Al Hakam - 13 August 2021

Report of inaugural session of 55th Jalsa Salana UK of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat United Kingdom

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Ahmadiyyat continues to progress

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah

Report of Huzoor’s second-day address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Part III

The Holy Land: “My righteous servants shall inherit the land” – The past and future

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 | Issue CLXXVIII Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

True emancipation through the everlasting teachings of Islam Official English translation of Huzoor’s address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021 In his address in the ladies’ session at Jalsa Salana UK 2021, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa expounded on how Islam has provided true freedom to women. It is our belief that the points mentioned in this address provide true emancipation and freedom to women.

Al Hakam is delighted to present below the official English rendering of this faith-inspiring address, which will, insha-Allah, serve as a reference point for times to come: After reciting tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih V, may Allah strengthen his hand, said: Nowadays, in the name of openmindedness and freedom of expression and action, such an ideology has taken root that is less enlightened and more prone to lead to darkness. It is a concept that is inauthentic and superficial, whose pros and cons have not been considered in the slightest.

There is more harm to some elements of this so-called freedom and enlightenment than there are benefits. It is not even being considered that in the name of enlightenment and freedom of thought and expression, we are compromising the future of the next generation and leading ourselves to the pit of darkness and also pushing our next generation towards it.

This so-called freedom is being exploited Continued on next page >>

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

Fasting in the month of Muharram َ َ َ َ َ ُ َ َ ّ ٰ َّ ّٰ ُ ‫ ﻗال ﻗال َر ُﺳول الل ِہ َﺻلﻰ الل ُہ‬،‫ع ْن أ�ِ� ﻫ َﺮیْ َﺮة‬ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َّ َ َ ْ َ َ ‫ام ﺷ ْ� ِﺮ‬ ِ ‫علﻴ ِﻪ وﺳلم أﻓﻀﻞ‬ ِ ‫ام بﻌد ِﺻﻴ‬ ِ ‫الصﻴ‬ ٰ َ َ َ َ َ ْ ّ ‫ان ﺷ ْ� ُﺮ الل ِہ ال ُﻤ َﺤ َّﺮ ُم‬ ‫رمﻀ‬

Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “The most virtuous fasting after the month of Ramadan is Allah’s month, Muharram.”

(Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-Saum an rasool Allah, Hadith 740)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The truth behind the Holy Quran taking oath on created entities God Almighty states:

َّ َّ ُ ُ ُ َ ‫َو ال ۡ َع ۡصر � ِا َّن الۡاِن ۡ َس‬ ‫ان ل َ ِف ۡی خ ۡ� ٍر ِالا ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوۡا َو َع ِملوا‬ ِ َّ ۡ َ َ َ َ ّ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ َ ٰ ّٰ ‫الصبۡ ِر‬ ‫الص ِلح ِت و تواصوا ِبالح ِق � و تواصوا ِب‬

“By the fleeting Time; surely, man is in a state of loss; except those who believe and do good works, and exhort one another to accept truth, and exhort one another to be steadfast.”

Here, Allah states: “By the Time,” i.e. the era of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Our unwise opponents of the present day and age object that the Holy Quran has taken oaths on created things, while it has prohibited the rest of us from doing so. In places, it swears by the fig, at other places, the night and Continued on page 3

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and spread unjustly through social media to such an extent that the ability to think about the destruction we are calling on has become completely redundant.

Nevertheless, when looking from a worldly perspective, if worldly people – whether it is with good intentions, although there are rarely good intentions – wish to eliminate certain wrongdoings altogether or wish to save themselves from it, it is found that they become engaged in other wrongs. The reason is that their spiritual eye becomes blinde And nowadays, materialism and a detachment from religion have caused people to despise religion so much that no one wishes to see it from a religious point of view. Against Islam, there is wide condemnation. Islam is made a target for criticism and its teachings are labelled as old and backward, which have no place in the progressive world of today. This is what is said about Islam.

Whereas the fact is that it is the religion of Islam that presents such teaching that addresses the rights of everyone. It addresses freedom of thought and expression and mentions limits and regulations for everyone. To maintain a balance, it also provides guidance.

In the final address of the 2019 Jalsa, I mentioned the rights of various groups of people in Islam. And while mentioning them, I outlined how Islam provides rights.

Insha-Allah, at some point in the future, I shall present other examples also. However, at this juncture, I wish to talk with respect to women.

Usually, Islam is criticised for not offering liberty to women. However, this proves one’s lack of knowledge of Islamic teachings, or that it is a criticism for the sake of criticism.

The basic principle of Islam’s beautiful teachings is that one should not focus on fighting for their own rights; rather, in

society, if we wish to create an environment of peace and tranquillity, then we must also focus on fulfilling the rights of others and pay heed to fulfilling the rights that are assigned to each and every one of us. Only then can a spirit of true peace and harmony be established, which covers the rights of every group of people, while also addressing their responsibilities.

Women have not just been told to fight for their rights; rather, they have been told to understand their status and have been provided guidance on how to safeguard themselves from wrongs.

These are the comprehensive teachings that, in reality, are a guarantor for establishing freedom of expression and action and the rights of every group. Thus, there is no other religious teaching that can compete with these teachings, nor can any worldly teachings or laws challenge it.

As I mentioned, at this juncture, I will talk about this topic with respect to women, which will explain the status afforded to women in Islam and their rights.

Allah the Exalted has, in many places, issued commandments regarding women.

Their practical implementation has been shown in the life of the Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him – how the Holy Prophetsa established respect for women. Then, in this day and age, we have seen how the Promised Messiah, peace be upon him, drew our attention to establishing respect and regard for women.

After taking into account what has been explained in the Holy Quran regarding the rights associated with women, how the Holy Prophet’ssa example and guidance explained them, how the Promised Messiahas explained them and in light of his sayings, how the Khulafa described them, even after hearing what Islam’s opponents have to say, there is no reason for any Ahmadi woman to think that, na‘udhu billah [God forbid], Islam has not taken into consideration the

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rights of women.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud, may Allah be pleased with him, in the commentary of Surah al-Kauthar, has mentioned the rights given to women by Islam. In light of the Holy Quran, he made it very clear that the rights given to women by Islam were not provided by any other religious law before it; rather, it should be said that they were absent in all worldly laws. And the Holy Quran not only grants the entitlements of women, but they are so strongly emphasised that an entire avenue of knowledge has been opened up as a result of it – new observations are made as a result.

The Holy Prophetsa selected such verses to be recited during the nikah between a man and a woman, which clarify the importance of the rights of women.

Allah the Almighty says:

َ​َ َ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ّ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ۡ َّ ُ ُ َّ َ ۡ ُ َّ ُ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫ﺲ ّوا ِح َد ٍۃ ّو خل َق‬ ٍ ‫یایها الناس اتقوا ربکم ال ِذی خلقکم ِمن نف‬ ّٰ ُ َّ َ ً َ َّ ً ۡ َ ً َ َ ُ ۡ َّ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ‫الل َہ الَّذی‬ ‫ِمنها زوجها و بﺚ ِمنهما رِجالا ک ِثیرا و نِسٓاء ۚ و اتقوا‬ ِ ّٰ َّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ َ َ ‫الل َہ ک‬ ً‫ان َع َل ۡی ُک ۡم َرقِ ۡیبا‬ ‫تسٓاءلون ِب ٖہ و الارحام ؕ ِان‬

“O ye people! Fear your Lord, Who created you from a single being and created therefrom its mate, and from the two spread many men and women; and fear Allah, in Whose name you appeal to one another, and [fear Him particularly respecting] ties of relationship. Verily, Allah watches over you.” (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.2) Thus, it becomes clear that men and women have been created from one being; that is, they have been made from one entity. Although there are different genders – a man and a woman – they are the same kind. Both have similar emotions – if a man possesses a mental ability, or has a certain skill, then a woman can possess it too. If a man has emotions, then so too do women.

Both possess similar sentiments – if a man has sentiments, then women too have sentiments.

At the start of the nikah, it has been explained what the importance of women’s

rights is. Men are told not to think that women have no intelligence and that men can reign over them as they wish. Women have emotions and sentiments and can think for themselves. Therefore, women should be considered similar to men and not lesser and inferior.

Then, the Holy Prophetsa also said that in some important matters, women should be consulted. He too would seek counsel from women.

Once, when Hazrat Umar’sra wife gave him some advice on a particular matter, Hazrat Umarra said, “Who are you to interfere?” She was there, listening to the conversation and shared her view. His wife replied, “Let it be! Those days are long gone when we had no rights. Don’t try to intimidate me! Those days are no more.

Now, the Holy Prophetsa too seeks counsel from his wives. Who are you to stop me?”

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa laid so much emphasis on the rights of women that women also realised that they were not inferior to men.

Through some incidents of the life of Hazrat Umarra, it becomes evident that when he issued instructions, sometimes, women would outright say, “How can you instruct this? The Holy Prophetsa said it like this.” That is, what he was saying was quite different to what the Holy Prophetsa said.

Nonetheless, irrespective of whether it was correct for the women to respond like this or not, whether the women were in the right or Hazrat Umarra was interpreting it correctly, it becomes clear that women have been given the right to express their views in collective matters. And there is so much emphasis on this that no other parallel can be drawn in any other religion.

It should be made clear here that the women of that time would aspire to seek religious knowledge and they would indeed acquire that knowledge. It was only because of this that they were able to say, with reference to the Holy Prophetsa, that he said it in such and such manner.

Therefore, Ahmadi women should pay attention to this too – instead of talking about being given rights, they should endeavour to increase their religious knowledge and excel in it. They should also train their children in this manner. They should not just encourage their children to seek secular knowledge only.

It is only the Holy Quran and religious knowledge that will enable you to answer those who, nowadays, raise allegations against or mock religion. Remember that in the name of freedom and in the name of women’s rights, it is the plot of the Dajjal [Antichrist] to steer the younger generation away from religion, to create enmity in the coming generations for Islam’s teachings, or to suggest that Islam’s teachings should be reformed according to the modern-day and that their rights should be borne in mind.

Those that steer people away from religion attempt to do so by showing sympathy – you should always remember this. Therefore, we must be careful.

To safeguard ourselves from Satanic onslaughts; rather, to counter their allegations, you must prepare yourselves rather than be influenced. Tell such people, “What is this opposition of yours against Islam? The respect and protection provided to women by Islam is not present in any other religion, nor in any worldly law. What

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 you deem to be freedom is what destroys the sanctity and modesty of women.”

Even among worldly people, some have written that the men who raise a hue and cry about the emancipation of women only wish to satisfy their own interests and indecent desires – they have no sympathy for women. Many columnists of newspapers have written so; in fact, one of them has written about this openly. This is only for their own benefit and not for the benefit of women. Such men do not necessarily talk in favour of women; rather, they only speak out for their own gains. This must push us to be more alert and vigilant.

Ahmadi women are fortunate that they have accepted the Imam of the age, who shed light on the beautiful teachings of Islam related to every matter.

Regarding the rights of women, the Promised Messiahas says: “The manner in which Islam has safeguarded the rights of women, certainly no other religion has done so. In a few words, Allah has said:

َّ ۡ َ َ ‫َو ل َ ُه َّن ِمث ُل ال ِذ ۡی َعل ۡی ِه ّن‬

“That is, as women have rights due to men, similarly men have rights due to women. It is often heard regarding some people that they see these helpless girls as nothing more than a pair of shoes and have them perform humiliating acts and verbally abuse them. They view them with contempt and use the commandment of purdah so unlawfully as if to bury them alive.” It is as if they have buried them alive.

“Husbands should treat their wives in such a manner as though they are two close and warm friends. The first witness to a person’s high morals and relationship with God Almighty are these very women. If their relationship is not cordial with them, then how is it possible for them to be at one with God Almighty?

“The Holy Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said: َْ ُ ْ َ ُ ْ َ �ِ �ِ ‫ﺧ� ُ� � ْم ﺧ� ُ�� ْم ِ�ِ�ﻫ‬ “That is, ‘The best among you is the one who is best [in conduct] to his family.’”

(Malfuzat [Urdu], Vol. 3, pp. 300-301; Al Badr, Vol. 2, no. 18, p. 137, 22 May 1903; Al Hakam, Vol. 7, no. 18, p. 12, 17 May 1903) Very clearly has the Promised Messiahas said that in terms of rights, both [men and women] are the same. How grand is this statement, that in favour of women, if men do not have a good relationship with women, then it is not possible to be at one with God either. Man is compelled in that to please the Almighty Allah, he must fulfil the Continued from page 1

day, and still at other places, by the earth and even by the human soul. These allegations have a very negative effect.

It ought to be remembered that it is common practice in the Holy Quran and in the way of God that in order to prove and establish various matters of ideological nature, He makes reference to such things whose inner properties are evidenced by clear, manifest and visible proof. Hence, to swear by such creation is to present them as an argument and precedent.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 222-223)

Photo courtesy of AMA UK

rights of women.

Allah the Almighty also says this in the verse I presented at the outset, that women and men – in terms of intellect, sentiments, emotions and rights – are equal. And this verse is recited at the start of the nikah sermon. Upon reading this, man’s thinking is also corrected, that “if you feel any superiority [over women], then you should shun such a thought.” And women have been comforted that “the protection of your rights has been declared by God Almighty.”

If someone doesn’t fulfil their rights in like manner, then they shall succumb to the grip of Allah, which every mo‘min [believer] should always fear. It is a different thing altogether for one who is weak in faith or not a mo‘min, but if one is a true mo‘min, then they should be very fearful.

The relationship with a close friend is a very strong relationship. The Promised Messiahas has said that such a bond should be made [in a marriage].

In this liberal society, it is said that people develop a friendship and understanding first, then take the relationship further. At the beginning of marriage, a husband and wife form a friendship and say, “We are very good friends.” Eventually, however, it results in that friendship coming to an end, which leads to separation. It is incorrect to say that love marriages and marriage after having made a connection with someone will last longer. Their own statistics – the facts and figures – suggest otherwise, that marriages settled following a mutual understanding

tend to fail more. If one is a true mo‘min or mo‘minah [female believer], then even if they do not know each other [before marriage], for the sake of Allah, they will both maintain their relationship in a way that becomes a means of attracting the pleasure of Allah.

Having said that, it is not necessary for a girl to accept a rishta [proposed match] suggested by your parents. Women are granted the right in Islam that without her consent, her marriage cannot be settled.

If one observes the time before Islam, one learns that wherever parents decided for a girl to be married, it would be settled there. Even today, in underprivileged and developing countries, girls are pressured by their parents to marry certain boys. Even after migrating to the developed world, some parents follow such ignorant practices and say that only with their consent and in their family can the girl be married, otherwise she has to endure extremely harsh treatment.

The correct method is for parents to pray and then express their desire; however, they cannot force their daughter.

If someone says that Muslims practice this, then this is the fault of those who impose their decision and not the fault of Islam’s teachings. Islam has gone so far as to say that if a marriage is settled against the will of the girl, then it is invalid and improper.

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Nikah, Bab La yankihu al-ab wa ghairuhu al-Bakr wa alThayb illa bi-radhaha, Beirut Dar Ibn Kathir al-Yamamah [1974]) (Sahih Muslim, Kitab Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

al-Nikah, Bab Isti‘dhan Al-Thayb fil-nikah bil-nutq wa al-Bakr bil-sakoot, Beirut Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabiyy) This is a great right, which the Holy Quran and Islam have afforded to women, something that was erstwhile inconceivable.

The Promised Messiahas said that the relationship of a husband and wife is such that they are confidants of each other and in this way, the wife is a witness to many things related to the husband. Then, the wife observes her husband’s qualities and flaws closely. If a man does not fulfil his responsibilities and the rights of his wife that have been given by God Almighty, according to the teachings of Islam, then one day, his wife can stand before him and say to such a flawed husband – and indeed, she would say it as she has the right to – “First, mend your own ways, then tell me what to do.”

Usually, disputes in households are based on when men wish to dominate over their households like cruel dictators and usurp rights. Then, he has to face the criticism of his wife for his conduct. Therefore, to uphold the rights of the wife and to create an air of tranquillity at home and to maintain it, the Holy Prophet’ssa golden instruction is, “The best among you is the one who is good [in conduct] to his family.” How great are the rights given to women by Islam!

Then, Islam has also given the right of a separate house to women. People raise some objections to this. In today’s society – whether it is Asian, Pakistani or Indian societies – disputes arise due to the girl living in the same house as her in-laws and as a result of petty quarrels arising between them. These then escalate to disagreements between the husband and wife, which then leads to separation.

The wife has the right to express her desire to live separately [from her in-laws] and only aside from extremely compelling circumstances are men told to fulfil this request. A girl should not be forced to live with her in-laws. If financial means permit, then the husband and wife should move out.

And if they are financially unable to move out, then they should try so that whenever they are financially able, they may move.

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that she may have free rein over it and that it may be solely in her custody – she is given a portion of property.

In today’s so-called progressive world, women are given the right of property and inheritance; however, this was given only 100-150 years ago, whereas Islam provided this right 1,500 years ago.

Previously, it was customary that after marriage, a woman’s property was not considered her property. If a woman earned property by whatever means before her marriage, then after marriage, the property would cease to remain hers. Some people would deliberately marry women with property and then after marriage, take full control of her property, thereby becoming the husband’s property after marriage.

However, very early on, Islam declared the property of the woman as hers and gave her so much freedom that the Companionsra at the time thought that it was perhaps not permissible for men to spend or purchase something from the wealth of their wives, even with their permission. Even if their wives gave money, they would not accept it – so careful were the Companionsra in this regard. The Companionsra would refrain from this until Islam’s teachings declared that they could accept any gift happily given by their wives and spend it on themselves – if a wife offers a gift, then you may accept it and such strictness is not necessary. (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.5) Then, Islam has promoted the education of girls to the extent that it has instructed that whoever has two daughters and conducts their tarbiyat [moral training] then God Almighty forgives such a person’s sins. (Sunan Ibn Majah, Kitab al-Adab, Bab Birr al-walid wa al-ihsan ila al-banati, hadith no. 3670) A poor woman once visited Hazrat Aishara and asked for something to eat. She had two daughters with her, both of whom she sat either side of her. Apart from a date, Hazrat Aishara had nothing at home. Thus, she gave that lady the date. The lady put the date in her mouth, divided it into two pieces and gave one half to each daughter, while she remained hungry herself. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Kitab al-birr wa al-silah an Rasulillah, Bab ma ja‘a fil-nafaqati alalbanaati wa al-akhawaat, hadith no. 1915) While this denotes the sacrifice of a mother for the sake of her children, the Holy Prophetsa said something beautiful in this regard. When the Holy Prophetsa was informed of this incident, he said, “Whoever has two daughters and performs their tarbiyat in a decent manner and offers them education, then Allah makes a place for them in Heaven – Allah shall make a place for that lady in Heaven.”

It is not necessary for girls to seek education for the sake of an occupation; rather, a woman’s education is integral for the tarbiyat and education of the next generation. To acquire a skill or education in any field and then find a job and pursue an occupation in that field is not incorrect, but for the sake of bringing up the next generation, if a woman seeks education, then Paradise will be her destiny.

In another hadith, this is mentioned like so: “Paradise lies under the feet of mothers” – that is, the impeccable tarbiyat and education of children will not only be a means of attaining Paradise for mothers,

but can also become a means of her children attaining Paradise. How great an honour and how high a status is this that has been afforded to women and not men! In fact, the regard for women has been highlighted even further than this.

Thus, a pious and mo‘minah woman has the potential to attain a rank much higher than that of a man. If Muslim women excel in pious deeds, are well-educated, morally trained, conduct the tarbiyat of their children in light of the correct Islamic teachings, then the next generation, which will have both boys and girls, will prove to be those who compete with one another in piety and taqwa [true fear of God].

Under certain conditions – either due to temperament’s not being compatible, or for any other reason – Islam has given permission to terminate a marriage, and in this regard, both men and women have been given equal say; man has the right to talaq and woman has the right to khula. Men have been instructed that when exercising this right, it should be borne in mind that women are not unfairly treated. If they are treated unfairly, then it is extremely cruel, and Allah punishes cruelty. As regards talaq, while addressing men, Allah the Almighty says:

ٌ ّٰ َ َ َ َّ َ ‫َو ِا ۡن ع َز ُموا الطلَاق ف ِا ّن الل َہ َس ِم ۡیع َع ِل ۡی ٌم‬

“And if they decide upon divorce, then surely, Allah is All-Hearing, All-Knowing.”

(Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.228) The Promised Messiahas has also explained this in a way that does not favour men. He says: “If [men] are determined in their decision for talaq, they should remember that God is All-Hearing and All-Knowing.

This means that if the woman who was given a talaq was indeed wronged in the sight of God and she prays for a response against this wrongdoing, then God will listen to such a prayer.” (Arya Dharam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 10, p. 52) Thus, in this verse, men have been told to pay heed to the fact that talaq should be considered with due care and caution.

Women should not be given talaq for trivial reasons. If Allah the Almighty listens to you [men] and is aware of your state, He also listens to women and is aware of their circumstances. And if you act cruelly towards women and pursue separation, then a woman can pray to Allah for a response to this act of cruelty. And Allah listens to the prayers of those who are wronged. Those men have been warned here who act hastily

to pursue talaq while a right of woman has been established.

Then, another allegation that is raised against Islam is that men have been given permission to marry four times, which goes against the rights of women.

The fact is that this is permitted in certain situations and is not a commandment. To utilise this permission, some conditions have been laid out. In this progressive society, even after a man has married, illicit relations are pursued outside, something which is seen every day in the news. Islam outright prohibits such shamelessness and indecency. The result of such indecency is that when the wife comes to learn of her husband’s impropriety, the situation escalates to separation, and this is all too common in this society.

Therefore, these people should not have any issue with Islam’s permitting men to marry up to four times, as their own actions are such. They should first look at themselves and secondly, as I have said, this is permitted with certain conditions. If those conditions are not being met, then a man does not have permission to do this.

And when a person does marry more than once, then justice [in treatment of wives] has been declared as crucial.

Regarding the duties of the man who marries more than once and the rights of every wife, the Promised Messiahas said: “These rights are such that if a man comes to fully realise them, instead of marrying, he would prefer to stay single.

Only a man who lives his life in the fear of God can fulfil the rights owed to his wives.

It is a thousand times better to live a difficult and bitter life than to live a life of pleasure with God’s punishment looming above one’s head.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, pp. 63-64 [1985, England]) That is to say, not to fulfil the rights of wives after marriage is such a huge sin that if its wisdom was pondered upon, then perhaps a man would not marry even once and he would prefer to stay unmarried if he was a true mo‘min.

The Promised Messiahas said: “More than one marriage is a provision provided by the Shariah that serves as a remedy.”

That is, more than one marriage, fulfilling its conditions, is permitted as a remedy.

He then says: “The first wife’s sentiments should be cared for to such an extent” – this is

another right that has been fulfilled – “that if the husband feels the need to marry again, but he observes that as a result of another marriage, the first wife is hurt and her sentiments are injured, then if he can refrain with patience and this does not cause him to indulge in sin, nor does it cause him to infringe an injunction of the Shariah” (these are conditions – to safeguard from sin and to bear in mind the necessity under the Shariah) “then in such circumstances, if he can sacrifice his needs for the pleasure of his first wife”, that is to say, if he makes a compromise for the sake of the previous wife, “and become content with one wife, then there is no harm in this and it is better that he does not marry again.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 5, pp. 64-65 [1985, England]) In this regard, the Promised Messiahas says that even if it is a permissible reason, yet it is not urgent, then for the sake of pleasing one’s wife, it is necessary for a man to sacrifice his desire and remain satisfied with one marriage. “It is better that he does not marry again.”

The Promised Messiahas further says: “To hurt someone’s feelings is a sin. The relationship with daughters is extremely fragile. When parents separate their daughters from them and hand them over to someone else, just imagine what expectations they have in their hearts. One can only understand this by means of the following verse:

ْ ‫َعا ِش ُر ْو ُھ َّن ِبال َم ْعرُ ْو ِف‬

“[‘Consort with them in kindness’ (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.20)].”

Thus, here, women’s sentiments and emotions have been openly expressed and men have been reminded of the rights of women and have been warned. The Promised Messiahas goes so far as to say: “It is the right of these women that before they marry, first they make a condition that their husband will not marry another woman.” (Chashma-e-Ma‘rifat, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 23, p. 246) This is also a woman’s right, that before marriage, she may make her future husband promise that he will not marry any other wife, no matter the circumstances, and thus, in every situation, he will become bound to not marry again. This is the extent to which men can be prevented by women from marrying further.

Then, it is the responsibility of men to provide for the needs of women and offer them protection. Husbands are guardians of their wives and in this way, it is the

Photo courtesy of AMA UK

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 responsibility of men to cater for every aspect of their household, take the burden of household expenses on their shoulders and look after the needs of his wife and children. Even if a woman earns an income, men should not cast glances on her money, as I mentioned earlier, apart from when a woman offers the money willingly. A man should fulfil his responsibilities himself.

Physically, man has an advantage, something which is noticeable in the world – whether it is in terms of physical strength or emotional tolerance – therefore, he should always bear in mind not to emotionally or physically abuse his wife. If a man has an advantage physically – and emotionally in some situations – then it becomes incumbent upon him that he should not act cruelly towards women. In the household, if a dispute arises, even then he should refrain from saying anything offensive and using physical force, which can unjustly hurt a woman physically or emotionally.

The physical advantage afforded to man and the responsibility to meet the needs of his wife should not be misused.

In this extract and in the verse that refers to men as “qawwam” [guardians], the rights of women have been established. As a result of the advantage that man has, men have been reminded of their responsibility.

However, this advantage is not an advantage in every situation; rather, it is only so in certain cases.

Once, a female companion mentioned to the Holy Prophetsa the various obligations that men fulfil. After mentioning many details, she said that men performed jihad too, which was a great righteous act and that women were kept back from performing such acts and were to stay at home, perform their domestic responsibilities, bring up the children and look after the house. She then asked whether women could be equals to men in terms of reward, after carrying out their specific responsibilities. Due to certain obligations, if women are kept from carrying out the same deeds, then surely, women should at least be able to gain a status equal to that of men. She asked the Holy Prophetsa if they would be equal to men.

The Holy Prophetsa highly praised this woman and asked the Companionsra if they had ever heard someone speak so eloquently with regard to a question on faith than that woman. Thus, the Holy Prophetsa drew the attention of his Companionsra to the beautiful manner in which the lady presented her case.

The Companionsra replied, “We never expected a lady to possess such deep thoughts.” Due to the impact of their old views and past mindsets, they said that they never imagined that a lady could speak so eloquently. Thus, by addressing the Companionsra, the Holy Prophetsa also indirectly explained to them that as they previously considered women as lesser than them, women could speak intellectually and with wisdom on matters to do with faith.

Thus, the Holy Prophetsa explained that they should not give themselves preference in every matter as women could take the lead in terms of intellect and wisdom.

The Holy Prophetsa said to this woman, who had presented her case with many details, “If a lady carries out all the tasks that you listed as the tasks of women, and if she remains house-bound and looks after the house and children and caters for her

husband while he is at home and while he is away, then in terms of divine reward, she is equal to men – she is no lesser in terms of reward.” A woman can attain the same reward as that of a man performing jihad.

The lady joyously proclaimed the words of “La ilaha illallah” [There is none worthy of worship except Allah] and “Allahu Akbar”, while returning home. (Tafsir AlDur al-Manthur, under the verse “Hafizaat lil-ghaibi”, Surah al-Nisa, verse 34, Vol. 2, p.

518, Bab 34) Men have been given an advantage due to certain responsibilities assigned to them and not due to any intellectual and emotional superiority. And if men do not carry out their responsibilities, then they are sinful.

Nevertheless, in Islam, many women’s rights have been established, and their rewards are the same as those of men, with the condition that they carry out their responsibilities too and act in accordance with the teachings of Islam. Due to an inferiority complex, do not consider the teachings of Islam as a reason to feel ashamed, or by falling into the trap of the Dajjal, do not deem it to be a burden.

One of Islam’s commandments is purdah. Someone wrote to me a few days ago and said that in these countries, men did not stare at women as they did in Asian countries. Thus, they asked what reason there was in these countries to practice purdah according to Islam’s teachings.

The first thing to remember is that no instruction of Allah the Almighty is such that can be declared redundant or a need of a specific time by succumbing to misinformation or by misinterpreting it.

You must also remember that while Islam has instructed women to practice purdah and to keep their gazes lowered, men have been given this instruction first. If a truly Islamic society existed and men kept their gazes lowered, even in such circumstances, women are told to keep their gazes lowered too and to practice purdah.

The Holy Prophetsa, in the case of men sitting in the markets, instructed men to keep their gazes lowered.

The Promised Messiahas also said: “A mo‘min should not be impertinent and let his sights roam unrestrained in every direction. In fact, one ought to act upon the following teaching:

ُّ ُ َ َ ‫یغضوْا ِم ْن ا ْب َصارِ ِھ ْم‬

“[‘They restrain their eyes’ (Ch.24: V.31)] and lower their gaze and refrain from factors that may lead one to look at that which is impermissible.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p. 533 [1988, Rabwah]) Thus, it is not a valid argument to say that just because men are not looking at you, you should shun the practice of purdah and modest clothing.

The Promised Messiahas says: “In the current day, objections are raised against the veil. However, people do not realise that the Islamic veil is not a prison.”

It is not a prison in which women should be kept. “It is only a barrier which prevents the free mixing of men and women. The veil saves them from stumbling” The Promised Messiahas further says : “It is to counter these very adverse effects that the Founder of Islam has forbidden an individual altogether from approaching anything that may lead them to stumble.”

From the very outset, caution has been

prescribed so that one may be saved from negative consequences.

“In this relation, the Holy Prophetsa has stated that where a non-mahram man and woman sit in seclusion, the third of them is Satan.”

He further says: “If you wish to protect a thing from misuse, it must be safeguarded. However, if one does not watch over a possession – and considers the world to be innocent – then keep in mind that it will surely be ruined.”

(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 1, pp. 33-34) The people, in whose minds such questions arise, should remember that Islam promotes precautionary measures to bar the possibility of any mistake or sin. Those who follow it are those who safeguard their chastity and honour.

Every instruction of Islam is balanced, which is why unnecessary strictness in purdah has been refuted by the Promised Messiahas.

The Promised Messiahas said: “The Islamic veil does not at all mean that women be imprisoned as though they were locked in jail. The purport of the Holy Quran is that women cover themselves and refrain from gazing at men that are beyond the permissible bounds. Women are not barred from leaving the house to tend to their societal needs. They are welcome to go out and about, but must control their gaze.”

(Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, p. 164) Similarly, at another juncture, the Promised Messiahas says to cover the hair of your head, your cheeks and chin. And it is the instruction of the Holy Quran to place a covering over your bosom and not to display your beauty. You should ensure this. (Tafsir Hazrat Masih-e-Maudas, Vol. 6, pp. 93-94) He says:

“Islam has made no distinction between men and women in acts of virtue, nor have they been prohibited from being like men in goodness. Where does Islam state that women should be bound in chains? Islam cuts at the root of lust. Just look at what is happening in Europe.” All so-called developed countries are included in this.

“What teaching has led to this result? Is this on account of the veil or due to removing the veil?”

There are many examples here, which we read of in newspapers. The Promised Messiahas is asking, what is this? Is it a result of purdah, or a result of not acting on purdah?

“Islam has come to teach the world righteousness.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 2, pp. 164-165) Thus, we must all adopt taqwa – both men and women – and follow the commands of Allah.

May Allah enable us to always tread along the path of taqwa. Every Ahmadi lady and every Ahmadi girl ought to recognise their status, and while fulfilling the instructions of Allah the Exalted and His Prophetsa, they should endeavour to beautify their lives, instead of blindly following the material world in the name of freedom and rights.

Today, it is the responsibility of every Ahmadi lady and every Ahmadi girl to inform the world of the status, honour and dignity of women. For this, without succumbing to any inferiority complex, everyone ought to make efforts.

May Allah the Almighty enable everyone to do so.

(Huzoor then led dua [silent prayer].)

(Translated by Al Hakam)

Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

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This Week in History 13 - 19 August 13 August 1924: Hazrat Musleh-eMaud’sra entourage departed for the second leg of their journey when they boarded their ship from Port Said, an Egyptian city at the northern end of the Suez Canal located on the Mediterranean Sea.

Huzoorra then sent the poem to be published in Al Fazl.

15 August 1975: In his Friday Sermon on 15 August, Huzoorrh recited some verses of Surah Al-Zumar and explained that other than God Almighty, others who were generally intimidated had very limited and temporary spheres of power and it was useless to expect or rely on them. Huzoorrh stated no power in the world or any fatwa could deprive such a one of guidance who was guided in the sight of God. Huzoorrh emphasised that Allah is the Almighty and able to take revenge. Allah gives dominion to the descendants of believers by making His guided true servants the subject of His support and help and He pours out His wrath on the disobedient.

It should be noted that after travelling this far, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra began to feel unwell due to the frequent travels and especially due to the long speeches he delivered in the city of Damascus. Observing his health, the ship’s doctor advised Huzoorra to rest instead of continuing the voyage; however, Huzoorra did not wish for the journey to be interrupted and continued with the journey.

13 August 1979: On this date, an Ahmadi, Munshi Alam Din Sahib, was martyred in Kotli, Kashmir, Pakistan. He did bai‘at in 1934 after much research.

He would often travel for the Jalsa Salana in Qadian. He continued his study of Ahmadiyyat with the writings of the Promised Messiahas and the Khulafa.

Munshi Alam Din Sahib would find every opportunity to preach the true Islam. On the day of Munshi Alam Din Sahib’s martyrdom, at 9:30 am, when he left home, an Ahmadiyya rival attacked him. The killer was released on bail by his relatives and managed to escape the clutches of the law; however, he later became mentally challenged. He lived a life of many problems and challenges for many years and later committed suicide.

14 August 1940: An entire Ahmadi family in Ambala was martyred on this day. This cruel and barbaric act was committed against Hazrat Haji Mian Miran Bakhshra, his wife and toddler.

This companion of the Promised Messiahas had an unyielding passion to preach the message of Ahmadiyyat to the locals since he entered the Jamaat in 1904. Moreover, his business of hides and leather flourished abundantly, which created a strong sense of envy in his rivals. It is reported that a group of attackers, at the behest of local clerics, stormed into his home at around midnight and stabbed him multiple times. Hazrat Miran Bakhsh Sahibra succumbed to his fatal injuries.

His wife rushed to the house, crying for help, but she was overpowered by the terrorists and she too lost her life along with her very young daughter. These

noble martyrs were buried locally.

14 August 1980: Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed a press conference in London. Representatives of top newspapers and magazines attended, conveying the message of truth to the people of Britain.

That same evening, a London broadcasting radio station, in a tenminute detailed report, described Huzoor’srh arrival in London and the busy schedule during his stay there.

On 15 August, The Guardian and Jang London published articles in favour of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat because on 12 August, the religious correspondent of the weekly and influential newspaper, The Guardian, had interviewed Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh. 15 August 1924: On this date, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra came to know, from the letters of Qazi Muhammad Zahuruddin Akmal Sahib and Khawaja Ghulam Nabi Sahib, Editor Al Fazl, that the newspaper, Paigham-e-Sulh had made remarks against Huzoor’sra journey to Europe. Whilst addressing these people,

16 August 1924: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra was en-route to Europe. The ship carrying this entourage, on this date, sailing through the Mediterranean Sea, touched the shores of Brindisi, a port city on the Adriatic Sea, in southern Italy’s Apulia region. Huzoorra boarded a train from this harbour city to reach Rome. During his four-day stay in Rome, his schedule remained very tight.

He was interviewed by the national press and had a meeting with Italian Huzoorra wrote a poem that included the Prime Minister, Benito Amilcare Andrea Mussolini, in his office. The meeting following three verses: took place on 19 August with the aim of ‫����ی�� � � �� � �ی ��� ی� �� ی‬ presenting the aims and objectives of � ‫ن‬ the Ahmadiyya Jamaat to the country’s � leader to make it easier to send � ‫اب�ھ � �روں � � رکموں یک ز � �ی��وں‬ missionaries to Italy in the future.

�‫� � �ب روہ � �ے ات�ی �م ا‬ ‫��� �او� یک ی‬ ‫� �ی ی‬ � ‫���وں‬

‫�� وا� �ے �ھ � � ی‬ � � � �‫ر‬ ‫�ی � وہ � � �� � ہن � ی‬ � ‫���وں‬ “[Attempt to] turn away as many from the Jamaat who have pledged allegiance; restrain them all with the chains of deceit.

“Even then shall you not be victorious till the Day of Resurrection, for this destiny is from the destinies of the Lord.

“Those who have accepted me shall be in greater number than you; this is a fate that cannot be altered through [human] endeavours.”

Huzoorra intended to meet Roman Catholic Pope Pius IX, but the pontiff was not available for guests due to his residence’s maintenance work.

Aside from all these activities, Huzoorra engaged in a special excursion to visit the Catacombs.

16 August 1981: Fiji’s missionary, Malik Abdul Hafeez Sahib, was martyred in a car accident. He was travelling on a Jamaat related trip on 5 August when his car collided with a truck on the highway. He was hospitalised with serious injuries and passed away.

Malik Abdul Hafeez Sahib had memorised the Holy Quran. He received the blessed opportunity to lead the Tahajud prayers during Jalsa Salana and the Tarawih prayers during Ramadan

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

Khanra was born on 30 May 1863 in Karachi, Sindh. He was educated in Karachi and Bombay. He probably arrived in Australia in 1893. He was fluent in five languages.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa mentioned him in his Friday Sermon on Friday, 14 April 2006 during his visit to Australia.

Hazrat Sufi Muhammad

Hassan Musa Khanra 19 August 1946: Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Mubashar Sahib reached Aden to establish a mission there. He left Qadian on 5 August. Elders of the Jamaat and many friends were present at the railway station to bid him farewell. Hazrat Maulvi Sher Alira prayed and bade farewell to Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Mubashar Sahib.

19 August

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra with his entourage in Italy, 1924 1962: Hazrat

at Masjid Mubarak, Rabwah.

Malik Abdul Hafeez Sahib obtained his Shahid degree from Jamia Ahmadiyya in 1974. Malik Abdul Hafeez Sahib was buried in Bahishti Maqbara, Rabwah.

He was 34 years old at the time of his demise.

17 August 1925: Hazrat Maulvi Rahmat Alira departed for Indonesia under the auspices of Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, with the aim of establishing a mission there. He arrived in Sumatra in September. Despite landing in an alien place, his resolve overcame all possible barriers. He learnt the language, began tabligh and soon started discussions and debates with the local ulema (religious clergy). He established the first jamaat within Hazrat Maulvi Rahmat Alira a few months, with eight people performing bai‘at.

While bidding farewell to Hazrat Maulvi Rahmat Alira from Qadian, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra gave valuable advice.

For example, Huzoorra said, preaching should be done gradually; a system of the Jamaat should be established in every city and village where people accepted Ahmadiyyat. Huzoorra advised instilling in the new Ahmadis the habit of preaching and becoming role models.

17 August 1980: On this day, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh arrived in Amsterdam from London.

Huzoorrh left London for Nigeria on the first leg of his tour of Africa via Amsterdam, the Netherlands. On the way, Huzoorrh stopped at the airport in Amsterdam for a while. Prime Minister Dries van Agt was also present at the airport. When he learned of the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh at the airport, he sent a

time he visited the Netherlands.

18 August 1945: Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Hassan Musa Khanra passed away in Perth, Australia at the age of 82 and was buried in Karrakatta cemetery.

He entered the fold of Ahmadiyyat in 1903.

He had written his letter of allegiance on the initiative of his two brothers, Hazrat Muhammad Hussain Musara and Hazrat Muhammad Ibrahim Khanra,

Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra, daughter of the Promised Messiahas, was in Hamburg during her visit to Europe. She blessed the Hamburg mission house with her stay until 22 August.

Maulvi Ghulam Ahmad Mubashar Sahib

Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begum’sra journey started from Karachi on 25 July.

Arriving in London, she joined various programmes of Lajna Imaillah. She then travelled to Scotland on 16 August.

On this date, Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra arrived in Hamburg. At the airport, she was warmly welcomed

by Ahmadis living in West Germany.

Germany’s newspapers prominently covered her arrival.

Chaudhry Abdul Latif Sahib, who served as a missionary then, with the visit of Hazrat Nawab Amatul Hafeez Begumra, stated that Islam was well discussed in the German press. He said that the Christian objection that Islam does not give any status to women was widely refuted. He Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh with Prime Minister Dries van Agt of the Netherlands states, “I specifically emphasised that the laying of the foundation stone, through Hazrat Begum Sahiba, of the Bait-ulwhich was answered by Hazrat Maulvi message that he had yet to hold a ra Dhikr, under construction in Zurich, is a Abdul Karim . He remained occupied press conference, after which he would rh proof that the status of women in Islam in serving the Jamaat and Islam in come and meet Huzoor himself. So is very high […].” different capacities. soon after, he and his staff came to rh the VIP lounge where Huzoor was and Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Hassan Musa expressed his wish to Huzoorrh that he would also like to meet him the next

Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Jamaats have been established in the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and mosques have also been constructed there.

Worldwide progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 2021

Tread upon a pe Huzoor address Jals

Hazrat Amirul Momine the Annual Convent Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 6 August 2021: At around 4:30 pm, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the site where flags of various nations are being hoisted, symbolising those nations’ virtual participation in this central Jalsa through MTA International. There, Huzooraa hoisted the Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat, the flag of Ahmadiyyat, accompanied by loud slogans of the unity of Allah (na‘ra-haetakbir). He then led everyone in dua (silent prayer). After the flag hoisting ceremony, Huzooraa proceeded to the main Jalsa Gah for the inaugural session.

Huzooraa came to the stage and greeted everyone with the greeting of assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullah. The inaugural session then started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by its Urdu translation from Tafsir-e-Saghir, both presented by Feroz Alam Sahib:

َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ ُ ۡ ۡ ّٰ ُ َّ ُ َ ‫ٰۤیا ّی َها ال ِذیۡ َن ٰا َمنوا اتقوا الل َہ َو ل َتن� ۡر نف ٌﺲ ّما ق ّد َم ۡت ل ِغ ٍد ۚ َو‬ َّ َ ُ ُ َ ُ َ ۢ ۡ َ ّٰ َ ّٰ ُ َّ َ ‫اتقوا الل َہ ؕ ِا ّن الل َہ خ ِبی ٌر ِب َما ت ۡع َملوۡ َن ۔ َو لَا تکوۡنوۡا کال ِذیۡ َن ن ُسوا‬ ُ ٰۡ َ ُ ُ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ّٰ َۤ ‫الل َہ فان ٰس ُه ۡم انف َس ُه ۡم ؕ اولٰٓ ِئک ُھ ُم الف ِسقوۡ َن ۔ لَا یَ ۡس َت ِو ۡی ا ۡص ٰح ُب‬ َّ ۡ َ َۡ َۡ َۡ َ َّ ۡ َ َّ ‫النارِ َو ا ۡص ٰح ُب ال َجن ِۃ ؕ ا ۡص ٰح ُب ال َجن ِۃ ُھ ُم الفٓاﰱِ ُز ۡو َن ۔ لَوۡ ان َزلنا ٰھذا‬ َۡ ُ َ ٗ َ َ َّ ّٰ َ ۡ ٰ َ ٰ ُۡ ‫اش ًعا ّم َت َص ِّد ًعا ِّم ۡن خﺸ َی ِۃ الل ِہ ؕ َو ِتلک‬ ِ ‫ال� ۡران َعلی َج َب ٍل لرَایۡتہ خ‬ َ َّ َّ َ ُ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َّ ّٰ َّ ۤ َّ ‫اس ل َ َعل ُه ۡم یَ َتفک ُر ۡو َن ۔ ُھوَ الل ُہ ال ِذ ۡی لَا ِالٰ َہ ِالا‬ ِ ‫الامثال ن� ِربها ل ِلن‬ ۤ َ ۡ َّ ُ ّٰ َ ُ ُ ۡ َّ ُ ٰ ۡ َّ َ ُ َ َ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ٰ َ ُ ‫ھو ۚ ع ِلم الغی ِب و الﺸهاد ِۃ ۚ ھو الرحمن الر ِحیم ۔ ھو اللہ ال ِذی لا‬ ۡ ۡ ۡ ۡ َّ ُ ۡ ُّ ُ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َ َ ُ َّ َ ٰ ‫الس ٰل ُم ال ُم ۡؤ ِم ُن ال ُم َه ۡی ِم ُن ال َع ِزیۡ ُز ال َج َّب ُار‬ ‫ِالہ ِالا ھو ۚ الم ِلک القدوس‬ ّٰ َ ُ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َّ َ ّٰ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ُ ّ َ َ ُ ۡ ُ‫الل ُہ ال ۡ َخال ُِق ال ۡ َبارِ ُئ ال ۡ ُم َص ّور‬ ‫المتکبِر ؕ سبحن الل ِہ عما یش ِرکون ۔ ھو‬ ِ ٰ ۡ ُ َ ۡ َۡ ُ َ َّ ُ ُ‫الس ٰم ٰوت َو الۡاَ ۡرض ۚ َو ُھوَ ال ۡ َعزیۡز‬ ‫ٓاء ال ُح ۡسنی ؕ یُ َس ِّبح ل َ ٗہ َما فِی‬ ‫لہ الاسم‬ ِ ِ ِ ُ‫ال ۡ َح ِک ۡیم‬

“O ye who believe! fear Allah; and let every soul look to what it sends forth for the morrow. And fear Allah; verily Allah is Well-Aware of what you do. And be not like those who forgot Allah, and whom He has [consequently] caused to forget their own souls. It is they that are the rebellious.

The inmates of the Fire and the inmates of the Garden are not equal. It is the inmates of the Garden that will triumph. If We had sent down this Quran on a mountain, thou wouldst certainly have seen it humbled and rent asunder for fear of Allah. And these are similitudes that We set forth for mankind that they may reflect. He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Knower of the unseen and the seen. He is the Gracious,

the Merciful. He is Allah, and there is no God beside Him, the Sovereign, the Holy One, the Source of Peace, the Bestower of Security, the Protector, the Mighty, the Subduer, the Exalted. Holy is Allah far above that which they associate with Him. He is Allah, the Creator, the Maker, the Fashioner.

His are the most beautiful names. All that is in the heavens and the earth glorifies Him, and He is the Mighty, the Wise.” (Surah alHashr, Ch.59, V.19-25) Next, a Persian poem of the Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, written in praise of His Master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, and its Urdu translation was presented by Syed Ashiq Hussain Sahib.

This was followed by an Urdu poem on the theme of taqwa i.e. righteousness, written by the Promised Messiahas, presented by Ahmad Saboor Bhatti Sahib. The poem goes by the refrain “Fa subhanalladhi akhzal a‘aadi” (Holy is He Who has confounded my foes).

Then, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa came to the podium and once again conveyed his salaam to everyone. He then recited tashahud, ta‘awuz and Surah alFatihah and delivered his inaugural address, a brief summary of which is as follows: The Promised Messiahas has mentioned the forging of a special relationship with Allah the Exalted and listening to and acting upon the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and reforming ourselves, among the special objectives of Jalsa Salana. In other words, it is in order to quench our spiritual thirst that we congregate during these three days. Therefore, we must always keep this objective before us at all times.

As I also stated during the Friday Sermon, this year’s Jalsa Salana is scaled back due to special circumstances. Moreover, we are holding the Jalsa Salana after a gap of one year. May Allah the Exalted soon eradicate this virus and the pandemic. May He have mercy upon all of us. May the circumstances normalise again and may we be able to hold the Jalsa with all its glory.

However, real glory and splendour are achieved when the attendees pay attention to bringing about a pious change in themselves and when they follow a permanent path of taqwa. As has been mentioned, it is in order to quench our spiritual thirst that we have congregated here. This does not at all

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

ermanent path of righteousness: ses the inaugural session of the sa Salana UK 2021

een, Khalifatul Masih Vaa inaugurates the 55th Jalsa Salana UK, tion of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community United Kingdom

Huzooraa leading silent prayer after hoisting Liwa-e-Ahmadiyyat | Photo courtesy of AMA UK

mean that we should consider it sufficient to drink spiritual water just once. The true and lasting benefit lies in listening to the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa and thereby quenching our spiritual thirst and then carrying that water further in order to quench our spiritual thirst throughout the year and to continuously procure the means of spiritual life for us. We should not revert back to the old ways after the pious experience of these three days and after having brought about a pious change in ourselves.

On this occasion, certain jamaats have made collective arrangements for this Jalsa

Salana to be listened to or watched according to their circumstances. We can see it on our screens. This is also a new experience and a new tradition that has been introduced into the Jamaat which is a righteous tradition.

Ahmadis are sitting in various countries, and different jamaats, in their mosques and halls, and they are participating in this Jalsa in that way. While they are sat in their jamaats, they are directly looking at the Jalsa Salana and we can see them too. This is also one of the special blessings of Allah the Exalted. Despite the difficult circumstances, Allah the Exalted has opened up such new avenues that are greatly benefitting the

global Jamaat as a whole. Anyhow, various jamaats are sitting in their respective areas in some of the countries and watching the proceedings of this Jalsa. Some people will be watching the proceedings of the Jalsa individually in their homes.

The impact of this Jalsa should permeate every individual in such a way that it becomes part and parcel of their lives on a permanent basis. It is only then that we can say that we have truly fulfilled the objectives of Jalsa Salana and have fulfilled the pledge of allegiance that we made to Allah the Exalted at the hands of the Promised Messiahas. As a result of this, we will benefit from the

prayers of the Promised Messiahas. However, if we fail to achieve the aforementioned aims, then we will remain deprived of the blessings of the Jalsa Salana.

In this modern age, it is Allah the Almighty’s great blessing and favour that He has enabled us to believe in the Promised Messiahas, who showed us the paths of following the commandments of Allah and His Messengersa, the paths, when followed, bring one closer to Allah the Exalted and help us benefit from the prayers of the Holy Prophetsa. Thus, every single one of us should try our level best to pay special Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

attention to these matters during these three days. Whether one is physically present at the Jalsa Salana or listening to the Jalsa Salana through the various arrangements of the Jamaats, or listening at home, one should always keep the objectives of the Jalsa Salana in mind. On different occasions, the Promised Messiahas has explained and expounded upon these objectives. The summary of these objectives, in a sentence, would be to tread upon the path of taqwa, righteousness and piety.

The Promised Messiahas said, “Inculcate zuhd!” How will zuhd be achieved?

Certainly, not without taqwa. Zuhd means sacrificing one’s desires and staying away from every evil. However, zuhd and taqwa do not entail that one should merely steer clear of every evil deed; rather, it also means to vehemently reject evil deeds by presenting a strong front against them. It means to stay away from evil desires for the sake of God Almighty and to entrust all of one’s affairs to God Almighty and to only bow down before Him. With this one word, the Promised Messiahas has given us that advice, which, if acted upon, could bring about a revolution in our lives.

However, this does not mean that one should completely cut oneself off from all worldly affairs. The Holy Prophetsa has also explained that it is wrong to give up all worldly affairs and move to the wilderness.

It is forbidden in Islam to neglect one’s property and to waste it. It is also forbidden in Islam not to fulfil the rights of one’s relations. Zuhd means to sacrifice one’s desires while staying in this very world and fulfilling all of its related duties. However, no worldly desire should become an

obstacle in our way to finding Allah. If Allah has blessed one with honour and wealth, they should be spent on fulfilling the rights of Allah and His creation. The Promised Messiahas has explained that “Even when you are carrying out your worldly works, always give precedence to your faith.” This is the distinctive quality of a true believer; they look after their worldly affairs, but that never becomes their ultimate goal. The Promised Messiahas further stated, “The Companions also used to operate businesses worth hundreds of thousands but they would not forget the rights owed to Allah the Exalted and His creation even for a moment.”

With reference to Tazkiratul Auliya, the Promised Messiahas has said: “There used to be a man, who was engaged in a business worth thousands.

A waliullah [friend of Allah] saw him and glanced at him with his spiritual sight. Then he realised that his heart was not unmindful of the Almighty God in spite of being engaged in such an extensive business.

About such people, God Almighty states:

ُۡ ٌ َ ٌ ّٰ ۡ ‫لَا تل ِه ۡي ِه ۡم ِت َج َارۃ َولا بَ ۡيع َع ۡن ِذك ِر اللہ‬

“i.e. ‘Neither any trade nor buying or selling makes them neglectful.’ (Surah alNur, Ch.24: V.38) And the perfection of man is that he should be engaged in worldly business but should not forget God […] The poor man who becomes a recluse in fear of worldly affairs shows weakness. There is no monasticism in Islam. We never say give up women and children and give up worldly business. No, the employee should perform the duties of his job and the trader should look after his business but they should always give precedence to faith.”

This is the true essence of zuhd. Hence, we need to assess whether we are trying to

attain this level of zuhd. These things will be achieved when there is taqwa, when we will keep away from vain things for the sake of Allah and when we will try to avoid immoral behaviour. Moreover, taqwa does not only mean to struggle and abstain from immoral ways; but rather, it also requires from us that we demonstrate the highest moral standards, that we keep clear of vain things, that we spread goodness and that our wealth does not cause distances between us and our brothers, but rather promotes love and brotherhood.

Thus, we all need to assess our states in this regard so that we may inculcate such zuhd that our worldly affairs become a subservient part of our faith and a means to achieve the pleasure of God Almighty. This cannot come about without the fear and love of Allah the Exalted. That is called taqwa.

The Promised Messiahas is not talking about a general kind of piety and fear of Allah; rather, he has stated that its standard should be such that you become the example for it. People should say that if anyone wishes to see a truly pious person who fears God and does truly righteous deeds and keeps the fear of God before him in every action, then one should see this Ahmadi.

Thus, we need to assess ourselves in view of this advice.

Another excellent moral quality towards which the Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention, is softness, kind-heartedness and suppressing anger. This is one of the ways to attain the love of Allah. Forgiving and having a soft heart for people, despite their ill-treatment is a great moral quality, which is mentioned in the Holy Quran as follows,

َّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ ۡ ٰ ۡ َ ّٰ ۡ ُ ۡ ‫اس ؕ َو الل ُہ یُ ِح ّب ال ُم ۡح ِس ِنی َن‬ ِ ‫و الک ِظ ِمین الغیظ و العافِین ع ِن الن‬

Meaning, “Those who suppress anger and pardon men; and Allah loves those who do good.” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.135) Enumerating the rewards of forgiving, the Promised Messiah, peace be on him, explains that we should remember that there is a dangerous enmity between intellect and anger. When passion and anger overwhelm, the intellect can’t prevail. But one who is patient and shows forbearance is given a light that freshly illuminates the power of his intellect and thinking. Then a brightness is created over the light. As the heart and brain are dark under anger and passion, a night falls over darkness.

Another moral quality towards which the Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention is brotherhood and fraternity. He said that every Ahmadi ought to become an example of love and brotherhood. The promotion of this is also one of the objectives of Jalsa Salana. The most excellent example of this is that of Ansar and Muhajireen, which has been honoured by the Holy Quran in the following words:

َّ ُ َّ َ َ َ ۡ َّ َ َ ‫الد َار َو الۡاِیۡ َم‬ َ ‫ان ِم ۡن َق ۡب ِلہ ۡم یُ ِح ُّبوۡ َن َم ۡن َہ‬ ‫اجرَ ِال َ ۡی ِہ ۡم َو‬ ‫و ال ِذین تبوؤ‬ ِ َ ‫لَا یَج ُد ۡو َن فِ ۡی ُص ُد ۡورِ ِہ ۡم َح‬ ۡ‫اج ًۃ ِّم َّما ۤاُ ۡوتُوۡا َو یُ ۡؤ ِثرُ ۡو َن َع ٰۤلی اَنۡ ُف ِسہ ۡم َو لَو‬ ِ ِ ٌ َ َ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ ُ َ ۡ َ َّ ُ َ ُ ‫اصۃ ۟ؕ َو َم ۡن ّیوۡق شح نف ِس ٖہ فاولٰٓ ِئک ُہ ُم ال ُمف ِل ُحوۡ َن‬ ‫کان ِب ِہم خص‬

“And those who had established [their] home [in this city] before them and [had accepted] faith, love those who came to them for refuge, and find not in their breasts any desire for that which is given them [Refugees], but prefer [the Refugees] to themselves, even though poverty be their [own lot]. And whoso is rid of the covetousness of his own soul – it is these who will be successful. (Surah alHashr, Ch.59: V.10) It is for the creation of such a beautiful society that the Promised

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 Messiahas established the institution of Jalsa Salana. Thus, admonishing his Jamaat, he said, “Unite with one another as though you were brothers from the same womb.”

Another moral quality towards which the Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention is humility and meekness. The Holy Quran states in this regard:

َّ َ َّ َ ۡ ّ َ ُ َ َ ُ ّٰ َ َۡۡ ۡ َ َ َ ‫ِلن‬ ‫ض َمرَ ًحا ؕ ِا ّن الل َہ لَا یُ ِح ّب‬ ِ ‫و لا تص ِعر خدک ل‬ ِ ‫ش فِی الار‬ ِ ‫اس و لا تم‬ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ َّ ُ ‫ال فخوۡ ٍر‬ ٍ ‫کل مخت‬

“And turn not thy cheek away from men in pride nor walk in the earth haughtily; Surely, Allah loves not any arrogant boaster.”

(Surah Luqman, Ch.31: V.19) Thus, if we wish to develop a love for Allah, we must first adopt meekness and humbleness. The Promised Messiahas states: “A lot of men consider themselves humble but even they have some sort of arrogance within them. For this reason, one should safeguard against the subtlest types of arrogance. Sometimes wealth develops arrogance. A wealthy person considers other people as impoverished. He thinks [to himself], ‘Who is this person trying to contend with me?’ At times, people get arrogant due to family lineage and caste. One considers their family lineage to be superior over another family’s that they consider as inferior in comparison […] Every so often knowledge becomes a source of arrogance.

When someone makes a mistake, such a person immediately points out the error and cries aloud ‘This person does not know how to say this word correctly.’ In short, arrogance exists in many forms and they all deprive a person of attaining virtuous deeds and prevent people from benefiting others.

One should protect themselves from all of these.”

Another moral quality towards which the

11 Promised Messiahas has drawn our attention is truthfulness. The Holy Prophetsa said: “Truth guides to virtue, and virtue guides to Paradise. A person keeps telling the truth till in the sight of Allah, he is named truthful. Lying leads to vice, and vice leads to the Fire, and a person keeps lying till in the sight of Allah, he is named a liar.”

There are countless social ills, that can be eradicated and solved through truthfulness.

May Allah the Exalted make it so that we adopt the path of taqwa and that we bring upon these pious transformations within us and that in accordance with the wishes of the Promised Messiahas, we develop such taqwa that can save ourselves from performing any forms of evil deeds and enables us to perform good deeds.

May this spiritual atmosphere that we are experiencing, create zuhd, piety, kindness, mutual love and affection, humility and humbleness, truthfulness and honesty in us and may we achieve all of this to the highest level. May this atmosphere of Jalsa bring about a spiritual revolution in everyone who is listening here or at home. It is only then that we can spread the message of the Imam of this Age, which is a message of true Islam, to the entire world. Otherwise, our preaching would only amount to empty

Archbishop of Acre, Haifa and Galilee congratulates the Jamaat in The Holy Land Imaduddin Al-Misri Kababir, Haifa

On 22 July 2021, the Greek Catholic Archbishop of Acre, Haifa and Galilee, Honorable Yosuf Mathai visited the Mahmood Mosque, the centre of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya in the Holy Land.

The purpose of the visit was to congratulate Ahmadi Muslims in the Holy Land upon the coming of Eid-ul-Adha.

Shamsuddin Sahib, Missionary-inCharge Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir welcomed His Excellency upon arriving.

His Excellency delivered a short address in which he congratulated the Jamaat and also thanked them for hosting him. He pointed out the importance of unity and brotherhood in order to face different contemporary challenges.

He explained that all the difficulties we were facing were man-made because Allah the Almighty created all the means to create unity.

Shamsuddin Sahib then expressed his appreciation on the visit of His Excellency and emphasised the importance of such

visits that serve as a reminder to unite as humanity.

Shamsuddin Sahib mentioned that the Promised Messiahas explained the ways for establishing peace and unity in his last book Paigham-e-Sulh. One way to establish peace and unity in society is having friendly relationships between the representatives of different religions.

He also introduced Jamaat-eAhmadiyya and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyya, and mentioned some of the many efforts

by Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in order to establish global peace.

At the end of the visit, Muath Odeh Sahib read a short letter sent by Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir to welcome the guests and to express his desire to repeat such friendly meetings often.

Then Muath Odeh Sahib took the guests on a short tour of the mission house, Mahmood Mosque, the exhibition, MTA studios and the newly built Masroor Centre.

The guests were touched by the visit and the tour, and expressed their desire to visit the Jamaat again.

Photo courtesy of AMA UK

words. May Allah the Exalted enable us to understand the message of the Promised Messiahas and enable us to act upon it.

We will now offer dua. Pray that we may be saved from the currently prevailing circumstances. May Allah have mercy on humanity and if there are any threats of a war taking place, may Allah remove those possibilities. May Allah enable for improved circumstances to prevail. May the same glorious Jalsas, as in the previous years, take place once again. May this be so in every country. Pray especially for the Ahmadis of Pakistan. May Allah the Exalted remove their anxieties and worries. Pray

for everyone who is suffering in the world.

May God alleviate their suffering. Pray for the asiran-e-rah-e-Maula, the prisoners in the way of Allah. May Allah soon bring about the means of their release.

Although most people are staying at home, everyone should especially offer Tahajud, the pre-dawn prayers, and remain engaged in zikr-e-ilahi [the remembrance of Allah] for it is only through prayers that we can attract the blessings of Allah.

May Allah the Exalted enable us to achieve all of this. [Amin.]

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Madrasatul-Hifz inaugurated in Benin Mirza Farhan Ahmad Baig Benin Correspondent

On 4 August 2021, the inauguration of Madrasatul-Hifz Benin took place.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa had granted the approval for the establishment of Madrasatul-Hifz in Benin on 20 November 2020.

Previously, the students would go to Nigeria to memorise the Holy Quran.

The inaugural ceremony was presided by Qamar Ahmad Sahib, Amir and Missionaryin-Charge Benin.

The ceremony commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran and its French translation, followed by an Arabic qaseedah of the Promised Messiahas.

After this, Hafiz Fazlullah Sahib, a teacher of Madrasatul-Hifz presented the report and the plans of the new Quran learning institution. He said that the first class would consist of 13 students from five

regions of the country.

Then, some guests had the opportunity to deliver short speeches and express their thoughts.

At the end, Amir Jamaat Benin delivered the concluding address, and led everyone in silent prayer.

For the time being, there is no separate building for Madrasatul-Hifz, but its arrangements have been made in the Mahdi Mosque and the Ahmadiyya Mission House of Porto-Novo.

Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

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Humanity First Senegal and Humanity First Canada team up to help storm victims in Senegal

Musa Khan Senegal

In the months of June and July 2021, there were severe winds and storms in the region of Tambacounda, Senegal. As a result, not only the roofs of several houses and huts were blown off, but unfortunately, two children also died when a wall collapsed.

In this regard, Chairman Humanity First

Senegal requested Chairman Humanity First Canada for some assistance.

On 3 August 2021, Humanity First Senegal set up an aid distribution programme in collaboration with the government administration.

40 families from ten villages of Zone Kousanar and 13 families from seven villages of Tambacounda were given aid by the Mayor of Tambacounda. The aid included rice, macaroni, cooking oil, water containers, soap and other food items.

Nasir Ahmed Sandhu Sahib, Chairman Humanity First Senegal, personally visited the region of Tambacounda and distributed aid along with the government administration and also visited several villages and met with victims.

Humanity First Canada has rendered invaluable assistance in this regard and Humanity first Senegal is very grateful to them.

In Pehcevo, North Macedonia, the first Ahmadiyya mission house, Baitul Ahad, has been constructed Worldwide progress of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat 2021

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

Responding to Allegations

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah Part III

“Beware of false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. By their fruit you will recognise them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. So then, by their fruit you will recognise them.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father [God] in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness!’” (Matthew 7:16-23) Referring to the above verses of the Bible, Christian opponents of the Promised Messiah and Mahdi, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, submit that the founder of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is a false prophet.

As mentioned in the first article of this series, opponents present only one side of the picture and most probably, deliberately hide several references of the Bible which simply dismiss all the allegations raised against the Promised Messiahas.

Before presenting other references of the Bible which substantiate the truthfulness of the Promised Messiahas in this matter, let us look into the verses given at the outset.

Jesusas has clearly elaborated the characteristics of the false prophets in the above saying and delineated: 1. They will bear bad fruits 2. They will be those who call Jesus their Lord 3. They will do everything in the name of Jesus None of the above traits are found in the Promised Messiahas. In fact, on the contrary, the Promised Messiahas bore good fruits; he never called Jesus his Lord and did everything in the name of Allah the Almighty.

The Promised Messiahas said: “Those who have rejected me, or are eager to reject me, are destined to be humiliated and brought low. They do not reflect that if all this had been human imposture, I would have been ruined long ago, for God Almighty has such enmity with an impostor as He has not with anyone else in the world. They do not consider how a liar could possess such steadfastness and courage. They do not realise that only he can speak so splendidly and majestically who enjoys the support of the unseen and only such a one can have the courage to stand up alone against the whole world. Be on the

lookout, for the days are coming, indeed they are near, when the enemy will be disgraced and friends will be most cheerful.”

(Aina Kamalat-e-Islam, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 5, pp. 349-350; The Review of Religions, 26 May 2020) Hence, applying the said prophecy of Jesusas regarding false prophets, on the Promised Messiahas is utter cruelty and fabrication.

Now to bring the flip side of the coin to light, we will present some references from the Bible which further explain the fate of false prophets.

The Bible says: “Some time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men joined him. He was killed, all his followers were dispersed, and it all came to nothing. After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and drew away people after him. He too perished, and all his followers were scattered.” (Acts 5:3637) The Promised Messiahas said: “How can a false claimant of prophethood be likened to me? I have been supported by numerous miracles. […] My success is from God and is a fulfilment of His promises. It is not within the control of any human being. God has filled the towns and cities of India and the Punjab with members of my community. In the space of a few short years, over 100,000 people have pledged their allegiance to me. Do you still

not realise whom the Heavens support?” (A Gift for An-Nadwah, pp. 23-26) Then, there are several references of the Bible which clearly state that false prophets who lie in the name of God are annihilated and killed. Below are some examples from Bible in this regard: “But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my [God’s] name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.” (Deuteronomy 18:20) “‘The [false] prophets are prophesying lies in My [God’s] name,’ replied the Lord. ‘I did not send them or appoint them or speak to them.’ […] Therefore this is what the Lord says about the prophets who prophesy in My (God’s) name: I did not send them, yet they [false prophets] say, ‘No sword or famine will touch this land.’ By sword and famine these very prophets will meet their end!” (Jeremiah 14:14-15) “The false prophets or visionaries who try to lead you astray shall be put to death, for they encourage rebellion against the Lord your God, who redeemed you from slavery and brought you out of the land of Egypt. […] They try to lead you astray from the way the Lord your God commanded you to live.” (Deuteronomy 13:5) “I will raise my fist against all the prophets who see false visions and make lying predictions, and they will be banished from the community of Israel. I will blot their names from Israel’s record books, and

they will never again set foot in their own land. Then you will know that I am the Sovereign Lord. This will happen because these evil prophets deceive my people by saying, ‘All is peaceful’ when there is no peace at all! It’s as if the people have built a flimsy wall, and these prophets are trying to reinforce it by covering it with whitewash!

Tell these whitewashers that their wall will soon fall down. A heavy rainstorm will undermine it; great hailstones and mighty winds will knock it down.” (Ezekiel 13:9-11) The Promised Messiahas said: “It is the eternal practice of God that a false prophet who lies against God – who is not from God, but dares to forge things from himself – never prospers. God destroys such an audacious person who says that He is from God while God knows full well that he is not from Him. All his machinations are shattered, all of his followers are disbanded, and his future is worse than his past because he told a lie against God and brazenly maligned God. God does not give him the honour that is given to the righteous, and neither does He grant him the acceptance and stability, which is reserved for the true prophets.” (A Gift for the Queen, p. 4) On the other hand, regarding the prophets of God Almighty in Bible, St Paul says: “Let them [who claim they are sent from God] go! For if their purpose or endeavour is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” (Acts 5:38) The Bible also says: “But Jesus replied, ‘Every plant that my heavenly Father [God] has not planted will be pulled up by its roots.’” (Matthew 15:13) It is for this reason, the Promised Messiahas said: !‫�ی ارگ ااسنں اک وہات اکروابر اے اناصقں‬ ‫ئ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫ا� اکذب یک اکیف اھت وہ رپورداگر‬ ‫ن‬ َ ‫ھچک ہن یھت احتج اہمتری‬ ‫� اہمترے رکم یک‬

‫وخد ےھجم انوبد رکات وہ اہجں اک رہش ی�ار‬ “Had this been the work of man, O weak of faith! God would have been sufficient to deal with such a liar. There was no need for you nor for your machinations; The Sovereign of the world would have destroyed me Himself.” (Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, Part V [English translation], p. 174) Hence, rather than being “pulled up by its roots” the Promised Messiahas and his Jamaat flourished within his very life. Now, the Promised Messiah’ssa mission and his followers are prospering in every corner of the world in accordance with his prophecies.

The opponents should mull over this fact and reconsider their points of view.

(To be continued…)

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

100 The message of Ahmadiyyat delivered in the royal palace, Years Nigeria and 10 Ahmadiyya Ago... mosques in one city Al Fazl, 8 August 1921 Hazrat Maulvi Abdur Rahim Nayyarra (1883-1948) A very difficult task The roots of Christianity are very strongly established in this country, the idol of trinity is very grave and the Christian influence is immense. The education, wealth, trade and government positions are all in the hands of Christians. [...]

The Christian clergy, with great cleverness, selfishness and to distract Muslims, proclaimed that Islam was progressing in Africa. However, the reality is only that the African idolaters become better idolaters by dressing like Muslims, possessing their names and changing their looks in some cases. Hence, the number of such Muslims in Lagos, the capital of Nigeria, is about 35,000 and the number of Christians is 20,000. Regardless, the Christians have 40 schools and 11,000 boys and girls study in them. Every Christian sect has missions and schools. Contrarily, a Muhammadan school for Muslims has been set up in which 100 boys and girls receive primary education.

In light of these circumstances, who can say that Islam is progressing in Africa?

However, if anything can be said about it, then it is only this that the work of the missionary of Islam is very difficult:

‫ن‬ � ‫� �ف � ا� ��ں � ا�اج �ی ��ی‬ ‫ین‬ ‫د� � � ی�ار و � � � ی ن‬ ‫ین‬ ���‫ا‬ �‫ز‬

[“Infidelity is spreading everywhere like Yazid’s forces, and Islam is sick and helpless like Zain-ul-Abideenra.”]

New convert Ahmadis Since coming to West Africa, more than 14,000 people have joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat by taking bai‘at of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] at the hand of this humble one.

These people also include nominal Muslims, Christians and idolaters. I sent the news of 4,000 new convert Ahmadis via telegram from the Gold Coast, but actually, they are about 6,000 people and a few hundred of them know Salat and fasting. All the others are new Muslims. The same is the situation over here [in Nigeria].

Hence, those who take bai‘at at my hand and are called new Ahmadis, are all new Muslims in the first place. Then, with the exception of a few hundred but including those who at least claim that they love the prophet, I can express with a heart full of praise for Allah the Almighty that with the support of God Almighty, more than 10,000 non-Muslims in the Gold Coast and Nigeria have thus far converted to Islam. All praise

belongs to Allah Who made it all possible!

Christians are ready to convert to Islam Friends will be happy to hear that a significant number of Christians in various parts of West Africa are ready to convert to Islam. Insha-Allah, I will be able to report after a short period of time that thousands of Christians have converted to Islam. At the time, I only convey this news to you that about 100 young English-speaking Muslims in Lagos were ready to convert to Christianity, but they refrained from doing so after my arrival and by the grace of God Almighty remained Muslims. Now, they are gathering the strength and joining the Ahmadiyya Jamaat one by one.

Prince of Lagos The prince Eleko of Lagos, who is the current ruling successor of the idolators’ dynasty called Docimo i.e. the former rulers of Lagos, has started to take interest in my sermons. At his special request, I was invited to the palace and from a high stage built for sermons, I preached to a gathering of thousands and delivered the message of the Promised Messiahas. Eleko and all his chiefs participated in the sermon. The reports indicate that he is very impressed.

When the political atmosphere, which is not clear for him these days, becomes clear, we are hopeful from Allah the Almighty that Eleko and his leaders will accept Islam.

Tabligh of Ahmadiyyat I am regularly spreading the truth [of Ahmadiyyat] through outdoor speeches, meetings and lectures in the Ahmadiyya Lecture Hall. The program of speeches is as follows: 1. Dars [religious sermon] of the Holy Quran at the central Ahmadiyya Mosque on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays for men and Thursdays for women 2. Two outdoor speeches on Saturday evenings 3. Friday sermons for which people have especially started to come from different parts of the city 4. Weekly sermons to Christians at the Ahmadiyya Hall without the help of an interpreter 5. Weekly sermons to Ahmadis at the Ahmadiyya Hall without the help of an interpreter 6. A session of questions and answers on the matters of Ahmadiyyat without the help of an interpreter 7. A session of questions and answers on the matters of Ahmadiyyat with the help of an interpreter

8. The new Ahmadi converts’ Yoruba class for translation of Salat and education by Mr. Ajose, Imam of Ahmadiyya Mosque Apart from him, all the imams of Ahmadiyya mosques are serving as sermonizers.

Regular sermons are being delivered in the villages. We have 10 mosques in the city and each imam is preaching in his area.

Nigerian authorities The British officials here are very sensible and moral. The commissioner of Police, Major Walker, and His Excellency, Colonel Moore Hoss Lieutenant Governor, are compassionate and noble natured. Both of them treat this humble one with respect and dignity, which the earthly rulers should keep with the Ahmadis’ missionaries for their own good. May Allah grant them the best of rewards.

Nigerian newspapers There are five newspapers here. One is run

by Christians and the other is owned by Muslims. In both of them, various articles are published about this humble one on regular basis. This week, The African Messenger, while mentioning Eid-ul-Fitr, presented my sermon, works and the news of ten thousand new Ahmadis in excellent words. Likewise, The Times of Nigeria has published the news of 10,000 Ahmadis in good words.

Prohibition of prostrating before human beings The Muslims here are accustomed to prostrating to humans according to the old idolatrous practice. The Ahmadiyya Jamaat, in accordance with its local rules and regulations, has declared a complete avoidance of this ritual as part and parcel of Ahmadiyyat. I have also emphasised this matter in my sermons.

By the grace of God Almighty, this bad practice is ending in Lagos. As the number of Ahmadis is now in thousands and Ahmadi men and women are discontinuing this practice and forbidding their children from it, the other parts of the population are also being influenced by this. One of the prominent signs of an Ahmadi is that they do not prostrate before anyone except God. Miscellaneous There is a dispute among the Muslims of this place over the imamate and management of the Victoria Mosque, which is ongoing for the last five years. The majority of the population is against the imam and there was a misunderstanding

between the government and the majority of the Muslim population, which has been removed by my efforts and the issue of the mosque will be resolved soon, insha-Allah.

The news of my arrival in the country and tabligh and sermons that the Mahdi has appeared, has reached the inland.

However, I am still very busy in Lagos and so I cannot go inland. There is sincerity and enthusiasm in the Jamaat but only a few young gentlemen who are now growing in number are real volunteers. All the others are illiterate who do not yet understand the needs of the Jamaat, but I am hopeful from Allah the Almighty that they will become aware of this soon.

My health My condition was serious and my heart muscles were affected. However, Allah the Almighty has granted me perfect health and we are hopeful that He will bless Ahmadiyyat with so much progress in Nigeria that its light from Lagos will reach the inland of Africa and the following phenomenon will be manifested with full glory: ّٰ ۡ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ُ ۡ َ ً َ‫الل ِہ اَ ۡفو‬ ‫یدخلون فِی ِدی ِن‬ ‫اجا‬ [“(And thou seest men) entering the religion of Allah in troops.”]

Its commencement has started with the grace of God Almighty.

Prayer request I am weak, powerless and less educated.

There is a lot of work and I am alone. At least four missionaries are needed in only Lagos.

The work of Gold Coast and Sierra Leone is alongside it. My health was not good already and now, the abundance of work, worries and lack of good food is making me weak and old. I need prayers and I request all my friends to pray for me. It is not possible for me to write letters to each and every one of them.

Al Fazl, 15 August 1921 Congratulations: An Ahmadi Prince On the occasion of Eid-ul-Adha, the joy and happiness of the readers will surely be greatly increased by this good news that Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib, the missionary to West Africa, has informed us via telegram that the prince [Eleko of Lagos] has joined the Ahmadiyya Jamaat. All praise belongs to Allah Who made it all possible.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 8 and 15 August 1921 issues of Al Fazl)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

Ahmadiyyat continues to progress: Huzoor delivers the second-day address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021 Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivers a faith-inspiring second-day address at Jalsa Salana UK 2021

Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 7 August 2021: At around 5 pm, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the main Jalsa Gah and greeted everyone with the greetings of assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. The session then started with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by its Urdu translation from Tafsir-e-Saghir:

َ ۡ ّٰ َ َۡ َ َ َۡ ‫َو َم ۡن اظل ُم ِم ّم ِن افت ٰری َعلی الل ِہ الک ِذ َب َو ُہوَ یُ ۡد ٰۤعی ِالَی الۡاِ ۡسلَا ِم ؕ َو‬ ّٰ ۡ ّٰ َ ۡ ‫الل ُہ لَا یَ ۡہ ِدی القوۡ َم الظ ِل ِمی َن‬ ٰۡ َ ۡ َ ّٰ ُ ۡ ُ ُ ّٰ ‫یُرِیۡ ُد ۡو َن ل ُِیط ِفـُٔوۡا نوۡ َر الل ِہ ِبافوَا ِہ ِہ ۡم َو الل ُہ ُم ِت ّم نوۡرِ ٖہ َو لَوۡ ک ِر َہ الک ِف ُر ۡو َن‬ ّ ُ ّ َ َ ٗ َ ۡ ُ ّ َ ۡ ۡ َ ٰ ُ ۡ ٗ َ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۤۡ َ ّ َ ُ ‫الدیۡ ِن ک ِل ٖہ‬ ِ ‫ہو ال ِذی ارسل رسولہ ِبالہدی و ِدی ِن الح ِق ل ِیظ ِہرہ علی‬ ُ ۡ ۡ َ – ‫َو لَوۡ ک ِر َہ ال ُمش ِرکوۡ َن‬ َ َ ۡ ّ ۡ ُ ۡ ۡ ُ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ ُ ُّ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ َ ٰ َ ۡ َّ َ ُّ َ ٰۤ ‫اب‬ ٍ ‫یایہا ال ِذین امنوا ہل ادلکم علی ِتجار ٍۃ تن ِجیکم ِمن عذ‬ َ – ‫ال ِۡی ٍم‬ ُ َ ّٰ ُ ُ ُ ّٰ ‫ت ۡؤ ِمنوۡ َن ِبالل ِہ َو َر ُسوۡل ِٖہ َو ت َجا ِہ ُد ۡو َن فِ ۡی َس ِب ۡی ِل الل ِہ ِبا ۡموَال ِک ۡم َو‬ َ َ ۡ ُ ُّ ۡ َ ُ ٰ ُ ُ َۡ – ‫انف ِسک ۡم ؕ ذل ِک ۡم خی ٌر ل َک ۡم ِا ۡن کن ُت ۡم ت ۡعل ُموۡ َن‬ ُ ُ​ُ ُ َۡ َۡ َ َ ّٰ ُ ۡ ‫یغ ِف ۡر لَک ۡم ذنوۡبَک ۡم َو یُ ۡد ِخلک ۡم َجن ٍت ت ۡجرِ ۡی ِم ۡن ت ۡح ِت َہا الۡان ٰہرُ َو َم ٰس ِک َن‬ ً َ ّٰ ۡ ُ َۡ َ ٰ – ‫ط ِّی َبۃ فِ ۡی َجن ِت َع ۡد ٍن ؕ ذل ِک الفوۡز ال َع ِظ ۡی ُم‬ َ ٌ َ ّٰ َ َ ّ ُ ُۡ ۡ ّ ۡ ‫– َو اخ ٰری ت ِح ُبوۡن َہا ؕ ن ۡص ٌر ِّم َن الل ِہ َو ف ۡتح ق ِریۡ ٌب ؕ َو بَ ِش ِر ال ُم ۡؤ ِم ِنی َن‬

“But who could do greater wrong than one who forges the lie against Allah while he is called to Islam? Allah guides not the wrongdoing people. They desire to extinguish the light of Allah with [the breath of] their mouths, but Allah will perfect His light, even if the disbelievers hate [it]. He it is Who has sent His Messenger with the guidance and the Religion of Truth, that He may cause it to prevail over all religions, even if those who associate partners [with God] hate [it]. O ye who believe! shall I point out to you a bargain that will save you from a painful punishment? That you believe in Allah and His Messenger, and strive in the cause of Allah with your wealth and your persons. That is better for you, if you did but know. He will forgive you your sins, and make you enter the Gardens through which streams flow, and pure and pleasant dwellings in Gardens of Eternity.

That is the supreme triumph. And [He will bestow] another [favour] which you love: help from Allah and a near victory. So give glad tidings to the believers.” (Surah al-Saff,

Ch.61: V.8-14) Next, “Ey Khuda ey kaarsaaz…”, an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas, was presented. Then, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa took to the podium and once again conveyed his salaam to everyone. He then recited tashahud, ta‘awuz Surah alFatihah and delivered a most faith-inspiring address, a brief summary of which is as follows: In this session, I usually recount some of the blessings of Allah the Exalted upon the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, that we see and experience throughout the year.

Despite only summaries being prepared of these blessings, I will only be able to present a portion of some of the facts and figures.

Establishment of new chapters [jamaats] By the grace of Allah the Exalted, this year, apart from Pakistan, 403 new chapters of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat were established.

In addition to these new jamaats, the seed of Ahmadiyyat was planted in 829 locations for the first time, which means that a few or a couple of Ahmadis have entered the Jamaat in those locations. Nigeria is on top of the list of those countries where new jamaats have been established. In Nigeria, 89 new jamaats have been established over the past year. Then, there are other countries of Africa and Europe.

With relation to incidents of the

establishment of new jamaats, the missionary-in-charge of São Tomé reports that only three islands of the country of São Tomé are inhabited. Jamaats have been established in the islands of São Tomé and Príncipe and mosques have also been constructed there. By the grace of Allah, this year, the Jamaat was also established on the third island by the grace of Allah. Our missionaries went there. They preached and as a result of their preaching, ten Christians converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat. It is a small island with a population of less than a hundred.

The missionary in Tanzania writes that some of our missionaries went to one of the villages of the country and they preached and propagated the faith. The people in the locality listened to the message of the Jamaat very attentively and 60 people entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat. Upon this, the local imam phoned them and said that your people are coming here and creating disorder and people from amongst my community are entering the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. The imam started arguing with the local Ahmadi missionary and he said, “What are you doing, trying to convert people from my locality?” Of course, the Muslim clerics are always concerned about losing their people as they earn their bread through those people. So, our Ahmadi missionary started preaching to that imam. As a result of the debate with

the local imam, the people gathered there and started listening to the debate and 30 further people entered into the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. That Sunni imam is sitting in his mosque idle because only a handful of people come to his mosque, whereas a hundred or close to a hundred people have formed a new chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in that area and the nizam of the Jamaat is established.

In Guinea-Conakry, the clerics of the Islamic League had threatened the local people of a village with regard to Ahmadis, saying that Ahmadis were disbelievers, God forbid. They said that Ahmadis did not have any relation with Islam and so people should not listen to them. However, when the message of the Promised Messiahas was preached to them and they were told of the prophecies related to the Latter-Day Messiah and Imam Mahdi, the entire village along with the local imam accepted Ahmadiyyat.

The system of the Jamaat has now been established there. However the clerics of the Islamic organisation kept threatening the local villagers, the new converts said that they had found new pleasure in their prayers, which they were unaware of before accepting Ahmadiyyat and that they would remain steadfast on this path.

[These are just a couple from countless other examples.]

Establishment of new mosques In terms of the establishment of new mosques, which includes mosques that the Jamaat constructed as well as those that came into the possession of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat during the year, their number is 211. Ghana is on top of the list with most mosques being constructed there.

Then, there are also other countries.

In Belize, the first Ahmadiyya mosque has been constructed, which spans over an area of two acres and has a capacity of 220 worshippers. Its foundation was laid in December 2019. It is a very beautiful mosque. It has a mission house, the missionary’s office, a library as well as a guest room. There are two highways that go out from Belize City, one going towards Mexico and the other one towards Guatemala. This Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

Noor Mosque is located on the highway that goes towards Guatemala. It is located at a distance of two miles from the city’s centre. After the mosque in Guatemala, this is the second purpose-built mosque of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Central America. For the construction of this mosque, three brothers from Canada went there to volunteer. They also participated considerably in the construction of another mosque in Canada. They are Mansoor Sahib, Manzoor Sahib, Fareed Sahib and Mudassir Sahib. In any case, they went to Belize and worked towards the construction of the mosque. At first, the construction was estimated to cost 2.5 million US dollars. In the end, it only cost 125,000 US dollars as a result of these voluteers’ efforts. The local people also offered significant sacrifices for this project.

In Zion, in the United States of America, there was a plan to construct a monument.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in Zion wanted to make a monument with relation to the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas.

10 acres of land was purchased about two years ago and there is a plan to construct a mosque, an exhibition hall and so on. It was estimated that it would cost $4 million and with the grace of Allah, this amount was collected. The women of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat in the United States of America contributed about $1.7 million.

And they said that they would give this amount. It is quite a large mosque. The land is about 6,000 square feet. There are different floors for men and women and different halls. This will be the first mosque in the City of Zion. Then an exhibition hall will also be built. The prophecy of the Promised Messiahas will also be shown on screens in this exhibition hall. There is also a minaret being made in the same fashion as the Minarat-ul-Masih in Qadian. This is quite a large project being done by the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, USA. May Allah the Exalted enable them to rapidly complete it.

[These are just a couple from countless other examples.]

Establishment of mission houses and centres of tabligh By the grace of Allah the Exalted, there has been an increase of 123 new mission houses and preaching centres. Ghana is on top of the list of those countries where most of the mission houses have been established.

Then, there are also other countries of Africa, Europe and also parts of Russia.

In a Macedonian city, the first Ahmadiyya mission house, Baitul Ahad, has been constructed. It is now complete.

For the foundation stone ceremony, a brick from Qadian was brought over and I sent it to them after praying over it. This is a threestorey centre. There is a kitchen. There is a prayer room, a place for ablution, a store and there are many other facilities. There is also a place for a caretaker to stay. On the second storey, there is a mosque area. Men and women have separate places to pray and there is also a separate place for women for ablution. Then, on the third storey, there is a missionary’s residence and office. This is also a very beautiful building that has been constructed.

[These are just a couple from countless other examples.]

Raqeem Press Then there is the Raqeem Press. Printing work is also bring undertaken in certain African countries. By the grace of Allah, they are doing good work. More than 315,000 copies of books have been printed through the press in Farnham. Leaflets and pamphlets are in addition to this number.

Wakalat-e-Tasnif According to Wakalat-e-Tasneef, the Italian translation of the Holy Quran has been revised. The Italian Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat has done a lot of work in this regard. Moreover, there are different translations of the Holy Quran. Various books of the Promised Messiahas have also been published by them such as The Holy War, Hallmarks of the Saints and Testimony of the Holy Quran etc. Some books are also being revised by them. There are books of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira that are being translated and will be published this year.

Likewise, there is Chinese literature. The late Usman Chou Sahib also prepared a book during his lifetime which is being published.

Ruhani Khazain, the books of the Promised Messiahas are being published in beautiful print. The printing of these 23 volumes is excellent. They are well-made, yet inexpensive. You can contact the bookstore here or the department of publications and obtain these books.

There are also incidents of conversion upon reading the books of the Promised Messiahas. For example, the missionary from Australia writes that a young Australian had been learning about Ahmadiyyat for a year.

We gave him The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, about which, after just a few days of reading, he said that this had astonished him and left him completely amazed. He said that the different natural and moral states, as explained by the Promised Messiahas, is something that he could have never have imagined. He said that he could have finished this book in one day but the themes and topics were so profound that sometimes he had to read a page repeatedly and that the book helped him become a better human being.

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Wakalat-e-Ishaat According to reports from 92 countries, 384 different books and pamphlets in 39 languages were published to the number of 3.68 million copies. This includes Arabic, Bangla, German, Indonesian, Swahili and so many other languages.

participated in 2,747 book fairs last year or bookstalls were held.

At a prominent book fair in India, a Nepalese individual came and he said that previously he had considered Islam a distasteful religion but when he came to learn about Islam from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat at the book fair, it completely changed his mind and he said that Islam actually gives peaceful teachings and this is a message that needs to be conveyed to other people too so that they come to know the reality of Islam. Only the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat is truly conveying the peaceful message of Islam.

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Alislam.org OpenQuran.com, the new search engine of the Holy Quran, has been created by them, the second version of which is being inaugurated at this year’s Jalsa Salana. Then there is also the ReadQuran app which has been created. There are numerous books available on the website; 316 in English, 1,000 in Urdu, 71 on other platforms such as Apple etc. They have also prepared 10 new audiobooks. Then there is other content published by them and they are doing a lot of work.

Distribution of leaflets 6.98 million leaflets were distributed in 103 countries and through them, the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat reached 16.8 million people. Germany is on top of the list of the countries, which distributed the highest number of leaflets. Then comes the UK and other countries.

A missionary from Tanzania writes that there was a lot of opposition in a village and it is very difficult to preach, but they went there and distributed the new leaflets and the next day an individual called them. He invited them to come to their village and tell them more about Ahmadiyyat. So, they went there and preached and five people converted and accepted Islam Ahmadiyyat.

In this way, by the grace of the Almighty Allah, where they thought it was difficult to preach, through the means of leaflets, Allah gave them five bai‘ats.

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Central desks Huzoor then briefly mentioned some of the efforts made by the various central desks of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat, which include the Arabic Desk, Russian Desk, French Desk, Bangla Desk, Chinese Desk, Indonesian Desk, Turkish Desk, Swahili Desk and Spanish Desk that are propagating the message of Islam to the speakers of their respective languages by translating and publishing various kinds of literature, in addition to fulfiling other tasks assigned to them by the Jamaat such as the translation of the correspondence with Huzooraa. aa

MTA International Then, there is MTA International. By the grace of God, they have eight channels running 24/7. They have permanent staff and also many volunteers. They are doing simultaneous translations into 17 different languages.

There is also an MTA Ghana that has been established. On 15 January the digital channel, MTA Ghana was established. A lot of work is being done through MTA Ghana.

It is also being viewed via antennas. Various TV channels take MTA programmes and show them on their TV channels.

Then, there is MTA Africa, which has increased in its scope quite considerably.

There are two channels in various African languages, which are being broadcast. There are now 11 branches of MTA Africa. The Wahab Adam studio was upgraded this year and the Gambia studio is also doing a lot of excellent work.

Press and Media

Wakalat-e-Ishaat Tarseel This is the department of distribution in publications and they are responsible for the dissemination of publications. According to their report, books were sent to different countries and they number over 75,745.

Then, there is other literature that is also sent. In 90 countries of the world, more than 591 libraries and regional libraries were established. Books are sent from London and Qadian. A lot of literature is also published from Qadian.

Exhibitions, bookstalls and book fairs According to the reports, 175,000 people attended around 1,970 exhibitions and the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community

Then there is the Press and Media Office.

By the grace of God Almighty, they too are carrying out very good work. They had 102 news and articles published in various newspapers. According to a conservative estimate, the message of Islam reached more than 20 million people through their efforts. They also had many programmes on television, and also met with many journalists during the year.

After watching programmes on MTA, by the grace of Allah, many people also convert to Islam Ahmadiyyat: The missionary-in-charge Cameroon writes that 40 km from the capital there is a small town where a person converted to Islam Ahmadiyyat. He informed us that for some time, he had been watching MTA through YouTube and he had learnt a lot about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

He eventually became satisfied, that this Community is truthful and Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad is the Promised Messiah and Imam Mahdi. One of his relatives who live in Ivory Coast, who is familiar

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 historical resources. They are doing quite good work. They are carrying out a lot of research for example regarding the services of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community for the Muslims of the Indian subcontinent.

with Ahmadis, informed me of the phone number of the Ahmadiyya missionary. Now, this person has converted along with his family and he regularly listens to the Friday sermon.

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Ahmadiyya radio stations Right now, the radio stations of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community number 27. This includes 17 in Mali, four in Burkina Faso and three in Sierra Leone. Then, there are other countries that have one or two. There is a lot of work happening for tabligh or propagation through these stations. There is an Internet radio station in Turkish which has also been established, and they are doing good work.

This year, through 5,068 TV programmes we were given 1,877 hours of airtime on other channels. Then, through the various Ahmadiyya radio stations in different countries, we had over 47,800 hours of programmes and 10,832 programmes were broadcast. According to a conservative estimate, we conveyed the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to more than 330 million people through these radio stations.

There are also faith-inspiring incidents of conversion as a result of these.

The missionary from Mali says that whenever they speak with non-Ahmadis about Africa, they believe that as a result of a lack of knowledge people enter into the Ahmadiyya Community. This is an utter misconception. For example, in one of their regions, a short while ago, there was a teacher by the name of Zakaria who was able to accept Islam Ahmadiyyat. He is proficient in English and French. At the time of his conversion, he said that he had been listening to the Ahmadiyya radio for the last seven years and after studying Ahmadiyyat from every angle, it was only then that he decided to convert. He said, “Today the biggest reality is the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.”

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Waqf-e-Nau

The Review of Religions The Review of Religions magazine has been running for 119 years. The Promised Messiahas established it. This is being published monthly in English, every other month in German and French, quarterly in Spanish. In four different languages, every year, it prints almost 197,000 copies.

During the year, over 250,000 people viewed The Review of Religions’ website. Through Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, it reached five million people. Through its YouTube channel, they have 87,000 subscribers and this year, more than two million people viewed the videos.

Markaz IT There is a central department of information technology. They are also doing very good work. They are also managing the IT in many of the departments.

International Arabic-English Translation Desk

By the grace of Almighty Allah, they are doing a lot of work.

They are also publishing various booklets of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra, the second worldwide Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. They also organised the God Summit. They received a lot of positive feedback and people were really impressed by it. They said that now we have come to believe in the existence of God. Al Fazl International There is Al Fazl International. From 27 May 2019, it has been printing twice a week.

They publish my Friday Sermons and other content. By the grace of Allah, they are also progressing quite well. They are also reaching people through social media.

There is an International Arabic-English Translation Desk. By the grace of Allah, they are translating literature and various books from English to Arabic and also from Arabic to English. They are doing very good work.

AMJ Through this department, one of our engineers and architects is going to different mission houses and is also guiding them and he is doing good work.

International Association of Ahmadiyya Architects & Engineers (IAAAE) There is the International Association of Ahmadiyya Architects & Engineers. By the grace of Allah, they are doing some excellent work in African countries in particular, including help with projects such as Water for Life. They are also installing solar energy systems in Africa. They collaborate with other charity organisations.

Nusrat Jehan Scheme In 12 countries there are 37 hospitals that are operating under this scheme. In these, there are 49 central, and 14 local doctors. In 11 countries, there are 594 “higher schools” which are operating. Then there are 21 central teachers who are working under this scheme.

Masroor Eye Institute

Al Hakam Then, there is the Tehrik-e-Waqf-eNau department. By the grace of Allah, the number of waqifeen-e-nau is 75,522 worldwide. 44,697 of them are boys, 30,825 while are girls. The new waqifeen, who joined this year were 2,856. Over fifteen-year-olds are 34,622. Around 22,000 of the boys and 12,000 of the girls are over this age. Pakistan has the most waqifeen-e-nau, followed by Germany, UK, India and Canada.

Makhzan-e-Tasaweer This is the Central Photography Department.

They preserve photographs and are doing good work.

There is Al Hakam. It is being published weekly. Through social media, it is being reached and read quite widely and young English people are benefitting quite considerably from it. They are also doing good work and they have good intellectual articles and articles of historical nature.

Propagation of Islam through newspapers In 2020, 3,274 articles were published that reached over 300 million people.

Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC) There is the Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre. Here they are doing work of historical nature and collecting the

blood. Then there are eye operations or giving water or other such charitable and good deeds.

One should see the delight in people’s eyes when they get water for the first time.

May Allah the Exalted, enable them to continue with this excellent work. They provide support and aid amongst different denominations of people, which also includes prisoners.

Majlis Ansarullah UK are building the Masroor Eye Institute in Burkina Faso. This is a beautiful building which is imminently going to be completed. It is being administered very well. They are building it and it is coming along very nicely.

Humanity First By the grace of Allah the Exalted, they are doing some really good work. It is registered now in 60 countries of the world.

They are also doing some excellent work in terms of disaster relief and emergency situations. Free eye operations are also being carried out through them. Free medical camps are also being held. A lot of work on charity walks is also being done by them.

There are blood drives where people donate

New converts Reconnecting with the new converts and re-communicating with them is another important task. A lack of contact over a prolonged period of time can cause such contacts to be lost and these converts can move away. Nigeria has done the most work in this regard. Then there is Mali, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Cameroon, Ivory Coast and so on.

In 6,765 Jamaats, 30,755 tarbiyati classes were held for new converts.

Bai‘ats As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic this year, although we were not able to preach in the open, Allah the Almighty has granted us 125,221 bai‘ats, which is an increase of more than 13,000 over the last year. [There are countries from right across the globe, from Afghanistan to Austria, where conversions were achieved.]

The most bai‘ats that happened this year were in Guinea-Conakry, which were more than 25,000, followed by Cameroon, Sierra Leone, Senegal, Tanzania and so on.

The missionary from Russia writes that, in the previous year, they were able to contact a Russian acquaintance. He has studied Ahmadiyyat quite extensively, including the works of the Promised Messiahas. On 23 November 2020, he converted. He did the bai‘ats and entered the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. In the beginning, they explained to him that he should pray and when he prayed, he should supplicate for a sign. He said he do not need a sign. Like Hazrat Abu Bakr, he said he accepted the true path. Therefore, he did the bai‘at.

The missionary from Mexico reports that a youngster was trying to learn about Islam Ahmadiyyat for a number of years.

The mother had already converted a few years before. One day they were speaking to him about Islam and after a few questions, he suddenly said that he wanted to become an Ahmadi. Upon asking, he said that he had been learning about Islam for a number of years and he had actually become an atheist at one point. However, Islam had removed all of his doubts and misconceptions. He then did the bai‘at.

[These are just a couple from countless Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

other examples.]

Then there are also people, who convert upon seeing true dreams.

Our missionary in Argentina, Marwan Sarwar Gill Sahib, writes that a young man had done the bai‘at this year. He is from Buenos Aires. He had dedicated his life to become a Christian priest, but during his studies, he started having doubts and suspicions regarding the Christian teachings to such a degree that after four years he had to leave the seminary course.

He could not find satisfactory answers in the Christian doctrine, so he started studying different religions. He became interested more and more in Islam and Holy Quran.

When he contacted the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, he was invited to come to the mission house. When he reached the mission house and he saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas for the first time, he immediately started asking questions. The missionary thought that, first of all, he should inform him of the basic teachings of Islam but he insisted that first of all introduce me to the Promised Messiahas. So, he explained to him in detail that he was the same Messiah and Mahdi who had been prophesied to come by all major religions. Upon this, the young man expressed nothing else and left. Then, a few weeks later, he contacted the missionary again and said that he was now a Muslim for the last two weeks and now he wanted to do the bai‘at. The missionary suggested to him to study a bit more but he responded that he became satisfied on the day he saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas because he already had a connection with that photograph before and when he saw this photograph, he came to realise that he had found a way to reach Allah through the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. He then said that, two years ago, when he was in a deep search for truth, he saw in a dream that there was an individual who is explaining to him the ways to find peace and security and he was explaining to him repeatedly that if he wanted peace, follow his advice. At this

time, he did not have any familiarity with Islam, nor could he find anything more about the individual he saw in his dream because he was a stranger to him, but when he came to the mission house and saw the picture of the Promised Messiahas, he was immediately reminded of the dream that he saw two years ago. Thus, he became completely assured and certain that he had reached the ultimate destination. He then converted and faced opposition from his family because his father was a very strict Christian. They completely disconnected from him. He says that now he has a spiritual family.

[This is just one from countless other examples.]

Then, there are also bai‘ats as a result of the propaganda of the opponents and also as a result of the acceptance of prayers. Moreover, from those who are not Ahmadis, or not even Muslims, there are countless positive impressions and feedback with regards to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community. There are so many different accounts. I have only presented a few highlights.

The Promised Messiahas, while addressing his opponents, states: “Desist and fear His wrath, and know that you have set a seal on your evil deeds.

If God were with you, you would have no need for such deceptions. The prayer of only one of you would have been sufficient to destroy me. However, none of your prayers could ascend to Heaven; rather, the effect of your prayers was that you are diminishing day by day […] Do you not see that you are decreasing and we are increasing? If your steps had been on the path of truth, had your end looked like this?” (Nuzul-ulMasih [Urdu], Ruhani Khazain Vol. 18, p.

409) May Allah the Exalted give wisdom to such opponents and to the world, so that they may understand the true message of Islam Ahmadiyyat. May they accept the one sent by God, enabling them to put the affairs of their world and the Hereafter right.

After this, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer and returned to his residence.

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

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

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

Islam is the true standard-bearer of universal rights: Huzoor delivers the concluding address from Jalsa Salana UK 2021 Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivers the concluding address from the 55th Jalsa Salana UK

Hadeeqatul Mahdi, 8 August 2021: At around 5 pm, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa arrived at the main Jalsa Gah, where he led the Zuhr and Asr prayers, followed by a funeral prayer for those Ahmadis who passed away during the past year.

Huzooraa then took a seat at the stage, accompanied by loud slogans of the unity of Allah [na‘ra-hae-takbir], and greeted everyone with assalamo alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu. The concluding session then commenced with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by its Urdu translation from Tafsir-e-Saghir, both presented by Abdul Momin Tahir Sahib: َ​َۡ ٓ َۡۤ ُ ّٰ ۡ ّ ‫الرَ ۡح ٰمن‬ ّ ‫الل ِہ‬ ‫ِبس ِم‬ ‫الرَ ِح ۡی ِم – ن َو القل ِم َو َما یَ ۡس� ُر ۡو َن – َما ان َت ِبن ِۡع َم ِۃ‬ ِ

ُ​ُ ُ َۡ َ َ َ ُ َ َ َّ – ‫َر ِّبک ِب َم ۡجنوۡ ٍن – َو ِا ّن لَک لَا ۡج ًرا ﻏی َر َم ۡمنوۡ ٍن – َو ِانک ل َ َع ٰلی خل ٍق َعظ ِۡی ٍم‬ َ َ َ َ َ َ َ ۡ ۡ ُ َ ‫ف َس ُت ۡب ِص ُر َو یُ ۡب ِص ُر ۡو َن – ِبا ّیِک ُم ال َمف ُتوۡ ُن – ِا ّن َر ّبک ُھوَ ا ۡعل ُم ِب َم ۡن ﺿ َّل َع ۡن‬ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ َّ ۡ ُ َ ‫َس ِب ۡیل ِٖہ � َو ُھوَ ا ۡعل ُم ِبال ُم ۡه َت ِدیۡ َن – فلَا تط ِ​ِع ال ُمک ِذ ِبی َن – َو ّد ۡوا لَوۡ ت ۡد ِھ ُن‬ َ َّ َ َ َّ َ ۡ َ َّ َ َّ ُ ۡ ُ َ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ ُ َ ‫اف ّم ِهی ٍن – َھ ّما ٍز ّمﺸٓا �ء ِبن ِم ۡی ٍم – ّمن ٍاع‬ ٍ ‫فید ِھنون – و لا تطِع کل حل‬ َ َ ۡ َ َّ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ٰ َ ۡ َ ّ ُ ُ ۡ َ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ ۡ ّ ‫ال و بنِین – ِاذا‬ ۭ ٍ ‫ل ِلخیرِ معت ٍد اثِی ٍم – عت‬ ٍ ‫ل بعد ذل ِک زنِی ٍم – ان کان ذا م‬ ُ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ ٗ ُ َ َ َ ۡ َّ َ ۡ ُ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ ُ ٰ ٰ ۡ َ َ ٰ ۡ ُ ۡ –‫تتلی علی ِہ ایتنا قال اسا ِطیر الاول ِین – سن ِسمہ علی ال�رطو ِم‬ “In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. By the inkstand and [by] the pen and [by] that which they write, Thou art not, by the grace of thy Lord, a madman. And for thee, most surely, there is an unending reward. And thou dost surely possess high moral excellences. And thou wilt soon see and they too will see Which of you is afflicted [with madness]. Surely, thy Lord

knows best those who go astray from His way, and He knows best those who follow guidance. So comply not with the wishes of those who reject [the truth]. They wish that thou shouldst be pliant so that they may [also] be pliant. And yield not to any mean swearer, backbiter, one who goes about slandering, forbidder of good, transgressor, sinful, ill-mannered and, in addition to that, of doubtful birth. This is because he possesses riches and children. When Our Signs are recited unto him, he says, ‘Stories of the ancients!’ We will brand him on the snout.” (Surah al-Qalam, Ch. 68, V. 1-17) Next, an Arabic poem [qaseedah] of Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas of Qadian, written in praise of His Master, the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, was recited by

Munir Odeh Sahib, followed by its Urdu translation which was presented by Ataul Momin Zahid Sahib. This was followed by an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas, also in praise of the Holy Prophetsa, recited

by Hafeez Ahmad Sahib.

Next, Rafiq Ahmad Hayat Sahib, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya UK, announced the names of the awardees of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Prize for Advancement of Peace for 2020 as well as 2021. The 2020 prize was awarded to Adi Patricia Roche, an Irish campaigner for peace, humanitarian aid and education. This year’s prize went to Dharma Master Cheng Yen, a Taiwanese Buddhist nun, teacher, and philanthropist.

Then, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa came Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

<< Continued from previous page

to the podium and once again conveyed his salaam to everyone. He then recited, tashahud, ta‘awuz, Surah al-Fatihah and delivered a most powerful and faithinspiring address on the rights of various sections of society, with reference to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the blessed examples and sayings of the Holy Prophetsa and the Promised Messiahas.

Huzooraa said, “We have firm faith that the Holy Quran’s teaching is perfect and

complete and that without acting upon it, neither can the problems of the world be solved, nor can the rights of the various sections of society be established.”

While admonishing Ahmadis, he said, “There is absolutely no need to feel any guilt, or show any reluctance or have an inferiority complex when presenting this teaching to the outside world. We do not need to adopt the principles devised by the worldly people, nor do we need to adopt a defensive stance in this regard. On the contrary, in light of the teachings of the Holy Quran, we need

to invite the secular people and the people who claim to be the standard-bearers of the rights of the various sections of society to follow us under the light of the Islamic teaching so that the rights of every section of society can be secured from every angle, and so that an atmosphere of true peace and security may be created and established the world over.”

Huzooraa then expounded on 1. the rights friends, 2. the rights of the sick, 3. the rights of orphans 4. the rights of confederates and those under a treaty and 5. the rights of

combatans and said, “These are the rights, by establishing which, we can spread a spirit of peace and security in the society and the world. Otherwise, there is no guarantee of peace in the world. In particular, the rights of combatants that I have mentioned, if governments do not understand their responsibilities in this regard and do not fulfil the rights owed to others, then they should be ready for a world war, the destruction caused by which is beyond any imagination. May Allah the Exalted grant wisdom to these worldly governments and instead of feeding their egos, may they work towards saving humanity.”

In the end, Huzooraa led everyone in silent prayer and conveyed his salaam, after which some taranas were sung by various groups in different languages. One tarana was also presented from Kababir via a video link.

Huzooraa also announced that according to the report, the collective attendance over the three days was 8,877, which included 6,709 men and 2,168 women.

Then, Huzooraa briefly addressed and prayed for the Ahmadis around the world, who were participating in the Jalsa Salana virtually and said, this new form of virtual participation of people from different parts of the world with varying time differences, was an extraordinary scene to behold.

Finally, Huzooraa bade farewell by conveying his salaam once more and Jalsa Salana UK 2021 came to a successful end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

100 Years Ago...

News from London, America, West Africa, Mauritius and Ceylon The Review of Religions (English), August 1921

Our London Mission Our London letter dated 13 June 1921 says that the ld-ul-Fitr festival which was celebrated at the mosque in Putney, London, was attended by more than 50 persons.

Some Hindu and Christian gentlemen were also present, the former even taking part in the prayer.

The assembly was photographed after the prayers and sermon were over and accounts of the celebration have appeared in some of the London papers. The same day at 4pm Yamni Bey [previous written in Al Hakam as Yümi Bey], son of the Turkish Consul at London, accompanied by Professor and Madam Leone came to see our missionaries and had a long conversation with them.

In the course of the conversation, Yamni Bey remarked that if they had not yet accepted Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, it was because they did not know much about him, otherwise all Muslims were expecting a Mahdi and that if Hazrat Mirza Sahib was really the Promised Mahdi, no Muslim ought to have any hesitation to accept him.

He was presented with some books which he gratefully accepted and promised to study them carefully and give them to his elder brother also to read.

Mr Sayal delivered a lecture at Welcome Mission Hall, East London, on, “Islam is a religion of peace and goodwill.” The lecture which lasted for one hour was followed by a discussion. The audience were favourably impressed and promised to invite him again to deliver another lecture the same Hall.

Our Missionaries report that Indian gentlemen living in England, both Hindus and Mussalmans, now seem to be favourably inclined to the Ahmadiyya movement. Among others, they recently saw the well-known journalist Saint Nihal Singh, the pride of the Punjab. They found him to be greatly interested in Islam and the Ahmadiyya movement. Among other valuable suggestions which he gave to our brethren he suggested that it was high time that the Promised Messiah’s Message of Peace should be widely circulated in India.

Our brethren, in their latest report, mention the conversion to Islam of a lady who is acting as a District Nurse in that part of London where our brethren are living nowadays.

Mr. Sayal who is now at Mecca is expected at Qadian in September. Maulavi Rahim Bakhsh, MA BT, is about to proceed to London to take the place of Mr. Sayal.

Our American mission Dr. Sadiq has begun to publish from America a quarterly Magazine, called The Moslem Sunrise. The first number is already out and

contains among other articles a brief report of work for Islam in America during the last year, also short articles on polygamy and virgin birth, comments on certain verses of the Holy Quran, a page from sayings of the Holy Prophet and extracts from the writings of the Promised Messiah. It also contains a very beautiful translation in English verse of an Urdu poem of His Holiness, the Khalifatul Masih II[ra], addressed to the younger generation of the Ahmadiyya Community which we reproduce elsewhere in this number.

It is the duty of all true lovers of Islam to help the Muslim missionary by subscribing to The Moslem Sunrise or making donations to The Moslem Sunrise fund. Annual subscription is 1 dollar (England 5 shillings, India Rs. 5). Single Copy 25c.

Our West African Mission A Lagos gentleman has favoured us with a brief account of our missionary’s work at Lagos in Nigeria since his landing. It runs thus: The Maulavi AR Nayyar, BPhil, etc., arrived in Lagos per SS Akabo on Friday 8 April 1921 and was given a good reception by the members of the Ahmadiyya Movement and the leaders of the Orthodox Muslims of Lagos.

In the second week of his arrival, arrangements for a series of lectures were made for him by the local branch of the movement and the first of his most interesting lectures – Essence of Loyalty to the British Empire and Islam – was delivered at Shitta Mosque amid a great conclave of enthusiastic hearers.

Unexpected interest in the new Maulavi is being taken by the Orthodox Muslims who were at one time bitter opponents

of the Ahmadia movement and much toleration on the part of the former is being shown with the result that 1) over a score of Muslims have already joined the movement within his brief stay in Lagos, (2) the Maulavi is trying a hand in the settlement of the ever-recurring crisis which has been in existence for a few years now among the orthodox Muslims.

Open air lectures had been going on every Saturday evening, attended by about a thousand of people—including Europeans, in front of the Ahmadia Hall (Lagos) until interrupted by the sacred month of Ramazan during which time the Maulavi is engaged almost every night in preaching at different quarters of the island. Already, the Maulavi has preached at Balogun Square, Campos Square, Enu Owa, Ita Omo (i.e., in front of Idunganran Palace, the Residence of His Royal Highness Prince Esugbayi Eleko of Lagos) and many other populous parts of the town. The local public in general seems to take great interest in the preaching and from three to five thousand hearers are in each instance attracted. So record-breaking was the magnitude of the crowd at times that it was hard to maintain vocal order for hours together.

Nevertheless, sufficient time for healthy criticism is always reserved by the Maulavi, and when the voice “My Christian Brothers first!” is raised by the preacher, our local critics no doubt always have enough of it.

The Imam of the local branch, a learned and fluent speaker of the vernacular, is always the interpreter. Among the most interesting and intellectual criticisms offered the Maulavi, are those raised by the superintendent of the Brotherhood (Unitarian) Christian Church at Enu Owa and a certain clergyman of the African

Church at Campos Square. It is hoped that the Saturday lectures in front of the Ahmadia Hall may be resumed at the end of the Ramazan.

Quran, Hadis, and Arabic classes are being conducted at the Ahmadia Hall by the Maulavi thrice a week and many students have put in already.

One of the greatest needs of the moment is more Muslim missionaries. The 4000 souls already converted to the fold within the Maulavi’s brief stay on the Gold Coast are yet to be educationally developed and are pressing that the Maulavi should come back to the Gold Coast whilst the little but important band at Lagos could not leave him. After all said and done, the venerable Maulavi cannot be present at these two places at the same time, to say nothing of Sierra Leone, etc.

Through the instrumentality of a Lagos member of the movement and some other Muslims a new branch of the Ahmadia movement has now been started at Port Harcourt (Nigeria).

(PS – The above is a brief account of the Ahmadia Mission News in Lagos from the date of the Maulavi’s arrival to 31 May [1921]. After that period great changes have taken place in the movement. About 10,000 new converts were made on 7 June [1921]; i.e., the Quran (Shakiti) Section of Muslim Community have completely declared their faith in the Ahmadia movement and reorganisation is now going on. The Id-ul-Fitr Prayer was celebrated at a field on the Ekeyi Plain on 8 June 1921.)

Preparation of interested members in lecturing is going on in the Hall and already a few ardent students have succeeded in giving well attended public lectures.

Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

The African Messenger, 16 June 1921, publishes the following report: “For the first time in the history of the Ahmadiyya movement in Lagos, the Lagos Hall became too small to contain the rapidly growing numbers of converts. Maulawi AR Nayyar, BPhil., FSP, whose arrival at Lagos was mentioned in this journal some time ago has been most strenuous in his mission work, with the result that over 10,000 Muslims have been converted to the Ahmadiyya movement, since his arrival.

The Quran division of Muslims usually known as Shakiti completely declared their faith in the Ahmadiyya movement on the 7th instant.

“Led by Imam Dabiri, the Ahmadiyya people started their prayer at 10:30 am at a field which lies within a few yards of the military barracks on the Ikoyi Plain. After prayer, an interesting address in English, interpreted into Yoruba by Mr. KP Ajose was delivered by Maulawi Nayyar. This great teacher is to be wished every success in his work among local Muslims and it is to be hoped he would succeed someday to bring about a settlement of the difference between the two opposing factions of Muhammadans.”

Mauritius An Ahmadi gentleman from Mauritius, named Elahi Bakhsh, paid a visit to Qadian in July last. As Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] had gone to Kashmir to recruit his health, Mr. Elahi Bakhsh has gone there to pay his respects to and benefit by the company of the Holy Head of the Ahmadiyya movement.

He reports that the Ahmadis of Mauritius whose number is 500 or more are all very jealous adherents of the movement, ready to sacrifice their all for the sake of Islam. As an evidence of this, he referred to the fact that in the mosque case, they spent thousands of rupees. At present they are paying all the expenses of the two missionaries and their families now working in the Island.

One of the two Mauritius students, named Zain-ul-Abideen, has, we are glad to note, attained great proficiency in Arabic, Urdu, Theology and other Muslim studies and is now preparing himself for missionary work.

He also knows English and French. The other student, named Ghulam Hussain, has passed the FSc Examination of the Punjab University and has applied to the British Universities for admission as a Medical Student.

Ceylon Shaikh Abdul Rahman BA, of Talim-ulIslam High School, Qadian, has gone on a trip to Ceylon during the annual vacation.

It is hoped that his visit to that land will be productive of good to the Ahmadiyya Community there.

We are glad to note that our brethren in Ceylon are regularly publishing The Message [magazine] both in English and Tamil and we strongly appeal to our brethren to help the Ceylon Ahmadiyya Community by subscribing to their organ. The annual subscription is 3-8 rupees for India and 6 shillings for foreign countries.

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Review of Religions [English], August 1921)

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Niger participate in Jalsa UK 2021 virtually in 23 locations Muhammad Jamal Niger Correspondent

Prior to the commencement of Jalsa Salana UK 2021, the preparations for the Jalsa were in full swing in Niger too. All missionaries were instructed to celebrate the Jalsa in the form of a mini-Jalsa here in Niger and to ensure that the Jalsa is attended virtually by as many members as possible.

The three-day programme of Jalsa Salana UK 2021 was posted in the mosques and mission houses so that members could come in time to listen to the proceedings.

The proceedings of the Jalsa were listened to in 23 locations, including Madaoua

Mosque, mualim house Madaoua, central mission house Madaoua, Kornaka, Dakoro, Sabon Machi, Tahoua, Yaya, Birni-N'Konni Mosque, Koni mission house, mualim house Koni, Radadaoua, Zinder, Mirya, Tessaoua, Gaya, Maradi guest house, Maradi mission, Dosso, Niamey mission house, Niamey Mosque and Guidan Roumdji.

As the Jalsa continued, attention was drawn towards charity and donations were made. Moreover, goats were sacrificed at four different places to ensure the success of the Jalsa.

Members of the Jamaat offered Tahajud prayer, individual and congregational as well. After Tahajud prayer, the recent

sermon of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa was summarised in a dars so that those who could not listen to it live, would not be deprived of this invaluable blessing.

By Allah’s grace, a total of 1,521 people had the opportunity to listen to Jalsa Salana UK 2021, including 375 non-Ahmadis.

In some remote places where due to power and other issues there was no arrangement for listening to the live Jalsa, recordings of the Jalsa proceedings were made available to the attendees.

During the Jalsa, 84 Khuddam performed waqar-e-amal, and worked diligently to clean the mosques, install electronics and provide food and refreshment for guests.

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

The Holy Land: “My righteous servants shall inherit the land” – The past and future Ata-ul-Haye Nasir Al Hakam

In the Holy Quran, Allah the Almighty mentions His promise which he made regarding the Promised Land, Palestine. He said:

ُ َ َ َ​َ ّۡ َۡ َّ َ َ​ََۡ​َ ‫الذک ِر ا ّن الۡا ۡرض یَرِث َہا ِع َبا ِد َی‬ ِ ‫فِی الزبُوۡرِ ِم ۢۡن بع ِد‬ ‫کت ۡبنا‬ ‫َو لقد‬ ّٰ ‫الص ِل ُحوۡ َن‬

“And already have We written in the Book [of David], after the exhortation, that My righteous servants shall inherit the land.” (Surah al-Anbiya, Ch.21: V.106) Hazrat Mirza Bashiruddin Mahmud Ahmadra, Musleh-e-Maud, provided a detailed insight into this promise. During his speech of 28 December 1954, he said: “How wonderful this promise was, and how gloriously it has been fulfilled!

The detail of this promise is that Allah the Almighty states in Surah Bani Israil:

ُ َ َۡ َ ۡ ُ ۤ َ َّ ُ َ َ َ َ ‫ٓاء َو ۡع ُد ا ۡولٰ ُہ َما بَ َعثنا َعل ۡیک ۡم ِع َب ًادا لنا اول ِۡی بَا ٍس ش ِدیۡ ٍد‬ ‫ف ِاذا ج‬ َ ً‫ان َو ۡع ًدا َّم ۡف ُعوۡلا‬ ّ ‫اسوۡا خ ٰل َل‬ َ َ ‫الدیَار ؕ َو ک‬ َ ُ ‫فج‬ ِ ِ ِ ُۡ ٰ ۡ َ َ َ َ ۡ َ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ُ ٰ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ۡ ۡ َ َ َ َّ َ ۡ ُ ُ َ َ ۡ َ َ َّ ُ ‫ثم رددنا لکم الکرۃ علی ِہم و امددنکم ِبامو ٍال و ب ِنین و جعلنکم‬ ۡ َ ََۡ ‫اکث َر ن ِفی ًرا‬

“[So when the time for the first of the two warnings came, We sent against you [some] servants of Ours possessed of great might in war, and they penetrated the [innermost parts of your] houses, and it was a warning that was bound to be carried out. Then We gave you back the power against them, and aided you with wealth and children, and made you larger in numbers.

(Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.6-7)].

“Then [Allah the Almighty] says: ُ‫ٓاء َو ۡع ُد ال ۡ ٰاخ َِرۃ لِی َُسوۡٓ ٗءا ُو ُجوۡ َہ ُک ۡم َو ل َِی ۡد ُخ ُلوا ال ۡ َم ۡسج َد َک َما َد َخ ُلوۡہ‬ َ ‫َف ِا َذا َج‬ ِ ِ

َ​َ ّ َ ۡ َ َ ‫ت ۡت ِبی ًرا‬ ‫ا ّو َل َم ّرَ ٍۃ ّو ل ُِی َتبِ ُر ۡوا َما َعلوۡا‬ ُ َ َ ُ​ُ ٰ ۡ َّ َ ۡ َ ُّ ‫َع ٰسی َر ّبک ۡم ا ۡن ّی ۡر َح َمک ۡم ۚ َو ِا ۡن ُع ۡدت ۡم ُع ۡدنا ۘ َو َج َعلنا َجہَن َم ل ِلک ِف ِریۡ َن‬

ۡ ‫َح ِصی ًرا‬ “[[Now], if you do well, you will do well for your own souls; and if you do evil, it will [only go] against them. So when the time for the latter warning came, [We raised a people against you] to cover your faces with grief, and to enter the Mosque as they entered it the first time, and to destroy all that they conquered with utter destruction.

It may be that your Lord will [now] have mercy on you; but if you return [to your previous state], We [too] will return, and We have made Hell a prison for the disbelievers.

(Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.8-9)]

“[Allah the Almighty] said that He had given them [the Jews] another land – which had some conditions attached as well. [They were told] that Palestine would be given to the ‘righteous servants of God.’” (Anwar-ulUlum, Vol. 25, p. 73) Huzoorra continued by citing those

conditions in light of the above-mentioned verses. He said that Allah the Almighty said that after some time, this land would be taken away from the Jews, and a nation possessing huge military power would enter all cities of Palestine and dissolve their government.

Huzoorra said: “Therefore, the Babylonian armies invaded and they destroyed places of worship, cities, occupied the country and ruled for almost a hundred years. After that, the government was changed, and the Jews got their country back.” (Ibid, pp. 74-75) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra explained that Allah the Almighty states that He would again take away this land from the Jews. Those who would occupy it, would humiliate them and disrespect their places of worship, and they would spread destruction everywhere, just like the Babylonians did earlier.

Huzoorra added that then Allah the Almighty states:

ُ َ َ ُ​ُ ‫َع ٰسی َر ّبک ۡم ا ۡن ّی ۡر َح َمکم‬

Meaning “It may be that your Lord will [now] have mercy on you.”

Huzoorra elaborated: “Here, [Allah] did not say that it would come to them [the Jews], instead, it stated that Allah the Almighty would show mercy, meaning that the previous humiliation would be removed, it did not mean that the Jews would get [the land] again.” (Ibid, p.

74) Huzoorra said: “Then, after the Messiahas [of Nazareth], the Romans invaded this country again and destroyed and ruined it. Hence, they destroyed the ‘mosque’, and sacrificed the swine inside [the mosque], and they got its occupation. But at last, the Roman king accepted Christianity.

“That is why [Allah] did not say here that the land would be returned to the Jews.

Earlier [He] stated that it would be returned, meaning that the Jews would get it back.

But at the second place, [He] did not say it would be returned, instead [He] stated that ‘Your Lord will [now] have mercy on you’, meaning their humiliation would be removed.

“Hence, when the Roman king became a Christian, he started to accept Mosesas, Davidas and similarly all prophets who had come. Although he was a follower of Jesusas, as Jesusas was from the Mosaic line – the Christian kingdom showed respect for the Jewish prophets and the Torah as well, [they] even considered the Torah to be their holy book. Meaning God had mercy on them. Although the Jews did not get the government, it went into the hands of Christians [who were obviously the followers of the Mosaic Law].” (Ibid, p. 75) Huzoorra said that Allah the Almighty further stated that “if you return to your previous state”, then the land would be taken away from the Christians as well, who were a group among the Jews as they also followed the Mosaic Law. Huzoorra added that here, Allah the Almighty indicated that after this, the Muslims would come to this land, and they ّٰ ‫– ِع َبا ِد َی‬ would occupy it, and become ‫الصل ُِحوۡ َن‬ the righteous servants of Allah.

Huzoorra elaborated: “But here, [Allah] did not say that they [Muslims] would disrespect the ‘mosque’.

Look, at the first two instances, it is stated that they [the invaders] would disrespect the mosque. But the third time when the punishment had to come – during which the land was to be taken away from them Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

[the Jews] – He did not say that they would disrespect the ‘mosque’, because Mosesas and all the prophets under his law were holy in the eyes of Muslims, and their places were also sacred [for them]. For this reason, the Muslims could not do any harm to their [Jews’] ‘mosques’ [place of worship], which the Babylonians and the Romans did.” (Ibid, p. 76) Huzoorra said it was strange that when European authors wrote books, they did not object to the Babylonians and the Romans, but they abuse and object to the Muslims, who respected the “mosques” of the Jews.

He said: “Now, when Palestine went into the hands of the Muslims, it could be questioned that in this case it did not remain in the hands of the Jews or the [followers of the] Mosaic Law, and so what is the mystery to this?

“However, if we ponder, this is a baseless objection because sometimes a dispute arises when some inheritors emerge, then the actual inheritors say that we are the real inheritors. The same is the case here.

“The fact of the matter is that it was God who granted the land – the case was presented before God Almighty [and He was asked,] ‘Are these Muslims the inheritors of Mosesas and Davidas, or the Jews and the

Christians?’

“Thus, the Court [of Allah] decided that now the Muslims are the [true] inheritors of Mosesas and Davidas. Hence, the inheritance was granted to them.” (Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 25, pp. 77-78) Concerning the return of the Jews to Palestine, Huzoorra said: “Then, further [Allah the Almighty] states:

ُ َۡ ٰ ً َ ‫َف ِا َذا َج‬ ‫ٓاء َو ۡع ُد الۡاخ َِر ِۃ ِجﺌنا ِبک ۡم ل َ ِف ۡیفا‬

“Meaning, ‘And when [the time of] the promise of the latter days comes, We shall bring you together [out of various peoples].’

(Surah Bani Israil, Ch.17: V.105) “[In other words] Then a time would come when the Jews would be settled in Palestine by gathering them from around the world. That time has come now [the establishment of Israel], when the Jews have arrived here.” (Ibid, p. 78) Huzoorra further said: “Some people say that after the arrival of the Jews [to Palestine], Islam has been abrogated. Meaning that according to them, the argument for the abrogation of Islam is that as the ‘righteous servants’ were promised to get the occupation [of Palestine], so when the Muslims have lost the occupation, then the Muslims are no longer the ‘righteous servants’ […]

“But if the temporary occupations of the

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Babylonians and the Romans – which lasted for one hundred years and almost three hundred years respectively, were not termed as the sign for abrogation of the Message [Law] of Mosesas and Davidas, then at this instance […] how can it be termed as the sign for Islam’s abrogation?

“Instead it is a sign for the truthfulness of Islam, because it had prophesied itself that the Muslims would lose the occupation, and the Jews would come back [to Palestine].

The return of the Jews is not the sign of Islam’s abrogation; in fact, it is a sign of Islam’s truthfulness [...]

“In regard to the question that how did it remain in the hands of the ‘righteous servants’, the answer is that in the past, [the Muslims] had temporarily lost the occupation [of Palestine] twice as well and have lost it now too. And when we say ‘temporarily’, it necessarily means that the Muslims will again go to Palestine and will rule it. It necessarily means that the Jews will again have to leave it and it necessarily means that Allah the Almighty will enable the Muslims to defeat this whole order which is being established with the help of the UNO and America, and once again let the Muslims settle here […]

“So, I say ‘temporarily’ because there is a [Quranic] injunction ‘My righteous servants shall inherit the land’ [Ch.21: V.106] […] So, the ‘righteous servants’ of God Almighty,

the people of Muhammad Rasulullahsa, will surely go to this country [Palestine].

“Neither can America’s atomic bombs and H-bombs do anything, nor can the help of Russia do anything. This is God’s decree, which will come to pass eventually, no matter how much power the world exerts.”

(Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 25, pp. 78-81) Now a question arises as to how long this land will remain in the occupation of the Jews. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has provided an answer to this as well: “There is no doubt that the Holy Quran and ahadith tell us that the Jews will settle in Palestine once more, but it has not been stated that they will settle here forever. The permanent occupation of Palestine has been decreed for the ‘righteous servants’ […] The first [part of the] prophecy of Allah the Almighty has been fulfilled as the Jews have announced their independent government, but if we will not follow the path of righteousness, then [the fulfilment of] the prophecy [of the Jews’ occupation] will continue for a long time, and will prove to be a dangerous setback for Islam.

“So, we need to minimise the duration of [fulfilment of] this prophecy through our actions, sacrifices, unity, prayers and cries, and bring the era of Muhammad Rasulullah’ssa government over Palestine, as close as possible.” (Al-Kufru Millatun Wahidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 19, p. 574)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

100 Years Ago...

Brief report of one year’s Moslem missionary work in America The Moslem Sunrise, July 1921

Hazrat Mufti Muhammad Sadiqra (1872-1957)

I have been sending communications to the daily papers of America in reply to the articles that appeared therein from time to time. Such communication, about 30 in number, appeared in Philadelphia Journal, New York Sun, Sioux City Journal, Sioux Falls Tribune, New York Tribune, Daily News (Chicago), Highland Park Times, El-Bayan Mirror and some other papers. Two of these articles are given below for example.

(A) The Sun and New York Herald, dated 9 April 1921: Islam defended A denial that it [Islam] teaches its adherents to hate and kill To The Sun and New York Herald: “Mr. Hormizd’s criticism on Islam and its sacred book, the Koran, is not at all based on facts. The Quran never teaches ‘to hate and kill unbelievers’, as claimed by Mr. Hormizd. Moreover, it says that ‘there is no forcing in the matter of religion.’

“The war waged by the master Prophet Muhammad[sa] and his successors were all defensive and the Moslems were allowed to fight with and kill only those unbelievers who came down upon them with a sword.

It was quite right, just as the American soldiers crossed the Atlantic to fight and kill the soldiers of the Central Powers, even though they were their Christian brethren.

“The Moslems have ruled over Christians and Jews for centuries with great tolerance.

No doubt, there have been fanatics in Islam, but in what nation and religion are they not? The wholesale massacre of the Jews in Russia, Poland and Austria even in these days is more worthy the attention of the champions of civilization in America than the exaggerated and misrepresented stories of massacres in the East. Will Mr. Hormizd ascribe these massacres to Christianity, gospels and the Christian Powers? Treat others as you like to be treated.

“If Turks joined the war, they were not waging any holy war right. Right or wrong, theirs was only a political cause. “‘Even the defensive religious wars are no more allowed in Islam’, proclaims the latest prophet of Islam, Ahmad[as] of India, ‘as no one now interferes with the religious beliefs of the Moslems.’ Naturally, all the Muslim world is in sympathy with the Turks, not because the Turks were engaged in holy war but because they relied on the sincerity of the fourteen terms of peace put forward by the chief of America and the promises made by the British Premier.”

Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, New York. 8

May [1921].

(B) Highland Park Times, dated 25 February 1921: Warm controversy of Mohammedanism Mohammedan leader replies to the article of Rev. Martin in last week’s [Highland Park] Times “There is a Persian proverb, ‘With the rose, there is a thorn too.’ Right in Highland Park City, just by the mayor, police chief, bankers and educational heads are holding banquets together with the noted Syrians of the place and making speeches to secure and bonds of friendship – yes, right here – appears on the scene that old spirit of the

hatred separation of the same page with the report of feelings of Syrian government good citizenship in Highland Park Times and stars abusing not only present Moslems but travels back 1300 years to abuse their very prophet – the best beloved one of their hearts. Love not only your friend but even your enemies, teaches the Christian Church; but after preaching, reading and singing these lines under the church canopy, here comes out the man and uses an offensive language, not for his enemies but for his friends. What a contrast in one’s words and actions! Every Mohammedan respect Jesus as his teacher and prophet, and uses the word blessed with his name. And in

response he gets from some Christians the worst abuses for his teacher and still he holds his tongue from saying a word against the head of the church of his opponent. Now who is the real suffering Christian in this case following Christ in spirit – the Moslem, I believe. Nothing can enrage a man more than hearing his prophet being abused – the prophet whom he loves more than his parents.

“The history of the discussions between the Christian missionaries and the Indian Moslems shows that being tired of hearing bad language about their beloved one from the Christians they, at last, took refuge in returning the same words to Jesus with a pretense that they did not know who Jesus was, as the name for the Christ in their books is Eesa and not Jesus. Thus, the Christian missionaries in India have been responsible among other things for perverting the language of the people about Christ. There can be no better proof of the truth of Moslem religion than that there never was seen any saloons, gambling houses of any sort, licensed houses of illfame, usury institutions and so forth in Muslim countries still these things were introduced under the influence of European civilizers. All the present Western learnings can be traced back to the days when the European students used to go to Moorish universities in Spain and Morocco to get an education in science and philosophy. The Moslems have always led a peaceful, pious, and clean life.

“If the Detroit churches are not open for me to preach in, I do not care a bit. No Moslem here cares to see me preach in the churches. Moreover, the churches are not suitably furnished for our services. My challenge was to broad-mindedness of the Christian pastors in comparison with that shown by our Holy Prophet[sa]. I was sure that the Christian ‘Love your enemies’ was only to preach and not to practice. But I wanted to get it out of their mouths and I have got it. Now don’t worry please, I do not any of your churches. I have never heard of any Shaikh Abdul Haq writing so bitterly against Christians. It may be a fictitious propaganda against Islam like many of the Armenian stories. And many such things are being said just to embitter the feelings against the Moslems. But if it is right, then the said Shaikh might have met some Christians of the type of our writer abusing his prophet and all Moslems which might have turned the Shaikh mad to return such word.”

Issues challenge Continued on next page >>

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Ahmadis in Australia enthusiastically gather to watch Jalsa Salana UK at Mahmood Mosque, Adelaide Atif Ahmad Zahid Missionary, Australia

<< Continued from previous page

“Will my dear Christian writer if you have any genuine proof with you of what you say against Islam and Moslems better come forward in an opening meeting to hold a debate with me with any equal time for both of us and I will prove by facts from history that the Moslems lands compared with the so-called Christian countries have always lived a better moral, sober, intellectual and social life, and that our prophet is the most perfect model exemplar and ideal in all the phases of life. Here is your chance and you must not lose it.

“Whether you accept my challenge or not, I assure you of one thing – even among your Christians in America the number of those who do no more believe in the divinity of Jesus and his ascension to the Heaven is more than those of strictly orthodox and is always increasing and thus the people are coming near to Islam. The day is not far that the clouds of the misunderstandings against Islam will disperse and the country will see many mosques and minarets with the people worshipping one God and living their religion instead of only preaching it.”

Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, 624 Stimson Place, Detroit Arabian hospitality Arabians have a world-wide reputation for hospitality. Those living in the villages and the desert make pic bonfires at night to guide a stranger to their houses to rest, for protection, lodging and board, all free.

Thanks to Allah, I have met examples of this hospitality right here in America and the venerable personalities of Mr. and Mrs. Restum, Mr. Shamee of Detroit, Mr. and Mrs. Karroub, Mr. SA Zehra Highland Park, Mr. and Mrs. F Aldeen of Dowagiac, Mr. and Mrs. Neffeu of Michigan City, Mr. and Mrs. M Hassen and Mr. Allaway of Sioux Falls, Mr. Ghulam Ahmad Ahmadi, Mr. L Roman Ahmadi of Chicago. Jaza ho mulla hol khair fid dunia wal akhirah [May Allah grant them the best of rewards in this world and the hereafter].

Thanks are due to Mr. Alley Riza for arranging my lectures in Detroit and Mr. Sam Haage for accompanying me to Iowa and South Dakota state.

Thanks I must acknowledge my thanks to the following Clergymen and Secretaries or Managers of various Churches and Halls who invited me to speak in their Churches, etc., on various days: Mr. Robert Downie of Unitarian Church, Detroit; Miss Melhado and Mrs. Ada MacDougall of practical psychology, Rev. Craigg of Church of Christ, Dowagiac; Elder of Church of Christ, Detroit; Mr. H Wilcox, founder of the Church of Love Mission, Chicago etc.

Thanks are also due to the Ahmadi brethren in India who, with their kind, sympathetic and nice frequent letters containing their sincere prayers and good wishes for me kept me cheerful and hopeful. Their number is great, but just for example I give a few names: Qazi Muhammad Zahur-ud-Din Akmal, Babu Akbar Ali, Seth Abdulla Allah Din, Maulvi Muhammad Omar Din, Maulvi Muhammad Ihsanal-Haq, our elaborate writer, Mirza Kabirud Din Ahmad, Maulana Maulvi, Muhammad Abdul Wahid, Dr Syed Abdus Sattar Shah, Syed Muhammad Mohsin, Syed Abid Hossain, Qazi Muhammad Yusuf, Shaikh Muhammad Amin (bar-at-law), Seth Muhammad Ghaus, Chaudhari Sadar Ali, Hajee Musa Khan, Professor Abdur Rahim Nayyar, Bro. FM Sayal, Hafiz Sufi Ghulam Muhammad, Maulvi Muhammad Osman.

Central America Mr. SM Eusoof ben HG Akbar of Spanish Honduras, who was in correspondence with me for some time, has joined the Ahmadia movement. Some literature has been sent to this brother for distribution in Central America.

[A lady who] had seen me two years ago I met a lady in Chicago named Mrs. Tatum, who told me that she had seen me more than two years ago in her dream just wearing the same turban and Indian dress. In one of her letters, she writes: “I have enjoyed reading your wonderful pamphlets – in that dream I had seen you with your arms folded, smiling, but sincere.

I believe God sent you here.”

(To be continued…)

(Transcribed by Al Hakam from the original in The Moslem Sunrise, July 1921)

In order to take part in the blessings of the Jalsa Salana UK 2021, a special arrangement was made to collectively listen to the live Jalsa proceedings in Mahmood Mosque, Adelaide.

Australia’s three major states were all in complete lockdown due to the widespread effects of Covid-19, even South Australia was under various restrictions and was in a partial lockdown. Therefore, preparations were made for a limited number of members to listen to the Jalsa proceedings in the mosque, whilst Lajna, Nasirat and children under the age of 12 were instructed to listen to the Jalsa from their homes.

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Adelaide was able to join the live proceedings of this blessed Jalsa Salana via a video link, alhamdulillah.

Although Adelaide is eight and a half hours ahead of the British Standard Time, and the Opening Session of the Jalsa Salana

commenced at 12:55 am, members of the Jamaat listened to the proceedings with great enthusiasm.

As this was the first time that Jamaat members were able to attend the live proceedings of Jalsa Salana via video link, there was a great sense of enthusiasm and goodwill.

The concluding address of the Jalsa Salana was set to be aired late on a Sunday night according to the local time, and the following day was a working day.

The members attended this session in abundance, so much so that this number exceeded those who were present for the opening session.

The Langar Khana (kitchen) was in full effect for all three days of Jalsa proceedings, with dinner and refreshments being served.

May Allah the Almighty make this Jalsa Salana a source of blessings for all Jamaat members, enable them to fulfil the purpose of the Jalsa and derive maximum blessings from it.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021

Friday Sermon 16 July 2021 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Umarra ibn al-Khattab After reciting the Tashahud, Ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated:

Accounts from Hazrat Umar’sra era of Khilafat were previously being narrated. The following is written with regard to the wars that were fought and the conquests during that period. This part of history spans from the 13 AH up to 23 AH. Hazrat Umar’sra era of Khilafat spanned over approximately 10 and a half years. Mentioning the vast conquests that took place during that period, Allama Shibli Nomani writes in his book: “The entire area of land conquered by Hazrat Umarra spanned over 2,251,030

square miles. This included the following areas; Syria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Khuzestan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Persia, Kerman, Khorasan and Makran, which also includes a part of Baluchistan [present-day Pakistan].”

(Al-Farooq, p. 159, Idaara Al-Islamiyaat, 2004)

Muslim conquests and victories began in the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. During the era of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, the Muslim army took part in jihad in Syria and Iraq and there was fighting on several fronts simultaneously.

This continued in a similar manner during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra.

One notable aspect during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra was that despite all his engagements, it was as if he was part of the Muslim army in each and every victory. Even though he did not take part in any of the battles during his Khilafat, he would send comprehensive instructions from Medina to the Muslim commanders with regard to the army, or would remain in contact with them wherever he was. In fact, it is clear from certain battles that Hazrat Umarra would continue writing to the Muslim commanders on a daily basis. Whilst

in Medina, Hazrat Umarra would send instructions with regard to the arrangement and formation of the Muslim army and grant them such information and guidance about these places, as though Hazrat Umarra had a map of the area, or as though these areas were right in front of him.

In relation to Hazrat Umarra, Imam Bukhari has written in Sahih Bukhari: “Hazrat Umarra said: ُ َ ّ ُ َ ّٰ َ َّ َ​َ ُ َ َ ْ ‫َوﻗال ع َ� ُر َر ِﺿ َﻰ الل ُہ ع ْﻨﻪ ِإﻧِ ْﻰ �� َﺟ ِّﻬ ُﺰ َﺟ� ِش ْﻰ َوأﻧا ِﻓﻰ الص�� ِة‬ “‘I arrange my army whilst I am engaged

28

in formal prayer.’” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab-ulAmal Fi Al-Salat, Baab Tafakkur Al-Rajalu Al-Shai Fi Al-Salat)

In other words, he was so concerned in this regard that he would be engaged in arranging and making plans for the Muslim armies even during the formal prayer. He would also pray during this time. This is the very reason that we are able to see on numerous occasions that owing to following his instructions and through the grace and blessings of Allah the Almighty, the Muslim armies passed through the most difficult of circumstances and yet were victorious.

Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib has written a thesis regarding the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra. Those who compile these notes, i.e. the Research Cell have benefitted from this and also taken some points from this. Nevertheless, these have been checked with the original sources and are correct.

Regarding the conquests of Iran and Iraq, he writes that during the time of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, a war began against the people of Persia. In the meantime, Hazrat Abu Bakrra fell ill and as a result of this, there were delays in receiving instructions by the Muslim armies. Therefore, Hazrat Muthannara appointed his deputy from the Muslim army and presented himself before Hazrat Abu Bakrra so that he could personally inform him of the circumstances of the battle and seek further reinforcements.

Hazrat Muthannara arrived in Medina and subsequently informed Hazrat Abu Bakrra of the state of affairs. Hazrat Abu Bakrra called for Hazrat Umarra and gave the following instructions: “O Umarra! Listen carefully to what I say and then act upon it accordingly. Today is Monday and I believe that I will pass away today.” Hazrat Abu Bakrra is saying this. “If I pass away, then before nightfall, encourage the people towards jihad and send them along with Muthannara. However, if I pass away in the night then before sunrise, gather the Muslims and send them with Muthannara. Regardless of the impact, my

Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

demise will have, it should not stop you from fulfilling the commandments of the faith and God Almighty. You will have observed what I did at the time of the Holy Prophet’ssa demise even though no one had experienced such a tragic event like that before. By God, if at the time I had shown even the slightest negligence in fulfilling the instruction of the Holy Prophetsa, God Almighty would have destroyed us and punished us and Medina would have been lit up in flames.”

Thus, after the demise of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, as soon as Hazrat Umarra became the Khalifa, he immediately fulfilled this instruction and the very next day, after the burial of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, he gathered all the people. Many people had come from various parts of the land to perform the bai‘at at the hands of the Khalifa and this influx remained for three days. Hazrat Umarra saw this as a perfect opportunity and began to direct their attention towards jihad because the Arabs had been overawed for quite some time by the might and power of the Iranian empire and also their exceptional military strength.

For a long time, the people believed that Iraq was the capital of the Iranian empire and thought that it could not be conquered without Hazrat Khalidra. Therefore, they remained quiet. Hazrat Umarra advised the people for a few days but this had no impact on the people. Subsequently, on the fourth day, Hazrat Umarra delivered such a passionate address that people were greatly moved and their religious zeal was impassioned. Hazrat Abu Ubaidra bin Masood Thaqfi came forward and loudly proclaimed: َ َ​َ ‫اﻧا ِ� ٰ�ﺬا‬ That is, “I am ready for this!” and presented his name to partake in the Jihad.

After him, Hazrat Saadra bin Ubaid and Salitra bin Qais came forward and as soon as they stepped forward, the religious zeal of the Muslims was kindled in their hearts and they all passionately came forward and

presented their names to take part in the jihad that was taking place in Iraq.

Initially, Hazrat Khalidra bin Walid was the commander of the army in Iraq but in the final stages of his life, Hazrat Abu Bakrra sent him to Syria in view of the importance of the battles taking place in Syria. Hazrat Muthannara bin Haritha had now taken charge of the Muslim army in Iraq. During this time, when Hazrat Umarra was inviting the people to present their names to partake in the battles in Iraq, Hazrat Muthannara was also present in Medina. Hazrat Muthanna also delivered a very inspirational address and stated, “O people! Do not consider this battle to be extremely difficult and challenging. We fought the Persians and defeated them and insha-Allah, we will once again be victorious.”

Thus, after hearing these speeches, an army consisting of soldiers from Medina and its neighbouring areas was now ready to take part in the battles in Iraq.

According to Tabari and Baladhuri, this army consisted of 1,000 soldiers and according to Allama Abu Hanifa Denawri, the author of Kitab Al-Akhbar Al-Tiwal, the army consisted of 5,000 soldiers. It seems that initially, upon departing from Medina, it was 1,000, but by the time it reached the battlefields, it was 5,000. This is because Baladhuri and Abu Hanifa have mentioned that whenever they passed by any Arab tribe along the way, the commander of the army would invite them to join.

Now, as to the question of who would be the leader of this army, even though Hazrat Muthannara was the overall commander of the army, who was going to be the leader of this newly formed contingent? Owing to Hazrat Umar’sra perceptiveness, he appointed Abu Ubaid Thaqafi. Many people felt that the Companionsra who had accepted Islam right from the early days and had sacrificed their blood to irrigate the plant of Islam, as it were, had been overlooked and a person who had come much later had been appointed as their leader. Upon this,

Hazrat Umarra stated, “If the Companions hold any distinction, it is purely owing to the fact that they always remained at the forefront of serving Islam and bravely stood up against the enemy for the defence of Islam. However, since they have remained behind on this occasion, therefore they have given away this right of theirs. Thus, on this occasion, the first person who came forward in order to defend Islam was the one who had the right to take the role of the commander.”

After Hazrat Abu Ubaidra, it was Saadra bin Ubaid and Salitra bin Qais who then responded to the call of Hazrat Umarra to partake in the battles in Iraq. Hazrat Umarra, addressing both of them, said, “If you had responded to my call first, then owing to the fact that you are among the early people who accepted Islam, I would have handed the command to you.”

However, apart from the aforementioned reason, another reason to hand the command to Abu Ubaidra instead of Salitra bin Qais was that Hazrat Umarra had stated that a person with a calm disposition was required for this role, who would carry out the planning of the battle in a composed and careful manner. However, Salitra bin Qais had proven to be very hasty in matters relating to the battlefield. But despite granting the command to Abu Ubaidra, owing to him being the first to respond to his call, Hazrat Umarra did not deem it appropriate to ignore the past services rendered by the noble Companionsra of the Holy Prophetsa and their past experiences.

Hence, Hazrat Umarra instructed Hazrat Abu Ubaid Thaqafira to seek consultation from the Companions and to accept their suggestions in the organisational matters.

Various narrations regarding this are found in the various book of history; however, his entire incident has been taken from Tarikh al-Tabari. (Tarikh-ul-Islam bi-Ahad Hazrat Umarra, thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 7-9) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 194, Nafees Academy Karachi) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p.

332, 260-261, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Akhbar Al-Tiwal, Abu Hafifa Dinawri, pp. 165-166, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Futuh AlBuldan, Allama Biladhri, p. 350, Muasisat-ul-Ma‘arif, Beirut 2007) (Sirat Al-Ameer-ul-Momineen Umar bin Khattab, Salabi, p. 353-354, Dar-ul-Marifah, Beirut, 2007) (Al-Farooq, pp. 78-79, Shibli Naumani, Idaara Al-Islamiyaat, 2004)

A battle took place in 13 AH, which is known as the Battle of Namariq and Kasker.

Prior to Hazrat Abu Ubaidra departing with his army, Hazrat Muthannara had returned to Al-Hirah. Al-Hirah was the capital city of an ancient Arab government in Iraq and was situated to the west of the Euphrates where later Kufa was founded. Hazrat Muthannara returned to Al-Hirah and assumed control of his army. However, the situation changed very quickly and Hazrat Muthannara and his army had to move back. The details of this are as follows: Disagreements and differences had arisen in the court of the Persian rulers.

However, a new and powerful personality emerged, Rostam, who was the son of the governor of Khurasan, Farrukhzad. Rostam was appointed as the ruler of the people by the Persian court and all the various officials of the government who were previously in disagreement with one another and divided and were weakening the strength of their rule, were now in complete obedience to

29

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 Rostam. Rostam was a very courageous and astute man. As soon as he assumed leadership, he sent his people to those areas that had been conquered by the Muslims and instigated a rebellion. He greatly impassioned the people dwelling in the neighbouring areas of the Euphrates against the Muslims and also sent an army to fight against Hazrat Muthannara. In light of these conditions, Hazrat Muthannara felt that the most appropriate course of action was to move back a little from their positions.

Thus, he left Al-Hirah and set up camp in Khafan, which is situated close to Kufa.

Rostam, on the other hand, was readying for battle and had prepared a large army and sent them along two different routes to fight against the Muslims. One army was under the command of Jaban, which arrived in Namariq. Namariq is also situated in Iraq close to Kufa. The other army was sent under the command of Narsi towards Kasker.

Kaskar is a city situated to the west of the Tigris River and lies between Baghdad and Basra where today the city of Wasit is.

It had only been a month since Hazrat Muthannara had arrived back from Medina when the army, under the command of Hazrat Abu Ubaidra, also arrived in Khafan and joined them. Khafan is also situated close to Kufa. This army consisting of a few thousand soldiers arrived at the battlefield at a time when the situation was not very favourable for the Muslims in Iraq and the Muslims were gradually losing hold of the areas which they had previously conquered.

After spending a few days in Khafan in order to gather and organise the army, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra thereafter headed towards Namariq. In Namariq, a powerful army under an elderly and experienced warrior, Jaban, was camped there. Hazrat Abu Ubaidra organised the army and handed the flag of the army to Hazrat Muthannara.

He gave the command of right flank to Walik bin Judara and appointed Amr bin Haythim as the commander of the left flank.

The two wings of the Persian forces were commanded by Joshandma and Mardan Shah.

In relation to the Islamic teachings which were demonstrated during this battle, Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib has commented on this: “There was a fierce battle in Namariq whereby the Persians suffered defeat and during this battle an example of the lofty Islamic morals was demonstrated.

The Persian army’s commander-in-chief, Jaban, was taken captive, but Mattar bin Fizah, who arrested him did not recognise Jaban. Taking advantage of this fact, Jaban offered Fidya and secured his freedom. A little while later, the Muslims once again captured Jaban and brought him to Hazrat Abu Ubaidra and told him of the rank Jaban held in the Persian army. However, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra did not approve that he be arrested once again after the Muslims had already taken fidya. The people insisted that Jaban held the rank of a king for his people; however, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra stated, ‘I will not act dishonourably.’” Subsequently, Jaban was released.

This incident reflects the high morals which were part of the Muslim army’s conduct and even if there was an advantage to be taken, they would never abandon their morals. (Tarikh-ul-Islam bi-Ahad Hazrat Umarra, thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp.

9-12) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 362-363, Dar-ulKutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 5, p. 351, and Vol. 2, p. 434, Dar-ul-Kutub AlIlmiyyah, Beirut)

Then, there was the Battle of Saqatiah, which took place in 13 AH. Having suffered defeat in the Battle of Namariq, the Iranian army retreated to Kasker, where the Iranian commander, Narsi had already gathered a large army to counter the Muslim army.

Abu Ubaidra headed towards Kasker to take on this army. Narsi, the commander of the Iranian army at Kasker, had a high standing amongst the courtiers of the King. The commanders of the two flanks of the Iranian army – Banduyah and Tairuyah were close relatives of the Sasanian kings. News of the defeat at Namariq reached the Iranian king.

Rostam was still making arrangements to send reinforcements in order to assist Narsi when Abu Ubaidra advanced his army swiftly and arrived in the lower areas of Kaskar before the reinforcements could arrive, i.e. they attacked them, at a place which was known as Saqatiah.

After an intense battle and owing to the grace of Allah the Almighty, the Muslims were victorious in the Battle of Saqatiah.

After the main battle had ceased, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra sent smaller contingents to confront the enemy armies that were present in the surrounding areas of Kasker. (Tarikh-ul-Islam bi-Ahad Hazrat Umarra, thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 12-13) (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, pp. 364, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2012)

Then there is mention of the Battle of Barosma which also took place in 13 AH. Barosma was a place situated between Kasker and Saqatiah and was where they confronted the Iranian general Jalinus, who was sent to assist Jaban. Rostam had prepared an army to assist Narsi and sent it to Kasker. Abu Ubaidra had received information of this and with great wisdom and alertness, Abu Ubaidra attacked the army of Narsi before the arrival of Jalinus’s army and the resulting defeat broke the strength of the enemy army. At this time, Jalinus had arrived with his army at Baqosiasa in the Barosma area. He reached Baqosiasa. The settlements between Basra and Kufa were known as “Ardh-e-Sawad” and Barosma and Baqosiasa were two of these settlements. Abu Ubaidra arrived in Baqosiasa and after a brief battle, the Iranians were defeated. Jalinus fled from there and Abu Ubaidra gained complete control of the surrounding areas.

This is the account by the historian Tabari.

Baladhuri [historian] has written that an agreement was made with Jalinus; however, later historians such as Ibn Khaldun and Ibn Athir supported the view of Tabari. (Tarikhul-Islam bi-Ahad Hazrat Umarra, thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, p. 14) (Sirat Al-Ameerul-Momineen Umar bin Khattab, Salabi, p. 357, Darul-Marifah, Beirut, 2007) (Mu‘jamul Buldan, Vol. 1, p.

261, Dar Ihyaa al-Turath al-Arabi, Beirut)

I mentioned the Battle of Jisr [Bridge] a short while ago, but it is necessary to mention it here also. The Battle of Jisr also took place in 13 AH at the banks of the Euphrates River between the Muslims and the Iranians. The commander-in-chief of the Muslim army was Hazrat Abu Ubaid al-Thaqafira and the Iranian commanderin-chief was Bahman Jaduya. The Muslim army numbered 10,000 and the Iranian army consisted of 30,000 soldiers and 300 elephants. Since the Euphrates River ran between them, the two armies abstained

from fighting for a while, to the extent that owing to mutual agreement, a “jisr”, i.e. a bridge, was made and hence it was known as the Battle of Jisr.

When the bridge was constructed, Bahman Jaduya sent a message to Hazrat Abu Ubaidra asking whether the Muslims would cross the bridge or would they grant permission for them to cross over. Hazrat Abu Ubaidra was of the opinion that the Muslims should cross over and fight the enemy, whereas Hazrat Salitra, one of the commanders of the Muslim army, was of an opinion contrary to this. However, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra crossed the Euphrates River and launched an attack on the Iranians.

For a short while, the fight ensued; upon seeing his army scattering, Bahman Jaduya ordered the elephants to advance.

Owing to the elephants charging, the ranks of the Muslim army broke and they began to scatter. Hazrat Abu Ubaidra said to the Muslims, “O servants of Allah! Attack the elephants and cut off their trunks.” After this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra marched forward and attacked an elephant, cutting off its trunk. Seeing this, the rest of the Muslim army rushed forward and cut off the legs and trunks of the elephants and killed their riders. Inadvertently, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra came in front of an elephant; he succeeded in cutting off its trunk; however, the elephant

trampled over him as a result of which he was martyred.

In Tarikh al-Tabari, there is a narration that before this battle, Dumah, the wife of Hazrat Abu Ubaidra, saw a dream in which a man brought a vessel containing a drink from Paradise and Hazrat Abu Ubaidra and Jabar bin Abi Ubaid drank from it. Similarly, a few members of his family also drank from it.

Dumah narrated this dream to her husband. Hazrat Abu Ubaidra stated that this dream indicated towards martyrdom.

After this, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra urged the people that if he were to be martyred, then Jabar would be the commander-in-chief and if he was martyred, then so-and-so would lead the army.

Thus, whosoever drank from the vessel in the dream, Hazrat Abu Ubaidra appointed them in the same order to be the commander-in-chief. He then said, “If Abu al-Qasim is martyred, then Hazrat Muthannara will be your leader.”

The dream of Dumah was fulfilled to the letter; after Hazrat Abu Ubaidra, the six persons named would take the flag of leadership and were martyred one after another. Hazrat Muthannara was the eighth person to take up the Islamic flag and decided to launch a powerful attack, but the ranks of the Muslim army had become

30 disrupted. Seeing seven consecutive leaders being martyred, the people began to scatter and some jumped in the sea.

Hazrat Muthannara and his comrades continued fighting valiantly. During the course of the battle, Hazrat Muthannara was injured and returned after crossing the Euphrates River.

In this battle, the Muslims suffered a significant loss; 4,000 Muslims were martyred whereas 6,000 Iranians were killed. This loss would have resulted in detrimental effects for the Muslims for longer, but fortunately, it so happened that the enemy could not chase the Muslims because there was a rift amongst the Iranian kings, as a result of which Bahman Jaduya had to return. Ibn Athir has written that in Madain [Ctesiphon], the capital of the Iranian Empire, one faction of the courtiers of the king revolted against Rostam. (Tarikhul-Islam bi-Ahad Hazrat Umarra, thesis by Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 18-21) (Tarikh AlTabari, Vol. 2, p. 229, Nafees Academy Karachi, 2004) (Al-Tarikh, Ibn Khuldun, Vol. 3, pp. 270-273, Darul-Isha’at, Karachi, 2003) (Al-Kamil Fi Al-Tarikh, Ibn Athir, p. 311, Bait-ul-Afkaar Al-Dauloyah)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra has also written about the Battle of Jisr: “One of the biggest and harrowing defeats faced by the Muslims was during the Battle of Jisr. A very strong army of Muslims had been sent to fight against the Persian forces. The Persian forces had set up their trenches on the opposite side of the river and were sat in wait.

“When the Muslim army approached, they attacked the Persian forces with great intensity and went right through them. However, this was the ploy of the commander of the Persian army. He then sent another contingent from the side, who took control of the bridge and then launched an attack against the Muslim army.

“The Muslims planned to move back, but noticed that the bridge had been seized by the enemy. They anxiously moved to another side, but came under a fierce attack from the enemy and many of the Muslims were left with no choice but to jump into the river and died. This was such a dangerous loss suffered by the Muslim army that its news left Medina in shock.

“Hazrat Umarra gathered the people of Medina and stated, ‘Now there is nothing that remains between Persia and Medina.

Medina has become completely exposed and it is possible that the enemy may reach here in just a matter of days. Therefore, I wish to go myself as the commander of the army.’ Everyone agreed to this suggestion; however, Hazrat Alira stated, ‘If, God-forbid, you are to be martyred, the unity of the Muslims will end and they will be dispersed.

Therefore, you should not go but send someone else instead.’

“Upon this, Hazrat Umarra wrote to Hazrat Saadra, who at the time was engaged in battle against the Byzantines in Syria, and stated that he should send however many people he could because Medina was left completely exposed. If the enemy was not stopped immediately, they would eventually take control of Medina.” (Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Ke Salana Ijtema Mein Baaz Aiham Hidayat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 22, pp. 56-57)

There are accounts remaining, which, insha-Allah, I will narrate in the future.

These were the details regarding this battle.

Further details regarding other battles will

Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM also be mentioned in the future.

At present, I wish to speak about some deceased members and insha-Allah, will lead their funeral prayers in absentia.

The first is of Fathi Abdul Salam Sahib; his full name is Fathi Abdul Salam Mubarak Sahib of Egypt; he passed away recently at the age of 75.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Fathi Sahib’s father was a follower of the Naqshbandi order and had vowed to dedicate one of his sons in order to attain religious knowledge and chose Fathi Sahib for this. By the age of 10, Fathi Sahib had memorised the Holy Quran. Owing to his love for the Holy Quran, Fathi Sahib’s father also began memorising the Quran alongside him and memorised it in its entirety.

Later on, God blessed his father with the opportunity of doing the bai‘at [pledging allegiance] at the age of 88.

After memorising the Holy Quran, Fathi Sahib completed his education from a high school affiliated with Al-Azhar [University] with notable success. He then obtained a degree in engineering from Cairo University.

He had a passion for learning and during his time as a student, he would save up from his pocket money to purchase books and would study them. He then became an officer in the Egyptian Air Force. Whilst in the armed forces, he was accused of secretly being part of the Islamic revolutionary movements – even though he was against such movements and would try to reform them. Nevertheless, owing to this accusation he spent some time in jail, after which he was acquitted.

After this he went to Iraq and worked there for some time as an engineer. In the 1991 Iraq war, a dangerous situation arose: one night, ten bombs dropped on the area he resided in. He, along with his family, remained occupied in supplication and Allah the Almighty saved them in extraordinary circumstances. He then moved to Jordan and joined the Mu‘tazila sect. He then returned to Egypt and was inclined towards Ahl-e-Quran [sect] and that is when he was introduced to the Jamaat.

In Ahmadiyyat, he found the answers to all the issues he was concerned about and so he took the pledge of allegiance. Fathi Sahib himself narrates the way in which he pledged his allegiance, saying: “In 1995, I had the opportunity to deliver lectures on many occasions and answer various questions at an educational centre in Egypt called Ibn Khaldun. In 1998, respected Mustafa Thabit Sahib heard one of my lectures at this centre. He praised me a lot and invited me to his home where he showed me a three-hour-long video cassette in which the late respected Hilmi Shafi Sahib expounded upon various matters with regard to the Dajjal [Antichrist] mentioned in the ahadith, which I really enjoyed.” Fathi Sahib then says, “Upon my questioning, Thabit Sahib said that this commentary was by the Promised Messiahas, the one sent to slay the Dajjal.”

He then says: “In 1999, Mustafa Thabit Sahib handed me the book, The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, which brought about a wonderful transformation within me and I decided to begin researching thoroughly into the Imam Mahdias.

“From my own research, I came to the conclusion that the concept of abrogation [within the Quran] was completely wrong and against the sanctity of the Holy Quran. I was also an advocate for freedom of religion.

So I began researching Ahmadiyyat and found that it preached exactly the same.

“Then, after posing questions about various verses of the Holy Quran, Mustafa Thabit Sahib handed me The Five-Volume Commentary, saying that all the answers were found therein. After reading it, I found all the questions answered in exact accordance with my line of thinking and expectations.”

Fathi Sahib continues: “I pondered a great deal over the fact that falsely claiming to receive divine revelation was a grave injustice, yet the teachings presented by the Imam Mahdi”, the Promised Messiahas, “were all based upon the truth, guidance and spirituality. A person could present a few sound arguments, but to expound upon matters with true interpretations and in such vast numbers has not been granted by Allah Almighty to anyone else in this entire century. So, has Allah the Almighty bestowed this wonderful blessing upon such a person who commits a grave injustice by claiming to be a recipient of divine revelation?

“Eventually, after praying, reading and pondering, when Mustafa Thabit Sahib came to Egypt in 2001, I told him that I had accepted the Imam Mahdias. Due to his strong emotions, he could not believe what I had said for a short moment! Thereafter, I began reading the Arabic books of the Promised Messiahas and found in them a sea of knowledge and truths.”

Fathi Sahib’s scholarly services rendered to the Jamaat are such that in 2005, he translated Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud’sra book, Life of Muhammad, from English to Arabic. He regularly took part in the AlHiwar al-Mubashir programmes in which he would very passionately give sound and comprehensive answers, which the members of the Jamaat enjoyed thoroughly.

An Egyptian Christian priest had broadcast a series about allegations against the Holy Quran by the name of, “Is the Quran the Word of God?” In response to this, Fathi Sahib began airing a new series in 2006 by the name of, “Yes, it is indeed the Word of God.” He was also part of a programme about the Arabic poetry of the Promised Messiahas by the name of Ruhul-Qudus, in which he very beautifully expounded upon the miracles in the wording and the meaning of the poems. Apart from that, he also participated in numerous programmes such as “Fulfilled Prophecies”, “Knowledge in Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya”, “Fi Samawat alQuran”, “The History of Islam”, “The Seal of the Prophets” etc.

Aside from this, he rendered many services to the Jamaat. He served as the local tabligh secretary for a long period of time.

He presented himself to dedicate his life, hence rendering services to the Jamaat as a life devotee for many years. He would also deliver lectures at Jamaat centres.

His son, Ibrahim Fathi Sahib, says: “My late father lived his life in light of [the verities contained in] Surah alFatihah. His life was filled with the light of the blessing of Khilafat. He had incredible love and respect for the Khalifa of the time.

He believed that the only answer to all problems and troubles, and the only way to recognise the path that led to God was through Khilafat.

“My father was well-known for being completely honest in both his words and actions. Before undertaking any task, he would pray fervently to God Almighty. If anyone ever asked for advice, he would tell them to pray, ask God to guide them to the right path and to write to the Khalifa for prayers.

“He had deep knowledge and a deep level of understanding. He was very wellread. He read books on every subject and would persist in trying to understand new concepts and studies. His time studying and acquiring knowledge was spent in understanding and teaching the intricacies of religion. His way of teaching was excellent and would occasionally indulge in humour too.

“He would always study the books of the Promised Messiahas and extract pearls of knowledge therein in order to act upon them as a guiding path in his everyday life. He would mention these points in his lectures on Fridays and also during various MTA programmes. He was very passionate to serve his faith and it is said that when he became ill and was admitted to hospital, he still preached to the nurses about Ahmadiyyat despite having difficulties breathing.

“The high morals he would exhort to others were reflected by his conduct at home. In times of hardship or ease, he would adhere to the truth and righteousness. He had a deep longing to meet with Allah the Almighty. He would often say that this world had no value and true salvation was, in fact, striving towards the afterlife in this very world. He would frequently speak of his desire of meeting God Almighty.”

During his final days, his son recounts that whenever his father would notice that he was worried, he would tell him to sit by him and recite Surah al-Fatihah and Durood Sharif [salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa] because illnesses cannot be cured without God’s command and only He has all knowledge of the remedy. He would say, “Medicines have no effect without God’s command. I do not concern myself with this world and only desire to meet God Almighty.”

The same son writes: “My mother would say, ‘My husband would give precedence to serving the Jamaat over every other work. Most of his time was spent out preaching and the blessings yielded thereby are seen in the extraordinary protection Allah the Almighty has granted our children.’”

Dr Hatim Hilmi Shafi Sahib writes: “Our brother and esteemed teacher Fathi Abdul Salam was, in truth, among those about whom Allah the Almighty has stated that among the believers there are those who have fulfilled their oaths made to God.” Regarding his life, from the time he took bai‘at to his demise, Dr Hatim Sahib writes: “I perceived him to be an extraordinary person. He was intoxicated with love for God Almighty and His attributes and His unity.

He was a lover of the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Quran and lost himself in his love for Surah al-Fatihah. In his valuable lectures, he was immersed in the lofty meanings of the

31

AL HAKAM | Friday 13 August 2021 commentary of Surah al-Fatihah written by the Promised Messiahas.”

Hussein Al-Misri writes from Jordan: “Respected Fathi Sahib loved the Promised Messiahas and Qadian. He had firm faith in Khilafat and was a very scholarly person.”

He continues to relate an incident, stating: “We attended Jalsa Salana Qadian together in 2018.” He continues, “When I arrived in Qadian, I was hosted at Sara-eWaseem residence. Respected Fathi Sahib met me there with great affection. In the evenings, after the proceedings of Jalsa, he would speak to me about Barahin-eAhmadiyya. He was in love with Qadian.

“About Qadian, he would say, ‘It is the cherished abode of our beloved.’ We visited the blessed sites of Qadian together.”

He continues: “I was astonished that respected Fathi Sahib was familiar with every landmark and knew the detailed history about them.

The day he was to depart from Qadian, we visited Bait-ul-Zikr and Bait-ul-Dua after Fajr prayers. There, I witnessed the extent of his humility and meekness and I could not hold in my emotions. When we finished from there and headed towards the way leading to Bahishti Maqbara, he suddenly became worried and anxious, looking to and fro. I asked about the matter and he began to cry and weep and then fell to the ground in prostration. He then stood up, raised his hands to the skies, and with a trembling voice, said, ‘O God! You know how dear it is for me to be this close to my beloved. O God, You know that I desire to spend this night right here, but in a few moments, it will be our time to depart.’”

This was because he was informed, on the day of this incident, that it was now time for his return.

“He continued, ‘You have power over all things; the outcome of all things is in Your hand; everything happens by Your command, including the establishment and amendment of laws. Delay my departure so that I may find comfort and ease for a few more hours.’ Nevertheless, it so happened that the car arrived and Fathi Sahib’s luggage was loaded into it, as he had been informed that his seat was booked for that day. Just moments later, Fathi Sahib’s voice echoed throughout Sara-e-Waseem, saying, ‘God is the Greatest! God is the Greatest!’”

Hussein Al-Misri Sahib further narrates: “Fathi Sahib said, ‘My Merciful Lord heard my prayer and delayed my departure,’ and he remained engaged in praising God and thanking Him. I climbed down and Fathi Sahib came and hugged me, saying, ‘Did you see how, by virtue of the blessings of the Promised Messiahas, Allah the Almighty accepted our prayers, and how he does, in fact, accept prayers.’ Tears filled his eyes and upon observing him, I was also overcome with emotion. He explained, ‘The organisers were mistaken and thought that my flight was booked for today, but as a matter of fact, it was for the next day or another day completely.’”

He became aware of his coming demise and expressed that to Hussein Sahib. And for the programme he was preparing for MTA, he left guidance instructing how to prepare it from now on.

The Promised Messiahas received a revelation:

ّ ٰ ُ َ َ َّ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َ ْ ُ ْ َ َْ ‫اد الل ِہ ِم َن الع َر ِب‬ ‫ام و ِعب‬ ِ ‫یدعون لک ابدال الش‬ meaning, “The devotees of Syria and the servants of Allah from among the Arabs are supplicating on your behalf.”

The Promised Messiahas has written, “Allah alone knows what the import is and َ َ ّٰ when or how it might come to pass. [‫َوالل ُہ ا ْعل ُم‬ َ َّ ‫اب‬ ِ ‫ – بِالصو‬Allah knows best].” (Tadhkirah, Fourth Edition, p. 100) In any case, we have seen that by the grace of Allah the Almighty, wherever jamaats in Arab countries are being established, and in this example which I have presented of Fathi Sahib, it is evident how Allah the Almighty is bringing forth such sincere people who pray for the Promised Messiahas and express their love, compassion and affection.

Hatim Sahib attests to this when he writes: “It is not possible to express Fathi Sahib’s love for the Promised Messiahas, the Promised Messiah’sas books and poetry.

His love for Khilafat, obedience and reverence were apparent through his every word and action and it was clear to all. He was absolutely certain that Khilafat is a magnificent bounty of God Almighty and would sing praises of thanks for having received it. He had firmly grasped this rope of Allah and was devoted in obedience to Khilafat.”

I have also witnessed this myself; his love and affection was of an extraordinary level, such that his eyes would fill with tears upon meeting me and it was evident from every action of his, along with great respect and reverence. If ever he brought any scholarly point or argument to me and I was not able to follow it, or refuted it or if I asked him to do further research, he would accept it wholeheartedly. In other words, he was an ardent devotee and true helper of Khilafat.

Usama Abdul Azeem Sahib writes: “Fathi Abdus Salam Sahib was a great scholar. Despite being advanced in years, he was a very humble person. He would approach even the youngest among us with great respect and would accept their advice.

He was extremely forbearing. If ever he acted unjustly with someone, he would apologise in front of everyone with great humility and would kiss that person on the head.

“He loved Islam a great deal and wished to help Ahmadi youth become such servants and soldiers who possessed both knowledge and spirituality. He would advise us late into the night and draw our attention towards fulfilling our obligations to the Jamaat.”

He continues: “He was very forbearing; even if someone spoke to him in an impolite manner, he would not respond harshly.”

I am also aware of this; there are some who caused him great hardship and acted very harshly towards him; yet even if, for some reason, Fathi Sahib responded with some harsh words in the spur moment, he would ask for forgiveness. In fact, sometimes, he would write to me, saying that he had said such and such thing to a person and that he had also sought forgiveness from them. Such forbearance is found in very few people.

Tamim Sahib writes: “He often used to say that nothing in Islam could be done right without Khilafat.

[He would say] What we required now was not to be drawn to anything else; rather, what we needed now was Khilafat, which settled disputes and directed us through

divine guidance. He was always ready to abandon anything which was not accepted by the Khalifa. Whenever he went to meet Huzoor, he would be overcome with a special sort of happiness and with great love, he would ecstatically recount the meeting and whatever was discussed.”

Sama Sahiba, a woman from Palestine says: “I saw a dream which seemed real, that myself and my sister, Sehr, were sitting and she informed me that someone had told her that there was an angel sitting in a gathering surrounded by Ahmadis. When Fathi Sahib arrived, the angel said to him, ‘You are the most beautiful Jasmine flower’. Upon this, I remarked to my sister how pious Fathi Sahib is.”

Tahir Nadeem Sahib from the Arabic Desk writes: “One of his esteemed qualities was that despite being a great scholar, he was very humble. His love for the works of the Promised Messiahas was so profound that it is unknown how many times he read Barahin-e-Ahmadiyya, and would find new meanings and present them. He recorded various programmes on this subject as well.”

He also brought his liveliness to the Jalsa [Salana]. We all know of his loud and powerful voice and on the final day, he would enthusiastically raise slogans. There was a certain passion in his slogans and it seemed as if it was emanating directly from the heart.

May Allah the Almighty enable his children to follow in his footsteps and accept the prayers he offered for his children. May He elevate his station.

The next mention is of respected Razia Begum Sahiba, wife of Khalil Mubashar Sahib, the former missionary-in-charge of Canada and former amir and missionaryin-charge of Sierra Leone. She passed away in recent days.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

Khalil Sahib writes that his wife, Razia Begum, stood shoulder to shoulder with him as a life-devotee during his extended time in the field of tabligh [preaching] and was able to serve the Jamaat with great patience, passion and enthusiasm.

Especially in Africa, she had the opportunity to extend her hospitality [to others] and serve. She never made any unnecessary requests and was able to serve with patience and gratefulness alongside her life-devotee husband. She was regular in her worship and would partake in giving alms and financial sacrifices with great enthusiasm and passion.

Before her demise, she completed all of her monetary contributions. She was a musia [part of the scheme of Wasiyyat].

She is survived by a son, three daughters and their children.

May Allah the Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy and elevate her station.

The next mention is of respected Saira Sultan Sahiba, wife of Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib. She also passed away recently due to a heart attack.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

By the grace of Allah, she had the

opportunity of serving in various capacities within Lajna Imaillah in Pakistan, especially in the department of khidmat-e-khalq.

Her husband, Dr Sultan Mubashar Sahib, writes: “She was loyal to the Jamaat and Khilafat. She was very happy with the fact that our home was close to Masjid Mubarak [Rabwah]. When she got married, her mother-in-law had already passed away, while her father-in-law, Maulana Dost Muhammad Sahib was still alive. She served him like a daughter and would tend to all of his needs. She would take exceptional care of the guests who would come to meet him at any time of the day and were from all around the world.

“She fulfilled the role of being the daughter-in-law of a life-devotee. She took great care of the poor and spent generously in this regard, to the extent that sometimes in this endeavour she would fall into debt. At times, she even sold her jewellery and made sure to tend to the poor no matter what. She was regular in her financial contributions; at times she would offer her financial contributions by selling her jewellery. She also presented her jewellery for the sake of various initiatives. Not only would she offer her own financial contributions, but would also offer them on behalf of her deceased parents.

“She was very meticulous, she was devoted, regular in her prayers and fasting and in offering Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary prayer].”

May Allah the Almighty bestow her with forgiveness, and mercy and elevate her station. She has two sons; may He enable them to carry on her virtues. May he grant patience to the children as well as to Doctor Sahib.

The next mention is of respected Ghusoon al-Mazwani Sahiba of Syria who was residing these days in Turkey. She also passed away in recent days at the age of 39.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانآ ِالی ِہ ر‬

[Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.]

She had been ill for an extended period of time. By the grace of Allah, she was a musia.

The president and missionary of the Jamaat in Turkey, Sadiq Butt Sahib, writes: “She migrated from Syria in 2015. In 2016, she was appointed as the president of Lajna Imaillah Iskenderun and served in this capacity until her demise. She was ill for quite some time and was bedridden.

“Even during this illness, she spent every moment in service to the faith. She would propagate the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat on the Internet in different forums and also played a pivotal role in the education and moral training of Syrian women.

“She was loved by all; she was kind and wished well for everyone.”

Some women have written to me and have praised her as well.

May Allah the Almighty treat the deceased with forgiveness, bestow His mercy and elevate her station.

As I mentioned, after the Friday prayers, I will lead their funeral prayer in absentia.

(Original Urdu published in Al Fazl International, 27 July-12 August 2021 [Jalsa Salana Number], pp. 13-17. Translated by The Review of Religions.)

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Friday 13 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

The Happenings at Karbala

Read about the events leading up to the Battle of Karbala www.alhakam.org/the-happenings-at-karbala/ Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2021