Al Hakam - 12 February 2021

From the Markaz Bangladesh Khuddam amila seeks guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih

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Lunar and Solar eclipse prophecy for the Mahdi

Silent admiration – In memory of the late Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib

100 Years Ago...

New markaz at Melrose Road, London and outreach efforts

Authenticity and fulfilment

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 12 February 2021 | Issue CLII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | F: +44(0)208 544 7673

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

Observe the prayer at its proper time َ َ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ َ َ ّٰ ُ ‫ قال ل ِ ْي َر ُس ْول الل ِه‬،‫ع ْن أب ِ ْي ذ ٍّر َر ِض َی الل ُہ ع ْنہ قال‬ َ ّ ٰ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ‫َصلی الل ُہ َعل ْی ِہ َو َسل َم ‏ ك ْيف أنت ِإذا كانت َعل ْيك‬ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َ ْ ُ ّ َ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ‫أمراء يؤ ِخرون الصلاة عن وق ِتها أو ي ِميتون‬ ‫الصلاة‬ َ َ َّ ّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ‫عن وق ِتها ‏ قال قلت فما تأمرنِي قال‏‏ ص ِل الصلاة‬ ٌ َ َ َ َ َ َّ َ ّ َ َ ْ ُ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫ل ِوق ِتها ف ِإن أدركتها معهم فص ِل ف ِإنها لك نا ِفلة ‏‬ Hazrat Abu Dharrra narrates, “The Holy Prophetsa said to me, ‘How would you act when you are under the rulers who would delay the prayer beyond its prescribed time, or they would make prayer a dead thing as far as its proper time is concerned?’ I said, ‘What do you command?’ He said, ‘Observe the prayer at its proper time, and if you can say it along with them, do so, for it would be a supererogatory prayer for you.’”

Hope for believers living in a faithless world Practicing Islamic teachings in modern society is not easy. The rise of fanatical liberalism and a life without God has forged a nihilistic and egocentric culture in which materialism and faithlessness reign supreme, especially in the West.

Lust-laden promiscuity, idealisation of wealth, reckless absolute freedom and the pursuit of endless “pleasure and happiness” plague modern environments, leaving little room for escape.

Practicing our religion has truly become like “grasping a hot coal”, as

foretold by the Holy Prophetsa, who said: َ َْ َّ َ َ ْ ْ َ َّ ٌ َ َ َْ َ ُ ‫الص‬ ‫ان‬ ‫م‬ ‫ز‬ ‫اس‬ ‫الن‬ ‫يأتِي على‬ ‫ض‬ ‫اب‬ ‫ق‬ ‫ال‬ ‫ك‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ِين‬ ‫د‬ ‫ى‬ ‫ل‬ ‫ع‬ ‫م‬ ‫ه‬ ‫ي‬ ‫ف‬ ‫ر‬ ‫اب‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ِ ْ َ َ ْ‫الجَمر‬ ِ ‫على‬ “There shall come a time upon people in which the one who is patient upon his religion will be like the one holding onto a burning piece of coal.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Fitan) In books of ahadith, there are whole chapters labelled as “Kitab al-Fitan” – often translated as the chapter of turmoil, afflictions and the end times. But the

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Masajid wa muwazi al-Salat, Hadith 648a)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

A life devoted to God

Arabic root of ‫( فتن‬fitan) and its lexical definition equally means temptations, trials, seduction and misleading from the right path – signifying a period of not only conflict and sedition, but tests and trials for believers.

A powerful – and often inescapable – anti-religious society is the Dajjal that Prophet Muhammadsa strongly warned of.

With sin widespread and alluring, feelings of despair, hopelessness and a lack of motivation creep into the will Continued on next page >>

If a person’s life is devoted to God, then God Himself will protect it. There is a hadith in Bukhari that when a person develops a bond of love with God Almighty, God becomes their limbs.

It is stated in another narration that this relationship of friendship grows to such an extent that God becomes the hands and feet, etc. of such people; He even becomes the tongue with which they speak. In actual fact, when a person cleanses themselves of their Continued on page 2

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of believers. After all, in such a testing environment, how much can one truly resist?

There is, however, great hope and solace for believers in modern times.

In his great commentary of the Holy Quran, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra expounds on the commentary of the Promised Messiahas about the fulfilment of prophecies in Surah al-Takwir (81st chapter of the Holy Quran) relating to modern society, new inventions and the rapid development of technology.

After discussing the technological advancements of modern society foretold in Surah al-Takwir from verses 1-12, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra gives an insightful commentary of verses 13 and 14. The verses are:

ۡ ۡ َ ‫َو ِاذا ال َج ِح ۡی ُم ُس ّ ِعرَت‬

“And when the Fire is caused to blaze up”;

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inner passions and adheres to the will of God, abandoning their own ego, none of their actions are unlawful; in fact, each and every one of their actions are in line with the will of God. Even more so, God Almighty declares their actions to be those of God Himself.

This is a level of divine nearness which has caused those who have not fully traversed the stations in the spiritual quest, to stumble. In other cases, those who are unaware of matters divine and have failed to understand the true meaning of divine nearness, have misconstrued the issue at hand and have invented the concept of

َ ۡ ُ ُ َّ ۡ َ ‫َو ِاذا ال َجنۃ ازل ِف ۡت‬ “And when the Garden is brought nigh”.

These verses come after the description of drastic world changes (described in verses 1-12) that were to occur; for example, the formation of a global village, new transport systems and the spread of books and libraries.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra explained that these prophecies directly referred to modern times and in such an age, the Holy Quran says, “the Fire” will be “caused to blaze up”.

This verse, according to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, signifies sin would be so rampant and widespread during this time that as a result, the fire of Hell would be “caused to blaze up” and burn stronger – the number of Hell-bound people would be huge.

Modern society is proof of the fulfilment of this Quranic prophecy too with faithlessness and sin engulfing every

Oneness of Being (wahdat-ul-wujud).

One should never forget also that whenever a person falls to trial, it is because they act in a way that is not in accordance with the will of God; God Almighty desires something else. Such a one is subdued by their own desires and does not adhere to the will of God. However, a person who is referred to as the friend of Allah the Almighty and whose life God tends to, is one whose every action and inaction is determined by first consulting the Book of God. Such a person turns to the Book of Allah in preference to their own thoughts and desires and seeks counsel from it.

The narration goes on to state that

society.

The next verse, however, is where the hope lies for believers.

At the face of it, “And when the Garden is brought nigh” seems to contradict the preceding verse. If the fire of sin is rife and Hell is caused to burn fiercer, then how can the “Garden” (Heaven) be closer for people?

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra explains this by saying: “[‘And when the Garden is brought ۡ ۡ َ nigh’] is the natural result of ‫َو ِاذا ال َج ِح ۡی ُم ُس ّ ِعرَت‬ [‘And when the Fire is caused to blaze up,’] because when sins increase and people do not pay attention to God Almighty, in such an atmosphere, Heaven is also brought closer and people can attain Heaven with little effort and sacrifice.

“To attain Heaven in an age where good deeds prevail and are common is not as easy compared to an age in which, generally, people are averse to faith. This is because in such a climate [of faithlessness], even paying a little attention

Allah the Exalted feels a great degree of hesitation in taking the soul of such a person. In reality, Allah the Almighty is free from hesitating. What this actually means is that such people are given death due to a certain wisdom; indeed, it is due to a grand wisdom that they are taken to the next world. Were it not for this, God holds very dear the life of such a person.

Hence, if a person’s life is not such that God Almighty feels a hesitation in taking it to Himself, then such a life is worse than that of animals.

Many people can be sustained on a goat and its hide also proves useful, but man is of no use, not even after death. The effect of a righteous man, however, is felt

to God Almighty makes one worthy of His pleasure.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 228) This creates great hope for any believer struggling to practice faith – even the slightest good deed weighs heavier today, than ever before.

Yes, it is not always easy to practice our faith in modern society – after all, to err is human – but the message Allah gives us in the above verses is of hope and not to despair. Allah is the Most Gracious and Ever Merciful and understands every situation.

We published a great vision of Hazrat Mir Muhammad Ismailra – the brotherin-law of the Promised Messiahas – titled “Scenes of God’s Forgiveness”. This vision confirms the unimaginable mercy Allah the Almighty will show on the Day of Judgment and is a means of great hope for believers. The vision can be read here: www.alhakam.org/scenes-of-godsforgiveness/ No matter how challenging, we must continue to strive to practice our faith as Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa exhorts in every sermon, speech and meeting.

The knowledge, in the back of our minds, that a helping hand will be given to believers living in modern times where sin is rampant and widespread, remains a great means of hope and enthusiasm.

Be that as it may, one can never be too certain in this life of Allah’s forgiveness; therefore, a concerted effort for gaining his pleasure is best.

by even his progeny and they too benefit from him. In fact, such a person does not die at all; when physical death overtakes him, he is granted a new life.

David, on whom be peace, states, “I was a child and now I have grown old. I have never seen a godly man in a demeaned state, nor have I seen the children of such people begging for scraps.” That is to say that God Almighty even takes it upon Himself to support the children of a God-fearing person. It is also mentioned in a hadith that a wrongdoer is cruel to his own family as well because they are affected by his evil.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp.

189-190)

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

From the Markaz

Bangladesh Khuddam amila seeks guidance from Hazrat Khalifatul Masih On 7 February 2021, national amila of majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh was blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, through a virtual mulaqat.

Members of the amila gathered in Dar al-Tabligh Mosque complex in Dhaka.

After conveying his salaam, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa led everyone in dua (silent prayer), after which various departments’ secretaries introduced themselves and the work assigned to them.

Addressing Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Bangladesh, Zahed Ali Sahib, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about the agenda of the meeting. Sadr Sahib said 31 members were present and wished to share details of their duties and seek guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa on various matters.

Addressing Naib Sadr 3, Kawsar Ahmad Sahib, Huzooraa asked what his duties were. Responding in Bangla, he said he oversaw various departments as well as one region.

Following this, addressing Mohammad Solaiman Sahib, who was translating during the mulaqat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked about his responsibilities and work. Answering Huzooraa, he said that he was serving as muavin sadr 1 and supervised the publications department and was also serving as a missionary.

Naib Sadr 2, Fahim Miajee Sahib, presented his report, saying his duties consisted of overseeing the departments of tajnid, atfal, sehat-e-jismani and Tahrik-e-Jadid. Huzooraa enquired if he received any reports and whether he sent those reports back with feedback. Fahim Sahib said reports were received and he would make it an action point to analyse the reports and send feedback.

Addressing Imran Ahmad Sahib, Motamid, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked, “How much time do you give to the majlis daily. A motamid should give a fair amount of time for his assignments.”

Imran Sahib said he gave 10 hours during the week on alternate days.

Whilst offering direction, Huzooraa stated: “Make sure that all the reports go through you. You [should] read all the reports, give your comments and then your additional [motamid] should write

the letters according to your comments.”

Mahmood Ahmed, Muavin Sadr 2, whilst presenting his assignments, said he prepared the drafts of the reports on behalf of Sadr Sahib, to be sent to the markaz.

He added that he was also supervising a region and had been specially assigned to work with the Waqf-e-Nau department.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then asked how much time he spent on his work during the week; Mahmood Sahib responded by saying he gave 10-12 hours every week on his assignments. Hearing this, Huzooraa remarked, “Masha-Alllah!”

Next, Dr Enamur Rahman Sahib, Naib Sadr 4, explained his duties and said he was entrusted to supervise the departments of tabligh, khidmat-e-khalq, umur-e-tulaba, and e‘timad. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked if he was a doctor of medicine or a PhD. Dr Enamur Sahib explained that he did an MBBS, completed the MRCS and had applied and submitted his request for waqf.

Shahriar Raza Sahib, Additional Mohtamim Talim said his responsibility was to supervise the talim board examination for Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Bangladesh. Upon this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked how many khuddam previously participated and gave the exam. Raza Sahib said 553 khuddam participated in the exam and explained that they were unable to hold

the exam last year due to Covid-19.

Huzooraa, whilst offering guidance and direction, said: “Covid should not be any excuse; you can take this exam online or they can just fill the paper and send it to you. It is not necessary that they gather at one place and then sit for exams … even while sitting at home, they can do it.”

Huzooraa then enquired of Mohtamim Talim, Shopan Ahmad Sahib about the total tajnid for Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya; he said there were 3,464 khuddam.

Huzooraa stated that out of 3,464, only 553 khuddam participated in the exam and asked what plan was being made to increase the number of participants.

Mohtamim Talim stated said they would try to double the number of participants this year. Responding to this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “It should be 1,500, at least. If not 2,000, then at least 1,500.”

Whilst addressing Hafizur Rahman Sahib, who is serving as Additional Mohtamim Khimat-e-Khalq, Huzooraa asked how many khuddam were blood donors and if hospitals and blood banks were aware that if they need blood, they may contact Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya.

Hafizur Rahman Sahib said that such a relation was yet to be established.

Huzooraa emphasised that this should be implemented and added:

“If you work with blood banks and hospitals and register members of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and tell them that if they ever need blood, they may contact you, then you will be able to foster a relationship with them – paths for tabligh will open up and the Jamaat will be introduced through service to humanity … people should know that we [Ahmadi Muslims] serve all of humanity.”

Ata-ur-Rahim Sahib, Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq, reported that his duty was to help provide free medical care for the needy and less fortunate. Huzooraa asked how many medical camps were arranged this year and how many patients were attended to. In response, he said that five medical camps were set up and 1,650 patients were attended to, the majority of whom were non-Ahmadis.

Addressing Omair Ahmad Sahib, serving as Mohtamim Sehat-e-Jismani, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if he participated in any sports and enquired about how many khuddam excercised daily; in reply, he said that he played cricket and 802 khuddam exercised daily.

Addressing Additional Mohtamim Mal, Ibrat Hasan Sahib, Huzooraa asked about his duties and responsibilities.

Answering Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, he said he had been tasked to maintain the records of chanda collection and Continued on next page >>

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expenditure.

Whilst addressing Al Iqram Khan, serving as Mohtamim Tarbiyat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked what trabiyat plan was made for khuddam and how many of them offered Salat in congregation. He said 45% of khuddam offered Salat in congregation. Huzooraa said: “You must pay special attention to Namaz in congregation and the recitation of the Holy Quran.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Ashraful Islam Sahib, Mohtamim Atfal, how many atfal there were in Bangladesh, Ashraful Islam Sahib reported that there were 1,362 atfal.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, whilst addressing Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Waqar-e-Amal, asked what kind of waqar-e-amal was being conducted. Mushtaq Ahmad Sahib reported they regularly cleaned mosques and cemetaries and had sought permission from the government to clean a government hospital. Hearing this, Huzooraa replied, “Masha-Allah!”

Whilst enquiring from Taslim Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Umumi, about his responsibility, Huzooraa asked if khuddam regularly offered duties, to which he replied in the affirmative and said many khuddam regularly offered their time.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Shahin Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim NauMubai‘een, for the number of new converts and the plan made for their training and tarbiyat. Replying to Huzooraa, he said the total number of new converts, in the last three years, amounted to 448 and added that they held ijtemas to help in their knowledge and spiritual training.

After this, Huzooraa asked Rezauddin Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Umur-eTulaba, how many students were attending university. Rezauddin Sahib said he was currently collating this information and according to the report, 14 students were currently studying in university, 15 were studying in private universities and 16 were studying in national universities.

Huzooraa then asked if the students organised any informative seminars and instructed: “Students should organise a seminar where they invite non-Ahmadi Muslim students in which a researched paper can be read out or something else can be done to help build bridges of friendship. It doesn’t necessarily have to be tabligh; any worldly topic can be addressed in it.”

Whilst conversing with Mahmud Ahmad Sahib, Mohtamim Isha‘at, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa asked if any magazine was being published for khuddam.

Mahmud Sahib said a monthly magazine for khuddam was published.

Following this, Huzooraa enquired from Mohtamim Tajnid, Sahirful Haque Sahib, how the total tajnid of Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya was collected. Sahirful Haque Sahib replied that they had created an online database to collect the tajnid, which was updated regularly.

Thereafter, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa extended salaam to everyone and the meeting came to an end.

Bangladesh Khuddam spiritually recharged following mulaqat with Huzoor Abdul Munim Khan Chowdhury Bangladesh Correspondent

The national amila of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Bangladesh had the blessed opportunity to have a virtual mulaqat with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa on 7 February 2021.

This was, in every aspect, a revolutionary and historic moment for Khuddam of Bangladesh and will be remembered forever by the participants.

Sadr Sahib, upon watching Huzooraa graciously take out his time for various departments of some countries virtually, was inspired to request Huzooraa for a meeting on behalf of the amila of Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh. So, he wrote to Huzooraa requesting a virtual mulaqat with the national amila.

Huzooraa graciously approved this mulaqat and 7 February 2021 was fixed for this meeting.

After this faith-inspiring meeting, the participants expressed their sentiments and impressions.

Mishkatul Haque Sahib, Additional Motamid, said: “This day is nothing short of an Eid day for me, being able to meet Huzooraa.

My exams were supposed to be held on the day of meeting, but I decided to meet with Huzooraa no matter what. By the grace of Allah, my exam was postponed at the last moment.”

Muhammad Mubasher Ali Sahib, Muhasib, said: “This was my first ever mulaqat with Huzooraa. When we saw him on the screen, I felt as if I was meeting him in person.

Alhamdulillah for this blessed opportunity.

May Allah enable me and my family to stick to Khilafat till our last breath. Amin.”

Muhammad Ataur Rahman Sahib, Mohtamim Khidmat-e-Khalq, said: “Before the mulaqat, I was extremely

anxious. But after seeing Huzooraa on the television screen, I felt truly enlightened. I feel completely at peace.”

Al-Ikraam Khan Sahib, Mohtamim Tarbiyat, said: “I am truly blessed to have spoken to our Khalifa directly.”

Muhammad Mahbubur Rahman Sahib, Naib Sadr, said: “I had longed to meet Huzooraa for such a long time and alhamdulillah, today was that blessed day.”

Tareq Ahmed Sahib, Mohtamim Mal, said: “I feel extremely fortunate to have met Huzooraa directly. The opportunity to meet Allah’s most loved person in this era brought a feeling that is impossible to express in words.”

Muhammad Solaimaan Sahib, Muavin Sadr, said: “This virtual meeting with Huzooraa felt like it was in person. I felt such peace upon seeing his pure face. All the participants

of this meeting fell down in Sajda-e-Shukr once Huzooraa concluded this meeting.”

Mahmud Ahmad Sumon, Mohtamim Ishaat, said: “My heartfelt gratitude to Huzooraa for this incredible opportunity of meeting him directly. I could not hold back my tears upon seeing the holy face of Huzooraa.”

Muhammad Zahed Ali, Sadr Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh, said: “I have never had the opportunity to meet any emperor or head of state, but today, I had the opportunity to meet Huzooraa, the spiritual leader of the time and my insignificant soul was standing in front of him. My heartfelt gratitude and a million thanks to Huzooraa for making time from his extremely busy schedule for this meeting, alhamdulillah! May Allah forgive us all. Amin.”

May this faith-inspiring meeting with Huzooraa bring revolutionary changes among the Khuddam of Bangladesh. Amin.

Members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Bangladesh’s national amila gathered in Dar al-Tabligh Mosque, Dhaka, for their online mulaqat with Huzooraa Photo credit: MTA International

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 12-18 February 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 12 February 1891: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra saying that he had heard the maulvis of Amritsar were creating a lot of hue and cry in his opposition.

Hazrat Ahmad said that for the last few days, Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra was staying in Qadian. Huzooras described him as a very pious young man and that reading a few of his (the Promised Messiah’sas) books proved to strengthen his faith. as

Although he belonged to the Shia sect, Huzooras said Hazrat Nawab Sahibra had renounced all invalid and baseless beliefs that Shias held with regard to the Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 103-104) 12 February 1900: The Promised Messiah wrote a letter to Hazrat Seith Ismael Adamra in which he acknowledged receipt of 10 rupees, expressed his gratitude and prayed for him. (Maktubat-eAhmad, Vol. 3, p. 265) as

12 February 1902: The Promised Messiahas conveyed a message to members of the Jamaat through Al Hakam that the written assessment recommended to take place on the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha had been postponed due to the outbreak of the plague. Moreover, Huzooras blessed residents of the cities that had succumbed to the plague, with precious and elementary guidance.

(Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 173) 13 February 1835: Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi, was born to Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Murtaza and Hazrat Charagh Bibi. It was a Friday and according to the Hijri calendar, it was 14 Shawwal 1250 AH. According to the desi Punjabi year, or the Bikrami calendar, it was first Phagan 1891. The Promised Messiahas was born at the break of dawn in Qadian. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 48) 13 February 1886: The Promised Messiah wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he as

informed him that Munshi Ilahi Bakhsh Sahib, an accountant in Lahore, would send a few things to him and Chaudhry Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib in Jalandhar. Huzooras added that once he received it, he should then send them to Huzooras in Hoshiarpur. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 471) 13 February 1887: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he explained that a person is able to receive great pleasure once they have established a firm belief in God and purified themselves of all worldly desires by fostering a relationship and connection with Allah. (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 25) 13 February 1887: On this date, the Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he said: “Today, at the time of Fajr, the following was put into my mind by way of revelation:

14 February 1888: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he described the current state of mankind and stated that it was only a result of God’s blessing that one could be inclined towards religion. The Promised Messiahas further prayed that God blessed the Jamaat and enabled it to spread and prosper.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 533) 14 February 1891: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he said that he had departed for Ludhiana.

Huzooras said that Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra was in Qadian and was reminisicing Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra a lot. He said that he had benefitted a great deal from Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddin’sra book, Tasdiq Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, and also said that it proved to answer and solve many doubts.

Hazrat Ahmadas added that Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, whilst in Qadian, had expressed his desire to meet Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra. Huzooras then went on to describe this young man (Hazrat Nawab Sahibra) as very pious and regular in prayers. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 104)

‫عبدالباسط‬ [Abdul Basit] “I did not understand who was meant by it. In your letter received today, I saw Abdul Basit. It is possible that the words may have been referenced to you.”

for research purposes and met with the Promised Messiahas to learn about Huzoor’sas claim. He asked various questions and enquired of Huzooras about his miracles. (Malfuzat, Vol. 3, pp. 72-73)

Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra

Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira states that Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra had said several times that his revealed name was Abdul Basit.

(Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 26) 13 February 1903: A person of Baghdadi descent named Dr Muhammad Yusuf arrived in Qadian who was residing in Lucknow. He reached Qadian

15 February 1884: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana in which he said that he had received the following revelation from Allah Almighty: َ َ ُ ّ َ َ ّ ْ ُ َ َّ َ ْ َ َ ‫یا عبد‬ ‫الرا ِف ِع ِانِ ْی َرا ِف ُعک اِل َّی۔ اِنِ ْی ُم ِع ّزک لا َمانِع ل َِما اع ِط ْی‬ “O Servant of the God Who exalts! I shall raise you towards Me. I shall bestow honour and victory upon you. None can stop that which I bestow.”

Huzooras further wrote, “Perhaps two days ago, I received the revelation again: Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

6

<< Continued from previous page

َْ​َ َ َ ْ ُ َُ ٰ ْ ُ َْٰ َ ٰ ُْ َ ْ َ ُ ‫کت َب بِق ّو ٍۃ۔ خذھا َولا تخف َس ُن ِع ْیدھا ِسی َرت َھا الا ْولی‬ ِ ‫یا یحیی خ ِذال‬

“‘O Yahya [John], hold fast to this Book. Hold fast to it and be not afraid. We shall restore to it its original qualities.’

“This last part has been revealed to me previously also.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 597) 15 February 1885: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira in which he expressed his condolences at the demise of his respected elder relative and prayed for Allah’s mercy. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 459) 15 February 1888: On this date, the Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Munshi Rustam Alira, wherein he wrote: “On the night between 13 and 14 February, I saw two frightening dreams about you, which portended great grief and sorrow. I was very much anxious and uncertain as to the import of the dreams and a revelation came in a light slumber which has totally escaped my memory. Then, yesterday, your letter arrived containing the grievous news of the death of Sunderdas. ‘To Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.’ It seems that this was the sorrow to which the dream was related.” (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 534535) 15 February 1896: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Hazrat Mian Abdullah Sanaurira in which he said that he should try to meet him. Hazrat Ahmadas, alluding to his frail health, said that at times, it proved difficult to even respond to letters. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 3, p. 225) 15 February 1898: A foul mouthed apostate, Ahmad Shah Sheikh of Kashmir, who had converted to Christianity and had once been the medical officer of Ladakh and formerly been a missionary in Jagraon, District Ludhiana, wrote an offensive book, Ummahat-ul-Momineen, from England, which was published by RPS Press, Gujranwala and distributed on a large scale in early 1898, free of charge. According to a narration, this book

reached the Promised Messiahas on this day. (Life of Ahmad, p. 430) 15 February 1901: A children’s cricket match was held on this day. Several respected elders of the town went to watch the match for encouragement. Meanwhile, the Promised Messiahas was busy writing the interpretation of Surah al-Fatihah. A child of the Promised Messiahas asked him out of simplicity and love, “Why didn’t you come to watch the match?”

The Promised Messiahas replied, “They [the children] would have eventually come back after playing, but the cricket match that I am playing will continue till the end of times.” (Tarikh-eAhmadiyyat, Vol. 2, p. 168) 16 February 1884: The Promised Messiahas replied to a letter he received from Mir Abbas Ali Sahib of Ludhiana in which he stated that the world had witnessed many blessings that became manifest through the enmity of opponents. Huzooras added that the blessings of every prophet were shown after they faced opposition. If people had immediately accepted those who came from God, then the world would have been deprived of many miracles. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 598) 16 February 1891: The Promised Messiahas wrote a letter to Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra in which he expressed gratitude to Allah, Who granted him glad tidings of victory and help over those who declared him misguided and Hellbound. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 2, pp. 105) 17 February 1897: The Promised Messiahas published an announcement in which he appealed to members of the Jamaat for a house and a well that were needed for the hospitality of guests.

This announcement was published from Zia-ulIslam Press, Qadian. (Majmua-e-Ishtiharat, Vol. 2, p. 210) 17 February 1907: In February 1907, the Promised Messiahas received letters from the manager of the Gujranwala Gurukula who invited him for a religious conference. He said that every speaker would be given only 30 minutes to deliver a speech.

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra replied that Huzooras said that such a short time span would not be enough to address important theological matters and that for this reason, the Promised Messiahas could not participate. He explained that in such short time, it was not possible to expound upon certain matters in detail and to leave the truth incomplete was akin to an unborn baby coming out of the womb of the mother before its due date. (Maktubat-e-Ahmad, Vol. 1, p. 95) 17 February 1908: The nikah of Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begumra was announced with Hazrat Nawab Muhammad Ali Khanra, Raees (chieftain) of Malerkotla. Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra led this nikah at Masjid Aqsa, Qadian and the mehr (dowry) was set for 56,000 rupees.

Several guests came to participate from outside of Qadian. (Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, Vol. 1, p. 515) 18 February 1903: It is recorded in Al Hakam that the Promised Messiahas said: “Yesterday, on 18 February, suddenly I had a recurrence of my ilness and my hands and feet became cold. In this condition, I received a revelation, of which I can only remember one phrase. Since the revelation descended at a very fast speed, like the flash of lightning, the remainder could not be preserved. It is: َ ‫َوی ُ ْب ِق ْیک‬ “Along with this, I was told its meaning by Allah the Almighty: ‫تابدیر ترا خواہد داشت‬ “He will keep you for long.” (Al Hakam, 21 February 1903, p. 16) 18 February 1906: On this date, the Promised Messiahas received the following revelation: ْ ْ ُ ٰ َ َ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ َ َ ً ْ َ ّ ٰ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ ْ َ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َّ َ َ ْ ّ ‫الی۔ قل بَل‬ ‫اِنِی مع ال ِذین ھم یھتدون۔ ای یا َت َون اِلی الل ِہ ح ِنیفا کما قال اللہ تع‬ ّ ً ‫اھ ْی َم َح ِن ْیفا‬ ِ ‫ِملۃ اِبْ َر‬ “I am with those who are rightly guided. That is to say, those who come to Allah wholeheartedly; as Allah the Almighty has said. Tell them: ‘I follow the way of Abraham, who was wholly devoted to Allah.’” (Tadhkirah [English], p. 823)

On this date, on behalf of the Promised Messiahas,

Discover Islam campaign in New Zealand: Removing misconceptions Sabahuzafar Missionary New Zealand

To spread the message of Islam and remove misconceptions amongst the public, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya New Zealand has recently been continuing its Discover Islam campaign, visiting various towns and cities across the country.

The Discover Islam team first visited Tauranga, a coastal city in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty region, on 29 October 2020.

Here, they carried out numerous meetings as part of the #MeetYourMuslimNeighbourNZ initiative, which provides people with the opportunity to meet a Muslim and ask questions about Islam. The team met numerous local politicians and community leaders, including the Hon Jan Tinnetti MP (Minister of Internal Affairs, Minister for Women and Associate Minister for Education) and the President of the Tauranga Interfaith Council, Rev John Hebenton.

In addition to this, the Discover Islam campaign also visited the Waikato region,

travelling to Otorohonga on 17 December 2020 and Huntly on the 14 January 2021 to conduct #MeetYourMuslimNeighbourNZ campaign.

In Otorohonga, the team held an Islam Table Talk session with local council members in the offices of the Otorohonga District Council and extended an invitation to the Mayor, Max Baxter, who later joined in at our #MeetYourMuslimNeighbourNZ. One interesting incident in Otorohonga was when the team were visited by a lady who brought several of her children and grandchildren to visit the Discover Islam team. She explained she had seen a post on social media about the event and brought her family to join since she wanted to show them the campaign and do her part to help promote unity and understanding.

By the grace of Allah, the Discover Islam campaign has, thus far, been very successful in promoting a better understanding of Islam amongst the people of New Zealand and, insha-Allah, the team plans to continue with the initiative.

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Silent admiration – In memory of the late Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib Asif M Basit London

Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib was a great man in every respect. Thus, many great writers will write about him and in high words. My words regarding Chaudhry Sahib, however, hold no more value as those of a bystander, who had limited experience and interaction with him.

A noble man would once be seen walking along the road of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and the Tahrik-e-Jadid offices. Although he was not very tall but the awe he commanded made him a towering personality.

During my childhood and adolescence and right up until the time when I left Rabwah for Punjab University, my familiarity with him never went beyond this. My paths never crossed with Chaudhry Sahib so I never got to become any more acquainted with him.

Growing up in Rabwah, I was always keen to meet with noble personalities that lived in that little town; however, his silence, his head slightly raised and the glance that came downwards from up there always became a hindrance. Then, to learn that he was the Wakil-e-“Ala” (superior) was something that would bring fear to any 14- to 15-year-old boy as it would mean stepping out of one’s limits into a higher, superior realm. In short, I never got to become acquainted with Chaudhry Sahib.

It was in those very days that Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya published a magazine that contained many historic photographs. In those photos, Chaudhry Sahib could be seen as an active member of Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya and also, in some, as the sadr. It was through those photographs that I got to know of Chaudhry Sahib’s long-standing services to the Jamaat.

My education and work took me initially from Rabwah to Lahore and then from Lahore to London. A relationship with Chaudhry Sahib had never even formed that it could come to an end. Neither was there a bond between us, nor could I say that I ever missed him. Every now and then, he would be seen on some MTA programme or at Jalsa Salana walking from one place to another.

Through Allah’s attribute of Al-Sattar (Concealer of Flaws) and the kindness of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa, my application for waqf was approved and I was assigned duties in MTA. On Jalsa Salana (I believe 2009), I received an instruction from Huzooraa that I was to host a programme on the history of Jalsa Salana with some seasoned servants of the Jamaat. This was to be broadcast live from the Jalsa Salana studios.

The names of participants in the

discussion were given by Huzooraa: Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib, Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib and Syed Mir Mahmud Ahmad Nasir Sahib.

I had always been awe-struck by these noble gentlemen. Had Huzooraa not instructed for this discussion to take place, I probably would never have summoned the courage to approach them and pose them questions. I was familiar with the other gentlemen to some degree, but I had no previous interaction with Chaudhry Sahib.

Once I had notified every one of the programme over the telephone, they all replied by saying, “Alright. If Huzoor has said so, then we will be there”; however, along with this response, Chaudhry Sahib

enquired of the details – “What is the topic of discussion?” “How long is the discussion to last?” “How many guests are on the programme?” “Where will the programme take place?” “What are the questions?”

“Send me the specific questions.”

When he was assured that his requests would be fulfilled, he went on to say, “Your grandfather was a darvesh …”, and then narrated incidents of my grandfather. He also asked about my father.

You can imagine my surprise! I was of the impression that Chaudhry Sahib did not know me, not to speak of knowing me so very well.

Thus, my first interaction with Chaudhry Sahib was through this telephone call.

Chaudhry Sahib was still in Pakistan

and was yet to travel to England for Jalsa Salana; after that day, I would receive many phone calls from his office staff, saying that Chaudhry Sahib wished to speak to me. Chaudhry Sahib would enquire about the specific reply I wanted from a certain question.

The detail with which Chaudhry Sahib was preparing each question only grew my anxiety and concern. The programme was only 30 minutes long and alongside a fellow guest, each answer was to be given in a duration of no more than three or four minutes; however, judging by Chaudhry Sahib’s preparation, it seemed as though we should be spending many days discussing Jalsa Salana.

Jalsa Salana finally arrived and so did the time for our studio discussion. Chaudhry Sahib came and took his seat in the Jalsa Salana MTA studio. The other guest accompanied him. I did not know how to tell the other guest that perhaps he would have to be as silent during the programme as he was now.

During those helpless moments, I made it a point to hint at least three or four times that during the Jalsa broadcast, the duration of programmes is kept short. However, I did not receive any signal from Chaudhry Sahib and the other guest, indicating that my careful innuendos were being registered.

The programme commenced and the first question was posed to the late Chaudhry Sahib. Chaudhry Sahib gave the answer to all my planned questions in that one initial answer. In the remaining little time, we managed to benefit from the experience and knowledge of the other guest too. In this manner, the programme came to its conclusion in just two questions.

As long as Chaudhry Sahib remained in London following that Jalsa, he resided in the guest house opposite the Fazl Mosque.

Whenever I would meet him at any Namaz, he would start by saying, “That [specific] question could not be answered in its entirety. The fact is …”. He would then go on to elaborate on the missing aspects of that specific answer. I would walk alongside him until reaching the guest house, before Chaudhry Sahib entered his residence. On some occasions, it would so happen that Chaudhry Sahib would invite me in and narrate historic incidents, while seated in the sitting room of the guest house.

These meetings with Chaudhry Sahib enlightened me with hidden chapters of the Jamaat’s history. I developed a thirst for the history of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, which only continued to grow. Thus, I became increasingly indebted to Chaudhry Sahib Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

8 << Continued from previous page

for this growing interest of mine.

Chaudhry Sahib himself had such love for the history of the Jamaat that he would not suffice in merely narrating incidents himself.

During the same year following Jalsa Salana, as I got up to leave following a sitting with Chaudhry Sahib, the late Syed Abdul Haye Shah Sahib, who was also residing in the same guest house, entered. Chaudhry Sahib said, “If you wish to enquire about the history of the Jamaat, you should ask Shah Sahib. It was said about an Oxford University professor that whatever he knew, was history and whatever he did not, was not history. The same is the case of Shah Sahib. You should most definitely speak to him also.”

As the time approached for Chaudhry Sahib’s return to Pakistan, one of his assistants called me to say that Chaudhry Sahib had asked for me to see him. Upon arriving, Chaudhry Sahib said: “If you are planning another programme next year, then please provide the questions now. I believe in taking absolute care when narrating the history of the Jamaat. I consider it improper to mention anything without consulting authentic sources. I prepare my answers with a lot of effort. Therefore, if you wish to conduct any programme, let me know by the time I arrive in Pakistan.”

Through these brief encounters, I had become familiar enough with Chaudhry Sahib that not once did I even doubt that he said this with the desire to appear on another programme. Allah had given Chaudhry Sahib numerous opportunities to

serve the Jamaat in numerous capacities; so much so that he had acquired an enviable level of contentment in this regard.

The weeks and months of the year that followed continuously proved the fact that Chaudhry Sahib only wished to record the history of the Jamaat and wanted due care to be taken in doing so.

In those encounters with Chaudhry Sahib, I learned that he had a sublime sense of humour, but one that did not compromise the dignity of his personality. Along with my relationship, my love and affection for Chaudhry Sahib continued to grow.

Upon his return to Pakistan, I said to Chaudhry Sahib that due to the growing discrepancies in accounts related to the migration of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh to London, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa had instructed to record the events that took place in 1984; for this, Huzooraa had said that Chaudhry Sahib should do so.

After that day, I had the opportunity to contact him on a number of times, saying that the questions were being prepared, what the duration of the programme would be (which was left open-ended owing to past experience) and who would be accompanying him (an accompanying guest was also not needed for similar reasons) etc.

The stages of Chaudhry Sahib’s preparation made the wait between one Jalsa and the next one, easier. After every phone call and letter I exchanged with Chaudhry Sahib, it felt as though Jalsa was the next day and that rather than sitting in my office, I should be at the Jalsa Gah. Jalsa Salana arrived, as did Chaudhry Sahib. I went to meet him and he sat me down in the same sitting room of the guest

Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib during the recording of the MTA programme, Guftugu Photo credit: MTA International

house, but he went back to his room. He returned with a large bundle of papers, saying, “These are all the answers that I will be giving to your questions. I will be reading from this. This is your copy.”

Out of respect, I could not even express my surprise. All I could say was, “Chaudhry Sahib, the name of the programme is ‘Guftugu’ [Discussion]; so will you read all this out?”

He laughed and said, “I have done my part. Now it is for you to see how to make a discussion of this.”

This programme was set to be recorded in the Baitul Futuh studios following Jalsa Salana. I could not find the time amid the Jalsa period, but afterwards, as I studied the “document”, my shock transformed into a pleasant surprise.

The late Chaudhry Sahib had painstakingly compiled the entire event to such level of detail that it included the number plates of the cars in the convoy, the names of those seated in them, their order and where and when the order of the cars was altered. All these details were included in the dossier.

I picked him up from the Fazl Mosque to take him to Baitul Futuh for the recording.

Along the way, I said, “Chaudhry Sahib, as you read through your papers, I will ask a question every so often; but the question will be just to link the previous portion with the part to follow.”

He replied, “That is fine; as you wish.

This programme is related to history and that too on the instruction of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa. Even the slightest degree of carelessness can cause problems in compiling history. History requires a great deal of care.”

The recording commenced. One copy of the document was in my hands and the other with Chaudhry Sahib. Chaudhry Sahib would read through the dossier, while I followed him line by line. To avoid monotony, I would ask a question related to the following paragraph. There was never a break in Chaudhry Sahib’s flow and he would continue reading on.

After this interview was broadcast, it became apparent that certain individuals held differing views on some aspects.

When this matter was presented to Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, he instructed that Chaudhry Sahib should collate all such accounts and compile it as one full and final document. Huzoor’saa instruction was accordingly conveyed to Chaudhry Sahib.

Chaudhry Sahib immediately formed a committee, which included Sahibzada Mirza Khurshid Ahmad Sahib, Sahibzada

Mirza Ghulam Ahmad Sahib and Chaudhry Hameed Nasrullah Sahib. In an effort that lasted many months, he compiled the accounts of all those who had any role to play in the migration of Khilafat to London.

Having transcribed and collated their accounts, he sent off the final document to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Alhamdulillah, under the instruction of Huzooraa, this historic document has now been preserved at the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre.

With respect to another historic event, Huzooraa instructed me to record another interview with Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib. Huzooraa also said that this was for record purposes and not to be broadcast.

Huzoor’saa instruction was conveyed to the late Chaudhry Sahib, along with the guidance Huzooraa had provided. Chaudhry Sahib began his preparation and the next few months saw him occupied in research and, subsequently leading to an increase in my knowledge.

Then came Jalsa and Chaudhry Sahib arrived; with that, the time to record the interview was also upon us. Something new I learned this time was that despite knowing it was not to be broadcast, Chaudhry Sahib meticulously prepared for the discussion.

Every incident’s date, day and time was carefully documented; the interview became part of our video archive.

When I recall those sittings with Chaudhry Sahib in the sitting room of the guest house, or along the drives to and from Baitul Futuh, many things I learned from the late Chaudhry Sahib spring to mind.

It was such rendezvouses that I got to see the very pleasant side of Chaudhry Sahib’s personality. What I learned from this was that no matter how high a position one may hold, there is no harm in maintaining one’s wit.

One day, on the way back from Baitul Futuh, Chaudhry Sahib began explaining how missionaries were posted abroad from Pakistan. I asked whether there was a test for missionaries who were to be posted abroad, to which he replied in the affirmative. When asked what aptitudes were tested, Chaudhry Sahib replied, “What do you think?”

Chaudhry Sahib was my senior and I always maintained a degree of respect for him. I don’t know what happened in that instance, for I replied, “Blood tests?”

These words had only just escaped my mouth, when I felt just like a batsman watching his ball fly in air, with the hope that it flies out of the boundary and not into the hands of a fielder.

Chaudhry Sahib laughed aloud and I

9

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM took a sigh of relief. Otherwise, I would have felt eternal guilt for my casual response.

Thereafter, he described the method of assessment and the interview process which, I realised, was quite detailed and found it very informative.

Speaking of assessments and interviews, when the Ahmadiyya Archive and Research Centre came into being, I requested Huzooraa for a full-time missionary to be assigned to our department in Pakistan where most of our historical documents were preserved.

Upon Huzoor’saa instruction, I requested Mir Mahmud Ahmad Nasir Sahib to suggest someone for this task, who recommended a missionary for this role. Huzooraa graciously approved this appointment and also said, “As this will be a new setup [with the office being in London and a staff member working offshore], therefore you should write to Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib to make appropriate arrangements.”

With that, Huzooraa also provided guidance on which department would provide his allowance and how the budgeting process would work for this new setup.

Although the setup was new, Chaudhry Sahib did not once give the impression that it was discomforting for him. When the time came for collating all records, due to being a new department, we had to introduce ourselves to all departments and organisations and that we were working in line with Huzoor’s directives to preserve the Jamaat’s records.

Readers will be able to gather that this process was not as easy as I have wrapped it up in a line or two. At every step of every challenge faced, the late Chaudhry Sahib proved extremely cooperative and also provided ample guidance. In all this, it was

neither my influence, nor that of my fellow colleague; rather, it was Chaudhry Sahib’s resolute obedience to Khalifatul Masih and the sincere desire for history to be preserved that led him to show this courteous goodwill.

When the suggestion was made to Huzooraa to relaunch the Al Hakam newspaper, Huzooraa graciously granted approval and also instructed that preparations be set in motion. Alongside that, Huzooraa instructed for two certain individuals to be asked their view on its relaunch; one of these was Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib.

Huzooraa had already decided, but this was not to be mentioned to the two individuals as their personal opinion was required. In keeping with Huzoor’s instruction, I wrote to both individuals.

Chaudhry Sahib replied that it was a great suggestion and such a newspaper should definitely be started and that too immediately. The other gentleman replied that there was no need at all.

In the following mulaqat, both views were to be presented to Huzooraa. Huzooraa had not even heard the opinions of both gentlemen, when he said, “Chaudhry Sahib will have said that there is a need, while the other gentleman will have said there is not.

Am I correct?”

I replied that Huzooraa was indeed correct. With a smile, Huzooraa said, “Fine. I just wanted to confirm this.”

Following the establishment of Al Hakam as a department, as a lot of the Jamaat’s literature is in Urdu, the editor requested for a missionary, who was equally fluent in Urdu and English, to be appointed in Al Hakam for the purpose of translation.

With Huzoor’s approval and guidance, Qaasid Muin Sahib (editor of Al Hakam)

travelled to Pakistan.

Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib had been notified of Huzoor’s instruction and provided full cooperation to assist the editor in the assessment and interview stages.

When, finally, a missionary in Pakistan was posted in Al Hakam, Chaudhry Sahib was extremely supportive as regards his allowance and various other arrangements.

Thus, the editor and the department of Al Hakam, both were made known to the late Chaudhry Sahib’s affectionate personality.

In this episode, once again, a great lesson was taught to us by Chaudhry Sahib on obedience to Khilafat and to accomplish a task to the best of one’s ability.

The department of Ahmadiyya Archive and Research was established by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in 2014. At the occasion of Jalsa Salana 2015, an exhibition showcasing archived material and artefacts was put up. On the third and final day of Jalsa, the exhibition remained open well into the night. Thereafter, all documents, artefacts and equipment was packed and taken to our London offices.

The day after Jalsa, I received a call from Chaudhry Sahib, who asked where our exhibition could be seen. I explained that at present, we did not have a permanent exhibition and it was only a makeshift one for the three days of Jalsa, now packed and set aside.

He replied, “I just had an audience with Huzooraa. Huzooraa asked if I had seen the exhibition. When I replied that I was unable to do so during the Jalsa, Huzooraa instructed that I see it now and report back by the evening.”

I replied that he was welcome to come immediately and that we would show him all the material.

After only a short while, Chaudhry Sahib entered. My colleagues and I showed Chaudhry Sahib all the archives, who went through everything very keenly, sharing valuable information pertaining to almost every single document. Before dusk, Chaudhry Sahib bade farewell and said, “Now, I must return and report that I have been through the exhibition.”

The late Chaudhry Sahib was a quiet person. Bearing in mind that I had limited interaction with him, one can imagine how much I could have conversed with him?

From this, you will gather how much verbal instructions or guidance he would have given. But Chaudhry Sahib taught me a great deal through his practice – love for Khilafat, obedience to the Khalifa, the need for preserving the Jamaat’s history, the careful requirements for preserving history, the importance and benefits of cooperating and providing ease in the Jamaat’s administrative matters.

For all this, I am indebted to Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib.

I have written these lines for comforting my own self, for such debts can never be repayed.

Another thought, through which I wish to give myself some further comfort, is that if he was naturally a quiet person, then he must have been good at understanding the language of silence. I pray to God that Chaudhry Sahib had sensed my silent admiration for him.

May Allah exalt his status and continue to provide Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa with such passionate, dedicated and devout soldiers.

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

10

Opinion

Mums are superheroes of lockdown and dads should help

Attiya Shaukat UK

It’s not just me, is it? This lockdown feels tougher than the first!

I give Kudos to schools who have been more organised with online classes.

However, parents with young children like me, mostly must join these classrooms, often inconspicuously hovering in the background and learning the lessons too!

In case you are wondering, I did go to school, but things have changed since our time. No doubt two plus two still equals four, but it’s all taught with different strategies. Trying to teach maths our way, is not encouraged as it will just “confuse” the child. It’s tempting not to mouth answers to questions from the side of the screen, but that’s tantamount to cheating.

On my part, I’m sorry to say that teaching fractions has turned me into a coffee drinker. I am positively averse to stimulants to numb the present. My excuse, however, is that it helps with the onset of my headaches triggered by mathematical enigmas. Fractions is one of those triggers.

Despite all this, I feel most sorry for those mothers who have to work from home, homeschool their children, make sure everyone is being fed three meals and do the household chores! Each one of these tasks is a job on its own. Mums are the superheroes of lockdown.

Sadly, for a long time, the world has ignored motherhood as a vocation, despite this being the hardest job of all! People don’t realise that it takes patience to even entertain these blessed little clones.

The Holy Prophetsa rewarded the pay of motherhood as Paradise under her feet

(Sunan al-Nasai). What better pay, is the pay of Paradise under your feet? I know women are fighting for equal pay at work – it’s unfair that this basic right is still being fought – but I also take comfort that Islamically, one mother’s reward exceeds the entire pay of all the men.

On reflection, mothers were already doing a lot before lockdown, but the pressure is at an all-time high now. It doesn’t require a genius to conclude that a stressedout mother will leave a stressed effect on the

child. I worry that as a society, will we one day have to listen to the devastating toll of the pandemic (BBC News, January 2021) from the women and children who were lacerated by it?

Most people have moved away from the Victorian method of punishing a child when teaching, disciplining, or releasing one’s own frustration. Nevertheless, I think parents have compensated one evil with another by shouting at their child instead (The Guardian, Loud but not proud 2001),

which may not leave marks on the body, but is certain to scar the child mentally for life.

All in all, whatever the stress for women was before, we have all seen a huge increase in lockdown; this is where our other half can come to our rescue.

In Islam, it is a husband’s responsibility to provide food, shelter and clothing for wife and children, to the best of his ability.

Just before the pandemic took centre stage, the Khalifa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community reminded his followers at Jalsa Salana Germany 2019, as to how Muslim men could help at home too. Citing the example of the best amongst men, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: “The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, would help his wife in chores around the house. He would wash his own clothes, sweep the floor, tie his camel, feed the animals, milk the goats and do all his chores. If he sought help from any of his helpers, he would assist in carrying out this task, to the extent he would even prepare the dough for bread and would carry his shopping home.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa explained in simpler terms how men should not be neglectful of their duties: “... some men show great arrogance. If clothes are not washed on time, they spew disorder in the home. Nowadays, one does not even have to wash their clothes by hand, as washing machines are available; they [men] can easily put the washing in, but they cannot trouble themselves even to do this … they can easily vacuum the home, yet even in this, they show disdain; these reasons cause unrest in the homes”.

These words are more pertinent now than ever before. But have you ever heard of a political or religious leader telling men to help their spouse with household chores?

No, neither have I. But lucky for me, my husband has heard the Khalifa speak. It means I don’t need to resort to stronger beverages to escape the present.

Ahmadis urged to spread the message of Ahmadiyyat in Shianda, Kenya Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Shianda from the Western part of Kenya, held a virtual tarbiyat class. The number of attendees was limited to 28 people, due to the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

It is an order by the government of Kenya, through the Ministry of Health that people should avoid large gatherings.

Different topics were discussed including the importance of reciting the Holy Quran and the relevance of Surah Ya Sin for a Muslim. Members present were urged to learn the Holy Quran and recite it every day. The importance of congregating in the way of Allah was also discussed.

Members were urged that despite the difficulties brought about by the pandemic, they should strive to gather in small

groups and teach themselves, acquire more knowledge of Islam Ahmadiyya, sacrifice in the way of Allah and tread the path of righteousness.

The history of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and the second coming of Jesusas were also discussed. Members were exhorted to read the books of the Promised Messiahas so that they gain enough knowledge to express themselves in front of non-Ahmadis about the second coming of the Messiah. They were also urged to spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

In the end, members present were reminded to always perform daily prayers and Tahajud, adhere to the Nizam-e-Jamaat, for this would bring success in their lives and their children, insha-Allah.

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Coming from every distant track: A Hindu ascetic visits Qadian A series looking at the high standard of morals of the Promised Messiahas when receiving visitors in Qadian Awwab Saad Hayat Al Hakam

“On 1 August 1899, after the Maghrib prayer, a Hindu sadhu (ascetic), from a wellknown class of people, came to visit Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas and then went on to have a discussion with him. The following is a summary or abridgement penned in my own words according to memory.” (Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira, Editor Al Hakam) The Promised Messiah: Is your practice of meditation according to the tenets of Sanatan Dharma or the principles of the Arya Samaj?

Ascetic: It is according to the Sanatan Dharam.

The Promised Messiah: The Arya Samaj are a sect with words but no action.

Ascetic: Absolutely. These people do not believe in the need for a spiritual teacher [guru]. In fact, they do not even believe in Dayananda [Saraswati] to be a spiritual guide. They simply say that he showed them a path and now, everyone ought to follow it.

The Promised Messiah: Your meditation is full of very strenuous exercises.

Ascetic: Yes, indeed.

The Promised Messiah: After this exercise, do you develop some sort of strength or power, which causes one to perceive that love which the individual engaged in meditation, possesses for God? Love cannot be perceived or seen to exist until a perfect expression is made from both sides.

On the one hand, man must be ready to bear all sorts of grief and pain in the fervour of love, while on the other hand, Parameshwara [God] endows a lustre or parkash [light] to such a person, which distinguishes them from others in general.

Ascetic: Yes, a person does manage to develop a certain degree of strength and power.

The Promised Messiah: Please, do relate something in the context of this power and strength; not something that you have heard of, but something you have witnessed yourself, either in your guru or in his guru.

You see, things that we have heard about do not possess the same effect, no matter how true they may be, and people consider them to be nothing more than tales and fables.

For example, someone may say that there is a certain country where humans fly.

Now, there can be no doubt that we would be reluctant in believing this because we have neither seen humans flying, nor have we taken flight ourselves. Therefore, in order to increase the strength of our faith and certainty, matters of hearsay are of no benefit. On the contrary, new and fresh observations that we witness before our eyes and even more so, things that we experience personally, do have an effect.

Group photo of the Promised Messiahas with his Companionsra

So, the reason I ask this question is so that you kindly tell me something of the nature that I just mentioned, which you have observed or heard personally from those who engage in this meditative exercise.

Ascetic: Our spiritual leader [guru] did possess certain qualities whereby he could discern the thoughts of others and when he said something, it would occur. His guru also possessed many such qualities, but I have not seen him. But it is one and the same, because our guru’s teacher passed away some 80 years ago and those who saw him are still alive.

The Promised Messiah: Have you also performed meditative exercises?

Ascetic: Yes, I have also undertaken such exercises.

The Promised Messiah: What have you done exactly?

Ascetic: Initially, I would engage in retreats. A single retreat lasts for eight months.

The Promised Messiah: What would you eat during that time?

Ascetic: In the beginning, I would have rice flour. Then, I began having nothing but porridge – I would boil barley in water and when the mixture would be reduced to half a vessel, I would then keep it aside. The next morning, I would have about a litre of that porridge and urinate immediately thereafter. Then, I would eat nothing.

The Promised Messiah: This did not contain iron etc., did it?

Ascetic: No. The Promised Messiah: During this period of spiritual exercise and meditation, did you witness any astonishing or

remarkable sights or visions?

Ascetic: Yes, at times I would see a light that would enter my body. Then, I would also see people coming and going from afar.

After this, there were a few minutes of silence, which was finally broken by the following question posed by the Hindu ascetic.

(Hazrat Sheikh Yaqub Ali Irfanira, Editor Al Hakam) Ascetic: Do you believe Parmeshwar (God) to be aakar or nir-aakar?

At this point, Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin Sahib explained for the benefit of the audience that aakar meant, “One that can be made into an idol” and nir-aakar meant, “A God Who does not require a sculpted form”.

The Promised Messiah: In order to worship the God that we believe in, we neither require such meditation and exercises, nor are we in need of any idol. In our religion, there is no need whatsoever to bear such difficulties in order to attain the nearness of God Almighty and witness the displays of His power. In fact, those who truly love God and are devoted to Him, can find Him in no time at all, in a very easy manner and I have experienced this myself. If man moves a single step in God’s direction, He moves two steps; if man walks swiftly towards Him, God races towards man and fills his heart with light.

In my opinion, those who make idols of God have not understood the wisdom and secret behind God Almighty keeping Himself in a state of apparent hiding. God Almighty being hidden is the very fact that opens the pathways for all of man’s quests, searches and investigations. All the knowledge and insight that has ever been

revealed to man, though present all along, at some point in time, was hidden. It was the strength of man’s struggle and effort that showed its lustre and achieved the ultimate end.

The love of a true lover does not waver by the absence of their beloved, or if their beloved cannot be seen physically. In fact, physical separation results in a kind of longing, which increases the lover in their passion. How then, can someone who searches for God through an idol claim to be a true and sincere lover, when, without the aid of an idol, a person is unable to direct their full attention towards that pure and perfectly beautiful Being? A person ought to test their love themselves.

If, like the passionate lover, who, while sitting and standing and in every state, whether awake or asleep, can see nothing but the countenance of his Beloved and his full attention is forever inclined to Him, then he should know that he does truly love God Almighty and most definitely the light and love of God is present within him. However, if intermediary agencies and external ties and obstructions can divert a person’s attention from God and if one’s heart can lose sight of Him for even a moment, then I honestly say that such a person is not a lover of God Almighty and does not love Him; this is why they are deprived of the light and radiance that is granted to true lovers of God. It is here where most people have stumbled and have rejected God. The foolish did not correctly adjudge their own love and began to think ill of God, without first taking stock of their own devotion. Therefore, in Continued on next page >>

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

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<< Continued from previous page

my opinion, God Almighty is apparently hidden so that the goodness and rectitude in our nature can come forth and develop further and so that our spiritual powers may be refined and polished, in order to fill us with divine light.

I publish repeated announcements and invite people to experience this for themselves. Some people call me a businessman. Everyone has their own idea and speaks accordingly. However, despite hearing all these differing voices, for what purpose do I publish announcements in all the parts of the world where people reside, be it in Europe or America etc.?

I have no purpose other than to guide people towards that God Whom I myself have witnessed. I do not desire to show God by way of hearsay or tales of the past. In fact, I call upon people to accept God Almighty by presenting to the world my own being and my own person. This is a simple matter. God Almighty moves towards a person with greater speed and swiftness than they advance towards Him. When we observe even on earth that the beloved of an honourable man is afforded respect and honour, how could someone who enjoys the nearness of God Almighty possess no signs to exhibit the omnipotence of God Almighty and His boundless powers?

Remember that the jealousy of God Almighty never leaves such a person in a state where they are disgraced and ruined.

On the contrary, as God Himself is One and without partner, He makes such a person one who is without partner among the people on earth. No one on the face of the earth can contest with such a person. Such a one is attacked on all fronts and every attacker – oblivious to the strength of such people – surmises that they will destroy them. Ultimately, such opponents realise that the manner in which the people who they oppose are saved is the work of a higher force that is above and beyond human power. In fact, if such people knew this from the very beginning, they would not have waged these attacks in the first place.

As such, those who bask in the nearness of God Almighty and who serve as a sign of His existence and Being, are apparently such that every opponent, in their own view, believes that they will not be able to escape them. This is because the schemes that they hatch and the sum total of their efforts lead

them to this belief. However, when a holy person safely emerges from all this with honour and dignity, an opponent is taken aback for a moment and realises that if this were a human affair, this person could not have come out unscathed; so if this person has remained safe and sound, this is not the work of man, but the work of God. Therefore, this sheds light on the underlying reason behind the attacks made against those who enjoy nearness in the royal court of God. Those who are ignorant in the field of divine knowledge and insight consider such opposition to be a means of disgrace. But what would make them know that this very “disgrace” is a means of honour and distinction for the people of God, which proves to be a sign in favour of the existence of Allah the Exalted and establishes His Being. This is why such people are referred to as the “Signs of God”.

In short, my desire in the countless announcements that I publish is to inform the people of the God Who I have found and seen and to show them the closest and quickest way by which they can become a

godly person. Therefore, in my opinion, stories and tales cannot serve to advance one in divine knowledge and insight, until man practically sees for himself and this is not possible in any other way except by following the path that I have shown.

Moreover, on this path, such difficulties and hardships are not required.

Here, it is the heart that does the work.

God Almighty looks at the heart. When there is love and passion in the heart, what use is an idol? The worship of idols can never bring a person true and certain results.

The sight of God Almighty focuses on a point in the heart of a sincere person.

God sees this and knows that the person in question will bear every difficulty and struggle happily for His sake. It is not necessary for a man to undertake strenuous exercises and always be present.

I observe that the sweeper who comes to my house undertakes immense toil and that even our very honourable and sincere friends could not do the work that he does.

Now, would I view my sincere friends as unworthy on account of this and look at the sweeper as being worthy of more esteem and honour? We have certain friends who come to visit us after extended periods of time and it is not possible for them to sit in our company often, but I know full well that their hearts are moulded in such a way and their dispositions have been vested with such sincerity and love, that when the time comes, they will offer great services in our cause.

The same principle is to be found in the law of nature as well. The more something is raised in station, the lesser its toil and labour. Just take the example of process servers. They are handed a heap of documents and are ordered to comply and report back within one week. Come rain or shine, be it winter, or even if village roads are damaged and difficult to traverse, no excuse is accepted. And after all this, if you ask them their wage, they receive a meagre five rupees. However, the circumstances of high-ranking officials are at a stark variance.

This law of nature clearly demonstrates

that the divine law deals with the beloved of God Almighty in the same manner.

Engaging in dangerous meditations and rendering one’s limbs and faculties lifeless through various exercises, is absolutely absurd and futile. This is why our Perfect Guide, on whom be peace and blessings, has said: ‫لا رهبانیة في الإسلام‬ “There is no asceticism in Islam.”

That is to say, the fundamental quality of Islam may be described as such: ‫ت‬ ‫رگدن اہندن ربمکح دخاد وماقف� اتہم اقمبد �ی ر ٓال�ہ� یہ‬ “To bow one’s head before the command of God and fully accept the decrees of the Divine.”

When a person develops this quality, there is no need for asceticism. In other words, such exercises and meditations are not required.

After this, the Hindu ascetic left and food was served. The Promised Messiahas said, “This is why Islam has not prescribed asceticism. For asceticism does not lead to perfect knowledge of the Divine.” (Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 1, pp. 201-214) (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 35-41) Al Hakam, 10 August 1899, records: “The ascetic, whilst stating his intake during meditation, mentioned that throughout those days, water was his only intake.

“Upon this, Hazrat Hakim Maulvi Nuruddinra narrated an incident that an experienced person once told him that if a lot of water was boiled to an extent that it all evaporated, only leaving one cup, then it would be very nourishing because, in fact, it was not actually water, but it was the soup of bacteria that live in water.

“How ironic! On the one hand, the prohibition to eat meat and on the other, soup of the bacteria living in water! In our view, the taste of meat does not allow to even leave the bone. For this reason, the essence of the bacteria seems to be tasty and pleasing; and in monastic meditation, its intake has been justified.”

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

Lunar and Solar eclipse prophecy for the Mahdi: Authenticity and fulfilment M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam

َّ ْ َ ُ ْ ُ َ ْ ُ َ ْ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ْ َ َّ َ ‫الس َم‬ ‫ات‬ ‫اِن ل ِمھ ِدینا آیتی ِن لم تکونا منذ خل ِق‬ ِ ‫او‬ َ َ َ َ​َ َْ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫َوالأ ْر‬ ‫ َو‬،‫ ت ْنک ِسف الق َم ُر لأ ّو ِل ل ْیل ٍۃ ِم ْن َر َمضان‬،‫ض‬ ِ َّ ُ َ ْ َ ُ َ ُ َ َ ُ ّ ‫الش ْم ُس في‬ ‫تنک ِسف‬ ‫ َول ْم تک ْونا ُم ْنذ‬،‫ف ِم ْنہ‬ ِ ‫الن ْص‬ ِ ِ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َّ ُ ّ ٰ َ َ َ ‫ات و الأرض‬ ِ ‫خلق اللہ السمو‬ “For our Mahdi [Spiritual Reformer] there are two signs which have never appeared before since the creation of the Heavens and the Earth, namely the Moon will be eclipsed on the first night in Ramadan [i.e. on the first of the nights on which a lunar eclipse can occur] and the Sun will be eclipsed on the middle day [i.e. on the middle one of the days on which a solar eclipse can occur].

And these signs have not appeared since God created the Heavens and the Earth.”

(Sunan al-Daraqutni, Kitab al-Eidain) Referring to this hadith, opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, assert this tradition of the Holy Prophetsa is not authentic, so it cannot be considered a sign for the founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat.

Allah the Almighty says:

َ ُ َّ ٌ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ‫ٓاءت ُہ ۡم ٰایَۃ ل ُی ۡؤ ِمن ّن ِب َہا‬ ‫و اقسموا ِبالل ِہ جہد ایمانِ ِہم ل ِئن ج‬ ّٰ َ ۡ ُ ٰ ٰ ۡ َ َّ ۡ ُ َ‫ٓاء ۡت لا‬ َ ‫الل ِہ َو َما یُ ۡش ِعرُک ُ ۡم ۙ اَنَّ َہا ۤ ِا َذا َج‬ ‫ؕ قل ِانما الایت ِعند‬ ُ ‫یُ ۡؤ ِمنوۡ َن‬

“And they swear their strongest oaths by Allah that if there came to them a Sign, they would surely believe therein. Say, ‘Surely, Signs are with Allah. But what should make you understand that when the Signs come, they will not believe?’” (Surah al-An‘am, Ch.6: V.110) As stated in this verse of the Holy Quran, opponents of the Promised Messiahas follow in the footsteps of the earlier enemies of prophets and deny extraordinary signs which clearly announce the appearance of the Imam Mahdias in the last age.

The remarkable celestial sign mentioned in the hadith presented at the outset has its basis in the Holy Quran. Allah the Almighty states:

َ َۡ ۡ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ‫یَ ۡسـَٔ ُل اَ ّی‬ ‫ان یَوۡ ُم ال ِق ٰی َم ِۃ۔ ف ِاذا بَرِق ال َب َص ُر۔ َو خ َس َف الق َمرُ۔ َو‬ َّ َ ُ ُ‫الش ۡم ُس َو الۡقَ َمر‬ ‫ج ِمع‬

“He asks, ‘When will be the Day of Resurrection?’ When the eye is dazzled, and the moon is eclipsed, and the sun and the moon are brought together.” (Surah alQiyamah, Ch.75: V.7-10) That the Promised Messiah would arrive in the last age is undisputed and one of the signs of the Latter Days is mentioned in the above verses; the Sun and the Moon will be brought together. This clearly refers to the solar and lunar eclipse that happened in the time of the Latter-Day Messiah, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, as the Sun and the Moon aligned together to manifest this heavenly sign, in the month of Ramadan (according to the prophecy mentioned in hadith).

Responding to the objections raised on the hadith under discussion, the Promised Messiahas said: “If this hadith was not reliable, then why did Al-Daraqutni record it in his book?

On the other hand, he was a man of such reputation that he had even commented on Sahih al-Bukhari and no one has ever questioned his criticism. More than a thousand years have passed since his book came out, but thus far, not a single scholar has discussed this hadith and declared it as unauthentic, nor did any one of them say that this [hadith] is not supported by evidence present in other books.

“On the contrary, from the time this book was published in Islamic countries, all the scholars, intellectuals, mutaqaddimin and muta‘akhirin [earlier and later hadith scholars] have been writing this hadith in their books. If any of the great muhaddithin [specialists of hadith] considered this hadith as unreliable, then present any action or saying of only one of the muhaddithin who has written that this hadith is not authentic … However, if this hadith is authentic and it is free from any accusation of falsity, then righteousness and honesty demands that it should be accepted.” (Tohfah-eGolarhviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p.

133-134) This hadith has been frequently mentioned by various eminent scholars of Islam in their books and acknowledged as a sign of the advent of the Mahdi. Below are the names of some books: 1. Al-Arf al-Wardi fi Akhbar al-Mahdi by

Hazrat Imam Jalaluddin al-Suyutirh 2. Al-Qawl Al-Mukhtasar fi Alamat al-Mahdi al-Muntazar by Ahmad Ibn Muhammad Ibn Hajar Al-Haythami 3. Maktubat of Imam Rabbani Hazrat Mujaddid Alf-e-Sani, Ahmad Sirhindirh (Maktub no. 67) 4. Kitab al-Isha‘ah li-Ashrat al-Sa‘ah by Al-Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Rasul alBarzanji Hence, this hadith was not presented by the Promised Messiahas out of the blue.

Reliable and learned religious scholars had been constantly quoting this hadith in relation to the arrival of the Imam Mahdi.

The prophecy mentioned in the hadith is so unique and magnificent in nature that any sensible person with a rational mind cannot deny it.

Highlighting undeniable aspects of the prophecy, the Promised Messiahas said: “As a matter of fact, since the time of Adam to the present day, nobody ever made a prophecy like this. The prophecy has four aspects: 1. The occurrence of the lunar eclipse on the first of the eclipse nights 2. The occurrence of the solar eclipse on the middle of the eclipse days 3. The occurrence in the month of Ramadan 4. The presence of a claimant who has been rejected.

“Hence, if the greatness of this prophecy is denied, then show a parallel to it in the world and until a parallel cannot be found, this prophecy ranks foremost among all those prophecies for which the subject of the following verse provides authenticity:

ۡ َ ً َۤ َ ٰ ‫لا یُظ ِہ ُر َعلی غ ۡی ِب ٖہ ا َحدا‬

“[‘He reveals not His secrets to any one (except to him whom He chooses, namely a Messenger of His)’], because it is stated in this [hadith] that from the time of Adam to the last age, it has no parallel.” (Tohfahe-Golarhviyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, p.

136) The unseen was revealed to the Holy Prophetsa and he prophesied that this extraordinary sign would take place in the era of the Promised Messiahas and Mahdi.

Then, the Latter-Day Messiahas announced in his time under divine guidance that the

sign of the solar and lunar eclipse which had occurred was shown by God Almighty in accordance with the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa as a truth of his claim. Thus, there remains no room for doubt in the authenticity of the hadith because the divine prophecy was fulfilled to the letter.

Moreover, Hazrat Al-Daraqutni, who has recorded this hadith in his book, was not an ordinary person. He was a well-renowned scholar and a righteous man. Commenting on his honest and piety, Hazrat Shah Abdul Aziz Muhaddith Delhvi states: “Imam Al-Daraqutni once said, ‘O residents of Baghdad! Do not even think that any narrator would be able to refer any false or incorrect statement to the Holy Prophetsa of Islam during my life time.’”

(Naubat-ul-Fikr, p. 52) Referring to those who still deny the said hadith, the Promised Messiahas states: “Are you not afraid to deny the hadith of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, even though its truth has become as manifest as the bright Sun? Can you present a sign like this in any age in the past? Do you read in any book that some person claimed to be from the Almighty God and then in his time in Ramadan, the lunar and solar eclipses occurred as you have now seen?

“O group of deniers, if you are aware of any such happening [in the past], then relate it and you will get 1,000 rupees as a reward.

So prove it and take this reward and I call the Almighty God as a witness on this promise and you also be a witness; God is the Best of all witnesses. And if you cannot prove it, and you will never be able to prove it, then guard against the Fire which is prepared for those who create disorder.” (Nur-ul-Haq, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 212) Hence, grand fulfillment of the hadith and historical evidence goes against opponents of the Promised Messiahas.

Moreover, it is unreasonable to deny a prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa without any substantial proof when it has become manifest.

(Research support by Awwab Saad Hayat, Al Hakam)

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

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The exemplary young Companions: Undergoing hardships in the cause of faith

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

The family of Yasirra Hazrat Yasirra bin Amir, the father of Hazrat Ammarra, came from Yemen and settled in Mecca. His ally, Abu Huzayfa, married him with his slave girl Hazrat Samiyyahra. All three noble people embraced Islam in the early days of its rise.

Hazrat Ammarra was passing through the early years of his life then. The Muslims numbered only about 30 to 35 when father, mother and son, all joined the fold of Islam.

This was a time when even the influential men among the Muslims of Mecca were not spared oppression at the hands of the Quraish, let alone a poor family far away from their homeland.

The Bani Makhzum made the family the target of their persecution. It is more appropriate to say that they crossed all boundaries of persecution when it came to them. They committed such barbarities and brutalities that to this day, their reminder brings one’s head low with shame. The world will fail to cite a similar example of punishment for even the most horrific of crimes, which the helpless and destitute Muslims underwent for the mere “crime” of accepting Islam.

In short, Abu Jahl martyred the mother of Hazrat Ammarra by piercing her private part with a lance. Despite experiencing all this, the family remained steadfast and even the hurricanes of oppression and cyclones of persecution failed to dim the light of faith which had enlightened their souls.

Hazrat Yasirra, being of advanced age, succumbed to the persecution and passed away. The Quraish would lay Hazrat

Ammarra down on burning-hot coals in the blazing heat of noon and dip him into water.

Once, while he was being laid on live coals, the Holy Prophetsa happened to pass by and putting his hand on Hazrat Ammar’sra head, said:

ُ ُ َ َ َ َّ َ ٰۤ ٰ َ ُ ٰ َ ‫ار ك ْونِ ْی ب َ ْر ًدا ّو َسل ًما َعلی عمار ک َما ک ْنت َعلی اِبْ ٰر ِه ْی َم‬ ‫یان‬

“O fire, be thou cold and a [means of] safety for Ammar as thou became for Abraham.”

Once Hazrat Ammarra had recovered, marks of injuries could be seen on his back. But such griefs and injuries, one after another, failed to shake his faith and with exemplary valour, he remained steadfast.

Faith, in their eyes, was the dearest to all other worldly things; even their lives had no value and they gave precedence to the protection of their faith over any other thing. (Mustadrak Hakam, Kitab Ma‘rifatus-Sahabah, Zikr Manaqib Ammar bin Yair, Vol. 3, p. 432) Hazrat Bilalra Hazrat Bilal was a young slave when he accepted Islam. The abased state of the Arab slaves in that age is not unfamiliar to any historian. Even the minutest act by a slave contrary to his master’s will was tantamount to courting the slave’s death.

Accepting Islam, for which the disbelievers had invested all their energy to put out, was no easy task. Umayyah bin Khalaf would lay Hazrat Bilalra down on hot sand under the blazing sun and to stop him from moving, he would place a heavy stone on his chest. He would demand his renunciation from Islam, threatening that he would otherwise have to spend the remainder of his life miserably. In that state too he would pronounce, “God is One; there is none worthy of worship except Him.” (Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 1, p. 243) ra

Quraish” was being discussed, when Abu Jandalra, bound, wounded and exhausted, managed to reach the Holy Prophetsa.

Seeing his son, the father demanded the return of his son Abu Jandalra and refused to settle the conditions without its compliance. Since the Holy Prophetsa respected the treaty greatly, he ordered for Abu Jandalra to be returned.

Abu Jandalra wished for the opposite and in a pitiable and heart-rending manner, pleaded with the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra not to return him.

The Companionsra too were becoming restless and perturbed to see the condition of their brother in faith and in no case wished to send him back. They were ready to sacrifice their own selves to redeem their brother from hardships.

Their swords were becoming uneasy in their sheaths. But nobody dared to defy the command of the Holy Prophetsa. Therefore, they withstood great suffering, but kept silent. At the appeal of Hazrat Abu Jandalra, the Holy Prophetsa asked him to be patient and return.

Thus, very obediently, he returned and fell victim to the same hardships, but remained steadfast. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Shurut, Bab Shurut fil-Jihad walMasalihah ma‘a ahlil-Harb wal-Kitab alShurut)

Sister’s firm faith leads to Umar’sra conversion Before embracing Islam Hazrat Umarra beat up his sister and her husband, Hazrat Saadra bin Zaid, so severely that blood spouted from their faces; but their faith did not falter. Ultimately their steadfastness fruitfully led Hazrat Umarra to accept Islam.

(Siratul-Faruq by Shibli Nu‘mani, p. 33)

Sacrifice of 70 qaris After the Battle of Uhud, some people went to Holy Prophetsa and submitted that some men should be sent with them to instruct them in matters of faith. The Holy Prophetsa dispatched 70 renowned qaris along with them, one of whom was Hazrat Haramra bin Malhan.

Once the noble deputation neared its destination, Hazrat Haramra asked his companions to stay where they were and himself went to survey the situation.

Hazrat Haramra reached the destination and started delivering a speech on the topic of the truthfulness of the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa.

The malignant people already had evil intentions. During his speech, a man threw a spear at him, which emerged from the other side. A spout of blood gushed forth.

Hazrat Haramra took a handful from the blood and smearing it on his face and head, said: َ ُ ُ ‫ف ْزت َو َر ِ ّب الْک ْع َبہ‬ “By the Lord of the Ka‘bah, I have succeeded.” When the news reached his comrades, they too came and gave their lives fighting … (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitabul-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwatir-Raji‘ wa Ri‘lin wa Zakwan wa Bi’ri Ma‘unah)

Hazrat Abu Jandalra bin Suhail Hazrat Abu Jandalra bin Suhail accepted Islam in Mecca after the Holy Prophetsa had migrated to Medina. His father detained and fettered him and held him hostage for years. When not satisfied with his detention, he would severely beat him to the extent that wounds on his body would leave deep scars.

On the occasion of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, this very Suhail came, on behalf of the Quraish, to settle the conditions with the Holy Prophetsa. A condition that “anyone from the Quraish who accepts Islam will be returned to the

Battle of Dhat al-Riqa The pleasure with which the Companionsra bore hardships can also be evaluated from the following incident.

In a battle, the Companionsra had only one mount to ride. The journey was long and most of them were barefooted. The long walk rendered their feet injured, some even losing their nails. As a result of the wounds, some Companionsra covered their feet with rags. That is why the ghazwah [battle] was named after the rags as the Battle of Dhat al-Riqa. (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwatu ZatirRiqa)

Hazrat Khabbabra bin Arat Hazrat Khabbabra bin Arat also underwent varied types of oppressions. He himself states that the idol-worshippers would make the coals red-hot first and then make him lie on them. If the barbarous passion of the brutes remained unsatisfied, one of them would climb on his chest to stop him from moving. They would keep him lying on the live coals in that state until the coals themselves extinguished from his body fluids. But this brave man, despite the repeated hardships, remained steadfast to his faith and would not even think of playing hypocritically to be delivered from such oppressions. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p. 123)

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM Limited food supplies in battle In the Battle of the Trench [Ahzab], food supplies were so limited for the Companionsra that every one of them subsisted on a meagre supply of a handful of barley and a small amount of fat.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ul-Maghazi, Bab Ghazwat-ul-Khandaq wa Hiyal-Ahzab) In another ghazwah, the food supplies were so short that the Companionsra had to subsist on sucking date stones and drinking water. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Said wazZaba‘ih, Bab Ibahati Meitatul-Bahr) During a battle, the Companionsra would get rations of one date per person, which they would eat sparingly like small children and drink water thereafter. Aside from this, they would shed leaves from trees and after soaking them in water, eat them. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Said wazZaba‘ih, Bab Ibahati Meitatul-Bahr) Forsaking worldly comforts for Islam Hazrat Mus‘abra bin Umair, being a scion of a rich family of Mecca, had been brought up in worldly comforts. No one else in Mecca had enjoyed similar amenities. He wore the best attire, ate the best foods and wore the best perfumes and scents. In short, he lived a life of great comfort and was very conscious of his food and dressing.

He kept his faith a secret for a considerable time after he embraced Islam.

But one day, an idolater found him offering the prayer and told his mother and other family members about it. As a result, he was detained.

For quite some time, he bore with the hardships of detention very patiently. As soon as he got a chance, he abandoned his homeland and migrated to Abyssinia.

There is no need to tell the hardships of detention and being away from home faced by a man who was so used to worldly comforts. True faith had permeated his heart so much that no hardship overpowered him and never was his steadfastness shaken. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Vol. 3, p.86, Tabqatul-Badrain Mas‘abalKhair) Hazrat Abu Fakihra Hazrat Abu Fakihra was a slave of Safwan bin Umayyah, but with the grace of God, he embraced Islam. Safwan and other disbelievers would inflict various types of tortures upon him. Putting shackles on his feet, they would lay him down on the ground and place a heavy stone on his chest lest he could make any movement. As a result, he would become confounded.

The cruel oppressors, roping his feet, dragged him through hot streets. With great patience, he bore all this and never for a moment did it occur to him to be relieved of it all by some hypocritical statement.

(Usdul-Ghabah, Vol. 5, p. 248) Hazrat Zubairra bin Awam After Hazrat Zubairra bin Awam embraced Islam, his uncle tried to coerce him into renouncing Islam. He would roll him in a mat and make him inhale smoke. (Majma‘ al-Zawa‘id wa Mamba‘ul-Fawa‘id, Vol. 9, p.

151) Refusal of a female companion to renounce Islam Despite the fact that the account of female Companions is not the subject under

While the loyalty of the Companionsra of our Master, the Holy Prophetsa, is a matter upon which I hardly need to dwell, it is no secret that the examples of upholding the truth and loyalty displayed by the disciples are unparalleled in the history of other nations. This band of the faithful did not waver in their loyalty and steadfastness even under the shadow of the sword. The unrelenting steadfastness they exhibited in the company of the Holy Prophetsa is not humanly possible unless one’s heart is lit up with the light of genuine belief.

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Jesus in India [English], p. 11 discussion, yet with regard to forbearance against hardships, the writer cannot help but give an account of Hazrat Umm Shareekra.

Her relatives began to torture her after she accepted Islam. They devised a unique method in this regard. They forced her to stand in the sun and in the blazing heat, they gave her honey to eat, a hot food item by efficacy, and refused her water. As a result, she would lose her senses.

In such a state, they would demand her renunciation from Islam. But she could not understand them in that state. When they beckoned to the sky, only then she would understand that they sought her renunciation from Islam. But she would refuse to comply with their demand.

(Sunan al-Nabisa, Vol. 2) Separation from homeland The account of the migration is an extremely painful chapter when discussing the hardships and miseries the Companionsra bore in the way of Allah. Abandoning one’s household, homeland, kith and kin, wealth and property and even separation from one’s wife and children was no easy task.

But the Companionsra let go of all of them.

They left it all for good and never again desired to have them again.

With regard to Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf, it is related that if he ever came to Mecca, he never lodged in his ancestral house.

If every one of us does a little heart searching, we would realise how hard this is. Nobody, even for a single day, likes to be separated from their spouse, children, parents, kith and kin, friends and homeland. But the Companionsra bore all these separations for the sake of God and guarded their faith.

Before the migration of the Holy Prophetsa, some Companionsra, finding no

way out of their persecution at the hands of the Quraish, migrated to Abyssinia.

They preferred their life of deprivation and being away from home over that of Mecca.

After the Holy Prophet’ssa migration, many of them too left for Medina. There, in Medina, they faced even greater hardships.

Weather conditions did not suit them.

Many of them fell ill with fevers. Their health was ruined. Moreover, they had no businesses to run and had no households.

The remembrance of their homeland – the valleys of Mecca, springs and mountains thereof – would make them restless. But all these courageous people who cheerfully bore the hardships in the cause of faith without a word of complaint, deserve our praise. (Tabqat Ibn Saad, Dhikr AbdurRahman bin Auf, Vol. 3, p. 97) In short, the hard-hearted tyrants inflicted severe torture on the courageous ones who embraced Islam. They would devise various types of methods of torture.

Furthermore, the persecution perpetrated by them was not temporary or shortlived; rather, they would go a long way.

Dying once is relatively easier, but bearing torture perpetually is tantamount to dying every day. But our young Companionsra underwent this death with courage and steadfastness. This is a distinction of the Companionsra alone.

When the Companionsra went to Syria, a scholar of the People of the Book paid tribute to them in the following terms: “The followers of Jesus Christ, who were sawed with saws and were hanged, did not forbear severer persecutions than these people.” (Isti‘ab, Vol. 1, p. 2) In this age, how can such people who are unnerved by bearing transient and insignificant separation for the sake of God and are reluctant to go out of their homes for the propagation of Islam lest their

family members get into any trouble in their absence, or lest their businesses suffer a little, or lest they do not get the homely comfort, even think of claiming to be the like of Companionsra or following in their footsteps.

These accounts make it clear to the reader that the Companionsra would starve in the way of Allah and endure severe hardships due to lack of resources, yet their hearts were infused with the fervour for faith, so much so that the mountains of hardships would melt and flow before them.

Nothing could hinder their endeavours in the cause of faith.

But times have changed today. Social life has changed a great deal. Though the standard-bearers of truthfulness are faced with difficulties in this age as well, their nature has changed altogether and their intensity has reduced.

On the other hand, the condition of Islam demands from us to come forward with great zeal to uphold Islam and portray its true picture before the world.

By reading the above lines, if our youth are prepared to make sacrifices in the cause of faith and become resolute to bear all hardships in this way cheerfully, then Islam’s progress is certain. And as a result, their standing will be raised before God and their names will be remembered gloriously.

After reading the accounts of the Companionsra, we pray for them from the core of our hearts, in the same way the coming generations will have similar feelings of love and veneration for us if we tread in their footsteps.

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

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Equal treatment of daughters and daughters-in-law: Ahmadi Women in Nairobi hold tarbiyat event Tahir Ahmad Machengo Kenya Correspondent

On 2 January 2021, Lajna Imaillah Nairobi held an online tarbiyat jalsa in which Amatul Qayyum Sahiba, Secretary Tarbiyat Lajna Imaillah Kenya, delivered a lecture on the topic of equal treatment with daughters and daughters-in-law.

In her speech she said: “As easy as this topic sounds, it is actually as difficult. A daughter is the delight of her parents’ eyes. They feel that their daughter is just a guest and will leave quite soon for their husband’s home, and they fulfil every wish of their daughters.

The daughters have the freedom to do what they will. They are allowed to eat what they want, wear what they want, do what they want and so on.

“On the other hand, every action of a daughter-in-law is mostly checked and criticised. When a daughter wakes up late, the parents excuse her actions, ‘she was studying till late’; but if a daughter-in-law wakes late, they criticise ‘such terrible behavior instilled by her parents’. That is how the drifts start forming.

“A mother-in-law should think back to her own early days. When she first moved, she was scared and confused. How would she adapt to a new home; how she must

be incredibly careful not to make any mistakes. If the mother-in-law remembers being treated poorly, she should strive not to be that way to her daughter-in-law. If she was treated well, then she should strive to give her own daughter-in-law similar treatment.

“A daughter only stays around two or so decades at her parents’ home and the rest of her life with her in-laws. Parents should teach their daughters kind heartedness, good manners, consideration, obedience and respect for others’ opinions so they can live a successful life. Through thick and thin, she will have the tarbiyat to survive.”

She continued by saying that Allah the Almighty has commanded us to be good to each other, throughout the Holy Quran and specifically in Surah al-Nisa: “And worship Allah and associate naught with Him, and [show] kindness to parents, and to kindred, and orphans, and the needy, and to the neighbour that is a kinsman and the neighbour that is a stranger, and the companion by [your] side, and the wayfarer, and those whom your right hands possess. Surely, Allah loves not the proud and the boastful.”

(Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.37) The secretary tarbiyat added that if they are not blood relatives, Allah the Almighty says they are your relatives by marriage, as

in Surah al-Furqan, He states: “And He it is Who has created man from water, and has made for him kindred by descent and kindred by marriage; and thy Lord is All-Powerful.’ (Surah alFurqan, Ch.25: V.55) She further stated that though inlaws are not equal to your blood relatives, nevertheless, they are still the family of your spouse and as such, deserve respect and care. We have to be good to in-laws without a doubt. Treat them with respect, with kindness. They are closer to us than our neighbours and our neighbours have been mentioned in the Quran with so many rights that the Holy Prophetsa said: “Gabrielas kept recommending me to treat my neighbours well until I thought he would tell me to make them my heirs.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari) If a daughter-in-law treats her in-laws even at least as neighbours, then she has treated them justly, she added.

Then she shared advice from Hazrat Amma Janra to her daughter, Hazrat Nawab Mubaraka Begum Sahibara, on the occasion of her wedding: “Do not think ill of anyone even if they commit ill deeds towards you. Wish everyone good tidings from the bottom of your heart. If someone is treating you poorly, let them; do not think of treating

anyone poorly. And do not take revenge through your actions towards ill deeds done to you. Then you will receive Allah’s blessing.”

She shared some advice from the Promised Messiahas in which he stated that when a girl gets married, she receives two keys: one, to the door of forgiveness and another, to the door of quarrels. She can open any door when she needs to. The ones who open the door of forgiveness are the lucky ones.

Girls should obey their parents-in-law because after marriage, a girl’s relationship is deeper with her parents-in-law than her actual parents and as such should respect her in-laws always. This is the benefit of education, that a girl can prove herself obedient. Unfortunate are those girls who try split their husbands from their parents.

Amatul Qayyum Sahiba continued by saying that when a woman follows these guidelines, she will improve the lives of their daughters’ and daughters-in-law’s families. Every mother should teach her children to respect elders and to be kind to younger ones.

She said that women commonly say, “When I became a daughter-in-law, I got a bad mother-in-law and when I became a mother-in-law, I got a bad daughter-inlaw.” Ahmadi women should be thinking that when they become daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law, they were blessed with the best mother-in-law and daughterin-law, respectively.

We should follow the guidelines of the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa, to become good daughters, daughters-in-law and mothers-in-law to make our homes a paradise.

May Allah enable us to train ourselves and our children to bring peace in the world. Amin.

“Know Justice, Know Peace” virtual seminar Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

On 16 January 2021, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada hosted a unique virtual panel discussion to explore racial inequality. The discussion featured high-profile Canadian and international speakers, reported Hassaan Shahid Sahib.

This timely event – called “Know Justice, Know Peace” – was held in light of recent world events and heightened racial inequality. The title of the event denotes a play on the words of the famous “No Justice, No Peace” political slogan which originated during the civil rights movement in the United States.

The distinguished panel members of the event addressed the growing issue of racial tension and the government’s role in combating this divide. The teachings of Islam pertaining to equity were also beautifully presented along with the invaluable guidance provided by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah be his Helper, on how to progress in the face of racial injustice.

The panelists included: 1. Naib Amir and Missionary-inCharge Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya USA, Azhar Haneef Sahib 2. Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib 3. International Press Secretary of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya, Abid Khan Sahib 4. Canada’s Federal Minister of Diversity and Inclusion and Youth, Honourable Bardish Chagger 5. Prominent African-Canadian who was recognised as one of the top 100 most influential persons under 40 of African descent, Dahabo Ahmed-Omer During the event, parts of the MTA documentary “The Golden Rule” were presented to visually highlight the solutions Islam provides in combating injustice and inequality.

Even though Canada was hosting the event, it was viewed in multiple countries and the total attendance was 3,321.

MP Bardish Chagger said: “This afternoon, I joined Ahmadiyya Community Canada’s ‘Know Justice, Know Peace’ event to discuss the many

injustices that continue to exist in Canada and around the Earth … This in-depth virtual seminar allowed us to talk about solutions so we can build a consciously more inclusive and just country.”

Amenemhet Sanchez said: “Blind and unquestioned faith can be dangerous, but religion based on tolerance, friendship, respect, love,

forgiveness and openness can only help to bring light to humanity. Thank you for the opportunity to participate.”

Marna Harmey said: “In times like these, messages that promoting equality and decency over scapegoating cannot be repeated often enough!”

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 Years Ago...

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud draws the attention of Ahmadis to follow Surah alNur for spiritual and moral improvement Al Fazl, 14 February 1921 Hazrat Syed Sarwar Shahra (1873-1947)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra], while explaining Surah al-Nur of the Holy Quran in his dars [sermon], said that this chapter contains the method of moral and spiritual improvement for Muslims and highlights the means through which mutual unity can be achieved. Members of our Jamaat should follow this guidance and obtain satisfaction in this world and the Hereafter.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih explained [that the verse]:

َّ ُ َ َ ۡ َ َ َ َّ َ ُ ‫ِا ّن ال ِذیۡ َن یُ ِح ُّبوۡ َن ا ۡن ت ِش ۡیع الفا ِحشۃ فِی ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا‬

[“Those who love that immorality should spread among the believers” (Surah al-Nur, Ch.24: V.20)], contains a very important point of ilm al-Nafs [psychology] and [the last words of the same verse]:

َ َ ۡ َ َ َ ّٰ ‫َو الل ُہ ی ۡعل ُم َو ان ُت ۡم لَا ت ۡعل ُموۡ َن‬

[“And Allah knows, and you know not”], elucidate that this knowledge will advance at some time in future. Consequently, special emphasis is being laid on psychology in this century.

Remarkably, the Holy Quran, which is the word of God, presented guidance based on this knowledge 1,400 years ago from today, whereas the people of Europe are not even fully aware of its fundamentals yet.

Always keep in mind that if people of a nation are frequently blamed for a vice, it often spreads in that nation like wildfire.

When the names of a great number of people are mentioned openly that such and such individuals are ingrained in a particular sin, some people can take it as a trivial matter and not try to protect themselves from it anymore.

Hence, the first method mentioned in this surah for the moral and spiritual elevation of Muslims is to stop accusing each other of any vice. Consequently, this vice will disappear from that nation in a short period of time.

Accusing someone of adultery is forbidden to the extent that even if a person sees someone committing adultery with their own eyes, or if another individual accompanies a person seeing it, or even if three people see someone committing adultery, it is still not permissible for this accusation to be made against someone.

Consequently, this sin will no longer remain

in that nation.

Once, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira presented a very fine piece of wisdom in his dars of the Holy Quran. [He said] that one harm caused by accusing someone of any sin is that when it is made public about a boy or a girl of a particular family that they are immodest, then those who are prone to evil are encouraged to establish illicit relationships with them. Then even if they never indulged in sin, they could be induced into committing wrong deeds. It is thus very important to avoid making such accusations.

I [head of the Tarbiyat Department] draw the attention of our friends towards this word of wisdom and desire that a man of God rises from every Ahmadi town and promises that he will surely refrain from

making such accusations in future and whenever any ill-natured person wishes to express such a thing about any of our sisters or brothers, he will stop him immediately and say that he does not wish to listen to it because it is a lie.

Then, he should attach five other men with him, each of whom vows that they will not accuse their brothers of any vice in future. If they will actually find any fault in someone, they will humbly pray for him for 40 days and try to reform their brother behind closed doors. However, they should [promise] that they will avoid spreading evil at any cost. As a result, this will gradually extend to the entire Jamaat and in a short while, we will see a great number of people become models for others by following Surah al-Nur for moral and spiritual

improvement.

Hazrat Shah Waliullah Sahibrh said that the Muslims’ decline and downfall started when they stopped following Surah alNur. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih I, Maulana Nuruddinra, had a great desire that such people should emerge who follow Surah alNur. Now, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] expresses the same desire. Thus, friends should pay heed to this. The names of those individuals who will present themselves for this good deed and become a role model for others will be printed in the Al Fazl newspaper.

(From the Department of Tarbiyat) (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 14 February 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Obituary

Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib A long-standing servant of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat, sultan-e-naseer (true helper) of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, a dedicated and sincere Ahmadi, a waqif-e-zindagi (lifedevotee) with an overwhelming spirit of waqf, former sadr of Majlis Khudam-ulAhmadiyya and Ansarullah Markazia and Pakistan, officer of Jalsa Salana, wakil-e-ala and sadr of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid Anjuman Ahmadiyya, Rabwah, Pakistan, Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib, passed away after a short illness at the age of 87 years on Sunday, 7 February 2021 at Tahir Heart Institute, Rabwah, Pakistan. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِإنا ل ِل ِه و ِإنا ِإلي ِه ر‬ “To Allah do we belong and to Him shall we return.”

On the same day at around 12pm, abiding by the government SOPs, the funeral prayer of Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib was carried out at Bahishti Maqbarah, Darul Fazl, Rabwah. Thereafter, his burial took place in qit‘a (section) number 10.

Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib’s person was a complete chapter in the history of Ahmadiyyat. He was born on 4 March 1934 in Qadian to Babu Muhammad Bakhsh Sahib and Ayesha Bibi Sahiba. His parents accepted Ahmadiyyat in 1929. He was a seventh grade student when he immediately responded to the appeal of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra and devoted his life to the service of Islam in 1946.

After the creation of Pakistan, his family migrated to the state of Bahawalpur and there, he passed his matriculation examination in 1949. Thereafter, he came to Rabwah for an interview on the instructions of wakalat-e-diwan, Rabwah.

After a written examination, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra personally interviewed a few new waqifeen-e-zindagi in the presence of naziran (directors) of Sadr Anjuman Ahmadiyya and Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib was among them.

After devoting his life, he acquired the rest of his education under the guidance of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra. Following the completion of a master’s degree in mathematics in the first division from Punjab University, Lahore, in 1955, he started serving the Jamaat as a lecturer at Talim-ul-Islam College, Rabwah. He was married in September 1960 to Razia Khanam Sahiba, daughter of Abdul Jabbar Khan Sahib of Sargodha. His wife’s maternal and paternal grandfather were companions of the Promised Messiahas. Allah the Almighty blessed him with a son and two daughters.

He continued to serve as a lecturer and perform other services at TI College, Rabwah, until 1974. After the nationalisation of the college, he resigned adhering to the instructions of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. He was then appointed as nazir ziafat.

In November 1982, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh appointed him as Wakil-e-Ala of Tahrik-e-Jadid and along with that, he was appointed as additional sadr of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid and then in 1989, as sadr

Ahmadiyya Jubilee Planning Committee in Pakistan. He also served as sadr of the Markazi Committee Khilafate-Ahmadiyya Centenary Jubilee 2008 from 2005 to date. He also had the honour of presiding over the Khilafat Electoral Committee proceeedings after the demise of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh in April 2003.

He was very active in auxiliary organisations since childhood. At a local level, he served in various capacities at Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya Muqami, Rabwah, and then at Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markazia. He served as sadr of Majlis Khudaim-eAhmadiyya Markazia from 1969 to 1973, as sadr of Majlis Ansarullah Markazia from 1982 to 1989 and as sadr of Majlis Ansarullah Pakistan from 1989 to 1999.

He had the opportunity to visit various countries of the world while serving under the auspices and guidance of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and also as wakile-ala of Tahrik-e-Jadid and sadr of Majlis Ansarullah Markazia.

He was a devout and selfless person with a multi-faceted personality. He firmly adhered to fasting and prayers. Moreover, he was accustomed to working tirelessly, whether it was night or day. He was certainly a role model for waqifeen-e-zindagi. He used to give full value to time and even during the last days of his life, he was busy serving in his office round the clock.

He had a strong academic personality and was considered an authority when it came to the history of Ahmadiyyat. He had a deep understanding of the Holy Quran, its translation and commentary. Moreover, he was a scholar of hadith and jurisprudence and had excellent command over Sihah alSittah (the six authentic books of hadith) and their commentary.

If anyone asked him a question or

enquired about something, he would give them very satisfactory answers, full of knowledge and wisdom. There was a scholarly and a literary touch in his speeches and lectures. He used to prepare them with great care and enthusiasm. He would decorate them with rational quotations and try to make them captivating for listeners.

The audience would listen very attentively to his lectures and return after collecting invaluable guidance, advice and religious knowledge.

As a member, supervisor and president of various departments and committees, he was fully occupied at all times; but in spite of all that, his proficiency in various fields of knowledge, especially history and geography, was unparalleled. He also excelled in studying academic writings and insightful books.

He was a great administrator, a principled officer, a kind teacher, loving and compassionate towards his subordinates who solved their problems with personal attention, a saintly man and an asset for all mankind. He was a mathematician as well and that is why he spent a very calculated life.

He was not a talkative person, but he was always precise and accurate when he would speak. He used to get to the bottom of things and resolved them in the best way possible.

He was accustomed to going into great depths and detail about everything, whether it seemed easy or difficult. His works were faultless with little or no imperfections.

Those who have served alongside him can testify that the key to his success and progress in life was his sincerity and loyalty to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya and seeking guidance from Khalifatul Masih in all matters and then following those instructions with unparalleled obedience.

May Allah the Almighty forgive this sincere and long-standing servant of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya and grant him the highest rank in Paradise. May God Almighty continue to grant passionate devotees like Chaudhry Sahib to Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Amin.

Online event for Huddersfield on importance of building mosques

and shared several incidents about how someone can be a recipient of bounties of Allah and can experience Allah’s help and favour by spending in His way.

He also explained the importance of building mosques by sharing sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.

He advised Jamaat members that they should continuously offer their sacrifice for this mosque so that this new mosque can be built soon and we all see the happy day when Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa comes to Huddersfield for inauguration, insha-Allah.

At the end, a few questions were asked which were answered by Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib.

The Jalsa concluded with silent prayer.

The late Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib

of Majlis Tahrik-e-Jadid. He continued to serve in this capacity till he breathed his last.

Moreover, he served as additional nazir-eala of hangami umur (emergency affairs) for Sindh and Baluchistan from 1986 till his last day.

He served as the supervisor of various departments of Jalsa Salana from 1955 onwards. In 1973, he was appointed as officer Jalsa Salana. Although Jalsa Salana has not been held in Rabwah since 1983, but the work is still ongoing for its improvement and advancement. On several occasions, he visited Jalsa Salana Qadian and Jalsa Salana UK at the behest of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh and supervised various departments of the Jalsa Salana.

One of the highly trusted persons in the eyes of Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, Chaudhry Hameedullah Sahib served at another important and eminent position as sadr of the Centennial Ahmadiyya Jubilee Planning Committee in 1989. Prior to that, he had served as the secretary of the Centennial

Aamir Shahzad President Huddersfield South Jamaat

The Holy Prophetsa said that the one who makes a house of God in this world, God would make a house for them in Paradise.

Huddersfield North and South Jamaats organised an online jalsa on 31 January 2021, to highlight the importance of building mosques and its blessings.

Huddersfield Jamaat have beautiful land with scenic views, where it is working

to build a mosque. An update regarding development work and finances were also presented during the jalsa.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib, Missionaryin-Charge UK was the chief guest of the event, who gave an inspirational speech regarding spending in the way of Allah and its countless blessings.

Shakeel Yousaf Sahib gave a presentation regarding the ongoing development work and financial contribution updates.

Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Sahib addressed

(Courtesy of Al Fazl International)

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100 Years Ago...

New markaz at Melrose Road, London and outreach efforts Al Fazl, 10 February 1921

Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra (1887-1960)

By the grace of God Almighty, the [London] mission’s work is being carried out on a regular basis.

Maulvi Abdul Rahim Sahib Nayyar is preparing to go to Nigeria. Consequently, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib BA BT, is currently performing the duties of secretary. Public and private lectures are being held regularly and Bhai Azizuddin Ahmad Sahib and Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib are mostly delivering them.

On Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib gave three lectures in public which were listened to with great interest.

After the lectures, sessions of interesting questions and answers took place. Allah the Almighty always grant strength to our missionaries to successfully answer every question.

On Sunday, Mr Gordon, who is an English gentleman and a seeker of truth, delivered a speech on interest. In a nutshell, he said that interest is destroying

Europe and we can only get rid of it if Islamic principles are followed. However, Mr Gordon also spoke against rents of houses and land income, stressing that there is a flaw in Islamic teaching that it does not prohibit rent and land income because there is no difference between interest and profit gained from land and house rents.

Responding to this, I said that there is a difference between interest and house rents. I read the following verse of the Holy Quran: ّ ‫ٰذل َِک باَنَّ ُہ ۡم َقالُوۡۤا ِانَّ َما ال ۡ َب ۡی ُع ِم ۡث ُل‬ ‫الرِ ٰبوا‬ ِ [“That is because they say: ‘Trade is also like interest’” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.276)] and explained that the confusion of the world lies in the fact that in their view, trade – i.e. profit of buying and selling – and interest are one and the same thing.

It is for this reason that Islam has outlined two basic principles so as to remove all doubts. Firstly, exchange of the same goods should not take place.

Secondly, there should be a possibility of

both profit and loss. A person who lends 100 rupees on 10 percent interest rate, it is as if he sells 100 rupees for 110 rupees and this is certainly a vain practice.

On the other hand, if a person builds a house by 100 rupees and rents it out and allocates an annual rent of 10 rupees, then in this case, the money is being exchanged with a house. Moreover, the house may have to be repaired or it may collapse, so the owner’s risk of loss is also present. Likewise, the profit gained from land is not as simple as it looks. I am a landlord myself and am aware of the dangers and difficulties which are faced by landowners. [Owing to these difficulties] the smart and less experienced people of every nation focus on trade, while strong willed and courageous men pay attention towards land.

Friends know that a house and a piece of land for a mosque were purchased in London about four months ago. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, this house has been repaired and from now onwards, this house will serve as the markaz [centre] for tabligh activities. Hence, the An old scene of London Wiki Commons

Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra

postal address for future correspondences is as follows: No 63 Melrose Road, London, SW 18 A lot of time and money has been spent on repairing, buying new equipment and moving to [the new markaz]. We request every member of the Jamaat to pray that Allah the Almighty makes this markaz a blessing for Islam and Muslims.

[The house on] 4 Star Street has been retained as a branch of the [London] mission. It will not cost us a penny because only one room has been set aside for tabligh and the rest have been rented out to some friends. This rent covers all the expenses.

Letters are being sent to various people for informing them about the new markaz and announcements have been sent to 52 newspapers which will be published for three weeks. Moreover, letters are being sent to friends and associates as well.

An inaugural jalsa is also being planned which is due to be held on 6 February [1921]. Members of the Jamaat are requested to specially pray to Allah the Almighty that He spreads the light of true Islam in these gloomy countries.

Wassalam, Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayal MA (Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 10 February 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

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The Holy Prophet Muhammad: Fulfilling treaties and compacts Part II Ataul Mujeeb Rashed Missionary-in-Charge UK Undoubtedly, our guide and leader, the perfect man, Muhammad Mustafasa was granted the character that encompassed the greatness, eminence and depth of every moral, all at the same time.

The best example of this is the incident that took place shortly before the Battle of Badr and is worth being written in golden words in human history – it bears an eloquent testimony that he had absolutely no inclination towards breach of contract and going against his words.

When the Messengersa of Allah reached Zafran on the way to Badr, he told the Companions that according to reports, they were going to face a mighty army numbering

1,000 and asked for their advice.

The background to this consultation was that when the delegates of Ansar from Medina met the Holy Prophetsa in Mecca, not only did they invite him to Medina, but also vowed to protect him if Medina was attacked from outside and to participate fully to defend against the enemy.

The situation then was that the confrontation was going to take place about 50 miles away from Medina, not inside Medina. The Messengersa of Allah, who was the flag-bearer of safeguarding the real spirit of covenants, did not want to obligate the Companions for anything more than what they had covenanted or charge them with a responsibility they were not prepared for.

It is worth noting these sacred ideas of the Holy Prophetsa, on the one hand, and

the love and devotion of the Companionsra, on the other. Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra responded with beautiful speeches and re-iterated their resolve for devotion and self-sacrifice. Then Hazrat Miqdadra bin Aswad stood up and representing the younger generation, said: “O Messengersa of Allah! Go ahead with what you were ordered. We are with you. We will never do as Bani Israel did to Moses and say, ‘Go, you and your God, and fight. We will stay here’. O Messengersa of Allah! We are your devout servants. We will fight on your right and on your left, in front of you and behind you and the enemy will only get to you over our dead bodies.”

The face of the Holy Prophetsa glowed with joy on seeing the resolve of Hazrat Miqdadra.

Nonetheless, the Holy Prophetsa asked for advice again. In fact, he felt so strongly about the finer aspects of fulfilment of covenants that despite passionate expression by the Muhajireen (Muslim migrants to Medina), he wanted to hear the opinion of the Ansar of Medina.

However, he was so modest that he did not address the Ansar directly lest they felt pressurised into it.

On the other hand, the Ansar, despite their devotion and sincerity, were holding back their views because the invading army included near relatives of the Muhajireen with whom they had long standing connections.

There was a state of strange emotional struggle on both sides. Then Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz most respectfully said: “O Messengersa of Allah! Are you referring to us?”

The Holy Prophetsa nodded in affirmation.

Hazrat Saadra bin Muaz, representing all the Ansar of Medina, said: “O Messengersa of Allah! We have covenanted with you that we will listen to you and obey you. O Messengersa of Allah!

March forward, for we are with you. By He Who has sent you with the truth! There is this sea before us; if you tell us to jump into it, we will do that without hesitation and none among us will remain behind. We are patient in war and sincere in fighting against the enemy. May Allah allow you to witness from our efforts what comforts your eyes.”

The Messengersa of Allah, on hearing this inspiring statement, decided to march

forward. One with profound insight, studying this grand incident, will know full well how our Mastersa delved deep into the finer details of the contract and keeping in mind its real spirit, fulfilled it perfectly in such a way that it is a guiding light for the whole world.

It is a common observation that during war, the covenants are not generally adhered to. Compliance with any law or covenant is not considered necessary during war.

Under these circumstances, if somebody enters into a covenant with opponents in his personal capacity, it is not considered to be binding on his party as a whole under any code of moral conduct. And if that covenant was forced on that person, then it has no significance whatsoever and question of its fulfilment does not arise.

This is the state of worldly people who regard themselves as very civilised and are not tired of bragging about their high moral standards. However, let me tell you the real greatness of morals and how the contracts are fulfilled under most extraordinary circumstances.

Hazrat Huzayfa ibn Al-Yamanra, explaining why he missed the Battle of Badr, said: “When I set out with my companion to participate in the battle, the disbelieving Quraish met us on the way and asked whether we intended to join Muhammadsa to fight against us. We denied that and insisted we only wanted to go to Medina. They allowed us to go only after they extracted from us an undertaking that we would not participate in fighting against them.

“When we came to the Holy Prophetsa, preparations were underway for the battle.

We had an upsurge of desire to join in, but the Holy Prophetsa did not grant us permission and told us to go back and abide by our undertaking [to the Quraish]. He added, ‘We only seek Allah’s help, and His help we rely upon’.”

What a beautiful example of commitment to a contract, never seen by anyone! Just imagine the scenario. Preparations were under way for the battle. 313 ill-equipped and inexperienced Companionsra were going to take on an army of 1,000 wellarmed and experienced soldiers.

In that situation, every soldier was needed. Right at that time, two selfContinued on next page >>

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

sacrificing persons offer their services. Their participation would have reinforced the Muslim army.

It is worth noting that the enemy at war had extracted the undertaking by putting them under duress. As such, it was not binding according to any known code of conduct. However, the greatest flag-bearer of fulfilment of covenants, the Benefactor of Mankind, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa, despite all these considerations, did not permit the two companions to join the Muslim Army.

Despite the utmost need in the battlefield, suffering loss and courting risk, who would abide by, and make others abide by, covenants other than Muhammadsa?

However much one may ponder, this is a wonderful incident, in the chapter of fulfilling covenants, which represents the pure emotions and feelings of the heart of Muhammadsa.

There are innumerable events of fulfilment of covenants in the life of Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa that have a peculiar charm in them with regard to freshness and variety. Every event has individuality and attractiveness in it.

The next episode is also from the Medinite period. A caravan of traders came to Medina and camped outside the town.

The Holy Prophetsa happened to pass by and

struck a bargain for a red camel, got hold of its reins and came back to Medina.

Strangely, he did not pay for it, nor did anyone demand payment. After the Holy Prophetsa had left with the camel, the traders, who were not acquainted with him, got worried for having handed over the camel to a stranger without receiving its price.

There was a lady in the caravan. She reassured the traders that they would not lose their money as the person who had taken away the camel would pay for it. The people were surprised and asked, “How can you say that”. She replied. “In the whole of my life, I have never seen anyone with a face so bright; his face was shining like the full moon. Believe me, a person with such a luminous face can never be a cheat. He will definitely pay the price that has been agreed upon.”

How can you do justice to the discernment of that lady for making a good observation, arriving at a sound conclusion and stating it most eloquently! The testimony by that intelligent lady proved to be accurate. Our Master, Muhammad Mustafasa sent not only the amount that was agreed upon but gave some extra.

How great is this example of fulfilment of contract! An agreement was made verbally; there was nothing written down; there was no witness; there was nobody who could recognise the Holy Prophetsa and approach

him in Medina to make the demand.

However, these are essentials in a setting where virtues like honesty and fulfilment of covenants are lacking.

Here we are talking about a person who was the teacher and guide for everyone in the field of commitment to, and fulfilment of, compacts. How watchfully he fulfilled his promise and treated them graciously. When did the caravan last see such a buyer who was committed to contracts and gracious like him?

The apparent sense and meaning of the terms “commitment to covenants” and “fulfilment of contracts” and “compacts” that have been used repeatedly in this article are simple and easily understood.

It is obvious to a common man that when one makes a covenant, one should not violate it and when one makes a promise, it should be fulfilled.

Compared to this simple meaning, when we look at the holy life of the perfect guide, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa and study the instances involving him, we discover such profound and insightful meanings of commitment to covenants and fulfilment of contracts that are far beyond the understanding of a common man.

Whenever Huzoorsa made a verbal or written covenant, or during a conversation said something that comprised an element of covenant and responsibility in it, he always fulfilled it. He never differentiated friends from foes in this regard and honoured every covenant; whether the covenant was made privately or publicly; whether it was made before or after he was invested with prophethood; whether the circumstances were the same or had changed since the covenant was made, whether the other party abided by it or not.

Notwithstanding, this model of the chief of all creation, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafasa is matchless and unprecedented in the history of the world in that he abided by all his promises, covenants and words in letter and spirit and never violated it to gain some benefit or to avoid any loss.

He courted danger and offered big sacrifices but never breached a covenant, nor permitted any of his Companions to do so. The worldly people resort to hairsplitting of the words of covenants to find an escape route, while there are others who totally forget the real spirit of the covenants under the cover of its literal interpretation.

However, we do not see such an example in the blessed life of our beloved master, Muhammadsa. On the contrary, we see instances when he abided by the import (of the covenant) that was not mentioned in so many words but, honestly speaking, could be regarded as part of the covenant written between the lines.

Going into such minute details, abiding by the covenants in their letters and spirit and acting upon all its details and sections in accordance with the real and true spirit of the covenants; it can be asserted, without fear of being refuted, that this blessed example is seen only in the life of our beloved master, Hazrat Muhammadsa.

We invoke God’s blessings and peace on that King of Mecca and Medina who presented an excellent model in the field of moral values that will always serve as a guiding light for mankind.

During the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, the polytheists from Mecca wanted to include

the clause that if any Meccan went to Medina after accepting Islam, he would be returned to Mecca. There was a lot of controversy about this clause and the final decision had not been reached, nor was the writing completed, when the son of Suhail bin Amr (the envoy of Mecca), Abu Jandal, reached there helter-skelter, shackled and handcuffed and begged the Messengersa of Allah not to send him back. The Muslims were shocked to see his dire condition. They were in a strange emotional state. This was a severe ordeal.

The treaty was not yet finalised, but the Meccan disbelievers insisted that this clause be accepted and acted upon immediately.

On the other hand, a victimised brother was showing his wounds and begging most painfully that he had converted to Islam; he did not want to be sent back to those barbarous people.

At this critical juncture, our Master, Muhammadsa, magnificently upheld the real spirit of fulfilment of contracts. He directed Abu Jandalra to go back to Mecca and said compassionately: “O Abu Jandal! Be a bit more patient and expect its reward from Allah. There is no doubt that the Almighty Allah will create a way out for you and for other weak Muslims. We have discussed [a] peace treaty with these people. We cannot break our promise to them.”

Undoubtedly, these words of the Prophetsa should be written in gold. In the context of commitment to covenants and safeguarding their real spirit, we cannot find such an example in history.

After the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, when he returned to Medina, he was faced with another situation like that. Abu Baseerra managed to escape from the prisons of the Meccans and reached Medina; they demanded that he be sent back. The Holy Prophetsa directed him to go back immediately.

Abu Baseerra begged distressingly, “These Meccans will torture me and they will try to drive me away from Islam?” The Holy Prophetsa who was a trustee of truth and flagbearer of guarding covenants said, “Come what may, we cannot go back on the agreement that has been made.”

Abu Baseerra, on hearing this, returned with those people. However, on the way, he managed to escape from their clutches.

He came to the Holy Prophetsa and said, “O Messenger of Allahsa, you have fulfilled your covenant by handing me over to the Quraish.

God has saved me from them again. Now you have no obligation concerning me”.

Anybody else would have accepted this. However, the Holy Prophetsa would not approve of breach of covenants and promises, whether overt or covert. He rejected the excuse and did not allow him to stay in Medina and upheld the sanctity of fulfilling covenants.

Another clause of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah was Muslims shall perform their Umrah the following year, but they would not stay in Mecca for more than three days.

Accordingly, the Holy Prophetsa went for Umrah the following year accompanied by all those companions who were with him at Hudaibiyah.

Before the end of the third day, Abu Sufyan and other chiefs of Mecca started saying that the deadline was approaching Continued on next page >>

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22 << Continued from previous page

and they should start preparing to leave.

The Companions were irritated at this unjustified and premature demand and some of them indicated that they would leave when they willed.

At this juncture, we saw another manifestation of the excellent character of our beloved Mastersa. He exhorted his devoted Companions to show restraint and forbearance. On the other hand, he sent a message to the Quraish that they did not need to worry and assured them, “We will abide by the covenant and will not overstay a moment after the deadline”. As such, he departed from Mecca, along with the Companions, right at the sunset.

The Treaty of Hudaibiyah was an important event in the blessed life of the Prophetsa. Following the treaty, we observe inspiring scenes of fulfilment of promises and covenants at every step. And how well did Allah, the Lord of the Throne, reward His beloved servant, who was always true to his promise. Within two years, Allah fulfilled His glad tidings: َ َ َ َ َّ ً ‫ِانا ف َت ْحنا لَک ف ْت ًحا ُم ِب ْینا‬ “Verily, We have granted thee a clear victory.” (Surah al-Fath, Ch.48: V.2) The Prophetsa entered Mecca victoriously with 10,000 holy men. Undoubtedly, the victory of Mecca was a reward and sweet fruit for his fulfilment of promises and covenants.

Articles about the life of the Holy Prophetsa are published in Jamaat newspapers and magazines and speeches are delivered on this topic in our Jalsas not merely to narrate some events from the life and character of the Holy Prophetsa and experience the feeling of being in the presence of the guide of the worlds, Muhammad Mustafasa, and refresh our faith by listening to these sacred events.

All these objectives are valid and justified, but we should not lose sight of the ultimate purpose; on hearing and reading narratives about excellent character and pure nature of our most beloved master, Muhammad Mustafasa, when we are filled with religious zeal, our hearts should erupt spontaneously with songs of durood and salaam and we should imprint our hearts with these sacred events in such a way that our character and practice reflects the excellent character of our Mastersa.

We must not be contented with just hearing speeches and reading articles on on his life, we must continue to review ourselves to see if we reflect these high moral qualities that the Prophetsa radiated. Are we trying to follow the footsteps of our Mastersa?

In the context of fulfilment of covenants and promises, we should remember that having joined the Jamaat we, Ahmadi Muslims, have made certain compacts that we must abide by; at the time of bai‘at and renewal of bai‘at, for example.

In the name of Allah, we put our hands in the hand of the divinely appointed Khalifa and make a pledge to abide by the 10 conditions of bai‘at.

It is our duty to fulfil all the requirements of the 10 conditions and abide by these honestly. If we are true in our claim of love and obedience, we should fulfil our pledge of bai‘at diligently and faithfully so that fruits of righteous deeds develop on every branch and every tree of the Garden of Ahmadas is laden with fruit.

َّ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َّ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ‫ِلناس تَاۡ ُمرُ ۡو َن بال ۡ َم ۡعرُ ۡو ِف و‬ ِ ِ ‫کنتم خیر ام ٍۃ اخ ِرجت ل‬ ّٰ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ‫تنہون ع ِن المنک ِر و تؤ ِمنون ِبالل ِہ‬ You are the best people raised for the good of mankind; you enjoin what is good and forbid evil and believe in Allah.

The Holy Quran - 3:111

Aid to refugees in Bosnia from Humanity First Zubair Khalil Khan Humanity First Germany Project Director Balkan Area

Humanity First Germany had the opportunity to extend help to the following: 1. Refugees stranded in abandoned buildings and makeshift tents in woodlands situated on the outskirts of Bihać-Bosnia 2. Victims of the recent earthquake in Northern and Southern Croatia 3. Food items to needy people in various cities of Bosnia 4. Construction material to repair and renovate the affected houses President Humanity First Bosnia, Missionary Mufeezur Rahman Sahib, along with local Humanity First volunteers, Kemal Sahib and Nafiz Neretljak Sahib accompanied the volunteers of Humanity First Germany to visit the refugees. IOM members who take care of administrative aspects of the refugees in the area also

accompanied the Humanity First team.

These refugees currently reside in abandoned, dilapidated buildings and makeshift tents in woodlands on the outskirts of the city of Bihać-Bosnia. The situation of stranded refugees in the area of Bihać area is extremely deplorable as there is no electricity, water, toilets, washrooms and bathrooms where these stranded refugees reside.

During the four-days tour from 24 to 28 January 2021, snowfall continued and minus temperatures remained constant.

When food, hygiene and winter clothing items were distributed among these refugees, they were all extremely grateful. Humanity First could extend support to approximately 1,800 refugees.

The Humanity First team also visited the earthquake hit area in Northern Bosnia.

Imam Safet Begic and Imam Haris Ahmic welcomed the Humanity First teams for the noble work. Construction material and food items were distributed to the needy

families.

Mr Jasmin Saphic, President of the local NGO Merhamet, also accompanied the Humanity First team to visit all the 30 houses where needy families were given fire-wood.

The following notables extended invitations to visiting Humanity First teams and thanked them for the good work carried out: 1. Ms Nermina Cemalovic, Minister of Health of Canton Bihać 2. Mr Mirsad Mahmutagic, Mayor of the city 3. Ms Aida Barucija, National Assembly member 4. Mr Alen Zukic, President of Cultural Center Bihać 5. Mr Senaid Begić, member of state parliament 6. Ms Almedina Begić, Director of Language Institute

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Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Friday Sermon 15 January 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Alira; Launch of MTA Ghana After reciting Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “‘What happened to you? I called you numerous times, but you did not respond to me!’ He replied:

The accounts from the life of Hazrat Alira were being mentioned and I will continue to narrate them today as well. All the research that I had compiled in relation to him will be completed today, insha-Allah [God-willing].

The Promised Messiahas states: “Hazrat Imam Hussainra once asked” Hazrat Alira, “‘Do you love me?’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Yes.’ Hazrat Hussainra was greatly astonished at this as to how one’s heart could instil the love for two things at the same time. Following this, Hazrat Imam Hussainas said, ‘Who will you love if you had to choose between the two?’

Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Allah.’” (Malfuzat, Vol. 7, p. 57) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also mentioned this incident and states: “Hazrat Hassanra asked Hazrat Alira, ‘Do you love me?’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Yes, I do.’ Following this, Hazrat Hassanra asked, ‘Do you love God Almighty?’

Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Yes.’ “Upon this, Hazrat Hassanra said, ‘Then you are committing a form of shirk [associating partners with God] as shirk is defined as associating one’s love with the love for God Almighty.’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘Hassan, I am not committing shirk. There is no doubt that I love you, but when your love comes up against my love for God Almighty, I will immediately cast my love for you aside!’” (Quroon-eUla ki Namwar Khawatin aur Sahabiyat ke Iman Afroz …, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 21) In relation to an incident regarding Hazrat Alira, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, states, “Whenever Hazrat Alira was confronted with a huge trial, he would pray to Allah the Almighty in the following manner:

ْ ‫یَا ٰکھ ٰیعص ِاغ ِف ْرل ِْی‬

“That is, ‘O Kaf Ha Ya ‘Ain Sad! Forgive me!’” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 5, p. 17) According to a narration of Umm-eHani, the meaning of these abbreviated letters, as mentioned by the Holy Prophetsa, is as follows: Kaf stands for the attribute of Kafi (All-Sufficient), Ha stands for the attribute of Hadi (True Guide), ‘Ain stands for the attribute of ‘Aalim or

َ ْ َ َ َ ُْ ُ ْ َ َ ْ َ َ َ ‫است ْح َس َن‬ ‫قال ل ِ ِثق ِت ْی ِب ِحل ِمک َوا ْم ٍن ِمن عقوب ِتک ف‬ َٗ ْ َ ٗ ‫َج َوابَہ َواع َتقہ‬

‘Alim (All-Knowing) and Sad stands for the attribute of Sadiq (Truthful).” (Tafsire-Kabir, Vol. 5, p. 17) In other words, he was praying to Allah the Almighty in the following manner that “O Allah! You are the All-Sufficient, the True Guide, the All-Knowing and the Truthful! I implore You by all of Your attributes and ask You to forgive me!”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states:

“The commentators [of the Holy Quran] have mentioned an incident relating to Hazrat Alira, which is that He once called out to one of his servants, but he did not respond. Hazrat Alira called him several times, but he still did not reply. After a short while, this servant coincidentally appeared before Hazrat Alira, upon which Hazrat Alira asked him:

ُ َ َ َ ‫َما لک ل ْم ت ِج ْب ِنی‬

“‘The fact of the matter is that I was certain of your kindness and I considered myself protected from your punishment, therefore, I did not respond to you.’ Hazrat Alira was so pleased with this reply of his that he set him free.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 58 p. 255) Now, if this had been a worldly person, he may have punished him for taking advantage of his kindness; however, Hazrat Alira rewarded him instead.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states that there was an individual who used to teach Hazrat Ali’sra sons, Hassanra and Hussainra. Once, Hazrat Alira passed by his sons and heard their tutor teaching them َ to pronounce ‫[ خاتِ َم النبیین‬Khatiman Nabiyyeen]. Hazrat Alira said, “Do not َ teach my sons to say ‫ ;خاتِ َم النبیین‬rather, َ َ teach them to say ‫[ خات َم النبیین‬Khataman Nabiyyeen]” in other words, with a fathah [a diacritical mark] above the latter ta as opposed to a kasrah [a diacritical mark] under it. “Despite the fact that both pronunciations are possible; however, َ َ I prefer for it to be pronounced as ‫خات َم‬ ‫ النبیین‬because it means the ‘Seal of the َ Prophets’ whereas ‫ خاتِ َم النبیین‬would mean ‘the one who ends prophethood.’

Thus, teach my sons [to pronounce it] with a fathah above the letter ‫[ تاء‬ta].”

(Farizah-e-Tabligh aur Ahmadi Khawatin, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 18, p. 404) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states: “It is proven regarding Hazrat Alira that he had committed the Holy Quran to memory (hafiz) and in fact, he had started the work of compiling the Holy Quran according to the order of its revelation immediately after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa.” (Dibachah Tafsir al-Quran, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 20, p. 429) At another instance, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra says: “Once, a companion invited the Holy Prophetsa for a meal. Some other

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

24 companions had also been invited, among whom was Hazrat Alira. Hazrat Alira was younger in age as compared to the others and so, some companions decided to engage with him in a light-hearted manner.

“As they ate dates, they would place the date-stones in front of Hazrat Alira and the Holy Prophetsa was doing the same. Hazrat Alira was young and occupied himself in eating and so he did not notice. When he finally did realise, he found a pile of datestones in front of him. The companions, in a light-hearted manner, said to Hazrat Alira, ‘You have eaten all the dates! Look at the pile of date-stones in front of you.’

Hazrat Alira also had a light-hearted disposition and would not become annoyed at such things. Had this been his nature, he would have argued with the companions and said that they were falsely accusing him or were thinking ill of him.

“Hazrat Alira understood that they were simply doing this in a humorous manner and so, he thought to himself that it was best for him to also reply in kind. Hence,

Maudra states: “There is a commandment in the Holy Quran that before consulting with the Holy Prophetsa on any matter, one should give sadaqa [alms]. It is mentioned that before this commandment, Hazrat Alira had never consulted with the Holy Prophetsa.

However, after this commandment had been revealed, Hazrat Alira went to the Holy Prophetsa and after giving some amount as sadaqa [alms], he said that he wished to consult the Holy Prophetsa on a matter and so the Holy Prophetsa took Hazrat Alira to one side and spoke with him.

“Another companion later asked Hazrat Alira what it was that he had consulted the Holy Prophetsa about.

Hazrat Alira replied, ‘I did not need to consult about anything specific; however, I wished to fulfil this commandment of the Holy Quran.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, p. 752) Such was the example of the companions.

In another narration, with regard to this incident, it is mentioned that a

Hazrat Allamah Ubaidullah Sahib Bismil was a very distinguished Shia scholar. He was so learned and possessed such deep knowledge that even after becoming an Ahmadi, some of his books were not only being taught in the time of the Promised Messiahas, but they were also being taught after the partition [of India] and continue to be taught in Shia schools today.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh says: “I remember that a Shia gentleman came to speak to me when I was serving in the Waqf-e-Jadid department. After our discussion, he expressed his contentment and by the grace of Allah, he became an Ahmadi. After making this decision, he told me that he was a Shia scholar; however, he had not disclosed this to me previously. I do not remember exactly what position he held, but he was from a village in Sheikhupura or Faisalabad or from some area nearby. He told me that he held such and such position among the Shias and that he was a scholar.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh was saying that the person who pledged his allegiance was a Shia scholar, who lived in

The Holy Prophetsa once asked the Companionsra for monetary contributions. Hazrat Alira went out, cut some grass and having sold it, gave the amount he had received from it as a donation. he said, ‘You have even eaten the datestones as well, whilst I have been keeping them to one side.”’ Meaning [Hazrat Alira said in a light-hearted manner] that unlike him, they were eating the dates including the date-stones and the proof was that he had a pile of date-stones in front of him.

Thus, through this light-hearted response of his, the joke reverted back onto the companions. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, pp. 259-260) At another instance, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra states in relation to Hazrat Alira: “It is mentioned in the hadith that once, while the Holy Prophetsa was reciting the Holy Quran [during prayer], Hazrat Alira reminded him of a certain portion. After the prayer had concluded, the Holy Prophetsa said to Hazrat Alira, ‘It was not your duty to do so; I have appointed certain people to remind me if I ever make a mistake.’” (Khutbat-eMahmud, Vol. 33, p. 299) The Holy Prophetsa was reciting the Holy Quran during prayer when he missed a portion, upon which Hazrat Alira reminded him. The Holy Prophetsa told him that he had already appointed certain people for this task and so Hazrat Alira did not need to, despite the fact that Hazrat Alira was quite learned as well.

At another instance, Hazrat Musleh-e-

companion would go from house to house in order to fulfil the Quranic injunction that if a member of a house turns them away, then they must return from there.

He says, “I tried on several occasions, and in fact, at times I would go daily to people’s houses hoping that one would tell me to go back and that I may do so happily and thereby fulfil this commandment of the Holy Quran; yet this wish of mine was never fulfilled as no one from any of the houses would tell me to return.”

(Al-Qurtubi, Tafsir al-Jami‘ li Ahkam alQuran, Vol. 15, p. 199, Surah al-Nur, Ayah 29, Mu‘assisat al-Risalah, Beirut, 2006) Nowadays, if it is said to anyone that they are busy and they should return or that they cannot meet, people get offended by it, but the level of righteousness of the companions was such that they would try to act upon each and every injunction of the Holy Quran.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states that the Holy Prophetsa once asked the Companionsra for some chanda. Hazrat Alira went out, cut some grass and having sold it, gave the amount he had received from it in chanda. (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 33, p. 357) Whilst mentioning an incident, perhaps in one of his darses [lectures], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated that

Shekhupura.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh continued by saying: “He told me that he was a scholar and had held a high status among the Shias.

He further said to me that even to this day, the books of Ubaidullah Sahib Bismil are still being taught in their schools.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh says: “Such was the immense influence of his knowledge and yet, these Shias do not even tell us that they teach the books of Bismil Sahib. I only happened to find out through this scholar, but even whilst teaching these books, they do not mention who Bismil Sahib was and what happened to him later. He accepted the Promised Messiahas and relinquished all the honour he had attained from the time he spent whilst following the Shia faith.”

This is a reference from his book.

Hence, the reference is not from any ordinary person.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave a reference from this book after explaining its background and said that Al-Bazar had written in his Musnad that Hazrat Alira asked of his people, “Tell me who is the bravest person?” They replied, “You are the bravest.” Hazrat Alira then said, “I always fight one who is equal to me so how can I be the bravest?” He asked again,

“Who is the bravest?” (Bismil Sahib has written this reference in one of his books.)

The people answered, “We do not know.

Please tell us.” Hazrat Alira then stated, “The bravest and most courageous person is Hazrat Abu Bakrra.”

Hazrat Alira stated, “The most brave and courageous was Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

Hearken! During the Battle of Badr, we made a canopy for the Holy Prophetsa and began conferring amongst ourselves as to who would stay with the Holy Prophetsa under the canopy, lest an idolater attacks the Holy Prophetsa. By God! None from among us had stepped forward yet when Hazrat Abu Bakrra went with his sword drawn and stood beside the Holy Prophetsa. Subsequently, no idolater dared to launch an attack. Had they dared to attack, Hazrat Abu Bakrra would have struck them immediately. That is why he was the bravest of all” i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakrra. This incident was narrated by Hazrat Alira.

Hazrat Ali, may Allah bestow him with honour, states: “On one occasion, the idolaters surrounded the Holy Prophetsa and were dragging him around saying that he was the one who says that God is one. By God! No one had the courage to stand up to the idolaters (Hazrat Alira is narrating this).

By God! No one had the courage to stand up to the idolaters, but Hazrat Abu Bakrra fought them and pushing them aside, he made them disperse. Hazrat Abu Bakrra kept on repeating the words, ‘Woe be unto you! You harm a person who says that only Allah is his Lord.’”

Stating this, Hazrat Alira lifted his cloak over his face and wept so profusely that his beard became soaked and then said, “May Allah guide you! O people tell me, were the believers from the people of the Pharaoh [in the time of Mosesas] better or Hazrat Abu Bakrra? Those from among the people of the Pharaoh who accepted belief did not sacrifice themselves for their prophet as much as Hazrat Abu Bakrra did.”

When the people heard this, they remained silent, upon which Hazrat Alira said, “O people! Why do you not respond?

I swear by God! One moment [in the life] of Hazrat Abu Bakrra is better and greater than a thousand moments of the believers from among of the people of Pharaoh.

The reason for this is because the people in the time of the Pharaoh used to conceal their faith, whereas Hazrat Abu Bakrra professed his faith openly.” (Dars alQuran Hazrat Khalifatul Masih al-Rabi‘rh, 16 February 1994) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes: “The Holy Prophetsa once advised Hazrat Alira saying, ‘O Ali! Even if one person accepts Islam due to your preaching, that would be better for you than if you had a large herd of sheep’s and goats that were passing between two mountains and seeing them would please you.” (Hamare Dhimma Tamam Dunya ko Fatah Karne ka Kam he, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 18, p. 464) Hazrat Ummul Momineen, Hazrat Umm Salamahra states: “I swear that I heard the Holy

25

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM Prophetsa say, ‘Whosoever loves Ali, loves me and whosoever loves me, loves Allah.

And whoever harbours malice against Ali, harbours malice against me and whosoever harbours malice against me harbours malice against Allah.’” (Majma‘ al-Zawa‘id wa Manba‘ al-Fawa‘id, Vol. 9, p. 126, Kitab al-Manaqib, Manaqib Ali bin Talib, Hadith 14757, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) Hazrat Zirrra narrates that Hazrat Alira said, “I swear by the One Who causes the grain to sprout and created the soul! Verily the Holy Prophetsa, the Immaculate one, he gave me a promise that only a believer will have love for me and only a hypocrite will harbour malice against me.” (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Iman, Bab al-Dalil ala Hubb al-Ansar…, Hadith 240) Hazrat Alira narrates that the Holy Prophetsa called him and said, “Your example is like Prophet Jesusas in that the Jews opposed him so much that they fabricated a grievous calumny against his mother. The Christians exceeded all bounds in their love for him (i.e. for Jesusas) to the extent that they gave him a rank and station that was not for him.”

Hazrat Alira then said: “Take heed! Two types of people will perish owing to their beliefs about me; the first are they who exceed all limits in their love for me and grant me that rank that is not for me, while the second are they who harbour malice against me and forge calumnies against me.” (Ahmad bin Hanbal, Musnad Ahmad bin Hanbal, Vol. 1, Musnad Ali bin Abi Talib, Hadith 1377 [Beirut, Lebanon: Alam al-Kutub, 1998], 439.)

With regard to the distribution of the spoils received known as “fay”, which are those spoils captured without a physical war taking place, Hazrat Alira adopted the practice of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra.

When these spoils would come to him, Hazrat Alira would distribute everything and would not save anything from it, except for that which he was unable to distribute that day. He would say, “O material world! Go and deceive someone else [on account of your lure].” Hazrat Alira would not accept anything from the spoils of “fay”, nor would he give any to his close friends or relatives. He would only assign honest and trustworthy people as governors or to other offices. If he would learn about any dishonesty committed by any of his governors, he would write the following verses to them:

ُ َُْ َ َْ ٌَ ‫اءتک ْم َموْ ِعظۃ ِم ْن َر ِّبک ْم‬ ‫قد ج‬

“[O mankind!] There has indeed come to you an exhortation from your Lord” [Ch.10: V.58] And also:

َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ ْ ْ َ َ َ ْ ْ ُ ْ َ َ ‫اس اَ ْش َی‬ َ ‫الن‬ ‫اء ُہ ْم‬ ‫اوفوا ال ِمکیال وال ِمیزان ِبال ِقس ِط ولا تبخسوا‬ ْ ّٰ ُ َ َ ُ‫اللہ َخی ْ ٌر لَّ ُک ْم ا ْن ُک ْنت ْم‬ َْْ ْ َ َْ َ​َ ِ ‫ض ُمف ِس ِدیْ َن۔ ب ِق ّیۃ‬ ِ ِ ‫ولا تعثوا فِی الأر‬ ُ َ َ​َ ْ ‫ُم ْؤ ِم ِنی َن َو َما انا َعل ْیک ْم ِب َح ِف ْی ٍظ‬

“Give full measure and full weight with equity and defraud not people of their things and commit not iniquity in the earth, causing disorder. That which is left with you by Allah is better for you, if you are believers. And I am not a keeper

over you.” [Ch.11: V.86-87] He would further add, “From the time this letter reaches you, ensure that you safeguard the wealth that is entrusted with you until I send a person to you who can take those possessions from you.”

Hazrat Alira would then look towards the sky and pray, “O Allah! Verily You know that I never commanded them to commit injustice against Your people, nor did I command them to forsake the rights owed to You.” Abjar bin Jarmouz narrates that his father said to him, “I saw Hazrat Alira departing from Kufa. At the time, he was wearing two Qitri cloaks (Qitr is the name of a settlement in Bahrain, where red stripped cloth was made), one of which he was wearing as a lower garment that draped up to the middle of his calf and the other, he wore as a cloak. He held a whip in his hand and as he walked through the marketplace, he advised the people to fear Allah, to speak the truth, to buy and sell in good faith and to give full measure and accurate weight [of the goods].”

Mujama‘ Taimi narrates that once Hazrat Alira distributed all the wealth that was in the Treasury [Bait-ul-Mal] amongst the Muslims. He then ordered for it to be whitewashed with limestone. After this, he offered the Salat and hoped that this [room of the treasury] would be a witness for him on the Day of Judgement. (Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 1992], 1111-1113) (Lughat al-Hadith, Vol. 3, p. 575, Nashir Nu‘mani Kutub Khana, Lahore, 2005) Whilst speaking about Hazrat Alira, on one occasion Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra writes: “The Promised Messiahas has stated, ‘I saw another dream on 7 December 1892 that I had become Hazrat Ali, may Allah bestow him with honour; meaning that in my dream, I felt as if I was Hazrat Alira. It is one of the wonders of a dream that sometimes a person feels that he is someone else and in that way, I felt at the time that I was Ali Murtaza and the situation was that a group of Khawarij was opposing my Khilafat, that is to say, they wished to obstruct my becoming Khalifa and were creating mischief for that purpose. Then I saw the Holy Prophet, on whom be the peace and blessings of Allah, close to me and he said with kindness and affection: ُ َ َ َْ َ ُْ ْ َ ُ َ َ ُ َ ‫ارھ ْم َو ِز َراع َتھ ْم‬ ‫یا علِ ّی! دعھم و انص‬ “That is, ‘O Ali! Stay away from them, their helpers, and their harvest. Leave them and turn away from them.’

“I found that the Holy Prophetsa advised me to be steadfast in the midst of that trial and to refrain from getting involved with those people. He told me that I was in the right, but that it would be better not to address them.’” (Barakate-Khilafat, Anwar al-‘Ulum, Vol. 2, p. 176) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further states, “Hazrat Alira’s army took over the spoils belonging to the Khwarij and distributed the weapons and the mounts used in the war amongst the people. But upon returning to Kufa, Hazrat Alira returned the possessions, slaves and concubines to

their owners.” (Masalah-e-Nubuwwat ke Muta‘alliq Islami Nazariyyah, Anwar alUlum, Vol. 23, p. 363) On another occasion, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra states: “Hazrat Umar’sra Khilafat was further away from the era of the Holy Prophetsa as compared to the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. The same was the case with Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira.

Undoubtedly their rank was lesser than that of the Caliphs before them. However, the incidents that occurred in the time of Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira were not as a result of them being lower in rank, but it was owing to the distance from the era of the Holy Prophetsa. The reason for this is that the majority of the people present

[And fight them until there is no persecution. (Ch.2: V.194)] To this, Abdullah bin Umarra replied, ‘… We fulfilled this commandment in the time of the Holy Prophetsa when Islam was still spreading and one would be persecuted owing to their religion, i.e. one would either be killed or tortured for accepting Islam. Until a time when Islam spread and then no one would be put in trial due to their faith.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 427-428) This means, the wars that were [previously] fought were because the [Muslims] were forced to change their faith and it was against those who wished to return them back to their original faith [idolatry]. He stated that now that

None from among us had stepped forward yet when Hazrat Abu Bakrra went with his sword drawn and stood beside the Holy Prophetsa.

Subsequently, no idolater dared to launch an attack. Had they dared to attack, Hazrat Abu Bakrra would have struck them immediately. That is why he [Hazrat Abu Bakrra]was the bravest of all. during the eras of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra were those who had spent time in the company of the Holy Prophetsa. However, later on, those who had not enjoyed the company of the Holy Prophetsa became more influential. Thus, a person once asked Hazrat Alira the reason why the conflict and discord witnessed in his time were not witnessed in the eras of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra? To this, Hazrat Alira replied, ‘The fact of the matter is that the people serving under Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Hazrat Umarra were like me and the people serving under me in this era are like you.’” (Jamaat-eAhmadiyya aur Hamari Zimmadarian, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 5, p. 95) Narrating another incident on a different occasion, Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra stated: “During the time when the war between Hazrat Alira and Muawiyahra was ensuing, a person went to Hazrat Abdullah bin Umarra and said, ‘Why do you not participate in the wars alongside Hazrat Alira, when the Quran clearly states: ُ َ َ ٰ ُ ُ ٰ ٌ ‫َوق ِتل ْوھ ْم َح ّتی لا تک ْو َن ِف ْت َنۃ‬

faith had been established, there was no dispute over one’s religion anymore, but there was a difference in opinion on certain matters. That is why these wars were taking place and for this reason he do not take part in them. Nevertheless, this was his viewpoint.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states in another place: “When a Byzantine king learnt of the war between Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Muawiyahra, he wished to launch an attack against the Islamic states. Hazrat Muawiyahra wrote to him and said, ‘Beware! Do not be deceived by our internal dispute. If you launch an attack, I will be the first general to march against you and fight under the army of Hazrat Alira.’” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 430) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned this in more detail in another place, “There was a time when seeing the conflict between Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Amir Muawiyahra, a Byzantine king wished to send an army to attack the Muslims. At the time, the Byzantine

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

26 Empire wielded the same power that USA holds today. Upon learning of his intentions to launch an attack, a Christian priest, who was very intelligent, said, ‘Your Majesty, take my advice and refrain from launching an attack. Even though they have disagreements amongst themselves; however, they will all unite against you, leaving aside all their differences.’”

He then gave an example; either he did it in a contemptuous manner or perhaps he felt that this was a better example to give; in any case, he said: “‘If you bring some dogs and starve them for a while and then place some meat before them, they will begin to fight one another. However, if you were to set a lion against the same dogs, they both will set aside their differences and launch a joint attack on the lion.’ Through this example, he conveyed [to the king] that he wanted to take advantage of the disagreement between Hazrat Alira and Muawiyahra; however, he should know that if ever there was a question of an external attack, they both would cast their differences aside and will unite against the enemy. And this is precisely what happened.

When Hazrat Muawiyahra learnt of the Byzantine King’s intentions, he sent him a message, stating, ‘You seek to take advantage of the disagreements between us and attack the Muslims; however, let it be known that even though there is discord between me and Hazrat Alira, but if your army launches an attack, then I will be the first general to set out against your army from Hazrat Ali’sra side.’” (Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markaziyyah ke Jalsa Salana Ijtima 1956 mein Khitabat, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 25, p. 416-417) Hazrat Ibn Abbasra relates that Hazrat Umarra used to say, “The most excellent reciter of the Holy Quran amongst us is Ubayra bin Kaab and the one who is best in giving verdicts is Alira.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Tafsir, Surah al-Baqarah, Bab Qauluh Ma Nansakhu… Hadith 4481) Hazrat Umm Atiyyara relates that the Holy Prophetsa sent an army [for an expedition] and Hazrat Alira was also a part of it. She states that she heard the Holy Prophetsa recite the following prayer: “O Allah, do not cause me to die until You show me Ali.” (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], 100) The Holy Prophetsa sent Hazrat Alira on a military expedition and when he returned, the Holy Prophetsa stated to him, “Allah, His Messengersa and Gabriel are pleased with you.” (Kanz al-Ummal, Vol. 13, p. 107, Hadith 36349, Mu’assisat al-Risalah, Beirut, 1985) There is another incident in which Amir Muawiyahra asked Dirar Saudai to recount the qualities of Hazrat Alira to him. He replied, “O Leader of the Faithful, excuse me from this.”

Amir Muawiyahra insisted that he must inform him. Upon this, Dirar stated: “If that is the case, then listen. By God, Hazrat Alira was a man of great courage and possessed strong faculties. He spoke decisively and issued verdicts based on justice. He was a fountain of knowledge

and insight and his every word was filled with deep wisdom. He expressed aversion for worldly material and its attractions and loved the solitude of [the worship in the] night. He would weep profusely and carefully deliberate and ponder over matters. He dressed modestly and ate simple food. He lived among us just like an ordinary person. If ever we would ask him a question, he would give us the answer and if we enquired about an incident, he would inform us about it.

“By God, despite the fact that we had a bond of great mutual love and closeness, but owing to the awe of his grandeur, we would speak very little before him. He would show great respect to those who were devout and pious and held the poor close. Even the strongest of people could not influence him with their falsehood and even the weakest would never be disappointed by his high level of justice.

“By God, on certain occasions, I saw that when the night entered its latter stages and the stars began to dim, he would take hold of his beard and would tremble like one who has been bitten by a snake and would profusely weep like one who is overcome with extreme sorrow and he would say, ‘O world, leave me and go and deceive someone else. Why do you come to me with all your allure and attractions?

What you desire of me shall never come to pass, shall never come to pass. I have announced my intentions to divorce you thrice, after which there is no possibility of reunion. This is because your life is short and you hold no significance.’” He was speaking symbolically to the world. “‘Your life is short and you hold no significance.

There are very little provisions yet the journey is long and perilous.’”

When he mentioned all of these qualities, Amir Muawiyahra began to cry upon hearing them and said, “May Allah bestow His mercy upon Abul Hasanra. By God, he was certainly like this. O Dirar, how sorrowful were you upon Ali’sra demise?” Dirar replied, “The same level of grief that would be experienced by a mother whose child is slaughtered whilst in her lap.” (Ibn Abd al-Barr, Al-Isti‘ab fi Ma‘rifat al-Ashab, Vol. 3, Dhikr Ali bin Abi Talib [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Jil, 1992], 1107-1108.)

Hazrat Ali’sra jurisprudential verdicts are well-known and I will relate some of those which Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Tabari has written about an incident from the era of Hazrat Alira which illustrates the great caution they took right from the inception of Islam. The incident is as follows; Adl bin Uthman relates…”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also included the entire Arabic text of this narration; however, I will leave the Arabic text out for now, but insha-Allah when the sermon is officially published, it will be included in that. ْ َ َ َ َ َ ْ َ ْ ً َ َّ َ ًّ َ ُ ْ َ َ ‫ان ف َرای ِفئ َتی ِن‬ ‫]رایت علِیا عم خا ِرجا ِمن ھمد‬ ّ ٰ ً ْ َ َ ً ْ َ َ َ َ ٰ َ َّ ُ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ َ ُ ْ َ ‫ان ففرق بینھما ثم مضی فس ِمع صوتا یاغوثا بِالل ِہ‬ ِ ‫تقتل‬ َ َ َ ُ ْ ُ َ َ ُ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ُ ْ َ ّ ٰ َ ٗ َ ْ َ ُّ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ‫فخرج یحض نحوہ حتی س ِمعت خفق نع ِل ٖہ وھو یقول اتاک‬ َ ٌ ْ َ َ ُ َْ ْ ْ ْ َ َ َ​َ ً ‫الغ ْوث فاِذا َر ُجل یُلا ِز ُم َر ُجلا فقال یَا ا ِمی َر ال ُمؤ ِم ِنی َن‬

َّ َ َ ُ ْ َ َ َ ٰ ُ ‫بِ ْعت ِم ْن ھذا ث ْو بًا بِ ِت ْس َع ِۃ َد َراھِ َم َوش َرطت َعل ْی ِہ ا ْن لا‬ ُ ُ َ َ َ َ ً ْ ُ ْ َ َ َ ً ْ ُ ْ َ َ ُْ ‫ان ش ْرطھ ْم ی َ ْو َم ِئ ٍذ‬ ‫یع ِطی ِن ْی مغمورا ولا مقطوعا وک‬ َ َّ َ َ َ َ َ َ ٗ َ​َ ّ ٰ ٗ َ​َ​َ ‫فات ْی ُتہ بِھ ِذ ِہ الد َراھِ ِم ل ُِی َب ِدلھا ل ِْی فا ٰبی فل ِز ْم ُتہ فلط َم ِن ْی‬ ْ ُ َ َ َ ْ َّ َ َ َ َ​َ ْ َ َ َ​َ ‫فقال ابْ ِدل ُہ فقال ب َ ِّی َن ُتک َعلی اللط َم ِۃ فاتاہ بِال َب ِّی َن ِۃ‬ ْ َ ُ َ َ ْ َ ّ َ َ​َ َ ْ َ َ َ َ َ ُ َٗ َْ​َ ‫فاق َعدہ ث َّم قال ُد ْونک فاق َت ّص فقال ِانِ ْی قد عف ْوت یَا ا ِمی َر‬ َ َ ُ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ ُ َ ّ ُ َ ْ ْ ‫ال ُمؤ ِم ِنی َن قال اِن َما ا َر ْدت ا ْن ا ْح َتاطہ ِف ْی َح ِقک ث َم ض َر َب‬ َ ُ َّ َ ْ ُّ ُّ َ َ ٰ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫رات وقال ھذا حق‬ [‫ان‬ ٍ ‫الرجل ت ِ ْسع د‬ ِ ‫السلط‬ The translation is: “[Adl bin Uthman relates] that Hazrat Alira was staying outside of Hamdan when he saw two groups fighting against each other. Hazrat Alira reconciled the two groups and made peace between them; however, he had not gone too far, when he heard someone calling for help. Hazrat Alira ran so quickly towards him that his footsteps could be heard and he kept repeating, ‘Help is here, help is here’. As he approached closer, he saw that one of the men had grabbed hold of another man.

“Upon seeing Hazrat Alira, he said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful, I sold him a piece of cloth for nine dirhams. However, the condition also was that none of the dirhams should be faulty or defective, which he, i.e. the buyer had agreed to.

However, he gave me some defective dirhams and when I came to exchange these defective dirhams, he refused to do so. When I insisted, he slapped me.’ Hazrat Alira instructed the buyer to exchange the coins. He then asked the other individual to provide proof that he slapped him.

When he presented the proof, Hazrat Alira told the one who slapped him to sit down and told the other individual to seek retribution. Upon this, he said, ‘O Leader of the Faithful, I forgive him.’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘You may have forgiven him, but I wish to act with caution in relation to your rights.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra further writes, “It seems that this individual was of a very simple disposition and was not fully aware of his loss and gains. And so, the one who had perpetrated the act of slapping him was whipped nine times as punishment. Hazrat Alira stated, ‘He may have forgiven you, but this punishment has been handed to you by the government.’”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 362-363) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has mentioned another incident: “We find an excellent example of Hazrat Ali’sra conduct from the following incident: Once, Hazrat Alira saw that someone had physically attacked another individual. Hazrat Alira stopped him and told the victim that he should now hit him back in retribution. However, he replied that he had forgiven him. Hazrat Alira realised that this individual was only refusing to do so out of fear of the other individual as the perpetrator of the act was very oppressive. Therefore, Hazrat Alira stated, ‘You have exercised your personal right and forgiven him; however, I will exercise my official right [as a leader].’ Hazrat Alira then handed him a punishment equal to that which he had committed against the weaker individual.”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 4, p. 331) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Once, a legal matter involving Hazrat

Alira was presented before a Muslim magistrate, who showed some leniency towards Hazrat Alira. Upon this, Hazrat Alira stated, ‘This is the first act of injustice on your part by showing leniency to me.

At this moment, me and the other party are equal.’” (Khutbat-e-Mahmud, Vol. 16 p. 516) Whilst mentioning the qualities of Hazrat Alira, the Promised Messiahas states: “Was he not the most eloquent among the people, the most articulate in speech and the one who could breathe life through his words? Thus, he could have gathered people around him within an hour or even less due to the strength of his speech and oration, which would have affected the listeners and attracted them.”

(Sirr al-Khilafah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 350, Urdu Tarjumah of Sirr al-Khilafah, pp. 89-90, Nazarat Ishaat) The Promised Messiahas further states: “I know for certain that no one can be deemed a true believer nor a Muslim until they instil within themselves the qualities of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Uthmanra and Hazrat Alira, may Allah be pleased with them all. Their hearts were pure from the love of this world; instead they devoted their lives in the way of God Almighty.” (Lecture Ludhiana, Ruhani Khaza‘in, Vol. 20, p.

294) The Promised Messiahas then further states: “The Khawarij proclaim that Hazrat Alira was rebellious and accuse him of committing many unrighteous acts. In fact, they consider him to be completely devoid of any faith. Thus, a natural question that arises here is that if righteousness, truthfulness and honesty is an essential requirement for one to become a Siddiq [the truthful one], then why is it that God Almighty made certain matters appear unclear or doubtful for the people relating to these pious men, who were prophets, messengers and saints?” Why were people not able to understand the true reality of the matters in relation to them? Why were their circumstances and their true character hidden from these people “and why did they fail to understand their words and actions to such an extent that they completely expelled them from the fold of righteousness, truthfulness and honesty and considered them to be from among the oppressors, who usurped the wealth of others, unlawfully shed the blood of others, committed deception and treachery and were subservient to their inner desires and committed vice?

“In fact, there are many people in the world who neither claim to be a messenger, nor a prophet, saint, imam or khalifa of the Muslims, and yet no one levels a single allegation against their way of life or their character. The answer to this question is that God Almighty did this so that the true reality of those who are His chosen and beloved servants remains hidden from those evil ones, who are quick to pass judgment and in whose nature it is to think ill of others just as God Almighty has concealed Himself from others.” (Tiryaq al-Qulub, Ruhani

27

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Khaza‘in, Vol. 15, p. 422) In other words, just as people think ill of Allah the Almighty, Who is hidden, in the same way these evil people think ill of His beloved servants as well and are quick to level allegations against them. These very people are ones who are devoid of righteousness and yet level accusations against those who are righteous.

The Promised Messiahas further states: “There is no doubt that Hazrat Alira was a hope for the seekers of the truth and an unparalleled model of generosity.

He was divine proof for the people and the best example of his time. He was the light of Allah that was to illuminate the world. However, the era of his Khilafat was not a time of peace and safety, but a time of intense conflict and discord.

People differed between his Khilafat and the Khilafat of Ibn Abi Sufyan and would look to them in a state of utter perplexity.

Some people considered them to be like two bright furqad [two bright stars of Ursa Minor] stars and considered them equal in stature.

“The fact of the matter is that the truth was on the side of [Ali] Al-Murtaza. Those who fought against him were rebellious and transgressors. However, his Khilafat was not the recipient of the glad-tidings given by the Gracious God regarding the establishment of peace and security. In fact, Hazrat Ali al-Murtazara was given a lot of pain from his opponents and his Khilafat was tarnished through various kinds of evils. Allah had greatly blessed him, but he remained full of sorrow and grief his entire life. He was not able to propagate the message of Islam and eradicate the Satanic forces [in the land] like the Khulafa before him; in fact, he was not even spared from being reviled by his own people. His every plan and desire was denied by his people and they failed to unite around him; rather, they were bent on continuously carrying out injustices against him and causing him pain. They hindered him and placed obstacles in every path of his. However, he was extremely patient and amongst

the righteous, but still we cannot say that his Khilafat was a fulfilment of the gladtidings mentioned in Ayat-e-Istikhlaf because his Khilafat was during an era of disorder, rebellion and turmoil.” (Sirr alKhilafah, Ruhani Khaza‘in, Vol. 8, pp. 352353, Urdu Tarjumah of Sirr al-Khilafah, pp. 95-96, Nazarat Ishaat) The Promised Messiahas states: “It is vital to believe that Siddiq-eAkbarra [Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra], Hazrat Farooq-e-Umarra [Hazrat Umar Farooqra], Hazrat Dhun-Nurainra [Hazrat Uthmanra] and Hazrat Ali Murtazara were all the custodians of the faith.” (Maktubate-Ahmad, Vol. 2, p. 151, Maktub Number 2, Maktub ba Nam Hazrat Sahib Muhammad Ali Khan Sahib) The Promised Messiahas further states regarding the status of Hazrat Alira: “Ali, may Allah be pleased with him, was righteous and pious. He was a beloved of Allah, the Gracious God. He was the elect of Allah and the chief of his era.

He was the victorious lion of Allah, the Benevolent, a pure-hearted and generous youth who belonged to God. He was peerless and his bravery was such that he would remain resolute in the battlefield, even if an army from among the enemy stood in front of him.

“He lived his life with great humility, reaching the highest peak of piety that a mortal can attain. He would sacrifice his money and wealth and was the foremost in consoling and helping the destitute, orphans and his neighbours. On the battlefield, he demonstrated extraordinary feats of bravery and displayed a miraculous skill in handling the sword and spear.

“At the same time, he was soft-spoken and an eloquent orator. His words would penetrate the hearts of the listeners and remove the corrosion of their minds. His countenance shone bright with the light of truth. He was an outstanding orator; whosoever competed with him in this field would themselves step down, overpowered and defeated [by his eloquence]. His every attribute was outstanding and he was flawless in his speech and eloquence. He

who denies his perfection adopts the way of the shameless.

“He would encourage others to remove the difficulties of the helpless. He would command to feed the poor and needy.

He was among those who were honoured with the nearness of God and the foremost people who drank from the fountain of the Quran’s wisdom and was gifted with a deep understanding and insight of the intricacies of the Quran.

“I have seen him (i.e. Hazrat Alira), but not in a dream, rather in a state of wakefulness. I met him in a vision [kashf] and whilst in this state, Hazrat Alira bestowed upon me the commentary of the Book of Allah, the Knower of the Unseen, and said: “‘This is my commentary, and now it is bestowed upon you; rejoice over that which has been bestowed upon you.’”

In other words, Hazrat Alira gave this commentary to the Promised Messiahas.

“He stated, ‘May this be a blessing for you.’ Thus, I stretched forth my hand and took the commentary and thanked Allah, the Mighty and Bestower of All Things. I found Hazrat Alira to be of proportionate build, possessing moral excellence, humble, strong, and had a radiant countenance.

“I affirm, on oath, that Hazrat Alira met me with great love and affection. It was conveyed to me that he knew me and was aware of my beliefs and he was also aware that my views and beliefs were opposed to the beliefs held by the Shias. But he never expressed any sort of displeasure or disapproval at this, nor did he turn away from me. Instead, he met like one’s beloved and showed me great affection just like a true and sincere friend would do so.

“He was accompanied by both Hasanra and Husainra and by the Chief of the Messengers, the Seal of the Prophetssa.

Also in their company was a very beautiful, righteous young woman of high status; she was blessed, pure, dignified and worthy of honour: her inner and outer qualities were infused with spiritual light. I found

her to be in a state of grief, which she was trying to suppress. It was conveyed to me that she was Fatimah al-Zahra.

I was lying down as she approached me and sat down next to me. She placed my head upon her thigh and was most kind to me. I noticed that she was sorrowful and anxious on account of my troubles, as mothers are anxious on account of the tribulations of their children.”

Certain non-Ahmadis raise allegations on this stating that how wrong it is to say such a thing in that he placed his head on her thigh. However, the Promised Messiahas has given the example of a mother. If one reads the entire extract from the beginning and the qualities he has mentioned in relation to her and then reads this particular sentence, in which it states that she showed kindness to him like that of a mother, then it leaves no room for any allegation. However, since their minds are polluted, therefore they raise such allegations. In any case, the Promised Messiahas states: “It was then conveyed to me that my relationship with her” i.e. with Hazrat Fatimahra “was like that of a spiritual son.

It passed through my mind that her sorrow was an indication of the persecution that I was to undergo at the hands of my people, countrymen and enemies. Then Hasanra and Husainra approached me and expressed their affection towards me like that of brothers and met me like kind well-wishers. This vision was one of those that I experienced while I was awake and this took place many years ago. I have a unique relationship with Hazrat Alira and Hazrat Husainra, of which only God, the Lord of East and West, knows its true reality. In fact, I have deep love for Hazrat Alira and his sons. I am an enemy of the one who is an enemy of them. However, I am not unjust, nor am I from among the oppressors. It is not possible for me to turn away from what Allah the Almighty has revealed to me and I am not of the transgressors. However, if you fail to accept this, then for you are your deeds and for me, my deeds and Allah will judge between us for He is the best of judges.”

(Sirr al-Khilafah, Ruhani Khaza‘in, Vol. 8, pp. 358-359, Urdu Tarjumah of Sirr alKhilafah, pp. 108-112, Nazarat Ishaat) This completes the accounts from the life of Hazrat Alira and the next series of accounts will now begin insha-Allah.

At this time, I would like to announce that, God-willing, after offering prayers, I will launch a new television channel, which will broadcast 24-hours. It is called “MTA Ghana”.

The Wahab Adam Studio in Ghana was established in 2017 and named in honour of the late amir and missionary-in-charge.

The studio produces over 60 percent of the current programmes for MTA Africa channels. The studio has 17 full-time staff members and over 60 volunteers who are trained in the various departments.

The Wahab Adam Studios is one of the most advanced studios in Ghana and has some of the best facilities. Various media organisations and broadcasters send their staff to the studio for training purposes and work experience. The studio

28 has produced many live programmes including the first Quran Competition in Africa, Ramadan programmes and many others.

A new channel is now being launched under the name of MTA Ghana. MTA Ghana will be a new 24-hour national television channel broadcasting on the digital platform in Ghana. MTA Ghana will be available to view without the need of a satellite dish and can be accessed through a normal aerial. This means that the people of Ghana can easily access it even with a normal antenna. The channel can be found in the same place as the other major television channels in Ghana and will be accessible to hundreds of thousands of homes within the country and will cover all regions from the South to the North, insha-Allah.

Programmes will be produced from the Wahab Adam studios in various languages of Ghana including English, Twi, Ga, Hausa and others. The transmission and scheduling of the channel will be run locally from the Wahab Adam studios through Lajna volunteers and other teams. Many programmes will be produced to provide moral training and other educational programmes and, in this way, the true and beautiful teachings of Islam will be conveyed to the people through this channel. MTA Ghana will be the only dedicated Islamic channel on the digital platform in Ghana, insha-Allah.

On the one hand, the opponents of the Jamaat seek to hinder our path, but at the same time, Allah the Almighty opens many other new avenues for us. These are the blessings of Allah the Almighty upon the Jamaat. Insha-Allah, those paths of ours, which they have hindered, will also open at its appropriate time. However, at the same time, Allah the Almighty has granted us the means of our happiness and joy. Thus, this channel will inshaAllah cover the entire country and maybe even certain areas in the neighbouring countries as well.

Insha-Allah, as I have just mentioned, after the Friday prayers, I will inaugurate the channel.

Furthermore, I have been drawing attention towards these days to pray especially for those who have been [falsely] imprisoned in Pakistan and Algeria – may Allah Almighty create the means for them to be freed.

Pray for the general state of affairs in Pakistan as well; may Allah Almighty enable Ahmadis there to live in peace. May He bring the opponents of Ahmadiyyat to their senses; if not, then may Allah Almighty deal with them as He so wills and enable Ahmadis to be freed of them.

The Ahmadis of Pakistan should also particularly focus on offering voluntary supplications, praying and giving sadaqaat. May Allah Almighty keep them in His protection and security.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International on 5 February 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions)

Friday 12 February 2021 | AL HAKAM

Education & morality – The flagship of Ahmadi students

What gave the students of Talim-ul-Islam school a distinctive position among the schools of the Punjab was not only their educational excellence, but their high moral standards. They would stand out among the thousands of students as the best in their educational pursuits, obedience, loyalty to their nation, perseverance and, above all, the excellent moral standards that they exhibited in (and even out of) their school premises. https://www.alhakam.org/education-morality-the-flagship-of-ahmadi-students/

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial Ataul Fatir Tahir | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021