in heaven and that the people of this world extol His glory just as the angels do.

I will now lead the silent prayer. All friends should also pray that Allah the Exalted removes our faults and heedlessness and provides us with the opportunity to show the entire world His radiant and illuminated countenance and spread Islam across the earth. May He bless our words and make effective the things we say and set a place for truth in our hearts so that not a single one of our steps is tainted with falsehood and injustice, and instead, all our actions are based on truth and fairness and our hearts are awakened with sympathy for our fellow beings. May God protect us from arrogance and inequity and imbue our hearts with feelings of love, compassion and empathy and fill them with His love so that both our worldly and religious lives are set aright and beyond this so that the worldly and religious lives of the entire world are also put to order.

(Al Fazl, 13 November 1940) (Translated by the Fazle Umar Foundation English Desk)

In the evening, after Maghrib and Isha prayers, the temperature dropped. Some entertaining activities were held where some students came forward to show their other talents. It was to bring about a nearness between students and lecturers.

On the following day, all offered Salat Tahajjud congregationally and this was followed

by Fajr Prayer and Dars. On this second day, the participants would continue with the games to pump their spirit of brotherhood and also to foster harmony among them.

In the second evening, our activities continued with tableaus. Each year group was required to form a team that would act out scenes. Before this event began, a campfire was lit to warm the night and coffee was provided for all students to accompany them to enjoy the tableaus.

The third day was started with Tahajjud.

The atmosphere was colder because heavy rain had fallen on our campsite the previous night.

However, this did not discourage us to observe Tahajjud prayer together.

Just before Zuhr time, all participants had returned to the location and prepared to offer combined Zuhr and Asr prayers.

After offering the prayers, the event was continued with the distribution of prizes. Everyone enthusiastically listened to the names of the winners. Awards were given for the hard work during the event

also. The general champion of the games was Darja Rabiah [fifth year], followed by Darja Ula [second year] as the runner-up and Darja Mumahida [first year], Saniya [third year] and Salisa [fourth year]. The event was concluded with a silent prayer led by Maulana Abdul Wahab.

This event was dominated by physical games which aimed to refresh the minds and improve the moods of the participants so that after the event, all students could feel more energetic to study. In his impression statements, Maulana Abdul Wahab said, “The purpose of this annual Tarbiyat Tour of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia is to invite all students who have been busy with all campus activities to do the tarbiyat tour like this and to enjoy the beauty of nature created by Allah the Almighty. This event is not only held in Jamia Indonesia but also all Jamias around the world. The talents and leadership qualities among students could also be seen through this event, which will be useful in their practical life.

Hopefully this activity will be beneficial for all.”

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Tbilisi International Book Fair gian Publishers and Booksellers Association since 1997, who advised that AMAG were the first Muslim organisation registered for the book fair.

Literature was displayed and distributed in Georgian, Russian, Arabic, Persian, Turkish and English. Given the lack of knowledge on Islam, and to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat, AMAG provided literature free of cost to people who requested it at the stall.

The response from the visitors was remarkable, given the deep Orthodox Christian beliefs in the country. Some salient observations are noted below:

A

hmadiyya Muslim Association Georgia (AMAG) attended its first book fair at the 20th Tbilisi International Book Fair from 31 May to 3 June 2018. The BF has been organised by the Geor-

- There was a lack of knowledge amongst the visitors on the teachings of Islam - The younger generation had a particular interest in exploring other religions, including Islam

100 Years Ago...

Mischief of the Paighamis Al Fazl, 15 June 1918 The Paighamis [otherwise known as Lahori Ahmadis] were a group of early Ahmadis that separated from the main body of the Jamaat due to their perception of leadership in the Jamaat after the Promised Messiahas. Their periodical, Paigham-eSulh, functioned as their central organ. Below is an article included 100 years ago in respect to some of the mischief that was brewing under their watch. he newspaper Paigham-e-Sulh has been publishing articles under the heading T “Malfuzat [sayings] of the Promised Messiah”

for some time. Some people have begun questioning their credibility and whether or not they can be trusted as authentic arguments. As this is an entirely valid question, we deem it befitting to give a comprehensive answer to it. We hope that Paigham-e-Sulh will reflect on these points with a clear-headed approach, and the mistake to which we shall draw their attention to is corrected.

It is clear that the content Paigham-e-Sulh includes under the heading “Malfuzat of the Promised Messiah” is not unpublished material that is only in the custody of Paigham-e-Sulh; in fact, they are such extracts that have already been published in various books and periodicals. On that basis does Paigham-e-Sulh publish them. But how strange is it that the places from where the “Malfuzat of the Promised Messiah” are obtained are never referred to!

From a journalistic perspective this is a despicable act from which one can observe narrow-mindedness and a desperation for stretching truths. If excerpts of the Promised Messiahas are included with the intention that readers may spiritually correct their ways; if they are quoted with the intention of quoting the select servant of God in this day, who was directly appointed by God Almighty to guide the world to the right path; if they are presented so that the spiritually bereft people are able to benefit from the pearls of wisdom in a spiritually dark era, then why is it that after being shown such spiritually uplifting proofs, they are left to wander? Why are they not told which chest (books) those treasures were acquired from? Why are they not encouraged to find the treasure for themselves?

Does Paigham-e-Sulh deem those parts of the Malfuzat as are extracted from the Promised Messiah’sas writings and speeches unworthy for someone to be spiritually enlightened through? Do they feel that it is unnecessary for the reader to want to study the original sources? If so, then why does it include these extracts in the first place? And if not, then by not providing a reference for the reader to go back and read the original source, how are they supposed to enhance their interests in the books of the Promised Messiahas?

Is this not proof enough that the heading “Malfuzat of the Promised Messiah” given by Paigham-e-Sulh is not meant to be a means of encouragement for people to refer to the original books and writings of the Promised Messiahas, rather it does so only to fill the pages of the newspaper. Otherwise, what other reason is there for including a lengthy excerpt and not providing a reference of even a couple of words? By not giving references, they perform an even more unjust act than if they were to provide references.

In the current climate, where there is a dispute between us and the Paighamis [the group that separated from the main body of the Jamaat in March 1914 due to their misunderstanding of Khilafat as the true way of leadership guidance of the Jamaat] in understanding the meanings behind writings of the Promised Messiahas and each and every word bears great significance for us, to attribute excerpts to the Promised Messiahas, to publish them and then not to provide references of their original sources is a dangerous and dishonest act, which requires a significant amount of fearlessness. We would be correct in thinking that the Paighamis are thus treading a destructive and calamitous path. They step on slippery slopes by opening doors to pollute the meanings of the Promised Messiah’sas authenticated and unauthenticated writings, which will result in nothing but disorder and conflict.

Without citing references and then publishing extracts attributed to the Promised Messiahas can result in anyone omitting or adding text to suit an agenda. There are examples of the Paighamis omitting text from the writings of the Promised Messiahas despite having cited the references, so how can we trust the authenticity of extracts published by them without any references?

Below, we shall present two or three examples of their tampering with writings of the Promised Messiahas.

The first example is that of Dr Basharat Ahmad Sahib who is a Paighami and holds a high position among them. He is the father-in-law of their Amir, Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib.

While penning an article against the prophethood of the Promised Messiahas, he wrote in Paigham-e-Sulh dated 14 July 1914 that the Promised Messiah stated:

- Visitors had a great interest in the Holy Quran and requested copies although the majority were Orthodox Christians Some notable comments from visitors are cited below: - After reading the addresses of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, a man returned on the last day of the book fair to inform us that he was very impressed by the speeches and that the address was excellent and very courageous. He was particularly impressed how the message was delivered, expressed straight to the point, and on aspects covering protection of a country’s natural resources - During a detailed discussion with one visitor, who was an Orthodox Christian, he politely asked whether it was true that Islam taught that if a Muslim kills a Christian then the Muslim will go to heaven. The true teachings of Islam were conveyed to the visitor and literature given, but it showed the misinformation amongst people

“Can any right-minded person suggest that the unfortunate day still awaits Islam, when a prophet shall appear after the Holy Prophetsa, who will – God forbid – falsify the statement of the Holy Prophetsa ‘La nabiyya ba‘di’ [there shall be no prophet after me]?”

While the actual text of Haqiqatul-Wahi, page 29 says: “Can any right-minded person suggest that the unfortunate day still awaits Islam, when such a prophet will appear after the Holy Prophetsa, who will appear as an altogether new prophet and break the seal of the Holy Prophetsa, consequently seizing his title of Khatam-un-Nabiyyin [Seal of the Prophets]; who will not be a prophet through obedience to him but in his own right; whose deeds and actions conflict with the Sharia [law] of Muhammadsa; who will lead people astray, not by any means other than the opposition of the Holy Quran and who will deem Islam’s disgrace an honourable act? Verily, you should know that God shall never do such a thing.”

With both extracts side by side, one can see how much Dr Basharat Ahmad Sahib tampered with the text. The Promised Messiahas denies being a law-bearing prophet and a prophet who appeared in his own right, but Doctor Sahib subtracts clauses of the text and creates a new inference that Huzooras rejected the notion of being a prophet altogether.

The second example of tampering with text is that of Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib.

Maulvi Sahib writes in one of his tracts titled Al-Qaul Al-Fasl Ki Eik Ghalati Ka Izhar that in the Promised Messiah’s book Taryaq-ul-Qulub, Huzooras stated: “A person who is not a prophet can hold a rank superior to a prophet. This is something that all scholars and pious people agree upon.”

However, in the actual book the wording is recorded as: “This is a partial superiority which a person who is not a prophet can hold over a prophet.

This is a superiority that all scholars and pious people agree upon.”

Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib has tampered with this text to fit meanings that suit him. Regarding the Promised Messiahas he writes: “Hazrat Sahib states, ‘While the Holy Prophetsa was still in the womb of Amina, an angel appeared and said, “O Amina, you shall give birth to a boy. Name him Ahmad.”’ Miyan Sahib [Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud

- Chairman of the Armenian Association of Georgia, who was a former MP, a former adviser to the President and a journalist, mentioned that he tells Armenians that they should have accepted Islam long-ago due to the values of hygiene presented

by Islam - One non-Muslim student said that she “loved Islam” and wanted to learn more - A number of visitors encouraged AMAG to continue the work we were doing, in spreading the teachings of Islam, peace and love There was a lot of interest in a number of books of the Jamaat.

It is estimated that the event was attended by more than 50,000 people over the four days. Nurym Taibek Sahib from the Russian Language Desk, UK attended the event and assisted in spreading the message to Russian speakers.

All in all, the book fair served as a good platform for AMAG to spread the true message of Islam.

Ahmadra] states, ‘His father never named him Ahmad; this is something that was fabricated by someone.’ Miyan Sahib, ponder over who fabricated this? The Promised Messiah?”

This was something that Maulvi Sahib fabricated and openly attributed to the Promised Messiahas, whereas it is not to be found in any speech or book, nor has any reference ever been provided by Maulvi Sahib, despite our repeated requests.

Those who behave in this way, i.e. fearlessly tamper with the written words of the Promised Messiahas to suit their definitions, have no shame. How can such extracts be trusted that are published without citing any references?

If there is any other reason, aside from the two that we have given, for not citing references with excerpts (the reasons being, firstly, to prevent people from benefitting from the books of the Promised Messiahas having been acquainted with them and, secondly, being able to change the meanings through tampering with the original as and when they like) then, we would like to know, what is the reason for not citing references? What is the harm? This is

something we fail to understand.

Is Paigham-e-Sulh publishing “Malfuzat of the Promised Messiah” from their notebooks, because none of them seem to have felt the need to properly publish sayings of the Promised Messiahas. Secondly, if Paigham-e-Sulh includes unpublished writings and sayings of the Promised Messiahas then it should clearly state so. Neither does it claim to print unpublished sayings of the Promised Messiahas, nor does it provide any references. In such a case, we are compelled to believe that the purpose behind Paigham-e-Sulh not citing references next to excerpts it publishes from the writings of the Promised Messiahas is so that when the need is felt, they can tamper with the original context to create meanings that serve their agenda.

This is sheer corruption. Its negative consequences might not have yet become apparent, but because they will become manifest in the future, all Ahmadi brothers and sisters are clearly being informed of the improper and unbefitting actions of Paigham-e-Sulh. All Continued on page 7

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

52nd Jalsa Salana Kenya Abdulahi Hussein Juma Missionary, Kenya

O

n Saturday and Sunday 21 and 22 April 2018, Jamaat Ahmadiyya Kenya held their 52nd Annual Jalsa at Nairobi Headquarters. The theme for this year’s Jalsa was “Peace and Tolerance: The Need of the Time”.

Visitors started flocking at Nairobi on 20 April from all regions. By Friday a large number of Ahmadis had already arrived. Registration was done on arrival at a registration desk.

During the Jalsa days, the weather was very pleasant than expected. The highlight of all Jalsa programmes commenced with Tahajjud prayers, Dars-ul-Quran and Dars-ul-Hadith with five daily prayers strictly being offered as part of the Jalsa Programme. The attention of all Jalsa attendees was focused towards prayers, supplication and Durood (invoking blessings on the Holy Prophetsa).

On 21 April, the Jalsa proceedings commenced at 10:30am with the flag hoisting. Amir Sahib hoisted the Jamaat Flag while Hon. Senator of Busia County and former Attorney General of Kenya, Mr Amos Wako hoisted the Kenya Na-

tional Flag. Thereafter the Amir Sahib led all the members in silent prayer. All Jalsa programmes started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Kiswahili translation, nazm and poems in Kiswahili.

Former Attorney General of Kenya, Mr Amos Wako chaired the opening session. In his address, Mr Amos Wako expressed his heartfelt gratitude for having been invited to such a great spiritual event as a chief guest. He said, “I have a very old attachment with Jamaat Ahmadiyya Kenya. I have been attending Jamaat programmes and I am well aware of the religious knowledge of the Jamaat and its services to humanity.”

He also offered to extend any assistance wherever the need arose in the expansion and development of Jamaat activities towards services to humanity. In conclusion he admitted and applauded the motto of the Jamaat, “Love for all, hatred for none” and said that Ahmadis the world over practice what they say.

After that, the National Amir in his opening address welcomed all the guests. He emphasised that all members of Jamaat should read the Holy

Quran, practice its teachings, render services to the Jamaat and to humanity, strengthen their unity and bond with Khilafat by praying for Khilafat and constantly writing letters to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The second session was chaired by Naeem Ahmad Shah Sahib, General Secretary Jamaat Kenya. The guests of honour in this session were, Mr Moses Shikuku OCS (Station Officer Commander) Parklands Police Station and his Deputy, Mr Joseph Ntiyaya.

A question and answer session was held on 21 April 2018 from 8pm to 9:45pm. Members and non-Ahmadi Guests participated in asking questions to Jamaat missionaries.

The Jalsa proceedings on the second day started at 9:00am under the chairmanship of Abdul Aziz Sahib, National Tarbiyat Secretary. The closing session was chaired by the Amir Sahib at 11:00am.

Blue colored t-shirts were designed and labeled “The Messiah has come” for the tabligh campaign. The t-shirts were distributed to all Ansar, Khuddam and Atfal. They were instructed to wear the t-shirts as they carry a very important message and a means of tabligh.

The Jalsa Salana programmes were conducted very well, and through voluntary spirit and dedication, all volunteers worked very hard.

Continued from page 6

Ahmadis are urged not to accept any excerpt under the heading “Malfuzat of the Promised Messiah” as authentic or trustworthy unless a reference has been cited alongside it and it has been compared with the original source. These people have proven their unreliability and have shown their fearlessness in deception.

Only a while ago the Paighamis were requested for a reference from Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib’s book, Al-Nubuwwah Fil-Islam on page 321, where he had presented a quotation, attributing it to the Promised Messiah’sas book Dafe‘-ul-Bala which said, “The Messiah [Jesusas] has complete superiority over me.”

This request for the reference was sent to us for publication and only then, after two years of publishing Al-Nubuwwah Fil-Islam, they corrected it, and put the blame on the poor scribe.

Had Maulvi Muhammad Ali Sahib not taken the name of the book Dafe‘-ul-Bala, neither would the reference for the quote be demanded, nor would Paigham-e-Sulh have corrected it and the mistake would have forever remained.

Now, even if it is accepted that the quote was inadvertently and not intentionally modified, the question arises, is it not possible that out of the many pages that Paigham-e-Sulh copies, a similar error was committed previously?

Of course it is possible, but the circumstances for amending the mistake can only arise until and unless Paigham-e-Sulh provide references.

Recently, when a book was published under the watch of the Paighamis by the name of Malfuzat-e-Ahmadiyya, their Ahmadiyya counterpart, Al Hakam, proved that when a passage was quoted, the initial part was omitted as it went against a doctrine of the Paighamis.

In response to this, the 5 May 1918 issue of Paigham-e-Sulh accepted that it had done this by mistake. But how was this mistake unveiled?

Why did Paigham-e-Sulh feel compelled to accept the mistake on their part? The reason is that there was a reference cited with the passage, whereas had this not been the case, there would have been no outcome.

From these examples, it becomes evident how advantageous it is to provide references and how disadvantageous it is not to.

Can we expect Paigham-e-Sulh to quote the Promised Messiahas on this subject with references as well? If they do not give references, their ill intentions will easily be exposed.

They wish to see arguments erupt in the future on the unfounded extracts that they have produced, and they desire that people remain oblivious to the original sources and the debates escalate very quickly, thus concealing the

“true face” of Ahmadiyyat.

Thus, we wish to warn all Ahmadi brothers and sisters not to succumb to their deceit and they should not accept such unfounded passages as authentic.

Among the efforts of the Paighamis to remove Ahmadiyyat from the sight of the masses is this endeavour of theirs that we have mentioned. In this manner, they have launched a heavy attack on Ahmadiyyat. Although we believe firmly that as their every effort has been frustrated and they have failed in every attempt before, the same will be the case with this effort, however it becomes incumbent for us to create awareness of their mischief and to provide the solution to this problem.

This attack of the Paighamis on Ahmadiyyat is a perfect resemblance of the manner in which those with malicious intent fabricated Ahadith in an attempt to cripple Islam. They too sought the same plan of action in that they initially started narrating Ahadith without mentioning the names of the narrators, but when they found that they had established their credibility and that that had paved way for them to begin narrating unauthentic and fabricated Ahadith, they began pursuing their actual purpose and produced countless contrived Ahadith, spreading them so far and wide that it became impossible for everybody to determine an authentic Hadith from a fabricated one.

This attack was no ordinary attack. It was so strong that, had God’s promise of protecting Islam not been at hand and had He not created such brave servants of Islam out of His grace and mercy who determined the right Ahadith from the wrong, it would have been very difficult to predict the outcome of Islam.

Presently, our Paighami friends are following in the footsteps of those mischievous people who fabricated Ahadith. They wish to stir up the same sort of trouble in respect to the writings of the Promised Messiahas that was being brewed with the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.

Thus, the first step they took was to present quotations of the Promised Messiahas without their references. We wish to make clear to our Jamaat members the mischief the Paighamis are brewing and we announce that we are most certainly not prepared to accept those excerpts attributed to the Promised Messiahas as authentic that are included in Paigham-e-Sulh and are cited without references. We deem any argumentation and reasoning on the basis of such quotations to be incorrect. The entire Jamaat should heed that which we have just warned of.

Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon

that your actions may assist you in adopting these practises into your lives forever. Thus, during the month of Ramadan, when we try to attain taqwa, our attention will also be drawn towards the various aspects of worship. If we fast whilst adhering to taqwa, our attention will be drawn towards safeguarding ourselves from vices and towards seeking and acting upon the commandments of God Almighty.

If we are not refraining from vices, whether they are affecting ourselves or causing distress to others, we cannot fulfil the true purpose of fasting unless we abstain from such practises.

God Almighty has no need for one to starve themselves if they are not achieving these objectives. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Saum, Baab Man Lam Yad’a Qaulazzoor, Hadith no.1903) Some people attempt to deceive others in the guise of fasting and cannot even bear the hunger for this sake. They make it appear as if they are observing the fast, when in actuality they are not. There are people who have no control over their eating and drinking as they are unable to refrain from food and drink for even a few hours for the sake of God Almighty.

How can such people then restrain themselves in other matters concerning their other desires?

Only yesterday a survey was published in a newspaper in relation to Muslims observing the fasts here [in the UK]. The conclusion that was drawn was that the majority of the youth merely fast as an act of pretention and that they are completely unaware of the true purpose of fasting. A Christian or a non-religious person – who in any case was not a Muslim – interviewed a youth who said that indeed, he observes the fast by having sehri [pre-dawn meal] with his family in the mornings. In his home the sehri and iftari [evening meal] were prepared regularly. The youth’s mother is sixty-four years old and suffers from diabetes.

She also observes fasts and despite this, she regularly prepares various food items for them at iftari. However, the youth said that the truth of the matter is that due to the influence of the

If we fail to do this then then the objective of fasting will not be achieved. That is the meaning of taqwa.

Despite fasting if one harbours arrogance, takes pride unnecessarily in their actions and words, or has the habit of self-admiration whereby one desires for others to praise them, or for their subordinates to praise them and becomes elated upon listening to praise from others or yearns for this kind of praise then this does not constitute as taqwa. If we are not refraining from fighting, quarrelling, uttering falsehood and spreading disorder during the fasts, then this is not taqwa. If we are not spending our time during the fasts engaged in worship, supplications and virtuous deeds, it can neither be considered as taqwa, nor are we fulfilling the purpose of the fast. Thus, the very act of abstaining from vices and performing virtuous deeds during Ramadan enables a person to achieve the purpose of fasting. Furthermore, if a person endeavours to achieve this with steadfastness, they enable themselves to truly achieve the purpose of fasting. Otherwise, they are merely starving themselves. The Holy Prophetsa has said that

society or in order to show his family members, he pretends to fast and he had also eaten sehri in the morning that day. However, he had also eaten fish and chips for lunch and he said that there are thousands of youths like him in the UK who observe fasts in this manner.

Hence, this is the reality of the fast for some people. Furthermore, even if some people bear hunger for the entire day, they do not pay attention towards prayers and worship as they should do. They offer a few formal prayers and that is it. They pay no heed towards the commandments and restrictions of God Almighty. Such fasts do not fulfil the purpose of attaining taqwa, which God Almighty has prescribed. Thus, after having accepted the Promised Messiahas it is a great responsibility upon our shoulders as Ahmadis to try and do justice to the true spirit of fasting and to understand what taqwa is and how to attain it according to the commandments of God Almighty. The Promised Messiahas has informed us on various occasions who a righteous person is. The true comfort and pleasure is acquired through taqwa and not through worldly pleasures and he has also

18.5.18 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Ramadan and Taqwa After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba recited verse 184 of Surah Al-Baqarah before commencing with the Sermon: ُ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ َ ‫ام ک َما ک ِت َب َعلی‬ ‫الصی‬ ِ ‫یایہا ال ِذین امنوا ک ِتب علیکم‬ َ‫الَّذیۡ َن م ۡن َق ۡب ِل ُک ۡم ل َ َع َّل ُک ۡم تَ َّتقُوۡن‬ ِ ِ

“O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

By the Grace of God Almighty, we are given the opportunity to pass through yet another month of Ramadan, which began yesterday. During this month, a large number of Muslims – in addition to fasting – also come to mosques in order to offer prayers, including the Taraweeh [voluntary congregational prayers offered in the nights of Ramadan] prayer and their attention is drawn towards it. Our mosques also become more populated during these days as compared to other days.

Nowadays, the verse which I have just recited is often being played on MTA. It reminds us that the objective of fasting, which has been prescribed is taqwa [true fear of God].

The objective of fasting that was prescribed for previous religions was also taqwa. Today, the adherents of those religions do not have their teaching in its original form, nor do they act upon it and are also devoid of taqwa. However, Islam is an everlasting religion and shall remain until the Day of Judgment. Its teaching is everlasting. The Holy Quran is preserved in every corner of the world in its original form and serves as a guidance for those who are righteous. Those, who act upon its teaching will always be on the path of taqwa and will serve as a guidance for them.

Moreover, in the latter-days, God Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas for our reformation, for the propagation of the Holy Quran and drawing our attention towards acting on its teachings and also to reveal the paths for us to follow. Furthermore, he has granted us the opportunity to accept him. Thus, it is a huge responsibility upon us Ahmadis that we understand the essence of fasting and try to attain its true objective during the month of Ramadan; which is to adopt taqwa and continuously progressing in it.

In the subsequent verses [from the one recited earlier], the details and guidelines pertaining to the commandments regarding fasting have been mentioned. Reciting the Holy Quran, following the commandments of God Almighty and paying attention towards supplications have also been mentioned.

However, the summary of all this has been mentioned in this one word of the verse, that the objective is to attain taqwa. Thus, make special efforts in this month by acting upon the commandments of God Almighty and by paying attention to His worship so

explained in what manner we should perform virtuous deeds. In order for a person to become a true believer, they must perform every deed of theirs in accordance with the desire of God Almighty and in order to acquire His pleasure.

This is the very aspect which distinguishes a believer from a disbeliever. The Promised Messiahas also informed us that a person should excel in their cognisance of God Almighty.

Every coming day should allow us to progress in our understanding of God Almighty. We should not become stationary at one place, nor should we become like those people who observe fasts due to the influence of society and as an act of pretention as mentioned in the aforementioned example. Rather we ought to excel in taqwa. Nevertheless, I will now present various extracts of the Promised Messiahas in relation to taqwa.

Whilst advising us to tread on the path of taqwa in order to attain the pleasure of God Almighty, as well as mentioning the fact that taqwa is the essence of all Holy Scriptures, the Promised Messiahas mentions his revelation and states (in reference to the Jalsa), “Yesterday, on 22 June 1899, I repeatedly received this revelation from God Almighty: ‘If you become righteous and tread on the subtle paths of taqwa, God will be with you.’”

The Promised Messiahas stated, “This created a great sense of agony in my heart as to what I should do so that our Jamaat adopts true taqwa and purity.”

The Promised Messiahas further stated, “My supplications are so prolonged that sometimes I am overcome with sudden weakness during my supplications and at times I faint and reach a state of near death.”

The Promised Messiahas continues, “Until a Jamaat does not become righteous in the sight of God Almighty, it cannot be endowed with Divine succour.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “Taqwa is the essence of the teachings of all Holy Scriptures and that of the Torah and the Gospels. Through one word alone, the Holy Quran has manifested the grand desire and pleasure of God Almighty”, i.e. in the word taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas then says, “I am also pondering of making a distinction between those who are truly righteous, who give precedence to faith over the world and have devoted themselves to God from among my Jamaat and entrust them with certain religious duties. Following that, I will be the least concerned about those people who are continuously engulfed in worldly endeavours and spend their days and nights in pursuit of this futile world.” (Malfuzat, Vol.1, p. 303) Thus, this was his heartfelt desire that every member of his Jamaat should tread on the path of taqwa, instead of being troubled by the mere plights of this material world.

Following this, turning our attention to the fact that the essence of the Sharia [Islamic law] is in fact for us to tread on the path of taqwa and that if we desire for our prayers to be accepted we should tread on the path of taqwa, the Promised Messiahas states, “They ought to adopt a way of taqwa because it is taqwa alone that sums up the Sharia.” The Promised Messiahas is addressing the Ahmadis here.

“If one were to briefly describe the meaning of the Sharia, it could be said that its essence is taqwa. There are many ranks and levels of taqwa. However, if a seeker faithfully traverses the elementary ranks and levels of piety with steadfastness and sincerity, they ultimately attain the highest grades due to their virtue and desire to seek the truth.”

Thus, it is important to pay attention

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM towards virtuous deeds with steadfastness, irrespective of how great or small they are.

The Promised Messiahas further says, “Allah the Exalted states:

ّٰ َ َّ ۡ َّ ْ ‫ِان َما یَ َتق َّب ُل الل ُہ ِم َن ال ُمت ِقی َن‬

(Surah Al-Maidah: V.28) “That is to say, Allah Almighty accepts the prayers of those who are righteous. This is a Divine promise and God never fails in His promise. In this context, He states:

ْ ّٰ َ ْ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ لَا یُخ ِل ُف ال ِم ۡی َعاد‬

َّ َ ّٰ َ َ َّ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا‬

the righteous is:

“God is with them – that is to say that God grants His support to those who are righteous.

The proof of God Almighty’s nearness can be found through His support.” If God Almighty continues to provide help, it means that He is with us. “They have already closed shut the door to attain sainthood and now they wish to close the door of God’s nearness and Divine support.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “Bear

The Holy Quran is preserved in every corner of the world in its original form and serves as a guidance for those who are righteous. Those, who act upon its teaching will always be on the path of taqwa and will serve as a guidance for them.

[Surely, Allah breaks not His promise. (Surah Aal-e-‘Imran: V.10)] “Taqwa is a necessary precondition for the acceptance of prayer.” Thus, taqwa is a key component for the acceptance of prayers.

It is a fundamental condition, which cannot be removed. “Now if a person desires the acceptance of prayer in their own favour, despite their own negligence and misguidance, would such a one not be foolish and senseless?

And so, it is incumbent upon our community that insofar as possible, each and every member must follow the ways of taqwa so that they can experience the pleasure and delight of the acceptance of prayer, and partake of an increase in faith.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 108109, UK 1985) Thus, in order to derive the benefits of Ramadan, the fundamental guideline is that our fasts and every deed of ours should be performed for the sake of acquiring taqwa. Many people say that we have prayed abundantly, however, our prayers have not been accepted. They should first assess their own condition and determine whether they are giving precedence to faith and they are treading on the path of taqwa or have their worldly endeavours maligned them. Thus, this is also a condition for the acceptance of prayers.

The Promised Messiahas states, “In actuality there are grand promises in support of the righteous ones and what greater promise is there that God Almighty becomes the Guardian over them. Those who are not righteous and in fact live a life of disobedience and immorality and yet claim to be dear ones of God Almighty are liars. They commit a great injustice and are guilty of an abhorrent act when they attribute to themselves to the status of sanctity and nearness to God”. This is in reference to so-called saints, “because God Almighty has set a precondition of taqwa in order to attain sainthood.” In order to become a saintly person, one has to first become righteous.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Another precondition, rather a hallmark of

in mind that the support of God Almighty can never be granted to the impure and disobedient ones. It is dependent upon taqwa.

The help of God is for the righteous.”

The Promised Messiahas then further states, “Another aspect [of taqwa] is that when one is engulfed in difficulties and hardships and has various needs, taqwa again is the means to resolve such difficulties.” If one seeks to find the solutions and resolve these issues, then this can only occur through taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas further says, “In one’s life, taqwa is the source of deliverance from hardships and other trials. God Almighty says:

ُْ َ ْ َّ ُ ّٰ َّ َ ‫َو َم ۡن ّیت ِق الل َہ یَ ْج َع ۡل ل ٗہ َم َخ َر ًجا ۔ ّو یَ ْرزق ُہ ِم ْن َح ۡیث لَا‬ ‫یَ ْحت ِس ُب‬ (Surah Al-Talaq, V.3-4)

“God creates a way out for a righteous person from every difficulty and He grants ways of liberation from hardships from the unseen. He provides for such a person in a manner that they cannot comprehend.”

Therefore, one should offer this prayer in abundance and always be mindful of it:

ُْ َ ْ َّ ُ ّٰ َّ َ ‫َو َم ۡن ّیت ِق الل َہ یَ ْج َع ۡل ل ٗہ َم َخ َر ًجا ۔ ّو یَ ْرزق ُہ ِم ْن َح ۡیث لَا‬ ‫یَ ْحت ِس ُب‬ (Surah Al-Talaq, V.3-4)

If a person is mindful of this then their attention will always be drawn towards treading the path of taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas says, “Now ponder over what man desires from this world. His greatest desire is to attain comfort and prosperity in this world and in order to achieve this, God Almighty has decreed one way and that is the path of taqwa. In other words, it is called the way of the Holy Quran or it is labeled as the right path. One should not say that the disbelievers also have worldly riches and possessions and they are embroiled in the luxuries of this life.”

The Promised Messiahas further continues, “I say to you truthfully that they may seem happy to the worldly person; those who are only devoted to the world may seem satisfied

in the sight of a shameless materialistic individual, but in reality they suffer from a burning anguish and misery. You may have witnessed this on their expressions, however I can see it in their hearts. They are entrapped with chains, iron collars, and a blazing fire.”

They are burning in a fire are confined in chains. “As it is stated:

ٰ ْ َ َ ۤ َّ ۡ َ َْ ۠ ‫ِانا ا ْع َت ْدنا ل ِلک ِف ِریۡ َن َس ٰل ِسلَا َو اغ ٰللًا ّو َس ِعی ًرا‬ (Surah Al-Dahr: V.5)

That is “Verily, We have prepared for the disbelievers chains and iron-collars and a blazing Fire.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “They cannot even come close to virtue because of the chains from God. They are quelled [under these chains] like animals and beasts or even worse conditions. Their sight is always fixed towards the world and they continue to incline towards it. At the same time, they also suffer from a burning anguish.

If their wealth decreases or their plans are not as successful as they desired, they burn with anguish to the extent of becoming mad and obsessed or aimlessly visit the courts.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “It is a fact that a person of no faith is not safe from torment. Such a person burns from within and we witness many things in this regard and also have read similar stories in the newspapers.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “The reason for this is that such a person cannot be free from this burning anguish.” They continue to burn in their own fire of anguish and we see many such examples and read about them in newspapers.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Thus, they are unable to find peace and tranquility which are direct results of pleasure and contentment [from taqwa]. For example, a drunkard drinks and asks for more, and continues to do so. In this way he is burning from within. Similarly, a worldly person also continues to burn from within and their desires cannot be quenched all of a sudden.

not think that having an abundance of wealth, luxurious clothes and extravagant food can be a means of happiness. Certainly not! Rather it depends on one’s taqwa. Thus, one can infer from all of this that without true taqwa one is not able to acquire comfort and happiness. So one should know that there are many forms of taqwa which are spread like the web of a spider.” That is to say that they are arranged like the web of a spider with fine threads.

“Taqwa is associated with every limb of the body, and also with one’s belief, speech and moral conduct.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 4, pp. 421-422, UK 1985) Taqwa should be reflected in one’s beliefs, words and in one’s general mannerisms. With regards to fasting there is a Hadith [tradition of the Holy Prophetsa] in which the Holy Prophetsa said that the one who fasts should always keep their speech pure and if anyone argues with them then they should simply say that they shall not retaliate. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Saum, Baab Hal Yaqulu Inni Saimun Iza Shutima) The Promised Messiahas says, “Whatever one utters is a delicate matter indeed. At times one may say something which is completely devoid of taqwa but makes one happy as he has said such and such a thing, yet it is certainly something very evil. From this, a fable comes to mind that a saintly person was invited by a worldly person to eat.” Now one should observe the subtleties to this, not only did he profane and quarrel, he also displayed selfishness and ostentation. These errors of the tongue, or rather sins which are committed by the tongue are as a result of a lack of taqwa and it is the same with these things.

The Promised Messiahas states, “A saintly person was once invited by a worldly person for a meal. When this saintly person arrived to eat, the arrogant worldly person told his servant to bring the tray which he had brought from Hajj and then said to bring the other tray which he had brought from his second Hajj. He then said to bring the one from the

The Promised Messiahas stated, “This created a great sense of agony in my heart as to what I should do so that our Jamaat adopts true taqwa and purity.”

True prosperity and contentment is only for the righteous and God Almighty has promised that for such a person there will be two paradises.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 420-421, UK 1985) Further elaborating on the fact that true happiness and pleasure can only be achieved through taqwa, the Promised Messiahas says, “A righteous person can find true comfort even in a small hovel whereas a worldly, covetous person cannot find it even in a grand palace.” If one possesses contentment and taqwa and desires to attain the pleasure of God Almighty, then he can even survive with limited provisions. While on the other hand, the most affluent are deprived of this.

The Promised Messiahas further says, “The more one acquires of the worldly provisions, the more trails they undergo. Hence, always bear in mind that true comfort and pleasure cannot be attained by a worldly person. Do

third Hajj as well. The saintly person said to the worldly person, ‘You are very pitiful; with these three sentences you have ruined your three pilgrimages of Hajj.’” His Hajj was merely for pretence and not for attaining the pleasure of God Almighty, they were devoid of taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “The saintly person then said, ‘The reason why you uttered this was so you could show that you have performed Hajj three times. This is why God Almighty has taught us to control our tongues and refrain from such vain, illjudged and futile utterances.”

Hence, we have not only been commanded to refrain from injuring the sentiments of others through our speech. However, to show off and be selfish also leads one far away from good deeds and from taqwa. We must pay attention in this regard also.

The Promised Messiahas says, “God Almighty has taught us, ‘Thee alone do

10 we worship’. It is possible that one could have relied upon their own strengths and subsequently become distant from God. That

Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 421-423, UK 1985) Many of us would have increased our Zikre-Ilahi (remembrance of Allah) during fasts.

believer is that God Almighty alleviates them from difficulties and grants them sincerity.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 12-13, UK 1985)

Many people say that we have prayed abundantly, however, our prayers have not been accepted. They should first assess their own condition and determine whether they are giving precedence to faith and they are treading on the path of taqwa or have their worldly endeavours maligned them. is why immediately the clause, ‘Thee alone do we implore for help’ has been taught. That is to say that do not think that the worship you perform is out of merit of your own strength.

By no means is it such, rather as long as one does not have the succour of God Almighty and God does not grant them the strength to do so, until then one cannot do anything.

Furthermore, ‘Thee alone do I worship’ or ‘Thee alone do I implore for help’ has not been stated because this would portray as if one was only giving preference to themselves,” and seems as if everything is his own doing, “and this is contrary to the spirit of taqwa.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “One who adopts taqwa includes the whole of mankind [in their prayers]. For one’s speech alone can distance them from taqwa…” That is to say that taqwa is required in all matters and affairs. Through one’s speech, one can create a great distance from taqwa. “…in that, one can display arrogance through one’s speech and adopts Pharaoh-like traits.” People begin making very tall claims. “Through one’s words, the concealed virtues turn into acts of pretentiousness and the ill-effects become apparent very quickly.”

The Promised Messiahas states, “We learn from a Hadith that the one who protects their private parts and their tongue from all evil is guaranteed Paradise. Eating something that has been declared unlawful does not cause as much harm as does falsehood. One should not infer that consuming prohibited food is a good thing.” Lying and falsehood can cause harm, but one should not assume that eating prohibited food is a good deed and that only lying and dishonesty are harmful. So do not consider unlawful gains to be something good; it is a grave error to do so.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “It is a grave error if one considers this to be the case.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “What I mean by this is that if one is driven by necessity to eat the flesh of swine then this is a separate matter,” as permission has been granted by God Almighty in such compelling circumstances, “but if through their words they issue an edict that eating swine is permissible, then they stray away from the teachings of Islam.” In other words, one declares it lawful to eat the flesh of swine in all circumstances.

The Promised Messiahas states, “Such a person permits that which God Almighty has deemed unlawful. Thus, it is clear from this that the harm of the tongue is very dangerous, therefore the righteous ones must strive to control their tongues and not allow any such words to be uttered which are against taqwa.”

The Promised Messiahas says, “Control your tongues otherwise your tongues will control you and you will speak in vain.”

Your increase in remembering God Almighty should correspond with a decrease in engaging in idle and unnecessary conversations. You should make efforts towards achieving this so that you can attain the purpose of taqwa and fasting.

The Promised Messiahas says, “Always reflect on what extent you have increased in taqwa and purity. The Quran is your benchmark for this. Among the hallmarks of believers, one that God Almighty has described is that God frees a believer from the obscenities of life and becomes his Guardian and Benefactor. As God Almighty says:

ُْ َ ْ َّ ُ ّٰ َّ َ ‫َو َم ۡن ّیت ِق الل َہ یَ ْج َع ۡل ل ٗہ َم َخ َر ًجا ۔ ّو یَ ْرزق ُہ ِم ْن َح ۡیث لَا‬ ‫یَ ْحت ِس ُب‬

(Surah Al-Talaq, V.3-4) “He who fears Allah, He delivers Him a path out of every affliction and He provides him with provisions beyond his comprehension. In other words, another sign of a believer is that God Almighty removes them from dependence on nefarious needs and Himself provides for them.” In other words, useless and vain desires are removed from a believer’s heart or do not even cross a believer’s mind. This too is a characteristic of taqwa and a sign of how God Almighty treats the righteous ones.

The Promised Messiahas further continues, “For example, a shop keeper thinks that they cannot conduct their business without resorting to lies. Hence they do not desist from lying and believe that this is the only recourse for them. However, this is entirely incorrect as God Almighty becomes the Protector of a believer Himself and saves them from situations in which they feel compelled to lie.” In others words, such situations do not even arise in which they would have to speak falsehood. “Remember when someone forsakes God Almighty, then God Almighty leaves them. When God Almighty leaves someone then surely Satan establishes his relationship with such a person.”

The Promised Messiahas further says, “Do not think that God Almighty is weak, rather He is All-Powerful. When you put your trust in Him for any matter then He certainly will come to your aid.

َ ّٰ َ َّ َ ‫َو َم ۡن ّی َتوَک ْل َعلی الل ِہ ف ُہوَ َح ْس ُب ٗہ‬

(God Almighty is sufficient for He who puts his trust in Him.) “However, it is the followers of religion who are addressed in the preceding verse.

Their concerns and worries were all for religion and they left all their worldly matters in the hands of God. Hence, God Almighty reassured them that He is with them. In short, one of the blessings borne out of taqwa for a

In other words, for a person who possesses true taqwa, God Almighty removes their worldly problems and tribulations as well, so that it does not prove a hindrance in their religious duties.

Some say that their worldly problems and afflictions are so severe that it renders them unable to give time towards religious affairs. However, if they have true taqwa, God Almighty will Himself resolve their worldly troubles and grant them the ability to serve religion.

The Promised Messiahas explains how there are two aspects to piety and how God Almighty treats those who carry out virtues. He says, “All virtues carried out by man are divided into two – the first are obligatory virtues and the second are supplementary virtues.” One is obligatory and must be performed and the second is voluntary. “Obligations are those which are mandatory, for example if one takes a loan from someone it is compulsory to repay it. Also, to recompense one’s piety towards you with piety is obligatory.”

If someone acts virtuously towards you, then you should respond in kind and fulfil their rights. This obligation does not mean that that you are showing any favour to return someone’s kindness with similar kindness. In fact, it is a duty to return someone’s goodness

complete, reaching its pinnacle, as a person extends the scope of their virtuousness.

The Promised Messiahas says, “In a Hadith it is stated that the Auliyaullah [saintly people] also perfected their obligations through supplementary virtues. For example, in addition to Zakat they give other forms of Sadaqaat [charity]. God Almighty becomes the Wali [Friend] of such persons. God Almighty states that His friendship reaches a point to where He becomes a person’s hands, feet and even tongue through which they speak.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “The fact of the matter is that a man who becomes pure of selfish passions and acts in accordance with the will of God whilst abandoning their ego, never commits an unlawful deed. On the contrary, their each and every action is in accordance with the will of God. When people fall to trial, it is always the case that their actions are not in accordance with the will of God,” i.e. as soon as one faces difficulties, they begin to act against God’s will, “and are ones which incur His displeasure. Such a one follows their passions. For example, swayed by anger, at times a person commits an action which leads to legal and criminal proceedings.

However, if one determines that they will perform no action whatsoever that is against the mandates of the Book of Allah and turns to it in all their affairs, one can be certain to find guidance in it. God Almighty states:

َّ ۡ ُ َ َ َّ ْ َ َ َ ‫س ِالا فِ ۡی کِ ٰت ٍب ّم ِبی ٍن‬ ٍ ‫ولا رط ٍب و لا ی ِاب‬

“…nor anything green or dry, but [it] is recorded in a clear book.” (Surah Al-An‘am: V.60) In other words, the Holy Quran has clearly outlined every virtue and vice, and all will be safeguarded who act upon it.

Thus, if we resolve that we shall always seek counsel from the Book of Allah, we shall certainly receive guidance.”

When people face afflictions in their worldly matters or if they commit a transgression, it is a result of not obeying the commands of God Almighty. Man will fall deeper into difficulties if he leads his life

I do not desire that members of my community consider themselves superior or inferior, behave arrogantly, or look down upon one another. Only God knows who is superior or inferior. in kind and is a right of the other person upon you.

The Promised Messiahas says, “In addition to these obligatory virtues are the supplementary ones. These are those virtues which are additional, for example beyond showing kindness to someone, you show them an even greater degree of compassion and concern in return.”

Thus, to return someone’s act of goodness with an equal act of goodness, however this here entails to show kindness to someone beyond what was shown to you – this is Nawafil – or supplementary virtue. These are supplementary to obligations. Through this, one’s obligations are perfected and become

without resorting to the Holy Quran as a guide and without keeping in view the commands of God Almighty. Here, a distinction should be made that in religious matters God Almighty places man in trial and He says that He does so to test man’s piety. Hence, the Promised Messiahas says that prophets most of all are put through such trials. On the other side are worldly affairs which man faces tribulations in, which are borne out of him possessing a materialistic and worldly outlook. Although he professes himself to be a believer, he fails to make an effort to follow the commands found in the Holy Quran. This consequently embroils him in afflictions and he endures tribulations.

11

Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM The Promised Messiahas states, “But he who follows his selfish passions will always suffer a loss.” Here it has been further elaborated that one who follows his egotistical wishes will suffer losses in his worldly affairs.

“Often, he shall be called to account on such instances. Allah states that the saints are a contrast to the people just mentioned, for they remain attached to Him in all circumstances.

They become absorbed in Him completely.

The lesser a person’s assimilation in God, the more distant they are from Him. However, if a person is lost in Allah as God desires, then the faith of such a person is beyond description.

In support of such people, Allah the Exalted states:

ْ َْ َ​َ َ ‫َم ْن َع‬ ‫ادل ِی َول ًِّیا فق ْد ٰاذن ُت ُہ ِبا ل َح ْر ِب‬

“Meaning, He who opposes a friend of Mine, instigates war with Me.” Such people who come forward in virtuous deeds, then God Almighty Himself supports His wali [friend] and completely destroys the enemy.

“One can see how great the eminence of a righteous person truly is and how lofty they are in stature. A person of this nature enjoys such nearness to God that their grief becomes the grief of God. How mighty, then, would the succour and assistance of God be for such a person?” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 13-15, UK 1985) Advising us on living a life of humility and meekness, the Promised Messiahas states, “It is necessary for the righteous to live a life of humility and modesty. This is an aspect of piety by which we must combat undue anger. To refrain from anger was the final and most trying stage experienced by many pious and holy men. Vanity and pride stem from anger and in certain cases anger itself is the result of arrogance and conceit, for anger comes about when an individual gives superiority to themselves over another. I do not desire that members of my community consider themselves superior or inferior, behave arrogantly, or look down upon one another. Only God knows who is superior or inferior. This is a form of neglect that wreaks of contempt. I fear that this contempt may grow like a seed and ruin such a person.

Certain people meet those of high standing with immense respect, but truly great is the one who listens to a lowly person with humility, comforts them, gives importance to their opinion and does not rebuke them in a manner that would cause them grief. God Almighty states:

ْ ِ ‫َولَا تَ ْلم ُز ۡۤوا اَنۡ ُف َس ُک ْم َولَا تَ َنابَ ُز ۡوا بالْاَلْقَاب ؕ ب ْئ َس ال‬ ‫اس ُم‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ُۡ ُ ُْ ْ َ َ ْ ۡ َ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫الفسوق بعد الاِیم‬

‘…nor call one another by nicknames. Bad indeed is evil reputation after the profession of belief.’ [49:12].”

َّ ّٰ َ َُ ‫َو َم ۡن ل ْم یَ ُت ْب فاولٰٓ ِئک ُہ ُم الظ ِل ُموۡ َن‬

“…and those who repent not are the wrongdoers.”

The Promised Messiahas further states: “Do not call upon one another in a manner of reproach. For this is the way of the sinners and the transgressors. A person who scoffs at another shall not meet death until they too are subjected to the same. Do not look down upon your brethren. When you all drink from the same stream, who knows which of you is destined to drink more than the other. Worldly definitions cannot afford a person honour and greatness. In the sight of God Almighty, great ُ ٰ ْ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ ْ َ َ is the one who is righteous. ‫”’ ِا ّن اك َر َمک ْم ِعن َد الل ِہ اتقک ْم‬ (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 36, 1985 UK)

“Verily, the most honourable among you, in the sight of Allah, is he who is the most righteous among you. Surely, Allah is All-knowing, All-Aware.” God Almighty is well aware of everything and knows whether one is showing true taqwa or merely for pretence. Since God Almighty has knowledge of everything, therefore the taqwa which He has commanded us to adopt must be done by assessing our conditions with great vigilance.

Elaborating upon how a believer who adheres to taqwa responds to any kind of success that is bestowed to him and how a non-believer expresses himself, the Promised Messiahas states, “Always keep the principle in mind that the task of a believer is to feel

your prayers. Therefore, instead of priding yourself over your achievement, you should ponder over the blessings of God Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas says, “It is a known fact that that success breathes a new life into a person’s resolve and determination.

One should derive benefit from this life, and through it, increase in their understanding of Allah Almighty.” If one achieves success or their prayers are accepted, then this should increase them in their understanding of the nature of God Almighty. “For the greatest of all things, which becomes a source of benefit is this very cognizance of the Divine; and this develops when an individual reflects over the grace and mercy of God Almighty. No one can

Blessed is the one who adopts taqwa in times of prosperity and joy; and unfortunate is the one who stumbles, yet does not turn to God.” humbled for any success that they are blessed with, and praise God for having showered His grace upon them.” This means that he ought to attribute that success to God Almighty and praise Him for bestowing His grace upon him.

“This is how a believer advances and by demonstrating steadfastness in the face of trial, they receive the favour of God. Apparently, the success of a Hindu and a believer are similar but remember that the success of a disbeliever is a way that leads to misguidance, whereas the success of a believer opens for them the door of Divine blessing. The success of a disbeliever leads to misguidance because in turn they do not incline towards God, rather they take their own effort, intelligence and capability to be God. A believer, however, turns to God and gains a new understanding of Him. In this way, after every success, a new relationship between them and God is forged and a transformation begins to take place. God Almighty states:

َّ َ ّٰ َ َ َّ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا‬

(Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous.

[16:129]) “It ought to be borne in mind that the word taqwa has appeared in the Holy Quran many a time. This word is understood in light of the word ma‘a (i.e. with), which appears before it.

That is to say that those who give precedence to God, in return are given precedence by God and He saves such people from every kind of disgrace in this world. It is my belief that if an individual desires to be safeguarded from every kind of disgrace and hardship in this world, there is only one way and that is to become righteous. After this, such a one lacks nothing. Hence, the success of a believer moves them further ahead and they never remain stagnant.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “There are books which contain accounts of numerous people describing that initially they were entangled in worldly matters, rather immensely engrossed in materialism.

However, it so happened that they prayed for something and their supplication was heard. After that, their state was transformed completely. Therefore, do not pride yourself over the acceptance of your prayers or on account of your achievements, rather, value the grace and favour of God.” It is only due to the Grace of God Almighty that he accepted

thwart the grace of Allah Almighty.”

The Promised Messiahas further says, “Extreme poverty too can plunge a person into misfortune. This is why it is related in a hadith:

ْ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ َْ ‫اد ال َو ْج ِہ‬ ‫الفقر سو‬

“This means that poverty can distort one’s appearance or cause it to change in complexion. Likewise, poverty can distance an individual from faith.

“I have seen poverty drag many people to atheism. A believer, however, does not think ill of God, no matter how stringent their circumstances, and deeming it to be the result of their own faults, they beseech God for His mercy and grace. Eventually, when this phase passes, and the prayers of a believer come to fruition, they do not forget their time of weakness, but rather, remember it always.

Therefore, if you believe in the fact that one is always in need of God, then adopt a way of taqwa. Blessed is the one who adopts taqwa in times of prosperity and joy; and unfortunate is the one who stumbles, yet does not turn to God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 155-157, 1985, UK) The Promised Messiahas further says, “God Almighty safeguards the one who adopts taqwa and assists them. Taqwa means to abstain from vice and Mohsinoon are those people who not only abstain from vice, but they also carry out virtuous deeds. God Almighty has further stated

َّ ٰ ‫ل ِل ِذیۡ َن اَ ْح َس ُنوا ال ْ ُح ْس‬ ‫نی‬

“Meaning, they are the ones who carry out virtuous deeds in the most befitting manner.”

The Promised Messiahas is explaining the commentary of the verse

َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا ّوال ِذیۡ َن ُہ ۡم ّم ْح ِسنوۡ َن‬

“Verily, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.”

The Promised Messiahas continues by saying, “The phrase

َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا ّوال ِذیۡ َن ُہ ۡم ّم ْح ِسنوۡ َن‬

“was revealed to me constantly. In fact, it was revealed to me so many times that I have lost count. God Almighty revealed this to me approximately two thousand times and the reason for this is so that the members of the Community should not simply feel assured that they have joined this Community, or that

they should be confident in their profession of belief. One can only gain the nearness of God and come under His protection when one adopts true taqwa and also carries out virtuous deeds.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 8, p. 371, 1985, UK)

َّ َ َ َّ َّ َ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ‫ِا ّن الل َہ َمع ال ِذیۡ َن اتقوۡا ّوال ِذیۡ َن ُہ ۡم ّم ْح ِسنوۡ َن‬

The Promised Messiahas then further says: “Each day, God Almighty records the deeds of an individual. Thus, man should also prepare a record and should deliberate as to whether or not they have made any progress in carrying out virtuous deeds. One’s past and future should not be the same. The one who’s today and tomorrow, with respect to performing virtuous deeds, is the same has ultimately failed. If an individual believes in God Almighty and has complete faith in Him, he is never wasted. In fact, for that one individual, hundreds of thousands of people can be saved.”

The Promised Messiahas then narrates an incident, “On one occasion a saint was travelling on a ship. A storm arose in the sea with such ferocity that the ship was close to sinking. However, through the prayers of that man, the ship was saved. At the time of prayer God Almighty revealed to him that everyone on the ship had been saved because of him.”

The Promised Messiahas then says, “This cannot be accomplished by mere verbal discourse” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 137-138, 1985, UK). Rather one has to strive to achieve this.

The Promised Messiahas then says, “God Almighty has vouchsafed to me

َّ ُ ُ َّ ُ ّ ‫اِنِ ْی ا َحا ِفظ کل َم ْن ِفی الدا ِر‬

(Malfuzat, Vol. 10, p. 138, 1985, UK) This means, I shall safeguard all those who dwell within the four walls of your house from the plague. “However, in order for this to occur, everyone must adopt taqwa.”

The Promised Messiahas further says, “In order for my prayers to be accepted in your favour, you must make yourselves worthy.

Only then will my prayers be accepted for you and for this, taqwa is a vital component.”

May Allah the Almighty enable us to fast and offer worship in this month of Ramadan whilst adopting taqwa. May this month of Ramadan bring blessings for the Jamaat, for all Muslims and the rest of the world. During these days, pray especially for the Ahmadis residing in Pakistan, as their hardships are increasing on a daily basis. May God Almighty shower His grace upon them. May we fulfil the rights of fasting by adhering to taqwa and may we focus our attention towards prayers.

Likewise, may God Almighty have mercy on the Muslims and grant their leaders and clerics the insight to accept the Imam of the age.

Furthermore, on a daily basis there are news reports that the sparks for a world war are igniting. As for the major powers, it seems as though they are heading towards a global catastrophe at a rapid pace and there does not seem to be any sign of preventing this.

Therefore, may Allah the Almighty grant special protection to the Muslims, especially Ahmadis, from the adverse effects of the war and also protect the general population from these adverse effects. If there are any chances for them to gain the nearness of God Almighty and there is hope for their reformation by which they can accept God Almighty, then may God create those circumstances by which they accept God Almighty and save themselves from destruction.

(Translated by The Review of Religions)

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Friday 15 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Book Intro

The Ulama in Contemporary Islam Author: Muhammad Qasim Zaman Publishers: Princeton University Press Pages: 293 Asif M Basit

Qasim Zaman’s work, The Ulama in Contemporary Islam, appeared on the academic scene at a time when Islam was being understood and misunderstood afresh by the whole world in general and the West in particular. The atrocity of 9/11 was still fresh in the transnational memory of the world and the focus had drifted to the question, “Who is the authority on interpreting the Quran?”

It is this question that Zaman’s work addresses, and that too with great detail. The Ulema, or the Muslim clergy, have historically exercised this authority and it has been widely accepted by not only the general public but by Muslim rulers also. Courts of Muslim kings and Sultans would have Qazis who advise them on religious matters. Then came a time in the Muslim kingdoms when every matter started to fall under the umbrella of religion.

This is where the absolute rule of the Ulema began to strengthen its foundations and buildings of all sorts were erected upon them.

There were schisms, there were divisions, there were sectarian hatreds but the Ulema always succeeded in maintaining their position of authority. How this was made possible is the fundamental question that Zaman attempts, successfully, to answer.

It is interesting to read how madrasahs function as the nursery of this “industry” and how it is managed (or manipulated) at a higher scale like the university levels; how the dars-e-nizami of madrasahs prepares one class and how the universities like the Al-Azhar provide intellectual stability to this authority.

Zaman, exploring the ever-expanding sphere of this authority of Ulema, sees how eventually everything is taken to fall under the Sharia and how, from this stance, the concept of an Islamic state emerges. Some of Zaman’s deliberations seem prophetic in the wake of the recent attempts of Ulema to impose the

concept of IS or “Islamic State”.

The role of Ulema in Pakistan – a state formed in the name of Islam – is again a very interesting study as Zaman covers the socio-political role of Ulema in the lives of Muslims of the undivided India in the colonial days to the new self-styled roles assumed by them after the creation of Pakistan. It is in this discussion where Zaman tries to explore the roots of what the Western media likes to call, “Islamic” extremism. I present here a few passages from the book, which I, naturally and very fondly, have presented on many occasions: “…in the ‘sectarian upbringing’ of several leaders of radical Sunnism in Pakistan, the Ahmadi controversy has played a considerable role. Anathematised by most Muslims for their belief that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (d. 1908), the founder of the Ahmadi community, was a prophet, the Ahmads have been the target of several campaigns of religious violence as well as of government persecution.” (p. 113) “Many of the leading activists of the Sipa-i-Sihaba Pakistan, the militant Sunni organization … began their political careers agitating against the Ahmadis.” (p. 114) “In a state that professes to be guided by the fundamental principles of Islam, the Ahmadi controversy has contributed to sectarian discourse by forcefully raising, and keeping alive, such questions as who a Muslim ‘really’ is (irrespective of one’s own claim in that regard) and what position a Muslim (and those who are not Muslim, or are not recognised as such) has in that state.

“The Jam‘iyyat al-‘Ulema-i-Islam has played a considerable role in Pakistan electoral as well as agitational politics; it participated in the anti-Ahmadi agitations in 1953 and again in 1974 …” (p 119) Bhutto succumbed to this political pressure of the Ulema when deciding to declare

Published by Princeton University Press

the Ahmadis a non-Muslim minority. Little did he know that he would have to succumb to them in every matter; even losing his own sovereignty to this religio-political force.

When the Pakistan’s ruling class surrendered their sanity before these “ulema”, Haz-

rat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh warned them that that genie of political power given to the Ulema would never go back in the lamp that it had emerged from. And it never did.

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