Al Hakam - 1 January 2021 by Alhakam

EXCLUSIVE Unveiling the story behind the great challenge

100 Years Ago...

Coming from every distant track: Introduction

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s insightful replies to essential questions

A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas when receiving visitors in Qadian

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Defending Islam: The hallmark of Ahmadiyyat

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Page 10

THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 1 January 2021 | Issue CXLVI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

2021: Will humanity finally recognise its Creator?

2020 was an eventful year, for all the wrong reasons. The question is, does 2021 bring hope? As the new year begins, commentators, stories and opinion pieces speak of the endless suffering 2020 brought – a year quite hard to forget. The pandemic has pulled families apart and spread unprecedented pain and death worldwide. It brought (and continues to bring) soaring economic damage too high to handle and other frightening knockon effects on public health, global politics and business; the novel virus exposed the fragility of nations. We witnessed racism still deeply-rooted in America – “I can’t breathe” sparking the Black Lives Matter protests. Assassinations of high-profile Iranian military figures have spiked tensions between Iran and the US; albeit the world. Concerns with wealth distribution were also seen, as

during Covid-19, Big Tech – the largest IT companies of the US – got richer, growing over 500%. There is, however, room to celebrate the year: scientists developed a vaccine within months – an unheard-of feat – greenhouse gases were hugely reduced and modernday technology united isolated friends and family through video conference calls, an aspect Ahmadis across the world were especially grateful for as they were able to meet their beloved Khalifa virtually, even during a pandemic. Amidst the noise, a new existential search for a deeper and more meaningful life has also emerged. The Nietzschean perspective of materialism and a life without God is being questioned and challenged, albeit slowly. Atheism continues to rise but questions about existence, purpose, religion and God are also growing and will certainly continue

to – we hope – during 2021. A recent piece by The Times detailed a YouGov poll carried out in November which “found that those aged over 60 were most religious, with 36 per cent saying that they believed in God. This fell to 26 per cent of 40 to 59-year-olds and fell again to 19 per cent of 25 to 39-year-olds.” (www.thetimes. co.uk/article/teenagers-turn-to-god-duringpandemic-clndd3b5t) Religiosity increased, however, for the youngest age group, to 23% of 16 to 24-yearolds: “This was a rise from 21 per cent in January, when the question was asked of 18 to 24-year-olds.” Interestingly, “the past three times YouGov has asked the question, in August and January 2020 and August 2019, the youngest age group was the least religious.” Commenting on the findings, Dr Lois Lee, a fellow of the University of Kent’s Continued on page 9

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

Even if faith ascended to the Pleiades

ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ ‫ َر ِض َى الل ُه ع ْنه قال ك ّنا ُجل ْو ًسا ِع ْند‬،‫ع ْن أبِي ه َريْ َرة‬ ْ ُ َ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َّ َ ّ َّ ‫ورة الجُ ُم َع ِة‬ ‫الن ِب ِي صلى الله علي ِه وسلم فأن ِزلت علي ِه س‬

ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫ين ِمن ُه ْم ل َ ّما يَل َحقوْا بهم‏‬ ‫}‏{‏وآخر‬

ِ ِِ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ ُ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ‫اجعه حتى سأل‬ ‫‏ قال قلت من هم يا رسول الل ِه فلم ير‬ َّ َ ّ ٰ ُ ْ ُ ِ َ َ َ َ ُ َْ ُ َْ َ َ ْ َ ًَ َ ‫ وضع رسول الل ِه صلى‬،‫ان الفا ِر ِس ّي‬ ‫ و ِفينا سلم‬،‫ثلاثا‬ َ َ َّ ُ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ ‫الله علي ِه وسلم يده على سلمان ثم قال‏‬ ٌ َ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ ُّ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ‫ال ـ أ َ ْو َر ُج ٌل ـ ِمن‬ ‫‏ لو كان ال ِإيمان ِعند الثريا لناله ِرج‬ ََُ ‫هؤلا ِء‬

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra, narrates,“When Surah al-Jumuah of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, we happened to be there in his company. When he recited the verse, ‘Wa akharina minhum lamma yalhaqu bihim’, that is, ‘And others from among them who have not yet joined them’, one of those present asked, ‘Who are they, O Messenger of Allah?’ The Holy Prophetsa did not pay attention. The man repeated the question thrice. At that time, Salmanra the Persian was also sitting among us. The Holy Prophetsa turned to him, placed his hand on him and said, ‘Even if faith ascended to the Pleiades [completely disappearing from the earth], there would be some from his people [in another version, “one man” is mentioned instead of “some people”] who would restore faith [back] to earth.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Hadith 4897)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Atonement The very first brick of religion is to recognise God. Until that foundation is well-placed, how can other deeds be pure? The Christians raise countless allegations against the inner-purity of others and they raise these objections Continued on page 9

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Answers to everyday issues

Guidance on basic Islamic issues which Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given at various occasions in written correspondence and during MTA programmes: www.alhakam.org/category/islamic-jurisprudence/answers-to-everyday-issues

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Annual Ahmadiyya gathering at Qadian, 1920 The Review of Religions [English], January 1921 Jalsa Salana 1920, as it was being addressed by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra on 27 December [1920]. This picture is reffered to in The Review of Religionsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; article

Members of the Ahmadiyya community assembled at Qadian as usual during the last week of December and we are glad to note that they not only assembled in increased numbers but with increased enthusiasm, increased sincerity, and increased devotion to their holy leader, and I believe they left Qadian with increased faith. The pandal [marquee] was greatly extended this year in order to make room for about 2,000 more men, yet even the extended pandal was found barely sufficient to accommodate the huge gathering. The whole assembly, as it was being addressed by His Holiness, the Khalifatul Masih, on 27 December [1920], was photographed and we hope to be able to reproduce the photo in our next issue. [The photo is given above.] The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ahmadiyya community from all parts of India. Among the representatives of the Ahmadiyya community in foreign countries were the Ceylonese gentlemen studying at Qadian, three gentlemen from Mauritius and a learned gentleman of Bukhara named Muhy-ud-din who intends to stay at Qadian for some time to study Ahmadiyya literature and then to return to the land of his fathers as

a missionary of the Ahmadiyya movement. The meeting continued to hold its sittings for four days, viz., from 26 to 29 December [1920]. On the first day, after the usual recitation from the Holy Quran, it was addressed by Maulvi Rahim Bakhsh Sahib MA, BT, who compared the Islamic way of divine worship with those of other religions; by Hakim Khalil Ahmad Sahib who dwelt on the manifold blessings of the Promised Messiah[as]; and by Maulavi Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib who discussed the truth of the Promised Messiahâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s[as] claims. In the evening, Khalifa Rashid-ud-Din Sahib, General Secretary, Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Qadian, delivered a lecture in English on the Medinite life of the Holy Prophet, may peace and the blessings of God be upon him. On the second day, Maulavi Shaikh Abdur Rahman Sahib, Headmaster, Ahmadiyya Madrassa, Qadian (late student of Azhar University and a convert from Hinduism), delivered himself a learned discourse on a comparison of Islam with other religions. In the afternoon, the assembly had the privilege of listening to a soul-elevating speech from His Holiness, Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad,

Khalifatul Masih II[ra], which lasted for about 5 hours. On the third day, 28 December [1920], the general secretary to Anjuman Ahmadiyya and the different secretaries to His Holiness, the Khalifatul Masih II[ra] read the annual reports of their respective departments and

in the afternoon, His Holiness delivered a highly instructive speech on angels, which though occupying about 5 hours remained unfinished and was continued the following day, taking about 7 hours in all. We intend to publish a translation or a substance of the speech in the pages of The Review [of Religions]. On the fourth day, His Holiness was followed by Maulavi Ghulam Rasul of Rajeke Sahib, who discussed the nabuwwat (prophethood) of the Promised Messiah[as] and then the meeting came to a close with prayers to the Almighty Allah. As usual Ahmadi ladies also came in very large numbers from different parts of India. They held their separate meetings in Masjid-i-Aqsa and were addressed by His Holiness, the Khalifatul-Masih, and a number of other speakers. It is highly gratifying to see that the Ahmadi ladies are taking a lively interest in the movement. This year an arrangement was made for ladies in the pandal also where they could listen to lectures, with due observance of purdah, but as space was very limited, only literate ladies were admitted, on production of admission tickets, which were issued for that purpose. Our missionaries in England and America sent messages to their brethren assembled in their annual meeting at Qadian. Our brethren are taking a keen interest in the work of the foreign missions.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 1-7 January In this third year of Al Hakam, we will present a selection of incidents from the blessed life of the Promised Messiahas with some more details

1 January 1884: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Mir Abbas Ali Ludhianvi, in which Huzooras stated that this mortal world held no significance and those who continued to chase it were seriously mistaken. Huzooras added that there was nothing more delightful for a believer than his Lord being pleased with him. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol.1, p. 585) 1 January 1890: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he instructed him to prescribe and send some medicine for Mir Abbas Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Ali Sahib of Ludhiana as he was suffering from hemoptysis. Huzooras stated that he would write to him [Mir Abbas Ali Sahib] to come to Qadian for 7-10 days.

1 January 1903: On this day, the Promised Messiahas published an ishtihar, in which he wrote that on the morning of the Eid day, Allah the Almighty granted him glad tidings and revelations. Huzooras stated that as it was a custom in the country that people give gifts to each other on Eid, similarly God Almighty granted him a revelation on this occasion. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol.3, p. 291) 2 January 1887: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. In the letter, the Promised Messiahas advised him to continuously seek forgiveness and recite istighfar as there was salvation and reward in doing so. Huzooras further narrated the hadith: ra

The Promised Messiahas also informed Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra about his own health and instructed him to prescribe some medicine for him, as many tasks were pending due to his frail health. (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 91) 1 January 1899: The book of the Promised Messiahas, Ayyam-us-Sulh, was published from Zia-ulAyyam-us-Sulh

Islam Press, Qadian. It was written in Urdu by Huzooras and translated into Persian by Hazrat Maulvi Abdul Karim Sialkotira. In this book, the Promised Messiahas wrote details about the sign of the plague and narrated the philosophy of prayer, taqdir (divine decree) and tadbir (the process of planning). Huzooras also wrote a short commentary on Surah al-Fatihah. Moreover, Huzooras presented arguments in favour of his claim of being the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi.

َ ْ َّ َ َْ َ َّ ‫التائِ ُب ِم َن الذن ِب ك َم ْن لا ذن َب ل ُه‏‬

[The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin]. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 489) 2 January 1888: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira. The Promised Messiahas, whilst expressing his happiness, stated that he had prayed for Sundar Das’ health many times. Huzooras added that Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira should inform him of his wellbeing and further said that Bashir Ahmadra was feeling better now. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 531) 2 January 1899: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra in which he stated that full efforts were being made by Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi and his group for an upcoming case instigated against him. Huzooras added that this case had become a dangerous one, but God’s works were different to man’s

work and efforts. Huzooras further said that he was pleased with God’s grace and expressed that He would never waste him and that the opponents continued to exhaust their efforts. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 385) 2 January 1891: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira in which he stated that efforts for Mian Abdullah Sahib’sra second nikah were in progress and told him to pray. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.3, p. 211) 2 January 1907: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Mian Abdul Majeedra in which he stated that upon receiving each of his letters, he had prayed for him and said that he would continue to pray for him in the days to come. Huzooras prayed that Allah the Almighty protected him from all problems. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol.3, p. 75) 3 January 1890: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he informed him about his wellbeing and instructed him to keep in touch regarding his wellbeing as well. Huzooras then stated that Hazrat Piran Dittara – for whom the Promised Messiahas instructed Hazrat Munshi Sahibra on 9 November 1889 to find a suitable match for marriage – was waiting for Hazrat Munshi Rustam Ali’sra promise to be fulfilled and said that to help a poor person was a deed of great reward. The Promised Messiahas thus reminded him to pay special attention towards this matter. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 571) 3 January 1897: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Haji Seith Allah Rakha Abdur Rahmanra in which he acknowledged the receipt of 100 rupees he sent and expressed his gratitude and further said that his sincerity and honesty resembled that of the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa. Huzooras prayed that Allah remained his Guardian and sheltered him from all evils. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol.2, p. 344) 4 January 1888: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he prayed that Allah granted him health and full recovery. Huzooras added that he would usually always pray for him, but said that he would further make special efforts

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

in praying for his health. Huzooras added that he and many friends desired to meet with him once again. Huzooras further expressed his happiness that Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra completed writing his book, Tasdiq-e-Barahine-Ahmadiyya, Tasdiq-e-Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya which he wrote in reply to Pandit Lekh Ram’s book, Takzib Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya. Huzooras added that almost 150 individuals wrote to him in which they expressed their desire to read this book. (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 52) 4 January 1892: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Munshi Habib-urRahman Sahib, Raees of Hajipura, in which he stated that his book, DafiAina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam ul-Wasawis, commonly known as Aina-e-Kamalat-e-Islam [The Mirror of the Excellences of Islam], would soon be published. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.3, p. 51) 4 January 1896: On this day, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira. In the letter, Huzooras stated that if he had a certain issue he required prayers for, then he should mention it and further quoted ّٰ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ the verse ‫“ لا تقنطوا ِمن رحم ِۃ الل ِہ‬despair not of the mercy of Allah” (Surah al-Zumar, Ch.39: V.54) (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.3, p. 224) 4 January 1904: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira in which he mentioned that he had received his letter, but was unable to reply due to suffering from a

severe cough for the past two months. The Promised Messiahas added that though his health was frail, he managed to summon strength and compose this letter. Huzooras further said that after he fully recovered, he would pray for him. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.3, p. 240) 4 January 1907: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to Syed Nasir Shah Sahib’s letter which he received through Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. The Promised Messiahas expressed his worry and further prayed for him and said that he should continue to inform him of his wellbeing. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.3, p. 333) 5 January 1886: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he stated that to see a scholarly or pious person visit a friend’s house in a dream was a source of blessings, whereupon divine mercy descends. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 467) 5 January 1888: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. In the letter, the Promised Messiahas expressed his worry for his health and stated that he intended to visit him and further expressed his desire to see him recovered and completely healthy. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 53) 6 January 1895: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he advised that without continuously offering namaz-e-istikharah, he should not attempt to find employment in Gurdaspur. The Promised Messiahas never gave any hasty advice; rather, he would always guide others to seek God’s help through istikharah. This clearly demonstrated Hazrat Ahmad’sas firm faith in Allah as he would leave all matters in God’s hands. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 608) 6 January 1897: On this day, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Maulvi Ghulam Dastageer Sahib in which he expressed his pleasure that he [Maulvi Sahib] had accepted to come for a mubahala [prayer duel]. Huzooras added that there were some matters in the letter he received, which still needed to be decided. The Promised Messiahas stated that as he [Maulvi Sahib] had not specified any date for his arrival in Lahore, he would send Hakim Fazal Din Sahib to him. Huzooras hoped that after deciding all the matters, he [Maulvi Sahib] would make his way to Lahore with Hakim Sahib for the mubahala. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.1, p. 461) 7 January 1884: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana in which he expressed his gratitude for sending 50 rupees. The Promised Messiahas said that the 50 rupees arrived exactly at a time of need. Hazrat Ahmadas added that some people had made an untimely demand and he was in great need of 50 rupees. Huzooras further added that upon supplication, he received the revelation:

Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira

‫م ن‬ �‫�ک‬ ‫نسحب وبقیل داعء رگنب ہک ہچ زود داع وبقل ی م‬ (Observe My good acceptance of thy supplication and see how quickly I respond to it.) Hazrat Ahmadas stated that the revelation was revealed on 3 January 1884 and he received the above-mentioned money on 6 January 1884. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.1, p. 586) 7 January 1889: The Promised Messiahas wrote two letters to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he reminded him to remain steadfast and remember God. Huzooras added that God is most Gracious and Merciful and His Mercy exceeds all bounds. Huzooras said that he should continue to recite istighfar. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol.2, p. 554) 7 January 1899: On this date, the Promised Messiahas published a lengthy ishtihar. Huzooras stated that he had come to learn of some secret writings which Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi was writing to the government, in which he had said that all the ahadith in regard to the advent of the blood-thirsty Mahdi were invalid in his view. Huzooras stated that on one hand, Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi was siding with the ulema that he held the same belief with regard to the Mahdi as they had and further called for fatwas against a person who denied such beliefs. Then, on the other hand, he was secretly writing to the government in which he rejected those very beliefs. Hazrat Ahmadas further added that those maulvis who issued a fatwa that a person who rejected the advent of the [blood-thirsty] Mahdi was an infidel and Dajjal, should hold a jalsa and enquire from Muhammad Hussain Sahib about his beliefs in this regard. (Majmua-eIshtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 506-511) 7 January 1905: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra in which he stated that his health was better than before. Huzooras stated that at times, his heart felt weak to such an extent that his hands and feet became numb as though no blood was coursing through them. Huzooras added that this was necessary to occur in accordance with the prophecy of the Messiah that he would be wrapped in two yellow sheets. Huzooras further expressed that opponents were making continuous efforts against the Jamaat and prayed that Allah granted the people of the Jamaat such level of faith which was granted to the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa. Huzooras said that he had firm faith that God would surely strengthen the faith of his followers, whose hearts were clean and souls were pure. Huzooras further stated that he had always found Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra to possess true heartfelt sympathy for others and sincerity. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 283)

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Coming from every distant track Introduction A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas when receiving visitors in Qadian

Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

The Promised Messiahas and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, said: “A while ago, I received a revelation: ‫ یاتون من کل فج عمیق‬،‫وسع مکانک‬ “‘Enlarge your abode; people will come to you from very distant lands.’ “Accordingly I have seen this prophecy fulfilled [through the coming of visitors] from Peshawar to Madras. However, the revelation has been repeated, which is an indication that the prophecy will be fulfilled in greater strength and greater numbers. َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ ّٰ َ ‫ع ل َِما اَ َر‬ ‫اد‬ ِ‫واللہ یفعل ما یشاء لا مان‬ “[Allah does whatever He wills and no one can obstruct that which He determines upon.]” (Ishtihar of 17 February 1897, Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 327) After claiming to be the Messiah of the age, in his book, Fath-e-Islam [Victory of Islam], with regard to reviving the religion, establishing it in the hearts of people, reforming mankind and bringing people towards Islam, the Promised Messiahas outlined a system in which methods are adopted to help the propagation of Islam. Whilst mentioning the five methods or branches of this divine system, the Promised Messiahas said: “The third branch of this divine system relates to visitors, travellers, those who travel in search of truth or for other purposes…. The pressure of visitors no doubt varies, not much on certain days, but very much on other days. During the last seven years, there could have been about 60,000 or more visitors….Talking to people and answering their questions sometimes proves more beneficial than reaching them through books and leaflets.” (Fath-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, p. 14) The Promised Messiahas stated that the arrival of visitors in Qadian proved to be a great sign of his truthfulness. On one occasion, two tourists from America came to Qadian and met with the Promised Messiahas. During this meeting, they asked of Hazrat Ahmadas for a sign to prove his truthfulness. Upon this, Huzooras stated that their coming to Qadian after travelling from afar was a sign which indicated towards his truthfulness. Upon studying Tadhkirah – a compilation of the revelations, dreams and visions of the Promised Messiahas – we find that the revelation:

‫یاتون من کل فج عمیق‬ was revealed to the Promised Messiahas on multiple occasions. In March 1882, the Promised Messiahas received the following revelation: َ ُْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ َ َ ُّ ‫یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ ی َ ْن ُص ُرک‬ ٰ َ ٓ َّ َ ّ ْ ْ َ ٓ ْ ْ ُّ ٌ َ َ ُ ُ ْ َ ‫اللّ ُہ ِم ْن ِع ْن ِد ٖہ۔ ینصرک ِرجال نو ِحی اِلیھِم ِمن‬ ‫الس َما ِء لا‬ َ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ّ ٰ ‫ات الل ِہ۔ اِنا فت ْح َنالک فتحًا ّم ِب ْی ًنا۔‬ ِ ‫ُم َب ِدل لِکلِ َم‬ “People will come to you so that the track will become deep due to excessive travel. So many people will come to you that the track on which they travel will become deep. Allah will help you from Himself. Such people will help you whom We shall inspire from Ourself. No one can change the words of Allah. We will bestow upon you a manifest victory.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 57) Then, on 3 September 1892, Hazrat Ahmadas received the revelation: ‫ئ‬ َ ْ َ َ ُّ ٰ ُ ُْ ‫اابقل ےک دن ی‬ ‫ٓا� ےگ۔ یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق انظ ْر اِلی‬ ْ َ ّٰ َ ْ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ ْ َ ٰ ٰ ُ َ ‫ی ُ ْو ُسف َواِق َبال ِ ٖہ۔ َوقال ْوا َمتی ھذا ال َوعد۔ قل ا ِّن َوعد الل ِہ‬ ً َ ُ َ َ ٌّ َ ‫حق۔ خ ُّر ْوال ٗہ س ّجدا۔‬ “The days of glory shall arrive. The help will arrive to you by every distant track. Look at Joseph and his glory. They ask, ‘When will this promise be fulfilled?’ Say, ‘The promise of Allah is true. They fell into prostration before Him.’” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 265) In 1897, the Promised Messiahas wrote: “A while ago, I received a revelation: ُْ َ َ َ َ َ ُّ ‫ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق‬،‫َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک‬ “‘Enlarge your abode; people will come to you from very distant lands.’” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 382) Then again, in 1900, Huzooras received the revelation: ْ َ ُّ َ ْ ْ َ ٌ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ْ َ َّ ٓ َ َ ‫ک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج َع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَات ُ ْو َن ِم ْن‬ ‫الا اِن نصر الل ِہ ق ِریب۔ یاتِی‬ ٌ َ َ ُ ُ َْ ّٰ َ َ َ ُّ ْ ْ ُ ٓ‫ال نُّ ْوح ْی‬ ‫ن‬ ‫م‬ ‫ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ ی َ ْن ُص ُرک اللہ ِ ِعن ِد ٖہ۔ ینصرک ِرج‬ ِ ٓ َّ ‫َ ْ ْ ّم َن‬ ‫الس َماءِ۔‬ ِ ‫اِلیھِم‬ “His help will come to you from every distant track. People will come to help you from every distant track. Allah will help you from Himself. Such people will help you whom We shall inspire from Ourself.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 494) Further, 14 July 1903, the Promised Messiahas received the revelation: َ َ َ َ ٰ َ ْ َ ٓ َّ ّ ٰ ٓ َ ‫لا ت ْیئ ُس ْوا ِم ْن خ َزائِ ِن َر ْح َم ِۃ الل ِہ۔ اِنا اعط ْینک‬ َ ُّ ُْ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ُّ ‫الْک ْوث َر۔یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج‬ َ َ َّ َ ُ َ ْ َ ُ َ َ ّ َ َ َ َ َ َ ‫یق۔ َو ّ ِس ْع َمکانک۔ اِن ِ ْی ان ْرتک َواخت ْرتک۔ اِنا فت ْح َنا َعل ْیک‬ ٍ ‫ع ِم‬ ْ ُّ َ َ ْ َ ‫اب الدن َیا۔‬ ‫اب و‬ “Despair not of the treasures of Allah’s mercy. We have bestowed upon you

abundance of every kind of good. Offerings will come to you by every distant track. Enlarge your house. I have illumined you and chosen you. We have opened the gates of the world to you.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 648) Then, in 29 May 1905, the Promised Messiahas received the revelation: ُْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ َ َ ُّ ‫یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق ط َویَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔‬ “So many people will come to you that the track by which they come will deepen. And the help will come to you by every distant track and such tracks will

deepen by the travelling of the people who will walk on them.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 755) Following this, in 1906, Huzooras received the revelation َ ُّ ُْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ ‫یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق ط یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج‬ “People will come to you in such large numbers that their tracks will deepen with excessive travel.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], pp. 869-880) On 7 June 1906, Huzooras received the following revelation.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM َ ُّ ُْ ٓ َّ ‫َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ٌ ُّ ْ ْ ٓ َ ْ ْ ّم َن‬ ‫الس َماءِ۔ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج‬ ِ ‫ینصرک ِرجال نو ِحی اِلیھِم‬ َ َ ُْ ْ ْ ُ َْ َ ٌ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ُّ ْ ‫ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِمی ٍق ۔ سلام علیکم ِطبتم ۔ ولا‬ َّ َ ّ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ ّ ٰ ْ َ ْ ّ َ ُ ‫اس۔‬ ِ ‫تص ِعر ِلخل ِق الل ِہ ولا تسئم ِمن الن‬ “Men whom We shall direct through revelation from heaven will help you. People will come to you by every distant track. Presents will come to you by every distant track. Peace be on you, may you be happy. You should not be discourteous towards those who visit you and be not tired by their large number.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], pp. 863) Then, again, in August 1906, Hazrat Ahmadas received the revelation: ُْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ َ َ ُّ ‫یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق‬ “People will come to you by every distant track. Presents will come to you by every distant track.” (Tadhkirah [English translation], p. 911) On 30 October 1906, the Promised Messiahas stated: “I was thinking of the heavy expenses that have been incurred and are likely to be incurred in the publication and preparation of the book Haqiqatul-Wahi, when I received the revelation: ُْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ُّ َ َ ُّ ‫یَاتِ ْیک ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج ع ِم ْی ٍق۔ یَاتِ ْیک‬ ٓ َّ ‫َ ٌ ُّ ْ ْ ٓ َ ْ ْ ّم َن‬ ‫الس َماءِ۔‬ ِ ‫ِرجال نو ِحی اِلیھِم‬ “People will come to you from every distant track. They will bring you presents by every distant track. Such men will bring you presents, whom We shall direct by revelation from heaven. (Badr, Vol. 2, no. 44, 1 November 1906, p. 3; Al Hakam, Vol. 10, no. 37, 24 October 1906, p. 1) Again, in 1907, the Promised Messiahas received the revelation: َ ُّ ُْ ٓ َّ ‫َ ْ ُ ُ َ َ ٌ ُّ ْ ْ ٓ َ ْ ْ ّم َن‬ ‫الس َماءِ۔ یَات ْو َن ِم ْن ک ِل ف ٍ ّج‬ ِ ‫ینصرک ِرجال نو ِحی اِلیھِم‬ َ ‫ع ِم ْی ٍق‬ “Men whom We shall direct from Heaven will help you. They will be coming to you by every distant track.” He then went on to say: “In this revelation, God Almighty has metaphorically compared me to the House of Allah, inasmuch as the verse ‫یاتون من کل‬ ‫ فج عمیق‬is related to the Ka‘bah in the Holy Quran.” (Announcement 5 November 1907, published in Al Hakam, Vol. 11, no. 40, 10 November 1907, p. 5, under the title

Tabsirah) History affirms that many individuals in search of the truth, tourists and others who would come for different reasons, visited Qadian and the Promised Messiahas. This practice can be seen even today during the Fifth Khilafat, a manifestation of this revelation’s fulfilment. In this new series, Al Hakam will narrate incidents linked to visitors who came to visit Qadian and the Promised Messiahas and became the living embodiment of the fulfilment of this revelation. As guests would come to visit Qadian and the Promised Messiahas, Huzooras would show utmost hospitality and care for visitors and would become occupied in fulfilling the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa found in the hadith, “He who believes in Allah and the Last Day should honour his guest.” (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-At‘imah) The Promised Messiahas would tend to his guests. On one occasion, by way of advice and guidance, the Promised Messiahas stated: “Once, a man was wondering through the woods. As night fell, the man found a tree to take refuge under. It was the cold season. No food was available, nor any fire to provide warmth. At the top of the tree, two male and female birds had crafted a nest. They [the birds] said, ‘This person is our guest; we should make him feel comfortable.’ They threw their nest so that the man could create a fire. Then, they thought that the man must be hungry so they decided to sacrifice themselves so that he may roast them and satisfy his hunger.” The Promised Messiahas further stated, “The birds gave their belongings and sacrificed themselves for the comfort of their guests. Thus, we too should do the same.” (Al Hakam, 14 November 1936) This was not simply a mere gesture but was the practice of the Promised Messiahas that all types of inconvenience be endured to ensure that guests are comfortable. Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra of Kapurthala relates: “Once, two non-Ahmadi guests from Manipur Assam, after hearing the Promised Messaih’s name, came to Qadian to meet with Huzooras. As they arrived at the guesthouse, they told workers at Langar

Qadian Punjab

Madras

Kahana to unload their luggage and to lay out a charpoy. However, the workers did not immediately reply and instead, said to the guests that they unload the luggage themselves and added that the charpoy would come. “The tired guests found the response unpleasant and decided to make their way back to Batala. “When the Promised Messiahas was informed about this incident, he immediately went behind them in a manner that his shoes were not properly

on and he was taking quick steps. A few helpers also followed.” Hazrat Munshi Zafar Ahmadra states: “I also followed. At that time, the Promised Messiahas, chasing after them, caught up with them near the bridge of the canal, which is two and half miles from Qadian. Huzooras expressed his love and apologies and insisted that they come back. The Promised Messiahas said to the guests, ‘You sit in the cart and I will walk beside you’. However, feeling embarrassed, Continued on next page >>

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’s insightful replies to essential questions Al Fazl, 23-27 December 1920 Spiritual way to be blessed with offspring A member of the Jamaat presented a question before Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] as to what the spiritual way of having offspring was. In response, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra said: “The spiritual way [of getting offspring] is the same as that used by Zachariah, (which is mentioned in the first ruku‘ of Surah Maryam). “[Then] raise that child and teach him religion. You should strive to establish God’s love in their heart. They should regularly remember God in their speech.” What is the method for achieving satisfaction in Salat? A friend asked Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] that he offers Salat but does not get satisfaction. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] replied: “A way of achieving satisfaction [in Salat] is to perform ablution properly. Then recite istighfar for some time after the Salat. Moreover, a person should offer the sunnah prayers before and after the Salat with full concentration and earnestness. “Salat should be offered unhurriedly and by keeping its meaning in the mind. After doing so, if you still do not find satisfaction and contentment in your heart, do not panic and keep doing it repeatedly, because it is not the work of a day or two, but a lifelong effort.” Witnessing the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas A person asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] to let him know about a method which he could follow and always get the honour of meeting the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas [in dreams and visions]. In reply, Hazrat Musleh-eMaud[ra] said: << Continued from previous page

they did not opt to sit on the cart. “Huzooras brought them back to Qadian. When they arrived at the guest house, Huzooras extended his hands towards the cart to unload their luggage. However, khuddam came and unloaded the luggage. After this, the Promised Messiahas sat with them and lovingly conversed with them and asked what they preferred for food. He asked, ‘Do you have any special dietary requirements?’ “The following day, as the guests were about to depart, the Promised Messiahas

“The meaning of witnessing [the prophets] in reality is to meet them spiritually. However, it is irrational and unreasonable to think that prophets should come to visit people on a daily basis or that they should be brought to them. This is only an act of Allah the Almighty under which He grants the honour of [prophets’] visit to His servants. “This is called the real witnessing and according to sufis [saints], whoever is blessed with this vision becomes part of the [group of the] sahaba [companions of brought two glasses of milk and presented it to them with great affection. He then walked with them for two and half miles up to the canal that arrives on the path to Batala. Huzooras seated them on a cart and saw them off.” We hope our readers will find this new series beneficial and interesting. InshaAllah, this series will not only highlight incidents of the history of the Jamaat, but shall also serve to present a glimpse of the beautiful example and character of the Promised Messiahas and aid us in our journey of knowledge and moral training.

prophets]. Another kind of sighting is that when a person thinks about something, its image is formed in his mind. Such visualisations may occur to certain people on a regular basis, but they are of no useful purpose. People should seek to achieve spiritual witnessing instead of those visions. They should follow their uswa-ehasna [exemplary ways of life]so that they can derive full benefit.” Farming as a profession A friend wrote to Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] that Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin Sahibra used to narrate a tradition that when the Holy Prophetsa saw agricultural tools in a person’s house, he said that faith and blessings would be removed from that house. Moreover, the following hadith is present in Ihya-ulUloom: ‫اہل الکور اہل الکور‬ It means that the villagers [farmers] are like prisoners. The worldwide condition of those people who are farmers by profession also reveal strong practical proof of such ahadith. [The enquirer stated that] in view of the above-mentioned ahadith and the practical experience of the world, he has started to hate agriculture and desires

to leave it and get some other property within or near the city, or invest his wealth in another business. He requested Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] to guide him in this regard. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] gave the following answer: “All we know is that almost all the companions were farmers. Moreover, it is narrated in the ahadith about the Mahdi that he would be ‘Harith harrath’ [i.e. related with the profession of agriculture]. “The hadith you have pointed out means that those people will be ruined who engage themselves in agriculture to the extent that they do not pay any attention to religion. This is a common defect in the agriculturists that they do not pay much attention to other matters at all. They are always complaining that [they are busy because] ‘it is time to reap a certain crop’ or ‘it is time to sow such and such crop’ and then they say that ‘it is time to water them’. If a person can remove this defect, then this profession is also a very good profession. “In the present age, this profession has advanced to the point where it can be done like trade, i.e. through co-operative societies. The fact of the matter is that the time of the Holy Prophetsa was a time of conquests. “At that time, it was a humiliation and disgrace to give priority to the benefits of agriculture over the common interests. Hence, whatever the Holy Prophetsa said about such people was true in a certain sense. However, it is also true on the other hand that agriculture is a respected profession.” How to get rid of worldly concerns? A person wrote that he had become negligent in performing religious duties due to worldly thoughts and worries. He sought advice from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] to help him get rid of worldly concerns. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud[ra] said: “Worldly worries can only be diminished if the love of the world is reduced. There are none among those who are obsessed with earning worldly riches and then they say that they have got enough of the world. “On the other hand, examples of such people do exist who are always after the love of God. They are grateful and content with the share of the world they possess. The only way to save oneself from worldly worries is to give the world the importance it deserves [and nothing more than that].”

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Opinion

A new year with new hopes? Khilafat is the way to see their fulfilment Ata-ul-Haye Nasir London

It has become a norm for people around the world to celebrate the New Year with great enthusiasm and have high hopes of the coming year that it will end the difficulties and miseries of the past year and open the door to happiness and success. But expectations from the year 2021 are higher than ever before and somewhat different as well. The world is hoping for an end to the Covid-19 pandemic in the new year so that the world may be released from the shackles of the current situation which has caused huge distress in society in many ways. The news about the success in finding a vaccine has brightened that hope. Though the vaccine will probably succeed in eradicating this pandemic, there is also a dire need to search for a “vaccine” to eradicate the “virus” of hatred, oppression, injustice, corruption and other problems from society, which have engulfed the world at every level. These contagious traits are spreading rapidly Continued from page 1

department of religious studies, explains that times of crisis can be “a time of exploration”. She said, “It is highly likely the pandemic has impacted on people’s existential beliefs and practices, but I’m not yet convinced it will have made any group more or less religious in the longer term, though time will tell.” The Quran alludes to the fact that people begin to turn towards God when undergoing suffering and need (Surah Yunus, Ch.10: V. 23). This is not bad news per se; Allah desires for His creation to turn back to Him – often, unfortunately, humans take this step when suffering occurs. Although the YouGov poll was a single study and not conclusive, it brings hope for 2021. The younger generation – rightfully, yet surprisingly – seems to want more depth and meaning to life; modern narratives of materialism and leading a life without God are losing customers. As Muslims, we firmly believe that cognisance of God is a step towards a better and more peaceful society. When God is in the picture and His teachings are duly followed, a moral and just society is born, where spiritual lives are lived and egotism, nihilism and selfishness are shunned. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, for 17 years has been reiterating this; the current issues of the world and darker future catastrophes will not disappear until and unless humanity turns back to God. In recent letters to world leaders, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa once again emphasised

around the world and are causing distress and conflict. In many countries of the world, hatred, intolerance and racism are at an all time high. At present, there are many kinds of conflicts all over the world, whether it is the issue of Rohingya Muslims, the burning issues of Kashmir and Palestine, the China-India border tension, the many rifts between major powers, recent protests by farmers in India or sectarianism and injustice in Pakistan. There is huge distress the world over. There are very few world leaders who openly speak out against all injustices and oppression and there is no attempt to solve the problems of the common man or society. Perhaps the main reason behind this silence is their own political interests. We often hear that Pakistan is going through a very delicate situation, economically and politically. But we also see that its leaders never ponder upon its causes and what the elements which the need to place God back into the equation for future peace to prevail. Speaking of the Promised Messiah’sas purpose and advent, Huzooraa, in a letter to the prime minister of Australia, said: “… he [the Promised Messiahas] forewarned that natural disasters were destined to increase as a warning to mankind from the Heavens above to recognise the existence of God Almighty and to fulfil the rights of one another. “History bears witness to the fact that ever since he gave this warning, more than a century ago, the prevalence of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, has increased significantly, whilst other catastrophes and the spread of deadly viruses have regularly befallen the world with devastating and deadly results.” (www.reviewofreligions. org/26918/letters-sent-to-world-leaders-byhead-of-ahmadiyya-muslim-communityduring-covid-19-pandemic/) It seems the new generation is beginning to look past the materialistic world we live in, searching for soul-nourishing spirituality. Islam Ahmadiyyat offers this nourishment and continues to guide millions towards establishing a true relationship with God. Let us hope that the New Year brings good news of humanity recognising God and as a result, upholding absolute justice, peace and morality. If, however, 2021 (and subsequent years) follow the footsteps of previous years in recognising God and upholding justice, then being optimistic about lasting peace and humanity may just be naïve.

brought the country to this state are. The main reason for this is injustice, religious intolerance and mixing religion and politics. In Pakistan, a peaceful and loyal community, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, has been subjected to oppression and hatred for decades. The same community has contributed at every step to the establishment, stability, integrity and development of this country. But it has become commonplace to call its members traitors and enemies of the country. Such a community was declared nonMuslim by this country, which has firm belief in the Kalima, presents the true image of Islam around the world and answers every objection raised against the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa in the best way. For this, it always follows the path which has been taught by Islam. Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya not only played a great role in the formation of Pakistan, but also made practical efforts for its progress. Not only towards Pakistan, but Jamaat-

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whilst believing in a morally damaging concept such as atonement. I cannot understand how there can be any fear of accountability before Allah the Almighty if one believes in the concept of atonement. Do the Christians not believe that the Messiah was tormented to repay for our sins to the extent that he was deemed accursed and remained in hell for three days? If, with this concept, there is punishment for sin, then what purpose does the Atonement serve? The very doctrine of atonement encourages sin. It is a matter of principle that the doctrine to which a person subscribes has a deep effect on them. One may observe that in the estimation of the Hindus, the cow is immensely holy and sacred. The effect of this among the Hindus is to such an extent that even the urine and dung of a cow is deemed pure and used for purification. Their passion for the cow exceeds all bounds and this is the very reason that they have made this concept a part of their fundamental belief. Remember that fundamental beliefs are like a mother and deeds are the resulting offspring. When the Messiah serves as an atonement and he has taken upon himself the sins of those who believe, what reason is left for people to

e-Ahmadiyya has rendered great services to many other Muslim countries as well, which is clear proof of its loyalty and love for Islam. The Muslim Ummah is currently suffering from all kinds of differences. It longs for unity, but does not make a real effort for it and does not move towards its source. We see that from time to time, various voices or calls are heard for the aspiration of establishing Khilafat, but they do not pay heed to the divinely established Khilafat-eAhmadiyya. On the contrary, they cross all limits while opposing it. Has this had any impact on the status of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya? Not in the slightest; rather, they are depriving themselves of Allah’s grace and blessings. May Allah the Almighty guide the whole world towards the right path and make them aware of the true remedy for all the afflictions of this world, which is purely a spiritual remedy – Khilafat-eAhmadiyya. Amin.

refrain from sin? It is astonishing that when Christians speak of the concept of atonement, they begin their discourse from the mercy and justice of God Almighty. But I would ask, if one person is hung for the crime of another, then what justice and mercy remains? If it is proclaimed as doctrine that Christ has taken upon himself the burden of all sins – even those sins which are yet to be committed – then what reason is there for anyone to abstain from sin? If the teaching was that this atonement was limited to the Christians of that era, then this would have been another matter; but when it is accepted that Christ has taken with him the burden of the sins of even those who shall be born until the Day of Resurrection, and he accepted punishment for this purpose, then how unjust is it to seize a sinner? In fact, to punish an innocent person in the place of a sinner is injustice in the first place. But further still, the second injustice is to first place the burden of sin on Christ and give sinners the good news that he has shouldered their sins, yet punishing those who then commit sin. This is some strange deception, which the Christians will never be able to explain. (Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 181-182)

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Defending Islam: The hallmark of Ahmadiyyat

Jazib Mehmood Student Jamia Ahmadiyya Ghana

There have always been allegations against Islam. Since the time of the Holy Prophetsa, opponents of Islam have continuously made thoughtless and baseless allegations. The coming of the Promised Messiahas was symptomatic of the weak state of the Ummah (Muslim people). At the time, Muslim scholars were also coming under the influence of Christianity, unable to stand firm against the tide. The Promised Messiahas speaks of this weak state of Muslims and describes the need for a reformer in these words: “… in this present era, religious capacities have died away and sin and impiety have taken their place. The mutual interaction of people on the one hand and their worship on the other – everything has become corrupted.

“If this affliction was all that plagued the people, there was no harm or danger. But in addition to all these things, the greatest calamity, regarding which I am compelled to speak time and again and which every heart possessing sympathy for Islam has already felt or can feel, is the poisonous effect of today’s natural medicine, astronomy and flawed philosophy, which is attacking Islam and Muslims. “The scholars pay no attention to this because they can barely find time from their wars with one another, waging internal conflicts and declaring one another disbelievers … “Therefore, from every direction Islam is victim to the arrows of the foolish and the ignorant. In this age, those necessary conditions, which undoubtedly call for the advent of a reformer, have reached their pinnacle.” (Malfuzat [English Translation], vol. 1, p. 94-95)

In this era, the words of the Promised Messiahas apply almost perfectly on the scholars of Islam today, who, misguided in their actions, have contended themselves to attack their own rather than defend Islam. The recent uproar of diehard Muslims over what Google results showed for the “Caliph of Islam” is a sad example of the priorities of the Muslim Ummah. During his lifetime, the Promised Messiahas made his priorities clear – the rejuvenating of Islam. He wrote: “The new life of Islam demands a great sacrifice from us. What is this sacrifice? It is our lives; on this sacrifice depends now the life of Islam, the life of Muslims, and the manifestation of God in our time. Sacrifice is of the essence of Islam and this is the Islam that God wants to restore. To bring about this great transformation, it was necessary that God Himself should establish a workshop, adequate and efficient in all respects. So He, the Most Wise, Most Powerful, let this workshop come into being by sending this humble one to undertake this work of reforming mankind.” (Victory of Islam) The life of the Promised Messiahas is a living testimony of his purpose – the defence of Islam. His biography brims with books, pamphlets, announcement and a variety of challenges, all given in defence of Islam. However, as an example, it will suffice to say that when the Promised Messiah’sas book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, was read out at the Conference of Great Religions in 1896, the reaction was immediate and involuntary. One newspaper wrote: “The participants at the conference showed great interest in the lecture of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadian. His paper was an expert and flawless defence of Islam, a great number of people belonging to all sections of society came from far and wide to hear it.” (Civil and Military Gazette, Lahore, referenced in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. xxiv) Another newspaper declared: “We are not followers of Mirza Sahib, nor do we have any kind of contact with him. However we cannot be unjust in our commentary. “In answering the questions, Mirza Sahib relied solely on the Quran. Every major Islamic principle was beautifully expounded on using logical and convincing arguments. “To first use logical arguments to prove the existence of God and to then quote the Word of God is a style which we find most charming. Not only did Mirza Sahib expound on the philosophy of Quranic teachings, he also explained the philosophy and philology of the Quranic

language. In short, Mirza Sahib’s lecture was complete and comprehensive, replete with gems of knowledge, wisdom, truths and mysteries. “The philosophy of the Divine was so marvellously expressed that the entire audience was left nonplussed. His lecture was the best attended with the hall being packed from top to bottom.” (Chaudhwin Sadi, Rawalpindi, 1 February 1897, referenced in The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, p. xxv) The Promised Messiahas passed away in 1908. But since then, his successors have continued his work. Hazrat Ahmadas founded the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for many purposes. But the priority of the community was always the same: defending Islam. He speaks of his community’s purpose of defending Islam in these words: “At the present time, Islam is being attacked as in the case of the People of the Elephant. The Muslims suffer from many weaknesses. Islam is deprived and the ‘People of the Elephant’ are in strength. But even now, Allah the Exalted desires to manifest a similar demonstration as in the past. God Almighty will employ small birds, as it were. What is our community in comparison to them? In the face of their unanimity, strength and wealth, we hold no position at all. “However, the incident of the People of the Elephant is before us and we observe the immensely consoling verses that have been revealed in the chapter under discussion. I too have received the same revelation, which clearly demonstrates that the succour and help of God Almighty will definitely do its work. Of course, only those people believe this who love the Quran. What regard can such a person give to these matters if they have no fondness for the Quran and possess no love for Islam? The very meaning of Islam and faith is to align one’s thoughts and desires with the will of God. God does not care for the honour and dignity of any person who has no indignation and jealousy for Islam, irrespective of who they may be; such a person is no practising Muslim. “Do not view the affairs of God with contempt and consider worthy of pity those who have rejected the truth on account of prejudice and have said that there is no need for anyone’s advent in this era of peace. Pity be on them. They do not see how Islam is besieged by its enemies and onslaughts are being waged against it from all directions; the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is maligned. Yet, despite all this, they say that there is no need for anyone?” (Malfuzat [English Translation], Vol. 1, p. 180-181) Today, our present head of the

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, has carried on the work of the Promised Messiahas as did the successors before him. Regarding the defence of Islam, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, in 2006, said: َ ٌ ‫”اد َف ْع بالَّتي هِيَ أَ ْح َس ُن َفإ َذا الَّ ِذي بَ ْي َن َك َوبَ ْي َن ُه َع َد َاو ٌة كَأنَّ ُه َول ٌّي َحم‬ ْ ‫يم‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ “That is, ‘Defend with that which is best’. Then that person, between whom and you

was enmity, would suddenly change to a devoted friend. Therefore, [this can only happen] by [following] the beautiful teaching of defending Islam and making these teachings a part of [our] lives. In order to erase all these allegations that are raised against Islam with our practical example, it is necessary to convey this message.” (Khutbat-e-Masroor, Vol. 4, p. 299, Friday Sermon 16 June 2006) Following the example of the Promised Messiahas, Huzooraa has continued defending Islam in the face of all allegations and attacks. When a newspaper published obscene cartoons of the Holy Foundersa of Islam, as opposed to the violent reactions of some Muslim communities, Huzooraa defended the blessed model of the Holy Prophetsa and guided his community towards the best reaction; prayers, durood and promotion of the great character of the

Holy Prophetsa through education. The community has tried its best to spread the book, The Blessed Model of the Holy Prophet and the Caricatures, a compilation of the sermons Huzooraa delivered defending the personality of the Holy Prophetsa. The book is available online. In a world where Islamophobia reigns supreme, Huzooraa started the Annual Peace Symposium early on in his Khilafat, inviting people of all faiths to understand the true teachings of Islam. Recently, for the second time, Huzooraa sent letters to the heads of major religions and countries around the world, inviting them to create a peaceful and just society as Islam teaches. Again, a compilation of Huzoor’s addresses on the subject has been widely published under the title, World Crisis and the Pathway to Peace. This book is also available online. When the Catholic Pope raised allegations against Islam, Huzooraa immediately answered them, clearing Islam’s name and expounding upon its teachings. (Friday Sermon, 15 September 2006) When an opponent of Islam wanted to burn the Holy Quran in public, Huzooraa explained why this was wrong and explained the beautiful teachings of the Quran. Huzooraa advised him to desist from such actions, as they incite the emotions of Muslims and invite the displeasure of Allah. Recently, when the president of France declared Islam to be in crisis, Huzooraa

emphasised that Muslim nations needed to unite, to be able to stop these careless attacks on Islam. Huzooraa stated: “If the world knew that Muslims are united, that they believe in the same One God and His Messengersa and are ever ready to present sacrifices for their sake, then the non-Muslim world would never act in this way and never would a newspaper be emboldened to publish caricatures of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Friday Sermon, 6 November 2020) It is of great regret that since the Promised Messiahas established the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, the Muslim Ummah has chosen to ignore these efforts of the Jamaat and have opted to cherry-pick quotes, make self-serving allegations and raise trite objections against the Jamaat. In this age, only the Khilafat of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is defending Islam in the best manner. Perhaps the most unique aspect of our Khalifa’s defence of Islam is that Huzooraa is the only Muslim leader who has hugely emphasised reciting durood as a response to defend the Holy Prophetsa, has prayed for and urges his followers to also pray for change and sets practical examples himself in reflecting the noble conduct of the Holy Prophetsa. Today, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has put forward the best defence of Islam and continues this objective.

Ahmadi engineers assist clean water project by Niger government Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

The drinking water crisis in Africa is an issue well known and an infamous reality; people are compelled to drink water that is well below the standard of purity required for human safety. Niger is the most affected country by this dilemma and Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger has been using all its resources to provide assistance in these difficult times. Two months ago, Akram Ahmedi Sahib, Chairman of IAAAE (International Association of Ahmadi Architects and Engineers), visited Niger. During his visit, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger, Asad Majeeb Sahib and Chairman IAAAE had a meeting with the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Mr Sabo Mocktar, in which the honourable minister requested that Niger wants to provide drinking water to the entire population by 2030. To achieve this, Niger has a programme that aims to build small barrages and dams. To help, IAAAE engineers are to visit Niger for technical assistance and help the government with the project. In this regard, Zeeshan Ahmed Sahib, a water engineer from Canada had visited Niger for ten days. During this visit, a

delegation of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya met with the minister of hydraulics and sanitation, the director general hydraulics and many other important authorities. Various sites were also visited where dams could be constructed in the future. Now IAAAE will make a complete plan for the government of Niger, which will enable the construction of small dams at low cost and with new technology. Meanwhile, the minister of hydraulics and sanitation visited the Jamaat’s mission house and conducted a long meeting with the Jamaat. He also visited the model village of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and was very satisfied with the work and efforts of Ahmadi Muslim engineers, alhamdolillah.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

The exemplary young Companions: Sincerity and devotion to the Holy Prophet

Still the companion could not read the feelings of the woman and instead of giving her news of the security of the Holy Prophetsa, gave her the terrible news of the martyrdom of her husband. But this terrible news too, enough to ruin her whole life, impacted her not in the slightest and failed to distract her. Again, nervously, she questioned about the safety of the Holy Prophetsa and said, “I do not need such news. I care little about who else has died and who survived. Tell me about the safety of the Holy Prophetsa!” Finally, when the companion had no other news to share with her, he told her that the Holy Prophetsa, with the grace of God, was safe and sound and was on his way back to Medina. Hearing this reply, she felt comforted and was no longer worried. Despite the fact that a moment before, she had heard the news of the destruction of her whole family, the news about the safety of the Holy Prophetsa removed all her dismay and a wave of calmness ran all through her veins and fibres and involuntarily, she exclaimed: ُّ ُ ٌَ َ َ ‫کل ُم ِص ْی َب ٍة ب َ ْعدک َجلل‬ “As long as you are alive, all problems after you are of little worth.” (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Zikr Ghazwah Uhud Sha‘n alMar‘ah al-Dinariyah) Blood of the Prophetsa Here follows another example to show the intense love of the Companionsra for the Holy Prophetsa. The Holy Prophet’ssa face was wounded in the Battle of Uhud. Hazrat Malikra bin Sanan advanced and sucked the running blood. Out of respect for the Holy Prophetsa, he did not endure to spit it out on the ground and instead swallowed it. At this, the Holy Prophetsa said, “Anybody who wants to see a man whose blood is mixed with that of mine should see Malik bin Sanan.” Thereafter, Hazrat Malikra fought gallantly in the battle and laid his life in the cause of Allah. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 4, p. 251)

Rahmatullah Khan Shakir (1901-2000) Former Assistant Editor and Manager of Al Fazl

The history of the world fails to furnish an example similar to the love and devotion the Companionsra had for the Holy Prophetsa. Only a few instances will suffice to prove their devotion to the Holy Prophetsa. They were ever ready to sacrifice their lives for him, like a moth is ready to sacrifice itself for a lamp. Not just the Muslim men, but the Muslim women too displayed a tremendous amount of devotion to the Holy Prophetsa and they held him the dearest of all their kith and kin. Preference to the Prophetsa over father, brother and husband After the Battle of Uhud, accompanied by his Companionsra, the Holy Prophetsa reached Medina in the afternoon. Rumour had it that the Holy Prophetsa had been martyred in the battle. The womenfolk of Medina, on account of their anxiety for the Prophetsa, stood on the way where soldiers were to return

and anxiously waited for anyone coming to ask them about the Holy Prophetsa. An Ansari woman asked a man, who looked to be returning from Uhud, about the Holy Prophetsa. Since the companion’s heart was at rest and knew that the Holy Prophetsa was safe and sound, he evaded the question of the woman, but gave her news of the martyrdom of her father. As the companion, having no anxiety about the safety of the Holy Prophetsa, had disregarded the woman’s question about the Prophetsa, similarly the woman, being anxious for the Holy Prophetsa, disregarded the news of the martyrdom of her father and repeated her question about the Holy Prophetsa. The companion again, not appreciating her anxiety, disregarded her question and gave her the news that her brother had also been martyred. But this news too was not important for her. In her view, at that time, her father and siblings were all of little value. She had only one thing in her mind and that was the safety of her beloved Mastersa. Therefore, she heard this news too with disinterest and repeated the same question with utmost restiveness.

Revenge through expression of love In the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa arrayed the Muslim ranks with an arrow. A companion, Sawadra, was standing a little ahead of his rank. With the help of the arrow, the Holy Prophetsa signaled him to stand back, but inadvertently, the shaft of the arrow hit him lightly on the chest. Summoning some courage, Sawadra submitted to the Holy Prophetsa, “O Prophetsa of God! Allah has raised you with truth and justice. But you have hit me with the arrow and I must avenge it.” To hear such insolence, the Companionsra, in their heart of hearts, convulsed with rage and wanted to cut away the tongue of such a blasphemer. Out of respect for the Prophetsa though, they kept their silence. These feelings of theirs as well were out of love for their guide, the Holy Prophetsa. But because of their own love, they failed to fathom the fountain of love that surged in the heart of Hazrat Sawadra and which compelled him to pronounce ostensibly such blasphemous words. How could the Holy Prophetsa, who was justice and equality incarnate, endure that somebody

should cherish the thinking of his being unjust to anyone? Without any delay, he replied to Sawadra, “Alright. You may take revenge on me.” Sawadra submitted that his chest was bare when his arrow hit him. At this, the Holy Prophetsa removed his shirt from his chest. Thereafter whatever happened will be remembered forever in the realm of love and devotion. Hazrat Sawadsa stepped forward and very respectfully kissed the blessed chest of his beloved Master and thus procured satisfaction for his restless soul. With a smile on his face, the Holy Prophetsa asked him, “Sawadra, why did this idea strike you?” In a chocking voice, Hazrat Sawadra replied: “O Prophetsa of God! We are pitched against a formidable enemy in a battlefield. At any time, the bloody battle is going to begin. God knows who will survive and who will attain martyrdom. I wonder if I will get a chance to see you again or not. These tumultuous passions were raging in my heart, whether I would ever get a chance to touch this holy body again or not, therefore I desired to touch your blessed body at least once before I died. That is why such an idea crossed my mind.” (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Zikr Ghazwa Badr Ibn Ghaziyyah wa Zarbir-Rasul lahu fi Batnihi bil-Qadhah) Love for the Prophetsa even in final moments ra Hazrat Saad bin Rabi got fatally wounded in the Battle of Uhud. After the battle was over, the Holy Prophetsa sent Ubayra bin Kaab to look for Saadra. After some struggle, he managed to reach Saadra who was taking his last breaths. Hazrat Ubayra asked him for any last message. Readers can think for themselves that if they were in this position, what message would they give? They would surely think about their spouse and children, kith and kin, property and wealth and business matters and dealings, one after the other. Taking it as an opportunity, as time would allow going in detail, one would deem it necessary to express one’s concern about the future of their family, one’s feelings of love and sympathy, instructions to observe patience and regarding management of one’s property and belongings etc. But this noble youth, who was facing death right at that time and knew that sooner rather than later, his eyes would shut permanently, his strength of speaking would be seized and would be unable to leave any message for his family and kith and kin, was neither immediately concerned for widowing his wife, nor orphaning his children and thus said nothing with regard to them. The message he gave was, “Convey my salam to my brothers in faith and say to my people that if, in their lives, any misfortune befalls the Holy Prophetsa, they should remember that none of their replies would be heard before God.” With these last words, he laid down his life. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ “We all belong to Allah and we all will return to Him.” (Muwatta Imam Malikrh, Kitab-ul-Jihad, Bab Targhib fil-Jihad)

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM reply and remarked, “The devotion and love the Companions of Muhammad show for him is unprecedented.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 135)

Attesting to the Prophet’ssa truthfulness and piety Once, the Holy Prophetsa bought a horse from a Bedouin. The transaction was settled, but people were unaware of this deal. When the Holy Prophetsa set off to return, somebody else offered the seller greater money than the Holy Prophetsa had offered. Getting the greater price, the seller wished to annul his deal with the Holy Prophetsa on some excuse. Thus, he called out the Holy Prophetsa and said, “If you want to buy it, then pay now, or else I am going to sell it to someone else.” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “You have sold your horse to me and the sale has been settled.” But he denied it and said, “I have not at all settled the sale with you. Present a witness if you are on the right.” At that time, a companion, Hazrat Khuzaimahra bin Thabit, happened to be there and heard the conversation. Upon the demand of a witness from the Bedouin to the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Khuzaimahra stepped forward and said that he was witness to the settlement of the transaction. The Holy Prophetsa asked him as to how could he testify and whether he was present at the time of the bargain. He replied, “O Prophetsa of God! Once we believed in you, we believed on the firm faith that you were truthful and pious. We have attested to your truthfulness in important matters. How can we have reservations in testifying your truthfulness in trivial matters?” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 215) Preferring pain for themselves than for the Prophetsa After the Battle of Uhud, some people presented themselves to the service of the Holy Prophetsa and requested that some qurra [plural of qari] be sent along with them for the education of their people. When the party reached Bi‘r-e-Maunah they killed the qurra. This incident will be mentioned at some other place in this series. Of those seventy qurra, only two were spared and the rest were arrested by the infidels. One

of the two was Hazrat Zaidra, who was sold to Safwan bin Umayyah. Safwan bought him to avenge his father’s death at the hand of Zaidra. Thus, he arranged for his martyrdom and he was taken to his place of execution. While he was standing ready to be executed, somebody asked him, “What do you say if, in your stead, it was Muhammad here in our custody and you were safe and sound with your family in your house. Do you like the idea or not?” With the utmost disinclination, Zaidra replied, “What on earth do you mean? God forbid, the Holy Prophet’ssa execution at the hands of the infidels … By God! I would not endure even a thorn to pierce him while I be comfortably at home.” Abu Sufyan greatly appreciated the

Protecting the Prophet’ssa sleep The Companionsra would take special care of the security of the Holy Prophetsa both during his sojourn and travel. In a journey when they halted at a place, the Holy Prophetsa advised them to arrange for water or else they would have to face some difficulty in the morning. The Companions went around in search of water. The Holy Prophetsa was resting on his camel, when he was overcome by sleep. Hazrat Abu Qatadahra kept sitting close by to perform the duty of security. On whichever side the Holy Prophetsa would lean, Abu Qatadahra propped him on that side so that the Prophetsa would not be uncomfortable. At one such instance, the Holy Prophetsa woke up and asked, “Abu Qatadah, how long have you been here with me?” He replied, “Since the evening.” At this the Holy Prophetsa prayed for him in the following manner, “May Allah protect you as you have protected His Prophet.” (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 5, p. 298) The Prophet’ssa ablution Hazrat Anasra started serving the Holy Prophetsa when he was only eight or ten. Despite his young age, he loved the Holy Prophetsa devotedly and very lovingly and earnestly performed his duties, so much so that before the Fajr prayer, he would wake up and go in the mosque to arrange for water for the ablution of the Holy Prophetsa before his arrival. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 151) The hand of Talhah Hazrat Abu Talhahra accepted Islam at the age of 20. Because of the fault of some Muslims when the infidels assaulted the Muslims again in the Battle of Uhud, only a few Companionsra were left around the Holy

Prophetsa. At that time, Hazrat Abu Talhahra, with a spirit of sacrifice, jeopardised his very existence and continued protecting the Holy Prophetsa. Abu Talhahra took on his hand every arrow that came from the enemy. When an arrow would strike his hand, let alone slightly shake his hand, he would not even utter uff [a faint cry of pain] lest his hand is removed from in front of the face of the Holy Prophetsa and he be afflicted some injury. Hazrat Abu Talhahra received so many arrows on that hand that it was rendered crippled. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 181) Preparedness to plunge into the ocean for the Prophetsa On the occasion of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa, under divine command, did not let the Companionsra know that they were going into battle. Once they had come out of Medina, he apprised the Companionsra of all the circumstances and sought their counsel as to what to do. Most of the Companionsra made very exciting speeches and said that their wealth and lives were all ready to be sacrificed in the cause of Allah and that they were ever ready to serve in every field. But the Holy Prophetsa again sought counsel from them as to what to do. Again the Companionsra assured their fidelity and sacrifice. A companion, Hazrat Miqdadra bin Aswad, stood up and in a passionate speech, said, “O Prophetsa of God! We will not say like the companions of Mosesas, ‘Go thou and thy Lord and fight [and] here we sit’; rather, we will go wherever you wish to take us and fight on your right and on your left and in front of you and behind you, and the enemy will reach you only over our dead bodies.” But despite all these speeches, the Holy Prophetsa again sought their counsel. At this, an Ansari Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz said, “You are probably referring to us, the Ansar”, which was true. The agreement Continued on page 16

A glimpse of Huzoor’s engagements in 2020 4 January

5 January

11 January

19 January

Khuddam and Atfal from Germany meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

Women’s student association UK meets Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

Canadian students seek guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

Huzooraa graces young Waqifeen in Bustan-e-Waqf-eNau, UK

26 January

1 February

2 February

8 February

Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Nasirat UK class with Huzooraa

Group from Germany meets Huzoor

Hamburg Waqifeen-e-Nau’s audience with Huzooraa

Gulshan-e-Waqf-e-Nau Atfal, UK

16 February

23 February

29 February

10 March

20 March

Huzooraa examines Baitul Futuh Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Mosque’s administrative block gives advice to worldwide construction development Jamaat on the coronavirus

Huzooraa delivers a special live message from his office to all Ahmadis via MTA

7-9 August

31 August

6 November

Lajna Waqifaat-e-Nau, UK audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

7 March

Huzooraa visits “The Westerly Sunrise Exhibition” organised by the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre

31 July

800 Waqifeen-e-Nau Khuddam Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa have a sitting with Hazrat inaugurates Darus Salaam aa Khalifatul Masih V Mosque in West London

Huzooraa delivers the Eid-ulDuring the Jalsa UK days, Adha sermon from the Mubarak Huzooraa delivers an address to Mosque, Islamabad worldwide Ahmadiyya audience

Jamia UK graduates have 31 regular classes with Huzooraa

Amila of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Norway & qaideen have audience with Huzooraa

27 March

Huzooraa responds to comments of French president about Islam and calls for unity amongst the Islamic Ummah

Virtual mulaqats & classes • 15 August: Over 200 Atfal of Canada • 16 August: Lajna Imaillah amila of Canada • 22 August: Lajna Imaillah the Netherlands • 23 August: A group of new converts and student members of Lajna Imaillah, the Netherlands • 29 August: Majlis-e-amila and five local amilas of Jamaat Sweden • 30 August: 120 Khuddam from the Netherlands • 12 September: National amila of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Australia

20 January

Waqf-e-Nau delegation from Australia spends time in Huzoor’saa company

25 January

German youth seek guidance from Huzooraa

• 26 September: National amila of Belgium • 3 October: National amila of Canada • 10 October: 62 members of Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya Australia • 18 October: Members of Germany’s majlis-e-amila • 25 October: Mauritius’ national amila of Majlis Ansarullah • 31 October: Students and newly graduated missionaries of Jamia Ahmadiyya Indonesia

8 February

TI College Students’ Association dinner with Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa

15 February

Atfal & Khuddam from Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Switzerland have a sitting with Huzooraa

• 7 November: National amila of Switzerland • 8 November: Missionaries & waqifeen-e-zindagi in Bangladesh • 14 November: National amila of Lajna Imaillah Bangladesh • 15 November: Field missionaries serving in Germany • 21 November: Al Islam website team • 28 November: National amila Jamaat Ghana

6 March

In light of the latest research and information Huzooraa gives insight to the coronavirus

7 March

A group of Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya from Sweden have an audience with Huzooraa

• 29 November: Germany Majlis Atfal-ul-Ahmadiyya • 5 December: Students of Jamia Ahmadiyya International, Ghana • 6 December: Recently migrated Khuddam in Germany • 12 December: Amila members of Lajna Imaillah Mauritius • 13 December: Waqifeen-e-nau Mauritius • 19 December: National Amila of Lajna Imaillah Australia • 20 December: Waqifaat-e-nau Mauritius

24 May

Huzoor delivers Eid Sermon to an audience of millions across the world via MTA aa

June

Huzooraa sends letters to world leaders on the devastating effects Covid-19 can have

Aside from the engagements mentioned here, Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in accordance with the law, led the five daily prayers regularly and delivered the Friday Sermons to the worldwide audience via MTA. During this time, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa remained accessible to his administrative staff, who had audiences with him to seek guidance through modern technological means.

20 December

A challenge is given from Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya to the rest of the Muslim Ummah

There is still much more, but this is just a glimpse of Huzoor’s engagements in 2020. May Allah bless our Imam – Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa – with a long and healthy life and may we, very soon, witness the triumph of Islam Ahmadiyyat under his leadership. Amin.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

my opinion on it and is not an issue based on the Shariah. Nonetheless, it reveals the state of great love and devotion the Companionsra had for the Holy Prophetsa. (Adabul-Mafar, Bab Ma Yaqular-Rajulu iza Khadarat Rijlahu)

Continued from page 13

with the Ansar was that they would be allies of the Holy Prophetsa only in case of a battle inside Medina. Now the fight was outside Medina. The Holy Prophetsa was concerned about this agreement especially and he did not want to force the Ansar for something greater than they had committed to shoulder. That is why he wanted to know their opinion. Hazrat Saadra submitted: “O Prophetsa of God! By God, there is no question of any agreement once we have believed in you. The agreement was up to the time until we had not fully known you. Now we have known you well. Therefore, wherever you say, we will accompany you there. We swear in the name of Allah, Who sent you with truth, that if you command us to plunge into a sea, not a single one of us will lag behind.” (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Zikr Ghazwah Badr) Young companions’ passion for protecting the Prophetsa Hazrat Zubairra bin Awwam was only 16 when he joined the fold of Islam, but possessed an unshakeable resolve for faith and was very devoted. With the Holy Prophetsa, he had a relationship of close devotion. Once, it was rumoured that the Holy Prophetsa (God forbid) had been taken into custody by the idolators. Hazrat Zubairra became restless to learn this. Despite the fact that the Muslims at that time had a very weak position in Mecca, with a sword in hand, he reached the Holy Prophetsa. Upon seeing him, the Holy Prophetsa asked him what the matter was. He related the whole incident. The Holy Prophetsa was pleased to learn of it. (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 2, p. 98) A prostration of gratitude and a fearful companion It has already been related that the Companionsra took great care of the security of the Holy Prophetsa. On a very crucial time of the Battle of Uhud, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf was also one of the Companionsra who, putting their own lives at great risk, had the distinction of protecting the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra received 20 injuries on this occasion including a

severe blow to his foot but did not step back. Although the foot healed later, it left an impact and became limp for good. Whenever the Holy Prophetsa happened to go out on some errand, Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra would mostly accompany him. Once, having reached an oasis, the Holy Prophetsa fell into prostration. For long, he remained in this position. Abdur Rahmanra thought that perhaps the Holy Prophetsa had passed away. With this fear in mind, he became restless and perturbed and came closer. Hearing the footfall, the Holy Prophetsa raised his head [from prostration] and asked him what the matter was. Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra explained the reason of his anxiety. The Holy Prophetsa said that it was a prostration of thanksgiving because the Almighty Allah told him that Allah Himself would send blessings on the person who invoked blessings on him. (Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, p. 191) Preferring the best in everything for the Prophetsa Hazrat Bilalra would mostly wait on the Holy Prophetsa when the Prophetsa was out on an errand. With a staff in hand, he would walk before the Holy Prophetsa. His poverty and indigence are no secret. In order to express his love for the Holy Prophetsa, he was always keen to host the Holy Prophetsa. He would keep saving up some money from his earnings. Once, he presented some very delicious and good quality dates to the Holy Prophetsa. He asked Bilalra as to where he had got them. Bilalra submitted, “O Prophetsa of God! I had some low quality dates, which were unworthy of being presented to you. Therefore, I exchanged two sa‘ [a weight that equals about three kilograms] of them with one sa‘ of these to present to you. The Holy Prophetsa forbade such a bargain henceforth. But this incident proves Bilal’sra uncompromising love for the Holy Prophetsa. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Wakalah) Zaid’s affection for the Prophetsa Hazrat Zaidra bin Harithah belonged to a well-off family, but a group of dacoits deprived him of his freedom in childhood and brought him to sell in the market

of Akaz, from where Hakim bin Hazam purchased him and presented him to his paternal aunt, Hazrat Khadijahra. Thus he reached the Holy Prophetsa. Once, some people from his tribe came to Mecca for the pilgrimage and recognised him. On their return, they reported it to his father. Naturally, the father was very pleased to learn this. In the company of his brother, he reached Mecca and pleaded earnestly to the Holy Prophetsa to free his son in lieu of whatever amount he wanted. The Holy Prophetsa replied that there was no need for any amount and to ask Zaidra as the Prophetsa had no objection if he was willing to go. Hazrat Zaidra was called for and the Holy Prophetsa asked him if he knew the men. Hazrat Zaidra replied, “Yes” and said that one was his father and the other, his uncle. The Holy Prophetsa told him that he was allowed to go if he wanted to go with them. Everyone can assess the feelings of one who gets a chance to reunite with their parted parents and relatives. The father and uncle stood before him with the full conviction that their child would now go along with them. Heartrending moments of separation were going to be over with all prospects of living with them for good. They had not an iota of supposition that once Zaidra was allowed by the Holy Prophetsa to go, he would have any reservation in going. But Hazrat Zaidra replied, “I will not give precedence to anyone over the Holy Prophetsa. Now, he is my father and my mother both. I would not like to go anywhere leaving his house.” Zaid’sra father and uncle were flabbergasted to hear this reply and said, “Do you prefer slavery over us.” Hazrat Zaidra replied, “I find such traits in the Holy Prophet’ssa personality that I cannot prefer anyone over him.” (UsdulGhabah, Vol. 2, p. 130) Calling out a beloved’s name A misconception current amongst the Arabs was that a person’s numb foot would recover if they recalled their beloved. Once Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar’s foot became numb. Somebody suggested to him to recall his beloved. Instantly, he called the name of Muhammadsa. This is something I have included due to

Standing in the way of the Quraish On many occasions, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, putting his own life at risk, rescued the Holy Prophetsa from the persecution of the infidels. Once, the Holy Prophetsa was propagating Islam at the Ka‘bah which infuriated the Quraish and they set out for him. At that time, getting in their way when the fury of the Quraish was raging very high was tantamount to putting oneself into destruction. Nevertheless, Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra passion of sacrifice was roused and he rebuked the infidels saying, “May God Himself deal with you! Do you want to kill the Holy Prophetsa only because he believes in one God?” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Manaqib, Bab zikru ma laqiyanNabiyyu wa Ashabihi minal-mushrikina bi-Makkah) Stopping an enemy from strangling the Prophetsa Once an infidel, Uqbah bin Mu‘it, strangled the Holy Prophetsa with his shawl when the Prophetsa was busy offering his prayers. At that point, Hazrat Abu Bakrra reached there and holding the wretched infidel from the neck, pulled him apart from the Holy Prophetsa and said, “Will you slay the man who has brought to you clear signs from God and says, ‘Allah is his Lord’?” (Ibid) Protecting the Prophetsa from a venomous snake During his migration from Mecca to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa halted for a few days in the Cave of Thaur. Though all the holes in the cave had been covered and filled very cautiously, still one hole remained uncovered. The Holy Prophetsa was taking rest with his head on the thighs of Abu Bakrra, when a poisonous snake protruded its head from the uncovered hole. Not able to bear the least bit of disturbance for his beloved Mastersa and putting his own life at risk, Hazrat Abu Bakrra covered the hole with his own foot. The snake bit his foot and the poison began taking its toll. But he was so concerned about the comfort of the Holy Prophetsa that he did not utter a cry of pain, nor did he make the slightest movement lest the Holy Prophetsa was disturbed. But the pain was intense and a few tears rolled down, of which one fell on the cheek of the Holy Prophetsa. At this, he woke up and asked Abu Bakrra about the matter. Hazrat Abu Bakrra told him that a snake had bitten him. The Holy Prophetsa applied some of his saliva on the injury and with the grace of Allah, the effect of the poison was relieved. (Sharha Zurqani alal Mawahibul-Ludunniyah, Vol. 2, p. 121) A valiant female soldier Hazrat Umm-e-Amarahra was a female Companion. In the Battle of Uhud, after a sudden attack on the Muslims, when for a short while the very seasoned warriors of Islam were faltered, Umm-e-Amarahra

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM hurried to the Holy Prophetsa to protect him. The disbelievers made attack after attack on the Holy Prophetsa to injure him whereas he was left surrounded by a few Companionsra who fought gallantly to safeguard him. At this dangerous and dreadful time, Hazrat Umm-e-Amarahra took a firm stand in front of the Holy Prophetsa to shield him. She would defend him with her arrows and sword when the disbelievers attacked him. The Holy Prophetsa himself said, “In the battle of Uhud, I saw Umm-e-Amarah continuously fighting on my right and left.” On one occasion, Ibn-e-Qimah reached dangerously close to the Holy Prophetsa. At that time, this brave lady was the one who hindered the enemy’s way. The wicked disbeliever blew his sword so powerfully that it injured her shoulder badly, gashing a deep hole in it, but she drew not back; rather, she advanced and smote him her sword forcefully. Had he not worn a double armour, he would have been killed there and then. (Sirat Ibn Hisham, Zikr Uhud, Hadith Umm-e-Saad an-nasibuha fil-Jihad yauma Uhud) … The incidents of devotion and love of the Companionsra for the Holy Prophetsa manifest that the Companionsra would never be unmindful of even the physical measures for his security and would never be content with the thought that God Himself would solely protect the most beloved of His. I wonder why some people of this age, having heard such accounts of the security of the Holy Prophetsa, consider security arrangements against the trust on God. They do not reflect as to why such security measurements, which had been necessary for the Holy Prophetsa himself, were and are necessary for his Khulafa. True, we are not faced with battles in this age, but the question is, are security measures necessary only during the battles and not in normal circumstances? Despite a constitutional government in this age of ours, do not the incidents of attacks and killings occur, especially when sectarian violence is at its peak and when maulvis, with their ulterior motives, excite the masses in the name of religion, so much so that they have given fatwas for murder for their adversaries? Why then, in the presence of such circumstances, are the most minimum security measurements, which at the most can only be called precautionary measures, taken as not trusting God? Why would any honest and God-fearing man object to it? Thus, it is a misconception that any such measurements stand in the way of righteousness and trust in God. The truth is that any such measurements are not only lawful; rather, they are necessary, and being unmindful of it and of the security of standard-bearers of the Holy Prophetsa is a national crime.

Opinion

Brereton report on war crimes in Afghanistan: A Muslim’s response Naosheyrvaan Nasir Australia

The Brereton report on misconduct by Australian Special Forces in Afghanistan told the public that our country’s elite military unit was not full of glamour and honour, but it had secrets to hide. With the redacted version being released to the public on 19 November 2020, the long story short of the four-year long enquiry recommended 19 soldiers be investigated for the illegal killing of 39 Afghan prisoners and civilians and the harmful treatment of two others. Living in the West, we are accustomed to hearing such remarks made against terrorist groups in the Middle East, but when the tide turns to our own military’s conduct on that same soil, then that itself opens up a new dimension. How do you handle allegations of war crimes made by the very nations that claim to be the peacekeepers and peace-brokers between warring factions? This is in addition to the Middle East being so rife with conflict that one could be forgiven for being very confused on who is on which side.

From an Islamic perspective, the line on the sand is very clearly drawn. The purpose of war is to bring about peace and nothing more. There is no room to justify the reasons for war such as natural resource exploitation, the “threat of communism” or any other excuse that does not have anything to do with peace as its ultimate aim. The conditions set out in the Quran regarding warfare are more to do with protecting the right to freedom of religion, but they also point out conventions that are to be followed with regard to warfare. In chapter 22, verse 40 of the Holy Quran, it is said that “permission to fight is given to those against whom war is waged” i.e. the military of the victim nation has every right to fight the oppressor, and that is it. Also, in chapter 8, verse 62, Allah says in the Quran, “and if they incline towards peace, incline thou also towards it” – thus, reiterating that establishing peace is the ultimate objective of any armed conflict. These two verses show that Islam’s perspective of warfare is only for the sake of creating peace in the troubled land. This commitment to peace goes back to the governments that initiate their troops to

invade and attack foreign lands. This point of mine was made by elite solider-turned-federal-politician, Andrew Hastie, who, while criticising the way Australia’s longest war has been represented, wrote in The Australian that “we ignored the true nature of war and sanitised it” and how MPs are simply given “a pat on the head” from defence briefs and how soldiers on multiple deployments “lose their way and become hard of heart”. These allegations of war crimes may reflect a need to create cultural change within the military, but they point to a broader problem of going to war for the sake of war. The governments that initiate these endless wars for their political gain, over time, without any commitment to peace, become just as complicit as the soldiers that commit these war crimes due to the lack of progress made on creating long-lasting peace. Hence Islam has made it very clear from the beginning that war is a means of achieving peace and nothing more. And if the opposition will trade fighting for dialogue, then it should be pursued, without delay.

(Translated by Shahid Mahmood Ahmad, Missionary in Ghana, from the original Urdu, Muslim Nau-jawanon kay Sunehri Karnamey)

Lashkargah, Afghanistan, as viewed by Hodoyoshi-1 satellite

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

EXCLUSIVE

Unveiling the story behind the great challenge Asif M Basit

With the coronavirus pandemic, the world saw an unprecedented phenomenon of lockdowns across the globe. World leaders and the world population were caught up in devising ways to stop its spread and to get rid of the deadly virus that wreaked havoc across the globe. But there was a group of people that was, indifferent of the misery that humanity went through, busy with its lifelong vicious ambition of crushing Ahmadiyyat and erasing its name from the face of the earth. The anti-Ahmadiyya forces take their ambition as a fulltime occupation anyway, but sitting idly in lockdowns seemed to come in handy and their hateful campaign seemed to know no bounds. A programme with the name Jawab aap bhi dein (virtually meaning Turning the Tables) was started on MTA with the aim to show how flawed the antiAhmadiyya hate campaign was. The aim, as the name suggests, was to ask them about their beliefs and, through their own answers, bring to surface their selfcontradictory approach. When I would get the opportunity to have an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, Huzooraa would graciously discuss the parts of the programme that he had had the chance to watch. Huzooraa would also give guidance on certain matters to do with the discussion. So that others too may benefit from this insightful guidance, I present some parts of it below. But before doing so, I would like to clarify that any shortcomings noticed in the programme were all due to my lack of understanding of this guidance or not being able to live up to it. After the very first programme, Huzooraa said: “At times, your tone got a bit harsh. You claimed that Ahmadis learn the method of discourse from their Imam, yet your tone got harsh on occasions. Our opponents have gone to every limit to inflict pain on us, but my tone has never got harsh. I have not even raised my voice. A soft tone has better results.” This naturally left me in great sorrow. While presenting programmes on MTA, the thought that Huzooraa might at some point watch some part of the programme is one that dominates all other thoughts. Hence, the realisation that an act of mine was distasteful for Huzooraa left me in great agony. I sat swamped in sorrow, that I received Huzoor’s message: “But don’t hold back in fear. Be bold.” I, who had been a dead man walking,

came back to life. This seemingly short sentence pumped blood in my veins again. All my fears were gone with this short sentence that might seem short and simple at the prima facie, but has great depth; composed of seven or eight words, it has the great lesson of balance that even a long essay cannot transmit. In one of these programmes, we were addressing the allegation that Ahmadis had joined the Israeli army and were, consequently, at war with Muslim countries. This, like all other allegations against Ahmadiyyat, is not a new one and has been denied by the Pakistani governments of yesteryears, but to keep their campaign going, our opponents do not hesitate in recycling stale allegations. This time, it was thrown up by a London-

based Pakistani journalist and was taken on board by the trash media of Pakistan. Preparing for the programme, I thought about interviewing the journalist to ask what made him make such a bold claim that was not even based on facts. Why try to create a storm in a teacup? So, I recorded his interview and played it during the programme. He had no answer so he stubbornly insisted that if I could prove otherwise, he would take back his words. I insisted that he was the one who made a claim, so the onus of proof was on him, not me. The sophistry went on for a bit too long. Huzooraa had had the chance to watch a small part of the programme and it happened to be this irritating bit. During an audience, Huzooraa said:

“You dragged it on for too long. You should have noticed that he was being stubborn and would never agree with you; why stretch it on? I know that Pakistani talk shows have made this style fashionable, but I have never had a taste for prolonged debates. Give him your viewpoint, ask for his and then leave it to the viewer to decide. His point had no grounds and anyone could have easily decided.” In another programme, a panellist of ours gave such a long opening remark before his actual answer that half the time of the entire programme was lost to it. Huzooraa said: “Your panel should know how much of an answer is required and how much time they have for each answer. They should plan openings and closings accordingly. It took so long to get to the actual point that you had to speak fast and hastily wrap up the programme.” Huzooraa further added, “Every panellist should be told their given time and you should speak slowly and clearly. If the message is not conveyed, then what is the point?” Enlightening is the message here again. I was glad that despite a lengthy answer from a guest, I had still been able to wrap the programme up within the given time. But I was reminded again of maintaining balance. Alluding to one of the programmes, Huzooraa once said: “Tell your guests that they should bring solid research. The programme has a novel format, so the material presented too should be novel. I have noticed that at times, some very common answers are merely repeated. Your guests should come with well researched material.” This came as a reminder to us all that there is no room for complacency. Simply picking up ready-made answers and dumping them on viewers is not even an option. We should be after new material and new ways of presenting them. I must mention here that the urge for research and acquisition of new material that I have seen in Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa is unparalleled, as is his encouragement. I do not know of anyone as open-hearted, open-minded and openhanded when it comes to researching and acquiring any material to do with the truth of the Promised Messiahas or even anything that can in any way be historically relevant to the Jamaat. Not making the best out of it would be very negligent and unfortunate of us. During this strange time, disturbingly vulgar videos about some revered

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM personalities of the Jamaat were posted on YouTube. When I got the chance, I said to Huzooraa that Ahmadis were deeply hurt and were asking for MTA to respond. Huzooraa replied: “The great revolution brought about by the Promised Messiahas was through his teachings and his writings. Scholarly allegations and misquoted facts should be addressed for record purposes. Addressing allegations of substandard morals is like dipping our own hands in the same sludge. Why do so?” Who could be more hurt than Huzooraa by such uncouth attacks on holy persons of the Jamaat? But then who else is it that stands for the morals taught by the Holy Prophetsa of Islam; the morals that drew the line between the human and the inhuman. These great morals were revived through practical examples by the Promised Messiahas and today, his successor stands as an unmatched model of the same. This reply of Huzooraa taught me that not every sorrow is to be expressed before the world. This grief is one of those that Huzooraa presents only before his Lord, Allah the Almighty. I recall when he once said to me: “If I ever showed you the letters I receive from our opponents, you might not even bear to read them. If I start taking such things to heart, how can I continue with my duties?” See how the lesson of maintaining a balance gets clearer and ever more beautiful: Our tone should never be harsh, yet we ought not to hold back in fear and also not to indulge in matters that result in nothing but negativity. The whole world knows about the atrocities carried out by extremist Muslim circles in the name of protecting the “Honour of the Prophetsa”. The killing of anyone who appears to be a culprit is not only carried out, but is also highly encouraged. In doing so, a certain person of Lahore is glorified as a hero who, back in the days of the British Raj, killed a Hindu who had published a seditious book on the Holy Prophetsa of Islam. He was hanged to

“Tell them boldly and clearly that the only way that Khilafat is now possible is through the Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas” death for this murder. This narrative was never around before 1978 – the time when Zia-ul-Haq’s so-called movement of Islamisation took birth through such radicalising moves. It was only after the genesis of this narrative that the murderer got glorified as a saint, his shrine was built and the ritual of urs has since been celebrated. During my research, I came across his personal statement that he had given to the Lahore High Court during his trial. He had explained to the judge his primary motive was never to kill the Hindu for his blasphemy. His motive, as he explained himself, was a personal dispute with a friend on an extremely profane matter. He wanted to kill this friend and then commit suicide. As he bought the dagger, he bumped into another friend who asked what he was up to. On knowing his motives, this friend advised him that this would stigmatise his own character and advised killing the Hindu and then be hanged. This, the friend said, would make him a hero in the eyes of Muslims. I was shocked to read this neverbefore-seen fact. I thought it would be a great idea to present these details; the extremist narrative would be destroyed and our approach would sound more credible – the approach of introducing the world to the beauties of the character of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam. In my eagerness, I presented the whole matter to Huzooraa. But Huzoor’s reply made me realise that I had forgotten the important lesson of not losing control in excitement. Huzooraa said:

“What will we attain through laying his personal life bare? Only that we will be highlighting a shameful side of his personality. This is not our way. “Have you not read the incident from a court case of the Promised Messiahas where Maulvi Muhammad Hussain Batalvi gave testimony against him? The Promised Messiah’s lawyer told the judge that he could reveal certain disgraceful sides of Batalvi’s personal life. The Promised Messiahas immediately told the lawyer not to reveal any personal matter of Batalvi, howsoever disgraceful it may be. “You see, this is what the Promised Messiahas has taught us. This is the example that we should follow. So, there is no need to go into this.” This answer alone is a sufficient answer to those who lodge vulgar attacks on the Jamaat’s esteemed personalities. The one person who can hold up the flag of the Honour of the Holy Prophetsa is one who, out of his love for humanity, protects every human being’s self-respect; one who abstains from unveiling personal aspects of the lives of even his enemies; one who teaches his followers to do the same. The greatest guard to the Honour of the Holy Prophetsa are his supreme morals and it is Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa who upholds these supreme moral standards in this day and age. This is a claim supported by evidence. A few weeks ago, our opponents came up with a new scheme, having noticed that searching for the terms “Khalifa” or “Khalifa of Islam” in Internet search engines brings up the name of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad. They thought

this was a grave threat to Islam as people around the world tended to take the “Qadiani Khalifa” as the Khalifa of Islam. Our opponents took it to the social media and urged all Muslims to bring to the knowledge of the likes of Google and Wikipedia that this information was not true and, thus, should be removed. I wonder why our opponents overlook the fact that all such efforts against the Jamaat have always benefitted none else but the Jamaat itself. As they swarmed the Internet with their vicious intentions, the name of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa reached even those who were not aware of him; even more, the searchstorm twinned Huzoor’s name with the title of “Khalifa of Islam”. As all this went on, I had the chance to speak to Huzooraa on the matter. Huzooraa said: “A Khalifa is made only by God, not an Internet search engine. I have never claimed to be the Khalifa of the Muslim Ummah. My seal reads ‘Khalifatul Masih’. So does the letterhead that I have used to write to world leaders recently. The world knows me as a Khalifa and all they have heard from me is the message of Islam. I am doing my job and the opponents can carry on with theirs; does it even make a difference?” When this social media campaign of our opponents reached its apex, the world got to observe a strange phenomenon. Who doesn’t know that every Ahmadi loves Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa to the level of complete devotion? But that every Ahmadi, young or old, is an unsheathed sword for Khilafat is something that shone like the bright sun, as the vicious scheme unfolded. Members of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya got mobilised. Living in England, I got to see Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya UK’s activities in this regard, so I am an eyewitness to that. It was a call for the Jihad that we most strongly believe in and every khadim, every tifl and every member of the Jamaat stood firm to safeguard Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya from this attack – a practical expression of every Ahmadi’s pledge. The mass media of the Jamaat became alert and availed this opportunity of educating the world about the true concept of Khilafat; all armed with the weapons of proof, evidence and historical facts to fight the war of discourse. Our opponents saw no way out but to wrap up their scheme and slip away. This whole episode was a clear sign of the fact that Khilafat and the Jamaat are Continued on next page >>

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

20 << Continued from previous page

two bodies for one soul, alhamdolillah. We started preparing a special episode of Jawab aap bhi dein. The idea was to leave aside the rogue tactics of our opponents and tell the world about the true concept of Khilafat; to bring to light the sanctity of this institution that strives to propagate the message of the Holy Prophetsa of Islam. The programme was to go live in the evening and I had a mulaqat the same morning. I saw it as a blessed opportunity and requested Huzooraa for his blessings and prayers for the programme. I was lucky to be able to tell Huzooraa which questions we were going to ask our opponents in the programme. When I had finished, I thought that the mulaqat would now come to a close. But as Huzooraa spoke, I realised that it had not. Huzooraa said: “Why do you not openly challenge them? Tell them boldly and clearly that the only way that Khilafat is now possible is through the Khilafat of the Promised Messiahas. Feel free to challenge them and tell them that: “‘If all the leaders of the Muslim countries and the entire Muslim Ummah unanimously agree upon an individual as the Khalifa and associate themselves with him by means of Bai‘at, then the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat will most certainly be prepared to consider accepting such a Khalifa and associating with him through Bai‘at along with the entire Ummah.’” Huzooraa paused while I saved these blessed words with my pen. Then I heard his voice again: “Also tell them very clearly that they cannot do this. They cannot do so. They simply cannot ever do so!” The feeling of the moment cannot be captured in words, so I will not even try. The words of the God-made Khalifa were glorious. They were majestic. They were full of faith and conviction. I presented this challenge at the end of the programme in the same words. I was only repeating the blessed words of my Holy Master. I must admit that I could not convey them in the same way. I should also say that no one in the world can ever repeat them as I heard them when they were delivered by Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. It was the talismanic grandeur of these words of Huzooraa that our opponents, who had been euphoric for the past many days, fell flat before this challenge. This challenge from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa will live as a great proof of the truthfulness of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya to the final day of this world, just as will live Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya. No khilafat will ever be formed. Why? Because “they cannot do so. They simply cannot ever do so!” Long live Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya! (For the convenience of historians, I must write here that this challenge by Khilafate-Ahmadiyya was presented to the rest of the Muslim Ummah on 20 December 2020.)

Majlis Ansarullah Canada National Virtual Talim Rally 2020 Khalid Mahmood Sharma Additional Qaid Talim Canada

Majlis Ansarullah Canada held its first “National Virtual Talimi Rally” on 13 December 2020. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had graciously granted approval for the rally to be held virtually. Prior to this event, under the auspicious instructions of Huzooraa, sadr Ansarullah Canada guided the talim (education) department to hold academic competitions virtually across Canada. As per the direction provided, the talim department of Majlis Ansarullah Canada organised the competitions virtually at local and regional levels. It is worth mentioning here that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, a separate Virtual Talim Rally was also organised for Western Canada. Due to the virtual nature of the event and considering potential challenges that some Ansar may face for not being tech savvy, a virtual practice run was organised a week before the main event. The key objective of the practice session was to ascertain that all the participants were aware of the flow of the programme, know their virtual rooms and meet the technical requirements to connect and present without any issues. The practice session served the purpose and the main event went smooth and both the participants and audience had a great experience. The rally began with the opening ceremony at 11am Eastern Time with recitation from the Holy Quran followed by both Urdu and English translations. Abdul Hameed Warraich Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Canada, then inaugurated the event. In his opening speech, Sadr Sahib quoted faith-inspiring events from the life of Hazrat Dr Mir Muhammad Ismailra regarding his personal experience about the existence of God. He advised all Ansar brothers to strive for attaining nearness to God, offer the five daily prayers and Tahajud prayers regularly. In light of instructions received from our beloved Huzooraa, he emphasised on adopting humbleness and becoming obedient in the true spirit. He reminded all Ansar to honour their pledge by preferring faith over purely worldly objectives and establishing a strong bond with Khilafat. The opening session was moderated by Nasir Mahmood Sahib, Naib Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Canada. Academic competitions followed

the opening session. Winners of the competitions at the regional levels competed for national positions and a tough, yet interesting contest for each competition was soon to begin. In the interest of time and for the convenience of participants, these competitions were organised in three virtual rooms. Each virtual room was supervised by a dedicated moderator and IT support team member. Virtual room one, which hosted the tilawat and Urdu speech competitions, was moderated by Sohail Ahmed Saqib Sahib, Qaid Talim-ul-Quran. Virtual room two, which hosted the nazm and English speech competitions, was moderated by Qamar Ahmed Shaheed Sahib, Nazim-eAla (Western Ontario), while virtual room three, which hosted Arabic and French speech competitions, was moderated by Muhammad Mahmood Shabooti Sahib, Qaid Tarbiyat Nau Muba‘ieen. While only the moderators, judges and participants could enter these virtual rooms, the audience was provided with a live streaming link on YouTube. Ansar from across Canada were able to watch the proceeding of the virtual rally using this link. There were approximately 1,600 viewers on YouTube and 4,800 clicks for the rally. For the interest of the audience on YouTube, a special quiz was being displayed on the screen during the competitions. The quiz was informational and kept the virtual attendees engaged throughout the competitions. All the competitions started and finished in time and were closely contested with the results to be announced in the closing ceremony that followed these competitions. The chief guest of the closing ceremony was Malik Lal Khan Sahib, Amir Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Canada. As is customary, the ceremony started a recitation of the Holy Quran with the English and Urdu translations. This was followed by a poem in Urdu from Durr-e-Sameen, with English

translation. This was followed by announcing the results of the competitions. Nasir Mahmood Sahib, Naib Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Canada and moderator of the closing ceremony announced the results. Sanaullah Khan Sahib, Qaid Talim Majlis Ansarullah Canada presented the National Virtual Talimi Rally report. He thanked Amir Sahib Jamaat Canada and members of the national amila for their prayers and cooperation. He also thanked all the missionaries for their kind guidance and prayers in making the programme successful and mentioned the team of volunteers who were engaged tirelessly for the planning and execution of this event. He thanked naib sadr, Nasir Mahmood Sahib who served as nazim-e-ala for the rally. He was assisted with four nazimeen: Naib Sadr Arshad Malik Sahib as nazim judges, Qaid Tarbiyat Muhammad Kaleem Sahib as nazim publicity, Naib Qaid Ishaat Fakhar Chugtai Sahib as nazim IT and Qaid Ishaat Kashif Bin Arshad Sahib as nazim results. The concluding speech was delivered by Malik Lal Khan Sahib, Amir Jamaat Canada. Amir Sahib called upon the Ansar brothers to read the Holy Quran regularly and ponder over its meanings. He further stated that Ansar brothers needed to ensure that the Holy Quran was the most read and reflected upon book in their lives. After the concluding address, all participants, including the online viewers, repeated the pledge of Ansarullah with Abdul Hameed Warraich Sahib, Sadr Majlis Ansarullah Canada. Finally, Amir Sahib led the prayers and thus brought the first National Virtual Talimi Rally to an end. We request all readers of Al Hakam to pray for all the organisers who worked hard for making this event a success.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

Are there any grammatical mistakes in the Arabic works of the Promised Messiah? Part II The Promised Messiahas states: ٰ ‫کانوا من قبل یتوقعون المسیح علی رٔاس ھذہ المائۃ۔‬ ّ ّ ّ ‫کترقب ٔاھلّۃ الٔاعیاد ٔاو ٔاطایب المٔادبۃ۔‬ ‫فلما‬ ‫ویترقبونہ‬ ُ ّٰ ‫ُح ّم ما توقعوہ۔ ؤاعطي ما طلبوہ۔ حسبوا کلام اللہ افتراء‬ ‫مفتري یُضل الناس کالشیطان۔‬ ‫الإنسان۔قالوا‬ ِ “Before that, they were waiting for the arrival of the Messiah at the turn of this century. They were waiting for him just as people eagerly await [the appearance] of the Moon on the Festivals of Eid or for delicious meals at a feast. However, when their expectations were fulfilled and their desires were satisfied, they began to consider the word of Allah as a human fabrication and said that he [the Promised Messiahas] was a liar who was misleading people like Satan.” (I‘jaz-ul-Masih, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 18, p. 11) Referring to the above mentioned excerpt, opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, claim that the word ‫مفتري‬ is a maqsur noun ِ and is marfu‘ [nominative] in the phrase ‫مفتري یُضل الناس کالشیطان‬. Thus, they insist that ِ its last letter “ya” should have been removed according to the rules of Arabic grammar and that the correct phrase should have been ‫مفتر یُضل الناس کالشیطان‬. ٍ Opponents attempt to prove that the Promised Messiahas made this mistake because he did not know the rules of Arabic grammar. However, they have themselves made a huge mistake in pointing out that the word ‫مفتري‬ is a maqsur noun. Below we ِ present the definition of the maqsur noun for the readers’ knowledge and to inform the opponents: ‫المقصور وھو الاسم المعرب الذي في آخره ألف لازمۃ و‬ ‫حكمه أن یعرب بحركات مقدرۃ على هذه الألف في جميع‬ ‫صورہ؛ رفعا؛ و نصبا؛ و جرا؛ إذا لم يكن أن تظهر الفتحۃ أو‬ ‫الضمۃ أو الكسرۃ على الألف ومن أمثلته إن الهدى هدى‬ ّٰ .‫الله اتبع سبيل الهدى‬ “The last letter of a maqsur noun is not removed in any case, whether it is marfu‘ [nominative], mansub [accusative] or majrur [genitive]. Among its examples are: ّٰ ‫ ان الهدى هدى الله‬and ‫اتبع سبيل الهدى‬, [i.e. the last letter in the word ‫ ھدی‬remains intact because it is a maqsur noun].” (Abbas Hassan, Al-Nahw al-Wafi, pp. 188-189) The word ‫مفتري‬ is a manqus noun. Below ِ is the definition of a manqus noun: ،‫المنقوص وھو الاسم المعرب الذي في آخره یاء لازمۃ‬ ،‫ المرتقي‬،‫ الباقي‬،‫ مثل العايل‬،‫ قبلها كسرۃ‬،‫غير مشدده‬ ‫ وحكمه ان يرفع بضمۃ مقدرۃ على الياء في حالۃ‬،‫املستعيل‬ ‫ ويجر‬،‫ وینصب بفتحۃ ظاھرۃ على الياء في حالۃ النصب‬،‫الرفع‬ .‫بكسرۃ مقدرۃ عليها في حالۃ الجر‬ “The manqus noun ends with a ‘ya’ and is preceded by a kasrah. Its examples are: ِ ،‫ المرت ِقي‬،‫ البا ِقي‬،‫العال‬ ‫املستعل‬ ِ “When a manqus noun is marfu‘ or majrur, it is given dhammah and kasrah muqaddarah [i.e. these signs are assumed

and are not spoken] and if it is mansub, it is given a visible fathah on its ‘ya’ at the end.” (Al-Nahw al-Wafi, pp. 190-191) In Sharh al-Ashmuni, it is stated: ‫ فان کان منصوبا ابدل‬،‫اذا وقف علی المنقوص المنون‬ ً ‫ وان کان غیر منصوب‬،‫ نحو رایت قاضیا‬،‫من تنوینہ الف‬ ‫فالمختار الوقف علیہ بالحذف؛ فیقال ھذا قاض و مررت‬ ‫ کقراءۃ ابن کثیر ولکل‬،‫ ویجوز الوقف علیہ برد الیاء‬،‫بقاض‬ ّٰ ‫ و ماعند اللہ باقي‬،‫ و مالھم من دونہ من وايل‬،‫قوم ھادي‬ “When a nunated manqus noun is mansub, ً its ُ nunation is changed with an alif as in ‫ رایت قاضیا‬. If it is marfu‘ or majrur, it is acceptable to remove the last letter as in ُ ‫قاض‬ ‫مررت‬, but it is also justified to ٍ ‫ ھذا‬and ‫بقاض‬ ٍ keep the ‘ya’ at the end. Its example is present in the qira‘at of Ibn Kathir, i.e. ‫ولکل قوم ھا ِدي‬ ّٰ and ‫ما عند اللہ با ِقي‬.” (Sharh al-Ashmuni ala Alfiyah ibn Malik, Juz‘ 3, p. 750) The above explanation clearly shows that it is not wrong to either write nunated manqus nouns with or without “ya” when they are marfu‘ and majrur. To further clarify that the Promised Messiahas did not commit any mistake in writing ‫مفتري‬ with a “ya” at the end, the ِ following examples from Arabic literature will hopefully prove sufficient for the opponents to recognise their serious mistake: 1. In Tuhfatul Ahwazi by Muhammad Abdur Rahman bin Abdul Rahim Al-Mubarakpuri, which is the Sharh [interpretation] of the book, Jami‘ alTirmidhi, it is written about a narrator, Abu Harun Al-Abdi: ‫مفتري‬ ‫قال حماد بن زيد کان كذابا وقال السعدي كذاب‬ ِ “Hammad bin Zaid said that he [Abu Harun Al-Abdi] was a great liar and Sa‘di said that he was a liar and a fabricator.” (Tuhfatul Ahwazi Sharh Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Part 1, Kitab al-Nikah, p. 1152) 2. Mujiruddin Al-Maqdasi Al-Hanbali (927 AH) states: ‫روی عن قنبل ويعقوب الوقف بالیاء على باقي و‬ ‫مفتري‬ ِ “It is related from Qunbul and Yaqub that ‘ya’ comes at the end of the words ‫مفتري‬ ِ and ‫ باقي‬when they are paused.” (Fath-ulRahman fi Tafsir al-Quran, Vol. 4, p. 53) 3. Imam Badruddin Aini, a renowned commentator of Sahih al-Bukhari, writes: ‫ينتشر خبره بين الامۃ من جيل الى جيل وجماعۃ الى‬ ‫ ساع على وجه الارض‬،‫مفتري‬ ‫جماعۃ بانہ كذاب مبطل‬ ِ ‫بالفساد‬ “His [Al-Masih al-Dajjal’s] news will spread in the ummah, generation after generation and from one group to another, because he is a great liar, a deceiver and a fabricator, who will strive to create disorder on the face of the Earth.” (Sharh Sunan Abi Dawud, Vol. 4, p. 93) In the above example, ‫مفتري‬ and ‫ساع‬ ٍ are ِ marfu‘, and though “ya” is removed from the word ‫ساع‬, it has not been removed from ٍ the word ‫مفتري‬, which shows that both are ِ

The Promised Messiah’sas personal inkpot

correct. 4. Imam Abu Al-Mutraf Al-Qanazi‘i, the interpreter of the book Muwatta by Hazrat Imam Malikrh, writes: ‫إثبات عذاب القبر ونعيمه فقال ثبت عن النبی صلی‬ ّٰ ‫اللہ علیہ وسلم فی حدیث الکسوف ان عذاب القبر‬ ُٰ ّ ُ ّ َ ُ ّٰ ‫ قال اللہ عز وجل یث ِبت اللہ‬،‫ وأن العبد یُسأل فی قبرہ‬،‫حق‬ ۡ َّ ٰۡ َ ۡ ُ ٰ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ُّ »‫ت ِفی الحَ ٰیو ِۃ الدن َیا َو ِفی الا ِخ َر ِۃ‬ ِ ِ‫ال ِذین ا َمن ۡوا بِالق ۡو ِل الثاب‬ ‫ فقال ثم یضرب ضربۃ تفترق‬،‫) ثم ذکر العذاب‬72 :‫(ابراھیم‬ ،‫أوصالہ وھذا أصل صحیح عند أھل السنۃ لا یختلفو ا فیہ‬ .‫مفتري‬ ‫ومن قال بخلافہ فھو کاذب‬ ِ “Presenting the proof about the blessings and the torment of grave, he said: ‘It is established from the Holy Prophet’ssa hadith of al-kusuf [solar eclipse] that the torment of the grave is a true fact and that the people will be questioned in the grave. Allah the Almighty says: “Allah strengthens the believers with the word that is firmly established, both in the present life and in the Hereafter.”’ “Thereafter, he [Hazrat Imam Malikrh] mentioned the torment and said: ‘Then he will strike a blow and separate every limb. This is true and sahih [authentic] according the Ahl al Sunnah and nobody disagrees upon it. He who disagrees with it is a liar and a fabricator.’” (Tafsir al-Muwatta li-Abi al-Mutraf Abdur Rahman, Vol. 1, p. 86) 5. Hazrat Imam Ahmadrh bin Hanbal states: ّٰ ّٰ ‫عن عباد بن عبد اللہ قال سمعت علیا یقول أنا عبد اللہ و‬ ‫ قال ابن نمیر في حدیثہ وأنا الصدیق الأكبر‬،‫أخو رسولہ‬ ّ ‫ ولقد‬،‫مفتري‬ ‫ قال أبو أحمد بعدي إلا کاذب‬،‫لا یقولھا بعد‬ ِ ‫ قال أبو أحمد ولقد أسلمت‬،‫صلیت قبل الناس سبع سنین‬ ‫قبل الناس بسبع سنین‬ “Hazrat Abbad bin Abdullah relates: ‘I heard Hazrat Alira say, “I am a servant of Allah and a brother of His messenger.” Ibn Numayr relates in his narration [that Hazrat

Alira] said: “I am Al-Siddiq Al-Akbar [a title]. Nobody can make this claim after me.” Abu Ahmad says [that Hazrat Alira said]: “[Nobody can make this claim after me], except for a fabricator and a liar. Surely, I offered Salat [with the Holy Prophetsa] for seven years before anyone else did.” Abu Ahmad further says [that Hazrat Alira said]: “I accepted Islam seven years before the other people did so.”’” (Kitab Fadha‘il alSahabah, Juz‘ 2, pp. 586-587) He further states: ‫مفتري‬ ‫ ومبغض‬،‫عن عيل قال یھلک يفّ رجلان محب مفرط‬ ِ “Hazrat Alira said that two kinds of persons would be ruined in relation to him: The one who exaggerates his love and the other who is a hateful fabricator.” (Kitab Fadha‘il as-Sahabah, Juz‘ 2, p. 672) Hazrat Imam Muhammadrh al-Shaybani writes: ّٰ ّٰ :‫عن عباد بن عبد اللہ قال سمعت علیا رضي اللہ عنہ یقول‬ ّٰ ‫أنا عبد اللہ و أخو رسولہ وأنا الصدیق الأکبر لا یقولھا‬ ّ ‫مفتري ولقد صلیت قبل الناس بسبع سنین‬ ‫بعدي إلا کذاب‬ ِ “Hazrat Abbad ibn Abdullah said: ‘I heard Hazrat Alira say, “I am a servant of Allah and a brother of His messenger and I am Al-Siddiq Al-Akbar [a title]. Nobody can say such a thing after me, save a great fabricator and a liar. Surely, I have offered Salat [with the Holy Prophetsa] for seven years before anyone else did.”’” (Kitab alSunnah, Juz‘ 2, p. 598) The above examples comprehensively demonstrate that the Promised Messiahas used the word ‫مفتري‬ correctly with the ِ divine support of Allah the Almighty and in accordance with the rules of the Arabic grammar. They also illustrate the lack of Arabic knowledge of the opponents and prove that they are absolutely wrong, as further attested by Arabic literature.

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 4 December 2020 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Alira After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

In the previous sermon I was narrating the accounts of Hazrat Alira and I will continue to do so today. With regard to the bond of brotherhood that was formed with Hazrat Alira, it is mentioned in the narrations that the Holy Prophetsa declared Hazrat Alira to be his brother on two occasions. On one occasion, the Holy Prophetsa formed bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajireen in Mecca and later the Holy Prophetsa formed bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajireen and Ansar after having migrated to Medina. On both occasions, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Alira: ْ َ ْ ُّ َ َ َْ ‫آخ َرۃ‬ ِ ‫انت ا ِخ ْی ِفی الدن َیا وال‬ “You are my brother, in this world as well as in the Hereafter!” (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2016], 88) According to another narration, the Holy Prophetsa formed a bond of brotherhood between Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib and Hazrat Sahlra bin Hunaif. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2017], 16) According to the historical references, this bond was formed on two occasions. A commentator of Sahih Bukhari, Allama Qastallani, states that the bond of brotherhood was formed on two occasions. Firstly in Mecca, prior to the migration, where the Holy Prophetsa formed bonds of brotherhood between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra and between Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf and between Hazrat Zubairra and Hazrat Abdullahra bin Masud and between Hazrat Alira and himself. Following this, and after having migrated to Medina, the Holy Prophetsa formed bonds of brotherhood between the Muhajireen and the Ansar at the house of Hazrat Anasra bin Malik. Ibn Saad relates that the Holy Prophetsa

formed bonds of brotherhood between a hundred companions; that is, between 50 Muhajireen and 50 Ansar. (Irshad alSari Sharh Sahih al-Bukhari, Vol. 8, pp. 410-411, Hadith 3937, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, 1996)

With the exception of the Battle of Tabuk, Hazrat Alira participated alongside the Holy Prophetsa in all battles, including the Battle of Badr. On the occasion of the Battle of Tabuk, the Holy Prophetsa had

instructed him to take care of his family. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 92) Hazrat Tha‘labahra bin Abi Malik relates that on every occasion, Hazrat Sadra bin Ubadah would hold the flag on behalf of the Holy Prophetsa. However, whenever the battle would commence, Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib would take hold of it. (Ali Ibn al-Athir, Usd al-Ghabah fi Ma‘rifat alSahabah, Vol. 4, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2003], 93) The Ghazwah of Ushairah took place in Jamadi-ul-Ula [fifth month of the Islamic calendar], in the second year after Hijra. Other than being referred to as the Battle of Ushairah, this battle has also been named as Ghazwah Dhul Ushairah, Zatul-Ushairah and Usairah in the books of history. Ushairah is the name of a fortress, situated in the Hijaz, between Yanb and Dhul Marwah. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has presented the details of this incident as follows: “After this, in Jamadi-ul-Ula in 2 AH, upon receiving news of the Quraish of Mecca once again, the Holy Prophetsa set out from Medina with a company of the Muhajireen and appointed his foster brother, Abu Salamahra bin Abdil Asad as the Amir in his absence. In this Ghazwah, after making numerous rounds, the Holy Prophetsa finally reached Ushairah, which was situated close to the coast and the region of Yanbu. Although a battle with the Quraish did not take place, nevertheless the Holy Prophetsa settled a treaty with the Banu Mudlij on terms as were agreed upon with the Banu Damrah, and subsequently returned.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 329) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 3, pp. 110-111) (Ali bin Burhan al-Din al-Halabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 2, Bab Dhikr Maghaziyah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], 175) (Dala‘il al-Nubuwwah, Vol. 5, p. 460, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1988)

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Hazrat Alira took part in this expedition, regarding which it is narrated in Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal – Hazrat Ammar bin Yasirra stated: “Hazrat Alira and I were together in the journey during the expedition of Zatul Ushairah. When the Holy Prophetsa reached there and settled, we saw the people of Banu Mudlij who were working in one of the springs of their date-orchard. Hazrat Alira asked me, ‘O Abu Yaqzaan, what do you think, shall we go closer and see what they are doing?’ “Thus we went towards them and watched them work for some time. Then we began to feel tired, so Hazrat Alira and I left from there and rested on the ground between two date palms and fell asleep. By God, it was the Holy Prophetsa who woke us up. He prodded us with his foot to wake us up, as we were covered in dust [from the ground beneath]. On that day, upon seeing the dust on Hazrat Ali’sra body, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Abu Turab [father of dust]!’ Then he said, ‘Shall I not tell you about two of the most wretched men?’” I spoke in the previous sermon about the title of “Abu Turab”, that once the Holy Prophetsa saw Hazrat Alira sleeping in the mosque and he was covered in dust, so he said, “O Abu Turab!” He called him Abu Turab and from then on he was also known by this title. It is possible that he was given this title during this particular incident or in a later incident; or he may have called him by this title on both occasions. But in any case, it seems that this particular incident [of the mosque] took place first. “[The Holy Prophetsa said,] ‘Shall I inform you regarding two of the most wretched men?’ We submitted, ‘Yes, O Messengersa of Allah.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘The first was a man named Uhaimir from the people of Thamud who cut the legs of the camel of Prophet Salihas. The second person, O Ali, is he who shall strike your head as a result of which your beard will drip with blood.’” (Ahmadrh bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 6, Musnad Ammarra bin Yasir, Hadith

18511 [Beirut, Lebanon: Alam al-Kutub, 1998], 261) The expedition of Safwan Badrat-ulUla, took place near the end of Jamadiul-Akhir in 2 AH. Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra has expounded upon this in the following words: “10 days had not passed since the return of the Holy Prophetsa to Medina when a chieftain of Mecca named Kurz bin Jabir Fihrii very cunningly, along with a company of the Quraish, suddenly raided a pasture of Medina, which was situated only three miles from the city and fled with camels etc. belonging to the Muslims. As soon as the Holy Prophetsa received news of this, he appointed Zaidra bin Harithah as the amir in his absence and set out in his pursuit along with a group of the Muhajireen. The Holy Prophetsa pursued him until he reached Safwan which is an area close to Badr, but he managed to escape. This ghazwah is also known as Ghazwah Badrat-ul-Ula.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 330) During this expedition, the Holy Prophetsa gave Hazrat Alira a white flag. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Dhikr Maghazi Rasul-Allahsa wa Sarayahu [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turah alArabi, 1996], 253) The Battle of Badr took place in 2 AH, or March 623 CE. With regard to Hazrat Ali’sra participation in this battle, it is recorded in the traditions that the Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Zubairra, Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas and Hazrat Busbusra bin Amr to the spring of Badr to find out information regarding the idolaters. They saw the Quraish giving their animals water and they captured this group of idolaters and brought them to the Holy Prophetsa. (Ibn Saad, AlTabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Badr [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 256) (Sirat KhatamunNabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 349) During the Battle of Badr, when the two armies came face to face, the two sons

of Rabi‘ah, Shebah and Utbah, along with Walid bin Utbah stepped forward and challenged the Muslims for a duel. Three Ansar companions from the Banu Harith tribe, Muaz, Muawwiz and Auf, who were the sons of Afra, stepped forward to battle with them. However the Holy Prophetsa did not like for the Ansar to be involved in the initial combat between the idolaters and Muslims. Instead, he desired that this glory should be exhibited by the progeny of his uncle and by his people [i.e. the Quraish]. Thus, he commanded the Ansar to return to their ranks and commended them for this act. Then, the idolaters said, “O Muhammad, send forth those individuals from our people who can compete with us.” Thus, the Holy Prophetsa said, “O Banu Hashim, go forth and fight for the truth – the truth with which Allah has sent your prophet, for these people have come with their falsehood in order to try and extinguish the light of Allah.” Thus, Hazrat Hamzahra bin Abdul Muttalib, Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib and Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith went forth against them. Utbah told them to say something so that they may recognise them as they were wearing helmets due to which their faces were hidden. Hazrat Hamzahra said, “I am Hamzah bin Abdil Muttablib. I am the lion of Allah and His Messengersa.” Upon this, Utbah said that he was a worthy opponent and that he himself was the lion of the tribes. Then he enquired regarding the other two. Hazrat Hamzahra said that they were Alira bin Abi Talib and Ubaidahra bin Harith. Utbah said that they too were worthy opponents. Then, Utbah said to his son, “O Walid, go forth.” Hazrat Alira went up against to fight him; both began wielding their swords and Hazrat Alira killed him. Then Utbah went forth and Hazrat Hamzahra stood to fight him. Both wielded their swords and Hazrat Hamzahra killed him. Then Shebah stood and Hazrat Ubaidahra bin Harith went forth to fight him; on that day, Hazrat Ubaidahra was the eldest amongst all the companions

of the Holy Prophetsa. Shebah struck Hazrat Ubaidah’sra leg with his sword and wounded his calf. Hazrat Hamzahra and Hazrat Alira attacked Shebah and killed him. (Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 2, Ghazwat Badr [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi, 1996], 257) This same narration was mentioned two years ago, a part of which I will mention again. The aforementioned incident is recorded in this particular narration in which Hazrat Alira narrates that Utbah bin Rabi‘ah, along with his son and his brother, stepped forward and declared, “Who will come forth and challenge us?” Upon this, a few youngsters from the Ansar responded. Utbah asked who they were and they responded by saying that they were from among the Ansar. Utbah replied saying, “We have nothing to do with you, we only wish to fight the sons of our uncle.” The Holy Prophetsa then said, “O Hamzah, get up. O Ali, stand up. O Ubaidah bin Harith, go forth.” Hamzahra set off towards Utbah and Hazrat Alira says that he went towards Shebah, while Ubaidah clashed with Walid. Both severely injured one another, after which both Hazrat Hamzahra and Hazrat Alira went towards Walid and killed him and took Ubaidahra away from the battlefield. (Sunan Abi Dawud, Kitab al-Jihad, Bab fi al-Mubarazah, Hadith 2665) With regard to the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Alira states, “The disbelievers heavily outnumbered the Muslims. The Holy Prophetsa spent the entire night fervently praying to God. When the army of disbelievers came near and we formed our ranks, my gaze fell on a person who was riding a red camel which was walking through the ranks of the enemy. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘O Ali, call Hamzah, who is stood close to the disbelievers and ask him who is riding the red camel and what he is saying.’ Then the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘If there is anyone from among the disbelievers who can give them good and beneficial advice, it is this person who is riding the red camel.’ Meanwhile, Hazrat Hamzahra came and informed that it was

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

Utbah bin Rabi‘ah, who was advising the disbelievers against fighting. However, Abu Jahl responded to him and said that he was a coward and was afraid of fighting. This incited Utbah’s pride and he said, ‘Today we shall see who is a coward.’” (Ahmadrh bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, Musnad Alira bin Abi Talib, Hadith 948 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1998], 338-339) Hazrat Alira narrates that on the occasion of the Battle of Badr, the Holy Prophetsa said to both him and Hazrat Abu Bakrra, “On the right side of one of you is Gabriel and on the right side of the other is Mikael; and Israfil is a great angel who is present during times of war and stands among the ranks.” (Al-Mustadrak ala al-

Sahihain, Vol. 3, p. 345, Kitab Marifat alSahabah, Dar al-Fikr, Beirut, 2002) With regard to the Battle of Badr, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes: “Hazrat Alira relates that during the course of battle, whenever the Holy Prophetsa would come to mind, he would run towards his tent, but whenever he went there, he found the Holy Prophetsa weeping in prostration. He also heard that the Holy Prophetsa would constantly repeat the words: َُ َ َ ‫یَا َح ُّی یَاقَ ُّی ْو ُم۔ ی‬ ‫اح ُّی یَاق ّی ْو ُم‬ “‘O my Ever-Living, Life-Giving Master! O my Ever-Living, Life-Giving Master!’

“Hazrat Abu Bakrra was greatly anxious by this state of the Holy Prophetsa and at times, would spontaneously say, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! May my mother and father be sacrificed for you! Do not worry, Allah shall certainly fulfil His promises.’ However, the Holy Prophetsa remained constantly engaged in his supplications (out of fear that some promises of Allah the Almighty are conditional).” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, p. 361) The marriage between Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra took place in 2 AH. Hazrat Alira requested the Holy Prophetsa for her hand in marriage, to which he happily agreed. Hazrat Anasra narrates that both Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra had asked for Hazrat Fatimah’sra hand in marriage, but the Holy Prophetsa remained silent on the matter and did not give them an answer. Hazrat Alira narrates: “I went to the Holy Prophetsa and requested if he would give Hazrat Fatimah’sra hand in marriage to me. The Holy Prophetsa asked, ‘Do you have anything to give for the mehr [dowry given by the husband to the wife]?’ I said, ‘I have a horse and chainmail’. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘You will require your horse, but you can sell your chainmail.’ Thus I sold my chain mail for 480 dirhams to arrange for my mehr.” People often think that they can set the haq mehr as they please and will worry about paying it later, whereas the Holy Prophetsa has ordered to make provisions for the haq mehr. This means that this is a right of the wife and should be given immediately. Some people write to me saying that their wife has made a demand asking for the haq mehr, even though they were living happily together. If they make this request, then this is their right and should be given immediately. Failing to do so can then lead to quarrels. Also, some people claim that this [i.e. haq mehr] is something that should be settled during divorce settlements, whereas this has no link with divorce. Nonetheless, there is a narration which states that Hazrat Alira sold his chainmail to Hazrat Uthmanra. Hazrat Uthmanra gave the money for the chainmail and then gave the chainmail back to him. Hazrat Alira states, “I took the amount to the Holy Prophetsa and presented it to him. The Holy Prophetsa took a handful of the money and gave it to Bilalra and said, ‘Buy some fragrance with it.’ He then instructed others to prepare the trousseau for Hazrat Fatimahra. Hence, they prepared a charpoy, a leather pillow which was filled with sheaths of the date palm.” All this was prepared for her wedding. In one narration, it is stated that when the marriage of Hazrat Fatimahra was settled with Hazrat Alira, the Holy Prophetsa said, “My Lord had already commanded me to do this [i.e. regarding the marriage]”. Once the marriage had taken place, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Alira, “When Fatimahra arrives, do not say anything to her until I arrive.” Hazrat Fatimahra came with Hazrat Umm-

e-Aimanra and sat to one side of the house. Hazrat Alira says that he also sat to one side. After this, the Holy Prophetsa arrived and asked, “Where is my brother?” Hazrat Umm-e-Aimanra asked, “Your brother? And you gave your daughter in marriage to him?” The Holy Prophetsa replied, “Yes.” (This is a relation in which marriage is permissible because Hazrat Alira was not his actual brother.) The Holy Prophetsa then entered the house and requested Hazrat Fatimahra to bring him some water. She stood up and brought a bowl of water that was in the house. The Holy Prophetsa rinsed his mouth with the water and said to Hazrat Fatimahra to come forward. She moved forward; the Holy Prophetsa then sprinkled some water over her head and recited the following prayer: َ َّ َ َ َ َّ ّ ُ َ َ َ ُ ُ ّ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َّ ‫الر ِج ْی ِم‬ ‫ان‬ ِ ‫اللہ ّم ِانِی ا ِع ْیذہا بِک وذ ِریتہا ِمن الش ْیط‬ Meaning, “O Allah! I seek Your refuge for her and her progeny from Satan the Accursed.” The Holy Prophetsa then asked her to turn around. When she turned around, the Holy Prophetsa sprinkled water between her shoulders and then did the same to Hazrat Alira. The Holy Prophetsa then said to Hazrat Alira, “Now go to your wife with the name of Allah and His blessings.” In another narration, Hazrat Alira stated that the Holy Prophetsa performed ablution in a bowl and then sprinkled the water on Hazrat Fatimahra and Hazrat Alira. He then offered the following prayer: َ ّٰ َ ْ َُ ْ ‫الل ُہ َّم بَا ِرک ِف ْی ِھ َما َوبَا ِرک لھ َما ِف ْی ش ْملِ ِھ َما‬ “O Allah! Bestow blessings on both of them and bless this union.” Hazrat Aishara and Hazrat Umm-eSalmahra narrate, “The Holy Prophetsa instructed us to prepare Hazrat Fatimahra for her wedding and also for us to take her to Hazrat Alira. Thus, we turned our attention to the arrangements of the house; we coated [the walls] with soft mud from the outskirts of Batha [name of a place near Mecca], then filled two pillows with date palm sheaths, carding it with our hands. We then placed dates and raisons to eat as well as sweet water to drink. We took a stick and fixed it on one side of the room so that clothes could be hung from it as well as water skins. We did not witness a better wedding than Hazrat Fatimah’s. The walima consisted of dates, barely, cheese and hais.” Hais is a dish prepared from dates, clarified butter and cheese etc. Hazrat Asmara bint Umais narrates, “At that time, we did not witness a better wedding than this one.” (Sharh Zurqani ala al-Mawahib al-Laduniyyah, Vol. 2, pp. 357-267, Dhikr Tazwij Ali bi Fatimah, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1996) (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab al-Walimah, Hadith 1911) (Tarikh alKhamis, Vol. 2, p. 77, al-Waqi‘ min Awwal Hijratihsa ila Wafatih, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2009) (Ibn Saad, AlTabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 8 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], 19) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 1, p. 172, Kitab alHaa) With regard to the marriage of Hazrat Fatimahra and Hazrat Alira, a detailed account has been mentioned in Sirat

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM Khatamun-Nabiyyin as follows: “Hazrat Fatimahra was the youngest child of the Holy Prophetsa, from among the children he was blessed with from Hazrat Khadijahra. The Holy Prophetsa held Hazrat Fatimahra most dear to himself and on account of her personal merit, she was undoubtedly most worthy of this distinct love. Now, her age had more or less reached 15 and she had begun to receive proposals of marriage. “It was Hazrat Abu Bakrra who was the very first to make a request for Hazrat Fatimahra but the Holy Prophetsa apologised. Then, Hazrat Umarra made a proposal, but his request was not accepted either. After this, upon judging that the intention of the Holy Prophetsa seemed to be with respect to Hazrat Alira, both these honourable men approached Hazrat Alira and encouraged him to make a proposal with regards to Hazrat Fatimahra. “Hazrat Alira who was perhaps already desirous, but was silent out of modesty, immediately presented himself before the Holy Prophetsa and submitted a proposal. The Holy Prophetsa had already received an indication by way of divine revelation that the marriage of Hazrat Fatimahra should take place with Hazrat Alira . Hence, when Hazrat Alira presented a request, the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘I have already received a divine indication in this respect.’ Then, the Holy Prophetsa sought the consent of Hazrat Fatimahra, who remained silent out of modesty. “In a way, this was also an expression of acceptance. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa gathered a community of the Muhajireen and Ansar and formally announced the marriage of Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra [i.e. the nikah]. This event took place in the beginning or middle of 2 AH. “Afterwards, when the Battle of Badr had taken place, it was proposed that the rukhsatanah [when the bride is sent off by her parents to her new home] be held in the month of Dhul-Hijjah 2 AH. The Holy Prophetsa called upon Hazrat Alira and enquired of him as to whether he had anything to pay the mehr. (The incident regarding the orchard which was mentioned earlier was before the marriage took place, therefore I was correct in saying that this incident took place before the marriage.) Hazrat Alira submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! I have nothing.’ The Holy Prophetsa responded, ‘What about that chainmail I gave to you on that day (i.e., from the spoils of Badr)?’ Hazrat Alira responded, ‘That, I do have.’ The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘That shall suffice, bring it.’ Hence, this chainmail was sold for 480 dirhams and the Holy Prophetsa arranged for the expenses of the wedding from this very amount. “The trousseau which the Holy Prophetsa gave to Hazrat Fatimahra consisted of an embroidered shawl, a cushion made of hide which had been filled with dry date palm leaves and a water-skin. It is also related in one narration that the Holy Prophetsa also gave Hazrat Fatimahra a hand-mill as part of her trousseau. When these items had been arranged for, there was a need to obtain a home.

“Until now, Hazrat Alira perhaps lived with the Holy Prophetsa in an apartment built next to the mosque. However, a separate abode was now required, where husband and wife could reside after marriage. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa instructed Hazrat Alira to find a place where both of them could reside. Hazrat Alira temporarily arranged for a home and the rukhsatanah of Hazrat Fatimahra took place. On the very same day, after the rukhsatanah, the Holy Prophetsa visited their new home and called for some water to be brought to him, prayed on it and then sprinkled it on both Hazrat Fatimahra and Hazrat Alira, whilst repeating the following words: ّٰ َ َ َ َُ ْ َ ْ ْ ‫الل ُھ َّم بَا ِرک ِف ْی ِھ َما َوبَا ِرک َعل ْی ِھ َما َوبَا ِرک لھ َما ن ْسل ُھ َما‬ “Meaning, ‘O my Allah! Bless their union, and bless those relations with others which are built from this union and bless their progeny.’ “After this, the Holy Prophetsa left the newly wedded couple alone and returned. Afterwards, one day, when the Holy Prophetsa came to visit Hazrat Fatimahra, she submitted to the Holy Prophetsa that Harithahra bin Nu‘man Ansari was in possession of a few homes, and asked if the Holy Prophetsa would request him to vacate one of them. The Holy Prophetsa said, ‘He has already vacated so many homes for our sake. Now I feel embarrassed in requesting more of him.’ “In some way or another, when Harithahra happened to find out about this, he came running to the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah! Everything I own belongs to you my Master. By God, whatever you accept of me causes me greater joy than that which remains with me.’ Then, this faithful companion insisted and vacated one of his homes and presented it to the Holy Prophetsa. After this, Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra moved to this home.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 455-456) Despite their impoverished and straitened circumstances, Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra were examples of devotion and piety. In the ahadith, we find a narration in which Hazrat Alira states, “Hazrat Fatimahra complained of pain in her hands due to using the hand mill. During this time, a few prisoners were brought to the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Fatimahra went to visit the Holy Prophetsa, but she did not find him at home. Hazrat Fatimahra met Hazrat Aishara and informed her of the reason why she came. When the Holy Prophetsa returned, Hazrat Aishara informed him why Hazrat Fatimahra had visited.” Hazrat Alira further narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa visited us when we had just retired to our beds. We were about to stand up for him, but the Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘Remain as you are.’ He then sat with us in a way that I felt the coolness from his feet near my chest. He then said, ‘Shall I not inform both of you about that which is better than what you came to ask for earlier? That is when you both lie down to sleep recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ [Allah is the Greatest] 34 times, ‘Subhanallah’ [Glory to Allah] 33 times

and ‘Alhamdolillah’ [All praise is due to Allah] 33 times. This will be better for both of you than requesting for a worker for the house.’” Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates, “Hazrat Fatimahra went to the Holy Prophetsa in order to request for a worker for the home and expressed difficulty in the housework. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘You will not find such a worker with me’”, meaning that she would not be given a worker, as the Holy Prophetsa did not wish to give her one. Even though Hazrat Alira was entitled one from the spoils of war. However, the Holy Prophetsa did not give him one. Instead, the Holy Prophetsa said to her, “Shall I not tell you about something which will be

better for you than obtaining a worker? Before going to sleep, you should recite ‘Subhanallah’ 33 times, ‘Alhamdolillah’ 33 times and ‘Allahu Akbar’ 34 times.” This is a narration of Sahih Muslim. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Dhikr wa al-Du’a wa alTaubah, Bab al-Tasbih Awwal al-Nahar w inda al-Naum, Hadith 6915, 6918) In his biography of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentions this incident whilst quoting the reference mentioned in Sahih Bukhari: “Hazrat Fatimahra complained to the Holy Prophetsa that using the hand mill caused her pain. During this time, some captives were brought to the Holy Prophetsa. Hazrat Fatimahra went to visit the Holy Prophetsa but did not find him at

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

home. She then informed Hazrat Aishara as to the reason why she came and then returned home. When the Holy Prophetsa returned home, Hazrat Aishara informed him about the reasons for Hazrat Fatimahra visiting earlier. Hazrat Fatimahra states, ‘The Holy Prophetsa came to visit us when we had retired to bed. Upon seeing him, I attempted to get up, but the Holy Prophetsa stated for us to remain lying down. He sat down with us in a way that I felt the breeze from his footsteps near my chest. When he sat down, he said, ‘Shall I not inform you of something which is better than that which you enquired about? That is, before you go to sleep, recite ‘Allahu Akbar’ [Allah is the Greatest]] 34 times, ‘Subhanallah’ [Glory to Allah] 33 times and ‘Alhamdolillah’ [All praise is due to Allah] 33 times. This will be far greater for you than a worker.’” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes: “This incident demonstrates just how particular the Holy Prophetsa was in regard to the distribution of wealth. Despite the fact that Hazrat Fatimahra was in need of a worker owing to pain in her hands from grinding stones, the Holy Prophetsa did not give her one and instead, drew her attention towards God Almighty by urging her to pray. If the Holy Prophetsa wished, he could have given a worker to Hazrat Fatimahra because the wealth that would come to the Holy Prophetsa was for the distribution amongst the companions. And Hazrat Alira had a right from that share, as did Hazrat Fatimahra. However, the Holy Prophetsa acted with caution and did not wish to bestow anything from that to any of his close relations. The reason for this was that perhaps the people that came later would have drawn their own conclusions from this incident

and kings would deem that they had a right over the wealth that belonged to the people. Therefore, remaining cautious of this, the Holy Prophetsa did not bestow Hazrat Fatimahra anyone from among the captives that were brought to him. It should be remembered here that God Almighty had already stipulated a portion from the wealth for the Holy Prophetsa and his relatives. He would spend from among this and also grant to his family members. However, until his portion was not granted to him, he would never spend from it, nor would he give it to his relatives. Can the world present the example of any king who was so cautious and careful with spending from the treasury? If such an example exists, then it is only from among the servants of this pure individual, otherwise no other religion can present such an example.” (Sirat al-Nabi, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 1, 544-545) Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib relates that the Holy Prophetsa visited him and his daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra, one night and enquired, “Do you both not pray?” Hazrat Alira submitted, “O Messengersa of Allah, our lives are in the hands of God, thus He causes us to awaken from our sleep whenever He wills.” The Holy Prophetsa did not say anything in reply and returned. In other words, the Holy Prophetsa enquired whether or not they offered the Tahajud prayer [predawn voluntary prayer]. Upon this, Hazrat Alira replied that if they did not wake up at the time of Tahajud then that was owing to the will of Allah. And whenever Allah willed for them to wake up at that time, then they would offer the Tahajud prayer. Upon this, the Holy Prophetsa remained silent and returned home. Hazrat Alira relates that when the Holy Prophetsa was returning

from there, he heard him say whilst tapping his hand upon his thigh: َ ََْ ُ َ ْ ْ َ ََ ‫ان اکث َر ش ْی ٍء َج َدلًا‬ ‫وکان الاِنس‬ That is, “But of all things, man is most contentious.” (Surah al-Kahf, Ch.16: V.55) (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tahajud, Bab Tahrid al-Nabisa ala Qiyam al-Lail wa alNawafil, Hadith 1127) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, whilst narrating this incident, states: “One night, the Holy Prophetsa visited the house of his son-in-law, Hazrat Alira, and his daughter, Hazrat Fatimahra, and enquired, ‘Do you offer the Tahajud prayer?’ In other words, the prayer which is offered after waking up in the middle of the night. Hazrat Alira submitted, ‘O Messengersa of Allah, we try to offer it, but at times, owing to the will of Allah, we remain asleep and miss the Tahajud prayer. The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘You should offer the Tahajud prayer’ and then left to return home and whilst walking back, he kept repeating: َ ََْ ُ َ ْ ْ َ ََ ‫ان اکث َر ش ْی ٍء َج َدلًا‬ ‫وکان الاِنس‬

This is a verse of the Holy Quran, which means that most often, one is reluctant to admit and acknowledge his error and offers all kinds of justifications in order to conceal his faults. In other words, Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Fatimahra should have said that sometimes they commit the mistake [and oversleep], instead of saying that it is owing to the will of God Almighty that they remain asleep. Why did they attribute their error to Allah the Almighty.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 20, pp. 389-390) Further explaining this incident, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Alira narrates an incident when on one occasion he responded to the Holy Prophetsa in a manner which

had a slight tone of contentiousness, but instead of expressing any displeasure, the Holy Prophetsa gave such a beautiful response which perhaps Hazrat Alira continued to enjoy its sweet delight for the rest of his life and indeed the pleasure he derived from this was his right alone. But even now, when one carefully ponders over this expression of displeasure of the Holy Prophetsa, they are left astounded. “There is a tradition from Bukhari, in which Hazrat Alira narrates, ‘One night, the Holy Prophetsa visited me and Fatimah al-Zahrara, the daughter of the Holy Prophetsa, and enquired whether we offered the Tahajud prayer. I replied, “O Messengersa of Allah, our lives are in the hands of Allah and whenever He wills, He causes us to wake up.” Upon hearing this, the Messengersa of Allah returned home and did not say anything to me. However, when he stood up and his back was towards me, I heard him say whilst he was tapping his hand on this thigh, “But of all things, man is most contentious.”’ “By Allah, look how beautifully the Holy Prophetsa explained to Hazrat Alira that he should not have responded in the manner he did. Had it been anyone else, firstly they would have responded back by saying that considering his position and rank, he had no right to give a response like that. Or, at the very least, he would have argued that what he had said was incorrect in that a person has no choice and that all of one’s actions are controlled by Allah the Almighty; He does so as He wills, including whether one offers their prayers or not. He would have argued that such a concept of compulsion was against the Holy Quran. However, the Holy Prophetsa did not respond in either manner, nor did he become angry or argue with Hazrat Alira in order to highlight

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM his error. In fact, he turned to one side and expressed his astonishment at the fact that how one is always able to find a justification and becomes contentious. The reality of the matter is that this one statement of the Holy Prophetsa was filled with countless lessons and had it been anyone else, they would not have been able to convey a fraction of it even if they had argued a hundred times. From this hadith, we can derive many lessons which shed light on the various aspects of the Holy Prophet’ssa morals and it will be appropriate to mention them here.” Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “Firstly, it reveals just how much concern the Holy Prophetsa had for the adherence to religion and faith that he would personally visit the homes of his close relatives in the night and look after their needs in this regard. There are many people, who, although are virtuous themselves and also counsel others to do the same, but the condition of their own home is not in order. They do not have the potential to even reform the people within their own household and the famous proverbial expression, ‘Just below the lantern lies the darkness’ applies to these very people. “In other words, their example can be likened to a lantern which grants light to its surroundings, but right beneath it remains darkness. Such people counsel others, but have no concern for their own home as to whether the people of their own household are deriving any benefit from their light. However, the Holy Prophetsa wished the members of his household to also partake of this spiritual light which he wanted to illumine the world with. For this, the Holy Prophetsa would constantly counsel them and regularly enquire from them and assess their condition. The moral training of one’s own household members is such a moral excellence that if the Holy Prophetsa did not possesses this, then this invaluable trait would have been devoid from his moral qualities. The second aspect which is evident [from this hadith] is the absolute conviction the Holy Prophetsa had in this teaching which he presented before the world. Not even for a single moment did the Holy Prophetsa ever entertain a doubt regarding this teaching. People level the allegation that, God-forbid, the Holy Prophetsa did not receive any divine revelation and only did all of this in order to mislead the people and thereby establish his own rule. However, this was certainly not the case. “The Holy Prophetsa had such conviction in his prophetood and having been commissioned by God that one cannot find any such example in the world. It is possible that one can put on an act before people in order to prove their truthfulness; however, it is not possible that one would go in the late of hours of the night to the house of their own daughter and son-in-law and enquire whether they offered the prayer which one offers by waking up in the middle of the night and which is not even obligatory, but rather has been left for the believers to decide for themselves based on their circumstances.

“Thus, for the Holy Prophetsa to visit the house of his daughter and son-inlaw at such a time and to encourage them to offer the Tahajud prayer proves the absolute conviction he had in this teaching which he wanted others to adhere to as well. Otherwise, in the case of a liar, he knows that someone may or may not follow his teaching, but he would never discreetly visit the home of his children and advise them to adhere to this teaching. In other words, whether one follows such a teaching is a different matter, but he would never advise his own children at such a time when no else is around to see. “This could only be possible when a person’s heart is filled with conviction that without following this teaching, one cannot attain any excellence. (In other words, whether one follows a teaching or not is a different matter. However, to advise someone about this in the night and away from the sight of others can only happen if one has complete conviction that without this teaching one cannot attain the excellences of that faith or its teaching.) The third aspect which is evident [from this hadith] is the very reason why I narrated this incident in that it shows how the Holy Prophetsa would show great patience whilst explaining matters to others and instead of quarrelling, he would make them realise their mistake with love and affection. In this particular incident, Hazrat Alira responded to the Holy Prophet’ssa question by saying that once they had fallen asleep, they had no control over themselves in order to wake up. (A person who is asleep has no control over himself.) Therefore, once he had fallen asleep, he no longer had any knowledge that a certain time had come and he must now do such and such thing. If Allah caused them to wake up, then they would offer the prayer because they had no other choice. (There were no alarm clocks at the time.) “Undoubtedly, the Holy Prophetsa was surprised to hear this response because

the level of faith that was instilled in the heart of the Holy Prophetsa was such that it would never allow such a thing to happen whereby the time for Tahajud would pass by and the Holy Prophetsa remained unaware of it. Therefore, the Holy Prophetsa simply turned the other way and said that man never acknowledges his mistake but becomes contentious. In other words, in future, they should not offer an excuse but instead make an effort so that they do not miss the time [for the Tahajud prayer]. Thus, Hazrat Alira states that from that day on, he never missed his Tahajud prayer.” (Sirat al-Nabi, Anwar alUlum, Vol. 1, 588-590) The accounts from the life of Hazrat Alira will continue to be narrated in the future, insha-Allah. The situation in Pakistan nowadays is worsening by the day. Whilst following the maulvis [religious clerics] and conspiring with them, some government officials are making efforts to cause us as much harm as possible. Therefore, pray especially in this regard. May Allah the Almighty protect the Ahmadis there, who are living in Rabwah and in the other cities and protect them from the evil of these people. May He safeguard them from their extremely perilous schemes and seize them swiftly. Now, after the Friday Prayer, I shall lead some funeral prayers in absentia and briefly speak about them. The first is of Commander Chaudhary Muhammad Aslam Sahib, who passed away on 2 November 2020: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong and to Him do we return]. Commander Sahib was born in Gujranwala in 1929. There he passed his matriculation exams and attained the first position. He then completed his FSC from Talimul Islam College and FC Government College. At Government College Lahore, he completed his BSC. He then had the honour of completing his MSC at the Punjab University under the tutelage of Dr Abdus Salam. In 1948,

he enlisted in the Furqan Force and was appointed in Azad Kashmir, where he was awarded with the Mujahid-e-Kashmir Certificate and the Azadi-e-Kashmir Medal. In 1955, the deceased enlisted in the Pakistan Navy, where he served in key positions such as Director of Studies in the Pakistan Naval Academy, Deputy President of Inter-service Selection Board in Kohat and Deputy Director of Naval Educational Services at the Naval Headquarters in Islamabad and held many other key positions. The deceased also played a key and fundamental role in the Educational Sector by planning of opening new navy schools and colleges and also in establishing the Bahria University. After retiring from the Pakistan Navy, he moved to Canada and performed Waqf-e-Arzi for a year at the Toronto Mission House. Thereafter, in 1993, he requested to dedicate himself as a lifedevotee after retirement, which was approved by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and so his services to the Jamaat spanned over 28 years. In that period, he served as secretary jaidad, secretary rishta nata, additional secretary mission house and also assisted at the homeopathy clinic etc. The deceased was very humble and soft-spoken. He was kind and loving to everyone. He was regular in offering his prayers and had a bond of love and devotion with Khilafat. After dedicating his life, he strived to spend every moment in service to the Jamaat. For some time, he was very unwell, but whenever his health would improve somewhat, he would immediately go to the mission house and he remained keen and diligent in serving his faith right until his last breath. He is survived by his wife and three sons. May Allah the Almighty grant the deceased His forgiveness and mercy and enable his children to continue his good deeds. His daughter-in-law, Nusrat Jahan Sahiba, says that he was an extremely kind, compassionate and pious person. He fulfilled his waqf [devotion]

Friday 1 January 2021 | AL HAKAM

28 with utmost sincerity. He was the ideal husband and father. Prior to his demise, he would continue advising his children that it is very important to maintain a relationship with the Jamaat and with God and to remain regular in offering their prayers. He himself was regular all his life in offering prayers and the Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayer. The second funeral is of Shahina Qamar Sahiba, wife of Qamar Ahmad Shafeeq Sahib, who is a driver for Nazarate-Ulya. Shahina Qamar Sahiba and her son Sammar Ahmad Qamar passed away on 12 November 2020 at 1:30 in the afternoon due to a road accident. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong, and to Him do we return]. She was 38 years old at the time of her demise and Sammar Ahmad Qamar was 17 years old. Shahina Qamar Sahiba leaves behind her husband, two daughters, a son and three brothers. Shahina Qamar Sahiba’s daughter, says: “My mother was a very pious woman and would always encourage me in doing good. She would always be the first in doing good deeds. She was a very good friend to me and would share everything with me.”

Another quality of hers was that by the grace of Allah she had great passion for Jamaat work and was ever-ready to serve the Jamaat. Her husband also wrote that despite her minimal level of education, she managed the house and raised her children in an excellent manner. The next mention is of Sammar Ahmad Qamar Sahib, son of Qamar Ahmad Shafeeq Sahib. He was with his mother and passed away with her in the accident. He was a student in the first year of Talimul Islam College and was doing well in his studies by the grace of Allah. He would serve in Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya duties with great zeal and passion. He was very proactive in his Jamaat work. Whenever a request was made by his superior, he would leave whatever work he was doing immediately. His father writes, “At times, I would be on travel for 3 to 4 days at a time, but he would always say, ‘Father, don’t worry, I will take care of the matters at home. You can go ahead and fulfil your duties’; indeed, this is how it was in reality. He was a very responsible young man.” Sammar Ahmad Qamar’s elder sister, Samreen says, “By the grace of Allah, my brother was very good. He would never get angry. If I ever told him off, he would never get angry or sad. In fact, he was very

loving to children and to his siblings.” His other brothers and sisters have written the same thing. May Allah the Almighty grant forgiveness and mercy to the deceased and grant patience and forbearance to all his family; the young children and their father, who has lost his son and his wife. The next funeral is of Saeeda Afzal Khokhar Sahiba, wife of Shaheed Muhammad Afzal Khokhar Sahib and mother of Shaheed Ashraf Mahmood Khokhar Sahib. Her husband and her son were both martyred. She passed away on 12 September 2020 in Canada: َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانا ِالی ِہ ر‬ [Verily to Allah we belong, and to Him do we return]. After the martyrdom of her husband and son, she had to face very difficult circumstances, but she endured every difficulty with utmost patience and forbearance. She lived her life with great dignity and she never uttered a word in complaint. She fulfilled her responsibility of getting her three daughters married. A few years ago, she had to bear the sudden demise of another son of hers, Asif Mahmood Khokhar. She displayed great patience and fortitude on that occasion as well. She was very loving towards her

friends and relatives, hospitable and took care of the less fortunate. She had a bond of devotion, respect and love with Khilafat. She fully participated in Jamaat activities. Her entire life, she continued to give alms on behalf of her parents, her martyred husband and son, and other pious people. Her parents were Mirza Afzal Kareem Sahib and Sughra Begum Sahiba who were greatly devoted to Islam Ahmadiyyat. She was the eldest sister of Mirza Mujeeb Ahmad Sahib and Mirza Fazlur Rahman Sahib of East London. She was the elder sister-in-law of Mubarak Khokhar Sahib of Lahore. She was the elder maternal aunt of Mubarak Siddique Sahib. By the grace of Allah, she was a musia. She is survived by her son, Bilal Ahmad Khokhar Sahib, and three daughters – Tayyiba Qureshi, Tahira Majid and Sameena Khokhar. May Allah the Almighty elevate her station, grant her forgiveness and mercy and enable the children to continue the good deeds of their mother. (Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 25 December 2020, pp. 5-10.Translated by The Review of Religions.)

In 1889, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian claimed to be the same Promised Messiah and Mahdi about whom the Holy Prophet, Muhammadsa, had given glad tidings. The Holy Prophetsa had prophesied that the important role of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi would be to revive faith and firmly establish the practice of Islamic law. When the Promised Messiahas made his claim and invited all righteous souls to respond to his call, he published 10 conditions of Bai’at for all who wished to join him with a covenant of allegiance. It is important for all Ahmadis to familiarise themselves with these 10 conditions. Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has explained these 10 conditions in light of the Holy Quran, sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and writings of the Promised Messiahas in various Friday sermons and speeches. These have been presented in the format of a book for the guidance of all Ahmadis and all those who wish to learn about Ahmadiyyat, the true Islam.

www.alislam.org/library/books/Conditions-of-BaiatResponsibilities-of-Ahmadi.pdf

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