Al Hakam - 10 May 2019

Responding to Allegations Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas – Plague and Earthquakes

Page 4

A

Practises of the Promised Messiahas in Ramadan – Part II

The holy month of Ramadan and the significance of Lailatul Qadr

By Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra

Page 5

Page 6

Questions related to Ramadan – Part II

Page 10

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 10 May 2019 | Issue LX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

“May the seventh” bring blessings

Islamabad: Tuesday, 7 May

ITilford, but there is a sense of euphoria

t is still predawn in the Surrey village of

in the air already. While local residents have been up most of the night, some have spent the last hour travelling from London to Masjid Mubarak in Islamabad.

This once used to be, for a decade and a half, the routine for Ahmadi Londoners to flock to the Fazl Mosque for Fajr prayer in Ramadan. Now it is the new Markaz in Islamabad, where resides the beloved Imam of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, that is now the

destination for many Ahmadis living in, around and even at distant locations from Islamabad.

It is the first day of the blessed month of Ramadan.

Worshippers eagerly await the arrival of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa to lead them in the first Fajr prayer of the first Ramadan in the new Markaz Islamabad.

Huzooraa walked out of his residence and into the Mubarak Mosque 20 minutes after sahoor (which was at 3:57am in Islamabad)

and led the congregation in prayer. After Huzooraa left, a dars of Hadith was delivered before the assembly of Ahmadis whose faces glowed with the zeal that runs in the blood of every Muslim at the dawn of the month of Ramadan.

This buzz will be a routine all throughout the blessed month, not only in London or Islamabad, but all across the Ahmadiyya Muslim world. Mosques will be filled more than they usually are; the Holy Quran, Hadith and their selective commentaries will be read before the worshippers attending the mosques for Salat. The hearts of Ahmadi Muslim households will start throbbing while it is still dark and every member will try and remain engaged, with much more enthusiasm, in acts that can earn the pleasure of our beloved Creator, Allah the Almighty.

MTA International, the bond of the Ahmadiyya world, will continuously broadcast programmes that are specially prepared for Ramadan and are aimed at enhancing understanding of our faith – the faith of Muhammad Rasulullah, peace and blessings of Allah be on him. MTA schedules are set in a way that the global community gets to watch programmes at timings suitable to their time-zones – never missing a programme, if even a little effort is made not to.

But since the hectic lifestyle of the modern-day world does not always allow us to catch television programmes at their broadcast times, MTA’s on-demand service is a wonderful resource where we can always go back in time and rewind up to three hours.

If you have missed more than three hours, the on-demand service has programmes waiting for us to watch them at a time of our convenience.

From commentaries of the Quran and Hadith, recitation of the Holy Quran, the sayings of the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa to fillers that work as reminders to pray and what to pray are all part of the MTA Ramadan programming. Thanks to modern day technology, we are left with no excuse to miss an MTA programme.

While many of us make it a point to do a complete round of the recitation of the Holy Quran, there are a number of resources that have made it easier for us to grasp the meaning of the holy text as we go.

The Al Islam website (www.alislam.org) is Continued on page 3

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

When the month of Ramadan arrives The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “When Ramadan arrives, the doors of Heaven are opened and the doors of Hell are closed, and Satans are chained up.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A righteous one beholds the hereafter in the present life So, one bounty that the saints are blessed with is that they see the angels of God. The life of the hereafter is based completely on faith. However, a righteous person beholds the hereafter in the present life. It is in this very life that they find and witness God, and He speaks with them. So if a person is not blessed with such a state of affairs, his death and passing on from this world is not a promising prospect. A certain saint is reported to have said that a person who has not been blessed to experience even one true dream all their life is to be met with a perilous end.

The Quran also says that this is the hallmark of a believer. Take heed!

One who does not possess this sign is bereft of righteousness. So, we all ought to pray that this condition is fulfilled in us. May Allah the Exalted bless us with the grace of revelation, dreams and visions.

For these are characteristics of a believer, and thus, should exist in us.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p.17)

2

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophetsa The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa said: “Whoever wakes up in the middle of the night and offers prayer with the intention of reward, fulfilling the demand of belief, and fasts, his previous sins are forgiven.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum)

Ghana Jamaat Shura 2019 Abass bin Wilson Ghana Correspondent

The 2019 Majlis-e-Shura of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission in Ghana was held at the mission’s national headquarters, Osu, in Accra.

The Shura brought together over 800 delegates, comprising of elected representatives and presidents of local Jamaats, members of the national amila as well as individuals who were invited by the Amir for consultation.

The Shura was held on 27-28 April and was presided over by Alhaj Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih, Amir and Missionary In-charge of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Ghana.

The members of Majlis-e-Shura deliberated on a number of issues boarding on the progress of the Jamaat. It reviewed the finances and other activities of the Jamaat for the year, and also discussed financial and other proposals to advance the Jamaat in the coming year. The proposals, as reviewed by the Shura, will be sent to Markaz in the form of recommendations to seek the guidance and approval of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa. Addressing the Shura, Maulvi Mohammed bin Salih underscored the importance of Shura and described it as one of blessed institutions bestowed upon the Jamaat by Allah. The Amir admonished all and sundry to uphold the principles of Shura, adhere to its guidelines and be honest and clear in expressing their views on issues tabled for discussions.

The Amir called on members to play their individual, as well as collective, roles to ensure the Jamaat’s speedy progress.

“The Jamaat in Ghana will soon be a hundred years old and we will be called upon to make sacrifices to commemorate the occasion. It is my hope and belief that we will all make such sacrifices that will be a testimony of our faith and will show that we are indeed members of a hundred-year old religious community.”

This Week in History 10-16 May 11 May 1930: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra shared his wise observations on the famous political document of the time, the Nehru Report. The Nehru Report of 28-30 August 1928 was a memorandum outlining a proposed new dominion status for the constitution of India. It was prepared by a committee of the All Parties Conference chaired by Motilal Nehru with his son Jawaharlal Nehru acting as secretary.

There were nine other members in this committee.

11 May 1937: Pir Meher Ali Shah died on this day at the age of 78 in Golra Sharif, British India (Present Day Pakistan). He is known among masses as a Hanafi scholar leading the anti-Ahmadiyya movement. He wrote several books, most notably Saif-e-Chishtiyai (The Sword of the Chishti Order), which is claimed to be a polemical work criticising the Ahmadiyya Movement. But his encounters with the Jamaat and a critical study of his works are enough to prove the truth.

11 May 1942: An Ahmadi, Abdul Karim Khan Sahib, appointed in the Middle East during his military duties, sent a written query about the verses in the Holy Quran about Jesusas to Al-Azhar University, Cairo. The university is associated with Al-Azhar Mosque and is Egypt’s oldest degree-granting university and is renowned as “Sunni Islam’s most prestigious university”. On this, His Eminence Shaikh Mahmoud Shaltout – Rector of Al-Azhar University, later to become Grand Imam of Al-Azhar – issued a decree that the Holy Quran pronounced Jesusas dead. This fatwa sparked a heated debate. This Egyptian scholar was forced to take back his words, but he remained firm in his belief and replied to all the allegations raised against him. He then had this entire debate published in the monthly Al-Majallah, Cairo.

Later on, the complete series of this debate was also published in his book Al-Fatawa too.

communal riots. This day’s Al Fazl published a detailed account written by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. In his time, Huzoor’s selfless services were not limited to the religious field, but also on social and political rostrums, his voice, views and actions were taken very seriously and weighed heavily. On the same day, a detailed tract written by him was also widely circulated titled What can you do for Islam and Muslims? In it, Huzoorra put forward 31 important points for Muslim unity amongst the Ummah.

13 May 1933: On this day, Hazrat Syeda Sara Begum passed away after giving birth to a child. She was the third wife of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra. In her loving memory, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra wrote a eulogy titled Meri Sara (My Sara).

13 May 1951: The Ahmadiyya Mosque in Samundri, Faisalabad was ransacked and burnt on this day. Ahmadis present in the mosque were tortured and items available in the premises of the mosque were looted. However, the influential members of the neighbourhood and the city condemned this irreligious act committed in the name of religion.

14 May 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra received an invitation from the organisers of the Wembley Conference in London. Upon this, Huzoorra wrote a letter for consultation to members of the Jamaat.

14 May 1932: Mirza Muhammad Ashraf Balanvi Sahib completed his tenure as auditor of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya. Upon his retirement, a farewell function was arranged. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra graced this event with his presence and delivered an address.

14 May 1953: The Holy Quran’s Swahili translation was published on this day. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote its preface. For the first edition, 10,000 copies were printed.

15 May 1908: In Lahore, a debate took place between Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra and Mufti Ghulam Murtaza Sahib. The topic was the life and death of Jesusas.

16 May 1924: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra conducted a Shura and discussed with representatives the invitation received from the Wembley Conference. This was the first ever proposed long-distance journey of Khalifatul Masih out of the Indian subcontinent.

11 May 1948: Ahmadi Missionary Rashid Ahmad Chughtai 16 May 1938: Hazrat Hussain Bibi Sahibara passed away.

Sahib had a meeting with the King of Jordan. During the She was the mother of Hazrat Sir Chaudhry Muhammad meeting, he conveyed the well wishes and message of Zafarulla Khanra. Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrullah Khanra wrote Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra to which the king replied positively.

My Mother in her memory and described the attractive and moving events of his mother’s life. Hazrat Chaudhry Sahibra 12 May 1907: An important session for the general not only performed the duty owed by a son to his mother public was held in Qadian for raising awareness of the establishment of peace. Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud in an excellent manner, but also rendered valuable service Ahmadra presided over the gathering on the instructions of to the movement. Such literature can, by Allah’s grace, prove extremely useful helpful in fostering the moral and the Promised Messiahas. spiritual standards of the community.

12 May 1932: The Ahmadiyya Mission was established 16 May 1963: Hazrat Syed Zain-ul-Abidin Valiullah Shahra in Zanzibar through the special efforts of Dr Shahnawaz passed away. He was blessed with some admirable qualities Sahib. It is located in the Indian Ocean and is a semiand had many noteworthy achievements in the Jamaat, autonomous region of Tanzania, East Africa. social and political fields and literature.

12 May 1932: With great effort, members of the Jamaat CORRECTION: Last week, on 3 May 2019, a companion, collected 175,000 rupees to pay off loans because in previous fiscal years, some extra money had been borrowed Hazrat Sardar Muhammad Yousufra was referred to in to run the everyday businesses of Anjuman. Hazrat Musleh- This Week in History. The information pertaining to him was incorrect. Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, volume 2, pages e-Maudra was very much pleased with the generosity and 477 to 478 has it that he performed Bai‘at at the hand obedience of members of the Jamaat. of the Promised Messiahas in 1906 and had the honour of 12 May 1954: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra legal statement translating the Quran into Hindi and Gurmukhi. was recorded at Lalian court in connection with the Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, volume 14, pages 391 to 393 tell assassination attempt made on him. On 25 May, the us that he was born in 1889 and accepted the Imam of the additional district magistrate gave his verdict and the age in 1905 by sending his request for Bai‘at via post. He attacker was sentenced to a 5-year imprisonment. translated the Quran into Hindi and Gurmukhi, as well as 13 May 1921: Hazrat Hakim Fazlur-Rahman took charge of authoring various other books.

His tombstone, however, has it that he was born in the Ahmadiyya Mission in Ghana.

1882 and performed Bai‘at in 1906.

13 May 1927: Lahore witnessed great unrest and

3

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

www.alislam.org

www.mta.tv

www.alfazl.org Continued from page 1

a wonderful resource in this regard where the commentaries of the Holy Quran by the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and other Khulafa are easily accessible. With the recently replenished and refurbished layout, it is now a lot easier to browse through the excessive material that is available to enhance our understanding.

The internet is the best thing that could have happened to the journalistic endeavours of the Jamaat. Although Al Hakam is now

available to subscribe in print and many have done so already, our online viewership of thousands-a-day shows the trends of modern readership. With the Al Hakam website and app in the palm of your hand all day, we at Al Hakam have tried to make Ramadan-related content available to you at all times of the day – at home, at work and during the long commutes to and from work. For instance, this issue of Al Hakam has prayers that were prescribed by Huzooraa in the concluding days of last year’s Ramadan (Quranic prayers included in this issue; more prayers will

be included in upcoming issues). We thought it would be good for us to remind ourselves and our readers of these prayers right at the onset of this year’s Ramadan so that we can remember them during the entire month. While these prayers are life changing in their own capacity, saying them in obedience to our Imam is a value-adding feature.

The Al Hakam website is now functional throughout the week and not only on Fridays, yet Fridays will continue to bring you the latest issues, Insha-Allah.

The Al Fazl weekly will be providing Ramadanuseful material in the Urdu language. While this caters for the Urdu-speaking section of the worldwide Jamaat, it can work as a great resource to acquaint our younger generation with the very important language of Urdu.

Websites like true-islam. uk and rationalreligion. co.uk are very important resources for all, especially the younger generation, to develop a better understanding of Islam in a world that is rapidly drifting away from religion.

It is the practice of every Ahmadi to write to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa all year round, but especially in the blessed month of Ramadan, requesting his prayers. We will all be doing so InshaAllah. But let’s make it a point this Ramadan to remember Huzooraa in our prayers also.

Let’s make it a point to dedicate nawafil (voluntary Salat) to this person who we all love from the core of our heart; the man who stays awake and prays for us as we sleep in the comforts of our beds; the great man who is dearest and nearest to Allah among all creation in this age; the pious man who calls us to the path that leads to gaining Allah’s nearness and dearness; the amazing

www.alhakam.org

man whose smile makes any grief vanish into thin air.

Let us pray that Allah blesses every step of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa with success.

His success is the success of Islam in this age.

May Allah strengthen his hand!

Get to Know Islam campaign and weekly tabligh stalls in Bolivia Ataul Ghalib Bolivia Correspondent

On 20 April, the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in Bolivia held its 2nd Get to Know Islam event.

This year’s topic was How to Obtain World Peace.

The event was held in the city of Santa Cruz, in the downtown area. Prior to the event, 2,000 flyers were distributed in various universities and tabligh stalls were held in the biggest park in the city. This is a weekly tabligh stall through which, on a weekly basis, about 2,000 people get to see the picture of the Promised Messiahas and approximately 1,000 flyers are distributed.

The event started with the recitation

of the Holy Quran which was done by our local Ahmadi Antonio Saucedo followed by its recitation.

A short introduction was given by a local new-convert followed by another short presentation on the unity of God by a local Ahmadi. By the grace of Allah, the new converts have started to learn a lot about Islam Ahmadiyyat and are beginning to teach others. Alhamdolillah! The event was attended by 45 people.

Our visiting missionary, Ataul Manan Sahib (a graduate of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada) gave a presentation on obtaining inner peace.

Thereafter, the missionary and president of Bolivia Jamaat Ataul Ghalib Sahib delivered a speech on the true Islamic solution to world peace.

A question and answer session was held which many benefited from. This was then followed by silent prayer. Refreshments were then served to the guests and an open discussion took place.

At this event we had various banners and book exhibitions were put up to show various teachings of Islam Ahmadiyyat which gave people a chance to see the Holy Quran first hand. There was also a Try a Hijab exhibition that was held by Lajna

Imaillah.

Alhamdolillah, after this event, two local contacts also accepted Islam and Ahmadiyyat and did Bai‘at. Many have shown great interest and are now starting to come to the mission house to learn more about the Jamaat.

Under the guidance of Hazrat Amirul Momineen, may Allah be his helper, the Jamaat is growing in this part of the world and the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas “I shall cause thy message to reach the corners of the world” is, once again, being manifested in this part of the world.

Alhamdolillah!

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

4 Responding to Allegations

Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas Part VI Plague and Earthquakes

“Coming catastrophes and various new epidemics are far greater in number than those which have ever occurred in this country previously. They are frightening and horrifying. A severe and dreadful plague is likely to happen in this year or the coming year, which will spread within and outside of this country and cause havoc. An earthquake is likely to happen that will strike unexpectedly and it will be extremely destructive. I am not aware of its happening; it may occur in a particular part of the country or strike globally. If people of the earth fear God, it is entirely possible that this catastrophe goes away because God is the Lord of the Heavens and the Earth; He is capable of passing His commands and taking them back. Though apparently, it seems beyond recall that the people would fear God because hearts have extremely hardened. I do not expect that they will be cautioned through these prophecies which have been foretold. The only expectation is that we will be ridiculed or verbally abused or wrongly accused of spreading panic.” (Chashma-e-Marifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 403) Citing the above-mentioned extract, opponents of the Jamaat and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the Promised Messiahas sarcastically allege that every catastrophe befalls suddenly and that new epidemics never occurred, therefore it is a false prophecy. Moreover, they express that there is not a single mention of a specific place regarding the occurrence of a catastrophe, therefore these predictions are extremely dubious assumptions.

Opponents, referring to the words of the Promised Messiahas, “An earthquake is likely to happen, that will strike unexpectedly and it will be extremely destructive”, mockingly point out that every catastrophe befalls suddenly. In this manner, they try to create an impression upon the general public that a natural phenomenon which occurs on a regular basis cannot be considered a prophecy or a divine revelation.

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: َ ُ ُّ ُ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ ً َ ُ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ً َ ً ُْ ‫اء الذكوْ َر أ ْو يُ َز ِّو ُج ُه ْم ذك َرانا َو ِإناثا‬ ‫يهب ل ِمن يشاء ِإناثا ويهب ل ِمن يش‬ ُ ‫َويَ ْج َع ُل َم ْن يَ َش‬ ‫اء َعق ِْي ًما‬ “He [Allah the Almighty] bestows daughters upon whom He pleases, and He bestows sons upon whom He pleases; or He mixes them, males and females and He makes whom He pleases barren.”(Surah alShura, Ch.42: V.50-51) At another place, it is stated: َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ً َ ُ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َّ ُ ُ َ ْ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َّ ُ ً َ َ ْ ْ ُ َ ّٰ َّ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ألم تر أن الله يز ِجي سحابا ثم يؤل ِف بينه ثم يجعله ركاما فترى الودق‬ ْ ‫يَخ ُر ُج ِم ْن ِخلَال ِ ِه‬

“Hast thou not seen that Allah drives the clouds, then joins them together, then piles them up so that thou seest rain issue forth from the midst thereof?” (Surah alNur, Ch.24: V.40) Everyone is already aware about the aforementioned facts highlighted in the above verses of the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty as these phenomena occur naturally without a shadow of a doubt. So, the opponents must explain these verses because according to their views, there was no need to mention these facts in the Holy Quran.

The opponents claim, quoting the words of the Promised Messiahas, “Coming catastrophes and various new epidemics are far greater in number than those which have ever occurred in this country previously.

They are frightening and horrifying”, that the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas was not fulfilled because nobody witnessed the spread of new epidemics.

The First World War took place during the years 1914 to 1918 in which around 16 million people lost their lives. Thereafter the influenza pandemic spread in 1918 and 1919 which, according to the research of 1940, wiped out 40 to 100 million people across the globe, including India, China and Russia. This pandemic claimed 20 million lives in India alone. (The Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919, Paul Kupperberg, pp. 64-66) But unfortunately, opponents are unable to spot these epidemics. Instead of attaining benefit from these signs and bearing witness to the truth of the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, opponents target these prophecies with mockery and scorn, following the footsteps of those who were

the opponents of earlier prophets. In this manner, they effectively announce the truth of the Promised Messiahas because Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: ْ َ ُ َ َّ ُ ْ َ ً ‫يَا َح ْس َرة َعلى الع َِبا ِد ۚ َما يَأت ِْي ِه ْم ِّم ْن ّر ُسوْ ٍل ِإلا كانوْا ِب ِه يَ ْس َت ْه ِزئوْ َن‬ “Alas for My servants! There comes not a Messenger to them but they mock at him.” (Surah Ya Sin, Ch.36: V.31) Furthermore, the Promised Messiahas foretold: “A severe and dreadful plague is likely to happen”. Hence, in accord with the revelation of Allah the Almighty, various new epidemics rose across the globe and continue to do so even in the present time.

A severe and dreadful plague is HIV/ AIDS which has been named “The 21st Century Plague” (https://www.independent. co.uk/news/world/politics/hivaids-the21st-century-plague-516391.html) and it has claimed countless lives.

It is said that the region of Africa is most affected by HIV/AIDS, followed by India, which is widely affected by it. According to an article published by World Bank on 10 July 2012: “The Government of India estimates that about 2.40 million Indians are living with HIV … The four high prevalence states of South India (Andhra Pradesh – 500,000, Maharashtra – 420,000, Karnataka – 250,000, Tamil Nadu – 150,000) account for 55% of all HIV infections in the country. West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are estimated to have more than 100,000 PLHA (people living with HIV/AIDS) each and together account for another 22% of HIV infections in India.” (http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/ feature/2012/07/10/hiv-aids-india) The world has fallen prey to epidemics

that vary in nature. For instance, the epidemics of dengue fever, yellow fever and ebola etc. have wiped out millions from the face of the earth. Thus, it is evident that the world is witnessing dynamic catastrophes and epidemics.

The opponents express regarding the prophecies mentioned in the extract of Chashma-e-Marifat that neither is there any mention of a particular place of occurrence nor is there any specification of a precise time. Therefore, these ambiguous predictions cannot be considered divine revelations.

There are various examples of prophecies in the Holy Quran and the Hadith in which there is neither any mention of specific places of occurrence nor is there any description of specific time.

Allah the Almighty vouchsafed a revelation to the Holy Prophetsa, stated in the Holy Quran: ّٰ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ‫لتدخلن المس ِجد الحرام إِن ش‬ ‫اء الل ُه آ ِمنِي َن‬ “You would certainly enter the Sacred Mosque, if Allah wills, in security” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.28). Is there any mention of a specific year in this prophecy?

Similarly, Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: ُ ُّ َ ْ ّ َ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َ َ‫الدبُر‬ ‫سيهزم الجمع ويولون‬ “The hosts shall soon be routed and will turn their backs in flight” (Surah al-Qamar, Ch.54: V.46). Is it indicated in the prophecy in which year, which month or which place it would occur and which army it was referring to?

Hazrat Sarah was given a glad tiding: َ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َف َب َّش ْرن‬ ‫اها ِب ِإ ْس َحاق َو ِم ْن َو َرا ِء إِ ْس َحاق ي ْعقوْ َب‬ “We [Allah the Almighty] gave her glad tidings of the birth of Isaac, and after Isaac of Jacob” (Surah Hud, Ch.11: V.72). Is it mentioned in this prophecy as to when Isaacas and Jacobas would be born?

Undoubtedly, the Holy Quran is a miracle of Allah the Almighty and it shall remain so till Judgement Day. There are various verses of the Holy Quran in which there are no specifications of place, person or time. For instance: َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫يَا أ ّي َها الن ِب ّيُ ل َِم ت َح ّ ِر ُم َما أ َح َّل الل ُه لَك‬ “O Prophet! why dost thou forbid thyself that which Allah has made lawful to thee?” (Surah al-Tahrim, Ch. 66: V.2).

That thing which was forbidden is not mentioned here. َ َ َ َ َ َ ‫ِإ ّن شانِئك ُهوَ الْأ ْبت ُر‬ “Surely, it is thy enemy who is without issue” (Surah al-Kauthar, Ch. 108: V.4).

Which enemy is intended here? The name was not revealed.

Continued on page 7

5

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

The holy month of Ramadan and the significance of Lailatul Qadr To mark the start of the blessed month of Ramadan, the Fazle Umar Foundation English Desk has produced a translation of a Friday sermon delivered by Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, the Promised Reformer and Second Successor of the Promised Messiahas, on 11 May 1923 in which Huzoorra discourses on the true meaning of Lailatul Qadr and the importance of prayer during Ramadan.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad Khalifatul Masih IIra

After the recitation of Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Huzoorra said: amadan holds a distinguished position R amongst the Islamic months, and of the days of the week, Friday has a special

significance as does the Friday sermon, and the Friday prayer, and the time thereafter.

Our community is also marked by a distinction. Whereas other religious groups have rejected the [fresh] message of God and His messenger, our community has accepted His latest vice-regent.

Thus, both today and the exact time of the day and the month we are in all bear a uniqueness. Indeed, this moment is so significant, we ought to make every effort to benefit from the rain of God’s blessings that descends on us during this period.

One of the many reasons that edicts of apostasy were issued against the Promised Messiahas was because of the manner in which he interpreted the meaning of Lailatul Qadr (the night of the Decree). The Promised Messiahas said that while Lailatul Qadr refers to the [night of the Decree] that appears in Ramadan, it also denotes the time of the advent of a chosen one of God from which the rise and fall of nations can be determined and those which are of a higher and lesser rank are made more clearly distinguishable. Such a time is one of [spiritual] darkness, and the destiny of nations is decided by the coming of God’s chosen one.

If we cast a glance at the Lailatul Qadr that occurred at the time of the Holy Prophetsa, it is easy to identify those nations whose fortunes were decided during this period. Both the Byzantium Empire which ruled over half the [known] world, and the Persian Empire which ruled over the other half had their fates determined, and these supreme and powerful empires were reduced to ruin. In their stead, the bareskinned and malnourished people of Arabia, who possessed meagre sustenance and were frequently given over to intoxication and were immersed in every type of vile behaviour, were elevated in the world. Their immoral and corrupt practices were so transformed that they became teachers for the world and these same destitute people

assumed the mantle of leadership. This was how Lailatul Qadr unfolded in the time of the Holy Prophetsa.

Such nights have settled many times before and in the Ummah of Muhammadsa they appeared during the periods of the mujadideen (spiritual reformers) in which the lowly were elevated and those of high rank saw their status diminish. But in these respective periods, Lailatul Qadr did not reveal itself in its highest manifestation as it has now in the time of the Promised Messiahas. The Lailatul Qadr of the Promised Messiahas is set to decide the fate of the entire world and the same decree will hold true now, that is, some nations will be vanquished and others will be raised high.

Hence this era is loaded with significance and Allah the Exalted has enabled us to join the community of the Promised Messiahas even though we had no special claim or right to this. In this way we have already received the highest benefit of the judgement to be passed in this Lailatul Qadr. And what of the other rewards that [have been decreed] and when will they be given? The bestowal of these bounties is dependent on our actions.

It is our responsibility to present before the world, the blessings of the advent of the Promised Messiahas. We ought to transform our inner selves and spread news of those truths which have been revealed to us by him. Indeed, pray that God makes us heirs to those certainties which He has promised from Himself.

This is a blessed moment and Ramadan is a blessed month and Friday has been set apart as a singular day, therefore, our community ought to try and avail this time as much as possible. The day [of the night of decree] comes but once a year and it represents the hour for the acceptance of prayer, therefore, as much benefit should be drawn from it as possible.

This year is also one of great significance for our community because it marks the beginning of a fatal conflict. Although we have faced such struggles in the past, they have not been of this magnitude. At a cursory level it would seem as though the time has come for our eradication, but those communities which exist for the sake of God are never destroyed.

Thus this is a critical moment. The Muslim leadership has abandoned us and the ulema seethe with hostility, though

everyday Muslims stand with us and their eyes are opening up to the truth about who is and who is not serving the cause of Islam.

And this is a cause of happiness because it is usually this segment of society which turns to the right path. Therefore, because the Muslims now perceive this matter more clearly, they should be appreciated for this as it is a source of joy for us.

Owing to a sore throat, I cannot speak for too long and this is an incredibly important subject. In any case, the members of our community do not require lengthy

addresses to remind them of the value of prayer. But keeping in view the significance of the moment, I still wanted to draw attention to this subject. Pray with great fervour, both today, and for the rest of the final ten days of Ramadan. May Allah the exalted remove our failings. Also pray that we witness with our own eyes the fulfilment of the promises of God and that it is through us that Islam is able to rise to victory.

(Al Fazl, 17 May 1923) (Translated by Fazle Umar Foundation)

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

6

Practises of the Promised Messiahas in Ramadan Part II The noble wife of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas used to say in respect to his youth: “In that time, it occurred to me that fasting was also necessary to progress along this path … Then, I fasted for six consecutive months and nobody in the household or from outside had an inkling that I was keeping fast. When my morning meal used to arrive from the house, I would hand it to a needy person and eat the evening meal myself.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra enquired from Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara whether he also kept voluntary fasts in old age. She replied: “In old age too he would keep fasts, chiefly the six fasts of Shawwal to which he would strictly adhere. Whenever he had to pray for a task of particular importance, he would fast, but in his final few years, he could not even fast in Ramadan due to weakness and frailty.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra added here, “The Promised Messiahas mentioned the period of his fasts to be eight to nine months in his book, Kitab-ul-Bariyya.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra also mentioned that Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara narrated to him: “When the Promised Messiahas began having spells of vertigo, he did not fast during Ramadan that year and offered fidya. When the month of Ramadan came again, he began to fast but he had just kept eight or nine fasts when he experienced vertigo again. Hence, he left the rest and offered fidya. In the Ramadan thereafter, he had kept ten or eleven fasts when he was compelled to abandon fasting due to vertigo and he offered the fidya. In the following year during Ramadan, it was on his thirteenth fast that he experienced vertigo near Maghrib. He broke his fast, refrained from fasting for the rest of the month and offered the fidya.

“Afterwards, he kept all the fasts for every Ramadan which arrived, but a few years prior to his demise, he again was unable to keep fasts due to weakness and continued to offer fidya.” Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra enquired from Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara whether he offered the fasts at a later period, which he had left when he had his initial spells of vertigo. Hazrat Nusrat Jehan Begum Sahibara replied, “No, he only offered fidya.”

Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra went on to say: “When the Promised Messiahas initially began having spells of vertigo and encountered cold extremities, he became extremely weak and his health would remain poor. Hence, when he would withdraw from fasting [in Ramadan], it would appear as if he could not gather the strength to offer

them again at a later date till the upcoming Ramadan. However, when the forthcoming Ramadan would arrive, he used to begin to fast, springing out of a love for worship, but eventually, he would again have spells of vertigo. Thus, he would withdraw and offer the fidya. And Allah knows best.”

Hazrat Abdullah Sanaurira narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that once, at the beginning of his era, a guest came to visit the Promised Messiahas in Qadian during the month of Ramadan. He was fasting at the time and a great portion of the day had passed. It was perhaps after the Asr prayer that the Promised Messiahas advised him to break his fast. He replied, “There merely remains a small portion of day left, so is there any point in breaking my fast now?”

The Promised Messiahas said, “You desire to please God Almighty through dogged means. God Almighty cannot be pleased by tenacious deeds but through obedience.

One should not fast when He has directed that travellers should not do as such.” Upon this, he broke his fast.

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra used to relate that once, in the era of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Hakim Fazluddin Bhervira observed etikaf [spending the last 10 days and nights of Ramadan in solitude] but during the etikaf, he had to head out to present himself for a court case. Thus, he broke his etikaf and departed from Qadian near the Asr prayer, upon which the Promised Messiahas smilingly said, “What need was there to sit for etikaf if you were bound to attend the court case?”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that Hazrat Pir Siraj-ul-Haq Sahibra was once fasting, but he requested for water from somebody as he had forgotten. Upon hearing this, someone remarked, “Are you not fasting?”

Hazrat Pir Sahibra then recalled that he was in fact fasting. The Promised Messiahas was also present there at the time and said to Pir Sahibra, “When a person forgets that they are fasting and consumes something by mistake, it is God’s hospitality for that person. However, as you requested for water, and requesting for things is disliked, you were not able to experience this blessing.”

Hazrat Mir Muhammed Ismailra mentioned to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra: “Once, some guests came from Lahore to Qadian in Ramadan. When the Promised Messiahas received news of their arrival, he attended the mosque in order to meet them, bringing along with him some breakfast.

The gentlemen submitted that they were all fasting. The Promised Messiahas replied, ‘It is incorrect to fast in a journey. One should adhere to the leave granted by Allah Almighty.’ Thus, they were fed breakfast and their fasts were broken.”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas once stated:

َّ ّٰ ُ َ َّ ‫الش ْي َط‬ ‫يم‬ ‫أ ُعوذ ِبالل ِه ِم َن‬ ِ ِ ‫ان الر ِج‬ َّ ٰ ْ َّ ّٰ ْ ‫يم‬ ِ ‫ِبس ِم الل ِه الرحم ِـن الر ِح‬

َّ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ّ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ‫ين م ْن َق ْب ِل ُك ْم ل َ َع َّل ُك ْم تَ َّتقُوْن‬ َ ِ ‫الصيام كما ك ِتب ال ِذ‬ ِ ‫ك ِتب علىكم‬

“Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.184)

“It is also a bounty of God Almighty that he has raised me in such an age when the month of Ramadan occurs in the winter.

Fasting does not cause much physical fatigue and I can easily carry out my responsibilities in the month of Ramadan.”

Hazrat Maulvi Sher Ali Sahibra said that in those days, Ramadan had occurred in December. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra says: “I have studied the calendar of that time period. Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas claimed to be the Messiah in 1891 and in the same year, Ramadan commenced on 11 April. In other words, this was the beginning of the time span when Ramadan would occur within winter. Thus, in 1892, Ramadan commenced on 31 March and in 1893, on 20 March. Afterwards, the month of Ramadan would occur each year through the days of winter, to a greater degree. In 1908, when the Promised Messiahas passed away, Ramadan began on 1 October.

In this manner, the total period of the Promised Messiah’sas advent elapsed in such circumstances where the fasts of Ramadan would continuously take place in winter.

And this was a blessing of God Almighty which transpired under divine decree and which led the Promised Messiahas to carefully observe this blessing and develop sentiments of gratitude, understanding it to be a bounty of God.” Hazrat Mir Muhammed Ismailra related to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra that the Promised Messiahas was once fasting during Ramadan in Ludhiana when he felt nauseous and began encountering cold extremities.

At that particular time, the time for sunset was nigh, but he immediately broke the fast.

Hazrat Mir Sahibra said that Hazrat Ahmadas would always opt for the easy lawful path which the Shariah would afford.

With regard to this, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra said: “In the Hadith, regarding the Holy Prophetsa, through the narration of Hazrat Aishara, there is mention that he always used to prefer the easier of two permissible paths.”

Hazrat Sheikh Karam Ilahi Patialvira narrated to Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra in

writing: “Once, I came to spend the month of Ramadan, which had arrived at an intensely cold period, in Qadian. In those days, Hazrat Hakim Fazluddinra was the administrator of the library of the Promised Messiahas and therefore responsible for it. The room where the library was situated was adjacent to Masjid Mubarak and Hazrat Hakim Sahibra lodged in the very same place. Upon my arrival, he also granted me permission to temporarily reside in the same room.

Offering gratitude, I set up my bed at a corner and began passing time with great ease and enjoyment. The Promised Messiahas used to walk to the mosque, passing by this room for every prayer. At one occasion, the doors opened at the time for sehri [pre-dawn meal for fasting]. I was sat directly in front and stood out of respect when I saw that the Promised Messiahas was stood at the door.

Huzooras called me towards him through a gesture. When I advanced, I observed that there were two china bowls in the hands of the Promised Messiahas, which had kheer [rice pudding] in them. Handing me both bowls, Huzooras said to me, ‘Deliver these to those people whose names are written on it.’ I handed them to Hakim Sahib. Hakim Sahib called a person from the mosque and had the bowls delivered to those people whose names were inscribed in ink.

Thereafter, the doors opened again. The Promised Messiahas handed us two bowls again and those were also delivered to those people, in accordance with their names.

In this manner, the Promised Messiahas continued to bring bowls of kheer on ten or eleven occasions and we would deliver them to the people in the guest room. Finally, upon one of the two bowls which the Promised Messiahas handed was the name of Hakim Sahib and upon the second was my name, inscribed. After consuming the kheer, Hakim Sahib remarked, “Today, manna and salwa [divine bounties] have descended upon us.”

(Taken from the compilation of narrations related to the life of the Promised Messiahas, Sirat-ulMahdi, compiled by Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra.

Translated by Fateh Alam, London.)

7

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Acne Vulgaris Dr Noureen Ahmad General Practitioner, Belgium

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition which is a result of chronic inflammation of the skin. 80% of people with acne are aged between 11-30. Acne can disappear with age, however in some individuals the flare up of acne can fluctuate.

The skin exists of pores (hair follicles) and sebaceous glands which produce an oily-substance (sebum) to lubricate the skin and the hair. In puberty, when the body matures and develops, more hormones are produced. These androgen hormones stimulate the sebaceous glands to produce even more sebum which can block the pores and cause the accumulation of dead skin cells in these pores, thus stimulating bacteria growth (P acnes). This results in swelling and redness, which leads to the onset of acne.

Other causes of acne can include the use of corticosteroids, hormonal imbalance in women at menstruation, pregnancy or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

The latter is a medical condition in which women can experience symptoms of irregular menstruation cycles, excess androgens (leading to excess facial and body hair), weight gain and cysts in the ovaries. These women can develop infertility problems and are further referred to gynaecologists for further investigation and therapy.

Acne neonatorum, or baby acne, is acne in new-born babies or infants and is often seen on the nose and cheeks. The main cause is unknown, but it is believed that it could be the effect from the maternal hormones during pregnancy. However, this form of baby acne is innocent and resolves itself and does not require treatment.

Diagnosis of acne is usually made by the doctor based on the skin condition. There are usually spots on the face, back and sometimes on the chest. These spots can be blackheads (small black bumps), whiteheads (white bumps), papules (red bumps) and pustules (red bumps with pus).

Some acne lesions can result in nodules (red hard lumps) and cysts (pus filled lumps) which are painful and have a high chance of giving permanent scars.

There are three forms of acne; mild acne is when there are only black- and whiteheads and some papules while moderate acne is with pustules. Severe acne is with nodules

and cysts and is usually on many parts of the body.

Despite the physical scars, acne does cause emotional scars and affects more than just the appearance. It can lead to low selfesteem, poor self-image, depression and anxiety, which can all seriously affect one’s social life. Thus, it is important to treat acne to reduce the physical and mental scars.

Treatment of acne depends of the severity of the condition. It can usually takes several months before acne can start improving. There are practical tips to avoid further irritation of the skin such as washing the face two times a day with an anticomedogenic, anti-allergic and antifragrance cleanser or soap. It is also advisable to avoid too much makeup or buy products which contain water-based emollients as they can block pores.

Regular exercise and smoking cessation have also a positive effect on acne. Noteworthy to mention is that acne does not improve by picking of squeezing at the skin lesions. It can make the acne worse and lead to scarring. At this moment, studies have not shown that certain foods are associated with acne.

Treatment for mild acne exists of local treatment with creams or gels containing benzoyl peroxide, which is usually available over the counter in pharmacies and has to be used for four to eight weeks. If there is no improvement after this period, then local antibiotics or local retinoids can be added by the doctor.

Moderate acne requires stronger treatment and the doctor may start prescribing with oral antibiotics (lymecycline or tetracycline) tablets for eight weeks.

For women with moderate acne, an oral combined contraceptive pill can be prescribed with antiandrogen hormones. For severe acne, oral retinoids can be used, however these medications have many side effects and additional advice by a dermatologist is necessary.

Acne treatment requires patience and can take weeks to months before it starts to work properly. Usually this treatment must be continued for months, even years and will be reassessed by the doctor regularly.

(Please always consult a doctor or specialist to diagnose health conditions and follow the advised plan of a qualified doctor)

Continued from page 4

ّ ُ ّ َ ُ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫الديْن َف ٰذل َِك الَّ ِذ ْي يَ ُد ُّع ال ْ َيت‬ ‫ِيم‬ ِ ِ ‫أرأيت ال ِذي يك ِذب ِب‬ “Hast thou seen him who rejects religions? That is the one who drives away the orphan?” (Surah al-Ma‘un, Ch. 107: V.2-3). The name of that person who drove away the orphan is not stated. ْ َ ْ َ ْ َّ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ٍ ‫والفجرِ ولي‬ ِ‫ال عش ٍر والشف ِع والوتر‬ “By the dawn, and the Ten Nights, and the Even and the Odds” (Surah al-Fajr, Ch. 89: V.2-4). Which dawn, ten nights, even and odds? Nothing is explained.

The Holy Prophetsa was given a glad tiding that he would be united in marriage with Hazrat Aishara, but there is no indication as to when and where this marriage would take place. Below is the Hadith, stated in Bukhari: “Hazrat Aishara narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, ‘O Aisha! You were shown to me twice in a dream. I saw you in a silken piece of cloth, and I was told, “She is your wife”, so I uncovered it and behold, it was you.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib alAnsar) Similarly, Allah the Almighty foretold the Holy Prophetsa about the migration from Mecca and it was indicated that the resettling place would be filled with date palms. However, neither was it mentioned when exactly that migration would take place, nor was the specific place of settlement disclosed. It is stated in Bukhari: Hazrat Abu Musara narrates that the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said, “I saw in a dream that I was migrating from Mecca to a land where there were date palm trees. I thought that it might be the land of Yamama or Hajar, but behold, it turned out to be Yathrib i.e.

Medina.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab Manaqib al-Ansar) Likewise, Allah the Almighty revealed to the Holy Prophetsa that the castles of Qaisar and Kisra would be conquered, but it was not made clear as to when exactly that would happen – either in the life of the Holy Prophetsa or after his demise.

We bring forth this question before the opponents of the Jamaat and the Promised Messiahas, that do they have the courage to consider the aforementioned verses of the Holy Quran and Ahadith of the Holy Prophetsa ambiguous and not the word of God or authentic sayings of the Prophetsa?

After all, they too do not specify exact place and time regarding the occurrence of prophecies.

The Promised Messiahas states: “In the case of the chastisement that was promised to the Arabs (in the Holy Quran), God Almighty did not provide details of that chastisement as to what kind of chastisement it would be and what would be its nature. He only said that God has the power to bring it down from heaven, or send it from the earth, or make the infidels taste the swords of the Muslims. In these verses the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, himself admits that he has not been informed as to what kind of chastisement it would be.

And when he was asked about the time of its occurrence, he did not specify any date, as the Holy Quran says:

َّ ّٰ ْ ْ ْ َّ ُ ْ ُْ ْ َ ٰ ُ َُ ‫َويقوْلوْ َن َمتى َهذا الوَ ْع ُد ِإ ْن ك َن ُت ْم َصا ِدقِي َن ق ْل ِإن َما العِل ُم ِعن َد الل ِه َو ِإن َما‬ ٌ‫أنَا نَذيْ ٌر ُّمبيْن‬ ِ ِ Meaning: ‘The disbelievers ask, “When will this proclamation come to pass; tell us the date if you are indeed true?” Say to them, “I do not know of any date, only God has this knowledge. I am only a warner”’ (Surah al-Mulk, Ch.67: V.26–27). And when the disbelievers repeated their question about the date, they got the answer: َ َ​َ َ ‫َو ِإ ْن أ ْدرِ ْي أق ِريْ ٌب أ ْم بَع ِْي ٌد‬ Meaning: Tell them, ‘I know not whether the chastisement is near at hand or far off ’ (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.110).”

(Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya Part V, p. 340 [English Translation]) Explaining the following verse of the Holy Quran: ْ َْ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ ‫ان ُم ْر َس‬ َ َ‫اع ِة أَ ّي‬ َ ‫الس‬ ‫اها فِ ْي َم أن َت ِم ْن ِذك َر َاها‬ ‫يسألونك ع ِن‬ “They ask thee concerning the Hour, ‘When will it come?’ But what hast thou to do with the mentioning thereof?” (Surah al-Nazi‘at, Ch.79: V.43-44).

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “It is not necessary regarding prophecies to specify their exact time of happening and moreover, it has nothing to do with the actual matter. When an occurrence of a catastrophe is inevitable, what difference does it make if it befalls two days before or after? It is beyond any doubt that there are certain hidden reasons for the delay of prophecies and Allah the Almighty has explained this subject at other places [in the Holy Quran] but the opponents always bring forth this question that once a prophecy has been foretold, the exact date of its occurrence should be disclosed as well and it should be notified as to when it will come to pass. But on the contrary, Allah the Almighty states, what has this to do with anybody? Once the prophecy is fulfilled, everyone would bear witness and realise that whatever Allah the Almighty had said was proven truthful...

“It is mentioned in the Holy Quran that the infidels used to question the prophecy which was being foretold as to when it would come to pass. Destpite this, opponents today raise the same allegation, as to when that catastrophe will occur regarding which they have been foretold.

Thus, opponents frequently levelled the same allegations against the Promised Messiahas, expressing that he foretold ambiguous prophecies and the exact time of their occurrence was not specified, even though, it is the sort of question which brings no benefit to the opponents.

The actual prophecy of a prophet is that he would triumph and the world would fail in front of him. This prophecy is such that it is not necessary to specify any exact time for its occurrence for otherwise, there lies no ambiguity in it…” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p.

141-142) According to the prophecies, countless earthquakes occurred within the lifetime of the Promised Messiahas. The details of these earthquakes have been mentioned in the previous part of Responding to Allegations, under the heading Prophecies of the Promised Messiahas.

(Research conducted by a panel of scholars.)

8

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Prayers to remember during Ramadan (As quoted by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa in his Friday Sermon on 15 June 2018 during Ramadan)

ٰ َ ًَ ْ ُّ َ َ ًَ َ َ​َ ‫وقِنا‬ ّ ‫ح َسنة‬ َِ ‫الْاخ َِرة‬ ‫وفِي‬ ّ ‫ح َسنة‬ َ ‫الدن َيا‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫ا ِتنا‬ ٰ ‫َر ّبنٓا‬ َّ َ َ َ ِ‫النار‬ ‫عذاب‬ “Our Lord, grant us good in this world as well as good in the world to come, and protect us from the torment of the Fire.”

(Ch.2: V.202) َ ‫م ْس ِلم‬ ُ ‫وتَوَ َّف َنا‬ َّ ‫صبْ ًرا‬ َ ‫ع َل ْي َنا‬ َ ‫اَفْر ْغ‬ ‫َر ّبَ َنٓا‬ ‫ين‬ ِ ِ “Our Lord, pour forth upon us steadfastness and cause us to die resigned unto Thee.” (Ch.7: V.127) َ َ​َّ َ ُ َ َّ َ ّ ً َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َّ َ َّ ُ ّٰ َ ‫ل ِا ّول ِنا‬ ‫ ِع ْي ًدا‬ ‫لَنا‬ ‫تكوْ ُن‬ ‫الس َمٓا ِء‬ ‫من‬ ِ ‫مٓائِدة‬ ‫علينا‬ ‫ان ِزل‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ ‫اللهم‬ َ ِ‫الرزق‬ ُ ‫خ‬ َ ‫واَن ْ َت‬ َ ‫ ّم ْن َك َو ْار ُز ْق َنا‬ ‫و ٰايَ ًة‬ َ ‫َو ٰا ِخرنَا‬ ِّ ٰ ‫ير‬ ‫ين‬ ِ ِ “Our Lord, send down to us a table from heaven spread with food that it may be to us a festival, to the first of us and to the last of us, and a Sign from Thee; and provide sustenance for us, for Thou art the Best of sustainers.” (Ch.5: V.115) َّ ٰ َ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ْ َ ُّ ً َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َّ َ ‫فا َمنا‬ ‫برَ ِّبك ْم‬ ِ ‫ا ِمنوْا‬ ٰ ‫ا ْن‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫ل ِلاِيم‬ ‫ينا ِدي‬ ‫منا ِديا‬ ‫س ِمعنا‬ ‫ ِاننا‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ٰ َّ ّ َ َ ُ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫الْا ْبرَا ِر‬ ‫مع‬ َ ‫و توَفنا‬ َ ‫س ِّيا ِتنا‬ َ ‫عنا‬ َ ‫وك ِف ْر‬ َ ‫ذنوْبَنا‬ ‫لَنا‬ ‫فاغ ِف ْر‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬

“Our Lord, we have heard a Crier calling us unto faith, ‘Believe ye in your Lord,’ and we have believed. Our Lord, forgive us, therefore, our errors and remove from us our evils, and in death number us with the righteous.” (Ch. 3: V.194) ّٰ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ُ َّ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ٰ َ َّ َ َ ‫الشه ِد‬ ‫ين‬ ِ ‫مع‬ ‫فاكتبنا‬ ‫الرسول‬ ‫واتبعنا‬ ‫انزلت‬ ‫بمٓا‬ ِ ‫امنا‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ “Our Lord, we believe in that which Thou hast sent down and we follow this Messenger. So write us down among those who bear witness.” (Ch.3: V.54) ْ َ َ ُ​ُ ْ ُ َ​َ َ ْ َّ َ ‫ل ُدنك‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫لَنا‬ ‫و َه ْب‬ َ ‫ه َديْ َتنا‬ َ ‫ ِاذ‬ ‫بَ ْع َد‬ ‫قلوْبَنا‬ ‫ت ِزغ‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬ َ ُ ‫الْوَ َّه‬ ‫اَن ْ َت‬ ‫ ِانّ َك‬ ‫ر ْح َم ًة‬ َ ‫اب‬ “Our Lord, let not our hearts become perverse after Thou hast guided us; and bestow on us mercy from Thyself; surely, Thou alone art the Bestower.” (Ch.3: V.9) ُّ ُ ْ َ َ َّ ً َ ّ َ ً َّ ّ ُ َ ْ ُ َّ ْ ْ ْ َ ّ َ ‫الد َعٓا ِء‬ ‫س ِميع‬ ‫إنك‬ ِ ‫ط ِيبة‬ ‫ذرِية‬ ‫لدنك‬ ‫ ِمن‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫هب‬ ‫ر ِب‬ “My Lord, grant me from Thyself pure offspring; surely, Thou art the Hearer of prayer.” (Ch.3: V.39) َ ْ ْ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َّ ُ َ ّٰ ّ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ ‫اج َعلنا‬ ‫و‬ ‫ٔاعي ٍن‬ ‫قرة‬ ‫وذرِي ِتنا‬ ‫اجنا‬ ِ ‫ازو‬ ‫ ِمن‬ ‫لنا‬ ‫هب‬ ‫ربنا‬ ً‫ ِا َماما‬ ‫ل ِْل ُم َّت ِقي ْ َن‬ “Our Lord, grant us of our wives and children the delight of our eyes, and make us a model for the righteous.” (Ch.25: V.75) ْ َ َّ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ َ ‫وا ْن‬ َ ‫وال َِد ّي‬ َ ‫و َع ٰلى‬ َ َ‫عل ّي‬ َ ‫ان َع ْم َت‬ ٓ‫التِ ْي‬ ‫ن ِْع َم َتك‬ ‫اشك َر‬ ‫ا ْن‬ ٓ‫ا ْوزِ ْعنِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ ّ َ ُ ّ َ ُ َ ْ َ ٰ َ ‫ ِم َن‬ ‫و ِان ِ ْي‬ َ ‫ ِال َ ْيك‬ ‫ت ْب ُت‬ ‫۔ ِان ِ ْي‬ ‫ذ ّرِ ّيتِ ْي‬ ‫ف ِ ْي‬ ‫ل ِ ْي‬ ‫وا ْص ِلح‬ َ ‫صال ًِحا ت ْرض ُه‬ َ ‫ا ْع َم َل‬ َ ‫ال ْ ُم ْس ِلم‬ ‫ين‬ ِ “My Lord, grant me the power that I may

be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and that I may do such good works as may please Thee. And make my seed righteous for me. I do turn to Thee; and, truly, I am of those who submit to Thee.”

(Ch.46: V.16) ْ ّٰ َ ْ ْ َ ّ َ ‫الص ِل ِحي َن‬ ‫ ِمن‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫هب‬ ‫ر ِب‬ “My Lord, grant me a righteous heir.”

(Ch.37: V.101) ٌ ‫ف ِق‬ َ ‫خيْر‬ َ ‫م ْن‬ َ‫ ِال َ ّي‬ ‫اَن ْ َزل ْ َت‬ ‫ل َِمٓا‬ ‫ ِان ّ ْي‬ ‫َر ّب‬ ‫ير‬ ِ ٍ ِ ِ “My Lord, I am in need of whatever good Thou mayest send down to me.” (Ch.28: V.25) ْ َ َّ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ ‫وال َِد ّي‬ َ ‫و َع ٰلى‬ َ َ‫عل ّي‬ َ ‫ان َع ْم َت‬ ٓ‫التِ ْي‬ ‫ن ِْع َم َتك‬ ‫اشك َر‬ ‫ا ْن‬ ٓ‫ا ْوزِ ْعنِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ ْ َ ُ ٰ َ ٰ َ َ ْ َ ‫الص ِلح‬ َْ َْ ‫ين‬ ِ ّ ‫ ِع َبا ِدك‬ ‫ف ِ ْي‬ ‫برَح َم ِتک‬ ِ ‫وا ْد ِخلنِ ْي‬ َ ‫ت ْرضه‬ ‫صال ًِحا‬ َ ‫اع َم َل‬ ‫وان‬ َ “My Lord, grant me the will and power to be grateful for Thy favour which Thou hast bestowed upon me and upon my parents, and to do such good works as would please Thee, and admit me, by Thy mercy, among Thy righteous servants.” (Ch.27: V.20) ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ٰ َّ ٰ َ َ ُ ُ َ ّ َ ‫ي ْحض ُر ْو ِن‬ ّ ‫ا ْن‬ ‫ر ِّب‬ َ ‫بك‬ ِ ‫وا ُعوْذ‬ َ ‫ين۔‬ ِ ‫الشي ِط‬ ‫ه َمز ِت‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫بك‬ ِ ‫اعوْذ‬ ‫ر ِب‬ “My Lord, I seek refuge in Thee from the incitements of the evil ones. And I seek refuge in Thee, my Lord, lest they come near me.” (Ch.23: V.98-99) ْ ‫ ِعل ًما‬ ‫زِ ْدن ِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “O my Lord, increase me in knowledge.”

(Ch.20: V.115)

ّ ً ْ ُ ْ َ ْ ْ َ ْٓ ْ ّ َ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ‫ل ِ َسان ِ ْي۔‬ ‫م ْن‬ ِّ ‫عق َدة‬ ُ ‫احل ْل‬ ‫و‬ ‫امرِي۔‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫وي ِسر‬ ‫صدرِي۔‬ ‫لِي‬ ‫اشرح‬ ‫ر ِب‬ َ ََْ ‫قوْل ِ ْي‬ ‫يفق ُهوْا‬ “My Lord, open out for me my breast, and ease for me my task, and loose the knot of my tongue, that they may understand my speech.” (Ch.20: V.26-29) َ َ َ َ ً َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ ‫رش ًدا‬ َ ‫ا ْمرِنا‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫لَنا‬ ‫و َه ِّي ْئ‬ ّ ‫ر ْح َمة‬ َ ‫ل ُدنك‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫ا ِتنا‬ ٰ ‫َر ّبنٓا‬ “Our Lord, bestow on us mercy from Thyself, and provide for us right guidance in our affair.” (Ch.18: V.11) ّ ْ َّ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ْ ْ َ َّ ْ َ َ ْ ُ ْ ْ ْ َ ّ َ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫ل ِ ْي‬ ‫اج َع ْل‬ ‫و‬ ‫صد ٍق‬ ِ ‫مخرج‬ ‫اخ ِرجنِي‬ ‫و‬ ‫صد ٍق‬ ِ ‫مدخل‬ ‫اد ِخلنِي‬ ‫ر ِب‬ ْ َّ ً ْ َ ْ َّ ‫ن ِصي ًرا‬ ‫سل ٰطنا‬ ُ ‫ل ُدنك‬ “My Lord, make my entry a good entry and then make me come forth with a good forthcoming. And grant me from Thyself a helping power.” (Ch.17: V.81) َّ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ْ ‫ص ِغي ًرا‬ َ ‫رب ٰينِ ْي‬ ‫كما‬ ‫ارحمهما‬ ‫ر ِب‬ “My Lord, have mercy on them even as they nourished me in my childhood.”

(Ch.17: V.25) ْ ْ َ ْ َ َ ّ َ ‫اج َع ْل لّ ِْی ل َِس‬ ْ ‫الصالِحی ْ َن َو‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ّ ‫َر ِب ھ ْب ل ِْی ُحک ًما ّو ال ِحق ِن ْی ِب‬ َ َ َ ْ ّ ّ ٰ َ ْ ْ ‫ِص ْدق فِی الا ِخریْ َن۔ َو‬ ‫اج َعل ِن ْی ِم ْن ّو َرث ِۃ َجن ِۃ الن ِع ْی ِم‬ ٍ ِ “My Lord, bestow wisdom on me and join me with the righteous; and give me a true reputation among posterity; and make me one of the inheritors of the Garden of Bliss.” (Ch.26: V.84-86) ْ َ َْ َ​َ ّ ‫ل ِ ْي‬ ‫فاغ ِف ْر‬ ‫نف ِس ْي‬ ‫ظل ْم ُت‬ ‫ ِان ِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “My Lord, I have wronged my soul, therefore forgive me.” (Ch.28: V.17) ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َّ َ ٌ ‫ق ِد‬ َ ‫ش ْي ٍء‬ َ ‫ك ُ ّل‬ ‫ع َلى‬ َ ‫ ِانَّ َك‬ ‫ل َ َنا‬ ‫اغ ِف ْر‬ ‫ير‬ ‫و‬ ‫نورنا‬ ‫لنا‬ ‫ات ِمم‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ ِ

“Our Lord, perfect our light for us and forgive us; surely Thou hast power over all things.” (Ch.66: V.9) ْ ّ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ٰ َ َّ َ ‫الرَا ِح ِمي َن‬ ‫خير‬ ‫وانت‬ ‫وارحمنا‬ ‫فاغ ِفرلنا‬ ‫امنا‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ “Our Lord, we believe; forgive us therefore our sins, and have mercy on us; for Thou art the Best of those who show mercy.” (Ch.23: V.110) ْٰ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َ َ ‫الخ ِس ِريْ َن‬ ‫ ِم َن‬ ‫لَنكوْن َّن‬ ‫وت ْر َح ْمنا‬ َ ‫تغ ِف ْرلَنا‬ ‫ل ْم‬ ‫و ِا ْن‬ َ ‫انف َسنا‬ ‫ظل ْمنٓا‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬ “Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves; and if Thou forgive us not and have not mercy on us, we shall surely be of the lost.”

(Ch.7: V.24) ْ ّٰ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫الظ ِل ِمي َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫مع‬ َ ‫ت ْج َعلنا‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫َر ّبنٓا‬ “Our Lord, put us not with the unjust people.” (Ch.7: V.48) ْ ْ ْ َ َْ​َ َ َ َ ‫ال ٰورِ ِثي َن‬ ‫خي ُر‬ ‫وان َت‬ ّ ‫ف ْر ًدا‬ ‫تذ ْرنِي‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “My Lord, leave me not childless, and Thou art the Best of inheritors.” (Ch.21: V.90) ّ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ ّٰ َ ْ ‫الظ ِل ِمي َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫ت ْج َعلنِ ْي‬ ‫فلَا‬ ‫ر ِّب‬ َ ‫يُوْ َع ُد ْو َن۔‬ ‫ما‬ َ ‫ترِيَنِ ْي‬ ‫ ِا ّما‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “My Lord, if Thou wilt show me that with which they are threatened. My Lord, then place me not with the wrongdoing people.” (Ch.23: V.94-95) َّ ْ َ ْ َ ً َّ َ ُ َ َ​َ ‫وات َب ُعوْا‬ َ ‫تابُوْا‬ ‫ل ِل ِذيْ َن‬ ‫فاغ ِف ْر‬ ‫و ِعل ًما‬ ّ ‫ر ْح َمة‬ َ ‫ش ْي ٍء‬ ‫ك َّل‬ ‫و ِس ْع َت‬ َ ‫َر ّبنا‬ ٰ َّ ّ ْ َ َ​َ​َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ‫التِ ْي‬ ‫ع ْد ٍن‬ َ ‫جن ِت‬ َ ‫وا ْد ِخل ُه ْم‬ َ ‫۔ر ّبنا‬ ‫الج ِحي ِم‬ ‫عذاب‬ ‫وقِ ِهم‬ ‫س ِبيلك‬ َ َ‫اَنْت‬ ‫و ُذ ّر ّٰي ِته ْم۔ ِانّ َك‬ َ ‫ابَٓائه ْم َواَ ْز َواجه ْم‬ ٰ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫ص َل َح‬ َ ‫و َم ْن‬ َ ‫و َع ْد ّتَ ُه ْم‬ َ ِ ِ ِ​ِ ِ​ِ ٰ ّ َّ َ ْ َ َ ٰ ّ َّ ُ َ ُ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ ‫يوم ِئ ٍذ‬ ‫الس ِيا ِت‬ ‫ت ِق‬ ‫ومن‬ ‫الس ِيا ِت۔‬ ‫الح ِكيم۔وقِ ِهم‬ ‫الع ِزيز‬ ُ ‫ال ْ َع ِظ‬ ‫ال ْ َفوْ ُز‬ َ‫هو‬ ُ ‫و ٰذل َِك‬ َ ‫ر ِح ْم َت ٗه۔‬ َ ‫فقَ ْد‬ َ ‫يم‬

9

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM “Our Lord, Thou dost comprehend all things in Thy mercy and knowledge. So forgive those who repent and follow Thy way; and protect them from the punishment of Hell. And make them, our Lord, enter the Gardens of Eternity which Thou hast promised them, as well as such of their fathers and their wives and their children as are virtuous. Surely Thou art the Mighty, the Wise. And protect them from evils; and he whom Thou dost protect from evils on that day – him hast Thou surely shown mercy. And that indeed is the supreme triumph.” (Ch.40: V.8-10) َّ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ​ُ ْ َ ُ ‫قلوْ ِبنا‬ ‫ف ِ ْي‬ ‫ت ْج َع ْل‬ ‫ولَا‬ َ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫بالاِيْ َم‬ ِ ‫س َبقوْنا‬ َ ‫ال ِذيْ َن‬ ‫ولِاِخوَانِنا‬ َ ‫اغ ِف ْرلنا‬ ‫ربنا‬ َّ ّ ًّ ُ َ َّ َ َ ُ ‫ر ِح ْي ٌم‬ َ ‫ر ٔو ْو ٌف‬ َ ‫ ِانك‬ ‫ر ّبنٓا‬ َ ‫ا َمنوْا‬ ٰ ‫ل ِل ِذيْ َن‬ ‫ ِغلا‬ “Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in the faith, and leave not in our hearts any rancour against those who believe. Our Lord! Thou art indeed Compassionate, Merciful.” (Ch.59: V.11) َ ْ ٰ ْ ْ ْ ْ ْ َ ً ْ َ ‫وال ُم ٔو ِمن ِت۔‬ َ ‫ول ِل ُم ٔو ِم ِني َن‬ ّ ‫م ٔو ِمنا‬ ُ َ‫بَ ْيتِي‬ ٰ ‫دخ َل‬ َ ‫ول َِم ْن‬ َ ‫ول ِوَال َِد ّي‬ َ ‫ل ِ ْي‬ ‫اغ ِف ْر‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ َ ّ َ َ ّ َ َ ‫ت َب ًارا‬ ‫ ِالا‬ ‫الظ ِل ِمين‬ ‫ت ِز ِد‬ ‫َولا‬ “My Lord, forgive me and my parents, and him who enters my house as a believer, and the believing men and the believing women; and increase Thou not the wrongdoers but in perdition.” (Ch.71: V.29) َ ُْ َ َ َّ َ َ َ َّ َ َ َّ ْ ‫ ِانك‬ ‫ال ِق ٰي َم ِة۔‬ ‫يَوْ َم‬ ‫تخ ِزنا‬ ‫ولَا‬ َ ‫ر ُس ِلك‬ ُ ‫علٰي‬ َ ‫و َع ْدتنا‬ َ ‫ما‬ َ ‫او ٰا ِتنا‬ ‫ربن‬ َ ‫ال ْ ِم ْي َع‬ ‫تُ ْخ ِل ُف‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫اد‬ “Our Lord, give us what Thou hast promised to us through Thy Messengers; and disgrace us not on the Day of Resurrection. Surely, Thou breakest not Thy promise.” (Ch.3: V.195) َْ ْ َ َْ َ َْ َ ْ َ َ ‫الغافِ ِريْ َن‬ ‫خي ُر‬ ‫وان َت‬ َ ‫و ْار َح ْمنا‬ َ ‫فاغ ِف ْرلَنا‬ ‫ول ُِّينا‬ َ ‫ان َت‬ “Thou art our Protector; forgive us then and have mercy on us, for Thou art the Best of those who forgive.” (Ch.7: V.156) َ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ‫غ َر ًاما‬ ‫ان‬ ‫ك‬ ‫عذابها‬ ‫إن‬ ِ ‫جهنم‬ ‫عذاب‬ ‫عنا‬ ‫اص ِرف‬ ‫ربنا‬ “Our Lord, avert from us the punishment of Hell; for the punishment thereof is a lasting torment.” (Ch.25: V.66) َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ٰ َ َّ َ َّ َ ‫عذ‬ ‫وقِنا‬ ‫ذنوبنا‬ ‫لنا‬ ‫فاغ ِفر‬ ‫امنا‬ ‫ ِاننٓا‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ ِ‫النار‬ ‫اب‬ “Our Lord, we do believe; forgive us, therefore, our sins and save us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Ch.3: V.17) ْ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َّ ّ ُ ْ َ ٰ َّ َ ْ ُ ْ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ‫اغ ِف ْرل ِ ْي‬ ‫۔ر ّبنا‬ ‫دعٓا ِء‬ ‫وتقبل‬ ‫ربنا‬ ‫ذرِيتِي‬ ‫و ِمن‬ ِ‫الصلوة‬ ‫م ِقيم‬ ‫اجعلنِي‬ ‫ر ِب‬ ُ ‫الْح َس‬ ‫يَقُوْ ُم‬ ‫يَوْ َم‬ ‫ول ِْل ُم ْٔو ِم ِني ْ َن‬ َ ‫ل ِوَال َِد َّي‬ ‫َو‬ ‫اب‬ ِ “My Lord, make me observe Prayer, and my children too. Our Lord! bestow Thy grace on me and accept my prayer. Our Lord, grant forgiveness to me and to my parents and to the believers on the day when the reckoning will take place.”

(Ch.14: V.41-42) ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ي ْع َملوْ َن‬ ‫ ِم ّما‬ ‫وا ْه ِل ْي‬ َ ‫ن ِّجنِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “My Lord, save me and my family from what they do.” (Ch.26: V.170) َّ َ َ َ َ َ​َ َ َ ْ ْ َ ‫َر ِّب ِا ّن قوْ ِم ْی کذبُوْ ِن۔ فاف َتح بَ ْی ِن ْی َو بَ ْین ُہ ْم ف ْت ًحا ّون ِّج ِن ْی َو َم ْن ّم ِع َی‬

ْ ْ ‫ِم َن ال ُم ْؤ ِم ِنی َن‬ “My Lord, my people have treated me as a liar. Therefore judge Thou decisively between me and them; and save me and the believers that are with me.” (Ch.26: V.118119) ْ ْ ْ َْ َ ‫ال ُمف ِس ِديْ َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫علي‬ َ ‫ان ُص ْرن ِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “Help me, my Lord, against the wicked people.” (Ch.29: V.31) ْ َ ُ ْ َّ ‫فان َت ِص ْر‬ ‫مغلوْ ٌب‬ َ ‫ان ِ ْي‬ “I am overcome, so come Thou to my help!” (Ch.54: V.11) َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫عل ْينٓا‬ َ ‫ت ْح ِم ْل‬ ‫ولَا‬ َ ‫ر ّبنا‬ َ ‫اخطانا۔‬ ‫ا ْو‬ ‫ن ِس ْينٓا‬ ‫ ِا ْن‬ ‫ت ٔوا ِخذنٓا‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬ َّ َ َ ْ َْ ُ َ​َ َ َ ‫لَا‬ ‫ما‬ َ ‫ت َح ِّملنا‬ ‫ولَا‬ َ ‫ر ّبنا‬ َ ‫ق ْب ِلنا۔‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫ال ِذيْ َن‬ ‫علي‬ َ ‫ح َمل َت ٗه‬ َ ‫ك َما‬ ‫ِا ْص ًرا‬ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫فان ُص ْرنا‬ ‫موْلٰنا‬ َ ‫ان َت‬ ‫او ْار َح ْمنٓا‬ ‫واغ ِفرلن‬ ‫عنا‬ ‫واعف‬ ‫ب ٖه‬ ِ ‫لنا‬ ‫طاقة‬ ْٰ َ ْ َ ‫الك ِف ِريْ َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫َعلي‬ “Our Lord, do not punish us, if we forget or fall into error; and our Lord, lay not on us a responsibility as Thou didst lay upon those before us. Our Lord, burden us not with what we have not the strength to bear; and efface our sins, and grant us forgiveness and have mercy on us; Thou art our Master; so help us Thou against the disbelieving people.” (Ch.2: V.287) ٰ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ّ َ َّ ً ْ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َّ َ ‫الك ِف ِريْ َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫علي‬ َ ‫وان ُص ْرنا‬ َ ‫امنا‬ ‫اقد‬ ‫وث ِبت‬ ‫صبرا‬ ‫علينا‬ ‫اف ِرغ‬ ‫ربنٓا‬ “O our Lord, pour forth steadfastness upon us, and make our steps firm, and help us against the disbelieving people.”

(Ch.2: V.251) َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ّ َ َ َ ْ َ ْٓ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ َ ‫امنا‬ ‫اقد‬ ‫وث ِبت‬ ‫امرِنا‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫و ِاسرافنا‬ ‫ذنوبنا‬ ‫اغ ِفرلنا‬ ‫ربنا‬ ْٰ َ ْ َ َ ْ ‫الك ِف ِريْ َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫علي‬ َ ‫َوان ُص ْرنا‬ “Our Lord, forgive us our errors and our excesses in our conduct, and make firm our steps and help us against the disbelieving people.” (Ch.3: V.148) ْ َ َ ْ َ​َ ْ ْ َ​َ ْ َْ ْ َ َْ ‫الفا ِت ِحي َن‬ ‫خي ُر‬ ‫وان َت‬ َ ‫بال َح ّ ِق‬ ِ ‫قوْ ِمنا‬ ‫وبَي َن‬ َ ‫بَ ْيننا‬ ‫اف َتح‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬ “O our Lord, decide Thou between us and between our people with truth, and Thou art the Best of those who decide.” (Ch.7: V.90) َ َ ْ ّٰ َ ْ ّ ً َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫ ِم َن‬ ‫برَ ْح َم ِتك‬ ِ ‫ون ِّجنا‬ َ ‫الظ ِل ِمي َن‬ ‫ل ِلقوْ ِم‬ ‫فِ ْتنة‬ ‫ت ْج َعلنا‬ ‫لَا‬ ‫َر ّبنا‬ ْٰ َ ْ ‫الك ِف ِريْ َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ “Our Lord, make us not a trial for the wrongdoing people. And deliver us by Thy mercy from the disbelieving people.”

(Ch.10: V.86-87) َّ َ ْ ‫كذبُوْ ِن‬ ‫ب َما‬ ِ ‫ان ُص ْرن ِ ْي‬ ‫َر ِّب‬ “O my Lord, help me, for they have treated me as a liar.” (Ch.23: V.40) َ َّ ْ َ ْ ‫و َع َم ِل ٖه‬ َ ‫ف ِْر َعوْ َن‬ ‫ ِم ْن‬ ‫ون ِّجنِ ْي‬ َ ‫ال َجن ِة‬ ‫فِي‬ ‫بَ ْي ًتا‬ ‫ ِعن َدك‬ ‫ل ِ ْي‬ ‫اب ِن‬ ْ ‫َر ِّب‬ ٰ َ ْ ّ َْ ‫الظ ِل ِمي َن‬ ‫القوْ ِم‬ ‫ ِم َن‬ ‫ون ِّجنِ ْي‬ َ “My Lord! Build for me a house with Thee in the Garden; and deliver me from Pharaoh and his work, and deliver me from the wrongdoing people.” (Ch.66: V.12)

100 Years Ago...

Missionary activity in the UK and Ceylon – April 1919 Al Fazl, 13 May 1919 Ever since I returned to London on 5 April, I have been suffering from influenza and a cough. In fact, the symptoms began to appear when I was in Bournemouth. I request members of the Jamaat to pray for me.

In the month of April, I received 172 letters etc. while the number of letters dispatched amounted to 265. One can assess the volume of work from the fact that I sealed those packets myself which were present in the mail. Moreover, nearly all the mail was personally transported to the post office and dispatched in person. The mail of brother Qazi Abdullah Sahib is apart from this. The aforementioned mail is particularly mine.

May Allah the Almighty through His blessings provide means whereby a scribe can be arranged for correspondence who can work according to my instructions.

At present, owing to the war, there is a law here that every person’s name, address etc. must be recorded in the governmental office and every individual must carry a verified slip of that record at all times. In case someone moves to another place, the government must be informed about the change of address.

Arab Sahib was unable to inform the change of address due to a misunderstanding.

Therefore, he came under the custody of the current authorities. However, by the blessings of Allah the Almighty he was released in the end. Throughout those difficult times, several friends came to his aid in every way possible.

The assistance of Mr A Khan Sahib, a cook, is worthy of praise and thanks. May Allah the Almighty grant him the best of rewards.

The good news of a young lady named Miss Parker who embraced Islam, along with the request of her Bai‘at has been sent to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. She has been given the Islamic name Nur. Presently, mail from India usually arrives weekly on Saturdays. However, sometimes it arrives rather late.

Muhammad Sadiq. 10 April 1919 Al Fazl, 17 May 1919 (The following article, filled with exhilarating and delightful news, is a gift from our revered Master Abdul Rahim Nayar Sahib.

By the grace of Allah the Almighty, whilst being responsible for Hazrat Khalifatul Masih’s correspondence department, he is also blessed with the opportunity of conveying various activities of Ahmadiyya Jamaats taking place within and outside of India. The article below serves as a source of nourishment for the soul.)

United Kingdom: Hazrat Qazi Sahib and Mufti Sahib are actively engaged in their works. Seekers of truth come regularly in large numbers and research about Islam and Ahmadiyyat.

Members of the Jamaat should be informed that there are two kinds of people who are being brought forth under the tabligh of the missionaries from the United Kingdom. Firstly, there are those individuals who after only hearing the ten conditions of Bai‘at and get acquainted to Ahmadiyyat and sign the Bai‘at form. They are called Ahmadis. Secondly, those individuals who

after reading the conditions of Bai‘at accept them, and attest by signing the Bai‘at form and bearing witness to the truth. We name them musadiqin (those who attest to the truth).

The wording of Musaddiqin’s form is as follows: I bear witness that: َ ُ ّٰ ّ ٰ َ ّٰ ُ َ 1. ‫لا اِل َہ اِلا الل ُہ محَ َّم ٌد ّر ُس ْول الل ِہ‬ [There is none worthy of worship except Allah; Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah.]

2. Ahmadas of Qadian is the prophet of the present time 3. The Holy Quran is the final Shariah [divine law] 4. Buddha, Krishna, Zoroaster, Confucius, Moses and Jesus (peace be upon them all) were prophets of God 5. The tomb of Jesusas, where he is buried, is located in Kashmir, India 6. The door to divine revelation has never been closed 7. Allah the Almighty still speaks to His servants 8. The present imam and head of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is Hazrat Mahmud, Khalifa II A lady’s request for Bai’at has been received in the recent mail from the UK. The subject of that letter is as follows: “To His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad of Qadian, “Your Holiness! Agreeing with the beliefs of Ahmadiyyat, I hereby announce that I embrace Islam. I request His Holiness to kindly admit me into his Jamaat and pray for me. I am His Holiness’ highly obedient servant. Nelly Parker Nur” Ceylon [now Sri Lanka]: The members of Ceylon Jamaat are working hard with steadfastness. Every one of them resembles a missionary. Maulvi AP Ibrahim Malabari … is the imam of Ceylon Jamaat who has previously lived in Qadian. Currently, he works as a merchant in Colombo.

The members of Ceylon Jamaat convey the message of Islam and Ahmadiyyat in both written and spoken form. They have had religious debates with the people of that area which are now held on a regular basis.

Lectures are delivered in Colombo Jamaat’s weekly gatherings which are followed by questions and answers. Apart from lectures, the weekly Anglo-Tamil newspaper of Jamaat Ahmadiyya Colombo is proving extremely beneficial and responds to the allegations of opponents in the most convincing manner.

The Ahmadiyya youth of Colombo have laid the foundation of a new organisation which publishes tracts. Colombo Jamaat has published exceptionally useful tracts in Tamil and English. Members of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat are requested to assist the Colombo Ahmadis and to aid them in publishing these tracts. All post regarding the tracts should be sent to: Mr WM Thaka, Post Box 216, Colombo.

The recent converts [in Ceylon] are WA Nuruddin, Abdur Rahman Yusuf Lebay, EA Ibrahim Adham, EN Nagupchay, Muhammad Saleh, Fatima Amina and K Fatima.

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

10

Questions related to Ramadan Part II

Who is fasting obligatory for?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: َّ ّ ً ُ ُ ُ ْ ْ َ ْ ُ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ ‫ات ِّم َن ال ُه َدى‬ ٍ ‫اس َوبَ ِّين‬ ِْ َ ‫شهر رمضان ال ِذ ْ ُي أنَ ِزل َفِي ِه َالق ْرآن ْه ُدى ل َِّلن‬ ‫ان ف َم ْن ش ِه َد ِمنك ُم الش ْهرَ فل َي ُص ْم ُه‬ ِ ‫َوالف ْرق‬ “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present [at home] in this month, let him fast therein.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186) During the month of Ramadan, the observance of fasts is mandatory upon every adult Muslim man and woman who is healthy, muqim (stationary, not travelling) and able to fast.

Only those have been given exemption who are sick or travelling etc. Such people can complete their fasts later. Those who are suffering from a chronic illness, are weak or a woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding etc. and are incapable of fasting, as compensation during the rest of the year, can offer fidya (feeding of a poor man). This is stated in the Holy Quran by Allah the Almighty: َ َ ّ ٌ َّ َ َ َ َ ً َّ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ ‫ام أُ َخ َر ۚ َو َع َلى الَّ ِذ‬ ‫ين‬ ٍ ‫ف َم ْن كان ِمنك ْم مرِيضا أ ْو َعل ٰى َسف ٌٍر فعِدة ِم ْن أ ّي‬ ْ ُ ‫يُط ِْيقُوْن َ ُه فِ ْديَة َط َع‬ ‫ام ِم ْس ِكي ٍن‬ “And whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast [only] with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.185) Regarding the fasting of children, it should be kept in mind that they should be trained to observe fasts through a gradual process. Owing to the atmosphere of devotion to values of faith, at a very early stage they begin to exhibit an eagerness to keep fasts, but parents should restrain young children from observing entire fasts too frequently as this can affect their growth.

Children may be permitted to keep one or two fasts as a practice before they become fully mature to observe mandatory fasts.

What is the guidance for those who deliberately abstain from fasting?

Allah the Almighty states in the Holy Quran: ُ َّ ْ َ َ َ ‫َوأ ْن ت ُصوْ ُموْا خي ٌر لك ْم‬ “Fasting is good for you.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.185) Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. One should be extremely cautious and watchful regarding the fasting of Ramadan. If someone consciously refrains from fasting without any excuse and cares not about the command of Allah the Almighty, they may not ever be able to make up for this mistake, even if they fast for the rest of their lives.

It means every person upon whom it is mandatory to fast must take the fasting of Ramadan seriously.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Anyone who does not fast on any of the days of Ramadan without lawful excuse or illness will never be able to ransom the loss even if he fasts for the rest of his life.”

(Musnad Darimi, Baab Man aftara yauman min Ramadan muta‘amidan) The terms “illness” or “journey” are not defined by the Holy Quran because they are left to be defined by common usage of the people and the attending circumstances.

If doctors do not recommend fasting, one must refrain from fasting.

Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih IIra states: “In my opinion there are some people who take fasting as something trivial and leave it due to minor excuses. At times, they possess a thought that they will become sick and abstain from fasting, even though there is no excuse to quit fasting, with only the mere thought that they will become sick.

One can leave fasting only in the condition that they are sick, and sick to the extent that fasting is harmful. It is unacceptable for a

person experiencing a sickness which has no risk through fasting to not fast.” (Al Fazl, 11 April 1925) What is the status of one who fasts?

Fasting spiritually elevates the status of a believer and draws the love of Allah the Almighty for His creation. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Allah declares that each act of man is for himself, apart from fasting. Fasting is for Allah and Allah alone is its reward.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum) Fasting helps a person wash away their previous sins and come closer to Allah the Almighty. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Whoever wakes up in the middle of the night and offers prayer with the intention of reward, fulfilling the demand of belief, and fasts, their previous sins are forgiven.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum) Allah the Almighty begins to love that person who restrains from drinking, eating and sexual desires etc., thereby pardoning their earlier mistakes and errors, making them pure like a new born child. The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “By the Being in whose hands is the life of Muhammad! The odour from the mouth of a person fasting is much more pure and pleasant than that of kasturi [deer’s scent].”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum) Explaining the following verse of the Holy Quran: َ َ ُ ‫ان الَّذ ْي أُنْز َل ف ْيه ال ْ ُق ْر‬ ‫آن‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ َ ‫ش ْهرُ َر َمض‬ “The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186), Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, the Promised Messiahas states: “This verse indicates the greatness of the month of Ramadan. The sufis have recorded that this is a good month for the illumination of the heart. The one who observes fasts

has frequent experience of visions in this month. Salat purifies the spirit and the fast illuminates the heart. The purification of the spirit means that one may be delivered from the passions of the self that incites to evil; and the illumination of the heart means that the gates of vision may be opened so that one may be able to behold God.” (Malfuzat, Vol. IV, pp. 256-257) What renders a fast invalid?

A fast is broken by eating, drinking or conjugal relationships between a husband and wife. It is also broken by bleeding profusely, either by accident or illness, or by vomiting deliberately.

If someone accidently breaks a fast of Ramadan, there is no sin, but they will have to make up for the fast later. However, if a person mistakenly eats or drinks and immediately or after some time realises that they were fasting, then there is no sin in it.

It is stated by the Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him: “Whoever forgets that they are fasting and eats or drinks, then they should still complete their fast. It is only Allah who fed him and gave him drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum) During Ramadan, if a woman’s menstrual cycle begins, she should stop fasting and make up for the missed fasts later.

The fatwa (verdict) for those who break the fast of Ramadan deliberately, being compelled by an inner desire or a sudden burst of feelings, can be found in the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him.

It is pointed out in Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Saum that whoever breaks a fast of Ramadan on purpose must fast the one missed, plus 60 consecutive fasts. If one cannot fast, then they must feed 60 poor people, either together or separately. Or, they can feed one person for 60 days or give the required amount in money. If one cannot feed anyone, then they should beseech the mercy and blessings of Allah.

Hadith-e-Rasul – Sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Give up what is doubtful to you in place of that which is not doubtful for truth is peace of mind and falsehood is doubt.”

(Jami at-Tirmidhi, Kitab Sifa al-Qiyamah wa al-Raka’iki wa al-Warai)

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

11

Fasting in Islam and other religions Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad 1910-2001

For every spiritual exercise in Islam, the ultimate aim is the attainment of God’s pleasure through the regulation of one’s life in accordance with His ordinances.

Of the five articles of faith of Islam, the fourth is fasting during the month of Ramadan. The Holy Quran states: “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.

[The prescribed fasting is] for a fixed number of days, but whoso among you is sick or is on a journey [shall fast] the same number of other days; and for those who are able to fast [only] with great difficulty is an expiation – the feeding of a poor man.

And whoso performs a good work with willing obedience, it is better for him. And fasting is good for you, if only you knew.

“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present [at home] in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, [shall fast] the same number of other days. Allah desires [to give] you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.184186) “It is made lawful for you to go in unto your wives on the night of the fast. They are a garment for you, and you are a garment for them. Allah knows that you have been acting unjustly to yourselves, wherefore He has turned to you with mercy and afforded you relief. So you may now go in unto them and seek what Allah has ordained for you; and eat and drink until the white thread of day is distinguishable from the dark thread of night. Then complete the fast till nightfall and do not go in unto them while you remain in the mosques for devotion.

These are the limits [fixed] by Allah, so approach them not. Thus does Allah make His commandments clear to men that they may become secure against evil.” (Surah alBaqarah, Ch.2: V.188) Now, if Islam had claimed to be a religion and had not incorporated fasting as a discipline, can you imagine the mockery which would have been hurled by the Jews, the Christians, the Hindus, etc?

But then can it be said that Islam copied this teaching from other religions? Yes, provided it is also said that Islam believes in the Unity of God, in His chosen prophets, His Sacred Books, in acting righteously, etc.

Thus, in the above verse, God Almighty warns Muslims that they must not think that they are the only ones who have been commanded to fast for a fixed number of days. Such a commandment existed for other religions as well. But look at them – what have they done to this commandment! A great majority of their believers today do not fast at all, or if they fast, they fast partially for one day

a year. It is only in Islam that it became a principal article of faith and, although there are some noticeable exceptions, a vast majority of Muslims still adhere to this commandment, fasting for a period longer than in any other faith.

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

Hinduism Owing to the very many sects in Hinduism, it is difficult to find a code of standard practice, although various days have been appointed for fasting. The fast commences in the evening and ends the next day with the sighting of the moon. During this time, water may be drunk but nothing cooked may be had as food. This does not prevent the consumption of fruit, etc. Thus, such a fast is a partial abstention from food and water.

Among certain Jain communities, females commence the fast in the early morning with a spoonful of previously boiled water and eat or drink nothing for several days. A kind god does not demand such extreme expiation from the believers.

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “The difference between our fasting and the fasting of the people of the Book is the eating of sehri.”

Judaism Although Mosesas is said to have fasted for a period of 40 days (Exodus 34:28; Deuteronomy 9:9), Elijah went in the strength of one meal for 40 days (I Kings 19:8), Esther announced her special fast for three days and nights (Esther 4:16), David’s valiant men mourned the loss of Saul and his sons by fasting for seven days (I Chronicles 10:12), Daniel realising the significance of a vision continued a partial fast for three weeks (Daniel 10:2-3), yet the present practice amongst most Jews is to fast for 24 hours on the Day of Atonement.

This again is a partial fast and nothing cooked may be had.

(Musnad Darimi, Baab Fazl asSuhoor)

Christianity Jesusas is said to have stayed in the wilderness, without food, for 40 days (Matthew 4:2; Mark 1-13 and Luke 4:2). He also referred to three aspects of Christian behaviour in his sermon on the mount (Matthew 6:1-18): almsgiving, prayers and fasting. The reference “be not like the Jews…” refers to the fact that the Jews at that time wore sackcloth, disfiguring their faces so that they may appear as if fasting.

It is quite clear that Jesusas did not forbid fasting, rather he assumed that his disciples would continue to fast “as those before them” though in the correct way and not as hyprocrites.

We are told in Matthew 9:14, Mark 2:18·20, Luke 5:33 and 18:12 that the Jews fasted either often or up to two days a week. The disciples of Jesusas and the early Christians also fasted. Yet, like the Jews, ritualism crept in even among them and during the second century AD, people fasted so that they may not be caught as exceptions. It was during the dark middle centuries that the eating of no meat on Wednesdays and Fridays, gave way to the Roman Catholic practice of eating fish on Fridays. Even Martin Luther goes on record complaining about the misuse of this form of fasting. Ritualism appears

to have crystalised in the sixth century when fasting was made obligatory by the Didache (a manual of church order believed by some to have been compiled by the Apostles) and the Second Council of Orleans and it took the church nearly 1,000 years to disband the remaining remnants of this discipline. The Book of Common Prayer lists 16 observable days for vigils, fasts and remembrance: the Didache ordered fasts on Wednesdays and Fridays; Roman Catholics require that on Friday, no meal must be eaten; the Carmelite, Carthusian and Cistercian order regular fasting but among others it is virtually non-existent.

Again, the practice among some clergy to fast for a day, (first Sunday in Lent) missing up to three meals and yet to drink water is only a partial fast. The refraining from eating meat hardly accrues any benefits to one who is a vegetarian and such a one would have been deprived of the benefits of fasting owing to one’s inability to fast.

We observe that among domesticated animals, they totally abstain from food in order to restore their metabolism.

This instinctive behaviour is caused by nature. It is also the practice to feed wild animals kept in captivity for six days a week. In fact, wild animals will often go without food for several days. It is strange therefore that nature should have required a period of sustained rest for the digestive system of other living things and that man should have forgotten such an important discipline.

In describing these various kinds of fasts of abstention of certain kinds of foods

on the day of fasting as opposed to a total abstention of food and drink, we do not wish to ridicule such customs. Indeed, it is possible that God Almighty may have required a race of hunters whose diet was entirely composed of meat to abstain from meat for say one day a week and partake a vegetarian diet to restore vitamins, etc., for the health and its effect on the morals of such people. In such a case, the commandment would have indeed been a blessing for those people at that time. Although there were various days of fasting for the people before Islam, their observance was not of the kind prescribed

by Islam.

According to Ibn-Hisham, the Quraish tribe of Mecca used to retire to Mount Hira for religious devotion and penance during the month of Ramadan, abstaining from sex etc., although this month was not regarded as a sacred month among the four pre-Islamic sacred months of Qa‘dah, Hijjah, Muharram and Rajab.

The word Ramadan is an Islamic name as prior to Islam it was known as Nataq (Fath-ul-Bayan). The word is derived from ramada. They say “ramada al-salimu”, that is the inside of the man fasting became very hot with thirst (Lane). The month is so named because firstly, fasting in this month produces heat and burning due to thirst; secondly, worship in this month burns away the traces of sin in man (Asakir and Mardawaih) and thirdly, the necessary warmth of love for the Creator and His Created beings is generated in the hearts of those who fast.

12

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Annual awards ceremony of Jamia Ahmadiyya & Hifz-ulQuran School Canada Sohail Ahmed Saqib Lecturer Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada

On Saturday, 13 April 2019, the annual awards ceremony of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and Hifz-ul-Quran School Canada were held in Aiwan-e-Tahir in Vaughan. The programme was divided into two segments: the annual speech competitions and the awards ceremony.

The first part of the programme consisted of the finals for the Arabic, Urdu and English speech competitions and was presided over by two students of the final year, Sarmad Naveed Ahmad and Fatir Mahmood Ahmad. A student of Hifz-ul-Quran School also presented a speech after the conclusion of Jamia’s speech competition.

The second part of the programme was presided over by Lal Khan Malik Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada.

After the recitation of the Holy Quran and a poem, reports of the extracurricular activities of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and Hifz-ul-Quran School were presented by Usama Rahman of the sixth year of Jamia and Hafiz Mujeeb Ahmad Sahib, teacher of

Hifz-ul-Quran School respectively.

Following these reports, Amir Sahib distributed prizes and awards to the students of Hifz-ul-Quran School and Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada who attained positions in individual and group competitions.

Special prizes were awarded to Jamia students who did outstanding work in preparing this year’s exhibition on Khilafate-Rashidah. Members of Jamia’s kitchen staff were also awarded commemorative plaques in recognition of their extraordinary services.

Here it should be noted that in order to facilitate the extracurricular activities of Jamia students and to promote the spirit of healthy competition, they have been divided into four tutorial groups: Shujaat, Amanat, Diyanat and Rafaqat. A teacher is in charge of each group. Throughout the year, various educational competitions were held in the evenings and students competed to gain points for their groups. The group with the most points won the trophy for best performance in academic competitions.

Similarly, the student who collected the most points for his group was named the

َّ ّٰ ُ َ َّ ‫الش ْي َط‬ ‫يم‬ ‫أ ُعوذ ِبالل ِه ِم َن‬ ِ ِ ‫ان الر ِج‬ َّ ٰ ْ َّ ّٰ ْ ‫يم‬ ِ ‫ِبس ِم الل ِه الرحم ِـن الر ِح‬

َ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ّٰ ُ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َّ َ ُّ َ َ ‫يا أيها ال ِذين آمنوا اتقوا الله وكونوا مع‬ ْ َّ ‫الصا ِدقِي َن‬

“O ye who believe! fear Allah and be with the truthful.”

(Surah al-Taubah, Ch.9: V.119)

best student and awarded a special plaque.

For the academic year of 2018-2019, the trophy was awarded to Shujaat, headed by Hafiz Hibbatur Rahman Sahib and the best student was Omar Farooq of Shujaat group.

After the awards distribution, Daud Ahmed Hanif Sahib, Principal Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada gave a vote of thanks to the attendees.

At the end, Amir Sahib Canada delivered a short address in which he commended the efforts of the staff and students of Jamia

First Charity Challenge in Bulgaria

Asad Hameed Mohtamim Ishaat, MKA Bulgaria

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria had the opportunity to hold its first Charity Challenge on 13 April 2019 in the city of Plovdiv (the second largest city after the capital Sofia and the European Capital of Culture 2019) organised by Humanity First and the municipality of Plovdiv.

Along with donations, additional activities were planned which included 2 sprinting events of 800 metres and 200 metres. Stalls and games for children were also organised, which the children enjoyed.

The funds raised, along with the donation

of a tram lift and wheelchairs, were all given to a centre for children with special needs.

Over 200 people attended which included people from various cities across Bulgaria as well as locals, which showed a nationwide coverage. Other local NGOs, schools and universities came to support and stand together for this noble cause.

Ahmadi Medical Students from the cities of Plovdiv, Sofia and Pleven helped in the organisation and success of this event, including many Khuddam under the leadership of Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria Hasseeb Ahmad Yaqub Lone Sahib and Missionary Jawaduddin Uffan Sahib.

Many Lajna across Bulgaria participated and volunteered to help. The Lajna Students had their first meeting with Sadr Lajna Imaillah, Rifat Jahan Ara Sahiba, and the Lajna also had a meeting with Amir Sahib Germany.

The National Head of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Germany Mr Abdullah Wagishauser, Marketing Director of Humanity First Germany Mr Stefan Haerter and Director of Projects for South

East Europe Mr Zubair Khan attended the event after travelling 1,878km from Germany. Amir Sahib had a meeting with the members of municipality of Plovdiv, the director of social politics and the director of religious affairs, who were introduced to the Jamaat and were invited for the Germany Jalsa Salana.

During the award ceremony, 2 Khuddam – Munib Ahmad and Farhan Chowdry – managed to secure third position in the 200-metre and 800-metre race respectively.

After the successful completion of the event, a small meeting was held with the Khuddam of Bulgaria and Amir Sahib Germany, in which a small video summary was played on the first national Ijtema of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bulgaria held on 6 April 2019 in Plovdiv.

After the introduction of all members present, a small discussion was held. Amir Sahib asked everyone about their role in the Jamaat and the reasons for choosing to study medicine. Amir Sahib spoke to the students about how they can make a difference and integrate themselves into society, thus building strong relationships with locals and paving a good way of tabligh.

Ahmadiyya for preparing an educational exhibition on Khilafat-e-Rashidah. He also urged members of the Jamaat to benefit from Jamia’s exhibition by visiting it in large numbers.

The event concluded with a silent prayer, after which dinner was served to the attendees.

Readers of Al Hakam are requested to remember the staff and students of Jamia Ahmadiyya Canada and Hifz-ul-Quran School in their prayers.

13

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 12 April 2019 Delivered from Baitul Futuh Mosque

Men of Excellence; “Enlarge your abode” After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz, and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

The first of the Badri Companions that I will mention today is Hazrat Hussainra bin Haris. His mother’s name was Sukhaila bint Khuzai. Hazrat Hussainra bin Haris belonged to Banu Muttalib bin Abdi Manaaf tribe. He migrated to Medina along with his two brothers, Hazrat Tufailra and Hazrat Ubaidahra. Hazrat Mistahra bin Asasah and Hazrat Abbaadra bin Muttalib also accompanied them. While in Medina, he stayed at the house of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salama Ajlaani. According to a narration by Muhammad bin Ishaq, the Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Hussainra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Jubair. Hazrat Hussainra participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the battles of Badr and Uhud.

The two brothers of Hazrat Hussainra – Hazrat Ubaidahra and Hazrat Tufailra – also participated in the Battle of Badr. Hazrat Hussainra passed away in 32 AH. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 30, Hussain bin Haris, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Al-Isti’ab fi Ma’rifatis Sahaba, Vol. 3, p. 141, Ubaida bin Haris, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2002) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 1, p. 573, Hussain bin Haris, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut) The name of Hazrat Hussain’s son was Abdullah, while his daughters were Khadija and Hind, all of whom accepted Islam. At the occasion of the Battle of Khayber, the Holy Prophetsa gave grains weighing 100 wasaq to both of them. (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 30, Hussain bin Haris & Vol. 8, p. 364, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996), 1 wasaq equals 60 saa, and 1 saa is equal to 2.5 kg. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa gave them grains weighing almost 375 maund [equivalent to about approximately 13,500 kg] due to the Holy Prophet’s regard for their father. (Lughatul Hadith, Vol. 4, p.

487, “Wasaq” & Vol. 2, p. 648, “Saa, Nashir Numani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005) The next companion is Hazrat Safwanra.

His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah.

The title of Hazrat Safwanra was Abu Amr. He belonged to the tribe of Banu Haris bin Fehr. His father’s name was Wahab bin Rabi‘ah. In one of the narrations, his father’s name has also been recorded as “Uhaib”. His mother’s name was Da’ad bint Hajdam, who was more commonly known as “Baidaa”. For this reason, Hazrat Safwanra was also referred to as Ibn Baidaa [the son of Baidaa]. He was the brother of Hazrat Sahlra and Hazrat Suhailra. These two brothers are

different from Sahl and Suhail, from whom the Holy Prophetsa bought a plot of land for Masjid-e-Nabawi. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Safwanra and Hazrat Rafey bin Muallara. According to another narration, the bond was established with Hazrat Rafey bin Ajlaanra. There are varying opinions regarding his demise. According to some, he was martyred by Tuaimah bin Adi during the Battle of Badr. According to another narration he was not martyred during the Battle of Badr, rather he participated in all of the battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa including the Battle of Badr.

With regards to Hazrat Safwanra, it is also reported in one narration that he

The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Mubashirra bin Abd-il-Munzir.

His father’s name was Abd-ul-Munzirra and his mother’s name was Nasiba bint Zaid.

He belonged to Banu Amr bin Auf clan of the Aus tribe. The Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra and Hazrat Aqil bin Abu Bukairra. According to some narrations the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Aqil bin Abu Bukairra and Hazrat Mujazzarra bin Ziad. Nevertheless, Hazrat Mubashirra participated in the Battle of Badr and was martyred during the battle. Hazrat Sa‘ibra bin Abu Lubaba – who was the son of Hazrat Mubashir’sra brother, Hazrat Abu

returned to Mecca after the Battle of Badr and after some time returned to Medina.

We also find a narration which states that he stayed in Mecca until the Victory of Mecca.

Hazrat Ibn Abbasra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa included him in the expedition of Abdullah bin Jahsh and sent him towards Abwaa. According to various narrations, he is reported to have passed away in 18 AH, 30 AH or 38 AH. (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 3, p. 33, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 3, pp. 358-359, Safwan bin Wahab, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1995) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.

318, Safwan bin Baidha, Dar-ul-Kutb AlIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1990) In any case, it is evident from all the aforementioned narrations that he was a Badri Companion.

Lubabara – narrates that the Holy Prophetsa allotted a share of the spoils of war to Hazrat Mubashirra bin Abd-il-Munzir and Ma‘an bin Adi brought his share to us. (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, pp.

248-347, Mubashir bin ‘Abd-il-Munzir, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1990) His brother and his nephews also received a share from the spoils of war.

At the time of the migration to Medina, from among the Muhajireen [those Muslims who had migrated to Medina from Mecca], Hazrat Abu Salamara bin Abd-il-Asad, Hazrat Amir bin Rabiahra, Hazrat Abdullah bin Jahashra and his brother Hazrat Abu Ahmadra bin Jahash, stayed with Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra at Quba.

Following this, the Muhajireen started arriving there in large numbers. (Al-Sira

Al-Nabwaiyyah Li ibn Hisham, p. 335, Zikr Muhajireen ilaa Al-Medina, Dar-ul-Kutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra participated in the Battle of Badr along with his two brothers, Hazrat Abu Lubaba bin Abdil Munzirra and Hazrat Rifa‘ah bin Abdil-Munzirra. Hazrat Rifa‘ahra participated in the pledge at Aqba along with seventy companions and he also participated in the battles of Badr and Uhud. He was martyred on the day of Uhud.

When the Holy Prophetsa set off for the Battle of Badr, he appointed Hazrat Abu Lubabara as the administrator of Medina and sent him back from Rauha. As has previously been mentioned, Rauha is the name of a place located at a distance of 40 miles from Medina. However, the Holy Prophetsa allotted a share for him from the spoils of war. Allama Ibn Ishaq states that Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzirra belonged to Banu Amr bin Auf tribe. He was among the Ansari companions [Muslims native to Medina] who were martyred during the Battle of Badr. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat AlSahaba, Pt. 5, Mubashir bin Abd-il-Munzir, p. 53, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2008) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra, Pt. 3, p. 241, Mubashir bin ‘Abd-il-Munzir, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) (Lughatul Hadith, Vol. 2, p.

149) Hazrat Abdullah bin Amr bin Haram relates, “I saw a dream before the battle of Uhud that Hazrat Mubashir bin Abd-ilMunzirra is saying to me that I will join them in a few days. I asked him, ‘Where are you?’

Upon this, he replied, ‘We are in heaven. We eat and drink wherever we desire.’ I asked him, ‘Were you not martyred during the Battle of Badr?’ He replied, ‘Indeed, I was certainly martyred, however, I was revived once again.’”

This companion related this dream to the Holy Prophetsa, upon which the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Abu Jabir! This is the reality of martyrdom.” (Al-Mustadrak Ala Al-Sahihain, Vol. 5, pp. 1840-1841, Kitab Marifat Al-Sahaba, Zikr Manaqib Abdillah bin Amr, Maktaba Nizar Mustapha, Mecca, 2000) A martyr returns to Allah and is granted the freedom to do as he desires.

Whilst mentioning the companions that were martyred during the Battle of Badr, Allama Zarqani writes that two companions belonged to the tribe of Aus out of which one was Hazrat Saad bin Khaithamara.

Some are of the opinion that Tuaima bin

14 Adi martyred him, whereas others claim that Amr bin Abdi Wudd martyred him.

Samhudi has written in his book Wafa that according to the historians it is said that apart from Hazrat Ubaidara, all of the companions that were martyred during the Battle of Badr were also buried there. Hazrat Ubaida passed away a little later and as such, he was buried in Safra or Rauha.

In light of the authentic narrators, Tibrani has related an incident on the authority of Ibn Masud in which he states, “God will most certainly place the souls of the companions of the Holy Prophetsa that were martyred on the day of Badr among the green birds of heaven and they will eat and drink therein wherever they please.

They will be in this very state when their Lord will appear before them and say to them, ‘O My servants! What do you desire?’

Upon this, they will say, ‘O our Lord! Is there anything greater than the fact that we have already entered heaven?’ God Almighty will then ask, ‘What is it that you desire?’ On the fourth occasion of asking, the companions would say, ‘Return our souls to our bodies, so we can be martyred again in the same manner as we were martyred before.’”

(Sharh Al-Allama Al-Zurqani, Pt. 3, p. 327, Baab Ghazwah-e-Badr Al-Kubra, Darul Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) The next companion to be mentioned is Hazrat Warqa bin Ayasra. There is a difference of opinion about his name.

Other than “Warqa”, his name has also been recorded as “Wadfa” and “Wadqa”. His father’s name was Ayas bin Amr. He was from the Banu Lozaan bin Ghanam clan of the Khazraj tribe. According to a narration

by Allama bin Ishaaq, Hazrat Warqa had the opportunity to participate in the Battle of Badr along with two of his brothers, Hazrat Rabeera and Hazrat Amrra. Apart from the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Warqara participated in the Battle of Uhud, the Battle of Khandaq and all other battles alongside the Holy Prophetsa. He was martyred in 11 AH in the Battle of Yamama during the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. (Al-Sira Al-Nabwaiyyah Li ibn Hisham, p. 469, Dar-ul-Kutub Alilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Usdul Ghaba, Vol. 5, pp. 412-413, Warqa bin Ayas, Dar-ulKutub Al-ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2008) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 471, Warqa bin Ayas, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2005) The next companion that will be mentioned is Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra. His father’s name was Nadhlah bin Abdullah, but according to another narration, his father’s name was Wahab.

His title was Abu Nadhlah. He had a fair complexion and a beautiful countenance.

He was also known by the titles of Fuhaira and Akhram. He was a confederate of the Banu Abd Shams whereas Abdul Al-Ash‘al tribe have claimed to be his confederates as well. Hazrat Muhrizra was known as Muhriz or Akhram and he was from a Meccan tribe called Banu Ghanam bin Dudan which later accepted Islam.

After accepting Islam, the women and men of this tribe were able to migrate to Medina, and Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was amongst these migrants. Waaqdi states: “I heard from Ibrahim bin Ismail that on the Day of Sarh (this is the name of the Battle of Zee Qard also known as the Battle of Al-Ghabah which took place in 6 AH) other than Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah, no

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM one from the house of Banu Abd Al-Ash‘al participated in it. He was riding Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah’s horse and the name of this horse was Dhul-Lama’.”

The Holy Prophetsa had established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah and Hazrat Umarahra bin Hazam. According to Waqadi, he participated in the Battle of Badr, Uhud and Khandaq. Salih bin Qisaan narrates that Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah said, “I saw in a dream that the heavens were made to open up for me and I entered and reached the seventh heaven. Then I arrived at the Sidratul Muntaha [farthest Lot-tree]. It was then revealed to me that this was my destination.”

Hazrat Muhrizra further states, “I mentioned this dream to Hazrat Abu Bakrra who was an expert in the interpretation of dreams.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated, ‘Rejoice at the glad tidings of martyrdom.’” Subsequently, after this dream, he attained martyrdom.

Hazrat Muhrizra set off on the Day of Sarh alongside the Holy Prophetsa for the Battle of Al-Ghabah, also known as Ghazwah Zi Qard which took place in 6 AH. Amr bin Usman Jahshi narrates an incident from his forefathers: “Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was thirty-one or thirty-two years old when he participated in the Battle of Badr, and at the time of his martyrdom, he was approximately 37 or 38 years of age.” (AlTabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Pt. 3, Vol. 3, p. 52, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Hayaa al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, 1996) (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p.

68, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Kutub Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2008) The incident of his martyrdom is narrated as follows: Hazrat Ayasra bin Salama relates regarding the Battle of Zi Qard, “My father informed me that after the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, we departed for Medina and stopped at one place. There was a mount situated between us and the Banu Lihyaan – an idolatrous tribe. The Holy Prophetsa prayed for the person who would spend the night treading the mountain” i.e. the one who would keep an eye out and stand guard for the Holy Prophetsa and the other companions overnight, thus he would climb the mountain to ensure that no enemy launched an attack. Hazrat Salama bin Akwa says, “In the evening, I climbed up the mount two or three times. Later on we arrived at Medina.” He further says, “The Holy Prophetsa sent his camels with Rabaah, who was a servant of the Holy Prophetsa. I mounted Hazrat Talha’s horse and went with him to allow the camels to drink water. In the morning, Abdur-Rahman Fazaari attacked the camels of the Holy Prophetsa. There was an enemy tribe with them and they stole the camels belonging to the Holy Prophetsa and killed the shepherd.” The narrator further says: “I told Rabaah, ‘O Rabaah! Take this horse to Talhah bin Ubaidullah and inform the Holy Prophetsa that the idolaters had stolen his animals.’ I then stood on a sanddune facing Medina and repeated three times, Ya Sabaahahu, Ya Sabaahahu!”

The Arabs used to proclaim these words if they saw an enemy return to attack again.

They would raise this as a slogan, connoting a cry for nearby forces to assemble immediately and come to the army’s aid to take on the enemy and cause them to flee.

Some have said that it was a rule among

the warriors that at nightfall they would put down their arms and retire to their encampments – this is another narration about the term Sabaahahu – and the next day it was this call that would be made to let the armies know that it was morning and they should prepare for battle once again.

This explanation is found in Lughaat-ulHadeeth.

Nonetheless, the narrator further states, “I followed in search of them, casting arrows at them and repeating the couplet: ْ َْ َ​َ ‫انا ابْ ُن الاک َو َع‬ ّ ُّ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ْ َ ‫والیوم یوم الرض ِع‬ (Meaning, “I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched shall perish!”)

“And so, each person I encountered from among the thieves, I would cast an arrow into the camel carriage until the tip of the arrow reached the rider’s shoulder.

I would then say, ‘Take that! I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched shall perish.’”

He goes on, “I swear by God, I kept hitting them with arrows and injuring them, and if any of the cavaliers rode towards me, I would head towards a tree and sit under it, i.e. I would hide behind the tree and keep shooting arrows at the person until he was injured. This continued until they reached a narrow passage in a mount and entered it.

I climbed on top of the mount and began throwing rocks at them.”

The people fleeing were the ones who looted the animals belonging to the Holy Prophetsa all the while Hazrat Salamara was alone. Initially, he pursued them with arrows, after which he says, “When I reached the valley, I began throwing rocks, and I continued to pursue them like this until there was no camel belonging to the Holy Prophetsa which had not been saved…” meaning that because of the narrow valley, they had to leave the animals behind. “…

The thieves ran ahead, leaving the camels between them and myself. I then continued to pursue them with arrows until they dropped more than 30 blankets and over 30 spears to lighten their load. Meaning that the people who were fleeing had already abandoned their camels, but were now also leaving behind their belongings so that they could run with more ease.”

He further says: “Whatever items they left behind, I kept placing a rock upon it as a sign so that the Holy Prophetsa and his companions would recognise it. They kept running until they reached a narrow valley in which they encountered one of the sons of Badar Fazaari. They sat down and began eating, and I sat on a nearby mount. Fazaari asked them, ‘Who was that man?’ They explained, ‘By God! This man has troubled us a great deal. He has been continuously pursuing us since morning, to the extent that he has taken everything from us.’” Badar Fazaari’s son then advised that four of the thieves should go towards him. Hazrat Salmahra recounts, “Four men from among them climbed the mount in my direction. When they reached close enough to me that I could speak to them, I asked them, ‘Do you know who I am?’ They answered, ‘No. who are you?’ I replied, ‘I am Salama, the son of Akwa. I swear by Him Who has honoured the Holy Prophetsa that I can overpower anyone from among you who I wish to. However, if any one of you wishes

to overpower me, he cannot do so.’ One of the four men who had approached him became particularly frightened and said, ‘I think he is right.’ The four returned to their place and I remained sitting where I was until I saw the horses of the Holy Prophetsa approaching from between the trees. The first person I saw was Akhram Asadi, and behind him was Abu Qatadah Ansari, and behind him was Miqdaad bin Aswad Kindi.

I grabbed hold of the saddle of Akhram, i.e. Hazrat Muhriz’s horse, and the enemies turned their backs and dispersed in different directions.”

There is some confusion here. It may seem as if the companions ran whereas it was actually the thieves who had sat down to eat food, and when they saw that the Muslims had drawn even closer to them, they turned their backs and ran away.

Hazrat Salamara further narrates, “I said, ‘O Akhram [meaning Hazrat Muhriz], save yourself from them so they do not kill you, especially until the Holy Prophetsa and his companions arrive for support.’

“He replied, ‘O Salama! If you believe in Allah and the Day of Judgement, and you know paradise is true and that the hellfire is a reality, then do not stand between me and martyrdom.’ I left him, until Akhram and Abdur-Rahman engaged in battle against each other. He injured AbdurRahman along with his horse, and AbdurRahman threw a spear at Akhram, i.e.

Hazrat Muhriz, and martyred him. He then mounted his horse and turned to go back and join his own people. From among those who were coming with the Holy Prophetsa, Abu Qatadah pursued Abdur-Rahman. Abu Qatadah caught him and killed him with his spear, for the reason that he had martyred Hazrat Muhrizra.”

Hazrat Salamara further narrates, “I swear

by Him Who has granted honour to the Holy Prophetsa that I continued to follow them on foot, but I kept going until I could not see any of the Holy Prophet’ssa companions, not even the dust from their movement.

(He had travelled some distance ahead).

This continued until they reached a narrow passage where there was water, which they called Zee Qard. The perpetrators of the theft, wanted to stop for water, as they were thirsty. However, they saw me pursuing them, and this caused them to flee from there as well, and they were unable to drink even a drop from it. They rushed towards another narrow passage and I also pursued them closely. Whoever from among them I was able to fine alone from his accomplices, I would shoot an arrow into his shoulderbone, saying, ‘Take that! I am the son of Al-Akwa; today is the day where all the wretched ones shall perish!’”

He further narrates, “One of the idolaters being chased exclaimed, ‘Woe be to Akwa!

Is this the same Akwa that attacked us in the morning?’ (His constant attacks which were injuring them caused one of them to enquire whether this was the same Akwa who had been chasing them since the morning?) Akwa proclaimed, ‘O enemies of your own selves! It is the very same Akwa from the morning!’ They consequently left two of their horses behind in the narrow passage. I brought the two horses back to the Holy Prophetsa. I encountered Aamir, who gave me a bowl filled with milk mixed with water and another filled with only water. I performed the ablution and also quenched

15

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM my thirst. I then arrived in the presence of the Holy Prophetsa who was standing at the source of water wherefrom I had chased the thieves away that morning. (The Holy Prophetsa had already reached that location by then.)

“I saw that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa took the camels and everything else which I had retrieved from the idolaters, and Hazrat Bilal slaughtered a camel from among the camels that I had taken back from the thieves. He was cooking liver and the humpmeat of the camel for the Holy Prophetsa.

“I said, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Grant me permission to select 100 men from the army of people who have come with you so that I can pursue the thieves and kill them all. Not a single person from among them shall remain to tell their tribe what transpired.’ (He said this about those who had come and stolen the property of the Muslims and were going to run away with it). The Holy Prophetsa laughed so much that his blessed teeth became visible in the light of the fire. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Salama! Do you really think you can do this; that you can really kill them even before they arrive back home?’

“I replied, ‘I swear by the One Who has granted you honour!’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘By now they would have reached the outskirts of Ghatfan.’”

In another narration, it is said that when Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa sought permission from the Holy Prophetsa to go in pursuit of the idolaters, the Holy Prophetsa replied, َْْ َْ​َ َ ْ َ ‫يَا ابْ َن الأك َو ِع َملكت فأس ِج ْح‬ “O ibn Akwa! You have overcome them, now let them be.” i.e. there was no point in going after them and killing them, and instead he should forgive them.

Thus, Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa continuously battled with them on his own. Later, when Hazat Muhrizra came, the thieves launched an attack, either secretly or through other means, and martyred him. Initially, Hazrat Salmara bin Akwa took hold of Hazrat Muhriz’s horse and caused the enemy to disperse, however they again launched an attack and martyred Hazrat Muhrizra. Therefore, from this incident we learn of the account of Hazrat Muhriz’sra martyrdom and secondly the bravery of Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa and his knowledge of warfare and combat as a result of which he was able to retrieve all of the possessions from the thieves. However, most importantly, from this we can observe the excellent example of the Holy Prophetsa in that when Hazrat Salamara bin Akwa sought permission to go in pursuit of the thieves even after he had recovered all the stolen items and possessions, the Holy Prophetsa however did not grant him permission because they had recovered all their possessions and thus there was no need. The reason for this was because the Holy Prophetsa did not wish to engage in any battle or bloodshed. Thus, since all the stolen items had been recovered and the culprits ran away with some of their men having sustained injuries as well, the Holy Prophetsa therefore did not further pursue the matter and avoided any further conflict or fighting.

Nonetheless, he further relates: “During the course of this conversation in which the Holy Prophetsa was saying to not pursue them and to let them go, an

individual from among the Bani Ghatfan tribe came and said that so and so individual had slaughtered a camel for them, however while he was preparing it and taking of its skin, they noticed a cloud of dust and thus they fled from there as well thinking that Muslims had arrived in pursuit of them. The next morning, the Holy Prophetsa stated: ‘Amongst us today, our most skilled rider is Abu Qatadara and the most excellent foot solider is Salamara.’” (This was because Salama had caused the enemy great difficultly whilst pursuing them on foot.)

He further relates: “The Holy Prophetsa granted me with a double share from the spoils of the war; one for a rider and the other for a foot soldier.

Also, upon returning to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa placed me behind him on his camel called Adhbaa. Whilst travelling back to Medina, one of the Ansar whom no one could outrun in a race, offered a challenge to compete with him in a race back to Medina.”

Despite undergoing great hardship from the enemy and engaging in battles, the companionsra also took part in light-hearted moments by offering one another to simple challenges. This allowed them to pass time and also alleviate the constant mental strain they had to endure from the enemy. In any case, he offered a challenge to compete with him in a race. He further relates: “He repeated this challenge several times and when I heard this, I said in a light-hearted manner: ‘Do you not have any respect for your elders? Do you not have any fear of them?’ To which he replied: ‘No, except for the Holy Prophetsa.’ I said to the Holy Prophetsa: ‘O Prophetsa of Allah! May my parents be sacrificed for your sake, allow me to compete with him.’ The Holy Prophetsa replied, ‘Go ahead if you wish to.’ I therefore accepted his challenge and took my feet out of the saddle and jumped off and started to run. I ran after him for some distance, but then in order to conserve my energy, I slowed down whilst chasing after him. I again began to sprint and caught up with this individual who was the fastest runner in Medina. Upon catching up with him, I punched him between his shoulders and said, ‘By God, you have been left behind.’”

Another narrator says, “I believe he said that he remained ahead of him till Medina and then they stayed three nights there and then set off to Khaybar in the company of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Sahih Muslim, Vol. 9, pp. 228-238, Kitab-ul-Jihad Wa Al-Sair, Baab Ghazwah Dhi Qard Wa Gharuha, Hadith no. 3358, Noor Foundation, 2008) (Sahih Al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Baab Ghazwah Zaat-ul-Qard, Hadith no. 4194) Tabari has recorded some details in relation to this expedition. Hazrat Asim bin Umar bin Qatadara relates: “The very first horse which reached the enemy belonged to Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah who was from the Banu Asad bin Khuzaima tribe. Hazrat Muhrizra bin Nadhlah was also known by the names of Akhram and Qumair. When a call was made to gather people together in fear of the enemy’s attack, Hazrat Mahmood bin Maslmah’s horse, which was tied in his garden at the time, jumped up and began to run upon hearing the neighing sounds of the other horses. This was an excellent and welltrained horse. When the women of the Banu Abdil Ash’al tribe saw this tied up horse jump and leap in this manner, they said to

Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra: ‘O Qumair!

Do you possesses the strength to ride on this horse despite seeing the condition that it is in and reach the Holy Prophetsa and his companions?’ Hazrat Muhrizra replied in the affirmative and said he was ready.

The women then handed the horse over to him and he rode off on it. Hazrat Muhrizra loosened the reigns of the horse to the point that he caught up with the companions who were traveling in the company of the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Muhrizra went ahead of them and then whilst standing before them, he said, ‘O party of men! Wait here so that the other Muhajireen and Ansar who are still behind can join you.’”

The narrator states that one of the enemies then launched an attack and martyred Hazrat Muhrizra. The horse he was riding on then began to run uncontrollably and no one was able to overpower it, to the point that it returned to the houses of Abdil Ash‘al and stood calmly by the rope it was originally tied to. Apart from Hazrat Muhrizra, no one else was martyred on that day from among the Muslims. (According to Tabqaat ibn Saad, the horse belonged to Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamahra). The name of Hazrat Mahmood’s horse was Dhul Lamah. However, according to another narration, Hazrat Muhriz bin Nadhlahra was martyred while riding on the horse of Hazrat Okasha bin Mihsan. The horse was known as Jannah and other animals were also freed from the thieves. The Holy Prophetsa travelled to the mountain of Ghazwah Dhi Qurd and stopped there for one day and one night. It was here that other companions were able to join him.

Salama bin Akwa submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, “O Messengersa of Allah! If you send a hundred men with me, we will be able to free the remaining animals from them as well and will finish the enemy.”

The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Where will you go because by now they are probably drinking the wine of Ghatfan.” Thereafter, the Holy Prophetsa divided them into groups of a hundred each and distributed camels amongst them to eat. The Holy Prophetsa then returned to Medina. (Tarikh Al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Ghazwah Dhi Qard, pp. 115-116, Maktaba Dar-ul-Fikr, 3rd Edition, 2002) (Al-Tabaqaat-ul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p.

70, Muhriz bin Nadhlah, Dar-ul-Kutub alIlmiyya, Beirut, 1990) The Holy Prophetsa did not go in pursuit of the enemy and left them and Hazrat Muhrizra was the only person who was martyred. According to another narration, Hazrat Muhrizra was the first martyr among the horse riders. This is also mentioned in the narration that was quoted initially.

The next companion is Hazrat Suwaibitra bin Saad, who was also known as Suwaibit bin Harmala. His name is also reported to be Suwait bin Harmala and Saleet bin Harmala. Hazrat Suwaibit belonged to the tribe of Banu Abd Daar. His mother’s name was Hunaida and he was from amongst the early Muslims. Many of the historians have counted him amongst those companions who migrated towards Abyssinia. (Usdul Ghaba Fi Marifat Al-Sahaba, Vol. 5, p.

354, Suwaibit bin Sa’d, Dar-ul-Fikr, Beirut, Lebanon, 2003) (Al-Asaab fi Tameez AlSahaba, Vol. 6, p. 368, Nuaiman bin Amr, Dar-ul-Kutb Al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, Lebanon, 2005) (Tarikh Dimashq Al-Kabir Li Ibn Assakir, Vol. 12, Pt. 24, p. 117, Dar-ul-Haya

Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon) Hazrat Suwaibit migrated to Medina and stayed at the house of Hazrat Abdullah bin Salma Ajlaanira. The Holy Prophetsa established a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Suwaibitra and Hazrat Aaiz bin Maaisra. Hazrat Suwaibitra took part in the battles of Badr and Uhud. (Al-Tabaqaatul-Kubra li ibn Sa‘d, Vol. 3, p. 65, Suwaibit bin Sa’d, Dar-ul-Haya Al-Turath Al-Arabi, Beirut, Lebanon, 1996) Hazrat Umme Salmara relates: “One year prior to the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra travelled to Busra, which is a city situated in Syria, for the purpose of trade. Nuaiman and Suwaibit bin Harmala also accompanied him during this journey and both took part in the Battle of Badr. Nuaiman was appointed to oversee the provisions of the travel for the entire caravan. Suwaibit, who had a little humour in his disposition, asked Nuaiman to give him food. (He was appointed to look after the provisons for the entire caravan.) Nuaiman replied that he would not give out food until Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned. Suwaibit responded that if he did not give him any food, then he would cause him grief. (This has briefly been mentioned before as well.)

Whilst on their journey, they passed by a tribe and Hazrat Suwaibit asked them they if they would like to purchase his slave and the people of the tribe agreed. Hazrat Suwaibit then said, ‘O people of the tribe! Remember however that he is a slave that speaks and he will continue to say that he is a free man.

When he repeatedly says this, do not leave him and thus ruin this transaction.’ They replied that this would not be the case and that they wished to purchase the slave. Thus, they bought him for 10 camels. They then came to Hazrat Nuaiman and placed a cloth or rope around his neck. Nuaiman said: ‘He is joking with you, I am a free man and not a slave.’ They replied: ‘He already warned us that you would say this,’ hence they took him away. When Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned and people narrated the incident about Nuaiman to him, he went after that tribe. Hazrat Abu Bakrra returned their camels to them and brought back Nuaiman.

He said to them that he is a free man and not a slave, and that it was only done so in a light hearted manner.”

The companions would often have humorous exchanges with one another in this manner. Nonetheless, when the group returned and informed the Holy Prophetsa of the incident, the narrator of the account mentioned that this incident became a source of amusement for the Holy Prophetsa and his companions for the entire year.

(Sunan Ibn Maaja, Kitab-ul-Adab, Baab Al-Mazaah, Hadith no. 3719) (Mujam-ulBuldan, Vol. 1, p. 522, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut) The Holy Prophetsa laughed at this incident and this incident was remembered for the entire year.

In the aforementioned incident there is a small difference in certain narrations; in some books it is written that the one who sold the slave was not Hazrat Suwaibitra, rather it was Hazrat Nuaimanra.

Having narrated the incidents of the Companions, I would like to briefly speak about a revelation of the Promised Messiahas: َ َ َ​َ ْ ّ َ ‫و ِسع مکانک‬ [Enlarge your abode] The Promised Messiahas was vouchsafed this

16

Friday 10 May 2019 | AL HAKAM

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

The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “Anyone who misses any of the fasts in the days of Ramadan without lawful excuse or illness will never be able to ransom the loss even if he fasts for the rest of his life.”

(Musnad Darimi, Baab Man Aftara Yauman Min Ramadan Muta’ammidan)

revelation at different times. The Promised Messiahas says that initially when God Almighty granted him the revelation of: َ َ َ ‫َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک‬ “Enlarge your abode”, only a two or three people would come to meet him and sit in his gatherings, nor did many people know of him. (Siraj-e-Munir, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 12, p. 73) Subsequently the Promised Messiahas received many other revelations and alongside them, the revelation of: َ َ َ ‫َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک‬ “Enlarge your abode” was revealed to him on several occasions. In the other revelations, God Almighty promised to grant him various blessings. When God Almighty instructs His prophets by way of revelation to carry out a certain task, it

means that God Almighty would assist them with Divine succour and support.

Moreover, God would provide the means to fulfil the task; and this is something we have witnessed for ourselves.

The history of the Jamaat is proof of how God Almighty fulfilled this prophecy with full grandeur and glory, and how He continues to fulfil the prophecy to this day.

At different times, God Almighty has shown us – humble servants of the Promised Messiahas – just how this prophecy continues to be fulfilled. Every revelation vouchsafed to the Promised Messiahas or any command

by God Almighty or any tidings bestowed to him in the form of revelation is in fact the spread of the religion of the Holy Prophetsa, i.e. it is glad tidings regarding the spread and progress of Islam through the Promised

Messiahas.

After the demise of the Promised Messiahas, there were tidings that the message of the Holy Prophetsa was to continue through the institution of Khilafat. Therefore, every progress or any advancement that we witness is in reality part of the wider scheme which God Almighty has ordained for the spread of Islam throughout the world.

After these brief words, I once again return to the words of the revelation of the Promised Messiahas: َ َ َ ‫َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک‬ After Khilafat moved to the UK, the Jamaat has established new places in Britain, as well as other parts of Europe, USA, Africa and many other countries of the world.

Along with the spread of the Jamaat, God Almighty has constantly granted us new places.

When Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh migrated here, God Almighty immediately showed a miraculous sign of His divine support and enabled the Jamaat to purchase 25 acres of land, [later] named Islamabad.

Subsequently, a further six acres were later added to this.

Jalsa Salana [the Annual Convention] would take place here and it contained residential homes for Jamaat employees and Waqifeen-e-Zindagi [life devotees].

There was a small house for the residence of Khalifatul Masih, a few offices and one of the barrack-style buildings was used as a mosque to offer prayers. I remember when I came here in 1985, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh especially said to me that God Almighty had granted us an excellent site to serve as the headquarters. Although these were not his exact words, however he said words to this effect. Furthermore, there are some other evidences which also indicate this, and I am convinced that it was the wish of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh to establish the headquarters in Islamabad.

Nevertheless, God Almighty has appointed a time for everything and He has now granted us the opportunity to carry out construction work in Islamabad. New offices have been built with better amenities. A purpose-built mosque has been constructed; along with a residence for Khalifatul Masih; houses for life devotees and Jamaat workers have been built and more will be built in due course. The offices in London were houses that had been converted temporarily into offices. The space was congested and was difficult to operate in these circumstances.

Since the workload has increased manifold, it was difficult to continue due to a scarcity of space. In addition to this, the council would make complaints that these houses were for residential purposes as opposed to offices and therefore we should close the offices. From time to time they would voice their concerns.

Now after the reconstruction, the three or four offices that would operate in these houses will be moving to Islamabad, Insha-Allah. Alongside the Islamabad redevelopment project, God Almighty has granted the Jamaat a large two-storey building in Farnham, situated two to three miles away. In this building there is the printing press and a few other offices. Aside from this, Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya

UK have also bought a large building there.

Prior to this, God Almighty enabled us to purchase Hadeeqatul Mahdi to hold the Jalsa Salana – a site which spans over 200 acres. In addition to this, Jamia Ahmadiyya UK, which was previously in London, also moved nearby. God Almighty granted us the new site for Jamia Ahmadiyya UK for a remarkably low price, which was far better in terms of atmosphere and facilities. The current site is also approximately 30 acres.

All of these places are situated at a 10- to 20-minute drive from Islamabad. There was no plan in place to purchase all of these sites due to the redevelopment of Islamabad, rather, it was God Almighty Who provided us with all of these sites close to one another.

Alongside the headquarters, God Almighty granted us all of the other sites. It is important for Jamia Ahmadiyya to be close by. Now that all these sites are situated near one another, pray to God Almighty that He makes this a blessing for us in all respects.

As I have mentioned earlier, the residence of the Khalifa and some offices have been constructed there. A large mosque has also been built. Therefore, in a few days’ time – God Willing – I will also move to Islamabad. After the move, pray that may this change in residence prove to be a blessing in every respect. May God Almighty continuously shower His blessings on us. May God Almighty enable us to propagate the message of Islam from Islamabad more than before and may the revelation of َ َ َ ‫َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک‬ not only be related to physical expansion, rather, may it aid in fulfilling the plans of God Almighty.

At this point, I would also like to say that the neighbours of the Fazl Mosque have always had grievances and complained about Ahmadis who come to the mosque due to the increased traffic or parking issues.

Therefore, the people coming for prayers to Islamabad or anyone who comes to visit should be mindful of this and not allow any instance for the neighbours of Islamabad to make similar complaints. Indeed, the people residing nearby will come to Islamabad, therefore, always be mindful of the traffic regulations.

As for the Friday prayers, I will mostly lead the Friday prayers here in Baitul Futuh, Insha-Allah. I have asked Amir Sahib UK [National President] to devise a plan as to which people or Jamaats will offer Jumuah in Islamabad – it will be those people living nearby; if they wish to offer the prayers in Islamabad they can do so. As for who they will be and how it will be divided; the people living within a 20-mile radius can offer the Friday prayers in Islamabad. Nonetheless, the details of this will be given by Amir Sahib to the relevant local presidents. However, those Jamaats outside of this 20-mile radius who would like to offer the Friday prayers in Islamabad, a plan will be devised for them and they will be informed in due course.

Nevertheless, I once again reiterate to pray that may God Almighty bless this plan and relocation in every respect.

(Translated by The Review of Religions) (Originally published in Al Fazl International, 3 May 2019)

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