Al Hakam - 22 June 2018

Ramadan Reports Around the World From Georgia, Canada, Suriname, Kenya and others

100 Years Ago...

Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin: A Biography of the Holy Prophetsa

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s Return to Qadian Taken form Al Hakam 21 June 1918

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Propagating Islam in Sweden

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THE WEEKLY

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

Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Do good deeds properly, sincerely and moderately, and know that your deeds will not make you enter Paradise, and that the most beloved deed to Allah is the most regular and constant, even if it is little.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab Al-Riqaq)

Eid in London

id-ul-Fitr was celebrated with great E joy and dignity in the Markaz here in London. The hallmark of the day was the

Eid Sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa from Baitul Futuh Mosque in the Greater London area of Morden.

This sermon was broadcast live via

satellite all around the world through MTA International. Now that MTA International is available to be viewed live on the internet, hundreds of thousands of Ahmadis tuned in to watch Huzoor’s sermon on www.mta.tv or the YouTube channel of MTA, “mtaonline1”.

“The availability of MTA on the internet is no less than a revolution”, says Adil

Mansoor Sahib, Director of IT at MTA International, London Headquarters. “This means that people with smartphones, tablets and laptops are able to watch MTA wherever they are; in their office, on the move, during their commute or just anywhere they may happen to be. Where people had to watch recordings of the Friday or Eid sermons

of Huzoor due to being at work or in a different time-zone, MTA online has enabled them to listen to Huzoor’s words as they are being delivered. This year’s Eid sermon was watched by thousands live as it was being delivered by Huzoor here in London and our stats showed people tuning in all across the globe, from East to West, North to South.”

A representative of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association UK, spoke to Al Hakam about the event: “Although we encourage people to attend their local mosques or nearest Salat centres, everyone has the desire to say their Eid prayers behind Huzooraa.

So, we have people coming from not only London but from other parts of the country also. The greater the number of people, the bigger the challenge of managing the event smoothly especially, because the Mosque is on the main road, so it has to ensure that the smooth flow of traffic is maintained and neighbours and other road-users have no difficulty.

“Police have always been very cooperative, and we have had them assisting us with the smooth running of the operation but the spirit of the Khuddam on duty is absolutely commendable; marshalling the traffic, guiding the pedestrians and ensuring that security is primarily looked after by Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.”

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK, as always, played a pivotal role in the smooth-running of the operations on Eid. MKA UK sees the safety of everyone attending as paramount. Where there are such large gatherings, Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya has to ensure that everyone is safe in all Continued on page 3

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

True salvation exhibits its light in this very world. Who is the one who attains salvation? Such a person is he who believes that God is true and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is the Intercessor between God and all His creation, and that under the heaven there is no Messenger equal in rank to him, nor is there any

The True Salvation

book equal in status to the Quran. God did not desire that anyone should remain alive eternally, but this Chosen Prophet lives forever. To keep him alive forever, God has ordained that his spiritual and law-giving blessings would last until the day of resurrection. Finally, as a continuation of his spiritual blessings, God has sent unto the world the

Promised Messiah—whose advent was essential for the completion of the edifice of Islam. It was necessary that the world should not come to an end until the dispensation of Muhammad had been granted a spiritual Messiah, as had been endowed to the Mosaic dispensation.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Noah’s Ark, pp. 24-25)

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM Continued from page 1

regards. From about half a mile away from the mosque, Khuddam marshal the traffic towards makeshift carparks and Khuddam in those carparks ensure that cars are parked in a way that vehicles remain safe and easily accessible when their owners return from the mosque. With around 12,000 men and women attending, the Khuddam in the carpark had to manage around 4,000 vehicles as they arrived. But what can be more demanding is the safe exit with no difficulties in the carpark and on the roads as the Eid traffic joins the mainstream traffic. The Khuddam were able to clear the carpark in approximately 90 minutes, which is a very reasonable time.

Then there are arrangements to enable everyone in the congregation to feel safe and this is done in collaboration with other auxiliaries and the police.

Khuddam from various Qiadats actively took part in Waqare-Amal sessions to set up the Tahir Hall in Baitul Futuh Complex and also in erecting the marquees in the ground opposite the Mosque.

While the marquees in the opposite park create convenience for those attending, it also means another site to be attended to with equal care and attention. Alhamdolillah, all went well. It always does.

It is estimated that 12,000 worshippers attended the Eid congregation in Baitul Futuh Mosque.

The Fazl Mosque on Gressenhall Road maintains its historic importance by attracting a significant number of worshippers. The Mosque and the adjacent prayer halls can accommodate around 550 worshippers. Those who attend the Fazl Mosque listen to the Eid sermon of their beloved Imam via MTA and then offer the Eid prayer locally.

From the Archives

God Comfort This Zealous Devotee in this issue is a news-story which IJunencluded was published in Urdu in Al Hakam on 21 1918 titled “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

II’s Return to Qadian”. The story covers the arrival of Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Ahmadra in Qadian from a journey. To quench the curiosity that may arise as to where Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra had come back from, we include herewith a brief outline of the journey undertaken by Huzoorra.

Going through the various issues of Al Hakam and Al Fazl of May 1918, we know that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra was suffering poor health. “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s health is getting better”, reports Al Fazl on 4 May. “He offered Zuhr and Asr prayers while seated, on 1 May, in Masjid Mubarak.

Doctors have advised that he travel to a seaside city for a change of climate. He has travelled to Lahore on 3 May for the time being. Where it has been decided to head to from there will be reported later.”

Al Fazl, 7 May 1918: “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, along with his family, departed from here [Qadian] on 3 May, between Asr and Maghrib. He climbed down the stairs – with the support of Maulana Syed Muhammad Sarwar Shah Sahib and Maulvi Abdur Rahman Jutt – to embark a palanquin. Just outside the town, due to discomfort, he moved into the cart of Hazrat Nawab [Muhammad Ali Khan] Sahib. The cart, moving at a very slow pace, arrived at Batala at around half-past-nine [in the evening] where they stayed overnight and departed for Lahore the following morning.

Accompanying Huzoor are Hazrat Ummul Momineen [Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara], Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib MA, Sheikh Abdur Rehman Misri and Dr Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib, etc. Huzoor has appointed Maulana Sher Ali Sahib as Amir of Qadian in his absence.”

Al Fazl, 11 May 1918: “Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, may Allah

strengthen his hand, arrived at Lahore on the morning of the fourth [of May] and stayed in the Ahmadiyya Hostel until 7pm. Two physicians were consulted on the fifth and small electric currents were passed through his nose and throat [as a form of treatment].

Physicians have suggested going to a coastal place rather than a hill. Huzoor departed for Delhi on the seventh on a night-train where he intends to stay for a day to consult Hakim Ajmal Khan Sahib and will then proceed to a place called Bandra in Bombay.”

Al Fazl, 14 May 1918: “News of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s safe arrival has been received through cable which indicates recovering heath. Huzoor offered Jumua prayers with the Bombay Jamaat.

“No permanent address to reach Hazrat Khalifatul Masih is known as yet, but letters

can be addressed to the following address: C/o Hakim Khalil Ahmad Sahib, Memon Building, Parsi Statue Post 8, Bombay” [Ahmadiyya ARC is conducting a research to establish the exact address.

Thus far, they are of the opinion that the Parsi Statue refers to the 154-year-old Khada Parsi Statue. Memon Building has not yet been located. We request readers to assist in this matter, should they have any established information.]

Al Fazl, 18 May records reports about Huzoor’sra health from 8 May to 16 May mentioning a rapid recovery towards good health.

(To be continued.)

Hazrat Abu Ayyubra narrates the Holy Prophetsa said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted for a lifetime.”

(Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab Al Siyam)

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THE WEEKLY

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM 100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II’s Return to Qadian Al Hakam 21 June 1918

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n the previous issue of Al Hakam, we wrote on the events until the latest and final telegram of 14 June concerning the return of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

[IIra]. As was obvious from the telegram, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, Hazrat Ummul Momineen [Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara], members of the family of the Promised

Messiahas and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih and some servants arrived at Batala station in the evening of 14 June 1918 at 12 o’clock.

From Qadian, Mufti Fazl-ur-Rahman Sahib, Syed Asad Ali Shah Sahib, many others like Maulvi Abdul Mughni Sahib and Maulvi Neik Alam Sahib and I (Editor Al Hakam) were already present at the station.

The arrival of Huzoor and members of the Promised Messiah’sas family sent a wave of happiness among those present. Hazrat Ummul Momineen was in good health, although the fatigue and discomfort could be sensed due to the journey. Huzoor was extremely happy. Huzoor desired to go straight to Dalhousie, however I humbly suggested that Huzoor return to Qadian and respectfully attempted to convey the passion, sentiments and emotions of the residents of Qadian. This request was graciously accepted and Huzoor journeyed for Qadian Dar-ul-Aman [place of peace] on the morning of 15 June.

Huzoor started the journey from Batala on a horse and rode horseback. Initially we thought that perhaps after a short break Huzoor would board a tanga [horse-pulled vehicle], but having set off on a horse, the tanga was not able to keep up. Huzoor strode forth on horseback.

Syed Asad Ali Shah Sahib was on a horse alongside Huzoor. That sight was extremely impressive and moving where Huzoor marched forward as the Chief of the caravan with the caravan following. People travelled on tangas, horse-carts and behlis [small ox-

drawn two-wheeled vehicles], while some were on foot, and they all met at Qadian.

The Qadian Jamaat, along with their Amir, Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib, welcomed their beloved Imam at the river [near Qadian].

Alongside his Jamaat, Huzoor walked from there to Qadian at his customary fast pace for approximately two miles. Due to Huzoor’s pace, many companions would have to run to keep up.

Huzoor got on the horse again on the path that leads to Qadian away from the main road and, at a slow pace, entered Qadian alongside his companions. All praise belongs to Allah!

Having left Qadian a month and twelve days ago in a state where he was extremely thin, frail and carried in a palanquin, he entered as an expert horseman. Again, all praise belongs to Allah!

Insha-Allah I will try to gather all the information pertaining to this journey and other aspects into an interesting article for a future issue. Huzoor is determined to travel to Dalhousie.

On 15 June, the weather was extremely pleasant and Huzoor’s health is now much better Alhamdolillah.

I congratulate everyone on the recovery of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s health and Hazrat Ummul Momineen’s health and urge everyone to keep Huzoor in their prayers.

Perhaps tomorrow, 22 June, Huzoor might depart for Dalhousie.

[Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfani]

Ramadan Reports Around the World Special Iftar at Parliament Hill, Canada Farhan Iqbal Missionary, Canada

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y the grace of Allah, on Wednesday, 13 June 2018, Jamaat Ahmadiyya Ottawa West held a very successful Iftar program at Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Canada.

The program was a part of the “Fast with Muslims” campaign that is launched each year in Ramadhan in Canada. The Iftar program was run by Awais Mehmood Sahib, Secretary Umur-e-Kharija Ottawa West.

Guests began to arrive at the Sir John A MacDonald Building at 7:00pm. Khuddam had already set everything up by that time and were ready to receive the guests. Time was given to the guests to socialise and inter-mingle, while engaging in inter-faith discussions. At 7:50pm, the formal program began with Tilawat of the Holy Quran and translation. The master of ceremony for the program was Faheem Affan Sahib (Assistant National Secretary Umur-e-Kharija).

Opening remarks were given by Hon. Judy Sgro, who is a member of Parliament in Canada and Director Parliamentary Friends Association, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Canada. I was honored to present the topic of “Islam and Fasting – An Introduction”, where the themes of Islam and peace, the purpose of fasting and an introduction to the Promised Messiahas and Khilafat were covered. This was followed by a presentation

by Nabil Mirza Sahib (Missionary Ottawa West) in the French language, where he covered similar themes.

This was followed by remarks from the dignitaries, which included Hon. Deb Schulte (MP), Hon. Ramesh Sangha (MP), Hon. Yasmin Ratansi (MP) and Reverend Deacon Dr. Andrew Bennett. The fast ended at 8:55pm, following which the guests broke the fast with dates and water. Arrangement was made in an adjacent hall for prayers.

After the Maghrib prayer, the concluding remarks and vote of thanks was given by Khamis Salam-Alada Sahib (Sadr Jamaat Ottawa West). The guests were then able to enjoy a delicious buffet meal.

A total of 110 external guests attended this event, including 5 members of Parliament, two Shiite Imams, the Deputy High Commissioner of Afghanistan, Charge de affairs of Iraq and Burundi High Commissions, representatives from the department of Global Affairs Canada, a Rabbi, Director and representatives of the Religious Freedom Institute. There were also about 45 to 50 Ahmadi Muslims in attendance.

The program concluded by 10pm when Isha prayer was offered in congregation.

It was truly a great blessing of Allah as He enabled members of Ottawa Jamaats to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the dignitaries who reside in the capital of Canada.

Jamaat Suriname Engagements in Ramadan Laeeq Ahmad Mushtaq Missionary, Suriname

ince 2001, Jamaat Suriname has had the S good fortune of being able to present a television show during Ramadan. This year,

67 programmes were presented by us on two major television channels, namely, TBN and Radika. This proved successful and people praised the programmes.

On 18 May, the Jamaat’s first article was published in GFC Nieuws and Starniuews (one of the most notable and reliable websites in the country whose readership exceeds 100,000). This article was published on the main page of three Holland websites and one Suriname website.

The same article got a lot of attention elsewhere, especially by the oldest daily newspaper, De Ware Tijd.

This year, Jamaat Suriname hosted 14 Iftar events at Masjid Nasir. At every event, the total attendance would be around 100120. On 31 May, for the first time the Chief of Maho, Mrs Astrid Tuanae, along with six companions visited the mosque. They all participated in the Tarawih prayers and returned home late at night.

On 7 June, the Vice President of Suriname, Mr Ashwin Adhin, along with his staff attended our Iftar event at Masjid Nasir. The Vice President toured the complex of the Mosque, where he saw the offices, studio

and other parts of the mosque. As we spoke, he asked about the activities of the Jamaat.

During the Maghrib prayer, the Mr Ashwin Adhin remained in the mosque, observing the prayer. Thereafter, he was presented with the book, Invitation to Ahmadiyyat by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, a memorable shield on behalf of the Jamaat and the Dutch translation of World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace.

During an address, the Vice President of Suriname said: “I have only come to partake in the joy of Ramadan with you and spending this short time with you has given me peace of mind.”

The leader of the opposition, and Member of Parliament, Mr Chandrikapersad visited our mosque along with five other gentlemen.

Food and clothes were arranged for the needy during Ramadan. A collective Waqare-Amal was organised on the day before Eid to clean the mosque and the surrounding plots to accommodate the overflow.

Eid-ul-Fitr was celebrated on 15 June where 220 members of the Jamaat attended.

Food was served to all in attendance. Prime Alert, a current affairs news channel arrived before the Eid prayer and recorded the proceedings, parts of which were broadcast in a programme later that night.

(Images of this event can be viewed on page 12)

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Georgia Collective Iftar

Kenya Peace Seminar & Iftar Dinner

Ahmad Adnan Missionary, Western Region, Kenya

he Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in WestT ern Region held a successful Peace Seminar & Iftar Dinner in Premises of Ah-

madiyya Muslim Mission, Shianda on 13 June 2018.

On this occasion, 10 Government Officials from the National Government, 3 from County Government, 7 representatives from 2 Media Outlets, 18 Local Visitors, 17 Students from Bumini Secondary School and 170 members of Ahmadiyya Muslim Community participated.

The purpose of Program was to propagate the message of Islam as a religion of peace, present the true meaning of Jihad and show how hard the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat works day and night to preach peace to the four corners of earth.

After the formal start of the proceedings, two speeches were delivered by missionaries on the given subject, and later on, the Government Dignitaries in their speeches appreciated the services rendered by the Jamaat in this regard and also by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital in Shianda.

Towards the end, participants of the Peace Seminar were provided with refreshments at Iftar time, and after Maghrib prayer, dinner was served to all attendees.

During this blessed month of Ramadan, we also distributed 198 food packs to the needy in the Western Region, while more than 55 AMJ Kenya food packs and other basic necessities will be distributed among the students of Rehabilitation Centre, Kakamega.

Mr Bernard Rapando, Chief Lubinu Location said: “The spirit of peace advocated for

by Ahmadiyya Community is worth being emulated by other Muslims and even non-Muslims. Today I have been touched by the speeches about the true Islam.

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he Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Georgia (AMAG) held three separate Iftar events during Ramadan to spread the true teachings of Islam to local Georgians and to foster friendships.

On Friday 8 June, four non-Muslim Georgian guests joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. All the guests were working professionals. The event lasted 2 hours, during which detailed discussions on Islam were held. Three AMAG members were present.

On Saturday 9 June, 17 guests joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. The event lasted over 2 hours, during which detailed discussions on Islam were held. Some of the guests were students, some working professionals and one retired professional who had previously worked for the United Nations. The majority of the guests were non-Muslim, while some were Muslim. Three AMAG members were present.

On Wednesday 13 June, two guests

joined AMAG for Iftar and dinner at the Jamaat Centre. The event lasted 2 hours, during which a wide range of topics were discussed including Islam, religious freedom, spreading peace and AMAG’s aims in Georgia amongst others. The guests were Christian leaders from Tbilisi; Rev. Prof.

Dr Malkhaz Songulashvili, Metropolitan Bishop of Tbilisi, Senior Minister of Peace Cathedral, Evangelical Baptist Church of Georgia and Revd Simon Spanner Hansen.

The guests joined AMAG members in praying Maghreb in congregation. The guests were given Jamaat literature. Three AMAG members were present.

On Saturday 9 June, four guests visited AMAG at the Jamaat Centre for two hours.

The meeting was arranged as they wanted to know more about our organisation.

They mentioned that “Love for All, Hatred for None” is required for all mankind, and wanted to develop the relationship with AMAG.

Mr Joseph Wafula, Sub-County Ward Administrator (Kakamega County) said: “I have met with Ahmadi Muslims on several occasions and I have learnt that they are quite different from other groups. They are generous and with true teachings of Islam. I feel encouraged that if everyone here follows what has been preached, then there will be no issues like crimes in our county.”

Mr Wycliffe Okati, Representative District County Commissioner, Mumias East: “I have learnt for the first time that Islam accepts the truth about Jesus Christ and now I got a true picture of who Muhammad is. The two prophets highly recognised each other…”

AMA Georgia

Malta Ramadan Iftar 2018 n Thursday 31 May at the Waterfront Hotel, Sliema, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya O Malta organised an Iftar event, which

was attended by respectable guests from different walks of life.

Attending the event, His Excellency, Mark A Schapiro, Deputy Chief of the U.S. Mission to Malta said: “It seems so often in our world today that we have to keep repeating this message [love for all; hatred for none] that we have to teach and re-teach the value of tolerance and mutual respect. Sometimes it feels like nobody is listening … What we share is far stronger than what divides us.”

Colombo Iftar Event A Abdul Aziz Press Secretary, Jamaat Sri Lanka

n Monday, 11 June, an Iftar Event was arranged at Ahmadiyya Centre O – Baitul Hamd, Colombo in which

The President of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Malta, Laiq Ahmed Atif Sahib said: “[During Ramadan] It is not just physical hunger and thirst that constitute the Muslim fast, but the recitation of the Holy Quran, understanding the commandments of God and making those part of everyday life, serving mankind, giving charities, helping those in need, being punctual in five daily obligatory prayers, waking up many hours before dawn for the individual prayer and the remembrance of God, and thus spending a greater part of the night in spiritual exercises make up the very essence of fasting.”

Representatives from South Asian Forum for Freedom of Religion and Belief were specially invited. Farooq Aftab Sahib, Naib Sadr, Majlis Khuddamul Ahmadiyya UK and a Swedish lady also participated along with this Forum.

A.H. Nasir Ahmad – National President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim

AMJ Malta

Jamaat, Sri Lanka – welcomed the delegation. After the event that concluded with silent prayer, the National President presented the Holy Quran’s Sinhala Translation and the Sinhala Translation of the book, World Crisis and the Pathway To Peace to the Sri Lankan Representative.

The delegation was told about the tireless

efforts being made by the Khalifa and the Ahmadiyya worldwide leader, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, by spreading the true teachings of Islam through various means, particularly addressing lawmakers at various parliaments across the globe.

(Images of this event can be viewed on page 12)

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin: A Biography of the Holy Prophetsa

Islam International Publications Ltd.

Ayyaz Mahmood Khan Wakalat-e-Tasnif

riting a biography on any individual is W indeed an arduous task. Human beings are multi-faceted creatures. Therefore, doing

justice to the story of any one person’s life requires an author to not only undertake a broad study into the stories and events that have shaped their life, but also delve deep into their personality and character so that insofar as possible, a true reflection may be portrayed in writing.

When the biography in question is about a man dubbed the most influential of personalities in history and who changed the course of the world as we know it, the task at hand becomes all the more formidable. Yet, it is this very task, which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahib, may Allah be pleased with him, set out to undertake when he began writing his magnum opus Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin (The Life and Character of the Seal of Prophets), an extensive biography on the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, spanning three volumes and hundreds of pages.

There is a plethora of biographies written on the life of the Holy Prophetsa, so what should make this one by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra any different? Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II, may Allah be pleased with him says: “I have reviewed much of this book and have also given my own suggestions. I believe that of all the biographies that have been published about the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, this book is the finest. This work also reflects the knowledge that we have been blessed with from the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, and it will, God willing, make our efforts to spread the message of Islam much easier.”

Although there are many biographies on the life of the Prophetsa, the distinctive feature of this magnificent work is that in analysing the events of the Holy Prophet’ssa

life, the Holy Quran and the six authentic books of Hadith have been given the place of a judge.

Where other Muslim historians have liberally taken historical accounts from the compilations of Ibn-i-Hisham and Ibn-iSa‘d – even inauthentic ones – Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has not blindly accepted every narration, simply because it appears in a book of history. In fact, he systematically and methodologically scrutinises the authenticity of every narration before including them in his work as facts, and he does this on the basis of the Holy Quran and other authentic narrations.

Therefore, in view of this, we will find that where other historians have had to take an apologetic stance when faced with a “socalled” event that took place in the life of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra is gifted with the ability to easily dissect these so-called events and prove, without a shadow of doubt, that the incident did not even occur in the first place, and if it did, the extent to which its relevant details, as recorded in books of history, are accurate.

Additionally, another salient feature of his work is that it is a perfect balance between in-depth scholarship of the highest academic level and simple, easy to follow storytelling. The captivating mastery with which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad takes us through the life of the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, in this book is truly unparalleled. One feels as if they have been transported into the streets of Mecca as the Holy Prophetsa conveys his message of love and peace to the Quraish, or perhaps onto the battlefield of Uhud as a handful of companions guard their master like a shield in the face of arrows and swords.

The deep love and eloquence with which Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra tells this riveting story of the life of the Holy Prophetsa can bring one to tears as the heart begins to race as perilous events with all their suspense reach their climax. If ever a book could be as visually captivating as a film, it would be this book. Yet, this vivid storytelling does not take away from the academic value and scholarly nature of this book; and it is this very fusion which makes this literary masterpiece unique.

This book is not only confined to the biography of the Holy Prophetsa but also describes the environment and times in which the Holy Prophet lived. In this respect, Hazrat Mian Sahib states himself that this book is perhaps better described as “The History of Islam” then merely a biography. As such, wherever Western scholars have raised criticisms in an attempt to expose Islam’s so-called “dark history” or where orientalists have levelled allegations against the Holy Prophetsa himself in order to malign his character, the esteemed author has valiantly responded to all of these accusations in a most logical, eloquent and well-evidenced manner. These rebuttals are truly compelling and not mere passionate

responses as one would expect from a religious apologetic; they are academic, well-reasoned and quite simply, irrefutable rebuttals.

Even as decades have gone by it appears that the allegations against Islam and its Founder remain the same. Whether they relate to the age of Hazrat Aishara when she was married to the Holy Prophetsa, or about the Prophetsa “mercilessly executing 700 Jews”, all of these objections have been responded to in this book with ample evidence and compelling argumentation.

It is often alleged as a major point, even today, that the Prophet of Islam married the young Aishara when she was only six years of age, against her will. The author has demonstrated through concrete evidence and authentic hadith that this was definitely not the case. In this respect, Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin is as relevant and topical today as it was when first penned.

The book also deals with other enlightening and scholarly discussions on issues that relate to Islam, such as the incidents of the me‘raj (the ascension of the Prophetsa into the heavens), Jihad, polygamy and Islam’s view on slavery, to name a few.

A large majority of Muslim scholars believe that the me‘raj was a physical event in which the Holy Prophetsa of Islam flew to up into the heavens on the back of a wingedhorse and ultimately had audience with God in the highest heaven. Atheists such as Richard Dawkins often highlight this “scientific impossibility” and mock at how foolish religious people are. Unfortunately, since most Muslims do believe in this event to have taken place literally and physically, they are often unable to respond to this criticism. However, in this work, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has established, in light of the Holy Quran and the Hadith, that this was a spiritual experience and explains that the Holy Quran categorically deems the me‘raj to be an experience that was seen by the “heart” of the Prophet, and not his “eyes”. In doing so, the author very eloquently dismantles a powerful argument used by atheists to attack religion at large.

He demonstrates through this discussion and elsewhere in the context of miracles,

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra - author of Sirat Khatam-un-Nabiyyin

that Islam does not believe in fairy-tale stories that clearly contradict science and reason.

Many of the things that a vast majority of Muslims believe to have occurred literally, are simply dreams, visions and spiritual experiences that take place in a realm that is beyond the physical. Moreover, miracles are nothing more than a timely culmination of various laws of nature in a manner that brings about an extraordinary result – a result that is beyond the power of man to create. He explains that Islam is a religion that believes in God to be the Creator of the universe. His words cannot contradict His acts. If God’s words form the basis of scripture and religious teaching, then science constitutes His actions in the world around us. But the question is, can humans claim to know all the intricacies of the law of nature or even all the laws of nature themselves?

In his eloquent discussion on the concept of slavery, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him, outlines the meticulous care with which Islam promotes the good-treatment of slaves. He highlights that Islam was the only religion to put in place a proper system for the manumission and freedom of slaves. He also elaborates on the wisdoms behind not releasing all slaves at once. He points out that since slavery had existed for generations upon generations, if all slaves had been released at once, though this would have given them an apparent freedom to move as they please, they would

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM have been left to suffer a “freedom of famine” (as Martin Luther King puts it), with no way to support themselves economically and socially. And so, Islam did not simply release all the slaves in Arabia at once with a single proclamation, as was done in America – only to leave them helpless and without economic support. On the contrary Islam sought to first train, and uplift slaves as human beings through the loving care of their Muslim guardians, before releasing them the perils of the world, so that they would not only be able to work for themselves but also support their families.

And practically, history bears testimony to the fact that while the slaves of America were released but not given the opportunity in society to uplift themselves, the slaves released by Muslims under the guidance of the Holy Prophetsa and the teachings of Islam rose to the greatest heights and in many cases even outstripped their masters, becoming generals, teachers, scholars and

leading figures in politics and government.

So, while in the past, slaves have been freed, it was only the Prophetsa of Islam who truly liberated slaves.

In any case, this book is a gem which shines to enlighten readers at various levels and in various subjects, irrespective of their academic background. It is a must-read.

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, may Allah be pleased with him states: “O Allah! Make it so by your grace that your servants read this book and benefit from it, and follow in the example of your Chosen Messenger, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, to attain your pleasure.”

May Allah the Exalted accept this heartfelt prayer of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and continue to reward him immensely for this loving and valuable service to the religion of Islam and the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Amin.

100 Years Ago...

England Reporting Al Fazl 22 June 1918

AHer name is Miss Mary Morgan and her Islamic name is Maryam. I am also preaching some lady who I have been recently preaching, after being convinced, has finally accepted Islam.

others. [Miss Maryam’s] request for Bai’at has been posted to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. (It has been conveyed – Editor.)

Our tabligh [preaching] is not just limited to the city of London. In fact, we tour places outside London as well. Accordingly, Qazi [Muhammad Abdullah] Sahib is currently touring Brighton and Hove and the surrounding areas, while I covered the areas of Carisbrooke, Newport, Sandown, Brading and Cowes [in the Isle of Wight] among other areas, where I distributed literature and did tabligh.

Princess Mary, daughter of His Majesty, the Emperor of India, King George V takes a keen interest in public good. The public here sees her with great respect and love. It was her birthday in April. On this occasion, I wrote her a letter on behalf of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, congratulating her and presenting a brief introduction of the Jamaat. Along with the letter, I sent a book in proof of the truth of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, for which I received a letter of acknowledgement.

Reports have been recently published in English newspapers about the friendly relations between the Emperor of India and the King of Hejaz. In this regard, I wrote a brief article for The Mercury about the King of Hejaz, the War and the Promised Messiah’sas prophecy, which was published. Some copies of the newspaper have been sent to India. Also, a leaflet for the purpose of tabligh was sent to the King of Hejaz along with a letter.

[Mufti Muhammad Sadiq]

Propagating Islam in Sweden ple. The discussions regarding Islam often focus on the supposed lack of integration on the part of the Muslim community, which, according to a moderate estimate, totals about 5 percent of the population. Terms such as Sharia law, Jihad and Burqa/Niqab are frequently being used in political discourse to gain popular opinion. Although this has been the case for many years, few Muslim leaders in Sweden have made any considerable effort to respond to these allegations and present the true teachings of Islam.

By the grace of Allah, Jamaat Ahmadiyya Sweden has made considerable efforts to defend and propagate the true Islam in Sweden.

One such effort is the programme “Stoppa Krisen” (Stop the Crisis), a TV-show where current topics regarding religion and Islam are being discussed. Themes range from religious extremism, Islamophobia and the role of religious communities in society. Many external AMJ Sweden guests, such as politicians, police officers, jourKashif Mahmood Virk nalists and intellectuals, have taken part in the Missionary, Sweden programme. It has been aired on local TV-channels in the major cities of Sweden and shared n most countries of Europe, questions related to Islam widely online. It is currently also being aired on and Muslims are frequently being discussed in public de- MTA International. (https://stoppakrisen.nu/tv-program/) Another recent effort by Jamaat Sweden is the podcast bates. It often relates to themes such as religious extremism, “Islams röst” (Voice of Islam), in which current topics about the veil or mosques, as well as other visible expressions of religion are discussed. It is being shared on many platforms Islam. It is clear that the anti-Islamic opinion generally is on and is thus accessible to many people. (http://ahmadiyya.se/ the increase in most European countries. podcast/) This is certainly the case in Sweden, a country in NorthIn the cities of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö, the ern Europe with a small population of about 10 million peo-

I

AMJ Sweden

Jamaat arranges information-tents in the city-centre where the public has the opportunity to ask questions related to Islam. This has resulted in many people now being informed about the efforts of the Ahmadiyya Muslims Jamaat and has increased their understanding of religion and counter religious extremism.

In all major cities of Sweden, seminars and exhibitions are regularly being arranged by Jamaat Sweden on different topics and different occasions. For example, the annual Book Fair in Sweden is an event where the Jamaat regularly has its exhibition. Recently, a seminar with the topic “The Role of Religion in Future Sweden” was held in Nasir mosque in Gothenburg, where representatives from 10 po-

AMJ Sweden

litical parties attended.

In Stockholm, the Jamat is currently arranging an exhibition at Järvaveckan, a social and political gathering, with the campaigns “Stop the Crisis” and “Ask a Muslim”.

By the grace of Allah, the efforts of the Jamaat are being widely recognised in Swedish media. During the last couple of years, more than 70 articles have been written in major Swedish newspapers and websites. We have also had the opportunity to represent Islam in several interviews and TV/radio-discussions. Recently, a news report about people wanting to leave Islam was published wherein two Sunni imams claimed that the punishment for apostasy in Islam is death according to Islamic law. On this, we wrote a reply that there is no such teaching in Islam, rather it teaches absolute freedom of religion. This article was very well received, Alhamdolillah.

Thus, as Islam is constantly being highlighted in a negative sense and context, all over Europe, we Ahmadi Muslims are the ones who should be at the forefront in defending and propagating the true teachings of Islam. The current focus and increasing interest in Islam all over the “Western” world presents us with a unique opportunity to convey the true teachings of Islam. We should thus avail this opportunity.

We request readers of Al Hakam to remember Jamaat Sweden in their prayers. May Allah Almighty enable us to serve Islam in the best possible manner. Amin.

Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon 25.5.18 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Khilafat: The Mercy of Allah After reciting the Tashahhud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah Al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaba recited verses 56 and 57 of Surah Al-Nur and then stated: The translation of these verses is as follows: “Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them; and that He will surely establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them; and that He will surely give them in exchange security and peace after their fear: They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me. Then whoso is ungrateful after that, they will be the rebellious. And observe Prayer and give the Zakat and obey the Messenger, that you may be shown mercy.”

In the aforementioned verses, God Almighty has mentioned a promise. It should be clear that God Almighty has set certain preconditions in order to bestow this blessing that is the institution of Khilafat, through which one will be granted strength and peace after various states of fear. Thus, this is a promise and not a prophecy in that God Almighty will grant it unconditionally.

God Almighty has not stated that He will most surely bestow this blessing, rather it is a promise granted to those who fulfil the necessary conditions. What are those conditions? God Almighty states that they will worship Him and they will completely refrain from shirk [associating partners with God]. If they do not fulfil the due rights of worship; if they do not completely abstain from and protect themselves from shirk, as God Almighty desires, then they will not be able to fully benefit from this promise.

Thus, despite Khilafat being present, the people who do not act and do not fulfil the conditions, would not be able to derive any kind of benefit from it. It is evident from the Holy Quran as well as the Ahadith [traditions of the Holy Prophetsa] that Khilafat was to be established on the precepts of prophethood in the latter-days and that this was to be an everlasting institution of Khilafat. The Promised Messiahas has also clearly elucidated to us that the institution of Khilafat would be established after him and that it would remain forever. However, in the same verses, God Almighty has also made clear to the Muslims that in order to benefit from the promise of Khilafat and to receive a share of the favours attached to it, they will have to bring about a change in their conditions. To be merely called Muslim or to just verbally proclaim one’s faith, will not make one deserving of the favours of Khilafat. Thus, God Almighty admonishes the Muslims that in order to fulfil the due

rights of worship and to be protected from shirk, they need to observe prayers, pay the Zakat and obey the Messengersa. Only then can one receive the mercy of God Almighty.

With regards to obedience to the Holy Prophetsa, we should also remember the guidance he imparted to us wherein he stated that one who obeyed a leader who was appointed by him, inadvertently obeyed him. Conversely, if one disobeyed a leader who was appointed by him would in fact

have disobeyed him. Furthermore, in the institution of Khilafat, the Khalifa serves as the highest authority of being the appointed leader by the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, it becomes evident from this fact that demonstrating obedience to Khilafat is as equally important as showing obedience to the Holy Prophetsa. However, this does not refer to a caliphate that is forcefully established with the aid of worldly powers. In fact, this Divine promise refers to the Khilafat that was to be established on the precepts of prophethood and with regards to which the Holy Prophetsa had clearly mentioned that it would be established following the advent of the Promised Messiahas. The institution of Khilafat would continue from there as the Promised Messiahas would be the Khatam-ul-Khulafa [seal of the caliphs, or successors]. Furthermore, this Khilafat would not engage in wars and cruelties.

Rather, it would draw our attention towards observing prayers, towards paying the Zakat for the sake of the propagation of religion and for the fulfilment of the rights

of mankind and it would draw our attention towards making financial sacrifices. Thus, presently this institution can only be found within the Ahmadiyya Jamaat.

Similarly, another objective of obedience towards the Holy Prophetsa is to become united, which cannot be achieved without the institution of Khilafat. Although other Muslims observe their prayers, however due to a lack of unity, their hearts are divided.

Despite believing in the same essential doctrines, they have created divisions as a result of delving into the finer details of faith. In order to uphold their authority and fulfil their objectives – which now also include political objectives in the case of Pakistan – scholars constantly fight with one another. The same is the case of those who follow them.

A short while ago, the protests against the government in Pakistan were taking place. Following that, two groups of scholars started to fight with one another. One of them was trying to attain its objectives and acquire authority through a group called Labbaik Ya Rasulullah, whereas the other was trying to achieve the same objectives under the name of a group called Khatme-Nubuwwat. Furthermore, the world was observing this chaos and disorder on television as it was broadcast on Pakistani television. In spite of this, the people

following this group are unaware of the nature of the people they are following.

Are these the people who shall become the means of strengthening the faith for the general public as well as for Muslims?

Will they guide them appropriately? This is impossible as they themselves are corrupt.

As a matter of fact, they are corrupt in accordance with the Hadith of the Holy Prophetsa which stated that such scholars of that time would be the worst among creation. (Al-Jami li’Shu’bil Iman, Vol.3, pp317-318, Hadith no. 1763, Maktabat-ulRushd, Riyadh, 2003).

Even when they offer the Zakat, the government remains unaware of how it is spent. The government claims to spend it on the poor. However, billions of rupees are embezzled from Zakat funds, which is highlighted in the media; the propagation of Islam does not even cross their minds.

What are those oil-rich nations doing that is established in the name of Islam? They are unable to carry out a single task in relation

to the propagation of Islam.

If a community is offering sacrifices and carrying out this task, it is the Ahmadiyya Community. This can only be truly carried out under the institution of Khilafat. Some scholars and fair-minded individuals express this fact that the institution of Khilafat should be established. However, when it is said to accept the institution which has been established by God Almighty, they are unwilling to do so, rather they are at the forefront in opposing it.

The latest incident of this opposition occurred in our mosque in Sialkot two days ago. The mosque and the building adjacent to it was raided and attacked by the police and the authorities. As a matter of fact, one can say that this carried out by the maulvis [religious clerics] and their followers under the supervision of the police. They consider this to be a great achievement on their part having acquired great success in their defence of Islam! Two days prior to this incident, the police sealed the house without any reason, and even though no one was residing in it, the police supervised an organised attack in which they destroyed the building and caused extensive damage.

This house and mosque were built well before the formation of Pakistan. In fact, they were built over a hundred years ago.

Thus, there was no justification where they could claim that since Ahmadis have recently constructed it therefore they will demolish the minarets and domes. Hence, this is the state of those who are at the forefront in their opposition. They are now threatening that they will damage and destroy even more mosques.

One of the individuals instigating this is a Hafiz [a person who has committed the entire Quran to memory] and the other is a Qari [a person who is able to read the Quran according to its proper rules of recitation] and belongs to a political party.

Although they claim to have committed the entire Quran to memory, however they are completely devoid of the teachings of the Holy Quran. Indeed, they were certainly going to be bereft of the true essence of this teaching as they have opposed the appointed Khatam-ul-Khulafa of God Almighty and the Just Arbiter of this era. As a result of this, they have become devoid of the teachings of the Holy Quran. They may have memorised the literal words, however, their minds are sealed shut in order to comprehend the teachings of the Holy Quran. This in fact is also a punishment from God Almighty in that they are unable to comprehend these teachings. Indeed, in terms of creating disorder and corruption, their minds are very fertile. If they are asked to create disorder and widespread chaos they would invent new methods to achieve this goal. We however are unable to compete with them in these matters. Nevertheless, this is their condition.

They preach against one another even in their own mosques, hatch schemes of creating disorder and corruption and thereby destroy the sanctity of their mosques. Furthermore, they also destroy the sanctity of our mosques, which are purely constructed for the worship of God Almighty, by closing them, attacking them and damaging them. This is the result of giving precedence to their personal objectives over their faith. Furthermore,

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM until they do not accept the Khilafat, which was to be established in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa, they will continue to act in this manner and nothing good can be expected from them.

Indeed, there are always a few civilised individuals in society. There are certainly a number of decent people. Yesterday, a lady from the senate very courageously expressed her concern regarding this issue

lamp. Faith once again shined forth with its spiritual light. Hence, this has been the practice of God Almighty since eternity.”

We have witnessed this since the time of Prophet Adamas to Prophet Muhammadsa.

The Promised Messiahas states, “Therefore, this has been the practice of God Almighty that after some time passes and people neglect the teachings of a prophet, consequently going astray from the

God Almighty sends His beloved and this initiates the revival of faith.

Therefore, if we are not making these changes within ourselves after accepting the Promised Messiahas, then this is a matter of great concern. We should always evaluate ourselves [by asking]: are we fashioning our lives according to what God Almighty has instructed us to do in order to attain the favors associated with Khilafat? What are

The Promised Messiahas further states, “The magnificent glory of God exhibited its luster and the light of Divine wisdom was established once again in the world like a lamp. Faith once again shined forth with its spiritual light. Hence, this has been the practice of God Almighty since eternity.” and also condemned it. We wait to see how the maulvis and those who are of the same nature as them as well as the corrupt politicians will treat this poor lady. So far it has been observed that they trouble such civilised people to such an extent that they either have to leave politics or seek forgiveness.

As far as our emotions are concerned, since they have damaged a historical building from the time of the Promised Messiahas and the government has taken it into their possession, our response is as usual, and should always be:

ّ ُ ْ َ ۤ َّ ‫ِان َما اشكوۡا بَ ِث ۡی َو ُح ْزنِ ۡۤی ِالَی الل ِہ‬

“I only complain of my sorrow and my grief to Allah” (Surah Yusuf: V. 87). Even though we have a sentimental attachment to that place, however our great bond of attachment to the Promised Messiahas cannot be simply limited to safeguarding the physical buildings. Rather, it is demonstrated by acting in accordance with his teachings; to be firmly attached to the institution of Khilafat which has been established after him; by acquiring the blessings and deriving benefit from them, which God Almighty has mentioned in relation to the reward of Khilafat; by improving the standard of our worship; by acting in accordance with the commandments of God Almighty and by elevating the standard of our obedience. For all this we need to make a concerted effort.

Someone once asked the Promised Messiahas what the objective was of the advent of a Khalifa? We should always keep the Promised Messiah’sas response in mind. He stated, “The objective is to bring about reformation.” He then elaborated upon this saying, “Prophet Adamas was the progenitor of this current human cycle.

When the physical condition of humans weakened and they forgot about the true purpose of God’s word and strayed away from the path of guidance, then purely due to the grace of God Almighty, He guided the world and took them out of darkness by commissioning a messenger.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “The magnificent glory of God exhibited its luster and the light of Divine wisdom was established once again in the world like a

right path and lose the true light of Divine knowledge, at the time the vicious darkness of ignorance, deception, transgression and debauchery becomes widespread, then the attributes of God are impassioned.

Subsequently, through the agency of a great man, God’s name, His Unity, and high morals are established once again through Divine insight. Clear proofs of the existence of God Almighty are provided with thousands of signs and the lost cognizance of the Divine, righteousness and purity is reestablished in the world.”

Therefore, faith has vanished from amongst the Muslims and non-Muslims alike. For this reason, God Almighty sent the Khatam-ul-Khulafa for this age in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Promised Messiahas states, “And a magnificent revolution takes place. Thus, our movement,” pay particular attention to this statement, “was established according to this very practice of the past.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, pp. 274-275, 1985, UK) The Ahmadiyya Jamaat was initiated in order to present the clear proofs of the existence of God and to once again reestablish the Unity of God and excellent morals. As we can see, the moral condition of the majority of Muslims is dire. They are involved in the worshiping of graves, setting partners with God and have introduced all kinds of harmful innovations into the faith. Disobedience of God and immorality has become the norm and they admit this themselves. There are many articles written about their state of affairs but as I mentioned, they are not willing to accept the ardent devotee of the Holy Prophetsa who was sent by God Almighty to guide them and to rescue them from the abyss of ignorance. They are involved in many forms of hidden shirk and high morals are nowhere to be found. However, as I stated earlier that the aforementioned statement of the Promised Messiahas should be kept in mind, that our movement was formed under this established practice of God Almighty. When the world is surrounded by impiousness and chaos, and good morals are lost, and people stop thinking about the Unity of God, and Shirk becomes widespread, it is then that

the standards of these requirements? We have to assess our worship, the condition of our prayers: are we pure from shirk in our every word and action; what are the standards of our financial sacrifices and what is the level of our obedience? Are we meeting the standards set by God Almighty and His Messengersa? And in this day and age, are we trying to achieve the standards which the Promised Messiahas desired from members of his community?

There is a saying of the Holy Prophetsa regarding the importance of worship and prayers. It is mentioned in a hadith in which Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “On the Day of Judgment, observance of prayer is the first

the month of Ramadan. However, this should not be limited only to the month of Ramadan. God Almighty will not enquire about prayers offered during the month of Ramdan only, rather, prayers offered throughout one’s lifetime will be accounted for. Therefore, one should show great concern in this regard.

God Almighty will immensely favour His servants by saying that the deficiency in the obligatory prayers, which occur as a result of human weakness, can be fulfilled through the voluntary prayers that were offered in one’s lifetime.

There is also another narration, Hazrat Jabirra narrates that he heard the Holy Prophetsa say, “Not offering prayers brings one closer to shirk and disbelief.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Iman, Hadith no.246) Hence, one should be greatly concerned in this regard. Shirk is a sin that God Almighty has greatly disapproved and does not forgive. Can we benefit from the gift of Khilafat whilst being guilty of this crime?

Certainly not.

How should prayer be offered? What is the true essence and spirit of prayer? In relation to this, the Promised Messiahas states, “Some go to mosques and offer prayers and observe other pillars of Islam as well but the help and succour of God Almighty is not with them and no significant transformation in their morals and habits can be observed…” There should be a significant change in the actions and morals of those who observe prayers. “…through which one can ascertain that their worship is merely superficial and customary. Because fulfilling the commands of God is equivalent to planting a seed that impacts both the soul and body.”

The example of prayers is like a seed in that it should have an impact on the soul in

The Promised Messiahas further states, “The home in which such prayer is performed shall never be destroyed. It is written in a Hadith that if Salat [the Islamic prayer] had been ordained in the time of Noahas then his people would never have perished.” question that mankind will be asked about.

If they succeed in this, they will prosper and attain salvation. However, if they fail in this regard, they will be unsuccessful and suffer loss. If there is any deficiency in obligatory prayers then God Almighty will say, ‘Does my servant have any voluntary prayers which could replenish the deficiency in these [obligatory] prayers.’ Their other actions will also be judged in the same manner.” (Sunan Al-Tirmadhi, Kitab-ul-Salat, Hadith 413) Hence, this is the importance of prayers.

These days everyone is much focused on prayers and going to the mosque due to

the same manner when a seed is planted and it can be clearly observed when it flourishes and grows. In the same fashion, the impact of prayers should be witnessed in our soul, our body and our morals.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “A person who undertakes great effort to irrigate a cultivated land and sows the seeds but does not see the bud sprout within one or two months, would be resigned to the fact that the seeds were ineffective.”

Here, the “bud” refers to the seed in that if it does not germinate and shoot forth then this is the same state of our worship. The

10 reason why I explained the meaning of this term is that some translators later come and enquire that certain words were used which they could not understand.

“If one believes God Almighty to be One and without partner, observes their prayers, fasts and seemingly tries their best to act upon the commandments of God Almighty, yet they do not receive any help from God Almighty, then one must conclude that the seed which they are sowing is rotten.”

(Malfuzat, Vol.10, pg.43, 1985, UK) Thus, this is the point which we must always keep in mind so that we can identify the nearness of God through the progress of the standard of our worship, our moral conduct and our habits. If they have improved, then it means that our prayers are beneficial to us and we are drawing closer to God Almighty. If our outer state is not changing then we have not attained nearness to God and our prayers are of no benefit to us.

The Promised Messiahas states in relation to this, “What is meant by prayer? It is a supplication that is humbly entreated by extolling His holiness, praise, sanctity, seeking his forgiveness and by invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa. So, when you observe prayer, do not recite Arabic phrases alone like those who are unmindful.”

That is to say, if Arabic is not your mother tongue, then those who do not know Arabic should not constrain themselves to it, as that state of the heart which should be present in the supplicant cannot be brought about in them.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “For the prayer and forgiveness sought by such persons is nothing more than a superficial demonstration, which is devoid of essence; their prayers are not sustained by any foundations. When you offer your prayer, use words besides the verses of the Quran, which are the Word of God, and besides the various prayers taught by the Holy Prophetsa.

“There are some prayers of the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Quran which we should recite, we should understand and we should learn their meanings in order to understand their essence. There are also other prayers which people recite and have constructed their wording themselves.”

The Promised Messiahas further continues, “Make all your other entreaties in your native tongue so that the humility and meekness that they are born of may touch your heart.” (Kishti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.19, pp.68-69) The Promised Messiahas then states, “Prayer is such a thing which cause the heavens to descend upon man” meaning that God Almighty draws closer to man.

“The one who pays the due rights to prayer deems themselves to have died as if their soul has left them and they have fallen at the threshold of God Almighty.” The Promised Messiahas further states, “The home in which such prayer is performed shall never be destroyed. It is written in a Hadith that if Salat [the Islamic prayer] had been ordained in the time of Noahas then his people would never have perished.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “Hajj has its prerequisites for man.” It has certain conditions for which it can be performed, therefore it is not incumbent on everybody. Fasting also has prerequisites

Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM and is not obligatory on the sick and those travelling. Those travelling can of course perform it later but certain people who are sick are unable to fast at all.

The Promised Messiahas continues, “Paying Zakat is also conditional.” Only those who possess wealth can give Zakat.

previous sermon.

Hence, this is a very worrying situation.

If we examine ourselves in depth, we will find several forms of hidden shirks. At times, our prayers are wasted due to following our inner desires and our fasts are squandered out of some worldly justifications. A young

ul-Ilm, Hadith no.73) Hazrat Hassanra relates that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “Secure your wealth by paying the Zakat and cure those suffering from ailments among you through offering Sadqa [charity].” (Al-Jami li’Shu’bil Iman, Vol. 5, p. 185, Hadith 3280, Maktabat-ul-

The Promised Messiahas states that until one does not fully perform their prayers, the blessings usually found in them will not be attained, nor will there be any benefit of taking this Bai’at which we have taken at his hand. Therefore, this is the standard which we should be striving to attain.

“However, prayer has no prerequisites.

While the rest are all performed once a year,” i.e. all these modes of worship are performed once annually, “but we have been commanded to observe our prayers five times in a day. Therefore, if one fails to perform all the prayers, they cannot attain the blessings thereof, nor will there be any benefit of taking this Bai’at [oath of initiation].” (Malfuzat, Vol.6, pp.421-422, 1985, UK) The Promised Messiahas states that until one does not fully perform their prayers, the blessings usually found in them will not be attained, nor will there be any benefit of taking this Bai’at which we have taken at his hand. Therefore, this is the standard which we should be striving to attain.

God Almighty then states that you should abstain from committing shirk.

There is a narration with reference to this that the Holy Prophetsa feared the spread of shirk in his Umma [followers].

In a hadith it states that Ubadah Bin Nasi once informed [some companions] about Shaddad Bin Aus saying that once, when he was crying, he was asked, “Why do you cry?”

He replied, “I recall something that I heard from the Holy Prophetsa and it has made me cry. I heard the Holy Prophetsa say, ‘I fear about the spread of shirk in my Umma and their hidden desires.’ I asked, ‘O Prophetsa of God, will your people be involved in shirk after you?’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘Yes, although my people will not worship the sun, the moon or stone idols, however they will suffer from ostentations in their actions’” they will deceive others through their actions and will be filled with artificiality, “‘and they will fall prey to their hidden desires. One of them will start the day fasting but then he will come across a desire and he will break the fast and indulge in his desire.’” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 835, Hadith 17250, Alim-ul-Kutub, 1988, Beirut) Such a person will be unmindful of his fast and it will be for pretence. In the previous sermon, I mentioned the incident where people fast for the sake of their parents, yet in the middle of the day they go to the shops and eat whatever they like.

Then later on in the evening they return to their homes normally and break their fasts with their families as if they had spent the entire day fasting. So this is the state of certain people, and the newspapers here wrote an article on it as I mentioned in the

man met me saying that his work entails making pizza and that he has to taste it whilst making it. Therefore, he does not fast or abandons some fasts. To this one can only say Inna lillah that despite being Ahmadis we are acting in such a manner. I do not know if he even understood or realised what he was saying but I am deeply embarrassed to hear such things from people. We claim to wish to attain the bounties of God Almighty, but this claim will be rendered false if we do not act in accordance with His commandments.

The Promised Messiahas says, “God Almighty states in the Holy Quran:

َْ َ ٰ ‫َویغ ِف ُر َما ُد ۡو َن ذل ِک‬

That is, ‘He shall forgive every sin…’” This is just one part of the complete verse that the Promised Messiahas quoted. “…however God Almighty will not forgive shirk. So stay away from shirk and consider it to be the forbidden tree.” (Tohfa Golarwiyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.17, pp. 323-324 footnote).

Here, shirk is being discussed. The Promised Messiahas states, “Belief in the Unity of God does not mean merely to utter the words La Ilaha Illallah while one’s heart is full of idols. On the contrary, every person is an idolater in the sight of God who gives his own plans and actions the same importance as should be given to God, or relies upon a human being as he should rely on Him, or exalts his own self the way God should be exalted.” This is the explanation of the earlier Hadith. “In the sight of God, idols are not merely things made of gold, silver, bronze or stone in which people put their trust, rather every object and every word and deed that is given the same importance as should be given to Him is an idol.” (Sirajul-Din Isai Ke Char Swalon Ke Jawaab, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.12, Pg.349) Hence, we must analyse ourselves with great attention.

Then it has been deemed necessary for those who have attained the blessing of Khilafat to give Zakat and make financial sacrifices.

It has been related in a Hadith by Hazrat Ibn Masudra that the Holy Prophetsa stated, “One should not envy anyone but only in case of two persons: One, whom God Almighty has endowed with wealth and they spend it in the cause of faith, and the other is whom God Almighty has granted wisdom, knowledge and sagacity through which they settle the matters of people and teach it to others.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-

Rushd, Riyadh, 2003).

Thus, this draws our attention towards all kinds of financial sacrifices, including Zakat and Sadqa.

Therefore, those upon whom Zakat is obligatory should pay it but as the Promised Messiahas stated that Zakat is not obligatory upon everyone, therefore he advised those upon whom it is not obligatory that they should pay focus towards Sadqa and take care of those who are in need and the poor. Thus, where it points out towards the importance of looking after the needs of the less privileged, it also points towards establishing unity because Zakat and other wealth can only be spent in the most effective manner under the institution of Khilafat.

Moreover, the Jamaat has an administrative structure in place which has a proper record of all those who are in need. The local Jamaats should carry out an assessment and provide assistance to those in need.

Generally, such lists are submitted and the Khalifa of the time also receives reports from various places. Certain people express their needs themselves and the Khalifa then instructs the local administration to spend on them. In Africa and other countries, the Jamaat tries to help the local people as much as it possibly can within its means. It provides assistance in the form of medical treatment, providing educational facilities and also food items, etc. I have observed many Ahmadis making heartfelt sacrifices in order to help their less fortunate brothers, and by doing so, it creates unity among them.

With regards to fulfilling the due rights of prayer, offering the Zakat and forging a bond with one another in accordance to the teachings of God Almighty, the Promised Messiahas states, “Those who show great humility and fervency in their prayers, the natural result of this is that they refrain from vain things.” When prayer is offered in its proper manner then one will be able to refrain from all that which is vain. “And they are saved from this impure world. Their love for this world diminishes and they develop love for God Almighty, as of which َٰ ُ aٰ result ‫‘ ُہ ْم ل ِّلزکو ِۃ ف ِعلوۡ َن‬who are they become those active in paying the Zakat’.”

Their attention is drawn towards spending in the way of God Almighty. If they possess wealth but are refraining from squandering it on vain things, and are instead paying focus towards worship, then they will also spend their wealth in the way

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM of God Almighty. The Promised Messiahas further states: ْ َّ ُ “This is a direct result of those ‫ہ ْم َع ِن اللغ ِو‬ ُ ‫‘ ُم ْعرِضوۡ َن‬who shun all that which is vain.’”

When one shuns all that which is vain, as a result, one’s attention will be drawn towards spending in the way of God Almighty.

“When one’s love for this world diminishes, then a direct result of this is that they will spend in the way of God. Even if such people have riches in abundance like Korah, even then they will not hesitate to spend it in the way of God. There are thousands of people who do not pay the Zakat to the extent that many of the poor and destitute from their own people perish but they show no concern, even though God Almighty has commanded to pay Zakat on one’s each and every possession. One even has to pay Zakat on gold and silver, although it is not obligatory on stones and gems. Therefore, those who are rich and affluent should assess their wealth and pay the Zakat according to the prescribed rate.”

Thus, Zakat does not just apply on actual physical money, but if other forms of wealth reaches a certain amount for a certain period, then Zakat should be paid on that too.

“However, they fail to pay this. Therefore, God Almighty states,

ْ َّ ُ ‫ُہ ْم َع ِن اللغ ِو ُم ْعرِضوۡ َن‬

‘who shun all that which is vain’ i.e. this condition will only develop within them when they are also paying the Zakat.”

It is through paying the Zakat that they then can also be enabled to strive to refrain and shun all that which is vain. If their prayers are offered in true spirit and with humility and fervency, then they will refrain from all that which is vain and will turn their attention on offering financial sacrifices. The Promised Messiahas has stated that those who offer financial sacrifices are in fact those who refrain from all that which is vain. Thus, everything is linked with one another. The Promised Messiahas states, “Thus, one of the means by which one can shun all that which is vain is through paying the Zakat.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, p. 64, 1985, UK) Therefore, prayer reminds us of refraining from all that which is vain and, by doing so, allows one to focus their attention towards fulfilling the commandments of God Almighty and also instead of spending one’s wealth on unlawful pursuits, one spends it in the way of God Almighty.

Thus, one of the conclusions the Promised Messiahas has drawn from this is that one is able to refrain from many vain things by spending in the way of God Almighty.

God Almighty also reminds those who have been rewarded with the institution of Khilafat that they should raise their standards of obedience. It has been related in one hadith from Hazrat Ubadahra, “We took the covenant with the Holy Prophetsa on the oath that we would listen and we would obey, whether we liked it or disliked it; wherever we were, we would not dispute with the rightful authorities we would stay firm on the truth or that we would only speak the truth and that we would not be afraid of the rebuke of anyone in matters concerning Allah the Almighty.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Ahkaam, Hadith 7199 & Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Amaarah,

Baab Wujoob-e-Ita’at-ul-Umaraa Fi Ghari Masiya…)

The Holy Prophetsa did not just state this in regards to him only but also for the institution of Khilafat and the Nizam. In this regard, it has been mentioned in a Hadith that Hazrat Abu Hurairahra said that the Holy Prophetsa once said, “It is incumbent on you to listen to and obey the directives of the ruler of the time in austerity or prosperity, happiness or grief, inequity or favouritism – in any and all situations.”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab-ul-Amaarah, Baab Wujoob-e-Ita’at-ul-Umaraa Fi Ghari Masiya….Hadith 4754) In relation to demonstrating obedience, the Promised Messiahas states, “Show obedience to God, His Prophetsa and to the rulers. If one shows true obedience from the heart, it causes the heart to illumine and the soul to experience a certain delight and receive light. One is not required to exert as much physical effort as is required to show obedience, but the condition is that one should show obedience in its true sense and that is the most challenging part.

In order to demonstrate obedience one has to completely eradicate one’s inner desires because without this, obedience is not possible and it is these inner desires that take the form of idols in the hearts of even the great saints who profess to believe in one God.” One’s desires can become idols and then it is impossible to display obedience.

The Promised Messiahas further states, “The Companionsra were greatly blessed and they were completely imbued with the obedience to the Holy Prophetsa. Indeed it is absolutely true that no nation can be called a nation, nor can they have any spirit of unity in them until they do not adopt the principles of obedience, and if they differ with one another and are divided then let it be known that these are signs of decadence and downfall.” If there is a difference of opinion, then this will lead to dissension.

This, in turn, would lead to regression and a lack of development.

The Promised Messiahas says, “The reason why the Muslims are weak and are facing regression, amongst other reasons, is mutual disagreement and internal disputes.

Thus, if one abandons their differences in opinion and obeys that one individual, whose obedience has been decreed by God Almighty, then you will be able to achieve whatever you please. The Hand of God Almighty is with the Jamaat. The key to this is that God Almighty likes oneness, and this unity cannot be established unless there is obedience. In the time of the Holy Prophetsa, the Companionsra were men who possessed great judgement. God Almighty had made their disposition such that they were well-acquainted with the matters of politics. The example of this can be seen when Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and other Companionsra were elected as the Khalifa and they were made sovereigns [of the Islamic Empire]. The manner in which they discharged their responsibilities demonstrates the fact that they were men of great judgement and insight. However, it was their habit that whenever the Holy Prophetsa said anything, they would put their own opinions and wisdoms to one side and would consider their own judgement as inferior to that of what had been instructed to them.” They paid no regard to their own

judgments.” Whatever the Holy Prophetsa instructed, they considered that as an imperative command. Their passion to show obedience was of such a standard that they [the Companionsra] would rush to the water left by the Holy Prophetsa after he performed his ablution and would deem his saliva as blessed. If they did not have this trait of obedience within them and instead, each one of them deemed their own judgement to be greater, then there would have been a state of disarray and they would never have reached those lofty heights that they did.”

The Promised Messiahas further states, “I am of the opinion that in order to abolish the conflict between the Sunni and Shia factions, this argument should be sufficient that the Companionsra had no mutual disputes or even a shred of enmity against one another. Their success and accomplishments point to the fact that they were united and had no resentment of one another. The ignorant opponents of Islam claim that Islam was spread by the sword, but I declare that this is a false notion and the truth of the matter is that obedience ran through the veins of the Companionsra.

It was this obedience through which they managed to win the hearts of others. It is my belief that the Companionsra only took up arms to defend themselves. Even if they did not raise the sword, they would have conquered the world‫ ن‬with their words alone.

‫ش ن‬ ‫نخس زکدل ربوں ٓا�ی د ���ی��د ال رجم ربدل‬

This means that verily the advice given from the bottom of one’s heart would surely have an impact on the hearts of others.

“They accepted a verity and truthfulness from the bottom of their hearts. They had no unnecessary formalities, nor did they show any sort of pretentiousness. It was their truthfulness that was the reason for their success. It is true that a truthful one only uses the sword of veracity. God’s Messenger’ssa countenance – which was illuminated through Divine trust in God and with all forms of majestic and beautiful colours – had such a charm that it would involuntarily attract the hearts of people towards him. Furthermore, the community of the Holy Prophetsa displayed obedience to the Prophetsa with such great steadfastness that anyone who would see them would want to join them. In short, we are in need of following the condition and unity of the Companionsra even today because God Almighty is preparing this Jamaat [Community] at the hand of the Promised Messiah and it will join the Community prepared by the hands of the Holy Prophetsa. Since the progress of any community is dependent upon examples set by such individuals (therefore in order to progress one must sincerely follow this teaching and also display an exemplary level of obedience). Thus, all of you, who are the Community of the Promised Messiah and wish to be deemed as the Community of the Companions, should follow the example set by the Companionsra. Your obedience should be of the same level [as that of the Companionsra] and your mutual love and brotherhood should also be of the same nature. Therefore, in every matter possible you should adopt the practices of the Companionsra.”

Although the Promised Messiahas was addressing his companions at the

time, however if we wish to continue progressing as a community and in order for the institution of Khilafat to remain, then we must emulate the example of the Companionsra with steadfastness. The Jamaat will then be granted progress, the likes of which were granted in the earlier times.

Thus, this is standard one must achieve in order to gain the blessings of God Almighty. We must elevate the standards of our worship; we must safeguard our Salat; ensure that our every word and action are devoid of any sort of shirk; spend in the way of God Almighty and safeguard our levels of obedience and loyalty to Khilafat. Only then can we derive benefit from the blessing that is Khilafat and also attain those blessings attached to this institution. Only then can we remain attached to this everlasting Khilafat and ensure that our progenies remain attached to it also.

Giving glad tidings of this eternal Khilafat, the Promised Messiahas says, “For it is essential for you to witness the second Manifestation also, and its coming is better for you because it is everlasting, the continuity of which will not end till the Day of Judgement. And that second Manifestation cannot come unless I depart.

But when I depart, God will send that second Manifestation for you which shall always stay with you just as promised by God in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. And this promise is not for my person. Rather the promise is with reference to you, as God [addressing me] says: ‘I shall make this Jamaat who are your followers, prevail over others till the Day of Judgment’. Thus, it is inevitable that you see the day of my departure, so that after that day, the day comes which is the day of an ever-lasting promise. Our God is He Who keeps His promise and is Faithful and is the Truthful God. He shall show you all that He has promised. Though these days are the last days of this world and there are many a disaster waiting to happen, yet it is necessary that this world continues to exist until all those things about which God has prophesied come to pass. I came from God as a Manifestation of Divine Providence and I am a personification of His Power.

And after I am gone there will be some other persons who will be the manifestation of the second Power [of God]” (Risala AlWasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol.20, pp.305306) Thus, God Almighty granted us that blessing and approximately for the past 110 years we are witnessing the blessings attached to it and also the fulfilment of Divine promises vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas. May God Almighty enable every single person who enters the Bai’at of the Promised Messiahas to reap the blessings of Khilafat, in light of the commandments of God Almighty.

Last week I urged everyone to pray for those in Pakistan and I am reiterating especially again for all Pakistani Ahmadis to pay attention towards this prayer and that they should increase in their Salat, nawafil [voluntary prayers] and remembrance of God, even more than before. May God Almighty enable all of us to do so.

(Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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Friday 22 June 2018 | AL HAKAM

Book Intro

The Duel: Pakistan on the Flight Path of American Power Author: Tariq Ali Publishers: Simon and Schuster (2008) Pages: 315 Asif M Basit Tariq Ali is undoubtedly a trendsetter in the field of political analysis. Those who have listened to him speak will find that his writing is very similar to his speech – fluent, analytical and deep. His book, The Duel, is a very good example of how he analyses complex political situations in a way that sounds more like a story than a hard-core, dry and uninteresting analysis.

The genesis of Pakistan – at the hands of leaders that weren’t too clear of what they were sowing – to the infant state being sold to the USA for a price that only suited the so-called leaders and never the nation; call this the precis of the book. But the problem is not as easy as to be summarised in a dozen words. It is a brief history of the breaking down of a state that once boasted to have changed the map of the world after a thick line – or a scar if you like – was drawn to divide the Indian subcontinent. So it is, in fact, a story of sixty years (when the book was written) but spanning a mere few hundred A5 pages; not an easy job.

Tariq Ali holds to account the military rulers who held Pakistan hostage for more than three decades – more than half of the country’s life. When Pakistan emerged on the global scene, America had by then sank into its obsession of bringing the Soviet Union to its knees. So the emergence of a state – a very unstable one – in very close proximity of its battlefield was enough of a temptation for the USA. Thus began a story of an “anti-Communist Jihad” with Pakistan as an ally of the USA at the cost of national integrity, security, dignity and economic independence; the last

being the primary factor that led Pakistan to never becoming independent – the transition was only from being a colony of an empire to becoming a slave of a super-power.

The generals of the Pakistan Army – boasting their defence budgets – were too obsessed with maintaining their political and military alliance with the USA and ever-forgetful of other heads that starved in terms of budget.

Key areas like education, health and policing were left in tatters as the military preyed on the public purse.

The civilian governments – for whatever short terms they could manage to pull – are also held responsible by Tariq Ali for losing Pakistan to America. This was down to the economic pressures that civilian governments struggled with all through their term as an elected government; only if they were able to make it that far. Tariq Ali cites, as an example, the terms of Benazir Bhutto where both her terms only tried to satisfy her infamous husband’s appetite for wealth and to fuel his lust for power.

Tariq Ali’s is an all-encompassing analysis of all three major areas of governance; the executive, the legislative and the judiciary. This versatile analysis comes into full swing when Ali describes the anti-Ahmadiyya agitation, ignited by the Islamic clerics, in 1953, and how the government sets up a judicial bench to look into the matter, how the judicial commission deals with it and how the army is called to declare martial law and how Bhutto picks up this issue to stabilise his shaking control on political power. Ali devotes a good part of chapter two (titled “Rewinding Pakistan: The

Birth of Tragedy”) to tell this pitiful tale that left Pakistan in a state of turmoil from which it was never to recover.

As Ali “rewinds Pakistan”, we see the following interesting scenes: “The Islamist group began a violent campaign against them [the Ahmadis], attacking their meetings, killing an Ahmediya army major, demanding the sacking of the foreign minister, and insisting that the sect be declared non-Muslim.”

“Daultana effectively prevented the police from providing protection to the besieged Ahmediyya community. In 1953, serious riots broke out, Ahmediyya shops were looted and mosques attacked, and some members of the community lost their lives.”

“An angry provincial governor called on the army to intervene. Martial law was declared in Lahore. General Azam gave orders to shoot rioters on sight. Within twenty-four hours the crisis was over. Maulana Maududi and others were tried for treason, and Maududi was sentenced to death, which was later commuted.”

“A court of inquiry was established to inquire into the cause of the disturbances. It was presided over by Justice Munir and Justice Kayani. The published report, I have often argued, is a classic of its type, a modern masterpiece of political literature. It should become part of the national curriculum if a serious state of education system is ever established.

The two judges began to question Muslim clerics from rival schools, and different factions testified as to what they thought constituted a Muslim state and their definition of a Muslim.

With each new reply the judges found it difficult to conceal their incredulity, some of which was reflected in their report. All the groups concurred in the view that a secular state was

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Simon and Schuster

impermissible and that non-Muslims could not be treated as equal citizens.”

“Keeping in view the several definitions given by the ulama, need we make any comment except that no two learned divines are agreed on this fundamental… If we adopt the definition given by one of the ulama, we remain Muslim according to the view of that alim, but kafirs according to the definition of everyone else.”

The Duel is not only an in-depth analysis presented in a beautiful narrative, but it also carries solutions to the chronic problems of Pakistan; land-reforms, improving the infrastructure, investing in education, empowering women and freeing the thought process of the general public.

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