Al Hakam - 14 September 2018

The Happenings at Karbala Part I

Page 4

Report: Jalsa Salana Germany

Ladies’ Side Jalsa Salana Germany 2018

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Convocation at Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Page 12

Page 5

THE WEEKLY

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 14 September 2018 | Issue XXVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

25 Jalsa Salana Belgium th

Brussels, 14 September The 25th Jalsa Salana of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Belgium commenced today when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa hoisted Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat (the Ahmadiyya Flag) in the grounds of Groot-Brijgaarden, just outside the Belgian capital of Brussels.

This prestigious ceremony was followed by the Friday Sermon of Huzooraa delivered in the Jalsa Gah. Huzooraa, on his way back from Germany, had arrived in Belgium on

Wednesday, 12 September at 2pm local time. Huzooraa was received by hundreds of members of Jamaat Belgium in Alken – a town about 85 miles from Brussels – to inaugurate a newly built mosque. Huzooraa unveiled the inaugural plaque and led the congregation in silent prayer, after which he led the Zuhr and Asr prayers in the same mosque.

Since his arrival in Belgium, hundreds of members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya

Belgium have had the blessed opportunity to have a mulaqat with their beloved Imam.

The flag hoisting ceremony and the Friday Sermon were broadcast live on MTA International. Huzoor’s address to the Lajna (ladies) and his concluding address will also be broadcast live on MTA on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

These addresses will be the highlights of this year’s Jalsa Salana Belgium.

A total of five sessions comprise the three-day Jalsa where scholars of the Jamaat will also deliver speeches on a variety of topics; ranging from The Existence of God, Financial Sacrifice in the Way of Allah, Propagation of Islam through Ahmadiyyat, Excellence in Matrimonial Life, Martyrs of Ahmadiyyat, A Strong Relation with Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, The System of Wasiyyat and The Impact of Social Evils.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

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

Hazrat Imam Hussainra

Fasting in Muharram

Believers are such people whose practice bears testimony to their faith, whose hearts are imbued with belief and who give precedence to their Lord and His pleasure over everything else… But how could the unfortunate Yazid partake from such [qualities]. The love of the world had blinded him. However, Hussainra was both

pure and righteous and undoubtedly he is amongst the chosen whom God Almighty purifies with His own hand and permeates with his own love. Without doubt he is from among the chieftains of paradise and harbouring an iota’s worth of rancour against him is a means of being deprived of faith. And this Imam’s righteousness, love

Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be please with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, may the peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, said: "The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is that of Allah's month of Al-Muharram. And the most virtuous Salat after the obligatory is the night prayer."

(Jami'at Tirmadhi, Kitab Al- Salat)

for God, patience, steadfastness, devotion and worship is a perfect example for us.

And we are followers of the guidance of this sinless [individual] that he received.

(Majmua-Ishteharat Vol 3 page 545)

Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 14-20 September 14 September 1907: To enjoy the blessed audience of the Promised Messiahas, renowned Indian politician and influential community leader, Sir Fazal Hussein paid a visit to Qadian. He was accompanied by his father, Miyan Hussein Bakhsh, ex-civil servant and magnate of Batala. Sir Fazl Hussein later founded the Unionist Party of Punjab and also reached the highest political rank for a native Indian: member of Viceroy’s Executive Council.

15 September 1897: The Promised Messiahas expressed his desire to establish a middle school in Qadian for Ahmadi Youth to inculcate in them the basic knowledge of Islam and safeguard them from all worldly evils. He titled his printed announcement: Eik Zaruri Farz Ki Tabligh. This indicates his wish to spread knowledge in his followers.

14 September 1907: The Promised Messiahas received a revelation:

‫�� ���ج و�� ��ﻔﻆ‬

@AhmadiyyaMosque/Twitter

The first Ahmadi missionary to set foot on the land of Belgium was Hazrat Maulana Abdur Rahim Dard who visited Belgium in 1926.

The second Ahmadi missionary to visit Belgium was Malik Ataur Rahman Sahib. He arrived in Brussels on 26 November 1948 and later travelled to Antwerp. His visit attracted the attention of the press and he was interviewed by a number of newspapers. He visited a number of newspaper offices and introduced them to the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

A newspaper Phare Dimanche published a column about his visit; the article was titled “Islam’s Attack on Europe”. The columnist, after giving a brief introduction of the Jamaat, appreciated the fact that the Jamaat had now set off to conquer Europe but not with swords because they believe in the peaceful Jihad of the pen.

(Al Fazl, 13 January 1949)

(There will be no remedy, nor will he be safeguarded.) On this, a note

by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra adds: “This revelation is about Sahibzada Mubarak Ahmadra and was fulfilled after two days.”

16 September 1907: The Promised Messiah’s beloved son Mirza Mubarak Ahmad passed away, as foretold in several revelations.

16 September 1961: Pakistan established Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (also known as SUPARCO) on this day, with Dr Abdus Salam being its first administrator and director.

17 September 1891: The Promised Messiah’s daughter Ismat passed away.

17 September 1898: The judge in the income tax case against the Promised Messiahas revealed the verdict on this day. F T Dixon, collector of District Gurdaspur declared him not guilty.

18 September 1894: The Promised Messiahas received the following revelation:

‫داغ ﻫﺠﺮت‬ (Stigma of migration.)

19 September 1885: On this day, which was 9 Dhul-Hijjah 1302 AH,

Sufi Ahmad Jan Sahib read out a prayer in the field of Arafat, which was written by the Promised Messiahas. In the early days of this year, when Sufi Sahib was about to embark on Hajj, the Promised Messiahas wrote down a prayer and asked him to read it upon seeing the veil of Ka‘bah. The wording and gist of this prayer shows his steadfastness, righteousness and love for the revival of Islam.

19 September 1907: The Promised Messiahas wrote, recalling the aforementioned events of September 1907, “This has been a period of trials. For about twenty to twenty-five days, I have not been able to sleep. Last night, in a light slumber, I received the revelation:

��� ‫�ا �ش‬ “[God has been pleased.] This indicates that God is pleased that I have lived up to this trial…

“Thereafter, I went to sleep and, in my dream, I saw that I had a paper in my hand on which there were fifty or sixty lines of beautiful handwriting. I read the writing but the only phrase I remember out of it was:

‫ﻳﺎ ﻋﺒﺪا��� اﻧﻰ ﻣﻌﻚ‬ [O servant of Allah, I am with you.] Reading these lines gave me as much joy as if I had seen God Himself.”

20 September 1886: The Promised Messiah’s book Surma Chasham Arya was published. This book contains the details of a debate held in Hoshiarpur and its aftermath between the Promised Messiahas and Lala Murli Dhar on 11 and 14 March 1886.

20 September 1886: The Promised Messiahas wrote a leaflet, giving details of his new challenge regarding the heavenly signs. He said that now everyone was invited to come and stay in Qadian for forty days instead of one year, and with the mercy of Allah, those who stay would experience Divine signs shown in his favour.

20 September 1898: Zia-ulIslam Press, Qadian, printed and distributed 700 flyers regarding the books of the Promised Messiahas. It stated that from now on, any book without the signature and stamp of the Promised Messiahas would be considered a stolen one.

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

From the Archives

From the Markaz

MKA UK Ijtema: An Update

A Glimpse into its History

Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Nazim-e-Ala Ijtema, MKA UK

he National Ijtema of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya UK will be held in T Hampshire on 21,22 and 23 September.

Preparations are underway as a tent city is in the making to host the thousands of youth travelling from across the country for the grand event.

Islam teaches us that the objective of such gatherings should be the remembrance of Allah and various other means to attain nearness to Him. In light of this every year Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK organises National Ijtema for Atfal and Khuddam, so members can take inspiration from their own brothers, learn and progress both physically and spiritually. Moreover, in UK we are truly blessed and honoured to benefit from the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and listen to Huzoor’saa advice and guidance on various matters.

This experience alone is something that is beyond comprehension and we cannot thank Allah the Almighty enough for this great blessing.

This year one of the mandates we had was to find a site large enough to hold Khuddam/Atfal Ijtema followed by Ansar and Lajna Ijtema. Within commutable distance of London, good access from the main roads and sufficient parking facilities.

By the grace of Allah and Huzoor’saa prayers we managed to obtain a much bigger site, with good access, secluded with level fields and ample parking. However, there was one problem, this was a farm land and required a lot of preparation to make it suitable for IJtema. Within a few months of securing

Jamaat Belgium

the site, this farmland, which required an immense amount of work, has been turned into green grassy fields.

By the grace and blessings of Allah the Almighty, until this evening most of the marquees have been erected, metal tracking is being laid out, the infrastructure required to support the Ijtemas is slowly coming into place. There are of course many challenges and these are expected, especially when the site is new. However, we are always amazed how Allah the Almighty and prayers of our beloved Huzooraa removes those problems.

During the very first Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, al-Musleh al-Maudra, said: “The success of a nation is dependant on its youth. If the youth of a nation become true custodians of its traditions then that nation can survive for centuries. However, if the generations of the future are negligent then a nation can never achieve success, and even the progress it makes can be transformed into failure” The Ijtema Committee and Majlise-Amla MKA are trying their utmost to organise an Ijtema which is a true reflection of the guidance given by the Promised Messiahas, so when a khadim/tifl leaves at the end of Ijtema, they feel that this was truly a spiritually uplifting experience, feel more knowledgeable about Islam and Ahmadiyyat and feel that their bond with Khilafat and Allah the Almighty is stronger than ever before. May Allah the Almighty enable us to achieve this objective.

Usama Karim Brussels, Belgium

TBashiruddin

he grand plan that Hazrat Mirza Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra, had for the propagation of Islam in the West has been discussed, very briefly though, in the previous issue of Al Hakam. The grandeur of the plan is such that we are reminded of it again and again.

This week, with the inauguration of Jalsa Salana Belgium in Brussels, we take our readers back into the annals of history to once again witness the Divinely inspired passion of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, alMusleh al-Maud, that he had for taking the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the corners of the earth.

With the mission established and settled in London, it was not merely seen as a goal achieved. Rather, the London Mission was given the task of exploring new avenues of establishing mission houses in other countries of the Western world. London mission turned into an academy where missionaries would stay, be trained in preaching the message of the One God to the western minds and then head off to some part of the West or other continents to establish the Ahmadiyya Muslim Missions.

By the time our missionaries arrived in London, the dust of World War I was just about settling. This war had had great impact on every aspect of the society; economics is always placed at the top of the list, and religion is often ignored. The obsessive compulsion of the war-torn West to re-establish their economies, the essence of human mind was forgotten and ignored.

This left the collective Western-mind seeing individuals as instruments of a moneymaking machinery and nothing more.

The Western mind had already revolted against Christianity in its initial phase, and religion as a whole in the later phases. It was against this extremely challenging backdrop that the Ahmadiyya missionaries arrived in Europe.

Establishing a Muslim mission in a country like Belgium must have seemed like moving a mountain; Belgium had been the bedrock of movements that shifted the focus from religion to materialism. But the zealous Ahmadiyya missionaries, inspired by their Imam, would leave no stone unturned; especially the ones that seemed unmoveable.

Hence, Belgium was explored for such possibilities. The records held at the Tarikh Department (Shoba-e-Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat), Rabwah suggest that Malik Ataur Rahman Sahib visited Belgium in 1948 and assessed the situation for founding an Ahmadiyya mission.

It was in 1981 when Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, sent

Saleh Muhammad Khan Sahib as the first missionary to Belgium who, after his arrival in February 1981, started preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to the Belgian nation. He purchased a building in Dilbeek, at the outskirts of Brussels in 1985. Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib (Wakil-e-Ala, Tahrike-Jadid) and Hidayatullah Bangvi Sahib oversaw the planning and purchase. This building functions to this day as the mission house of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Belgium.

Syed Naseer Ahmad Sahib took charge of the Belgium mission from Saleh Muhammad Khan Sahib in 1987. Abdul Hakim Akmal Sahib and Hamid Karim Sahib from Holland would occasionally visit Belgium and advise on various matters regarding the missionary activity.

Abdul Ghany Jahangir Khan Sahib was appointed as missionary in-charge of Belgium in January 1989 and remained there in this capacity until February 1990.

During this time, the dairy factory adjacent to the mission house (that was part of the building when purchased) was renovated and formally converted into a mosque. Abdul Ghany Jahangir Khan Sahib was replaced by Hafiz Ehsan Secunder Sahib as missionary to Belgium.

In November 1990, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed Captain Shamim Khalid Sahib to take charge of the mission in Belgium. Under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, he energised the tabligh activities of the Jamaat and a great number of people converted and joined the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. By now, the media had started showing interest in the activities of the Jamaat and activities of the mission would be covered.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh with some members of the Belgium Jamaat | AMJ Belgium

Captain Shamim Khalid Sahib passed the charge of the mission to Hamid Mahmud Shah Sahib in 1997 as Amir (national president) of Jamaat Belgium. He served in this capacity until 2013 when Dr Idris Ahmad Sahib was given the responsibility of Amir Jamaat Belgium.

The story of success, like all other missions of the Jamaat, goes on, Alhamdolillah.

Jalsa Salana, Belgium The first Jalsa Salana of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Belgium was held on 15 November 1992 in Baitus Salam mission house in Dilbeek.

Anwar Hussain Sahib was appointed Afsar Jalsa Salana and Captain Shamim Khalid Sahib served as Afsar Jalsa Gah. Abdul Hakim Akmal Sahib travelled from Holland to participate in this Jalsa.

Ariel shot of Ijtema Gah in the making | MKA UK

Waqar-e-Amal at the time of building the mosque in Belgium | AMJ Belgium

Continued on page 5

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

The Happenings at Karbala Fazal Malik, Prince Edward Island, Canada

H

azrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas rested on a charpoy as his children played in the garden, still unaware of the grand status of their beloved father. It was the first third of Muharram and the Promised Messiahas called upon his children – Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begumra and Hazrat Mirza Mubarak Ahmadra – and narrated the story of Hazrat Imam Husainra. As he began narrating the story, deep emotions set in. With tears flowing from his blessed eyes, he recounted how the grandchild of his beloved Master, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa was martyred in the plains of Karbala; how the ahl-e-bait – members of the house of the Holy Prophetsa – were deprived of food and water before the massacre took place of 10 Muharram (Tahrirat-e-Mubaraka, p. 22). The anguish was visible from his face as he ended the story and expressed, “Yazid the wicked carried out this injustice on the grandchild of the Holy Prophetsa but God rapidly brought His wrath upon them.” (Sirat-e-Tayyiba, Love for the Holy Prophetsa, narration no. 9, pp. 31-32) His love for the family of the Holy Prophetsa was profound and his respect for the grandchildren equally so.

This article is a humble attempt to encapsulate the events leading up to the battle of Karbala and how Khilafat, the immense blessing of God, was taken away from Muslims for over a thousand years!

More so, it is a narration of the sacrifices made by the family of the Holy Prophetsa to “establish the truth” (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Friday Sermon, 10 December 2010) and the honour of Hazrat Imam Hussainra – the blessed grandson.

The events following the demise of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa need to be understood to comprehend the complex developments of the early Islamic world. The departure of Holy Prophetsa of Islam caused great uncertainty and fear among the Muslims. Many tribes across Arabia responded by cutting political ties with the Muslims while some organised military attacks against them, and claimed prophethood, such as Musaylima of Yamama (Fred M Donner, The Oxford History of Islam, Muhammad and the Caliphate). In 632 AD, the communities of Mecca and Medina came together by performing the Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He spent the next two years stabilising the tribes of Arabia and was able to reunite them once again under the banner of Islam. However, the roots of discontent were already planted at this stage.

In 634, Hazrat Umarra became the Khalifa and through his impressive political and economic policies, transformed a diverse group of Bedouin tribes and townspeople into an organised community. His piety and his abilities as a leader won over most of the Muslims and he was widely referred to as Amir-ul-Momineen (leader of the faithful).

The rapid expansion of Islamic State brought with it many challenges, one of which was moral education and deep understanding of faith, as compared with the people of Mecca and Medina, most of whom had

Part I

spent a greater part of their lives learning from the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa or his closest companions. It is in these times that people like Abdullah bin Saba started gaining popularity and drove a wedge between Muslims (Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, The Outset of Dissension in Islam, pp. 22-70).

In 644, Hazrat Umarra was martyred and the electoral council chose Hazrat Uthmanra as his successor. Throughout Hazrat Uthman’sra twelve years of Khilafat, there was constant political tension between the Umayyads, whose power base would become further enhanced in Syria, and the Hashemites, whose support became stronger in the Hejaz and Kufa. The pre-Islamic rivalries between Syria and Iraq during the Byzantine-Sassanid era resurfaced among the Arabs in the form of a Hashemite-Umayyad conflict. In 656, the situation worsened. The religious and tribal leaders of Kufa were ready to declare their independence from Hazrat Uthmanra, whose position was becoming unstable. However, his assassins would not come from Kufa.

Instead, they would come from a group of discontented soldiers from al-Fustat (I K A Howard, The History of al-Tabari, The Crisis of the Early Caliphate, p. 24), a city that eventually became the first capital of Egypt under the Umayyad rule.

After the martyrdom of Hazrat Uthmanra in 656, most Muslims in the Hejaz and Kufa declared their allegiance to Hazrat Alira immediately. With the support of Muslims in the Hejaz, it seemed as if Hazrat Alira was destined to control the Islamic world.

However, the roots of political dissent in the Islamic community were deepening. Amir Muawiyara, the Umayyad governor of Syria, challenged Hazrat Ali’sra authority as the Khalifa, and the empire fragmented further.

Amir Muawiyara demanded that the assassins of Hazrat Uthmanra be dealt with firmly and swiftly before the question of Khilafat is discussed. Hazrat Alira announced that only after due process will any action be taken against those found guilty. The situation escalated, leading to a complex series of events resulting in the first civil war, also known as the Battle of the Camel. Hazrat Alira proved himself a brilliant general in defeating the rebels and re-establishing the control. Following the victory, he moved the seat of Khilafat from Medina to Kufa.

The stage was set for a confrontation with Hazrat Muawiya’sra forces in Damascus. This confrontation came in the shape of the Battle of Siffin. No swords were drawn in this battle, and after much arbitration between Hazrat Alira and Amir Muawiyara, a consensus was reached. In retrospect, this war symbolises the deepening of the rift between Muslims.

In Kufa, Hazrat Ali’sra alliance had broken into quarreling factions with one denouncing him for his decision to accept the arbitration (Fred M Donner, The Oxford History of Islam, Muhammad and the Caliphate). In 661, after four years of political controversy, when peace was established between the forces

SYRIA DAMASCUS

IRAQ

KARBALA

KUFA

SAUDI ARABIA MEDINA

MECCA

Present-day Arabia

of Alira and Muawiyara, a group within the bloc that initially supported Alira rebelled against him and formed their own faction, which came to be known as the Kharijites.

Furious at the possibility of peace among the Muslims, three of the Kharijites decided to “do away with the three men in power,” being Alira, Muawiyara and Amr bin Al-Asra. While the other two assassins did not succeed, one assassin – Abdul Rahman ibn-Muljam – struck Hazrat Alira while he was praying in a mosque in Kufa. He passed away shortly thereafter (Akbar Shah Najeebabadi, History of Islam, Vol. I).

The demise of Hazrat Alira marked an end of an era, thus fulfilling two prophecies of the Holy Prophetsa – the end of the 30 years of rightly guided Khilafat (Mishkatul Masabih, Kitabul Fitan, Bab al-Malaham, p. 1484, Hadith 5395) and the martyrdom of Hazrat Alira (Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Friday Sermon, 29 June 2018). Following the demise of Hazrat Alira in 661, the Khilafat became a dynastic institution based on political, military, and economic legitimacy – not on a religious basis.

After Hazrat Ali’sra assassination, many of his supporters turned to his eldest son, Hazrat Hasanra, as his political successor.

His appointment did not ease the tensions and after six tense months, the situation worsened for his supporters. Aware of the bleak situation and peaceful by nature, Hazrat Hasanra met with and formed a pact with Hazrat Muawiyara in Anbar, Iraq – the former

Sassanid capital of Ctesiphon (a thriving capital city located southeast of current day Baghdad). Initiating the negotiations, he stated that he was willing to accept the government of Hazrat Muawiyara only on the condition that there be no revenge against the people from the battles during the time of Hazrat Alira. After three attempts, Hazrat Muawiyara agreed to spare all and named Hazrat Hasanra as his official successor (Hafiz Muzaffar Ahmad, Ahl-e-Bait-e-Rasul, pp.

305-306). The treaty was signed and Hazrat Hasanra performed the Bai‘at, thus fulfilling another prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa which stated: “This leader son of mine will cause peace between two groups.” (ibid., p.

304) In 661, Hazrat Muawiyara became the Khalifa and Damascus became the center of a new Arab Empire, known in history as the Umayyad.

After the demise of Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Imam Hasanra understood that the time of spiritual Khilafat had ended. If he had indeed believed Khilafat to be spiritual at that time, he would never have abdicated. Nonetheless, after denouncing his right to Khilafat, Hazrat Hasanra moved back to Medina where he would spend the rest of his life away from politics and working with Hazrat Muawiyara to ensure peace is established in the Muslim nation; he passed away in 670. Imam Hasanra worked tirelessly for the unity of Muslims and “formed a peace agreement with Hazrat Continued on page 5

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

Convocation at Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Muhammad Sulaiman Feroz Student, Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

n Saturday, 1 September 2018, Jamia O Ahmadiyya International Indonesia held a convocation ceremony for its

Mubashirin class.

The graduation was for 10 students of Jamia Indonesia who have finished the 5-year programme in Jamia. It was presided by National Amir of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, Maulana Abdul Basit Shahid. Many guests aside from lecturers and the principal attended the event, like missionaries, secretaries of National Majalis-e-Amila, parents of the graduates and also representatives of Jamia students.

At 8am, the event started with the

recitation of the Holy Quran, nazm and some opening remarks from the Principal, Maulana Sayuti Aziz Ahmad Shahid and Vice-Principal, Maulana Masum Ahmad Shahid.

During his remarks, the principal explained the many programmes that were followed by the graduates in Jamia and also about how the transition in curriculum, from Mubashir to Shahid, happened.

Afterwards, Mubashir degree certificates were distributed by national Amir of Indonesia to the graduates. Then, the principal symbolically handed them over to the missionary in-charge and thus, they

were enrolled as official missionaries of the Jamaat.

The convocation continued with an address by national Talim Secretary, Missionary In-charge and National Amir of Indonesia.

National Talim Secretary said that every graduate must have the highest level of piety.

Whenever they enter the practical life, they must learn languages and local cultures. He wished that Allah the Almighty grant them success.

National Amir of Indonesia also gave a few words of advice that these 10 graduates would find various challenges performing their duties, but they would also be provided with various solutions. In relation to the transition that happened in Jamia, he remarked that by Allah’s grace, Jamia Indonesia was already “International” from many years back. Since the 1980s, missionaries of Jamia Indonesia have been sent to many South-East countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Philiphines, East Timor and Tuvalu.

This event was concluded with silent prayer led by National Amir and also group photo session.

Alhamdolillah, all praise be to Allah, Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia now applies International syllabus and Insha-Allah will graduate Shahid Missionaries who will preach the true teachings of Islam, not only in Indonesia, but also in many countries around the world. May Allah always grant His abundant Mercy and Blessing upon this blessed institution.

Gambia’s President Receives IAAAE Chairman at State House Demba Kandeh Correspondent, The Gambia

n Tuesday 28 August 2018, President O of the Republic of the Gambia, Mr Adama Barrow received members of the

International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) at State House in Banjul. The team of engineers was led to State House by the Amir of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, The Gambia, Mr Baba F Trawally.

“We have tried to bring in water for remote villages of The Gambia and the rest of Africa. Also, we want to bring electricity so that people can benefit from these services which Allah has provided through these avenues,” explained Akram Ahmedi Sahib, Chairman of IAAAE. The team was at State House to discuss plans to expand their humanitarian services to The Gambia through technical and engineering support. According to Ahmedi Sahib, this came on the backdrop of instructions from Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to help develop Africa further.

The Chairman of IAAAE noted that his organisation has very good, highly qualified, African engineers and architects who are ready to transfer the requisite skills and knowledge needed to empower young people into meaningful self-reliant ventures.

He observed that there is a skills gap in The Gambia in the areas of architecture, artistry and technical skills, which he hopes his

AMJ The Gambia

organisation can address, emphasising that their ultimate goal is skills and knowledge transfer.

President Adama Barrow said he was honoured to have received the delegation.

He lauded them for creating investment opportunities in The Gambia. President Barrow hailed the track record of the Jamaat in The Gambia for providing quality services in the country, citing its main hospital in Tallinding as an example. He expressed government’s commitment in

creating the enabling environment for all to excel. The President used the opportunity to encourage youths to learn skills especially those that are not able to excel academically in schools.

“Failure in school does not mean failure in life. Not all can be employed in offices. Hence such ventures go in line with government development objective of providing a crop of highly trained and skilled youthful population,” noted President Barrow.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressing the 2006 Belgium Jalsa Salana | AMJ Belgium

Continued from page 3

The attendance in the first Jalsa Belgium was 110. It was a one-day event. In the years to follow, the Jalsa was held over two days until 1997 when Jalsa Belgium was held over three days (1-3 May). From then on, Jalsa Salana Belgium has been a three-day event as is customary in the Jamaat.

Jalsa Salana Belgium is fortunate to have been blessed with the august presence of Khulafa.

The 15th Jalsa Salana of Jamaat Belgium was held on 10, 11 and 12 September 2004.

The special feature of this Jalsa was that for the first time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graced Jalsa Belgium with his presence and his addresses. Huzoor’s addresses were broadcast live on MTA International.

This august presence of Huzooraa was blessed by Allah to Jamaat Belgium in 2006 when Huzooraa addressed the concluding session of Jalsa Salana Belgium (4 June), en route to Germany.

By the grace of Allah, Huzooraa is presently in Belgium for their Jalsa Salana.

Huzoor’saa Friday Sermon today will mark the commencement of Jalsa Salana Belgium 2018.

Continued from page 4

Muawiyara and brought peace among the Sahaba [Companions].” (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, pp.125126) The peace negotiated by Imam Hasanra lasted twenty years leading up to the eve of Karbala. After the demise of Hazrat Muawiyara, the governor of Syria, his younger son, Yazid bin Muawiya, became the Khalifa.

Yazid was nominated and accepted as the successor during the life of the late Syrian governor. (The nomination of Yazid as the successor to his father, Muawiyara, ensured that the peace established over twenty years – since the first civil war - remained in place.

Yazid’s mother was the daughter of a chief of Kalb tribe, the largest tribe in Syria and Palestine. His nomination was accepted by leaders of all tribes, except five people. For more details, see History of al-Tabari - Vol. XIX and The Caliphate – its Rise, Decline, and Fall by Sir William Muir.)

Yazid, having inherited the Governors of Basra, Medina and Kufa, directed them to accept the oath of allegiance on his behalf from the general population. However, special instructions were dispatched to the Governor of Medina – Walid bin Utbah – to take Bai‘at from Husain bin Alira and Abdullah bin Zubairra, who had not acknowledged him as heir-apparent during the time of Muawiyara. “Seize Hussain… to give the oath of allegiance. Act so fiercely that they have no chance to do anything before giving the oath of allegiance” wrote he (I K A Howard, The History of al-Tabari, The Crisis of the Early Caliphate, pp. 1-3).

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

Three Blessed Days A Report on Jalsa Salana Germany Tahir Bhatti, Correspondent, Germany

J

alsa Salana is an over-a-century-old tradition of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Its speciality is that its foundations were laid by the sacred hand of the Promised Messiahas under the Divine command of Allah the Almighty. Its system was developed under the blessed supervision of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and then its departments and needs continued to expand under the blessed guidelines of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

In principle, wherever in the world the Jalsa Salana is held, it is thought to be a branch of the same tree, but its importance is multiplied manifold when Khalifatul Masih graces the event with his blessed presence.

This year, Jalsa Salana Germany was held on 7-9 September, 2018 at Karlsruhe, Germany. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived in Germany on 1 September and stayed at Bait-us-Sabuh.

On the evening of Thursday, 6 September Huzoor's convoy arrived at Jalsa Gah, where Huzooraa led the prayers and inspected the arrangements of Jalsa Salana. After the inspection, Huzooraa addressed the gathering of volunteers and blessed them with instructions and guidelines on how to deliver their duties.

The very next day, the formal inauguration took place with the flag hoisting ceremony by Huzooraa. With that, Huzooraa inaugurated the Jalsa Salana and then proceeded with his Friday Sermon that was followed by the first session of Jalsa Salana later that afternoon.

The second day was the most occupied

day as Huzooraa delivered his speech in the ladies Jalsa Gah and afterwards addressed a large gathering of German and other foreign guests of Jalsa Salana. This has become a regular feature of Jalsa Salana Germany where German guests and dignitaries participate with equal passion of love and dignity for the Jamaat and the Head of the Ahmadiyya Community.

The third day of Jalsa has a Bai‘at ceremony, and that is a scene equally adored

by Ahmadis and non-Ahmadi visitors. The submission and sincerity that fills the air during this ceremony is something of a really rare sight for the media and general public. A human-chain, shedding tears of purity at the hand of a man of God is a unique spiritual experience, even for onlookers.

Followed by this ceremony, Jalsa Salana Germany 2018 was concluded by the address of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa and the concluding silent prayer.

Administratively, Jalsa Salana on the men's side has 60 departments in which the total number of volunteers this year was above 8,000. Some of them started their duties about ten days before Jalsa and windup teams would close their duties in one week after Jalsa.

The total number of participants was 39,710 and delegations from more then 100 countries participated in this sacred gathering. This year, the electric supply system was also handled and organised by Jalsa Salana administration and volunteers.

A new initiative this year was the fire-

proof under-lay beneath the carpets of the sitting area which facilitated the seating arrangements for the public. The Langar innovated a self-designed air-conditioning system for kitchen and cooking tents which reduced the temperature by about 15 degrees from the normal temperature.

It helped workers in the cooking area and enhanced their working capacity. Jalsa Gah department arranged for an audio system that enabled the proceedings of Jalsa Salana to reach all departments. Workers in all departments, however distant from the Jalsa Gah, were able to benefit from this system.

In the translation marquee, there was a regular arrangement for translation of the proceedings of Jalsa in more than 20 languages. Registration section smoothly functioned with walk-through gates and card scanning teams. All was well coordinated with security and Khidmate-Khalq department. Private residence tents and guests staying in the general accommodation arrangements in Jalsa gah were provided with washrooms and WCs near their places of residence.

A total number of 8,000 guests stayed

daily at the Jalsa premises and were provided with bedding by the Jalsa administration.

This year the ladies dining hall was setup separately and their bazaar area was also provided with secured marquees. A huge warehouse served the purpose of day-to-day supplies and this is maintained throughout the year by local and overseas purchases by office of Jalsa Salana.

For delegations, Jamia Ahmadiyya building, nearby mosques and hotels were booked for residence, and transport department smoothly transported all guests to Jalsa Gah each day. Other than the regular proceedings and activities of Jalsa Salana, an exhibition of Tabligh department and History of Ahmdiyyat in Germany was organised near the main entrance of the Jalsa Gah. This exhibition attracted a large number of visitors from the media, and the German public found it very thoughtprovoking and inspiring.

The Langar prepared three meals daily for the near-forty-thousand guests, also catering separately for international guests according their taste and needs.

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

Jamia Indonesia Sport Competition 2018

Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia students with lecturers | Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

Mochamad Fahrizal Student of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

SJamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia held its annual aturday afternoon, on 1 September 2018,

sports event, namely Jamia Sport Competition 2018 (PORJAM).

All lecturers and students attended to enliven the opening ceremony which was directly presided by Maulana Usama Ibnu Hasan. It began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, after which the Jamia Principal, Maulana Sayuti Aziz Ahmad delivered a heartfelt speech: He explored the profound meaning of what the Holy Prophetsa said regarding the strong believer being better than the weak believer. He explained that the happiness and success of a servant are obviously determined by their enthusiasm and sincerity to do every beneficial thing, both for material and spiritual affairs, and also their state of humility to supplicate before the Almighty God for His

succour. When these two elements have been fulfilled, it will be their success. But anyone who fails to pay due attention to this, even a bit, will lose all goodness therein.

Following his address, the principal led prayer to open this event.

PORJAM becomes a competition arena for all students in sport. Maulana Usama Ibnu Hasan said “Many missionaries in their practical lives build relationship with people through sports, so that is why it is important for Jamia students to have sports [events].�

All students were devided into their four groups, i.e. Amanat, Diyanat, Rafaqat and Sadaqat and participated in multiple games: football, futsal, volleyball, basketball, badminton, sepak takraw (foot volleyball), sprint 100m, marathon, swimming and table tennis.

Colloquium on Islamic Cultures (September 1953) reported that Maulvi Muhammad Siddiq Amritsari, an Ahmadi missionary to Singapore, sent a copy of the Holy Quran to a number of Kings and heads of states.

Among them was King Baudouin I of Belgium.

25th

Jalsa Salana Belgium 14,15,16 September 2018 Venue:

Alfons Gossetlaan 11 1702 Groot-Bijgaarden

Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

8

Friday Sermon 17 August 2018 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

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

Today, I shall again speak on some of those Companionsra, who participated in the Battle of Badr. The first one among them is Hazrat Amirra bin Rabi‘ah. His family was a confederate of Khattab, the father of Hazrat Umarra, who had adopted Hazrat Amirra. That is the reason why he used to be known as Amir bin Khattab. However, when the Holy Quran commanded all to refer to their actual forefathers, he was, from then on, referred to as Amir Bin Rabi‘ah instead of Amir bin Khattab, i.e. by the name of his actual father Rabi‘ah, as per the patrilineal relationship.

Here, a clarification has been provided to those people who have adopted the children of their relatives and loved ones and those children do not even know who their actual fathers are until they grow older. The identity cards and official documents also bear the names of the adoptive fathers instead of the actual fathers. When later this practice leads to certain difficulties, people write letters requesting that such and such changes should be made. Therefore, one should always act in accordance with the Quranic injunctions, except in the case of such children, who are received or adopted and taken by certain authorities and one is not told about their parent’s information.

After this clarification, I will now proceed further to speak on [the companion].

It was said that he had a confederate and due to this relationship, there were friendly terms between Hazrat Umarra and Hazrat Amirra till the end. He accepted Islam right at the outset. The Holy Prophetsa had not yet sought refuge at Dar-e-Arqam when he believed. (Siratul-Sahaba, Vol. 2, p. 333, Dar-ul-Isha‘at, Karachi) Hazrat Amirra migrated to Abyssinia along with his wife Laila bint Hathmah.

Later, he returned to Mecca, and from there, he migrated to Medina along with his wife. The wife of Hazrat Amirra bin Rabi‘ah has the honour of being the first woman to have emigrated to Medina. He participated in Badr and all other battles along with the Holy Prophetsa. He passed away in the 32nd year of Hijra. He came from the Ans tribe.

Hazrat Amirra bin Rabi‘ah narrated that the Holy Prophetsa said to him, “When one of you witnesses a funeral

procession and does not join it, he should keep standing until the procession has passed or the [coffin] is laid down.”

Abdullah bin Amirra narrates from his father, Hazrat Amirra, that he once stood up to perform his prayer. It was the time when people were arguing regarding Hazrat Usmanra. That particular fitna [revolt] had started and people used to revile Hazrat Usmanra. He further states that he fell asleep after the prayer and he saw in a dream that he was being ordered

ilmiyyah, 1996, Beirut) This is the extent to which the Holy Prophetsa was particularly mindful regarding doing his work himself.

A person once came to Hazrat Amir bin Rabi‘ah as a guest. He was very hospitable and respectful towards him and even put in a favourable recommendation for him to the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, after having gone to the Holy Prophetsa, this person went to Hazrat Amirra and said, “I requested the Holy Prophetsa to grant me

to get up and pray that he may be saved from that evil from which God Almighty had saved His pious people from. Thus, Hazrat Amirra bin Rabi‘ah got up and offered Salat and then supplicated in this regard. After this, he fell ill and never left his home after that until his funeral procession left his home. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, pp. 118-119, Amir Bin Rabi‘ah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyah, Beirut) This is how God Almighty saved him from that evil.

Hazrat Amirra bin Amr narrated that, “I was with the Holy Prophetsa during a Tawaf [performing circuit of the Ka‘bah] while a shoelace of the Holy Prophet’ssa shoe broke. I said, ‘O Messenger of Allah!

Give it to me so that I may repair it!’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘This is termed as preferential treatment and I do not like to be given preferential treatment.’” (Sharah Zarqani, Vol. 6, p. 49, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-

a valley as a freehold, which would have no equivalent throughout the whole of Arabia. Hence, the Holy Prophetsa granted me this. I now desire to give a piece of that valley to you, which will belong to you during your lifetime and to your children after you have passed away. Hazrat Amirra replied, “I am in no need of this piece of land from you as today, a Surah [chapter of the Holy Quran] has been revealed, which has entirely made us forget the world and that is: َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ََْ ‫اس ِح َسابُ ُھ ْم َو ُھ ْم فِ ْی غفل ٍۃ ُم ْعرِضوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِاقترب ل ِلن‬ (Hiyat-ul-Sahaba, Muhammad Yousaf, Vol. 2, Baab Infaaq fi Sabeelillah, Mu’assisat-ul-Risala, 1999) That is, ‘Nigh has drawn for men their reckoning, yet they turn away in heedlessness.’” (Surah Al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.2) Such was the state of fear of God

Almighty of these shining stars and these were the very people, who truly gave precedence to faith over the world. Hazrat Amir bin Rabi‘ah relates that Zaid bin Amr said, “I opposed my nation and instead, followed the religion of Abrahamas. I was awaiting for a prophet to appear from the progeny of Ishmaelas whose name would be Ahmad. However, it seems that I will not be able to witness him. I believe in him, testify to his truth and affirm that he is a prophet. If you will be alive during the era of his advent, then convey my salam [greetings of peace] to him. I will mention such signs of his to you as a result of which he will not remain hidden from you. He is neither tall nor short. He will neither have a lot of hair, nor little. There will always remain a redness in his eyes. Between his shoulders, you will find the seal of prophethood. His name will be Ahmad.

This city of Mecca will be the place of his birth as well as the place where he will take the pledge of initiation. Following this, his nation will drive him out of here. They will dislike his message. He will then migrate to Yathrib [Medina]. Following this, those who oppose will gain ascendency but do not by deceived by them. I have looked through every city in search of the religion of Abrahamas. I enquired from the Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians and they told me that this religion will come after you have passed. They told me the same signs I have mentioned to you. They said that no prophet will come after him.” Hazrat Amir said, “When the Holy Prophetsa was appointed [as a Prophet], I informed him of Zaid upon which he said, ‘I saw him in paradise while he was pulling along his garment.’” (Subul-ul-Huda Wa Al-Rushd, Vo. 1, p. 116, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1993) In this narration, where it states that no prophet shall come after him does not mean that the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa regarding a prophet from within his people to appear is incorrect.

It means that he is the last law-bearing prophet and any prophet who appears after him will not bring any new law. The [prophet] to appear will be subordinate to the Holy Prophetsa. This is exactly what we find in the Ahadith [sayings of the Holy Prophetsa] and the Holy Quran.

The Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of

9

Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM brotherhood between Hazrat Amir and Hazrat Yazidra bin Munzir. (Al-Tabkaatul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 296, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Hazrat Amir bin Rabi‘ah passed away a few days following the martyrdom of Hazrat Usmanra. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 119, Amir Bin Rabi‘ah, Dar-ul-Kutb Ilmiyah, Beirut, 1990) The second Companion is Hazrat Haraamra bin Milhan. Hazrat Haraamra bin Milhan belonged to the Ansari tribe of Banu Adi bin Najaar. His father’s name was Malik bin Khalid and his mother’s name was Malika bint Malik. His sister, Hazrat Umme Sulaimra, was the wife of Hazrat Abu Talha Ansarira and the mother of Hazrat Anasra bin Malik. His other sister was Hazrat Umme Haraamra and was the wife of Hazrat Abadara bin Saamit.

Hazrat Haraamra bin Milhan was the maternal uncle of Hazrat Anasra and took part in the Battle of Badr and Uhad. He was martyred on the day of Bir-e-Mauna.

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that a few people came before the Holy Prophetsa and requested for some people to be sent to them who would teach them about the Holy Quran and the practise of the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophetsa sent seventy companions with them who were proficient in the recitation of the Holy Quran. Hazrat Anasra relates that his uncle, Haraamra bin Milhan, was also among them. These group of people would recite the Holy Quran and give its lectures in the evening and learn from one another.

During the day they would bring water to the mosque and collect wood from the jungle and would sell it. They would then spend their earnings on buying grain for the Ahle-Sufaa [those Companions who had devoted their time to spend in the company of the Holy Prophetsa] and for the poor. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p.

390, Haraam bin Milhan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990), (Al-Asaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 8, pp. 375-376, Umme Haraam bin Milhan & Vol. 8, pp.

408-409, Umme Saleem bint Milhaan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) A few months ago, I related the incident at Bir-e-Mauna with reference to Hazrat Haraamra bin Milhan and have mentioned this on a few other occasions as well. However, I shall present some narrations from Bukhari which have not been mentioned previously.

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik relates that on the day of Bir-e-Mauna, when Hazrat Haraamra bin Milhan was struck by an arrow, he placed some of his blood on his hand and sprinkled it on his face and head and said, َْ ُ ْ ‫فزت َو َر ِّب الک ْع َب ِة‬ “By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, I have attained my objective.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Maghaazi, Baab Ghazwah-eRaji Wa Ra’il, Hadith. 4092) Hazrat Anasra relates that some people from the R‘il, Zakwan, Ussayyah and the Banu Lahyan tribe came to the Holy Prophetsa and said they had become Muslims and sought help for protection from their own people. The Holy Prophetsa helped them with seventy Ansar Companions of his. Hazrat Anasra

further relates that they referred to them as “qaris” for they would collect wood in the day and would spend the nights in prayer. They took these people and when they reached Bir-e-Mauna, they betrayed them and killed them. For one whole month, and according to other narrations for forty days, the Holy Prophetsa stood in his Salat and prayed against the people of R‘il, Zakwan and Banu Lahyan. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Hadith. 2801) Hazrat Anasra relates that when these Qaris were martyred, the Holy Prophetsa stood in his prayers with great humility and for one whole month prayed against them. In another narration of Bukhari, it states that he never witnessed the Holy Prophetsa in such grief and sorrow as he did on that occasion. (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitaab-ul-Janaiz, Hadith. 1300) Another narration which has also been related from Hazrat Anasra that the Holy Prophetsa for one whole month would stand in prayer after the Ruku‘ and pray against some of the tribes of Banu Sulaim.

He further states that the Holy Prophetsa sent forty or seventy of his companions from among the qaris to the idolaters and they betrayed them and killed them even though they had a treaty with the Holy Prophetsa. Then he stated the same statement as mentioned earlier that he had never witnessed the Holy Prophetsa express such grief and sorrow as he had done at the death of these qaris. (Sahih AlBukhari, Kitaab-ul-Jizya, Hadith. 3170) Then there is a reference from the sirat [biography] of Ibn-e-Hisham regarding Jabbar bin Salma Amr bin Tufail who was present at the time and later converted to Islam. He states: “I accepted Islam because [of the following incident]. Once I stabbed someone between the shoulders with a spear. I saw that the sharp end of the arrow had pierced through his chest but I heard that person sayُ َْ ُ ‫ف ْزت َو َر ِّب الک ْع َبۃ‬ ‘I swear by the Lord of Ka’bah, I have attained my objective.’ I thought what type of success is this? Have I not martyred him?” Jabbar states: “Later on I enquired about the meaning of this man’s words and came to know that it implied attaining martyrdom and I said to myself, indeed that person attained success in the sight of God.” (Al-Sira Al-Nabawiyya Li ibn-e-Hisham, p. 603, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Lebanon, 2001) We find that two or three other companions who used similar words.

These people believed that obtaining the pleasure of God Almighty was their main objective. Attaining worldly accomplishments was never their true ambition. It was because of this intention that God Almighty declared that He was pleased with them.

At the time of Bir-e-Mauna when the companions were getting martyred, they prayed to God Almighty: َ َّ َ ّ َ َ َ َّ ْ ّ َ ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫الل ُھ ّم بَ ِلغ َعنا ن ِب َّینا انا ق ْد ل َ ِق ْیناک ف َر ِض ْینا َعنک َو َر ِض ْی َت َعنا‬ “O Allah! Please inform the Prophetsa about our condition that we have joined you and we are pleased with You and You are pleased with us.” Hazrat Anasra narrates: “Hazrat Gabrielas came to the

Holy Prophetsa and informed the Holy Prophetsa that his Companionsra had been martyred and God is pleased with them.”

(Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 267, Haraam bin Milhan, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra has also mentioned this incident. He writes: “The incidents of Bir-e-Mauna and Raji demonstrate the intense level of hatred and animosity which the tribes of Arabia harboured in their hearts against Islam and the followers of Islam, to the extent that they would not even refrain from the most despicable lies, treachery and deceit. Despite the remarkable intelligence and vigilance of the Muslims, due to their thinking well of others, which is the hallmark of a believer, at times they would be lured into their trap. These were Huffaz of the Quran and devoted worshippers, who would supplicate during the nights, sit in a corner of the mosque and remember Allah; then they were poor and hunger-stricken people, who were lured out of their homeland by these cruel disbelievers with the excuse of ‘teaching them religion’; and when they had reached their land as guests, they were murdered in cold blood. Any level of grief suffered by the Holy Prophetsa would not have been enough. But at the time, the Holy Prophetsa did not employ any military action against these coldblooded murderers. (Indeed, the Holy Prophetsa was extremely grief-stricken but he did not take any action against them).

However, for thirty days continuously, after having received this news, the Holy Prophet supplicated while standing in his morning Salat, weeping and crying before God, individually naming the tribes of Ri‘l, Zakwan, Usayyah and the Banu Lahyan in the following words: ‘O Our Master! Have mercy upon us and hold back the hands of the enemies of Islam who are ruthlessly and stoneheartedly spilling the blood of innocent Muslims with the intention that Your religion may be expunged.’” (Sirat Khatam-ul-Nabiyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 520-521) Even in this day and age the only way to stop the hands of the enemy is through prayers. There is a dire need to implore the help of God Almighty. It is only God Almighty Who can provide the means to seize these people. May He also provide means to create ease for us.

Hazrat Sa‘d bin Khaulah was one of the Companions and according to some people he was the freed slave of ibn Abi Ruham bin Abdul Uzzah Aamri. He accepted Islam and is now considered amongst the early companions. He was amongst the second group of people who migrated to Ethiopia. Hazrat Sa‘d bin Khaulah stayed with Hazrat Kulthum bin Hazm during his migration from Mecca to Medina. Ibn-e-Ishaaq Musa Uqbah has included him amongst those who participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Sa‘d bin Khaulah was twenty-five years old when he participated in the Battle of Badr. He also took part in the Battle of Uhud, Khandaq and the treaty of Hudaibiya. He was the husband of Hazrat

Subayah Asalmiyah. He passed away during Hajjatul Wada. His son was born some time after his demise so the Holy Prophetsa said to his wife: “After the birth of this child, you can now marry anyone you like.” Apart from Tibri, no one has disagreed about his demise during Hajjatul Wada. According to Tibri he passed away before Hajjatul Wada. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 2, pp. 209-210, Sa’ad bin Khaulah, Dar-ulKutb Ilmiyah, Beirut, 2003), (Al-Tabkaatul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 217, Sa‘d bin Khaulah, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) Then there is a companion named Hazrat Abul-Haitham Malikra bin Tayyihan Ansari. His real name was Malik but was widely known by his filial appellation, Abul-Haitham. His mother, Layla bint Ateeq was from the Bali tribe.

According to the majority of research scholars, his tribe Aus branches from the Bali tribe which was a confederate of Banu Abdul Ashahal. (Al-Asaba Fi Tameez AlSahaba, Vol. 7, p. 365, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1995), (Al-Tabkaat-ulQubra, Vol. 3, p. 341, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990), (Seerat-ul-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p.

215, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2004) Muhammad bin Umar states: “Even during the time of ignorance, Hazrat AbulHaithamra was weary of idol worshiping and would revile them. Hazrat Asad bin Zararah and Hazrat Abul-Haitham were convinced of the Unity of God. They are from the early Ansars who accepted Islam in Mecca. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p.

341, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) According to some narrations, after accepting Islam when Hazrat Asadra bin Zararah had returned from Mecca to Medina with six other men, he preached to Hazrat Abul-Haithamra about Islam. Since Hazrat Abul-Haithamra was searching for true faith from the very beginning, he immediately accepted Islam. Afterwards, when Bait-e-Aqbah Ula took place, he travelled to Mecca with the delegation of twelve people and pledged his loyalty and obedience at the hand of the Holy Prophetsa. (Sirat-ul-Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 215, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Darul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2004) Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahamdra writes about this in The Life and Character of the Seal of the Prophetssa: “The Holy Prophetsa met these people separately in a valley. They informed him as to the state of affairs in Yathrab and this time they all took Bai‘at at his hand. This Bai‘at served as a foundation stone for Islam in Medina. Since Jihad of the sword had not yet been ordained, the Holy Prophetsa took Bai‘at only in the words in which he would take Bai‘at from the women after Jihad (by the sword) was obligated. In other words, ‘We shall believe in one God, shall not associate partners with God, shall not steal, shall not commit adultery or fornication, shall abstain from murder, shall not defame anyone, and shall obey you [the Holy Prophetsa] in everything good.’ After Bai‘at, the Holy Prophetsa said: ‘If you remain true to this pledge in

10 honesty and steadfastness then you shall receive paradise. But if you show weakness then your matter is with Allah the Exalted, for He shall do what He wills.’”

In history, this Bai‘at is renowned as ‘The First Bai‘at at Aqbah’, because the place where this Bai‘at was taken was called ‘Aqbah, which is situated between Mecca and Mina. The literal meaning of ‘Aqbah is an elevated mountainous pass.”

(Seerat Khatam-ul-Nabiyyeen, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad, pp. 224-225) Hazrat Abul-Haithamra was among those six companions who were the first people to accept Islam in their own tribe. Having travelled to Mecca they accepted Islam and then returned to Medina to propagate its teachings. In one of the narrations it is mentioned that he was the first Ansari to meet with the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca. He was present during the first Bai‘at at Aqbah and all the historians unanimously agree that during the second Bai‘at at Aqbah, when the Holy Prophetsa chose twelve nuquba from among the seventy Ansar members, Hazrat Abul-Haithamra was one of the naqeebs. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 341-342, Abul-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) Nuquba is the plural of naqeeb and means an individual who is knowledgeable or has greater abilities and as a result of which was made a leader or chief.

It is mentioned in a Hadith [saying of the Prophetsa]: “During the Bait-eAqbah, Hazrat Abul-Haithamra said to the Holy Prophetsa, ‘O Messenger of Allahsa! We have treaties of mutual cooperation with various tribes. After accepting Islam and by taking the oath of allegiance and becoming solely yours, we shall deal with these treaties according to your instructions.’” At that time, AbulHaithamra said to the Holy Prophetsa, “I would like to submit one request at this time: O Messenger of Allah! We are establishing a relation with you. When Allah Almighty helps you and makes you victorious over your nation, please do not leave us and return to them and separate from us.’ When the Holy Prophetsa heard this, he smiled and stated: ‘Your blood has now become mine. Now I am one with you and you are one with me. Whoever fights you, shall fight me. Whoever befriends you, shall befriend me.’” (Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 427, Hadith. 15891, Alim-ul-Kutub, Beirut, 1998).

The Holy Prophetsa established the bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Usman bin Maz‘oon and Hazrat AbulHaitham after migrating from Mecca. (AlAsaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 7, p.

365, Ibn Al-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) There is a narration from Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah that the Holy Prophetsa went to an Ansari along with one of his companions. The Holy Prohpetsa asked him if he had any water, or if there was water in the carrier from last night which he could give them otherwise they would just drink it directly, as this person was watering his garden therefore there was

Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM flowing water. He replied, “O Messenger of Allah! I have water from last night. Please come in to my hut”. He then took the Holy Prophetsa and his companion with him, who was Hazrat Abul-Haithamra.

He poured water in a cup and put some of the milk from his goat in it. The Holy Prophetsa and his companion both drank from it. This narration is from Bukhari.

(Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Ashriba, Hadith. 5613) Similarly, there is another narration that Hazrat Jabirra bin Abdullah states, “Hazrat Abul-Haitham bin Al-Tahiyaan prepared food for the Holy Prophetsa and invited his companions. When everyone had finished eating, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘Return your brother’s favour.’ The companions enquired: ‘O Messenger of Allahsa! How should we return his favour?’

The Holy Prophetsa said: ‘When a person visits someone’s house and eats and drinks from there, they should pray for them as this is a way to repay them.’” (Sunan Abu Dawood, Kitab-ul-Atima, Hadith. 3853) Such are the high morals that are essential for every Muslim to adopt.

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra relates that the Holy Prophetsa on one occasion left his house at such a time when people would not often be found outside and nor be meeting one another. He then saw Hazrat Abu Bakrra. The Holy Prophetsa enquired “What is it that brings you out (from your house)?” He replied, “I have come out to meet you, to see your blessed countenance and to pray for your well-being.” A few moments later Hazrat Umarra arrived. The Holy Prophetsa then said “O Umar, what has brought you out [at this time]?” Hazrat Umarra replied, O Prophetsa of Allah! I have come out of hunger.” The Holy Prophetsa said “I am also a little hungry”, so they all headed to Abul Haitham Ansari’s house, who had many goats and date-trees. The Holy Prophetsa did not find Abul Haitham at his home and asked his wife about his whereabouts. She answered that he had gone out to bring them some sweet water.

A short while later Abul Haitham arrived carrying a leather bag. He put it down to one side and embraced the Holy Prophetsa offering him his life and wealth saying “May my mother and father be sacrificed for you!”

Hazrat Abul Haithamra then took all three of them to his garden and lay down a blanket. He hurried to his garden and cut off a whole bunch of dates which had both ripe and unripe dates. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “O Abul Haitham, why did you not just pick the ripe dates instead of bringing the whole bunch?” He answered, “O Messenger of Allah, I desired that you choose yourself the dates which you like.”

Hence, the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra finished eating the dates and drinking water. The Holy Prophetsa then said “By Allah, these are the same bounties which you will be asked about on the Day of Judgement i.e. cool shade, cold water and fresh dates.”

Hazrat Abul Haithamra then stood up to arrange something for the Holy Prophetsa to eat. The Holy Prophetsa said not to slaughter a lactating goat, so he

slaughtered a lamb and brought it to the Holy Prophetsa which they all ate. The Holy Prophetsa asked “Do you have a servant?” Hazrat Abul Haitham replied, “No”. The Holy Prophetsa then said, “The next time we have a prisoner of war, you should come to us”. Thus, when the Holy Prophetsa had two prisoners of war, Hazrat Abul Haithamra came to the Holy Prophetsa. The Messengersa of Allah said to choose out of the two which he preferred.

Hazrat Abul Haithamra replied, “O Messenger of Allah, you choose for me”.

The Holy Prophetsa said, “Whomsoever gives advice is one who is trustworthy”.

This is something which we should all take note of that whoever grants advice to people is normally trustworthy, so we should try to always give good advice.

He then said, “Take this servant, I have witnessed him worshipping.” The good quality of this servant that he mentioned was that he worshipped and remembered God and possessed piety. The Holy Prophetsa further stated “Take good care of him”.

Hazrat Abul Haithamra returned home to his wife and informed her of the Holy Prophet’s advice. She then said, “You will not be able to fully render the rights of this piece of advice given by the Holy Prophetsa” i.e. to fully take good care of him. Just observe this woman’s level of faith, despite being the sole lady in the house and having no servant, yet she says to her husband that he will only be able to pay the rights owed to him by setting him free. Hence, Hazrat Abul Haithamra set the servant free. (Sunan Al-Tirmadhi, Kitabul-Zuhd, Hadith. 2369) This was the eminence of the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa.

Hazrat Abul Haithamra accompanied the Holy Prophetsa in the Battles of Badr, Uhud, the Ditch and all other battles of his. At the Battle of Mu‘tah, after Hazrat Abdullahra bin Rawahah had been martyred, the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Abul Haithamra to Khaibar to assess how many fruits were on the date-trees. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa when Hazrat Abu Bakrra desired to send him to assess the number of fruits, he excused himself from doing so. Hazrat Abu Bakrra said “You used to go to check the numbers of dates for the Holy Prophetsa”. Hazrat Abul Haithamra replied “I did used to go and assess the number of dates for the Holy Prophetsa, but when I would return having made my assessment the Holy Prophetsa would pray for me”. Thus, at that moment in time he thought of the blessings of the Holy Prophetsa’s prayers and thus was overcome with emotion.

Having heard this Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not send him. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 342, Abul Haitham, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) This was due to the fact that it was an emotional experience for him, otherwise these people are those who always showed complete obedience and never refused to comply. It cannot be that he would have refused if Hazrat Abu Bakrra had however instructed him once again to do so. For Hazrat Abu Bakrra to not ask him once

again shows that he remembered and understood his emotional ordeal and therefore did not insist.

When Hazrat Umarra expelled the Jews from Khaibar, he sent some people to assess the value of their land. Hazrat Umarra sent Hazrat Abul Haithamra, Hazrat Farwah bin Amrra and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabitra. They calculated the value of the date trees and lands after which Hazrat Umarra gave the people of Khaibar half the price that was calculated and valued in excess of 50,000 dirhams. (Kitab-ulMaghzai Li Al-Waqadi, Vol. 2, p. 165, Darul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004) Observe how Abul Haithamra this time went to that land, the period of that emotional state had passed, therefore there remained nothing to hold him back from doing so.

There is also a narration of his regarding the greeting of Assalamoalaikum (peace be upon you). Hazrat Abul Haithamra relates that the Holy Prophetsa said “He who says Assalamo-alaikum will earn the merit of ten good acts, and the one who says Assalamo-alaikum wa rahmatullahi will earn the reward of twenty and the one who says Assalamoalaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu will earn the reward of thirty”. (Al-Asaaba Fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 7, p. 366, Abu Al-Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan, Dar-ulKutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) There are conflicting opinions regarding the time of Abul Haitham’s demise. According to some, he passed away during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra and others are of the opinion that he passed away in 20 AH or 21 AH. It is also said that he died fighting on the side of Hazrat Alira in the Battle of Siffin in 37AH. (Al-Tabkaat-ul-Qubra, Vol. 3, p. 342, Abul Haitham, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1990), (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, p. 13, Abul Haitham Malik bin Tayyihan,Darul-Kutb Ilmiyah, Beirut) So these were the Companions who set the examples for us and made us aware of so many matters. May Allah Almighty continue to elevate them in status.

After the Friday Prayers, I shall lead two funeral prayers in absentia.

The first is of Sahibzada Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib, son of Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, who passed away on 14 August at the age of 94. Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. He had a heart operation in America in 2000. He then had a stroke which kept him more or less bedridden.

He was born in Qadian on 18 July 1924 to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra and Hazrat Sarwar Sultana Begum, daughter of Hazrat Ghulam Hasan Sahib Peshawari.

He obtained his primary education in Qadian and passed his matriculation exams in the Talim-ul-Isam High School.

In 1949 he then obtained his master’s degree in history at the Government College Lahore, achieving the highest grades. Upon his achievement, people came to congratulate Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra. Apart from expressing words of gratitude, he also wrote that in reality, the group of believers are a support for one

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM another in times of happiness and sadness and they gain comfort, tranquillity and strength from the support of one another.

This is the focal point of a Jamaat. He further writes, “I request my friends to not only partake in this happiness but to also pray that where God Almighty has enabled Majeed Ahmad to achieve a high standard of secular knowledge, may He also grant him true knowledge and enable him to act upon it, as this is the true purpose and objective of our lives.

(Mazameen-e-Bashir, Vol. 2, p. 605) Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib dedicated his life to the service of faith on 7 May 1944 and continued his studies. In 1949 he joined Jamia-tul-Mubashirin and graduated from it in July 1954. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra pronounced his nikah on 28 December 1950, which was the third day of the Jalsa Salana, to Sahibzadi Qudsiyah Begum Sahiba, daughter of Hazrat Nawab Abdullah Khanra and Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra. Their eldest daughter is Nusrat Jahan Sahiba who is the wife of Mirza Naseer Ahmad Tariq, grandson of Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra. They also have a son, Mirza Mahmood Ahmad, then another daughter named Durr-e-Sameen, who is the daughter-in-law of Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib. Then there is another son named Mirza Ghulam Qadir Sahib Shaheed [martyr] who was married to Amatun Nasir Sahiba, daughter of Syed Mir Daud Sahib. The fifth child is a daughter named Faiza Sahiba who is married to Syed Mudassar Ahmad Sahib, who is also a life-devotee.

In July 1954 Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib obtained the Shahid degree and was first posted in Talim-ul-Islam College Rabwah on 20 September 1954. On 4

November 1956, under the auspices of Tahrik-e-Jadid he was sent to Kumasi, Ghana to serve as a school principal. He returned to Pakistan on 24 December 1963. Then in April 1964 he was reappointed in Talim-ul-Islam College.

When the Talim-ul-Islam College was nationalised in the time of Bhutto, in April 1975 after the nationalisation he resigned and reported to the Anjuman stating that he was a life-devotee. On 3 July 1975 he was appointed as Naib Nazim Nazir Talim.

In 1976, when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh toured America and other European countries, Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib accompanied him as his private secretary.

In 1978 he was appointed as the Naib Nazir-e-Ala and in 1984 he retired.

His son-in-law, Syed Mudassar Ahmad Sahib, says that he translated a portion of Siratul Mahdi into English and regularly wrote articles for the Al Fazl newspaper.

He was very intellectual and his articles were published in book-form under the name Nukta-e-Nazar. He was very keen on reading and writing and I witnessed that whenever he had the time, he would spend it reading in the library.

His daughter-in-law, Amatul Nasir, the widow of the martyr Ghulam Qadir, writes: “He was a very loving and honourable person. He had great love for children and was a sincere individual with a generous heart. One of his key attributes was that he could adjust himself in any age group and would befriend everyone and treat them like a friend, youths and grown-ups alike.” She further writes: “He demonstrated great patience and steadfastness at the martyrdom of his son, Mirza Ghulam Qadir Shaheed.” She further says that after the martyrdom, Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib and his wife

both took special care for the children.

He was unwell for an extended period of time, but he bore this with patience and resolve. He had a very balanced temperament and would not be enraged.

He kept a sincere friendship with everyone and would care for his workers. His sonin-law, Mirza Naseer Ahmad Sahib, writes: “Mirza Majeed Ahmad Sahib was a man of wise opinion and would stand firm in his opinions. It would not be the case that he would adopt the opinion that was widespread and prevalent at a particular time. Rather he would always choose the correct approach and would express his opinion in the matter.” May Allah shower His mercy and forgiveness on him. May He enable his children to continue his pious endeavours and keep them firmly attached to the institution Khilafat and the Jamaat.

The second funeral prayer is of Mrs Sayyidah Naseem Akhtar, who was the wife of Muhammad Yusuf Sahib of Aaniba Nooria, Sheikupura district. She passed away on 27 July 2018; Surely to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return. She was the granddaughter of Hazrat Wali Muhammad Sahib – companion of the Promised Messiahas – and daughter of Qazi Deen Muhammad Sahib. After the partition [of India], her father migrated from Qadian and settled in Rabwah. After marriage, she settled in Aanibah Nooria village and had the opportunity to serve in various positions in the Jamaat. She served as the local president for eighteen years.

She was regular in observing fasts and her prayers, as well as the Tahajjud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers. She would care for the poor and deal kindly towards her neighbours. She had a balanced

temperament and was a very sincere woman. She would recite the Holy Quran and also read the translation. She would ponder over its meanings and try her best to act upon its teachings. She would also teach the Holy Quran to children as a result of which a large number of Ahmadi and non-Ahmadi children have been taught the Quran by her.

One of her sons is a Missionary currently serving in Mali (West Africa).

He was sent to Mali during the outbreak of the Ebola virus. A non-Ahmadi friend said to her [i.e. his mother] that she should not send her son to Mali because of the Ebola epidemic. She immediately replied: “I have offered both of my sons (two of her sons are devotees of life and serving as missionaries) in the way of God Almighty after an abundance of prayers. Now they belong to God Almighty, therefore, I am not concerned at all about how or where God Almighty will employ their services.

I am proud at the fact that God Almighty has enabled two of my sons to serve in God’s way.”

She would always remind her sons that since God Almighty had afforded them an opportunity to serve in His cause, then they should always remain faithful to God and their devotion. The deceased was a Moosia [part of the institution of AlWasiyyat]. Her sons; Nasir Ahmad Sahib is a missionary serving in Mali and Ansar Mahmood Sahib is a missionary serving in Pakistan. Her son in Mali was not able to attend her funeral prayer. May Allah the Almighty grant him patience and steadfastness, and elevate the status of the deceased and also enable her virtues to continue in her progeny.

(Translated by The Review of Religions)

The message of Islam Ahmadiyyat had reached Belgium as early as 1938 and the Belgian intelligentsia was developing an interest. Al Fazl reported on 29 July 1938: “Saturday 23 July: Two Christian missionaries visited Qadian. One was named Father Prekha MA who is Spanish and a graduate of Cambridge University. The other one was Father Francis who is a Belgian and is currently posted in Amritsar. They were given a tour of Qadian and shown various Jamaat offices. Hazrat Amirul Mominin [Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra] granted them an audience that lasted for over an hour.”

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Friday 14 September 2018 | AL HAKAM

Ladies’ side Jalsa Salana Germany 2018

Atia Nuur Ahmad-Hubsche Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany

T

he 43rd Jalsa Salana Germany 2018 took place on 7-9 September 2018 in Karlsruhe. Undoubtedly the highlight of the Jalsa Salana was that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graced the German Jamaat once again with his presence and so, ten-thousands of Ahmadis throughout Germany and also from other countries travelled from far to attend this blessed event.

The preparations for Jalsa Salana actually start right after a Jalsa Salana concludes, hence planning for this year’s Jalsa Salana started in October 2017 with the set-up of the organisational structure. For the Lajna side, 12 Naib Nazimat-e-Ala were nominated who worked under the supervision of Nazimae-Ala (Sadr Lajna Imaillah Germany) and each had to manage different departments.

In total, 66 departments were set up and Nazimat [team leaders] were appointed who started to build their teams. Duties were distributed among regions and after the teams had been built, Nazimat got in contact with the Muawinat [volunteers] and planned the duty work and particular tasks.

This year, the Naib Nazimat-e-Ala had the blessed opportunity of having mulaqat [audience] with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa.

In January 2018, they travelled to London and had the honour of receiving direct guidance from Huzooraa regarding the Ladies’ side of Jalsa Salana.

One special instruction which was received from beloved Huzooraa was that every single worker should serve the guests of the Promised Messiahas with a smile and in a friendly manner. Huzooraa said, “Even if your jaws get tired, you should not stop smiling.” Furthermore Huzooraa gave instructions regarding ziafat [food preparation], accomodation and many more departments. These precious instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa were the foundations of all our Jalsa work.

Then a meeting with all Nazimat was arranged where these instructions were presented and the Nazimat were told to implement them and forward them to their teams. Furthermore, Nazima-e-Ala held separate meetings throughout the year with every Nazima where the work of each

department was discussed and planned, bearing in mind the “red book” points from the previous Jalsa Salana.

Besides this, several meetings with Afsar Jalsa Salana and Afsar Jalsa Gah took place where the plan of site was discussed in detail.

Due to growing attendance, it was felt that the space at the current site (DM Arena, Karlsruhe) had to be re-planned in order to make the best of the situation. So this year, some significant changes were made, for example, for the ladies’ ziafat, a large marquee was set up, and the space in the hall which had previously been used for ziafat was completely designated for accommodation purposes as there was a great need for this.

Alongside this, there were marquees set up for mothers with children under the age of 4, and the area of the Main Jalsa Gah for ladies was also extended.

As the site planning went along, Nazimat visited the Muawinat in various regions of the country and held meetings with them to update them about the work and train them for their respective duties.

As Huzooraa had instructed that we should make it possible for Lajna members to choose the duty they would like to do, an online registration platform was developed where Lajna members could register beforehand for the department they desired to serve in. Additionally, duties were distributed among the regions in order to get the required teams.

The online-registration was highly appreciated by Lajna members and was a way to motivate them to take part in Jalsa duties.

In the second Nazimat meeting, the final planning was discussed, coordination meetings among different departments took place and Nazimat were updated about the site and the planning.

An information booklet with all important points for the visitors of the Jalsa Salana was compiled and forwarded to all Lajna members. Also, a short videoclip was prepared and shared with all. In all Majalis, Jalsa Seminars took place where the purpose of Jalsa Salana was highlighted, tarbiyati topics were talked about and organisational

information was given to all the participants.

Finally, the long-awaited days arrived.

On Thursday 6 September, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the Jalsa Gah at about 7pm for the inspection of the Jalsa preparations. After inspecting some parts of the men’s side, Huzooraa arrived at the ladies’ Jalsa Gah and initially inspected the ziafat marquee. After asking about information pertaining to the capacity of the ziafat area, Huzooraa then visited the accommodation hall and inspected the arrangements.

Afterwards, Huzooraa walked through the long gallery where most of the departments were allocated such as Wasiyyat, bookstall, Humanity First, IAAAE, MAMO (Medical Association), 100-Mosque scheme, office ladies’ Jalsa Gah, information etc. Huzooraa most affectionately bought some items from the Humanity First stall and also visited the bookstall where he asked about the newly published books.

At the end of this inspection, Huzooraa most graciously launched the new website of the Majlis Ansar Sultan-ul-Qalam of Lajna Imaillah Germany named “Stimme der Muslima” (The voice of Muslim women).

The team was very humbled and grateful for this blessed opportunity.

Friday 7 September, the Jalsa Salana was inaugurated with the Friday Sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Before Jumuah, the flag hoisting took place where a number of Nasirat were present reciting taraney [choral poems] wearing scarves in the colours of the German flag.

Saturday 8 September was the longawaited day for Lajna as Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa blessed the Lajna and Nasirat with his presence in the ladies’ Jalsa Gah. Prior to this, the Lajna session was held which was presided by Hazrat Syeda Amatus Sabuh Begum Sahiba, respected wife of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. In this session, besides tilawat and nazm, there were four speeches (two in Urdu and two in German) on the following subjects: “Istighfar – Means of Obtaining the Nearness of God“ “Khilafat – Fortress of Peace” “Importance and Necessity of Purdah in this

Day and Age” “Valuable Principles of Parenting in Light of Islamic Teachings” At 12pm, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the ladies’ Jalsa Gah and was welcomed by Lajna members and Nasirat saying “Ahlan wa sahlan wa marhaba!”.

Then, this year a historical moment was witnessed. The German Federal minister of Justice, Ms Katarina Barley had come to visit the Jalsa Salana and with the approval of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, she delivered her short speech from the stage in ladies’ Jalsa Gah. Thereafter the session started with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by an Urdu poem from Kalam-e-Mahmood.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa graciously distributed academic awards to 62 Lajna members, among whom were also some ladies from other countries such as Indonesia, Kenya and France.

After distributing awards, Huzooraa delivered his address to the ladies in which he mentioned the sacrifices of great women in the history of religion. Huzooraa reminded us to follow their footsteps and especially to take good care of the upbringing of our children.

Huzooraa concluded with silent prayer after which a group of Lajna members and Nasirat recited poems and taraney. It was indeed a spiritually uplifting atmosphere in the hall when, aside from poems in many other languages, all the ladies in the hall recited “La ilaha illallah”.

Huzooraa then walked down the hall towards the children’s marquees. There, Huzooraa walked past all the marquees as the children became extremely excited and joyful waving towards their beloved Imamaa.

These were priceless moments to witness and truly unforgettable.

The remaining Jalsa programme was relayed from the men’s side on Saturday and Sunday. In the breaks, there were different programmes on the ladies’ side during all three days. Rishta nata department organised a “Meet & Greet” where members searching for a rishta [match for marriage] for their children could meet each other.

AMSWA had prepared an exhibition on the life of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa which was visited by many Lajna members and Nasirat and was appreciated. The AlQalam project was present as well in which many Lajna members took part with great interest. Also the Tabligh department of Lajna Imaillah Germany had prepared an exhibition about the status of women in Islam which was visited by numerous nonAhmadi-Guests.

Sunday 9 September, the Bai‘at ceremony was one of the highlights of the day. By the grace of Allah, six ladies entered the fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat during Bai‘at. After the concluding address and concluding prayer, the 43rd Jalsa Salana Germany came to a successful end. Alhamdolillah! All praise be to Allah.

Throughout the Jalsa days, in the ladies’ Jalsa Gah, around 3,000 voluntary duty workers served the guests of the Promised Messiahas and around 4,600 guests were accommodated on site. The total attendance on the ladies’ side was 19,448, Alhamdolillah.

May Allah the Exalted accept our humble efforts and reward all the workers abundantly.

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