Al Hakam - 2 August 2019

The Jalsa Salana Red Book A look at an old copy of a red book found in the Ahmadiyya Archives

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Hospitality – A special trait of the prophets

Flying high the standard of Islam Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat – the flag of the Jamaat

“I strongly advise you, who have accepted a prophet, that [Jalsa] guests will arrive here. You must serve them with happiness. Go to the organisers and present your services to them. Even if you are dealt harshly by any guest you should show forbearance.”

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The Pentecost at Jalsa Salana A brief history of simultaneous translations and the system designed for this purpose

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 2 August 2019 | Issue LXXII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

Jalsa Salana UK 2019 The Friday Sermon today officially starts the beautiful period of Jalsa Salana UK for this year.

While many have travelled a long way to be in the presence of their Imam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, many more Ahmadis will be tuning into the MTA broadcast, as well as keeping an active eye on social media for updates.

Insha-Allah, throughout the 3-day event, Al Hakam aims to cover Huzoor’s engagements and speeches so that Ahmadis around the world are kept up to date and feel as though they

are actively part of Jalsa UK. A major event before Jalsa Salana UK is the inspection of arrangements and inauguration of duties by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masihaa. During the inspection, Huzooraa inspects the arrangements of Jalsa Salana, ensuring that the guests of the Promised Messiahas, who flock from all over the world, will be looked after well and that plans are set to run the grand operation smoothly.

This year, after delivering the Friday Sermon at Baitul Futuh on 26 July, Huzooraa inspected the arrangements

at Baitul Futuh – one of the major sites of Jalsa UK operations.

After the sermon, many volunteers were seen assembling at their relevant departments to welcome their beloved Imamaa and to inform him of their respective arrangements.

Huzooraa started the inspection from the ladies’ food marquee, where food is served not only for the guests staying at Baitul Futuh but those staying at a number of other locations.

Girls sang taraney (choral poems) as Huzooraa blessed their marquee with his footsteps.

From here, Huzooraa proceeded to the men’s food marquee, followed by men’s accommodation at the Baitul Futuh complex where residence is arranged for participants during the Jalsa hospitality period. A separate marquee has been allocated in the car park of Baitul Futuh to accommodate male guests, where Huzooraa inspected Continued on page 2

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

The Advent of Imam Mahdi Hazrat Abu Hurairah, Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “What state will you be in when the son of Mary will descend among you while he will be your Imam (religious leader) from among you?” In another version it is said, “He will lead you from among you.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words (The second address of the Promised Messiahas at the Annual Convention on 28 December 1897 after Zuhr prayer)

Everyone prepare themselves for their journey to the afterlife At this time, the purpose of my address is that since there can be no guarantee of one’s life, I feel that the number of people who are gathered around me now may perhaps not be with us in the following year. Moreover, during these days, I saw in a vision that in the coming year certain friends would no longer be with us, but I cannot say who of them was referred to in this vision.

I am certain that this is because everyone individually ought to prepare themselves for their journey to the afterlife. As I have just mentioned, no names were disclosed to me, but I know for certain by knowledge given to me from Allah the Exalted that divine destiny and decree has its time. All must leave this transient world at some point or other. And so it is absolutely imperative to state that every individual and friend who is present now must not hear my words as though they were a storyteller’s tale. Rather, I counsel you from Allah and have been commissioned by Him. I address you with immense sympathy, true goodwill and with a burning heart.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 52)

Courtesy of AMA UK

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Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM this year.

“Sadrs of local Jamaats or their representatives, according to Huzoor’s instruction, will be available 24 hours a day to issue such tickets. During the inspection, Huzooraa said, ‘Even if the Sadrs are not available, no one should be denied food.’”

Huzooraa then enquired about various arrangements and graciously gave instructions to the people at work. One such department was the department of overseas registration, of which Khawaja Abid Rasheed Sahib is nazim, from whom Huzooraa enquired about the procedure of registering guests.

Jalsa Salana UK arrangements at Baitul Futuh

Huzoor inspecting Jalsa Salana UK arrangements at Hadeeqatul Mahdi

Continued from page 1

the bedding that all guests will use in the marquee.

All these guests, men and women, will be moved to the accommodation marquees in the Jalsa Gah at Hadeeqatul Mahdi on Thursday, the day before Jalsa starts.

Huzooraa proceeded to the Jalsa Salana reception where the administration will welcome guests, prepare for their accommodation and provide food.

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Sahib, Naib Afsar

Jalsa Salana UK, told Al Hakam: “Recently, a proposal was sent to Huzooraa that locals of Baitul Futuh, Fazl Mosque and Islamabad be offered a parchi [ticket] system, where if they have guests, they may be able to obtain food from the Jamaat’s Langar so that food does not go to waste and it benefits the local Ahmadis, much like the system that was in place during the Rabwah Jalsa Salanas. Thus, Huzooraa, during the inspection, enquired of me whether this was being implemented

Inauguration of Jalsa duties On Sunday, 28 July, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa inspected various sites of Jalsa Salana UK and later officially inaugurated the Jalsa duties.

At around 4:40pm, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa left his residence in Islamabad and proceeded towards various departments that are offering duties during these Jalsa days in Islamabad.

Huzooraa visited the reserve marquee where special guests are offered food throughout the day.

Thereafter, Huzooraa walked past the general car park in Islamabad, where many families had gathered to say Salam, and inspected the ladies’ and men’s food marquee. This department has been offering duties for over a week now, and will continue to do so for the rest of the week, and some for even another week.

After visiting these departments, Huzooraa left with his entourage for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK in Haslemere, approximately a 20-minute drive away.

Jamia UK is currently housing many of the guests that have travelled for the convention from around the world.

Huzooraa arrived at Jamia at around 5:15pm and was welcomed by many Arabicspeaking guests who sang choral poems in Arabic. Huzooraa was then welcomed by volunteers, women and men, who have travelled from far and wide to serve the guests staying at Jamia.

Hafiz Ijaz Ahmad Tahir Sahib, Nazim Reserve 1 then informed Huzooraa about the total number of volunteers and showed Huzooraa the sleeping arrangements and showering facilities for guests, which Huzooraa carefully observed. Thereafter, Huzooraa proceeded towards the dining area where organisers had on display some of the

food that is served there.

After heading to the ladies’ food area, where ladies sang poems in Arabic, Huzooraa departed from Jamia and headed towards Hadeeqatul Mahdi where the main Jalsa arrangements are.

Upon arrival in Hadeeqatul Mahdi, Huzooraa first went inside his residence, after which he came out to inspect the many departments situated at the main Jalsa site.

Huzooraa first visited the barn area, where the Langar Khana, roti plant and Jalsa stores are located. At the Langar, Huzooraa was shown various dishes like aloo gosht and tested the quality of the food, offering guidance and advice to the cooks.

Rafi Shah Sahib, Nazim Langar 1, told Al Hakam, “Huzooraa had instructed the Langar Khana this year to grind their own masala [spices and herbs].

Huzooraa instructed us not to use garam masala, which consists of spices and herbs like cinnamon, cloves and black cardamom.

So this year, these were not used and we put together our own spices and avoided garam masala.”

At the roti plant, Huzooraa was shown a new piece of equipment by Agha Abdul Karim Abid Sahib, Nazim Roti Plant in Hadeeqatul Mahdi; this new machinery has been designed to cut the dough into 9-kilogram pieces, assisting the many volunteers at the roti plant, who previously would have to do this all manually. This was designed and built by an Ahmadi pilot, Fathey Ahmad Sahib. Alongside this, Huzooraa inspected the roti plant and tested the quality of the rotis being cooked.

Huzooraa then made his way to the accommodation store, where he checked the quality of the mattress through a demonstration by Hassan Sahib of the accommodation department.

Before proceeding to enquire about the car park arrangements from Maqbool Ahmad Sahib, Naib Afsar Jalsa Salana, Huzooraa was greeted by a line of volunteers working in the electrics department.

Whilst observing the main car park, Huzooraa enquired about how many tracks would be used and where they would be placed.

Huzooraa visited the tents area and observed how the facility had been set up.

As the Lajna side of the Jalsa Gah is adjacent to this part, Huzooraa visited the Lajna registration, security and scanning marquee at the main Lajna entrance.

The next stop on Huzoor’saa route was

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Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

“This gathering will be devoted to the exposition of such truths and spiritual insights as are necessary for the promotion of faith and certainty and spiritual understanding, and there will be special prayers and attention for the participants.”

(The Promised Messiahas, The Heavenly Decree)

Qadian, the small hamlet where it all started

the Khidmat-e-Khalq operation and sitesecurity command centre, after which was the crucially important first aid facility.

Huzooraa walked into the marquee and enquired about the arrangements, giving important instructions about how the facility should be ready to respond to any given situation. In the Homeopathy Dispensary, Huzooraa issued instructions to Dr Hafeez Bhatti Sahib.

Abdul Quddus Arif Sahib, Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK and Afsar Khidmat-e-Khalq at Jalsa Salana UK told us: “Huzooraa enquired about the response time in case of an emergency, to which Huzoor was told that it was half a minute.

Huzoor particularly enquired about the number of CCTV cameras on site and their locations as there is an increase in number of cameras this year.”

IT plays a very important role by turning the farmland of Hadeeqatul Mahdi into a modern facility with best of the range communication services and connectivity arrangements – two facilities that have become a basic necessity for modern life. Maqbool Ahmad Sahib, Naib Afsar responsible for this section, briefed Huzooraa about this year’s arrangements.

We all know how Huzooraa is keen

about the hospitality of his guests at Jalsa Salana. This keenness is evident from every instruction that Huzooraa gives to the administration during the inspection.

However, the dining area is where Huzooraa ensures that everyone will have food that is clean, healthy and sufficient.

Having examined the dining facilities, Huzooraa walked towards the main Jalsa Gah. The Review of Religions team stood in a line on the side of Huzoor’saa walkway and greeted Huzoor. On his way, Huzooraa stopped in front of the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre exhibition and the Al Hakam Hub. Huzooraa enquired about the glass wall whether it always used to be transparent or whether it was a new addition this time.

From there, Huzooraa went into the Jalsa Gah and addressed the Jalsa duty holders.

This dignified event started with the recitation of the first five verses of Surah alMulk by Mahmood Vardi Sahib, followed by the translation in English by Nisar Orchard Sahib.

Next, Huzooraa delivered an address in which he commended the preparations of Jalsa Salana. Huzooraa said that by the grace of Allah, every year, we are witnessing progress in the organisation

and preparations for Jalsa Salana. In fact, Huzooraa expressed that he believed that Jalsa Salana preparations are out of the best to date. Further, Huzooraa said that the organisation we have currently at Jalsa, only raises one concern; that the workers start to imagine that no more improvements can be made, and thus, due care and hard work is not made, or prayers are not made as they should be. Huzooraa stressed that this mindset should not be adopted.

Huzooraa told the volunteers to pray that Allah blesses our efforts in arrangements for Jalsa. Huzooraa also advised the volunteers to protect their prayers and even if Salat is inevitably missed in congregation, one should ensure they offer their prayers at another time. Huzoor said to always keep in mind that human effort, without the blessings of Allah, cannot be successful.

After the inspection, Huzooraa enquired from the management about the backdrop measurements and other details to do with the stage.

Huzooraa then made his way to the Lajna Jalsa Gah where all Jalsa volunteers on the ladies’ side had convened.

After visiting the ladies’ side, Huzooraa inspected the MTA transmission truck and broadcast unit, giving detailed

guidance for the many upcoming MTA broadcasts during Jalsa. Before proceeding to the main MTA offline compound, Huzooraa noticed MTA International Lajna team standing to one side and Huzooraa met them all and enquired about their roles during Jalsa.

In the main MTA compound – where MTA 3, MTA Africa, French stream, MTA Programming, IT, Production, MTA office, stores and various other departments are situated – Huzooraa inspected the site and took a glance at all the volunteers who had gathered at MTA. After walking past the translation marquee, where many volunteers will simultaneously translate the Jalsa proceedings in the three-day event, Huzooraa proceeded towards the rear end of the men’s Jalsa Gah where Huzooraa graced a dinner with all Jalsa volunteers and workers.

Al Hakam will, Insha-Allah, be reporting throughout the 3 days of Jalsa Salana UK on Huzoor’s engagements and speeches.

Follow our Twitter handle: @AlHakamWeekly and download our app to receive notifications of Al Hakam live-reporting throughout Jalsa Salana UK.

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

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“The primary purpose of this convention is to enable every sincere individual to personally experience religious benefits; They may enhance their knowledge and due to their being blessed and enabled by Allah the Exalted, their perception [of Allah] may progress.”

(The Promised Messiahas, The Heavenly Decree)

This Week in History 2 - 8 August 2 August 1913: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I’sra son, Abdul Hayy Sahib’s wedding ceremony took place.

Regarding his son’s residence, Huzoorra instructed the construction workers that it should be built facing Baitullah in Mecca. Huzoorra wished that his progeny should always remain punctual and regular in their prayers and worship.

2 August 1952: An organisation based in Baltimore, USA planned to celebrate 6 August as Peace Day. Its secretary requested Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to make special prayers on this day. Huzoorra instructed his Jamaat to observe this specific day as Peace Day and inculcate the importance of peace through sermons. Moreover, Huzoorra had Surah al-Fatihah translated into English and sent to the abovementioned organisation’s management.

3 August 1917: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra sent a delegation of Ahmadi missionaries and devotees to Mumbai. This team spent more than two months discharging their assigned duties there and remained occupied in discussions with people of different faiths.

3 August 1963: Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Karachi established its library, which was inaugurated by Niaz Fatehpuri Sahib.

4 August 1924: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra reached Damascus, en route to Europe. Huzoor’s entourage chose a railway journey from Haifa to reach their unique destination, the city of Damascus, which is considered to be among the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world. In one tradition of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam, the Imam Mahdi and this city’s name have been mentioned together.

Huzoorra stayed in this city until 9 August. Local print media covered his activities in the city, which fulfilled the above-mentioned prophecy about the Promised Messiahas in one sense.

4 August 1934: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad’srh wedding with Hazrat Syeda Mansura Begum took place. The entourage travelled to Malerkotla and returned back to Qadian on 6 August.

4 August 1934: Upon the instructions of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, a twice-weekly newspaper was launched from Srinagar called Islah. It was to spread the voice of

the oppressed people of the valley and safeguard their due civil rights.

4 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was in London. A delegation from Nigeria had an audience with him. Huzoorra graciously accepted their request and granted his stick to Nigeria Jamaat as a source of blessings.

5 August 1939: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra travelled to Dharamshala and Manali. He stayed there until 29 August.

5 August 1955: The editor of magazine Eastern World paid a visit and had an audience with Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. On the same day, some students from Zanzibar, Africa had an opportunity to see Huzoorra and seek blessings from his company.

5 August 1956: A delegation of civil servants and government officials from Indonesia visited Rabwah.

5 August 1960: The Scandinavian Jamaat held its first ever Jalsa Salana, which continued for the following two days.

5 August 1961: Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Tanzania held its 3-day Jalsa Salana.

6 August 1945: Hazrat Hakim Fazlur-Rahman, missionary in Lagos, Africa laid the foundation stone of the Jamaat’s central mission house there.

6 August 1951: Maulana Muhammad Ismail Munir Sahib formally established the mission in Ceylon, present day Sri Lanka.

6 August 1955: Hazrat Amma Ji, Sughra Begum Sahibara passed away. She was the wife of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira. Her year of birth is estimated to be 1874.

7 August 1956: The Ahmadiyya mission in Sweden saw its first convert. He was given the new Islamic name of Saif-ul-Islam Mahmud.

8 August 1928: Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra started his month-long series of dars-ul-Quran. During this, Huzoorra covered the commentary of Surah Yunus to Surah al-Kahf. In this way, Huzoorra completed almost 5 parts of the Holy Quran. These precious jewels were later printed in Tafsir-e-Kabir, volume 3 in 1940.

8 August 1934: Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad’srh walima reception was arranged in Qadian.

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

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From the Archives

The Jalsa Salana Red Book H

azrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has always emphasised on a red book to be maintained for Jalsa Salana, not only by the Jalsa Salana administration, but for all departments that are involved in any way.

Huzooraa, on one occasion, said: “Many a time, I have said to make a ‘red book’ and note down all the errors and shortcomings, and then try to eradicate them. This is how we can improve our system. It is the duty of Afsar Jalsa Salana to have a meeting with all the heads of departments at the end of Jalsa.

He should ask them to bring the shortcomings of their department and discuss them to find solutions so as not to experience them in the future. Issues raised by the attendees must be accepted openheartedly and complaints should be removed, and then a proper plan for the future should

be made.” (Friday Sermon, 9 September 2016).

This tradition of having a red book for Jalsa Salana goes a very long way back. Going through the archives of Jalsa Salana Rabwah, we found red books dating back to the Jalsa Salana of 1954.

Items were recorded in minute detail; from the quantity of raw food-material purchased to how much food was produced by each Langar Khana (kitchen) on each day.

The record of red books starts (the earliest available so far is from 1954) with Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh as Afsar Jalsa Salana. He would sign off every single page of all records that were being entered.

At the end of each day, he would write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and report the stats to Huzoorra.

It is awe-inspiring to see a report written by Hazrat Mirza

A letter signed by Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh who was then Afsar Jalsa Salana

Tahir Ahmadrh also, who was then in charge of reception of guests. The report has details of how matters had improved from the previous year and what improvements were still required.

What is inspiring is how everyone was reporting their shortcomings with all honesty and integrity. It is this honesty that has always been and still is a hallmark of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. No wonder Jalsa Salana has seen tremendous success and progress, just like all other institutions of the Jamaat.

Red books are still maintained and consulted for future planning.

May Allah enable us to follow every word of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa as it is only through his guidance and obedience that we have seen prosperity and shall see even more. Insha-Allah!

A report signed off by Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh

Red Book, Jalsa Salana Rabwah, 1954

Daily records Jalsa Salana, 1954

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

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Flying high the standard of Islam Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat – the flag of the Jamaat Committee for Liwa-eAhmadiyyat, formed

by Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra

Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra hoists Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat for the first time, 1939

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh

Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra

Hazrat Syed Mir Muhammad Ishaqra

T

he year 1939 marked the completion of 50 years since the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat’s establishment and 25 years of the second Khilafat. The Ahmadiyya Jamaat was fully engaged in preparations to celebrate the occasion of Khilafat Jubilee.

During the proceedings of Majlis-eShura of that year, a subcommittee for jubilee programmes presented a number of proposals regarding the inauguration of the jubilee. One such suggestion was that a standard flag of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat should be created and a request be presented before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra to formally hoist that flag on the occasion of the Jubilee Jalsa.

Members of the Shura presented their proposals regarding this particular suggestion. Certain members were of the view that flags are associated with temporal states, therefore there was no need for it at the time. Thereupon, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra asked the scholars of the community to voice their opinions on the matter.

Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ishaqra expressed that once, when the Holy Prophetsa went to offer the Eid prayer in Medina, a flag was hoisted in the Eid Gah. Likewise, a flag was hoisted on the occasion of Hajja-tul-Wida.

Hazrat Maulvi Syed Muhammad Sarwar

Shahra stated that the Promised Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas witnessed in a vision that he possessed a flag.

After the opinions of members and scholars, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra put the matter to vote. A total of 376 members voted in favour of this suggestion. Deciding the matter in favour of the majority of the votes, the Second Khalifara approved the proposal of creating a new flag.

Thereafter, members of the Shura gave their opinions on the second part of the suggestion, i.e. regarding the hoisting of the flag. After hearing the opinions of the members, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra stated, “I decide in favour of the majority of the opinions that the flag should be hoisted.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra laid down fundamental instructions regarding the preparations of the flag. Huzoorra said: “I am of the opinion that a specific amount in paisas (one hundredth of a rupee) or even less, should be collected from particular Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas and cotton should be bought from the sum of money, which should be handed over to the female Companionsra for spinning and eventually to those companions who are tailors to prepare cloth from the yarn. Similarly, the Companionsra should cut and clip suitable

wood [for the mast] which should then be handed over to representatives of the Jamaat after being wrapped and this should be our first official flag. Thenceforth, it should be copied and reproduced. In this way, the values of the Jamaat shall be associated with it in a manner that the generations to come will surely be ready to present any kind of sacrifice for it.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra formed a committee for Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, which included Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad MAra, Hazrat Syed Mir Muhammad Ishaqra and Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh as its members. This committee was responsible for carrying out each task regarding the preparation of the flag, i.e. determination of its design, collection of Chanda from male and female Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas, preparation of fabric, decision regarding its length and breadth, arrangement of a pole and various other plans related to the installation and hoisting of the flag.

Though every task was new for members of the committee, they prepared a report after deep consideration and presented it before Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. Huzoorra viewed various sketches of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat.

Eventually, Huzoorra granted the approval of the design which currently exists in the Jamaat.

The details of the first Liwa-eAhmadiyyat’s preparations are not only interesting but spiritually uplifting as well.

Initially, the work began with the collection of Chanda, which, in accordance with the desire of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, was to be collected from the Companionsra of the Promised Messiahas.

So, an appeal was presented before the Companionsra, which primarily resulted in the collection of only 23 rupees, 8 annas and 3 paisas. The reason behind the collection of this significantly smaller amount was that certain Companionsra perceived by mistake that contributions of more than one paisa in Chanda were not being accepted. Hence, a more powerful appeal was made for a second time, which led to the collection of 130 rupees and with that, resulted in the successful completion of this stage.

After the collection of monetary funds, the second stage was to arrange for cotton.

Regarding the purchase of cotton, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was of the view that it would be ideal if such cotton became available which had been grown by the Companionsra. A companion by the name of Hazrat Mian Faqih Muhammadra, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Winjwan, District Gurdaspur, went to Qadian, presented some yarn before Hazrat Amma Janra and

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM expressed that following the instructions of Sahibzada Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra, he himself had sown its seed and continued to water it. Then, having picked the cotton, he got it combed from the Companionsra and managed to have it spun in his house.

Receiving the yarn, Maulana Abdul Rahim Dard Sahib, Secretary Khilafat Jubilee Committee sent a message to Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Winjwan that he should present some more cotton if he had any from that which he himself cultivated.

Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Winjwan sent 8 to 10 seer [one seer equals approximately 2 pounds] of cotton to Qadian through another companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Bhai Abdul Rahmanra.

Thereafter, Hazrat Umme Tahirra, General Secretary Lajna Imaillah had this cotton spun into a yarn from female Companionsra.

Now came the stage of preparing fabric from the yarn. Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh got the yarn weaved into fabric from certain Companionsra of Qadian and Talwandi who knew the art of weaving. One such companion was Hazrat Mian Khairuddinra.

According to the decision of the committee, Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat was likely to be 18 feet long and 9 feet wide. Hence, there came the need of those Companionsra who were skilled tailors. They too became easily available by the grace of God and the woven fabric was prepared in its required size through their help and efforts.

Thereafter, the required prints were to be drawn on the flag. Hence, this task was accomplished by the joint efforts of Malik Ataur Rahman Sahib and Hazrat Sahibzada Mirza Nasir Ahmadrh from Shahdara, District Lahore.

The availability of 62-foot straight, long and fine wood was an issue of great significance, which in fact seemed impossible. It was decided after deep consideration to make do with a metal pipe. Hence, an iron pole was made available through the efforts of Babu Akbar Ali Sahib.

Below are the features of Liwa-eAhmadiyyat, which was created after the final approval of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra: • The flag was 18 feet long and 9 feet wide • The colour was black • A full moon was printed on one side while a crescent was etched on the other • Minarat-ul-Masih was imprinted near the full moon • The verse of the Holy Quran:

ٌ َّ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ ُ ّٰ ُ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫نت ْم أ ِذلة‬ ‫ولقد نصركم الله ِببد ٍر وأ‬

“And Allah had already helped you at Badr when you were weak” (Surah AleImran, Ch.3: V.124), was written above the full moon The programme of the blessed event of Khilafat Jubilee began on the morning of 18 December 1939. Two speeches of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra were held on the same day. In his last address, Huzoorra highlighted the background behind the creation of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat and said: “People question erecting flags as if it is an innovative mere ritual. The reality is that it is not an innovation. The Holy

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Jalsa Salana Qadian, 1939

“I bear witness that I will always continue to strive for the establishment, solidarity and promulgation of Islam and Ahmadiyyat to the best of my ability and understanding. I will present every possible sacrifice through the help of God so that Ahmadiyyat, the [true] Islam, prevails over every other religion and its flag never falls, and, in fact, continues to wave higher than every other flag. O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer!”

Prophetsa himself raised a flag and stated that he would hand it over to that person who could fulfill its responsibility. Hence, considering it an innovation indicates lack of awareness of Islamic history. Hoisting flags is not forbidden. I, myself, have heard the Promised Messiahas say in a gathering that we ought to possess a flag.

A flag is the symbolic representation of the gathering of people and it is a source of imparting enthusiasm in the youngsters.

The Promised Messiahas said: ‫ولاےئ ام ہنپ رہ ی‬ ‫عسد وخادہ وبد‬ ‘The refuge of my flag will be acquired by every blessed person’, and it is required from this perspective that we set up our flag so that the fortunate souls seek refuge under it. These apparent signs hold great significance. Thus, it is very necessary to have a flag and instead of it being created through the hands of a king, it is far better that it is created through the hands of the Promised Messiah’sas Companionsra and in the time of the Promised Khilafat. We are grateful to God Almighty that he granted us the strength to create that flag through which a couplet of the Promised Messiahas is apparently fulfilled as well. I have prepared a pledge as well so as to enable us to bear in mind the spiritual side and so that this does not become a mere apparent tradition.”

A 5-foot high platform was built towards the north-western side of the stage.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra came down from the stage, reaching this platform at 2:04pm and said that every person should constantly pray in the words: ْ ُ َّ َ َ َ َّ َّ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الس ِم ْيع ال َعل ِْي ُم‬ ‫ربنا تقبل ِمنا إِنك أنت‬ “Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art the All Hearing, the All Knowing” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.128). Huzoorra himself expressed the words of the same prayer in a very emotional and loud voice.

After the unfolding of the flag, Huzoorra untied the string and as the flag rose and reached the top, slogans of Allahu Akbar were raised.

There was no wind at the time of flag hoisting and it rose towards the top in a manner that its design was not visible, but as soon as it reached the top, a sudden gust of wind caused the entire flag to flutter and reveal itself to those present. The whole gathering had a clear look at it as

the wind settled down again.

After the completion of this ceremony, Huzoorra came on stage and took a pledge from the Jamaat: “I bear witness that I will always continue to strive for the establishment, solidarity and promulgation of Islam and Ahmadiyyat to the best of my ability and understanding. I will present every possible sacrifice through the help of God so that Ahmadiyyat, the [true] Islam, prevails over every other religion and its flag never falls, and, in fact, continues to wave higher than every other flag. O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer!

Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat being preserved, 2013

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

8 ْ ُ َّ َ َ َ َّ َّ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الس ِم ْيع ال َعل ِْي ُم‬ ‫ربنا تقبل ِمنا ِإنك أنت‬ [‘Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art the All Hearing, the All Knowing.’

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.128)] Huzoorra issued special instructions regarding the safety of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat and said, “Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya should appoint 12 men to safeguard this flag at the moment and it should be handed over to 2 nazirs after the Friday prayer who should be responsible for its safety. They should place it behind a firm lock, having two keys, which are both needed to access it.”

A committee was established under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in 2006 to save Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat from the effects of weather and natural decay. This committee is responsible for taking practical steps for the preservation of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, after taking recommendations from technical experts.

The committee was told by certain experts that it would be better to roll Liwa-eAhmadiyyat instead of folding it.

The task of preserving Liwa-eAhmadiyyat began in the lawn of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, situated in front of the committee room, at 5 o’clock in the evening of 12 June 2006. Six members of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya were present on this occasion, namely Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib, Malik Khalid Masood Ahmad Sahib, Syed Abdul Haye Shah Sahib, Salimuddin Sahib and Syed Tahir Ahmad Sahib. Representing Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya were the naib sadr, motamid and ten central office-bearers. Moreover, Wasim Ahmad Sahib, a curator of Lahore Museum, Mubashir Ahmad Dehlvi Sahib, staff members of MTA and various staff members of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya were also present.

At around 5:30pm, the trunk of Liwae-Ahmadiyyat was brought from the office of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and it was spread on a platform of tables after being carried out from the trunk. During the process, measurements of the flag and the prints were taken along with some photographs.

Thereafter, the official commencement of the event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, which was presented by Hafiz Khalid Iftikhar Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal, followed by a brief history of Liwae-Ahmadiyyat from Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat by the Motamid of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Pakistan. Then, the nazir-e-ala and amir-e-muqami led everyone in silent prayer.

After the prayer, Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat was wrapped around a 4-inch UPVC pipe, which was already covered with pure cotton paper with help of a cotton thread. Once, Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat was carefully rolled, it was again covered with pure cotton paper.

It was then placed and secured in a 12-inch UPVC pipe.

According to the recommendation of Wasim Ahmad Sahib, two chemicals – thymol for the removal of insects and silica gel, which controls humidity present in the air – were placed inside the pipe, wrapped in a very fine cotton fabric.

Under the instructions of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat is brought out of its secure case and thoroughly examined for

Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa (second from left) by the original Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, 1986

Photos Courtesy of Liwa-e-Ahmadyyat Committee

Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat in various phases of preservation

preservation purposes every few years.

It is professionally preserved, rolled and placed back in its secure case. The recent preservation took place on 1 May 2019 according to the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Let us repeat the same pledge again for the exaltation and the safeguard of Liwa-eAhmadiyyat, which has been committed to our trust: “I bear witness that I will always continue to strive for the establishment, solidarity and promulgation of Islam and Ahmadiyyat to the best of my ability and understanding. I will present every possible sacrifice through the help of God so that Ahmadiyyat, the

[true] Islam, prevails over every other religion and its flag never falls, and, in fact, continues to wave higher than every other flag. O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer; O Allah, fulfil my prayer! ْ ُ َّ َ َ َ َّ َّ ْ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫الس ِم ْيع ال َعل ِْي ُم‬ ‫ربنا تقبل ِمنا إِنك أنت‬ [‘Our Lord, accept this from us; for Thou art the All Hearing, the All Knowing.’]

A complete record of the movement of Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat has been documented in a log book, however, this record only dates back to the first Jalsa Salana that took place after the partition of India and Pakistan. Under the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat

Hifazat [Protection] Committee is in charge of its preservation and protection.

Before Khilafat, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa was also among those who were present at the viewings of the flag.

A photograph from 1986 shows Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa standing by the Liwae-Ahmadiyyat.

In a video recording of the 1988 preservation event, Huzooraa is seen holding the flag; the flag that he would soon be the greatest defender of as Khalifatul Masih. (The video can be viewed on the web-version of the article.)

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Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM Responding to Allegations

sayings of the Holy Prophetsa in which he urged his followers to embark on journeys in order to acquire knowledge, and declared the act of going to meet a Muslim brother as a source of God’s delight, and stated that making a journey to visit holy persons was a means of attaining forgiveness and expiation for sin.

It should be kept in mind that taking the Hadith: ‫ اﻟﻤﺴﺠﺪ ا��ﺮام‬،‫�� �ﺸﺪ ا��ﺣﺎل إ�� إﻟﻰ ﺛ��ﺛة ﻣﺴﺎﺟﺪ‬ ‫وﻣﺴﺠﺪي ﻫﺬا واﻟﻤﺴﺠﺪ ا��ﻗﺼﻰ‬

Is Jalsa Salana an innovation?

D

espite the fact that the Promised Messiahas has clearly elucidated the reasonable and beneficial objectives of Jalsa Salana on numerous occasions, opponents of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and the Promised Messiahas continue to raise allegations against this annual convention.

Highlighting the purpose and intention behind Jalsa Salana, the Promised Messiahas states: “The basis [of Jalsa Salana] is to offer pure assistance [for establishing] the truth [of Islam] and to glorify the name of Allah. In fact, Allah the Almighty placed the primary brick of this institution by His own hand.”

The Promised Messiahas was foretold regarding the global progression associated with the institution of Jalsa Salana by Allah the Almighty. He received glad tidings that nations had been created

by Allah the Almighty to take part in this Jalsa. However, he was very cautious and mindful to highlight the fact that he had no desire to display the large number of his followers like a worldly saint or a religious leader.

The opponents target various aspects of Jalsa Salana. At times, the journey to Jalsa is referred to as an innovation and sometimes the attendance of the gathering is ridiculed. On some instances, the picture of sajda-e-shukr (prostration of gratitude to Allah) offered at the occasion of International Bai‘at (initiation ceremony) is deliberately presented out of context to manipulate the minds of innocent people.

In addition, the accommodation facilities built for the convenience of guests are targeted to further malign members of the Jamaat.

The humble beginning of Jalsa Salana dates back to 1891, when it was held in the remote village of Qadian and attended by around 75 members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The primary purpose of this convention was to help enhance the religious knowledge of members and to provide means whereby their perception of Allah may progress.

In spite of all the helpful and spiritual benefits of Jalsa Salana, the opponents hailed it an innovation. A person in the

time of the Promised Messiahas went to Rahim Bakhsh, the Imam of Chinian Wali Mosque, Lahore and asked for an edict to be issued regarding far-off journeys which are made in particular days to take part in this annual convention. Further to make the edict much more dramatic, a verdict was taken regarding the person who specifically builds a house as a holy place for Jalsa or offers monetary sacrifice for it. The reason for demanding the second verdict was that Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra built a house at his own expense for the accommodation of Muslims who would come to attend the convention and Hakim Fazl Din Sahib of Bhera raised monetary contributions for the house.

Hence, Mian Rahim Bakhsh issued an edict against the institution of Jalsa Salana and produced a lengthy statement referring to a Hadith, which was not relevant to the matter. Cutting the long story short, he declared that the journey for Jalsa was an innovation, rather it was a sin and the recommendation of these gatherings was unconventional as there was not a single example in the Holy Quran or Sunnah (practice of the Holy Prophetsa) which testified to it. Moreover, the person who established it in Islam was accursed – God forbid.

As Jalsa Salana was established by the Promised Messiahas and the objections against it were also raised well within his time, he himself responded and eliminated these allegations in his detailed announcement, published on 17 December 1892. It was recorded in the first volume of Majmua Ishtiharat (collection of announcements) on pages 352 to 365. Below is the summary of the announcement: The Promised Messiahas deemed the objection against Jalsa Salana to be a great sign of the approaching Judgment Day, when ignorant persons would become masters and leaders of the masses after the demise of righteous scholars and owing to their ignorance and lack of reasoning in deducing religious matters, they would not only mislead innocent minds but themselves as well.

Those who level allegations against

the blessed institution of Jalsa Salana, their state resembles the muftis (those who issue edicts) of the final days, i.e. the maulvis, the muhaddises (well-versed in the knowledge of Hadith), faqihs (Islamic jurist); they would all be the worst of all people dwelling on the earth.

The news of these fault-finders have been foretold in a Hadith that they would recite the Quran but it would not go beyond their throats, i.e. they would not act according to its teachings.

The Promised Messiahas highlighted the fact that it is not only permissible to embark on a journey for the reason of acquiring religious knowledge, but in fact it is compulsory in light of the Holy Quran and the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa.

The Promised Messiahas presented the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa to support his argument. The Holy Prophetsa said: ‫ﻃﻠﺐ اﻟعﻠﻢ ﻓﺮﻳﻀة �ﻠﻰ �ﻞ ﻣﺴﻠﻢ و ﻣﺴﻠﻤة‬ “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim man and woman.”

On another occasion, the Holy Prophetsa stated: ��‫اﻃﻠﺒﻮا اﻟعﻠﻢ وﻟﻮ بﺎﻟﺼ‬ “Acquire knowledge even if you have to go as far as China.”

The Promised Messiahas emphasised that the main intention behind the journey for participating in Jalsa Salana is to acquire knowledge; to pose questions against it is an act of thrashing honesty, sincerity, impartiality, nobility and purity.

As far as the issue of allocating specific dates for the gathering of members is concerned, it is only a matter of management and neither is it condemnable, nor an innovation in Islam to carry out a task in an organised manner, as it is said in a Hadith: ‫اﻧﻤﺎ ا�����ل بﺎﻟﻨیﺎت‬ “Verily, actions are judged by intentions.” The Promised Messiahas explained that setting aside prejudices, a person can easily understand that there is no innovation in gathering on a fixed date.

Hazrat Ahmadas expressed surprise about the fact that Maulvi Sahib declared him accursed but forgot to recall those

“Do not partake in a journey except for three mosques, i.e. Al-Masjid-ul-Haram (the Holy Ka‘bah), the Mosque of the Holy Prophetsa (Masjid-e-Nabawi), and the Mosque of Al-Aqsa (Baitul Maqdas)”, to mean that all other journeys are forbidden except for those mentioned in it is in fact an act of sheer ignorance.

The Promised Messiahas pointed out countless occasions when it is necessary and beneficial for a person to set out for a journey. For instance, one travels to acquire knowledge, to meet relatives, to find work, to convey a message, to set out in the cause of Allah, to seek an edict, to visit saints (as Hazrat Umarra went to meet Hazrat Owais Qarnira), to visit holy masters (as was the practice of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadirrh, Hazrat Bayazid Bastamirh, Hazrat Muinuddin Chishtirh, Hazrat Mujaddid Alf Sanirh) and to view the wonders of the world as it is indicated from the verse of the Holy Quran: َْْ ْ ُْ ‫ض‬ ِ ‫ِﺳ��وا �ِ� ال�ر‬ “Go about in the earth” (Surah alAnam, Ch.6: V.12) and to stay in company of the truthful (sadiqin) as it is guided in the verse of the Holy Quran: َ َ ُ ُ ّٰ ُ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُّ َ َ َ ِ‫الﺼادﻗ‬ �� ‫یا أیہا ال ِذین‬ ِ ّ ‫آمنوا اتقوا الل َه َوكوْنوْا َمع‬ “O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with the truthful” (Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.119). On other occasions, a journey is undertaken to visit the sick, to seek medical treatment, to appear in court, to carry out trade etc.

It is quite strange that both the persons – the one who sought the edict and the one who issued – partook in various journeys of the same kind, but they do not pay heed. The Promised Messiahas asserted that in view of the opponents, if all other journeys except for the three mosques were forbidden, then they should renounce their relationships, abandon their relatives and refrain from undertaking any journey towards their loved ones in order to meet or to join them in grief or sickness.

One should ponder over the book of Hadith, Sahih al-Bukhari, which gives glad tidings that Allah the Almighty would make the passage of paradise easier for that person who makes a journey for acquiring knowledge and follows a path.

The Promised Messiahas reiterated that the opponents should examine and observe the subject of his announcement published on 7 December 1892, which clearly shows that he introduced the institution of Jalsa Salana for members of the community to gain knowledge, to resolve religious issues, to provide assistance for Islam and to meet each Continued on page 17

10

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

The Pentecost at Jalsa Salana A brief history of simultaneous translations The information given below has been extracted from the accounts of Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib, Ayub Zaheer Sahib, Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib and Malik Lal Khan Sahib, all of whom were instrumental in setting up the simultaneous translation system at Jalsa Salana Rabwah:

A historic and rare group photo of devout Ahmadis who spoke in 47 different languages at the Jalsa Salana Qadian, 1926

“When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues [or languages] as the Spirit enabled them.

“Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? … Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, ‘What does this mean?’” (Acts 2:1-12) This biblical passage, in our belief, points to the coming of a time when believing men and women will simultaneously proclaim the unity of God in one voice, as one community.

Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, at the occasion of the first International Bai‘at on 1 August 1993, whilst referring to the aforementioned reference, said: “As far as my research has taken me, I have not found proof of any other incident of this nature taking place in history. Thus, this can be taken to be a vision that was seen.

This was to take place not in the time of the first Messiah, but in the time of the second Messiah.”

Being delivered at the time of the first International Bai‘at, the translation facility now easily available to participants of Jalsa Salana, which materialised this vision, has a long and interesting history, which we aim to present to our readers.

We all know that only 75 persons were able to attend the first Jalsa Salana that took place in Qadian in 1891.

Then, in the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas, the number of attendees started to grow into hundreds and then thousands.

Jalsa Salana then went through various phases, where its venue had to be changed – sometimes due to shift of the Markaz and sometimes due to lack of space. From Qadian

to Rabwah to Islamabad in Surrey and later to Hadeeqatul Mahdi in Alton, England, the central Jalsa Salana has been through many chapters.

In the time of Hazrat Mirza Nasir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, Ahmadis from foreign countries began attending Jalsa Salana in Rabwah. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh felt that such attendees would travel from distant places of the world in their love for the Jamaat but could not benefit from the proceedings of the Jalsa owing to the fact that all speeches were in Urdu.

It was in 1973 that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh instructed the Fazle-Umar Foundation to look into how simultaneous translations of speeches could be made available to foreign guests. The Fazle-Umar Foundation contacted Philips who quoted 2 million rupees for providing translations on 100 sets. This venture was seen as unaffordable at the time and was put off to a later time.

Feeling the dire need of such a system, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh instructed Ahmadi engineers to devise a system of their own. Professor Naseer Khan Sahib was given the responsibility to oversee the project who contacted various foreign firms, but this was to no avail.

At the Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya in 1979, Professor Naseer Khan Sahib mentioned the need for live translations at Jalsa Salana to Malik Lal Khan Sahib.

Malik Sahib replied that although he was a civil engineer with no experience of electrical designs, he would still look into it and see what could be done.

It was no less of a coincidence that Malik Lal Khan Sahib spoke to Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahibrh about his newly assigned project. Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmadrh took great interest in the project and was later assigned the supervisor of the project by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. Malik Lal Khan Sahib, upon his return to Islamabad (Pakistan), spoke to Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib who was working at a key post in the Pakistan Telecommunications Authority. He too, despite being an electrical engineer, had no experience of electrical designs. In the meantime, Malik Lal Khan Sahib started contacting various firms like Philips, Sumitomo and Siemens, explaining to them the desired project. Only Philips got back showing interest, but

the costs quoted were, yet again, out of the Jamaat’s reach.

It was then that Malik Lal Khan Sahib and Munir Farrukh Sahib embarked upon the challenging mission of designing a system of their own.

Some other Ahmadi engineers were taken on board, namely Captain Ayub Zaheer Sahib and engineer Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib. With the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh and the patronage of Sahibzada Mirza Tahir Ahmad Sahibrh, these young engineers, who had worked tirelessly day and night, were able to see a breakthrough.

They were able to design two models: a wired system and a loop induction system.

Wired system: This system was based on the model of audio facilities in aeroplanes where passengers can choose an audio track of their choice from a range of tracks.

This was very close to what was required – an audio feed of original audio from the stage provided to translators in their booths; their audios relayed through a balanced network of wires; audio tracks relayed through a system of resistance and capacitance. The best feature of this balanced network was that whether the recipient of the audio is one person or 108, all could receive the same audio track of a respective language and benefit from it. Volume control was an added advantage. The amplified signal of the translator was relayed through the master-box to the slave-box and from the slave-box to the seat terminal, from where the guest could select their audio track and listen to it through their headphones.

Loop-induction system: When a cable carries electrical current, a magnetic field is produced around that cable.

By placing a coiled wire in this magnetic field, the same frequency of the actual cable is induced into the coil. By amplifying the frequency produced in the coil, it becomes audible through devices like loudspeakers and headphones.

The Ahmadi engineers developed a system on this model. This model, known as the loop-induction system, was picked by the Ahmadi engineers from the pocket transistor radio receivers. A pocket transistor was purchased, its RF (radio frequency) systems were removed, leaving behind only the audio components. A coil was attached to the audio system to pick up the signals from translators’ booths and relayed to headphones. This proved to be a successful experiment, but what was required now were cases to hold these systems. Aluminium cases were acquired from Bolan Radio, but this experiment came with noise and disturbance in the audio. Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib, an Ahmadi carpenter, made wooden boxes for the circuits to be placed in and this produced very good results.

Following these successful experiments, two prototype systems were manufactured – a wired system with provision for 18 recipients and another of the loop-induction system with only a few boxes.

In September 1980, a demonstration of both the prototype systems was given to the board members of Fazle-Umar Foundation who approved the systems and sanctioned a grant of 100,000 rupees. This grant came with the condition that four systems were to be prepared – two for the men’s Jalsa Gah and two for the ladies’; two for English and two for Indonesian languages. But all this was to be fully functional before Jalsa Salana of the same year which was only two months away. The board asked for translations to be available for 200 recipients.

The Ahmadi engineers got to work straight away and within a month, they had their fully functional demonstration ready to present before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh on the Majlis-e-Shura of Ansarullah Markaziya, which was held in October 1980.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh appreciated the efforts of the engineers and approved the systems. The system was used to provide translation facilities with four translators working in turns. The names of the first translators on this newly developed system are Naseem Saifi Sahib, BA Rafiq Sahib, Mujibur Rahman Sahib (Advocate) and Shakil Ahmad Sahib.

With the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, the teams were able to have 220 systems ready for Jalsa Salana 1980, which were delivered from Islamabad to Rabwah on 16 December 1980. It was a great breakthrough in the history of Jalsa Salana. A desire of Khalifatul Masih was fulfilled and that too at a very low cost.

11

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

First International Bai‘at on 1 August 1993

Had these 220 systems been purchased from Philips, the cost would have been no less than 4 million rupees.

The team of Ahmadi engineers had made it possible in only 80,000 rupees; saving 20,000 rupees of their approved budget. All three engineers would assemble after work at Malik Lal Khan Sahib’s house and work late into the night on this project. Later on, a room was allocated as a laboratory for this project in the guest house of Jamaat Islamabad in the Aabpara area of Islamabad. It was in this small room that this grand project materialised.

The operation was huge anyway, but to have it ready in two months was what made it an even greater challenge.

To have it up and running by Jalsa, more members were required in the team; three engineers were not sufficient.

Further members were required to work in four teams; manufacturing, installation, operation and repairs. Similar teams were required for the Lajna side.

The members taken on board to work in various teams were as follows: 1. Engineer Lal Khan Malik Sahib got in touch with various companies and came up with the initial design 2. Engineer Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib worked on the initial design, manufacturing and installations 3. Engineer Ayub Zaheer Sahib worked in the manufacturing and installation as 2nd level supervisor 4. Engineer Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib worked in maintenance and operations 5. Mubashar Ahmad Gondal Sahib in procurement of components 6. Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib worked on devised wooden boxes for the systems The above names were classed as level 1.

The technicians involved, and classed as level 2, were Manzur Kamal Sahib, Javed Rasheed Sahib, Hamid Mahmood Malik Sahib, Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Tariq Mahmood Malik Sahib and Naseer Ahmad Sahib.

Laymen trained to handle the systems, classed as Level 3, were Zahid Mahmood Khan Sahib, Abdul Mannan Fayyaz Sahib, Maqsood Sajid Sahib, Mushtaq Siddhu Sahib, Faheem Ahmad Sahib, Ahmad Deen Sahib and Naeemullah Sahib.

Members of Lajna trained to handle and manage the equipment on the Lajna side were Mrs Lal Khan Malik, Mrs Amatul Rashid Mahmood, Mrs Munir Farrukh, Mrs Ayub Zaheer, Mrs Inamul Haq Kauser, Naila Kokab Sahiba, Zakia Afzal Sahiba, Nasira Afzal Sahiba, Amatul Shakoor Sahiba and Tahira Nusrat Sahiba.

The same systems and the same teams continued to

provide translation facilities in Jalsas up to 1983 in Rabwah.

After the Hijrat of Khilafat to England, the same systems were used from 1985 to 2009. Some countries are still using the same facilities for Jalsas and other events.

Commending the successful efforts of the Ahmadi engineers working under Fazle-Umar Foundation, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh, addressing Jalsa Salana Rabwah on 27 December 1980, said: “A great work that they have done this year is that they have provided translation facilities in English and Indonesian languages for foreign guests … This work has now set off. When we obtained quotes from external companies, they quoted 2 to 2.5 million rupees for about 150 sets. Allah bless our Ahmadi engineers who came forward saying that they would do it for a lot less, and so there was no need to spend such a huge amount. I think they have prepared 228 systems with 80,000 rupees. Pray for them that Allah rewards them. This work has yet to expand so they will deserve more prayers. This proposal was there for many years, but external companies scared us with their quotes and we never had the courage to go for it.”

(Khitabat-e-Nasir, Vol. 2, p. 479) Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh, on 20 October 1983, said: “Some engineers have done a marvelous job in our department of telecommunication. This system of translations has been established by our Ahmadi engineers in much less than some quoted estimates. May Allah reward them in the best way.” (Technical Magazine of IAAAE, 199798) With the advent of modern technology, the system of simultaneous translations in Jalsa Salana has progressed phenomenally. But the efforts of the pioneers in this important area can never be forgotten. May Allah bless them all.

On Al Hakam’s request, Mahmud Mujib Asghar Sahib wrote a detailed account on this subject. A part of it is included herewith: “When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh decided to hold the international Jalsa Salana at Tilford, Islamabad in 1985, Huzoorrh expressed his desire through Wakil-e-Ala Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib to persuade the same team to come to London and install and operate the simultaneous interpretation system.

“Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib conveyed the message to Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and he wrote to all members of the pioneering team.

“I was by then in the Sultanate of Oman. Out of station leave was then applied and 10 days leave was granted by NESPAK, the company in which I was working. The visa

“An additional benefit of these gatherings will be that each year new entrants to the Jamaat shall, by being present on the fixed dates, get to know their brethren who had joined earlier. And these meetings will lead to progressive strengthening of the bond of mutual love and affection.”

(The Promised Messiahas, The Heavenly Decree)

was obtained easily and I also reached there.

“Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib, Malik Lal Khan Sahib, Ayub Zaheer Sahib, Mubashar Ahmad Gondal Sahib, Abdul Karim Lodhi Sahib and some other volunteers like Col Ret Usman, Chaudhry Arshad Sahib and others were already there. The main team had met Huzoorrh and he was delighted to have them with him there.

“They very intelligently hand carried the available equipment like head phones etc. to London. The team performed well to the entire satisfaction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Huzoor then wrote the following letter to Munir Farrukh Sahib who sent copies to all members including myself: ‘In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. We praise Him and invoke blessings on His Noble Prophet.

‘My dear Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib; Assalamo alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.

‘The sincerity, love and effort through which you and your team have worked shall always remain documented in history. May Allah reward you all the best of rewards and enable you to be of the recipients of His divine bounties and blessings. May Allah enable you to offer similar services in the future also. Please convey my affectionate Salam to everyone.

‘Wassalam, [signed,] Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IV.’ “The same pioneering team from Pakistan, under the leadership of Munir Ahmad Farrukh Sahib and Ayub Ahmad Zaheer Sahib rendered their services up to the year 2008. A number of local volunteers were taken on board and trained in due course while the present head, Safdar Sahib was one of them.

“It was decided in 2009 to hand over the work to the UK Jamaat. Since then, the UK team has been running the project.

“It is worth mentioning that the International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers (IAAAE) was founded by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh almost in the same period (October 1980) and the association considers simultaneous interpretation work as their first and foremost project.”

Currently, the translations department at the Markazi Jalsa Salana in the UK offers translations in 14 languages, including Arabic, Urdu, French, English, Bangla, German, Turkish, Russian, Spanish, Bosnian, Albanian, Indonesian and Swahili, with around 75 translators providing translations to not just those present, but also the world over through the divine blessing of MTA International.

Damascus Qadian

Medina Mecca

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From a town hall to 208 acres of countryside T

he migration of Khilafat from Pakistan to the United Kingdom in 1984 was a momentous occasion in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya; a story of hardship, followed by ease. The move was sudden and came as a shock to Ahmadis around the world, particularly those in Pakistan.

The Jamaat, blessed with the arrival

of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was the United Kingdom – a small community of humble means. Very soon, this Jamaat witnessed the divine blessings Khilafat attracts, a new era for the progress of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya was about to unfold before the world.

An example of this success is the transformation of Jalsa Salana held in the

UK. From the outset, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh instilled the importance of Jalsa Salana within the minds of the UK Jamaat members, while also laying great stress upon the proper hospitality of guests.

Scanning through records, one can witness the sheer blessings of Allah at every Jalsa and how the insight, guidance

and presence of Khalifatul Masih matured Jalsa Salana UK into the enormous, highly organised International Jalsa we witness today.

The story of Jalsa Salana United Kingdom journeys through Allah’s blessings and captures the magnificence of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Wandsworth Town Hall (left) where Jalsa UK once took place and an aerial view of Hadeeqatul Mahdi (right), the current venue for Jalsa Salana UK

Jalsa Salana UK 1984: The 19th Jalsa Salana of the UK Jamaat was a great moment in history. It was the first Jalsa attended by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh after his migration from Pakistan. It was for two days – 25 and 26 August – a few months after Huzoor’srh arrival. Their was a humble attendance and it was held in Mahmood Hall at the Fazl Mosque, while the final session took place at Tolworth Recreation Centre, London. Huzoorrh delivered a speech on the final day, highlighting the importance of tabligh.

From this point on, Jalsa Salana UK was to function as the Markazi (central) Jalsa and Khilafat would steer this ship towards continuous progress.

1985: This year marked the first ever Jalsa held at Islamabad. It was a new chapter in the history of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Khuddam and Ansar flocked to Islamabad to prepare it for Jalsa Salana. It became the largest gathering than any previous year in the history of the UK Jamaat, with over 7,000 attendees. The Jalsa Salana instantly bore an international capacity as guests from 48 countries attended. The beautiful Islamabad would now serve as the Jalsa Salana UK site

Jalsa Gah. The number of flags, to this date, continues to increase.

A new roti plant was installed in Islamabad, producing thousands of rotis (flat bread) for Jalsa Salana guests.

Before Jalsa Salana, the first International Tabligh and Tarbiyat Conference of the Jamaat was held, with 30 delegates from all over the world participating. for the next 18 years.

The first International Majlis-e-Shura also took place after this Jalsa.

Huzoorrh held the first Jalsa Salana press conference at Café Royalle, London, attended by 27 Foreign delegates.

1986: The entire proceedings of the 21st Jalsa Salana UK was recorded on video and audio cassettes.

International conferences began appearing at Jalsa. These included conferences of missionaries, doctors, architects and engineers and the International Ahmadiyya Association for Human Rights.

1987: Several new features appeared this year. Flags of countries being represented at Jalsa Salana were hoisted adjacent to the main

For the first time, a large number of Arab and African guests attended. Two Nigerian kings who had accepted Ahmadiyyat also attended and received garments of the Promised Messiahas by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, fulfilling the prophecy, “Kings shall seek blessings from thy garments.”

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For first time, the French translation of Jalsa Salana was provided.

New conferences were held this year, including the International Forum for Centenary Celebrations and the International Audit Conference.

1988: The 23rd Jalsa Salana was the last major function of the first century of Ahmadiyyat held on 22 and 24 July 1988 at Islamabad.

Eid-ul-Adha was celebrated on last day of Jalsa.

1989: This marked the centennial year of the worldwide Ahmadiyya Jamaat. A special exhibition of the Jamaat’s achievement was set up at Jalsa and a record number of attendees was also witnessed, with a total of 12,748 guests.

During the Jamaat’s centenary Jalsa Salana, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh, in his inaugural address, spoke of the persecution of Ahmadis in Pakistan.

A very special feature of this Jalsa was that Huzoorrh invited Hazrat Maulvi Muhammad Hussainra, a companion of the Promised Messiahas who, in spite of his old age and health conditions, flew to the UK to attend the Jalsa on the instruction of Huzoorrh.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh requested him to sit adjacent to him on stage. Huzoorrh told the audience that by virtue of seeing this companion, the audience had become tabi‘een (the second generation after a prophet who have been in the company of a companion).

Earlier, Huzoorrh had set a target for the centenary celebrations of the Jamaat: to spread to 100 countries in 100 years. By Jalsa Salana, the Jamaat, by the grace of Allah, had spread to 120 countries.

By this year, 50 translations of the Holy Quran had been completed.

1990: This was the Silver Jubilee of Jalsa Salana UK. 1991: Jalsa Salana was relayed live on radio to 11 counties. The coverage was heard in the main cities of Bangladesh, Pakistan, Germany, Japan, Mauritius, New Zealand, Sweden, Spain, Kenya, Indonesia and Fiji.

The release of a new edition of Tafsir-e-Saghir in Urdu and A Man of God by Iain Adamson.

For first time, a large delegation from the

USSR attended Jalsa UK. Huzoorrh mentioned the various publications that were printed during the year in Russian and that publishing companies in Russia had requested for Jamaat literature. 80 people from the USSR accepted Ahmadiyyat. Huzoorrh said this Jalsa held historical significance as the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas (that Russians would accept Ahmadiyyat) was fulfilled and the foundations of Ahmadiyyat had been sown in Russia.

This Jalsa was broadcast to 5 continents.

For the first time, Arabic press reports of Jalsa Salana UK were published.

1994: Asiran-e-rah-e-maula (prisoners in the name of Allah) of Sahiwal, Pakistan, who were released after nearly 10 years imprisonment were invited as special guests of Jalsa Salana UK. Hazrat Khalifatul Maish IVrh called them onto the stage and embraced them in front of the worldwide Jamaat.

1992: The first Jalsa Salana was broadcast live on MTA to several countries, with more than 50,000 viewers. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh mentioned how this was a fulfilment of the Promised Messiah’sas revelation, “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the earth.”

Huzoorrh expressed how Allah had blessed the Jamaat in miraculous ways – on 7 January 1938, the first loudspeaker was installed in Masjid Aqsa, Qadian and it was a huge development within the Jamaat. However, th MTA was now broadcasting the Khalifa’s During the concluding address of the 29 Jalsa Salana, Ahmadis from across the globe video and audio live to the whole world. began ringing MTA International and gave messages of congratulations; these messages were read out live by Huzoorrh.

1995: A new feature this year was the live online streaming of Jalsa Salana UK on alislam.org, the Jamaat’s official website.

1996: The entire proceedings of Jalsa Salana on MTA were broadcast along with simultaneous translations in 8 languages. The recordings were made available online on alislam.org.

For the first time, a question and answer session was held on the first day of Jalsa, exclusively for foreign guests.

Baba Anoop Singh Baidi from the 15th 1999: A new milestone for Lajna Imaillah this generation of Hazrat Guru Baba Nanak’s year was reached as Lajna from 40 countries offspring attended Jalsa Salana UK and attended Jalsa. addressed the gathering. He invited Jamaat members to Qadian.

1993: The 28th Jalsa Salana UK was monumental as the first International Bai‘at took place. It is estimated that more than 200,000 people from across the world participated in this Bai‘at. Huzoorrh wore the blessed green coat of the Promised Messiahas and recited the Bai‘at wording in Urdu, which was then translated immediately in various languages. The International Bai‘at, from this date onwards, became one of the greatest highlights of Jalsa Salana UK and has taken 1999: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh showed place every year with an ever-increasing the pocket-watch of the Promised Messiahas to participation. the audience. This was also relayed on MTA. Parhezi (special dietary food) was made available to all guests this year.

2000: Two kings from Benin received garments of the Promised Messiahas by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh at Jalsa Salana, once again fulfilling the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas, “Kings shall seek blessings from thy garments.”

The new Jalsa Radio FM covered live

proceedings of Jalsa for 3 days. Jalsa FM developed into Jalsa FM 87.7 and today, it covers a wide area and includes multiple programmes, weather updates, traffic updates and, of course, the live proceedings of Jalsa Salana.

Exhibitions by Humanity First were on display for the first time. MTA International also presented an exhibition. The ladies involved in the scheduling department set up a display showing the activities of MTA in various countries.

2003: The 37th Jalsa Salana UK was significant as it was the first Jalsa of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa after Allah bestowed him with the mantle of Khilafat.

This Jalsa witnessed a record number of attendees, reaching 25,000 from 81 countries. Huzooraa highlighted the purpose of Jalsa Salana in light of the Promised Messiah’sas writings and emphasised the importance of remembering Allah, Durood, and Istighfar.

Tahir Foundation was launched by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa at Jalsa Salana.

2004: Huzoor announced at Jalsa his desire for an additional 15,000 Musian to join the blessed scheme of Wasiyyat. In this way, by 2005, the centenary of Wasiyyat, we will reach 50, 000 Musian since 1905.

The academic awards for excellence in studies became a new feature at Jalsa Salana UK. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa presented men and ladies with these awards.

This year was the first time the main Jalsa Gah marquees had ventilators to regulate the temperature as the months chosen for Jalsa had previously been very hot.

2005: As the Jalsa was growing, Islamabad proved to be inadequate to cater for the tens of thousands attending. Therefore, the 39th Jalsa Salana UK was held in the Rushmoor Arena, Aldershot. Islamabad was used for accommodation, parking and dining.

During Jalsa Salana, Huzooraa announced the purchase of a new site for Jalsa in Hampshire, which was 208 acres, nearly 10 times Islamabad.

2006: Two years after Huzooraa was chosen as Khalifatul Masih, the Jamaat was blessed with a new site in the beautiful countryside of Alton, Hampshire; it was named Hadeeqatul Mahdi (Garden of the Mahdi) by Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. The 40th Jalsa Salana UK was held here. The attendance was larger than any previous year with more than 29,000 guests representing 81 countries.

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A larger roti plant was installed and used in Islamabad, while the old roti plant was on standby but also produced rotis in low numbers on the instruction of Huzooraa.

It was a totally new setup; a mini city had to be erected. Accordingly, a great number of volunteers came for waqar-e-amal to get the grounds of Hadeeqatul Mahdi ready for Jalsa; these included over 1,000 Lajna members.

15 more marquees were set up and most of the guests were able to reside at Hadeeqatul Mahdi. This enormous site had space for more than 5,000 cars, and buggies were used to transport the elderly and disabled during Jalsa Salana.

The setup and wind-up of Jalsa Salana at Hadeeqatul Mahdi had to be done within a 28-day time frame, according to the local council’s rules, a new challenge for the Jalsa organisers.

To celebrate 100 years of Khilafat, 100 Cyclists from Germany travelled to the UK on bicycles, drawing lots of media attention.

This was in tradition with the cycling scheme started by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Pakistan. Cycling to Jalsa during the Khilafat Jubilee year of 2008 was initiated by Khuddam Cyclists in Africa who cycled 1700 kilometres from Burkina Faso to Ghana for the annual Jalsa on old bikes and broken roads. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa expressed his desire for cycling to Jalsa to continue, as cycling had many benefits, one of which was tabligh.

This was also the first Jalsa Salana recorded in HD (high definition) and preserved. Also, Jalsa Salana was streamed live for the first on MTA Online.

A new exhibition was on display: the Makhzan-e-Tasaweer department put up a spectacular exhibition of various historical images. This has now developed into one of the most visited displays at Jalsa Salana UK. 2007: The 41st Jalsa Salana UK witnessed MTA 3 Al-Arabiyya broadcasting live proceedings for the first time. Over the years, MTA 3 AlArabiyya has grown from strength to strength and now has its own studios at Jalsa Salana, from which various programmes in Arabic and studio discussions are aired throughout the Arab world.

An exponential amount of rainfall took place and created a new challenge for the Jalsa organisers at the Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

However, guests showed great patience and continued with smiles on their faces. Local shops had run out of wellington boots, which were heavily used during this Jalsa.

Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany sent a group of cyclists to Jalsa Salana UK to monitor the feasibility of bringing a larger group of Khuddam on bikes for the Khilafat centenary the following year.

“It is very difficult to put in words what I felt; the depth of feeling, warmth and understanding I have never felt before. He was a good man, a great leader; sincerity with humility. I was shaken – I still am.”

2010: The 44th Jalsa Salana UK was very special as it commemorated the martyrs of Lahore. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa spoke of them in high regard. Speeches were delivered on the topic of the Lahore martyrs and the Jalsa Salana backdrop was designed in their remembrance.

As with every year, flags of the countries being represented by Jalsa guests were put up. This year, for the first time, the flag of Pakistan that was erected was sent by Pakistan’s high commission in London.

The translation of the Jalsa Salana proceedings reached 12 languages.

11 new countries were represented at Jalsa Salana.

2011: Food preparation shifted from Islamabad to Hadeeqatul Mahdi; the food for Jalsa Salana would now be cooked in the new make-shift Langar Khana at Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

exceptional press and media coverage, with 13 million people in the UK informed about the Jalsa through media, while a similar number

of people outside the UK were also informed.

Huzooraa commended the efforts by the press teams in his sermon following the Jalsa.

2015: A group of Canadian Khuddam travelled to the 49th Jalsa Salana UK to volunteer. These Khuddam performed an excellent job in the magnanimous task of Jalsa Salana wind-up and were commended by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in his Friday Sermon. This waqfe-arzi group grew and expanded to USA Khuddam volunteering in the following years.

This year, again, there was a huge media coverage of Jalsa Salana UK. BBC News 24 broadcast from Jalsa three times, French national news agency AFP also broadcast about Jalsa and their coverage was aired on various websites, including Yahoo News, NBS News and MSN News. 34 radio interviews were broadcast including one by BBC radio 4.

10 million people listened to the Jalsa Salana proceedings on the radio in Congo. Ghana TV aired 8 hours of the UK Jalsa.

This year, there was a national threat of swine flu as well. Accordingly, in complying with the instructions of Huzooraa, homeopathic medicine for the swine flu was distributed to guests throughout the 3 days. 15-20 kilograms of medicine was dispensed every day.

A life size replica of the Turin Shroud was on display by The Review of Religions’ team. A shroud expert, Barrie Schwortz, also attended and gave talks.

Ms Ann Buckley, the granddaughter of John Hugh Smyth-Piggot – who had received warnings from the Promised Messiahas to repent from his claim of divinity – attended Jalsa Salana and mentioned the good feelings she had about the Ahmadiyya Community.

A new department for cleanliness was formed.

2013: The 47th Jalsa Salana UK commemorated Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK’s Jubilee. In 1913, the first missionary, Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Siyalra arrived in England. Various speeches and programmes commemorated the establishment of the Jamaat in the UK.

2016: This year was the silver jubilee of Jalsa Salana UK. The live proceedings were broadcast on the newly launched MTA Africa. A separate studio was created for MTA Africa in Hadeeqatul Mahdi, from which various studio discussion were shown. With the development of MTA Africa, many national TV channels broadcast proceedings of Jalsa, including Ghana National TV, Cine Plus TV Ghana, TV Africa, Sierra Leone, MI TV Nigeria, Benin, Rwanda, Uganda.

A new, fully equipped Langar Kitchen was built at Hadeeqatul Mahdi.

The first roti plant in Hadeeqatul Mahdi was installed. It was purchased from Lebanon and produced thousands of rotis (flat bread) every day.

Ghana National TV, for the first time, broadcast parts of Jalsa Salana UK. The following year (2014), this increased to a 90-minute slot covering each day.

2008: The 42nd Jalsa Salana UK, convened in the same year as Khilafat Centenary (19082008), witnessed a record 85 countries being represented and an attendance of 40,665 guests.

It was the 16th International Bai‘at Ceremony and Ahmadis from 193 countries took Bai‘at through MTA.

Mr Jolyn Martyn Clark, the grandson of Dr Henry Martyn Clark – an adversary of the Promised Messiahas – visited the Jalsa Salana and expressed his delight in meeting Huzooraa.

Regarding the first meeting with Huzooraa, he expressed:

2009: The 43rd Jalsa Salana saw the establishment of a new, large scale, health and safety department. With the growth of Jalsa Salana UK, governmental representatives had begun to regularly inspect Jalsa, ensuring health and safety standards were met.

Two large Langars (kitchens) were created in Islamabad and Baitul Futuh. The Langar in Islamabad supplied food for Hadeeqatul Mahdi, while the food cooked at Baitul Futuh was given to Jalsa guests at Fazl Mosque and Baitul Futuh.

This year’s Jalsa took place 4 weeks after the tragic London bombings. The media reported on the Jalsa and noted Huzoor’s condemnation of the attacks.

The accommodation of many of the dignitary guests outside the Jamaat was arranged at the newly acquired building of Jamia Ahmadiyya UK this year. In his Friday Sermon, Huzooraa spoke of the new Jamia UK site’s beauty and recommended those visiting from abroad to visit it. Over the years, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK has developed and housed an increasing number of Jalsa Salana guests. Huzooraa also inspected the arrangements at Jamia UK during the inspection prior to Jalsa.

2012: At the occasion of the 46th Jalsa Salana, MTA live-stream was largely extended, and it was estimated that 300,000 people viewed the Jalsa online.

The UK Jamaat presented £100,000 to Huzooraa for the jubilee of the UK Jamaat.

Huzooraa announced that he would donate the money to the projects of IAAAE (International Association for Ahmadi Architects and Engineers).

2014: The 48th Jalsa Salana UK experienced

MTA online French stream was a new feature.

It began to show live proceedings of Jalsa Salana along with studio discussions.

Several new exhibitions were seen, including The Al Qalam Project by The Review of Religions and launched by Huzooraa;

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thousands took part in it at Jalsa Salana.

Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre (ARC) also exhibited their first display of precious relics of the Promised Messiahas and Khulafa. This exhibition proved to be very popular with Jalsa guests and continues to grow each year.

Nizamat (department) waqf-e-arzi was created. The department organised the local and international volunteers arriving to

Continued from page 9

other in order to increase brotherhood.

Huzooras clarified that the gathering is not for enjoyment or entertainment.

The Promised Messiahas called the attention of the opponents towards the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa in which the journey for the purpose of seeking religious knowledge and eliminating doubts was declared a source of great rewards and abundant bounties. It is stated in a Hadith that on the Day of Judgment, a person would be under firm accountability for their bad deeds, but Allah the Almighty would ask them if they went to meet a certain holy person. They would reply that they did not visit them intentionally, but once they happened to meet someone on their way. Thereupon, Allah the Almighty would forgive them on the basis of the encounter and tell them to enter the paradise.

The Promised Messiahas expounded upon the matter of allocating specific days of a month for the religious Jalsa and stated that someone may possess a doubt and question whether it is justified by the practice of the Holy Prophetsa or the Companionsra.

The reply to this query is that a person should contemplate and study the books of Hadith, Bukhari and Muslim. People of remote areas used to visit the Holy Prophetsa and seek guidance on various issues. At times, groups would visit him in specific months of the year.

It is narrated by Hazrat Abu Hamza in Sahih al-Bukhari that a messenger group from the tribe of Abdul Qais came to meet the Holy Prophetsa and said that as they had journeyed from a far-off land, they could not visit except in the sacred months. The Holy Prophetsa did not reject their request and accepted it.

Hence, it is substantially proven

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Research Project.

serve at Jalsa Salana UK. In 2016, Huzooraa mentioned that Jalsa Salana UK has truly become international due to the various volunteers from across the world. Over 150 volunteers from Canada and USA took part in the Jalsa wind-up, while from the UK, about 6,000 girls and boys volunteered from all age groups.

The press and media department hit its biggest milestone with the largest media coverage than any previous Jalsa. BBC, Radio 4, The Economist, The Guardian, The Independent, Channel 4, The Daily Telegraph, Daily Mail, Daily Express, The Sun (most read newspaper in the UK), Radio LBC, London Live TV, Sky News, Channel 5, Scottish TV, Belfast Telegraph and Nottingham Post all covered the Jalsa. Print and online media reach was about 41 million. Overall, including all modes of media, the total coverage was to 135 million people.

2017: The 51st Jalsa Salana UK and the 25th anniversary of MTA International; by 2017, multiple channels of MTA were broadcasting Jalsa Salana live in various languages.

10 African channels showed the proceedings and in total, the coverage from across different

from the Ahadith that people can set dates according to their convenience for visiting their spiritual leaders to increase knowledge and hold religious meetings.

The Promised Messiahas put forward that Hazrat Imam Bukharirh formed a separate chapter on the allocation of specific days for holding a gathering to acquire religious knowledge. The heading of that chapter is, “Selecting specific days to benefit the seeker of knowledge is a sunnah (practice) of certain Companionsra”. To justify the title, Hazrat Imam Bukharirh then quotes a Hadith narrated by Hazrat Abu Wail that Hazrat Abdullahrh had fixed Thursday to deliver his address and people used to participate in it on Thursdays.

As Islam is going through a phase of difficulties in the changing times and we are being attacked by opponents through new and innovative ways, we have to devise plans and make strategies to counter the attacks on Islam.

Hence, it is quite evident from the 61st verse of Surah al-Anfal that Allah the Almighty grants us general authority to be ready and make plans against the opponents in the best possible ways.

Those who hail the blessed institution of Jalsa Salana an innovation or infidelity and call the servants of faith “accursed” – regarding whom the Holy Prophetsa said: ‫ﺣﺐ ا��ﻧﺼﺎر ﻣﻦ ا��ﻳﻤﺎن‬ “Love for Ansar is a part of faith” – are in fact those who lead people towards spiritual damnation.

Imam Bukharirh has taken up the matter of those persons who mislead people and formed an entire chapter about it. He states that Hazrat Alira once said: ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ ّ َ �ُ �‫ﻮن أ� ِ� ّﺒ ْﻮ َن أ ْن ﻳُﻜﺬ َب ا�� ُ� َو َر ُﺳﻮ‬ ‫ﺣ ِﺪﺛﻮا اﻟﻨﺎس بِﻤﺎ ﻳ� ِ�ﻓ‬ “Tell people that which they can understand. Would you like for Allah and His Messenger to be rejected?” and further

2018 The 52nd Jalsa Salana UK. For the first time, MTA French was shown on satellite; four African satellite channels aired the French coverage of Jalsa Salana UK. In 2019, 7 African channels will, Insha-Allah, air the Jalsa proceedings in French. countries was over 150 hours.

A chartered flight of 350 Canadian Khuddam was flown to the UK for Jalsa Salana waqare-amal.

Several new exhibitions were set up including the 25th Anniversary MTA Exhibition that was placed inside a gigantic bubble tent and offered Jalsa guests a 3D experience of the Bai‘at ceremony.

The first International Turin Shroud Conference was organised by The Review of Religions. Keynote speakers included shroud experts such as Bruno Barberis, Former President of the Scientific Committee of the International Centre of Sindonology and Barrie Schwortz, Official Documenting Photographer of the 1978 Turin Shroud

states in the interpretation: ��‫اى ﺗ�ﻠﻤﻮا اﻟﻨﺎس �ﻠﻰ ﻗﺪر ﻋﻘﻮﻟ‬ “That is, talk to people according to their mental capacities,” which means that people should be conveyed those sayings of God and his Prophetsa which are rational and can easily be comprehended so that they do not renounce Allah and his Prophetsa.

It is obvious from the act of the maulvi that people would point fingers at the edict because it not rational to declare all other journeys unlawful except for journeys to the three mosques. Such a statement provides a reason to mock Islam and ultimately to raise allegations against most dignified personage of the Holy Prophetsa. The Promised Messiahas further sheds light on the issue that innovation is a matter which is clearly against the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa and there are examples in the life of the Holy Prophetsa where he has reprimanded or admonished people against it. If we do not realise the requirements of the changing times and start calling every revolutionary act or strategy an innovation, then Islam is full of countless innovations. For instance, the knowledge of Arabic grammar and morphology should be called an innovation and the knowledge of Hadith would be deemed an innovation as well.

Moreover, journeying by train, wearing clothes prepared by machines, posting letters, receiving news by means of telegrams and fighting wars with guns and cannons, all would be acts of innovation.

In fact, using guns and cannons would be hailed huge sins because it is stated in the Ahadith that killing your enemy by the torment of fire is strictly forbidden.

The Companionsra were the most worthy of all to understand the Sunnah of the Holy Prophetsa, but the meaning that was deduced by Mian Rahim Bakhsh was

The UK tabligh department held the AlQuran Exhibition and a speech competition about the life and character of the Holy Prophetsa. This was in response to the hate campaign initiated by the Dutch politician, Geert Wilders. Many non-Ahmadi and nonMuslim Europeans took part in this contest.

The newly launched Al Hakam newspaper displayed its first exhibition at Jalsa Salana.

(These facts and figures have been taken from reports published in The Muslim Herald, The Ahmadiyya Bulletin, Al Fazl, Al Fazl International and various interviews.

Compiled by Ataul Fatir Tahir, London)

not comprehended by the Companionsra.

They carried out various new works to fulfill the requirements and needs of the time that were neither performed by the Holy Prophetsa, nor were they present in the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Umarra invented the Islamic Hijri calendar, appointed chief police officers to guard the cities, established a formal office for Bait-ul-Mal (the treasury), determined the rules of attendance and leave for soldiers, drafted the disciplines of fighting, issued instructions regarding the cases of Mal, personally published proposed rules for the safety of state subjects and deemed it obligatory upon himself to secretly patrol at night and look after his subjects. None of the steps or actions taken by Hazrat Umarra were considered innovations.

Hence, the Promised Messiahas was not an innovator in Islam when he established the institution of Jalsa Salana for members of the Jamaat to gain knowledge, to provide assistance for the promulgation of Islam and to meet each other.

Lastly, we clarify the second edict which was about the building of an abode for the participants of Jalsa Salana. As far as the construction of a house is concerned, the construction of a guesthouse or places for accommodation for the convenience of guests and hospitality cannot be considered a wrongful act. If it was an innovation or an act of extreme transgression, then it was mandatory upon the opponents to present a Hadith or verse of the Holy Quran to support their argument.

It does not behove a virtuous person to hold Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra accountable for building a house for the Ahmadiyya Jamaat just for the sake of attaining God’s delight and serving the religion of Islam with great effort and using all his wealth.

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Hospitality – A special trait of the prophets P

rophet Abrahamas has been portrayed in detail throughout the Holy Quran, from his rational arguments against idols to his fervent prayers for his progeny.

His respect and hospitality to strangers had also been recognised by Allah.

Prophet Abrahamas, when approached by a group of unknown guests, “was not long in bringing a roasted calf ” (11:70) the Holy Quran notes.

Another prophet whose exemplary trait of hospitality is mentioned in the Holy Quran is Prophet Lotas.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, addressing the Jamaat prior to a Jalsa Salana in Qadian related how prophet Lot’sas nation were against accommodating guests or showing any hospitality to passing travellers. Prophet Lotas, on the other hand, was extremely passionate and caring when it came to guests. Despite opposition, he would entertain the needs of guests and bring them to his home; it was no easy task due to the opposition, however his resolve to serve overcame any hostility.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra after relating the high standards of hospitality within prophets, turned to the Ahmadi audience at Jalsa and said, “Now, I strongly advise you, who have accepted a prophet, that [Jalsa] guests will arrive here. You must serve them with happiness, go to the organisers and present your services to them. Even if you are dealt harshly by any guest, you should show forbearance.” (Al Fazl, 5 January 1918) Towards the end of the address, Hazrat

Khalifatul Masih IIra said, “Hospitality is a very special trait of the prophets”.

The epitome of this attribute was manifested in the character of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. When, out fear for his mental wellbeing, the Holy Prophetsa rushed home in a state of extreme anxiety after his first revelation, his wife, Hazrat Khadijara comforted him

by declaring, “Never! By Allah, Allah will never disgrace you” and then listed his great morals, of which, one was that “you respect and serve your guests”.

The Holy Prophetsa engraved hospitality in the ethos of every believer.

He said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day should be hospitable with his or her guests” (Sunan Ibn-e-Majah).

Whole chapters of Hadith books have

Langar Khana Jalsa Salana Rabwah

been dedicated to the sayings of the Prophetsa regarding the care and respect guests deserve.

Fast forward 1400 years and we arrive at the Promised Messiah’sas time, who followed the Holy Prophetsa in letter and spirit. In fact, surrounding the year 1889, when the Ahmadiyya Jamaat was established, the Promised Messiahas received three peculiar revelations; peculiar because the number of believers and visitors to Qadian was, if anything, very limited. However, these revelations spoke of a grand future.

One revelation ordered: َ َ َ ‫َو ّ ِﺳ ْﻊ َﻣ�ﺎﻧﻚ‬ “Enlarge thy abode.” He also received the revelation: َ ْ َ َ ُّ ‫ﻳَﺄﺗِیﻚ ِﻣ ْﻦ � ِﻞ ﻓ ٍ ّ� ﻋ ِﻤ ْی ٍﻖ‬ “People will come to you from every faroff distant track.”

And thirdly, he was told by Allah: َّ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ُ َ ‫ﺎس‬ ِ ‫و�� ﺗﺼ ِ�� ِ��ﻠ ِﻖ ا��� و�� �ﺴﺌﻢ ِﻣﻦ اﻟﻨ‬ “Do not act haughtily (turn thy cheek) and do not tire of people.”

These revelations are living proof of how Allah informed the Promised Messiahas concerning the future, and at the same time, a constant reminder for us to always have open hearts and show the best standards when receiving these

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

19

The kitchen of Hazrat Syeda Nusrat Jehan Begumra. This was the first ever Langar facility of Jalsa Salana

guests.

These divine instructions were followed by the Promised Messiahas and can be witnessed through countless narrations of his great example of hospitality. The Promised Messiahas, in his book Victory of Islam, also established hospitality of guests as a branch in propagating Islam Ahmadiyyat.

The narrations, incidents and episodes regarding Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’sas incredible passion for hospitality are boundless, particularly when Jalsa Salana started.

Since the first Jalsa of 1891, the Promised Messiahas was at the forefront in serving guests; spreading out bedding, serving food, seeing off guests, bearing expenses and finding better arrangements.

The Promised Messiahas would try and cater for the needs of every guest. He would tell the cook at the Langar to ensure everyone was given food according to his preferences.

With regard to hospitality of guests, the Promised Messiahas said: “I am always mindful that no guest should be inconvenienced and therefore, I always give instructions that guests should be afforded comfort as much as possible. The heart of a guest is fragile like glass and is broken by the slightest of knocks.”

His companions were left speechless when witnessing this prophet of Allah going to such extremes when serving guests.

Hazrat Sheikh Asghar Alira noted that the Promised Messiahas personally looked after his guests and always drew Hazrat Hafiz Hamid Ali’sra attention to it. Speaking of his own experience, he expressed that once, in 1903, he arrived at Qadian after a long journey via train and horse carriage and it had been raining.

He was with a friend and upon arrival, they were provided very comfortable accommodation and served delicacies.

The Promised Messiahas also personally enquired if they were inconvenienced in any way during their stay.

One companion, Hazrat Seith

Ghulam Nabira, narrates that he came to Qadian during winter and the weather was extremely dire as there had been torrential rainfall. He reached Qadian in the evening and went to bed after supper.

In the middle of the night, someone knocked at the door. Upon opening it, he found the Promised Messiahas standing with a glass of hot milk in one hand and a lantern in the other. The Promised Messiahas said, “Somebody sent me some milk and it occurred to me that you may be accustomed to drinking milk at night, so I have brought this for you; please drink it.” Hazrat Seith Sahib narrates that his eyes welled up with tears of gratitude.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra narrates an incident. He recalled: “I came from Lahore to Qadian. Upon seeing me, the Promised Messiahas said ‘Take a seat. I shall bring you food.’ I assumed a servant would bring the food.

To my surprise, I witnessed the Promised Messiahas himself bringing a tray of food for me. When Huzooras saw me, he said ‘Please eat, I shall bring water for you’.

Tears began to flow uncontrollably with this in mind that if Hazrat Sahibas, whilst being our leader, serves us like this, then how much more responsibility do we have in serving one another.”

Another companion, Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira, narrated that once, when he was in the company of the Promised Messiahas inside a room, some other guests were also present. A knock was heard at the door, as soon as one of the guests was about to move to open the door, the Promiesd Messiahas stood up at once and said, “Wait, I will open the door.

You are a guest, and the Holy Prophetsa exhorted us to honour our guests” Guests who arrived at Qadian were from various backgrounds; the poor and the wealthy. Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra of Kapurthala relates that the Promised Messiahas was once sitting on the roof of Masjid Mubarak, Qadian waiting to have his meal with some guests. One destitute Ahmadi, Mian Nizam Din Sahib, wearing ragged clothes, was also sitting there at a short distance.

Meanwhile, some respectable guests came and sat near the Promised Messiahas. To create space for them, Mian Nizam Din Sahib had to move back until he reached the area where the shoes were placed.

When the meal was about to start, the Promised Messiahas, who had witnessed this ordeal, took a plate of food and called Mian Nizam Din, saying, “Come, Mian Nizam Din, you and I will eat together inside.” Thus, the Promised Messiahas always kept in mind the sentiments of all guests, especially if they were of a “lower” social rank.

In the same vein, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa pior and during Jalsa Salana 2006, reminded the Jalsa volunteers and organisers that a great number of guests from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who are mostly farmers and simple in nature, were leaving their countries for the first time to attend Jalsa. Huzooraa expressed that these guests have great thirst for the love of Khilafat, therefore, observing their simplicity, volunteers should not discriminate in their hospitality towards them.

Sacrificing his own comfort for the comfort of guests was no difficult feat for the Promised Messiahas, it was his norm.

On one occasion, the bedding at Jalsa Salana had run out and a companion began searching for all the bedding he could to present to the guests. He had also taken the Promised Messiah’sas bedding.

Later, when another companion entered the room of the Promised Messiahas, he found him sitting on his bed with a thin cloth over himself and his arms tucked under his armpits. Surprised, the companion asked the Promised Messiahas why he had no bedding. The Promised Messiahas replied by expressing his desire for the guests to be comfortable and that he would be okay.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, speaking on the subject of sacrifice for Jalsa guests, narrated an incident of a companion of the Holy Prophetsa. Once, the Holy Prophetsa assigned companions some guests to take care of. One companion took the guest he was assigned to home. He asked his wife what food was available, to which his wife informed him that nothing was left apart from the children’s share. The companion replied by saying that he had brought a guest of the Holy Prophetsa, therefore the children should be put to sleep and then, when the food is ready, the lights should be put out. He explained to his wife that he would tell the guest that there was no light so they would have to eat in the dark. “When the guest starts to eat,” said the companion, “we too will make noises to show that we too are eating. This is imperative as the guests will not eat if he knows we do not have food.” And so, in the dark, the guest ate his food, while the companion and his wife pretended to be eating. In this way, the companion sacrificed the food of his household for a guest. Allah informed the Holy Prophetsa of this incident to which the Prophetsa was very pleased.

This spirit of sacrifice is still present within the Jamaat. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in 2004, narrated how the atmosphere he witnessed in Canada Jalsa Salana reminded him of the Jalsa Salanas in Rabwah. This was because Ahmadis in Canada themselves stayed in basements and gave the rest of the house to other guests, who were at times not even related to them.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra would also encourage the residents of Qadian to offer their homes for the guests of Jalsa Salana and a huge amount of properties were thus made available during the days of Jalsa Salana.

The Promised Messiahas would exhort his Jamaat to ensure the stay of Jalsa Salana guests was as comfortable as possible. In one sermon prior to Jalsa Salana, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra discussed the limited resources of the Jamaat when serving the guests at Jalsa Salana. He explained that the limited funds meant that, at the time, proper arrangements could not always be met. Nevertheless, he listed small, yet effective ways of hospitality that required no extra funds and could be practised by all. He said, “We can greet [guests] with good morals ... If someone loses a possession, we can help them search for it ... If someone needs to find the whereabouts of a doctor, you can help them”. Accordingly, we can all seek out small effective ways in serving the Jalsa Salana guests.

With the presence of Khalifatul Masih, Qadian served as the Markaz of the Jamaat. Considering this, in 1920, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra reminded the residents of Qadian that the guests of Jalsa Salana would observe those residing in Qadian and see them as examples. He further advised: “If you, the inhabitants of [Qadian] cannot show mercy to others, like that of parents, then at the very least, you should show mercy like that of an older brother.

Those who come here observe you and adopt your example. Thus, you should show high morals … If you do not show a good example then it will have negative effects.”

Further, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih ra II commented on someone who would call Qadian a hospital. Huzoorra said, instead of a hospital, Qadian should be called a “school where people come to gain knowledge and adopt good morals.”

With this in mind, it is imperative that those of us who live in the Markaz in the UK, should also adopt good morals and etiquettes for this too is part of hospitality.

The trait of hospitality may be exclusive to prophets, yet it is also very closely twinned with the Jamaat and Jalsa Salana. It is imperative that we uphold these examples set by the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa so that the guests of Jalsa Salana are properly taken care of. By following and acting upon the great moral of hospitality, our generations to come will also adopt a “special trait of the prophets”.

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20

Friday Sermon Jalsa Salana Germany 2019 5 July 2019 After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa enquired about the sound from the organisers before proceeding with the sermon: “Is my voice being clearly heard right up to the back of the hall? Are all of your audio systems in place? Have you checked them?”

[The answer was in the affirmative] One of the great blessings and favours that has been bestowed upon us by Allah the Almighty after having entered the Bai‘at of the Promised Messiahas is in the form of the Jalsa Salana [Annual Convention] so that we can strive towards improving our spirituality, morality and furthering our knowledge. Moreover, it is so that we can acquire the means to attain the nearness of Allah the Almighty and to excel in righteousness; so that we may purify our hearts in order to fulfil the rights of each other and thus fulfil the purpose for which the Promised Messiahas established the Jalsa; so that we may endeavour to turn our mutual estrangement and detachment into a state of reconciliation and closeness and so that we may rid ourselves of all things vain.

The Promised Messiahas has included all of the aforementioned amongst the objectives of holding the Jalsa.

A large number of Ahmadis await the coming of Jalsa Salana all year long. As soon as the next calendar year starts, the feeling of that wait and the eagerness intensifies even further. Those who have been living here for some time await the Jalsa but particularly those who have recently migrated from Pakistan and have sought asylum here await the Jalsa most eagerly because they are unable to hold Jalsas in their own country due to restrictions by the law. Hence, for quite some time, they have become completely unaware as to what Jalsa means. Their number has also reached hundreds or even thousands and continues to increase.

Likewise, the number of those who travel for the Jalsa from other countries is also increasing and people also travel in large numbers to attend the Jalsa in Germany as well. This year even a few people from some of the African countries have come to attend the Jalsa. They include some of the indigenous African people.

Indeed, one awaits the Jalsa Salana so that one may be able to fulfil the objectives of holding the Jalsa Salana. One who does not have this mindset and does not attend the Jalsa with this intention, their wait for the Jalsa as well as their attendance is useless.

Thus, every individual who is attending the Jalsa, whether male or female, should keep this in mind that are they trying to attain the pleasure of God Almighty; are they attending the Jalsa with this intention; are they trying to increase in righteousness; are they trying to fulfil the rights of others

while demonstrating excellent morals and are they attending this with this mind-set.

If this is not the case, then, as I mentioned earlier, their coming to the Jalsa shall be pointless and of no benefit.

Indeed, the atmosphere and environment has an impact on an individual. However, one’s individual effort is also necessary in order to absorb the [pious] effect of the atmosphere. Thus, we will have to strive in this regard so that we may be able to achieve all these objectives, become the recipients of the blessings of Allah the Almighty and thereby become recipient of the prayers of the Promised Messiahas which he offered for the attendees of the Jalsa. The Promised Messiahas has expressed his displeasure towards those people who do not attend the Jalsa with this intention and do not mould their actions accordingly.

The Promised Messiahas states, “I do not at all desire to gather those who pledge initiation to me merely in order to display worldly eminence in the same manner as the saints of this day and age. Rather, the primary objective for which I seek opportunities is to reform the creation of Allah.” (Shahadat-ulQuran, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 6, p. 359)

Hence, the Promised Messiahas has clearly stated that his objective of gathering people together is not to display an outward success and glory and for the sake of ostentation as modern-day pirs [religious leaders] gather people together for events and gatherings, rather the objective for which the Promised Messiahas has established the Jalsa is merely to reform the creation of Allah the Almighty, so that they may fulfil the rights of Allah the Almighty as well as the rights of one another.

Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas has not merely expressed his displeasure at those who do not reform themselves, but in fact has also expressed his aversion to it. The attendance reaches thirty, thirty-five and even forty thousand. However, to what avail is this if, after having taken the Bai‘at [oath of allegiance] and whilst fulfilling the desire of the Promised Messiahas, one’s heart is still filled with the love of the world and this love takes precedence over one’s love for Allah and the Holy Prophetsa? Likewise, what will be the benefit of our Bai’at if we failto live in accordance with the commandments of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa and also if the love of the world remains dominant during these three days?

Hence, we must reflect over these matters. A few days ago, Ramadan came to an end, which was a month of spiritual reformation and progress during which believers were granted the opportunity to engage in individual worship, observe fasts and remember God. Now, another spiritual camp is being held for three days which, along with religious and educational progress, provides an atmosphere for worship and remembering God and it is an ideal opportunity to engage in all of these matters collectively. Everyone draws their attention towards worship collectively. They offer voluntary prayers, the Tahajud prayer [pre-dawn voluntary prayer] and even though they supplicate in their respective languages and whatever is in their hearts, if the entire surrounding is engaged in the remembrance of God, it also a form of remembering God as one community. If we do not derive benefit from this, then when else will we do so?

Thus, the Promised Messiahas has placed a huge responsibility upon our shoulders and has great expectations from his followers. This is not an ordinary matter.

This atmosphere will only prove to be

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM beneficial when the love of the world will decrease in comparison to the love of Allah the Almighty and His Messengersa.

Whilst living in this world and yet giving precedence to the love of God Almighty and His messengersa over one’s love for the world is indeed a tremendous act and enables one to become a true believer. We also have to engage in worldly affairs following the three days of this Jalsa. However, this training and this participation will only prove to be beneficial when we give precedence to religion over the world, despite being engaged in our worldly endeavours. During these three days in particular, we must completely eliminate the love of the world.

During the days of Jalsa here, we also observe that a bazaar [market] has been provided. Stalls are set up and worldly items are also purchased and sold here. However, the participants of Jalsa as well as those who set up the bazaar should be considerate of the fact that walking in the bazaar, shopping and trying to receive a profit for their goods is considered as a worldly pursuit. Those who visit the bazaar as well as those selling items ought to be mindful and ensure that they attentively listen to the proceedings of the Jalsa. Thereafter, during the intervals, they are permitted to go to the bazaar. However, they should then try to fulfil the rights of the bazaar and these are to say Salam [Islamic greeting of peace] to one another whilst walking around, to remain engaged in the remembrance of God and to not overcrowd the shops and push one another in order to purchase items.

Shopkeepers should sell their goods with a reasonable profit. They should not make unreasonable profits by taking advantage of the customer’s circumstances.

As I mentioned, everyone, including the shopkeepers, should continuously be mindful of the remembrance of God Almighty even whilst in the bazaar.

If we instil this practise physically, it will also bring about a transformation within our hearts and develop righteousness and the love of Allah the Almighty within us.

In relation to developing these virtues and righteousness within us, the Promised Messiahas further states: “The very purpose for which God Almighty has established this Community is for the true comprehension of God that has vanished from this world and for true righteousness and purity that is no longer found in this day and age to be established once again.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 277-278) Then, emphasising for us to elevate our standards of righteousness, the Promised Messiahas states on one occasion, “O ye, who consider yourselves as my Jamaat, you will be counted among my Jamaat in heaven when you truly tread on the path of righteousness.”

(Kishiti-e-Nuh, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 19, p.

15) In another place, drawing our attention towards establishing and developing the grandeur and love of Allah the Almighty within our hearts, the Promised Messiahas states: “You should establish the grandeur of God within the hearts and not merely proclaim His unity verbally, but practically so that God may also manifest His pleasure and beneficence upon you.” (Al-Wasiyyat, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 20, p. 308) Hence, it is these very forms of worship, which we must remain mindful of at all times

21 and ponder over how we are able to develop true righteousness. Righteousness does not refer to performing a single virtuous deed.

Rather, the Promised Messiahas has also stated in one place that true righteousness is to perform all forms of virtuous deeds and to fulfil the rights of God Almighty and His creation. (Zamima Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, Ruhani Khazain Vol. 21, p. 210) If we asses our own conditions from this perspective, we will be able to determine what our true condition is.

Some people are good at performing their Jamaat duties outside of the home, but their families are extremely unhappy with their conduct at home. On the other hand, some of them who fulfil the due rights towards their families are not paying attention to the rights owed to Allah Almighty and fulfilling His worship. Many complaints of such nature are often received. Some people who seem to be regular in offering their prayers are guilty of usurping the rights of others around them in society. Certain individuals perform righteous deeds merely to show others, and they forget Allah Almighty is aware of their intentions and He witnesses everything.

Therefore, the Promised Messiahas states that in order to become a part of his Community, to attain the love of Allah Almighty and to become the recipients of His favours and as well as His favours and blessings, one has to strive in every way possible to correct one’s physical condition.

These Jalsas are arranged for this very reason which is to direct our attention towards performing good deeds. The speakers should also highlight this in their speeches. A special spiritual environment has been created for us so that our every action reflects the pleasure of the Almighty.

In order to achieve this objective, on one occasion, the Promised Messiahas stated: “Remember that only those people are perfect servants of Allah Almighty regarding whom He states: ُۡ ٌ َ ٌ ّٰ ۡ ‫لَا تل ِہ ۡی ِہ ۡم ت َِج َارۃ ّو لَا بَ ۡیع َع ۡن ِذک ِر الل ِہ‬ That is, ‘Neither merchandise nor traffic diverts them from the remembrance of Allah’ (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.38). When the heart establishes a true bond and a loving relation with God, then it cannot be separated from Him. Its condition can be understood when compared with someone whose child is sick. Regardless of where this person goes or engages in any work, their heart and attention will be focused on their child.

Similarly, those who establish a true bond and loving relation with God Almighty never forget Him in any condition.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 20-21) Hence, this is the condition that the Promised Messiahas desires to see in us and we are gathered here to strive in this regard.

Every one of us must endeavour for this, and we should also pray to God Almighty that we can attain this state. When we accomplish this condition and strive towards this, then Allah Almighty will even remember us as He states: ُ ُ ْ ّٰ ُ ْ ُ ‫اذک ُروا الل َہ یَذک ْرک ْم‬ [“Remember God Almighty and He will Remember you.”]

So, fortunate are the ones who are remembered by Allah Almighty. May Allah Almighty grant us such manifold blessings purely for the sake of remembering Him despite our worldly engagements, and we should endeavour particularly in this regard

during the days of Jalsa that we sincerely remember God Almighty and in return, may Allah Almighty never forget us and bless us with His grace.

Therefore, the participants of Jalsa and those who are on duty should endeavour to engage in the remembrance of God throughout these days and should strive to attain the nearness of God Almighty. What greater reward can there be than Allah Almighty always remembering His servants?

Therefore, we should strive to attain this and only then will we be considered a part of the Promised Messiah’sas Community in the heavens according to his words.

The following words of the Promised Messiahas should make us deeply concerned: “You shall be considered amongst the members of my Community in the heavens when you truly tread the path of righteousness.”

Many people among us have been rejected by their relatives after taking the Bai‘at. Many of you sitting here migrated due to the hostility that you had to face from opponents because of accepting Ahmadiyyat.

The law of the land [in Pakistan] restricted our religious freedom, but despite all of this and regardless of all these afflictions, those Ahmadis who are enduring these trials in Pakistan or in certain other countries – or there are some among you as well – how much of a loss would it be for us if we are not counted among the members of the Promised Messiah’sas Community and we are not among those who are the fortunate ones whom Allah the Almighty does not forget?

Hence, offer fervent supplications during these days of Jalsa. We should pray that we may not become those who are not accepted

by Allah Almighty, rather we are considered among those people who Allah Almighty remembers. May we be able to establish a firm bond with God Almighty and be able to remove the darkness from within our hearts.

Remember Allah much and offer prayers during the proceedings of the Jalsa, in the intervals, and at night as well. Make a solemn pledge that “O Allah! We are participating in this Jalsa with pious intentions, which was established through Your special divine succour and decree. We are attending this Jalsa for the sake of attaining Your pleasure and to increase Your remembrance and to attain Your love. Grant us all the blessings which You have established with this Jalsa and inculcate the pious transformation within us that You desire, for which You sent the true servant of the Holy Prophetsa in this world so that we can sincerely take part in pledging allegiance to him.”

Therefore, when we seek Allah Almighty’s help and spend these days offering salutations on the Holy Prophetsa and seeking repentance and we devote our days solely for the sake of Allah Almighty, then the standards of our worship will increase and we will able to fulfil the rights due to God’s creation owing to our bond established with Allah Almighty.

One of the objectives of Jalsa Salana which the Promised Messiahas has mentioned is that the members of the Jamaat should become acquainted with one another.

(Aasmani Faisala, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 4, p.

352) It is essential that, on the one hand, whilst those newly entering the Jamaat become acquainted and develop a relation of love owing to them accepting, at the same

time, the already established relationships amongst the Ahmadis should be further strengthened. Allah Almighty grants immense blessings to a person who loves his brother for the sake of God Almighty.

Hence, spend these days as a means to remove past grievances and not become like those who, owing to the previous discord, further rekindle their rage and anger upon meeting each other at the Jalsa.

Consequently, such people ruin the environment of the Jalsa as well and instead of inheriting the bounties of Allah Almighty, they incur His curse and displeasure. The Promised Messiahas has established Jalsa Salana amongst the signs of Allah. Hence, those who dishonour the sanctity of the signs of Allah become recipients of His wrath. (Iftatahi Taqreer Jalsa Salana 1931, Anwar-ul-Uloom, Vol. 12, p. 389) This is, therefore, a cause of great concern. Whosoever harbours any kind of grudge for anyone, ought to extend the hand of peace and reconciliation. Create such an environment that instead of falling prey to self-esteem and ego and burning in the fire of jealousy, establish a beautiful environment of peace and security. One should always remain considerate of the saying of the Holy Prophetsa that a Muslim is one from whose hand and tongue no Mulsim is harmed.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Iman, Hadith no. 10) We should reflect upon this saying and assess whether these instructions are reflected through our actions and whether our conduct is in accordance with it. Can we affirm that we are totally acting on upon these guidelines? If this is the truth and everyone claims that is the truth, then there should not be need for matters to escalate to the Qaza [jurisprudential board] or worldly courts in order to seek one’s rights.

I say this with immense regret that some people who attend Jalsas get involved in physical altercations due to small and insignificant matters and past grievances. At times, the police has to be called. Is this the dignity of a believer? Are these the actions of those who are members of the Promised Messiah’sas Jamaat? Certainly not. Whether the Jamaat expels such persons from the Community or it does not take that action against them, they are no longer part of the Jamaat in the sight of Allah Almighty, and according to the saying of the Promised Messiahas, such people are not a counted among his Community in the heavens.

Therefore, evaluate yourselves and do not have double standards. Such people should cleanse their hearts from this filth, and they should adopt the ways of forgiveness, pardon and truce. Demonstrate to the world that after accepting the Promised Messiahas there has been a revolutionary change within us.

Similarly, there are also the office bearers and those who have various duties for Jalsa.

They should also take special care to ensure that their character and morals are of a very high caliber in these days. Even those workers who, in normal days, held any differences with one another, should try to excel the other by being first toward reconciliation and achieving a fresh start with the other, rather than seeking retaliation.

Every individual who comes to Jalsa is a guest, and it is the responsibility of every office-bearer and Jalsa volunteer that they – having removed all personal differences – demonstrate a most hospitable and graceful

Friday 2 August 2019 | AL HAKAM

22 attitude. It is particularly imperative for the office-bearers that they should possess a greater deal of tolerance. Hence, officebearers should consider themselves servants in every situation, while the members of the Jamaat and attendees of the Jalsa should consider the office-bearers representatives of the system of the Jamaat. Only then can situations of aggression and harshness improve, and only then will personal disagreements subside.

I must also say with a great regret, that the office-bearers of certain Jamaats here have not truly honoured their responsibility. I am not saying this concerning the environment of the Jalsa. Even in normal circumstances, these people have, instead of treating their Jamaat-related responsibility (which is serving the faith) as a grace of God, they treated it as any other worldly office, as a result of which they have had to be replaced.

Hence, if such people have come to this Jalsa, then they should strive to remain immersed in worship, the remembrance of Allah and adopt humility. If, in their opinion, the decisions that were made concerning them were wrong, even then they should adopt the ways of meekness, and, having done this, they should bow themselves before Allah the Almighty, and ensure that they do not allow any negativity to enter their hearts about the system of the Jamaat. If the decisions which have been made are wrong, then Allah Almighty possesses knowledge of all things. He possesses knowledge of the unseen and of the present. If one adopts humility and bows before Him, He accepts prayers and removes the supplicant from difficulties.

It should always be remembered that the ultimate objective is not to hold an office, but to fulfil the conditions of one’s Bai‘at. Whether one is an office-bearers or a member of the Jamaat, they ought to strive to fulfill the dictates of their Bai‘at.

While advising on how to fulfil the conditions of Bai‘at, the Promised Messiahas states: “O ye members of my community! May God, the Almighty and the Benevolent, always be with you. May He grant you means in preparation of the final journey as he prepared the Companions of the Holy Prophetsa. Beware! This world is transient.

Cursed is the life which mainly concerns itself

with material gains and most unfortunate is he who hankers after this world. If there be such a man among my followers, then he has joined us in vain, for he can be likened to a withered branch of a tree which cannot bear fruit.

“O ye fortunate ones! Hasten towards me and join my fold, for I have come with the teaching which ensures your salvation.

Believe in One God and do not make anyone His partner from the earth or heavens. God does not forbid you from the use of material resources, but he who relies totally on them is akin to an idolater. From the earliest times, He has been warning you that salvation cannot be attained except through a pure heart. You must, therefore, become purehearted and discard personal jealousies and hatred.

“A great number of weaknesses lie dormant in man, but the basest weakness is arrogance. No one would have been a nonbeliever if there had been no arrogance.

Therefore, make yourself humble of heart and serve your fellow-beings with love. As you exhort or invite them to paradise you must not ever contemplate causing any harm to them in this transient world. Observe all the Commandments of God with His fear in your hearts because you are going to be called to account.

“When you stand in prayer, concentrate on seeking His succour so that He may draw you towards Himself, and purify your hearts.

Man is weak by nature. All his weaknesses are removed only through His grace. So long as man does not get strength from his Creator, he cannot be rid of his weaknesses. Islam does not mean that you may merely be known as Muslims by reciting the declaration of faith.

No; it fundamentally demands your souls to prostrate in all humility at His threshold and that you give precedence to each and every command of your faith over every worldly affair.” (Tadhkiratu Shahdatain, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 20, p. 63) And so, this is the standard which each and every one of us needs to strive to achieve – the office-bearers , volunteers and members of the Jamaat.

The Promised Messiahas has called those of us who have joined his community as the fortunate ones. Becoming the recipients of God’s grace, we joined the community of the Promised Messiahas. You, who are seated

before me, possessed a special fortunate characteristic in the eyes of Allah, that He graced you and enabled you to accept the Promised Messiahas. Your acceptance of the Promised Messiahas was evidence of your good fortune, but this is only the first step, not the ultimate destination.

In order to reach the climax of this path, it is necessary to act upon its teachings, which were given to the Promised Messiahas.

We will have to conduct our worldly endeavours and businesses in such a way, as has been mentioned before, so that we do not forget about the remembrance of God in the process.

God Almighty never forbids one from worldly endeavours – indeed this is an essential part of life. In fact, God Almighty forbids man to become an ascetic and living a life completely cut off from the world. God Almighty has commanded that one ought to remain connected to this world, but more importantly, God has forbidden man from giving precedence to the world over his faith.

Faith must be given precedence in every case. Every Ahmadi must always remember that behind the face of each Ahmadi is the honour of Ahmadiyyat, the honour of the Promised Messiahas and honour of Islam.

Hence, it is the responsibility of every Ahmadi that they safeguard its honour, and for those whom God Almighty has given the opportunity to serve their faith and are office-bearers, this responsibility is of even more significance. They should always keep this statement of the Promised Messiahas in mind, “Let not the people defame us after having pledged allegiance to me; do not bring my name into disrepute.”

Hence, we should always keep this statement in mind. Let not anyone think that this is only for the office-bearers and that the rest are free from this responsibility.

The Promised Messiahas has instructed this to all those who have pledged allegiance to him. This is why there should never be a contradiction between our actions and our words. Otherwise, our claim of having pledged allegiance, as mentioned earlier, are hollow and empty, and our participation in the Jalsa is merely a worldly engagement.

I shall now present a prayer of the Promised Messiahas which expresses his heartfelt pain he had for his followers. He states:

“I pray – and until my last breath shall go on praying – may God Almighty purify the hearts of my Jamaat, and, extending the hand of His mercy toward them, turn their hearts toward Himself; may He remove all forms of mischief and malice from their hearts and grant them true and mutual love. I am convinced that this prayer shall one day be heard and accepted, and that God Almighty shall never allow my prayers to go in vain.”

We should supplicate to God Almighty that this prayer be accepted in our favour, in the favour of our progeny, and that until the Day of Judgement, our progenies continue to reap the blessings of this prayer. For the acceptance of this prayer of the Promised Messiahas, we should also make efforts through our actions. We will have to change our own conditions, and will also need to offer heartfelt supplications to this effect.

May Allah the Almighty enable us to do so.

In the next part of this prayer, which we should pray that we are not the ones who the Promised Messiah (as) is referring to wherein he states: “Yes, I do also pray, that if there be any person in my Jamaat who, in the perfect estimation and knowledge of God Almighty, was always bound for ill-fortune, and whose very destiny it is that they shall not achieve true purity and Godliness, then do Thou, O Powerful God, cause them to turn away from me, just as He is turned away from You, and bring in their stead another whose heart is meek, and in whose being there is a thirst for the Almighty.”

May Allah Almighty save us from such a state in which we end up turning away from God Almighty and His chosen one. May He keep our faith firm and, in fact, go on increasing it, and may we become recipients of all these prayers which the Promised Messiahas offered in favour of his followers.

Do also continue to pray for the Jalsa to be blessed and safe from all sorts of evil, and also remain vigilant – keep a close eye on your surroundings.

May Allah Almighty continue to safeguard us against the mischief of every evil one, and the jealousy of every jealous one.

(Translated by The Review of Religions – Originally published in Al Fazl International, 26 July 2019)

“I re-emphasise that you must not rank this convention in the same league as other, ordinary, human assemblies.

This is a phenomenon that is based purely on Divine Help, for the propagation of Islam.”

(Majmu‘ah Ishtiharat, Vol. 1, p. 341)

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“For the success of Jalsa and making it blessed in every way, I would like to say that Jamaat members in general, and UK Jamaat members in particular, should pay special attention towards prayers and charity” (Friday Sermon, 23 July 2010)

Continued from page 24

knowledge, spiritual insight and blessings which help to fortify the faith and sharpen the spiritual vision and establish a pure relationship with God.” (The Need for the Imam, p. 45) In Islamic history, the earliest described use of the Bai‘at is its role in conversion to Islam and in the testimony of faith. The method of taking the Bai‘at is outlined in the Holy Quran. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa was commanded that if anyone wished to take the Bai‘at, they should take “the oath of allegiance at thy hands that they will not associate anything with Allah, and that they will not steal, and will not commit adultery, nor kill their children, nor bring forth a scandalous charge which they themselves have deliberately forged, nor disobey thee in what is right …” (Surah al-Mumtahinah, Ch.60: V.13) After the demise of Holy Prophetsa, the Bai‘at was also offered to each of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen upon their appointment to the office of Khilafat.

When Hazrat Abu Bakrra took the Bai‘at upon becoming Khalifa, he added the following obligations upon those wishing to offer their allegiance: “O people, I have indeed been appointed over you, though I am not the best among you ... Obey me so long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey them, then you have no obligation to follow me …” (K Armstrong, Muhammad, p. 258) Under divine commandment, the Promised Messiahas took the first Bai‘at on 23 March 1889. 40 fortunate people took the Bai‘at at the hand of the Messiahas in these words: “I repent today, at the hand of Ahmad, of all the sins and bad habits to which I was addicted; and most truthfully and solemnly do I promise that, to the last day of my life, I shall eschew, to the best of my ability, all manner of sin. I will hold my faith above all worldly considerations. I

shall try, as far as I can to observe the ten conditions of Bai‘at laid down in the leaflet dated 12 January 1889. I seek forgiveness of God for my past sins.” (AR Dard, Life of Ahmad, p. 206) Similarly, in May 1908, following the demise of the Promised Messiahas, the First Khalifatul Masih issued an admonition to those wishing to offer their Bai‘at at his hand: ‘If you want to do Bai‘at at my hand, be very clear about what Bai‘at means.

It means to sell yourselves. A man eschews everything and that is why Allah has called his servant ‘Abd’ [one who worships]. So, whatever feelings and inclinations you have, you have to follow what I say, and if you accept these conditions, then in the name of Allah, I accept these responsibilities.’’ (Hasanat Ahmad, Hakeem Noor-ud-Deen, p. 114) Why should I take part in the International Bai‘at?

The short answer is, because we are directed to do so by the Holy Quran (Ch.9: V.111). The Prophet of Allah, Muhammad Mustafasa guided us in these words: “When you find the Mahdi, perform Bai‘at at his hand. You must go to him, even if you have to reach him across icebound mountains crawling on your knees.

He is the Mahdi and the Caliph of Allah.”

(Sunan Ibn-e-Maja, Kitab-ul-Fitan, Vol. 2, p. 1367) Today, Khalifatul Masih is the embodiment of the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdias.

Before the first International Bai‘at took place on 1 August 1993, generally people would have only two opportunities to take part in public initiation. Once when they entered the Jamaat and second, when a new Khalifa took the office of Khilafat. The gist of the pledge was, and remains to be, a simple confirmation that a person who wants to enter the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will follow

the word of God, will not harm any living being through their actions, words or thoughts and refrain from all moral and social ills. In addition, they will follow the appointed Khalifa in “all things good.”

Like millions of Ahmadi Muslims around the world, I have been blessed with the occasion of performing Bai‘at at the hand of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih many times, via the most blessed scheme of MTA. However, in 2016, Allah bestowed a special favour upon me and I was able to travel to London and perform the Bai‘at with thousands of Ahmadi Muslims who had travelled especially for the Jalsa Salana and the Bai‘at that has become an integral part of it.

For days before the Jalsa, I watched with amazement the sheer multitude of people, all colours, all creeds that were gathered together. All joined in spirit with the love of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih. Every prayer in the Fazl Mosque felt as if I was in the gardens of heaven and everyone before my time and all those yet to come stood beside me, praying to Allah the Almighty.

Jalsa started and was over in a matter of three very short days. The third day, perhaps the most memorable, was when the International Bai‘at took place. An hour before the designated time of Bai‘at, with our souls thirsting for the words of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, thousands gathered in the main marquee.

Subhanallah! What an astounding scene that was! But the main event was yet to come.

At the designated hour, our beloved Imam, Syedna Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa entered the hall and a silence of windless desert night surrounded the anticipating souls. The seconds became unbearable and then, we heard the voice of our master as he greeted us with Salam.

Almost immediately, in anticipation of events to come, the tears started gravitating. All around me were people who had travelled a great distance to

come there that day. Some from places geographically far, some from places spiritually far; but there we were, from Europe, Asia and Africa, from theism and Hinduism, from Christianity and Islam, all voices now one and all souls now bare in front of Allah, our Lord. I cannot describe the feelings as the prophetic words of the Holy Bible came to fruition in front of my very eyes; “Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus and they began to speak in various languages which they had no knowledge of beforehand.” (Acts 2:4) Much to my astonishment, the Bai‘at ended far too soon and I reflected on where I stood that day. For an Ahmadi Muslim, the Bai‘at is an opportunity to reflect on the ten conditions of Bai‘at as outlined by Promised Messiahas. It is an invitation for us to reflect where we stood the previous year at the time of taking the Bai‘at and where we are today. Huzooraa has guided us on the importance of each condition of Bai‘at and how we can implement the spirit of each condition in our daily lives (see Conditions of Bai‘at and Responsibilities of an Ahmadi) I am not fortunate enough to travel to Jalsa Salana UK this year and be close to my beloved Huzooraa and be in the marquee which, I am certain, is encompassed by angels at most times. Nevertheless, Insha-Allah, I will partake in the heavenly commissioned Bai‘at through MTA. With my wife and children, I will stand in front of God, once again, and promise to improve myself; promise to become a better Muslim.

Primary sources: 1. Speech of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh on 1 August 1993 2. Memo from Ahmadiyya Muslim Foreign Missions Office, March-April 1993 3. Interview of Chaudhry Hadi Ali Sahib – Former Private Secretary to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh – on 8 July and 10 July 2019, conducted by Fazal Malik

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International Bai‘at – What it means and why it is important

Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar Canada

“Hearken ye, hearken ye! Ready yourself to embrace the International Bai‘at that will encompass the heavens and the earth!”

With these words began the historical notice seizing the attention of millions of Ahmadi Muslims around the world towards an experience that humanity had not seen since the time immemorial. It was an invitation from Khalifatul Masih IVrh to every Ahmadiyya mission in the world, urging members to intensify their tabligh efforts, inviting new righteous souls to the Jamaat of the Promised Messiahas. It also reignited the spirit of every member to reaffirm their faith at the hand of Khalifatul Masih, concurrently, no matter where in the world they resided.

Seven short months earlier, in the ides of winter of 1993, a small delegation from Hungary had an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. The Hungarian delegation consisted of Hadi Silard Sahib, his wife and two other Muslim friends; they were representatives of a Muslim organisation from Hungary and were travelling under the leadership of a devoted Ahmadi Muslim, Ravil Bukharaev (d. 2012).

The Hungarian delegation travelled to the UK to bring glad tidings that 1,000 of their countrymen would be joining the

fold of Islam Ahmadiyyat. It was a joyous occasion. Huzoorrh prayed for guidance and discussed the most feasible method to conduct the Bai‘at of these new devotees.

It was sometime before the spring of 1993 that Hazrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IVrh came across an account of the Promised Messiahas, that stated “To date, 400,000 people have taken the Bai‘at at the hand of this humble one.”

This instigated a deep desire in Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Since the migration of Khilafat to London in 1984, 250,000 people had entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat and the desire in Huzoor’srh heart became intense that “if another 150,000 join the fold of Ahmadiyyat this year, I will have the honour of resemblance with the Promised Messiahas.” Thus, he started praying.

He issued a target of 150,000 new Bai‘ats to all missions in the world and started praying for 200,000 new righteous souls.

On the blessed day of International Bai‘at, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh explained how the idea came about: “Regarding the International Bai‘at ceremony, I would like to briefly mention that when Allah the Almighty placed this inspiration in my heart, the number of those taking the Bai‘at was 10 to 20,000 … and a very short time remained before Jalsa … I was concerned … How would

this occur in such a short period? At that moment, Allah the Almighty intuitively inspired my heart and its entire outline came before me.”

As prophesised the Bible (Acts 2:1-12) the prayers of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh were answered. On 1 August 1993 (the third day of Jalsa Salana UK) in a small farming community in England, 204,308 people from all around the world entered the fold of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. The Bai‘at was held in Islamabad, (Tilford) UK and millions of Ahmadi Muslims from around the world joined in large gatherings via live satellite transmission of the event on MTA. On the blessed day, people sat in accordance with the instructions given.

Five people, each person representing a continent was seated in front of Huzoorrh and all others seated behind them, joined together in unison by placing their right hand on the shoulder of the person in front of them, with the front five placing their hand under the hand of Khalifatul Masih. In a symbolic likeness, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh wore the green coat of the Promised Messiahas. He spoke to the eager audience about the significance of the event and then proceeded to take their pledge.

Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib (Former Amir USA - d. 2002), Missionary Khalil Mubashar Sahib (at the time representing

Africa, presently missionary in-charge Canada) and Abdul Qayoom Sahib (of Indonesia, representing Asia) were among the blessed five chosen to represent their respective continents.

Huzoorrh sat down and said, “I shall place my hand on their hands and take the pledge of initiation. People assume that the whole affair is merely a hand placed on another’s hand. The Holy Quran does not mention this. It states, ‘O Messenger, when you were taking the pledge of allegiance, it was not your hand which ّٰ was upon their hands, rather ‫يد الله فوق ايديهم‬ [Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.11]; because you have completely become God’s, it was God’s hand which was upon theirs.”

What is Bai‘at?

The Arabic term Bai‘at [‫ ]بیعة‬has numerous English translations, with the most popular being “pledge of allegiance” or “oath of allegiance.” The Promised Messiahas has explained the objective and purpose of Bai‘at most eloquently in many of his writings. In one place, he writes: “The true object of Bai‘at is to acquire the spiritual knowledge, blessings and signs which brings about true repentance.

The real purpose of Bai‘at is to (willingly) enslave oneself to the spiritual leader and guide, and to acquire, in exchange, the Continued on page 23

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2019