Al Hakam - 27 August 2021

From the Markaz German khuddam students meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in historic mulaqat

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A

100 Years Ago...

Answers to Everyday Issues

Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Commemorating the day of Hajj and celebration of Eid in Kashmir

Part XX

Page 13

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The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah Part V

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THE WEEKLY

www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021 | Issue CLXXX Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL. UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

Jamaat gatherings are only beneficial if we also realise the purpose of our creation Germany khuddam meet with Huzoor in virtual mulaqat

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

The vastness of Allah's mercy

َّ َ ّ ٰ َّ َّ َ َ ُ َ َ ‫ ع ِن‬،‫ع ْن أ�ِ� ه َريْ َرة‬ ‫الن ِ� ِّ� َصلى الل ُه َعل ْي ِہ َو َسل َم‬ َّ َ َ ّ ٰ َ َ َ َ ْ َ �ْ �ِ ‫ﻗال الل ُه ع ّﺰ َو َﺟل َس َبقت َر ْح َﻤ ِ� ْ� ﻏﻀ‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Allah, the Exalted and Glorious, said: ‘My mercy prevails over My wrath.’”

(Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Taubah, Hadith 2751)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

Gratitude is part of my nature

On 21 August 2021, members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany were given the opportunity to meet with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa in a virtual meeting.

For the mulaqat, the khuddam were seated in an open field during their national ijtema.

The meeting started with a recitation of the Holy Quran and its Urdu and German translations. Following this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa asked Sadr Sahib if a poem [nazm] would also be recited as it was not stated in the programme. Sadr Sahib replied that it was not in the programme and added that anyone among the members present would be honoured to recite a nazm with

Huzoor’saa permission. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa very graciously granted permission and a khadim was called to recite a nazm.

Next, the khuddam had the opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance on various matters.

The first khadim to ask a question stated that due to the coronavirus, many Jamaatrelated events could not be held. However, he said, this year’s Jalsa Salana UK was held and asked how Huzooraa felt about it.

Responding, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: Continued on next page >>

CORRECTION In the last two issues of Al Hakam – 20 August and 13 August 2021 – two addresses of Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, which he delivered at Jalsa Salana UK 2021, were translated and published by Al Hakam.

However, the words “official translation” were used for both. Please note that these translations were rendered by Al Hakam and the official translations will be made available to members of the Jamaat very soon.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. (Editor, Al Hakam)

Those ignorant people who are oblivious to the principle of showing gratitude to a benefactor for their favours equate such of my statements and writings to flattery.

However, my God knows best that it is impossible for me to flatter any person on earth – it is not in my nature.

Of course, to show gratitude for a favour is a part of my nature.

God Almighty, by His grace, has kept me free of the impure traces of ingratitude and disloyalty. I appreciate the favours of the British government and deem it a divine favour that in order to grant us deliverance from the oppressive era of the Sikhs, God sent from thousands of miles afar, a just government to rule over us. If this empire had not been present now, I truthfully say I would not have been able to even direct my attention towards these allegations, let alone respond to them.

In the present circumstances, Continued on next page >>

Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

2 << Continued from previous page

I am at complete liberty to respond to these allegations. If then, I were to show disregard for this favour of Allah Almighty, you could be sure that I was immensely ungrateful and unappreciative. I have been granted the opportunity to reflect and contemplate, to immerse myself in prayer, and in this way the gates of divine grace have been opened to me. Although Allah the

Almighty is the fountainhead of grace, man becomes able through his own effort to an extent and then receives divine grace in accordance with his individual capacity and ability. It is a matter of joy that due to this opportunity, the people of India, and the Punjab, in particular are being transformed into able gems and their intellectual faculties are developing as well.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 1, pp. 237-238)

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

<< Continued from previous page

“It was good that Jalsa Salana was held. I thanked Allah that He gave the opportunity [to hold Jalsa], albeit on a small scale.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that many people also joined this Jalsa through online means, whilst sitting at home.

Huzooraa added, “I have received letters in which people stated that they listened [to the Jalsa] at home and tried to create the same atmosphere […] according to my reports, hundreds of thousands of people listened to the Jalsa. The different jamaats that gathered in their localities, added up, would total more than hundreds of thousands […].”

Huzooraa further said that means and ways had now been created for the future too. “Uncertainty over whether Jalsa would be held or not, and a state of despair that had arisen in the people of the Jamaat has disappeared. And if this kind of thinking is erased, then obviously I will be happy,” Huzooraa said.

Next, a khadim asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what impact the current situation in Afghanistan would have on the world. Huzooraa answered: “This war has been ongoing for the last 100 years. This is how it is in Afghanistan – disorder and strife continue”.

Huzooraa said ever since Al-Qaeda and Taliban were formed, disorder was created. “This situation has been going on in Afghanistan since the time when the Promised Messiahas said, after the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latifra that the land of Kabul would not be at peace’”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa further said to see what the future held. “What their [Taliban] extremist thinking seems to suggest is that after a while, disorder will break out again”. Huzooraa added that after two or four months, one would be able to further analyse the situation and see what

would happen.

A khadim stated that some scientists said that the coronavirus had had a negative impact on the body as well as the mind. He asked for Hazrat Amirul Momineen’saa view on the matter and asked if the coronavirus had brought any change to Huzoor’saa life.

Huzooraa responded: “No change has occurred in my lifestyle.

Scientists say this because those people who are materialistic, who have a worldly bent, who cannot live without going to nightclubs, who cannot live without drinking alcohol in groups, who cannot live without creating a ruckus, and dancing; such people were upset when the [coronavirus] restrictions were imposed.

“When any disease arises and when it spreads so widely – it becomes a pandemic – and the whole world becomes involved, there is a psychological effect that takes root, which is the uncertainty of not knowing whether one will survive or not”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said that one should remember that life and death were in the hands of Allah. One might feel that “there is a slight irritation due to the lack of some activity or change of one’s routine, but there is no need to worry so much. Pray to Allah that the situation may change soon”.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa added, “As far as my routine is concerned, apart from the mulaqats that used to take place face to face, my routine has not changed”.

Next, a khadim asked if it was permissible for an Ahmadi Muslim to marry a nonAhmadi Muslim or even a non-Muslim.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa smiled and replied: “You are not yet old enough to get married, why are you so concerned? […]

An Ahmadi boy should marry an Ahmadi girl. The Promised Messiahas forbade Ahmadi girls to marry non-Ahmadi boys. If Ahmadi boys also marry non-Ahmadi girls, whom will Ahmadi girls marry?” Thus,

Huzooraa explained that for an Ahmadi boy to maintain his religion, he should marry an Ahmadi girl.

Huzooraa then mentioned the hadith where the Holy Prophetsa stated that people considered the following four aspects when marrying a woman: her wealth, her beauty, her lineage and her religious commitment.

Huzooraa said, “The Holy Prophetsa stated, ‘The best marriage is when you marry a girl based on her religion.’ […]

Yes, at times, due to certain compelling circumstances, an Ahmadi boy can marry a non-Ahmadi girl, but the condition is that an Ahmadi should perform the nikah. And as for others who belong to other religions who are called the People of the Book, but in practice, consider Hazrat Isaas [Jesus] to be the son of God, the nit means that they are committing shirk […].”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa added that some Christians today did not fully follow their religion or even believe in God, and in this sense, they became atheists. As for those who followed Christianity, they believed Prophet Jesusas to be the son of God, and in this way, they became polytheists.

Next, a khadim asked Huzooraa if he found his busy schedule difficult.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa replied: “Obviously, if done correctly, the task can be difficult, but God makes it easy. And, in this way, the work is managed”.

A khadim asked Huzooraa how one should pray to Allah in order to have their prayers accepted.

Answering, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “First of all, you have to look at your condition to see if you have done what Allah has commanded you to do. Allah has commanded to offer prayers five times a day and to offer them at their prescribed times. Do you perform the five daily prayers? Allah says, ‘Remember Me’, do you remember Him? […] After fulfilling all these conditions, God says, ‘Pray to Me and you will become My true servant, and when you do, I answer your prayers.’ Allah Almighty says, ‘You must have firm faith in Me, have faith that I accept prayers’”.

Huzooraa added that if any prayer was not accepted by Allah, then one should consider its acceptance unfavourable and thus, Allah did not accept the prayer.

Huzooraa also emphasised the importance of invoking and reciting durood.

A khadim asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what one should consider when going to another city to pursue higher education.

Huzooraa answered: “You are an Ahmadi Muslim; how should an Ahmadi Muslim be? He should be punctual in his five daily prayers; he should be regular in reciting the Holy Quran; he should avoid the company of bad people; he should befriend those who are good at studies and not those who merely wander around in canteens or sit and waste time in restaurants or shops. [He should befriend those] who go to study in libraries and are hardworking, whether they are Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, or Ahmadi Muslim.

Befriend good people”.

Huzooraa said that one should set a good example, and tell the people in their environment about Islam, what the Holy Quran says, and what the ahadith say.

Huzooraa added: “Safeguard your religion, safeguard your

morals, pay close attention to your studies and work hard to achieve the goal you are aiming for, and come back after completing your studies. Make a good impression on your friends”.

A khadim asked how one could solve domestic issues that had occurred during the pandemic, for example, frequent quarrelling etc.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated: “One should bow before Allah [even more than before]. If it is a pandemic and a punishment from Allah, then mutual love should still be established. One should seek forgiveness from Allah and repent. One should create an atmosphere of peace. [One should pray that] Allah may remove this pandemic, and if it is a test, we should still pray to Allah to make us successful in this test […]

“The Promised Messiahas has stated that Allah has laid great emphasis on the rights man owes to others. Sometimes, Allah forgives a person who does not fulfil His rights, but He does not forgive a person who does not fulfil the rights of others. If the husband does not fulfil the rights owed to his wife and instead fights for no reason, then he is sinful. I have recently spoken at great length on this topic at the address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK. If the wife does not fulfil the rights owed to her husband and aims to fight for no reason, then she is not fulfilling her duties”.

Huzooraa, whilst talking about the lockdown restrictions, stated, “Some restraints have a psychological effect, but the way to overcome them is to pray to Allah to remove the pandemic, and in this way, the restrictions will end; [pray that] may Allah bless us all. Pay attention to prayers and fulfil the rights owed to each other.” In this way, Huzooraa said, problems could be averted.

Next, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa was asked if hunting animals was permissible.

Huzooraa answered: “Absolutely, hunting is allowed. It is also written in the Holy Quran that hunting is allowed. It is on the occasion of Hajj that hunting is not allowed; rather, only fishing is allowed”. Huzooraa then emphasised that not all animals were created for our consumption and narrating an incident, he said, “Once [before Khilafat], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra hunted a small bird, probably a parrot or something similar to it.

The Promised Messiahas said that although it was not haram to eat it; however, hunting every bird or animal was not good. Some animals were created for beauty”.

A khadim who had been memorising the Holy Quran for the last four years said to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that at times, he did not feel like reading. He asked Huzooraa what he should do.

Huzooraa said: “If you do not wish to continue, then you should at least revise the parts you know, so that you remember the parts you have memorised, that is if you do not wish to continue. If you can [carry on], then that would be most excellent. Continuously recite the prayer:

ۡ َ ‫َر ِّب ا� َ� ۡح ل ِۡی َﺻ ۡﺪرِ ۡى َو ﻳَ ِّ� ۡ� ل ِۡۤی ا ۡمرِ ۡى‬

Huzooraa reiterated, “If you don’t wish to continue, keep revising what you have learnt so far, so that you always remember it.”

Next, a student asked Hazrat Khalifatul

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AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

Masih Vaa how he could serve the Jamaat and which field of education he should pursue to serve the Jamaat.

Huzooraa said that whichever field one chose, one should try to progress in it and be the best at it. Huzooraa added, “This requires working hard in your studies”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa, after listing the professions of doctor, engineer, architect, lawyer and teacher, said that wherever one worked, they should also try to preach the truth of Islam within their circle. Huzooraa said, “What is our ultimate goal? To establish the oneness of God, and to explain the virtues of Islam”.

Next, a khadim asked Huzooraa how he felt when he was elected as the Khalifa and further asked if he was able to sleep that night considering the huge responsibility.

Huzooraa said: “Yes, I had an opportunity to sleep for an hour or an hour and a half and then I got up for Tahajud and for Fajr prayer. […]

As far as the feelings and sentiments are concerned, MTA has shown that clip many times. You must have seen it. If you rewatch the old video, you’ll see my sentiments.”

After receiving his answer, the young khadim requested Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa to pray as it was really hot in Germany. Hearing this, Huzooraa smiled and asked, “Is it not forecast to rain?”

A young khadim, who wished to join Jamia Ahmadiyya asked Huzooraa how he

should prepare.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Create a habit of praying. Be regular in Namaz and pray to Allah. Work hard for your studies and if you wish to go to Jamia, try to go after completing Abitur. You must work hard. Recite the Holy Quran often and try to learn its translation […] Try to read as much Jamaat-related literature as you can, however much you understand.”

Next, a khadim named Masroor had the opportunity to ask a question. He asked Huzooraa for advice in preaching [tabligh] and enquired how he could convert more people to Ahmadiyyat.

Huzooraa, seeing his name tag, said: “You and I share the same name.” Whilst answering the question, Huzooraa said, “We cannot force anyone to become Ahmadi. If a person does not believe in God, and you tell him about Ahmadiyyat and say it’s a beautiful religion, he will respond by saying, ‘What relation do I have with religion, I do not even believe in God.’ Therefore, the first thing is to make an impression on your friends so that they know that you believe in Allah, you often supplicate to Him, and you are a follower of the teachings of Islam […].”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa emphasised the importance of making friends who were good and pious and who were willing to listen. Huzooraa said that one should not simply focus on verbal preaching methods but should show the true teachings of Islam

through one’s practical example.

Upon being asked about the colonisation of Mars and about living there, as scientists were saying that the future on Earth was uncertain, Huzooraa smiled and said that this would not happen in their lifetime. If human life must settle on another planet, Huzooraa said to pray that even then there were people who believed in Allah, who would follow the religion, and who would worship Allah.

Upon being asked if it was permissible to join in silent prayer when a programme, which was not live, was being broadcast on MTA, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “It is better not to join in silent prayer if it is a repeat of a recorded programme; however, it is not a sin. If you raise your hand and pray, it is not a sin, but it is better to join in the live prayer”.

A khadim said to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that some scientists said that homoeopathy worked as a placebo and further asked Huzoor’saa take on the matter.

Huzooraa responded: “I have found homoeopathic medicines to be very effective. I have personally used it myself […] it has also cured people from serious illnesses. Thus, to say that it is not effective is wrong”.

A khadim asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa what his favourite sport was and what sport he disliked. Answering, Huzooraa said: “I used to play cricket in my childhood and then also in my youth. I also used to

play badminton. I had no favourite type of sport. I only used to play in order to exercise.

Nor is there any game which I do not like.

Everyone has their own preference”.

Upon being asked how one could strengthen their relationship with Allah, Huzooraa said: “The same method I previously mentioned in relation to the acceptance of prayer is also the method to strengthen the relationship with Allah”.

Following this, whilst addressing Sadr Sahib and all the khuddam present, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “An Ijtema is only beneficial, as I have said before, when one realises what his purpose is. There is no use if a person does not know his purpose. Allah states, with regard to the purpose of life, ‘I have created human beings for worship’. And an Ahmadi Muslim should know that this is the purpose of his life, he must establish a relationship with Allah.

“These various ijtemas, tarbiyat-related gatherings and your Jalsa, which will also take place soon, are held to improve the spiritual and moral condition of man, and so that man also increases his knowledge.

And after acquiring knowledge, if one does not apply it and does not act on it, then these congregations are of no use”.

In the end, Huzooraa conveyed his salaam and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

4

From the Markaz

I have seen that your khuddam have patience and determination German khuddam students meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in historic mulaqat

On Sunday 22 August 2021, student members of Majlis Khuddam-ulAhmadiyya were fortunate to end their two-day national ijtema through a blessed virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa. The khuddam were gathered in Frankfurt and were sat outside in a football field, socially distanced. A large outdoor screen display connected the khuddam with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa through MTA International.

The proceedings started with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Aneeq Ahmad Shahid, followed by its Urdu translation

by Tanzil Ahmad Khan and the German translation by Danial Härter.

After Danial Sahib finished reading out the translation, Huzooraa asked, “How are your studies going?” To this Danial Sahib gave an update. Huzooraa then asked him if everything else was okay, to which Danial Sahib said it was and also requested Huzooraa for prayers. An Urdu poem was then recited by Usman Sahib.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa addressed Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany and noted that rain had started to fall where the Khuddam were seated. Sadr Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya confirmed that rain and sleet had begun; however, they would remain resolute and seated no matter the weather.

Huzooraa said that in the previous virtual meeting with Germany’s khuddam, a day prior, a khadim had requested Huzooraa to pray for the weather to cool down as it was very hot. With a smile, Huzooraa said, “That boy’s prayers have been accepted.” Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said, “Let’s see now how much patience you have in this ‘good weather’.”

Huzooraa then opened the floor for any questions the students had.

The first question was by Nabeel Ahmad Khalid who asked how Ahmadi university students could preach in universities effectively.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said:

“The [other] university students should know you are Muslims, and as Muslims, they do not need to be scared or fearful of you. Normally, it is said that ‘one should be scared and fearful of Muslims as they are terrorists’.

“You should make friendships with boys who have good values, are dedicated and good in their studies – befriend such boys. Introduce yourself and expand your contacts. And wherever there are many Ahmadi university students, establish an Ahmadi students’ association there and hold seminars with the permission of the university. Seminars can be held on various topics and at times, you can hold seminars on religious topics too; for example, on the existence of God, the need for religion etc.

“It is not that you have to only directly preach about Ahmadiyyat. You can choose secular and academic topics for seminars and people can gauge what Islamic teachings are and why God is needed.

“In this way, slowly, people get to know

you and their fears are slowly removed. At that point, they will come to you, will ask questions to you and in this way, avenues for tabligh will continue to open.

“If you, at the very beginning, start saying, ‘Islam is true, believe in it! Believe, or else you will perish!’ etc. then this is not the way to preach. First, you have to develop contacts and friendships, people need to open up and the fear of Islam first needs to be removed.

“First, remove the fear [of Islam]. They will say, ‘We fear you anyway. What is the Taliban doing in Afghanistan? What is ISIS doing in Syria? What is al-Shabab doing?

What is al-Qaeda doing? What is Boko Haram doing?’ The world fears all these endless [terrorist] organisations. So, slowly, you have to remove this fear [of Islam].

“In this way, you need to expand your circle of contacts in university – personal contacts and friends are good. And contacts through the Ahmadi Students’ Association […] in universities are also important to

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021 Continued on next page >>

acquire through seminars etc.

“Opportunities will come, insha-Allah.

Tabligh doesn’t happen in one day, nor can you create a revolution in a day. Revolutions that take place in the world take time and the spread and propagation of religion also takes time.”

The second question was by Aneeq Syed who asked what qualities were needed to develop discipline.

To this Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “The qualities are that a person should be punctual […] You see, to regulate your life, Allah the Almighty has given us a system: wake up in the morning; if you have the will, then wake up early and offer Tahajud.

“Tahajud removes laziness, and a person becomes active through it. If you cannot wake up to offer nafal [voluntary prayers] then at least make sure you wake up for Fajr prayer. This will engrain punctuality and establish discipline.”

Huzooraa said that a student should then offer prayers at their appointed time and in this way, “life is regulated, and discipline is established”. If one slept early, a habit of waking up early would also be possible, Huzooraa said.

By offering prayers at their appointed time, Allah has not only enabled us to create discipline in our lives, but this way of life is also very beneficial for the human mind, Huzooraa said. Regarding Salat, Huzooraa noted that non-Muslims said that there were physical benefits in offering Salat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if one knew and kept in mind that Allah the Almighty was looking at every deed and that it was essential for one to show high morals in every aspect of life, then, as a result, discipline in life would be established.

Huzooraa said that a college or university student should be mindful of the purpose they are studying for. They should be good, active and serious students.

“You should have a purpose for life”, Huzooraa said. Ahmadi students should have high aspirations and should try to reach the top of their studies and professional pursuits.

“When Dr [Abdus] Salam received the Nobel Prize, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh launched a scholarship and started an initiative in which academic awards were given. He said that the new century of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya should see 100 Nobel Laureates in Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya.

Ever since, apart from Dr Abdus Salam, no Nobel Laureate has been born [in the Jamaat]. Though we achieve top positions in universities; however, [after university] the purpose and aims diminish.

“It is only when someone’s life is disciplined that they can achieve the targets of their purpose.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Then, those who were disciplined and achieved great targets, study their entire lives – how did they discipline their lives?

There is a lot of literature in our Jamaat about the life of Dr Abdus Salam, read that too […] He had regulated his life.”

Huzooraa advised the khadim to make a goals chart and to review the chart at the end of each day in order to progress spiritually, academically and morally.

Muhammad Yusuf asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa if Afghanistan would ever

“

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If an Ahmadi

Muslim claims to follow Islam, but offers their five daily prayers in a hurry and does not have good morals, then such a person is not a good Ahmadi Muslim. see peace, especially keeping in mind the prophecy of the Promised Messiahas in which he said that the land of Kabul had fallen in the sight of Allah after the martyrdom of Hazrat Sahibzada Abdul Latif Shaheedra.

Huzooraa responded by saying: “There will be peace in Kabul when they turn to Allah the Almighty, listen to the one chosen by Allah the Almighty and recompense the cruelties they committed.

“And the recompense is that they accept the Imam who Allah the Almighty has sent, the servant of the Holy Prophetsa, who was sent to spread Islam once again in the world.

It is then that peace will be established in the world; this condition is for Kabul too.

Otherwise, in the same way, fights, wars and rebellion will continue. If you observe, this [dire] condition has overtaken the whole Muslim ummah.”

Huzooraa said that this condition of the Muslim ummah was because they did not listen to Allah the Almighty, and not only this, but they also bitterly opposed [what Allah had sent] and rejected it, and tried to spread their own faith – sometimes applying blasphemy laws and at times, apostasy laws, etc.

Talking about the Taliban, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “The revolution that happened there [in Afghanistan], they say, ‘We created a revolution like that of the Victory of Mecca’ – but what disbelievers were present there [in Afghanistan]? They were Muslims, who you have occupied. How is that similar to the Victory of Mecca?

“And they are also carrying out cruelties by shooting people. Though the media is not covering this as much, the reality is that they kill anyone who opposes them.

“Peace is not created in this way […] You

must listen to the commandments of Allah the Almighty. If the commandments of Allah are adhered to, peace will be established. If they end the opposition of the one sent by Allah the Almighty, there will be peace.”

Huzooraa said we should pray that these people change and at least end their cruelties and atrocities.

Ata-ul-Wakil Ahmad, a PhD student of immunology, was next to speak with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. On hearing his area of study, Huzooraa asked Ata-ul-Wakil what he was doing to end the pandemic. To this, he said that his laboratory was working on developing better vaccines.

Ata-ul-Wakil asked Huzooraa what the “mindset of an Ahmadi researcher should be”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa advised: “The mindset should be that Allah the Almighty has said to ‘carry out research’ and Allah the Almighty has opened avenues for research. So firstly, for research, hard work is required. Non-Ahmadi, non-Muslim researchers also carry out research and are always reflecting, pondering and thinking; however, they do not ask for help from Allah the Almighty. An Ahmadi researcher should ponder and reflect just like every scientist and researcher does and along with this, by fulfilling the rights of Allah the Almighty, where they worship Him, they should also ask for help from Him for their research and work. They should ask, ‘Whatever research I am carrying out, make it beneficial for mankind, and so the world benefits from it and the unity of Allah the Almighty is established’.”

Huzooraa said that Dr Abdus Salam Sahib’s quest in his research was to establish the unity of Allah the Almighty, and this was what he achieved in the end.

Tanzil Ahmad Khan, a final year medical student, spoke next with Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa. Lovingly, Huzooraa enquired about the future plans of Tanzil Ahmad in terms of his education.

Tanzil Ahmad then asked Huzooraa, “How can an Ahmadi doctor fulfil the rights of their patients and what difference should there be between an Ahmadi and nonAhmadi doctor?”

To this Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “You see, a non-Ahmadi doctor should serve – they should see a patient as a patient – and an Ahmadi doctor should serve in the same way too. In the capacity of a doctor, there should be no difference.

“However, it is obligatory on an Ahmadi doctor that while treating their patients, they should solely depend on Allah the Almighty [for the cure]. Some years back, I delivered a sermon too and said that when Ahmadi doctors write َّ their prescriptions, they should write ‫‘[ ُھوَ الشافِ ْی‬He is the Healer’] too.”

Huzooraa said Ahmadi doctors should realise that all cures were in the hands of Allah the Almighty and they should rely solely on His power. They should only depend on Allah and not on themselves.

At the same time, they should use all their knowledge to treat patients. Ahmadi doctors should pray for their patients and treat them with respect, patience and show high morals.

“On seeing the smile of a doctor, half the illness of a patient is removed”, Huzooraa highlighted. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that no matter how much a patient complained and annoyed them, an Ahmadi doctor should treat them with a smile and respect.

Some doctors have the habit of being very strict and rigid in their treatments; they don’t want to hear a second opinion and just force their treatments. Other doctors did not pay enough attention to the illness either, Huzooraa said. So with prayers and showing good morals and respect, Ahmadi doctors should treat their patients.

“Ahmadi doctors should always show good morals” and also use prayers to treat their patients, Huzooraa urged. By adopting these two qualities, “you will become a successful doctor, insha-Allah.”

Next, Ghulam Syed Shahzad Ahmad, who was doing a PhD in clinical pharmacy, asked Huzooraa, “What social illness should khuddam steer clear of in particular.”

To this Huzooraa smiled and said: “Well, medicines certainly don’t have the cure for this. Your pharmacy will fail in this regard! Even if a khadim goes to the pharmacy, you will not be able to cure him.”

Huzooraa then said: “The commandment that Allah the ۡ َّ َ ُ Almighty has given: ‫ع ِن اللغ ِو ُم ۡعرِضوۡ َن‬, meaning, [believers] should stay away from all that is vain, should be followed […]

“In today’s environment, there are vain and immoral things everywhere. There is good too in society, but immorality is spreading rampantly, all in the name of ‘freedom’ […]

“For this reason, an Ahmadi youth, who should be a true Muslim, must stay clear from these immoralities and vain pursuits and listen to the commandment of Allah the Almighty in this regard. They should analyse and see that if there is a television in their house, then they should not be

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watching such programmes that negatively affect morals. When they go out, then Allah the Almighty has said to keep gazes low […] so that your sight doesn’t fall on wrong things.

“Then, whatever is good in society, seek that out. It is not that we are to hate all of society and nations; there is good too. There are plenty of pure-natured people here who don’t act on religion, but at least their morals are good. If they begin to act on religion, then they become complete and better humans.

“If an Ahmadi Muslim claims to act on Islam, but offers their five daily prayers in a rush and does not have good morals, then such a person is not a good Ahmadi Muslim.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that one ought to protect themselves from all immorality and vanity that clouds society, whether outside or online.

Sohaib Ahmad, a waqif-e-nau, asked Huzooraa about the political changes that could occur in the upcoming elections in Germany. Huzooraa said that though there were anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim sentiments in Germany, he believed far-right parties would not win the elections. Rightwing parties might gain some influence in some areas; however, the current situation showed that they most likely would not win a majority.

Huzooraa said that though Germany would most likely be saved from right-wing parties in the coming elections; however, this would only last if Ahmadis also played their role in removing misconceptions about Islam.

Another khadim, Marvin Sahib, who was a German convert to Islam Ahmadiyyat, asked Huzooraa how an Ahmadi could combine work, studies and raising children who were waqifeen-e-nau, in the best way.

At this point, the rain in Germany became quite intense. Huzooraa noted that the khadim was not wearing a raincoat and asked, “Do you not feel cold?” To this, Marvin Sahib replied that he was okay.

Addressing his question, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “Allocate your time to your studies – you spend six to seven hours at university; sometimes it is less. So, you should give due time to your studies because this is also your main purpose.

“Domestic affairs should run amicably with the consent of both partners, both sides, husband and wife. So, make your wife realise that since you are involved in studies and that is also going to be very much beneficial for your family and the Jamaat and the nation at large, you will spend more time on studies to complete your studies.

And those matters that are domestic matters, should be tackled by your wife mostly. And at the weekend, you should give one full day to your family so that they can also enjoy your company.

“At least one day in a week should be given to your family and the other five to six days to your studies. But make your wife understand that [...] it is going to be beneficial in the future for both of you and for your family as well.”

Samar Ahmad Mahmud, a waqif-e-nau, said to Huzooraa that he was about to start a PhD in Islamic banking; however, there were many branches within the subject.

He wanted to know what area to explore in Islamic banking.

Huzooraa said: “Up until now, a clear and accurate concept of Islamic banking has not come to the surface.”

Huzooraa said true Islamic banking was interest-free and could be based on profits from business; however, these days, so-called Islamic banking was based on interest, disguised in various ways.

Huzooraa said: “Do research on this and if you come across some research, then I have an interest too; do send it to me and I will review it.

Up until now, I have read and reviewed the research of people and it all seems like misplaced theories; there’s no reality to them.”

Samar Ahmad Sahib said he would do research in this regard, to which Huzooraa said, “Yes, and if you do it, inform me about it too.”

Ghalib Nasir Sahib asked Huzooraa if one should marry during studies or not.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised that this would be possible if the girl first accepted she would be able to live with her in-laws while the husband was studying. Huzooraa elaborated by saying: “Obviously, if the marriage takes place during studies, then you cannot afford to get a separate house, nor can you afford running a house. So, if the girl accepts that she will be able to live with her in-laws for two, four, five or for however many years the studies are, then definitely marry if you want to and if you find a good match.”

Huzooraa said one should also look at oneself and if they would even concentrate on studies after marriage. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said: “For this reason, I do not allow Jamia students to marry for at least the first five years […] When there is one year left of studies, I usually give them permission for marriage – apart from exceptional cases.”

Huzooraa said: “I have observed that often, when some marriages do take place during studies, then issues arise with the in-laws.”

Each person would need to look at their own situation and no hard and fast rule could be made, Huzooraa said.

Danial Azhar Tariq, who studied religious science, said that at times, Jamaat work and deadlines at university collided.

He wanted to know what to do in such a situation.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa advised: “At that time, inform whoever your superior is in the Jamaat that ‘my assignment has arrived and I need to submit it within this deadline; I am busy. For this reason, give me temporary leave from this work or give this work to someone else for some time, or appoint someone to assist me so that he may help with Jamaat work’ and you can then complete your university assignment.

“When you complete university, when you attain your degree and become something, after that, when you come to serve the Jamaat, you will be able to serve the Jamaat better.”

Huzooraa said one should give as much time to the Jamaat as possible, but studies should not be hindered. It was essential that everyone desired to serve the Jamaat and should pray too that Allah enabled them to do this after studies were completed.

“Deeds are determined on intentions alone”, Huzooraa said. If intentions were pure and one truly wanted to serve the Jamaat, then even studies would become service to the Jamaat, Huzooraa explained.

Another khadim who was a waqif-e-nau and pursuing religious studies asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa what place he would visit first if one day he were able to visit Rabwah, Pakistan again.

Huzooraa smiled and said: “Create an opportunity for me and I will take you with me [to Rabwah] and you can then see for yourself.

“Obviously, when one first goes to Rabwah, the elders who we left there, who lived there and who populated Rabwah, their memories are intertwined with Rabwah. And so, most often when one goes to Rabwah first, they visit the graves of those elders there and prays for them and then prays for the whole town […]

“Just like we go to Qadian, we first try to visit the tomb of the Promised Messiahas. If we go to Mecca and Medina, it is our desire try to go to the blessed tomb of the Holy Prophetsa. Similarly, we visit the area where elders are buried, those who populated and built Rabwah – their memories are attached [with Rabwah].

“So, to refresh memories of our elders and to pray for them, commonly one tries to go there [first].”

Huzooraa lovingly said to the khadim that if such an opportunity arose, “If you get a chance, you may come with me [to Rabwah].”

Labeeb Ahmad, who studied mechanical engineering, asked if a dream could be said to be a true dream if one saw a Khalifa in the dream.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if the dream was positive and pure, then it could be a true dream. However, many factors of the dream played a role, Huzooraa said. Even thoughts have effects on dreams, Huzooraa noted. The nature of the dream mattered too; it could not be that if the Khalifa who was seen in the dream said something against Islamic principles, that

dream be deemed true.

Another khadim, Muhammad Umair Fateh, who was pursuing a master’s in industrial engineering, said that in today’s age, mankind relied on artificial intelligence a lot; however, some of this was immoral.

He wanted to know how to navigate in such an environment.

Huzooraa said that one should look at technology and assess whether it was going against Islamic teachings, negatively affecting mankind or ruining morals. If it was doing any of these things, then we needed to raise barriers ourselves against using them.

At this, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said to Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany that the time had finished and, “I have seen that, masha-Allah, your khuddam have patience and courage. They at least have the strength and have shown they can endure the rain.

“May Allah the Almighty increase their will and strength; may they truly become servants of religion; may they achieve the purpose set by Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya, and the oath they take, that they will keep faith above the world, may they act on this, and may they be protectors of Khilafat.

“And with all their abilities, may they strive for this too and increase their religious knowledge and spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in their country. May Allah the Almighty enable all of you to do this.”

Sadr Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Germany then made a request to Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa for Huzooraa to bless the khuddam who had won the alam-eina‘mi prize by looking at them. Huzooraa graciously agreed and asked MTA International to show those khuddam.

Huzooraa also asked who had won the alame-ina‘mi for both Khuddam and Atfal.

At this Huzooraa, said that khuddam should continue to progress and serve to spread the message of Islam and then conveyed his salaam to which the meeting came to an end.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

Answers to Part XX: Fridays, mourning the Everyday dead, women at Hajj, missing Issues a prayer and guidance for missionaries Guidance regarding basic Islamic issues – which Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa has given on various occasions in his written correspondence and during MTA programmes – is being officially published below for everyone’s benefit.

Zaheer Ahmad Khan Head of Records Department, Private Secretariat, London

The special moment for the acceptance of prayers on Fridays – The length of fara‘iz & nawafil (the obligatory & the supererogatory prayers) Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa was asked about a statement he made during one of his Friday Sermons regarding the special time for the acceptance of prayers that comes on Fridays.

Huzooraa was also asked about another statement he made during the concluding address of Jalsa Salana UK with regard to reciting the shorter surahs of the Holy Quran during the Tarawih prayer instead of a whole part.

In a letter dated 4 February 2020, Huzooraa gave the following reply: “In my Friday Sermon, I stated in light of the ahadith and the instructions of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra about the special hour of acceptance of prayers on Fridays, that it is a very short period of time. Moreover, different times of the day have been ascribed to it. Hadith scholars and jurists have also stated different times between zenith and

sunset, during which this moment can occur.

“In my view, the wisdom behind ascribing different times to this hour is that the entire day of Friday is full of blessings.

Hence, one should spend this whole day supplicating.

“As far as the shortening of prayers is concerned, you have confused two of my statements in this regard. I said, with reference to a hadith, that someone complained to the Holy Prophetsa about an imam who used to greatly prolong the prayers. The Holy Prophetsa expressed his displeasure over this.

“Then, I said that shortening the prayers does not mean that prayers should be offered mindlessly in a hurry. In this regard, I gave the example of [a clip of] Tarawih prayers circulating on social media in which the imam concluded all the rak‘aat of the Tarawih prayer within minutes.

“So, my point was that prayers should neither be prolonged to such an extent that the worshippers get tired and start to resent them, nor is it permissible to shorten a prayer so much that it merely looks like sudden movements instead of a prayer.

“Moreover, it should also be remembered that the prayers which the Holy Prophetsa has

instructed to be kept brief, are the obligatory [farz] prayers. The reason for this is that the obligatory prayers must be performed in congregation by all. The Holy Prophetsa said that since the worshippers could include the sick, old, weak and those who needed to go to work, it was the responsibility of the imam to take all of them into consideration and conclude the prayer within a reasonable time.

“However, Tarawih is a supererogatory prayer and it is not obligatory upon everyone to perform it; rather, those who can easily participate in it should do so and those who have an excuse, are free not to.

There is nothing wrong with that.

“Moreover, Tarawih prayers began during the Khilafat of Hazrat Umarra and he initiated them especially for the recitation of the Holy Quran. Therefore, there should be relatively longer recitation in them and if possible, the entire Holy Quran should be completed during the Tarawih prayers in the blessed month of Ramadan.”

The period of mourning over the dead A lady informed Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa of the demise of her brother and asked about Islamic injunctions regarding the mourning by a widow and the mourning by other people, especially the mourning of a sister over the death of a brother.

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 4 February 2020, gave the following reply: “Islam has guided its followers regarding every matter of happiness as well as sorrow.

Hence, where, on the one hand, it exhorts to be patient after the death of a loved one, on the other, it also allows the bereaved to express grief caused by separation. All the loved ones, including parents, siblings and children of the deceased, are allowed to mourn for a maximum of three days.

“A wife, on the other hand, has been instructed to mourn the death of her husband for a period of four months and 10 days. This is mentioned in Surah al-Baqarah of the Holy Quran.

“Moreover, the instructions of the Holy Prophetsa in this regard that he gave at various occasions are also recorded in ahadith. Hence, it is narrated by Hazrat Zainabra bint Abi Salamah (who was the stepdaughter of the Holy Prophetsa): “‘I went to Hazrat Umm Habibara, the noble wife of the Holy Prophetsa, who said

that she heard Allah’s Messengersa saying, “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for any dead person for more than three days except for her husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days.”’ “[The narrator further states:] ‘Later, I went to Hazrat Zainabra bint Jahsh when her brother died.’ When three days had passed after the demise of her brother, she asked for some scent, and after applying it on herself, she said, ‘I am not in need of scent but I heard Allah’s Messengersa, while on the pulpit, saying, “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to mourn for more than three days for any dead person except her husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days.”’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Jana‘iz, Bab ihdadul mar‘ati ala ghairi zaujihaa) “Thus, all the bereaved, save the widow, whether they are parents, children or siblings, are allowed to mourn for only three days, not more than that.

“As far as the limits and the scope of mourning by a widow is concerned, (which is four months and ten days,) Islam does not make any exceptions to this, nor does it grant any age-related exemption. Therefore, it is incumbent upon a widow to spend this period of iddah in her home as much as possible. She is not allowed to adorn herself, participate in social events or leave the house unnecessarily during that period.

“During the iddah period, a widow may go to her husband’s grave to pray, provided that the grave is in the town where the widow resides. Moreover, if she has to go to the doctor, she would be exempt on the grounds of compelling circumstances.

“Similarly, if a widow’s family’s livelihood depends on her job or she has no other arrangements for taking the children to school and bringing them back or doing the shopping, then all these circumstances would grant her an exemption on grounds of compelling circumstances. In such a case, it would be incumbent upon her to go straight to work and return home after completing the work. That is the maximum extent of the permission to leave the house on grounds of compelling circumstances or dire need. She is not allowed to participate in any kind of social gatherings or programmes.”

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Unaccompanied women performing Hajj Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in a letter dated 4 February 2020, stated the following regarding an edict issued by the nazim of dar-ul-ifta on the issue of unaccompanied women going on a journey to perform Hajj. Huzooraa said: “In my view, the condition of having a male mahram with a woman for Hajj and Umrah was based on a temporary ruling, just as other travel was forbidden for an unaccompanied woman at that time, because in those days, journeys used to be very difficult and lengthy – facilities were not available on the way and on top of that, the risks of being robbed were very high.

“Hence, when a complaint of a robbery was once brought before the Holy Prophetsa, he gave the glad tiding of peaceful journeys in the future and said to Hazrat Adira bin Hatim: َ َ ْ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ َّ َ َ َ َ ٌ َ َ َ ْ َ َ ْ َ ‫ير ِة َح ّتى‬ ‫ف ِإن طالت بِك حياة لترين الظ ِعينة ترت ِحل ِمن ال ِح‬ َ َ َُ ّ ٰ َّ ً َ ُ َ َ َ ‫تطوف بِالْك ْع َب ِة لا تخاف أ َحدا ِإلا الل َه‬ “‘If you live for a long time, you will certainly see that a lady in a howdah travelling from Al-Heera will [safely reach Mecca and] perform the tawaf [circumambulation] of the Ka‘bah, fearing none but Allah.’ [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Manaqib] “At the end of the same hadith, Hazrat Adira bin Hatim narrates: َ َ َ ُ َ َ َ ْ ْ ُ َ ْ َ َ َ َّ ُ ْ َ َ َ ‫ير ِة َح ّتى تطوف بِالْك ْع َب ِة لا‬ ‫فرأيت الظ ِعينة ترت ِحل ِمن ال ِح‬ ٰ َّ ُ َ َ َ‫اللّه‬ ‫تخاف ِإلا‬ “‘[Later on] I saw a lady in a howdah travelling from Al-Heera till she [arrived safely in Mecca and] performed the tawaf of the Ka‘bah, fearing none but Allah.’ (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Manaqib) “Al-Heera was a town in the Persian empire at that time and was located near Kufa, which means that it would have been a journey lasting several days at that time.

So, in those days, if a woman could embark on a journey from Al-Heera and travel for several days and come to perform the tawaf of the Ka‘bah in Mecca, then why can’t a woman travel for a few hours by plane these days and go for Umrah and Hajj etc.?”

The believer and the world – Expiation for a missed Salat Someone wrote to Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa and said, “I

have read that only good things come to a believer but also that this world is a Hell for a believer.” He asked, “Which of these two statements is true?” The person also asked, “Is it true that if someone misses a single prayer, their prayers of the last 40 years are wasted?”

Huzooraa, in a letter dated 20 February 2020, gave the following reply: “In fact, a true believer has no interest in worldly things. They use them only as temporary goods as per the command of Allah to a necessary extent. Their eyes are always on the pleasure and happiness of Allah the Exalted. Therefore, since a believer does not run after worldly things lest they erase the remembrance of Allah from their heart, they face hardship in worldly terms.

However, they do not feel any discomfort from it; they rather happily endure this worldly hardship for the sake of Allah the Exalted.

“An example of this is found in the prayer of Hazrat Yusufas in which he prayed, ‘O my Lord, I would prefer prison to that to which they invite me.’ (Surah Yusuf, Ch.12: V.34) “On the contrary, a disbeliever considers this world to be everything. They run after it all the time and greatly enjoy worldly possessions that are their sole interest.

Thus, while explaining this subject, the Holy Prophetsa has said that the world is a prison for the believer and a Paradise for the disbeliever. (Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Zuhdi wa al-Raqaiq) “The answer to your question about Salat is that if a prayer is missed due to forgetting, then the Holy Prophetsa has said that it should be offered as soon as one remembered the missed prayer. This is the expiation for forgetting to offer a prayer.

However, it is a grave sin to intentionally skip a prayer. Its forgiveness can only come from repentance [taubah], seeking forgiveness [istighfar] and a firm resolve and promise not to repeat such a mistake in the future.”

How to become a sultan-e-naseer [helper] of Khalifatul Masih During a virtual mulaqat of the missionaries of Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, which was held on 15 November 2020, Huzooraa was asked as to how one could become a sultan-e-naseer [helping power] for Khalifatul Masih?

Huzooraa replied:

“If you wish to become a sultan-enaseer [helper] of the Khalifa of the time, then this cannot be achieved without the help of supplications. And the best way of supplicating and of attaining nearness to Allah the Exalted is through nafl [voluntary] prayers.

“Undoubtedly you offer the compulsory prayers anyway, and if you do not, then you fall short of even being considered in the basic category of ordinary Muslims.

However, after the fara‘iz, it is the nawafil that will enable you to gain nearness to Allah the Exalted and further opportunities to serve [the faith] and will bless your endeavours. They will also provide you with the opportunity to become a sultan-e-naseer of the Khalifa of the time.

“Thus, it is the duty of every missionary to offer the Tahajud prayer for at least one hour a day – one hour a day is not difficult given the current circumstances. You could even offer Tahajud for two hours these days.

However, all of you should offer Tahajud – even in normal circumstances – for at least one hour a day unless there is a reasonable cause that stops you such as an illness or old age. That is an exceptional case. Otherwise, this is vital, without which we cannot progress.

“You must pay special attention to this. Pay special attention towards the remembrance of Allah too, instead of daydreaming about visiting a certain shop because they have a certain product on sale, or about doing a certain worldly task, or about going and participating in a certain gathering. Instead of wasting your time, you should pay attention to improving your spirituality.

“You can only bring about a revolution by increasing your spirituality. Revolutions are never brought about through mere singing of taranahs [choral poems] and raising slogans, nor will you gain the blessings of Allah by [merely relying on] these things.

“Therefore, the first thing you must do is improve your spiritual conditions. Also, in your capacity as missionaries, you must try to become a role model for the members of your respective jamaats. Everyone should be able to look up to you and say, ‘Yes indeed, Murabbi Sahib is one who has a relationship with Allah the Exalted, and he is focused, and he shows compassion to Allah’s creation

and he is also loving and courteous towards the members of the Jamaat.’

“Only when you will adopt these virtues will you attain success. If you manage to morally train people in the right way, then you will find such workers in the Jamaat who will be your helpers in your tasks, and this will make your endeavours easier.”

How to wake up for the Tahajud prayer during winter In the same virtual mulaqat [of the missionaries of Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, which was held on 15 November 2020], a missionary asked, “Huzooraa mentioned Tahajud prayers in the beginning. One can easily wake up during the winter period, but what would be the best way to do this on a regular basis throughout the year here in these countries?”

Huzooraa replied: “This depends on how deep your relationship is with Allah the Exalted and how much love you have for Him. You do manage to take time for other things. Do you not? If the Isha prayers are offered at 10 pm or 10:30 pm in Germany, and the morning prayers are offered at 2:30 am, or 2:45 am or 3 am … in fact, sehri is a lot earlier here in the UK whilst it is an hour later in Germany.

There is a difference of approximately 30-45 minutes.

“So, sleep for two hours, or one and a half hours, then wake up to offer prayers and then go to sleep again for an hour or two after offering the Fajr prayer. One has to make their own routine.

“If one has a yearning or passion to do something within their heart, then one manages to find ways to do those things.

During your exam period in Jamia, you had to study and you stayed awake during the nights to prepare for the exams; you offer Tahajud whenever you are concerned about something, right? This is all about mindset.

If you can train your mindset to achieve this goal, then Allah the Exalted will help you.

“There are people who sleep for an hour and a half at night, and then wake up to offer the Tahajud prayer and then sleep after the Fajr prayer for whatever time they have.

“You will have to manage time for this.

After all, you have the whole day available

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AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021 to you besides this. You can sleep for an hour in the afternoon in order to catch up on sleep. This is not a difficult matter.

One can actively perform worship in their youth. You people are young. This is your time [to do this]. This is the time to reap as much benefit as you can from this. Do your best to fulfil the rights of worship to your maximum capacity. ‫غ‬

��� ‫ش ی‬ ‫�وه پ ی م�ب�ری‬ ‫در وجاین وتہب رکدن‬ ‫ش‬ ‫ہ‬ ‫ی‬ ‫وتق پ ی�ری رگگ اظمل مود ی‬ ‫رپ��زاگر‬

“‘To be pious in one’s youth is the way of the prophets. In old age, even a ferocious wolf becomes virtuous.’”

How to draw the youth closer to the Jamaat In the same virtual mulaqat [of the missionaries of Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, which was held on 15 November 2020], a missionary asked, “It has been observed that because the youth spend the majority of their time outside of the home, they are naturally influenced by the society that they live in. How can we draw them closer to the Jamaat?”

Huzooraa replied: “This is the task of the young missionaries. You grew up and were raised here, you have graduated here, or you have attained your secondary education here, or you have completed your Abitur here, or whatever qualification you may have attained, it was all done here [in Germany].

Therefore, since you live here yourselves, you are aware of this society. So, you should try to devise plans to do their tarbiyat accordingly.

“That is why I say that you should form a bond of friendship with them and that is why the auxiliary organisations have been established as well. It is also the duty of the auxiliary organisations to get the youth involved and all the young missionaries should help them in this endeavour. If you work in this manner then you will be able to overcome these issues, insha-Allah.

“Thus, it is all down to one’s effort. It does not matter if society is such. Society represents the very challenge that is before us. It is whilst living in this very society that we have to try and reach out to them [the youth] according to their conditions.

“There is no such new way or a new formula, which, if applied, could instantly lead to the reformation of everyone so much so that they become auliya‘ullah [friends of Allah]. This will not happen, nor can you achieve all of your targets in just one day.

This is a continuous endeavour which you ought to undertake so that the youth may continue to have a relationship with the members of the Jamaat and so that they may have this constant realisation within them that they have another responsibility as well and that is that they also have to fulfil the pledge which they have made to give precedence to their faith over worldly pursuits. Develop this realisation within them gradually.

“The more your auxiliary organisations remain in contact with the members of the Jamaat or the members of their respective organisations – that is, the Khuddam, Lajna and Ansar – the more impact they will have on them. The more time missionaries give to remain in contact with the members of the Jamaat, the more impact they will have on

them. This is a constant endeavour that you must continue to make.

“There is no hard and fast rule or formula which can be devised for this. You will have to make decisions based on the conditions and the psyche of everyone on an individual basis.

“This is the trust that has been placed in young missionaries like yourselves, who have studied and grown up in this society that they can perform their tarbiyat in a more effective manner. If you are able to improve your own tarbiyat, and as mentioned in the beginning, if you develop a relationship with Allah, then you will see that you will be able to bring about a revolution inshaAllahu Ta‘ala.

“I am hopeful that if the young missionaries rise to the challenge with a firm resolve, then a revolutionary transformation can occur, insha-Allah. This is because you have been brought up in these societies.

“Previously, missionaries would come from Pakistan or from other foreign countries, who were not fully acquainted with that society, nor did they have command over the language. You, on the other hand, have a full grasp of the language and comprehend it very well and so you can perform the relevant work more effectively.

“As you have lived in that society, you have greater knowledge of it as well. So, in this way, you should explore new avenues as to how you can morally train the new generation, how you can attach them to the Jamaat and how you can save them from going astray.”

first three years. The first three years are a training period for them. During this time, you should morally train them and inform them about the nizam of the Jamaat. [You should explain to them that] since they are new, they should first observe and try to understand the nizam. For example, with regard to financial sacrifices, [you can explain to them that] since Allah the Exalted has drawn our attention towards it, they should contribute as much as they wish towards Waqf-e-Jadid and Tahrik-e-Jadid according to their circumstances, even it be one euro for the whole year for his cause.

The purpose for this is so that one feels that they have some attachment with the Jamaat.

“In the same manner, inform them about Salat as well and encourage them to learn it. When a non-Muslim converts to Islam Ahmadiyyat, you ought to first teach them Surah al-Fatihah. Once he has learnt Surah al-Fatihah, because he needs to offer the Salat, teach him the obligations of Salat

things to them with love and compassion.

For example, teach them what Salat is and why it is obligatory upon us. You should explain that they may be offering one, two, three or four prayers but for a true believer, there are five obligatory prayers that he must offer. Explain the reasons and the wisdom behind this.

“If they have studied and have been impressed by the theological arguments, then you should explain the wisdom of Salat to them in light of that. If a person has the intellect to understand the religious and theological arguments in depth and the philosophy behind them then it is not correct to simply say to such a person that they will enter Hell if they fail to offer their Salat. You should not say this to anyone.

In fact, explain the wisdom behind Salat to them with love and explain why the five daily prayers have been made obligatory upon them. Once they understand the wisdom behind this, they will begin to offer

[and teach him that] Allah the Exalted has made Salat obligatory upon us and the Holy Prophetsa has said that the recitation of Surah al-Fatihah is an essential condition for it. Salat is not complete without reading Surah al-Fatiha. Therefore, you should first teach them Surah al-Fatiha. Then you can encourage them to learn the translation, or you can advise them to learn the translation first so that at least they can understand what the imam is saying when he recites Surah al-Fatihah in the prayers during which the recitation is done aloud. In this way, they will develop the desire to learn Surah al-Fatihah themselves.

“I have seen many English converts who have memorised Surah al-Fatihah with great enthusiasm. Whenever any of the new converts from different countries meet me and I advise them to learn Surah al-Fatihah, by the grace of Allah, they learn it and understand it as well. Thus, the first three years are a training period for them. Once their training is completed in the three years, then they will not find it difficult to integrate into the system of the Jamaat.

“However, if, from day one, you hold high expectations from them to become auliya‘ullah straight away, then that is not possible. (Having this expectation) would be your own fault.

“The reason why a three-year period has been set is that during this time, you are not to take chanda from them, nor are you to compel them to do anything. In fact, you ought to train them as to what the nizam of the Jamaat is. You should not be harsh when you train them; rather, you ought to explain

more prayers than you. This is something that I have seen from my experience.

“In the same manner, you should explain what chanda is and its wisdom and the wisdom in believing in Allah the Exalted. Therefore, it is not a matter of being impressed by the religious and theological arguments; rather, you should use that very knowledge of the religious and theological arguments to explain the wisdom behind different matters.

“The religious and theological arguments which have impressed them, use that very knowledge as a means [to explain the wisdom behind matters]. For example, after reading The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, people are greatly impressed and it is through reading this book that one can understand the existence of Allah the Exalted; it is through reading The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam that one can discover the true essence of worship; it is though reading The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam that one learns of the true standard of sacrifice and through reading The Philosophy of the Teachings of Islam, one can understand the concept of Heaven and Hell.

“Therefore, when you explain the wisdom of these matters to them through the knowledge of the religious and theological arguments that they already have, then they will understand these matters as well. Thus, the answer to your question lies within the very question that you have asked me, therefore take benefit from that.”

How to help converts integrate into the nizam-e-Jamaat In the same virtual mulaqat [of the missionaries of Germany with Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih Vaa], which was held on 15 November 2020, a missionary said, “People from other nations who have joined the Jamaat are very much impressed by the Jamaat’s religious and theological arguments. However, they do not integrate as well into the nizam [system] of the Jamaat, especially in matters of financial sacrifices. Moreover, they are also unable to maintain contact with the local Jamaats. We request Huzooraa to kindly grant us some guidance in this regard.”

Huzooraa replied: “Do not make the nizam [the administrative structure] of the Jamaat difficult for them. That is why, in the early days, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh stated – the previous Khulafa have also said this and I too say this as well – that when new converts come and join the Jamaat, explain to them what the system of the Jamaat is during the first three years. Do not treat them as if they are already auliya‘ullah [friends of Allah] or that they are among the progeny of the companions or are born Ahmadis.

“Having said that, the new converts possess more religious knowledge than those who are born into Ahmadiyyat. This is something that I have often observed.

Those people who join the Jamaat after deep contemplation, pay more attention to prayers, reciting istighfar, offering Tahajud and trying to understand the books of the Promised Messiahas.

“In any case, we should not be expecting these things from the very first day they join. That is why the rules of the system of chanda are not applied to them during the

(Translated by Al Hakam)

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

This Week in History 27 August - 2 September introducing Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra, said that the position of Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra was very high in terms of service to religion and piety and that he also had the honour of being a companion of Hazrat Ahmadas.

The second day of the Jalsa was dedicated to the Urdu speaking audience. The inaugural speech was delivered by Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib. In his speech, Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib emphasised the importance of taqwa and establishing a relationship with Allah.

29 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra, on his return from his tour of Europe, underwent a medical checkup in Zurich, Switzerland.

29 August 1964: Around 80 people from Jamaat England’s 11 local branches arranged a two-day gathering to enhance their spirituality, which is supposed to be the start of Jalsas in this country.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in Zurich, 1955

7 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra arrived in Zurich, Switzerland where he delivered an address to a gathering of Ahmadis. The next day, on 28 August, Huzoorra addressed local dignitaries and representatives of the Swiss press.

On this occasion, the missionary of Switzerland, Sheikh Nasir Ahmad Sahib sent a report to Al Fazl: “On this occasion, this humble self and a new Muslim of Swiss origin delivered a speech of thanks. Huzoor[ra] replied that although the Western nations had not yet recognised the truth, the time would soon come when they would accept Islam. And they would associate themselves with the chosen Prophet [the Holy Prophetsa].”

27 August 1969: On this date, a companion of the Promised Messiahas, Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Yaqubra passed away.

Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Yaqubra was born in 1891. He met with Hazrat Ahmadas in 1906 and did bai‘at in 1908. His village was four miles from Qadian.

Fazlullah Sahib passed away. This devout Ahmadi was from Khartoum and served the Jamaat as an honorary missionary in Sudan.

After completing his education, Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Yaqubra got a job as the headmaster in a middle school based in Hoshiarpur. Hazrat Sufi Muhammad Yaqubra used to express his desire to live and serve in Qadian. Allah Almighty soon accepted his prayer and created means for him to transfer and live in Qadian.

On 24 November 1941, at the age of 22, he converted to Ahmadiyyat. He then came to Pakistan to study. After studying in Rabwah, he returned to his homeland where he served and preached the true message of Islam.

27 August 1973: On this date, during his tour of Europe, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh left for Italy at ten o’clock in the morning. Huzoorrh, along with his entourage, entered Italy’s border at 7 pm after a long journey. Huzoor’srh stay was arranged in Hotel Gabrielli Sandwirth Venezia.

28 August 1955: Syed Ibrahim Abbas

28 August 1965: Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya in England held its annual convention, which was attended by Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, Wakil-e-Ala Tahrik-eJadid.

The annual Jalsa started with the speech of Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra at 4:30 pm. He spoke in English for about an hour and a half on the topic of virtues of the Holy Quran.

Mirza Mubarak Ahmad Sahib, whilst

29 August 1980: On this date, during his visit to Ghana, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh travelled from Accra to unveil the memorial plaque of the Baitul Zikr mosque which was under construction.

Following this, after arriving at Salt Pond in the afternoon, Huzoorrh inaugurated the Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Ijtema of Ghana by hoisting the flag of Ahmadiyyat and then delivered the Friday sermon.

When Huzoorrh made his way back, he prayed at the grave of the pioneering Ghanaian Ahmadi, Chief Mahdi Apa in Ekrawfu and then met with the president of Ghana.

On this day, during his journey, Huzoorrh also unveiled a memorial plaque on the newly constructed building of an Ahmadiyya Secondary School.

After his tour in Ghana, Huzoorrh returned to London on 31 August.

30 August 1933: Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad Sahib embarked on his journey to England to pursue higher studies there. It was a historic moment because

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

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fulfilled his duties and preached to the Ahmadis individually.

31 August 1955: Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra delivered a lecture in Zurich, Switzerland about the spirit of religion and its basic principles. According to volume 16 of Tarikh-e-Ahmadiyyat, this lecture was given in English.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in Switzerland, 1955

1 September 1911: Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra began his journey towards England after obtaining permission and prayers from Hazrat Maulvi Nuruddin, Khalifatul Masih Ira. When Hazrat Chaudhry Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Zafrulla Khanra Khanra went for his last audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira, Huzoorra said to him, “It is generally said that as England is a cold country, it is advisable to drink liquor as a defence against cold. We, the physicians, know it is wholly incorrect. If you need to fend against cold, drink cocoa - it provides nourishment and fights cold at the same time. Keep writing to me. I will pray for you. (Tehdis-e-Nemat) Huzoorra advised Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra to recite Surah Yusuf every morning whilst in London.

2 September 1926: Hazrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra, the father of Hazrat Chaudhry Zafrulla Khanra, passed away.

Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra led his funeral Hazrat Chaudhry Nasrullah prayer and Khanra himself wrote a memorial to be inscribed on the headstone of his grave.

Whilst mentioning him, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra said that Hazrat Chaudhry Nasrullah Khanra was at the forefront in service to religion.

2 September 1942: Hazrat Khalifa Nuruddin Jamunira passed away. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra led his funeral prayer.

He accepted the Promised Hazrat Khalifa Nuruddin Messiahas in Jamunira 1891 and had the honour of doing some field research regarding the tomb of Jesusas in Srinagar when he was appointed in this locality.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Ghana

he was amongst the first from the progeny of the Promised Messiahas to travel abroad for studies. On this occasion, his revered father, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, and Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra individually penned special instructions Mirza Muzaffar Ahmad for him, which Sahib proved very beneficial.

30 August 1973: During his travels in Europe, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh travelled from Venice, Italy to Germany.

After travelling to West Germany, Huzoorrh and his entourage stayed at Hotel Goldener. Huzoorrh stayed in room number 14 of the hotel.

31 August 1924: An Ahmadi, Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib was martyred in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra was still in London when the painful news reached him that by the order of Amir Amanullah Khan Shah of Afghanistan, an Ahmadi missionary, merely for being an Ahmadi, was stoned to death at the age of 34.

Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib was a resident of a village near Kabul in the Rakha district of the Panjshir region.

After becoming an Ahmadi, Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib went to Qadian to complete his studies in Islam. While he was still studying, Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra sent him to Afghanistan to educate the Ahmadis of Kabul. Since there was no peace for the Ahmadis there, Maulvi Nematullah Khan Sahib

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Karachi, Pakistan

1 September 1968: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh addressed members of khuddam in Karachi in which he said that in this age, the most important task was to make every effort for the spread of Islam.

Hazrat Khalifa Nuruddin Jamunira participated in financial sacrifices beyond his means. When the scheme of Wasiyyat was introduced in 1905, he also joined.

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Opinion

Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Taliban, the plight of Afghan women and the need for True Islam

Aasifa Rahmath Hameed Chennai, India

Turning the pages of Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns was difficult at times as the author had weaved a story that seemed too real at times.

Being a literature student at that time, I had to tell myself that they were just fiction and nothing more.

Looking at A Thousand Splendid Suns from the feminist perspective was one way to deal with the trauma that was depicted in the novel, but how much we try, those stories never leave us and the Taliban invasion in Kabul is a testament to that.

While the major powers are busy evacuating their citizens stranded in Afghanistan, one cannot help but notice the articles that depict the fear of women who are the citizens of the country (www.bbc. com/news/world-asia-58191440).

People scrambling to get themselves seated on an aeroplane to fly out of Kabul is their one last attempt to safeguard their rights.

Women all over the country have claimed their rights to get educated, to build a career and to have a life and identity of their own, but the recent invasion has already threatened their choices and basic rights of being a woman. Women were asked to leave the jobs that pertained to law, healthcare, banking and journalism as the Taliban seized power. (www.aljazeera.com/ economy/2021/8/16/as-the-taliban-seizedcities-they-sent-women-packing-home) It is ironic to see how an organisation that claims “to restore peace and security and enforce their own austere version of Sharia, or Islamic law” (www.bbc.com/news/ world-south-asia-11451718), has not really understood what Islam says about the rights of women.

In fact, Islam is the first religion to uphold the rights of women in every sphere of life while all the other religions were far behind in providing women with a sense

of safety and identity. Even a short glimpse of the lives of the women who lived during Prophet Muhammad’ssa time is enough to understand how learned they were. Some women had more knowledge than men and they even helped them during wars. (www. alislam.org/articles/role-of-women-in-anislamic-society/).

So to push women backwards by denying them basic rights like safety, education, career prospects and healthcare, is synonymous with going back to the times before the advent of Islam where women were not treated with respect.

Prophet Muhammadsa expounded on the rights of women and highlighted the importance of education for women. The first wife of the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Khadijara, was a successful, highly educated

Students of Madrasatul Hifz Sierra Leone visit hospital Abdul Hadi Qurashi Sierra Leone Correspondent

Hafiz Asadullah Waheed Sahib, a teacher of Madrasatul Hifz Sierra Leone reports that the students of Madrasatul Hifz Sierra Leone had the opportunity to visit the government hospital in Bo on 13 August 2021, where they attended to 35 patients and provided

them fruits as well.

Moreover, leaflets on the introduction to Islam Ahmadiyyat were also distributed among 61 people.

The students were welcomed by the MS of the hospital, Mr SK Amara, along with other doctors and staff members. They also appreciated the humanitarian activities of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Sierra Leone.

businesswoman. We also find instances in history where the male companions of the Prophetsa listened to the lectures given by Hazrat Aishara, the wife of the Prophetsa. (www.alislam.org/articles/islamrestoring-womens-rights/) In one hadith, Hazrat Anasra ibn Malik reported that the Holy Prophetsa said, “Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The first revealed word of the Holy Quran also commanded the believers to “Read!” (Surah al-Alaq). This shows that Almighty Allah has made it an obligation for women also to seek education.

The Khulafa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat have illustrated the rights of women countless times. In an address Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmadaa gave at the opening of the

community’s mosque at Marburg, Germany, he said: “It is important for any person, male or female, to gain an education and to use it to serve their nation. However, it is of even more significance for a girl to be educated because in later life, she will then be able to educate and raise her children in the best fashion.” (www.alislam.org/press-release/ ahmadiyya-muslim-community-mosque-inmarburg-germany/) One is able to understand that when a woman is educated, it serves not only her but helps the future generation as well.

In another address to the Ahmadi youth, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa made it clear that “education was imperative and that it was completely wrong to suggest that Islam discouraged females from attaining a high level of education”. (www.alislam.org/ press-release/head-of-ahmadiyya-muslimcommunity-addresses-muslim-youth-eventswaqfe-nau-ijtemas-in-london/) Unlike how the majority perceives Islam to be an extreme religion, the true teachings of Islam have made education mandatory because it is the first step in asserting one’s rights and identity which otherwise could be exploited by such forces.

Even during the latest Jalsa Salana UK (2021), while addressing Ahmadi ladies, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa reminded everyone extensively regarding the rights of women that Islam has provided (www. alhakam.org/true-emancipation-throughthe-everlasting-teachings-of-islam-englishtranslation-of-huzoors-address-in-ladiessession-of-jalsa-salana-uk-2021/) Therefore one needs to understand that Islam provides women with the right to be educated, and if extremist organisations tell otherwise and curb the rights of women, then it is only a man-made machination.

Let us sincerely pray and hope that the version of Afghanistan that Hosseini portrayed does not become a reality soon.

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

100 Years Ago...

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Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Commemorating the day of Hajj and celebration of Eid in Kashmir Al Fazl, 25 & 29 August 1921

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih in Kashmir On 13 [August 1921], Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] was unwell. Huzoor[ra] did not feel good on 14 [August 1921] as well.

He suffered from nausea all day and also vomited. As it was the day of Hajj, like the previous year, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih went to a secluded place on a nearby hill to pray. After the Zuhr prayer, at three o’clock, Huzoor[ra] led four rak‘aat [units of prayer] of nawafil [voluntary prayers] in congregation and recited aloud in the prayer. It took more than two hours to perform the four nawafil.

Huzoor[ra] prayed for a long time.

After the four rak‘aat, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih explained the philosophy of the words of Durood Sharif and said that we did not know which prayer was more suitable and appropriate for the Holy Prophetsa.

Therefore, the words of Durood Sharif are to the point as only God Almighty knows on which level [of Paradise] the Holy Prophetsa is and what is the next level of progress, so a distinction of level has not been made in the ّ ّ words of ‫[ صل و سلم و بارک‬bestow grace, peace and blessings] because we cannot tell at all whether jannat-ul-firdaus is the highest level or jannat-ul-ma‘waa or jannat-e-‘adn are higher levels.

Let us suppose, one prays for the Holy Prophetsa to be granted jannat-ul-firdaus, but if the Holy Prophetsa had already progressed to the next level of Paradise, then this person’s example will be the same as the one who prayed for a deputy commissioner that God bless him with the position of inspector.

Hence, the words [of Durood Sharif] ّ ‫ اللہم صلی علی۔۔۔‬are therefore to the point. The [status of] the Holy Prophetsa is elevating every moment. In these words, the prayer has been taught that the Holy Prophetsa should be granted a higher status than the progress he has already made so far.

After the nawafil, Huzoor[ra] led Asr prayer and then went for a long walk.

After the Asr prayer, in the presence of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih, Mir Muhammad Ismail Sahib read out the appeal of the officer of Jalsa Salana, which he had sent for Huzoor’s[ra] associates, and all of them took part in this good deed to the fullest possible extent. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih promised to donate an additional sum of 100 rupees for 12 and half mann [one mann is equal to

around 40 kg] of wheat.

On 15 [August 1921] was the blessed day of Eid. By the grace of Allah the Almighty, Huzoor[ra] remained in good health. Around 315 friends joined in the Eid prayer. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih shed light on the matters of Eid and qurbani [sacrifice] in his sermon and at the end, he gave comprehensive advice to the jamaat here [in Kashmir].

After [silent] prayer, Huzoor[ra] announced that a general jalsa would be held on Friday, 26 August, so all Ahmadi friends should try to join it.

On 16 [August 1921], Huzoor’s[ra] health was good, by the grace of Allah the Almighty. At eight o’clock in the morning, Huzoor[ra] went for an excursion and came back from there at around four o’clock.

Hazrat Umm-ul-Momineen[ra] is well, by the grace of Allah the Almighty. The other three family members of Huzoor[ra] are unwell.

The honourable mother of Nasir Ahmad Sahib[rh] is very sick. Members of the Jamaat are requested to pray for their health.

Friends should keep in mind that letters written to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] should not be sent to any address other than Srinagar. The letters will reach him wherever Huzoor[ra] will be staying.

On 17 [August 1921], Huzoor’s[ra] health was well by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

After the Asr prayer, Huzoor[ra] went for a walk. On the way back, it started to rain heavily. The honourable mother of Mian Nasir Ahmad Sahib[rh] had a high fever and felt anxiety and discomfort.

On 18 [August 1921], Huzoor’s[ra] health was good, by the grace of Allah the Almighty.

As it rained heavily all day, Huzoor[ra] could not go for a walk. The honourable mother of Mian Nasir Ahmad Sahib[rh] did not feel any better. She has become very weak and feeble. May Allah the Almighty grant her perfect and speedy health. Amin, thumma amin!

On 19 [August 1921], Huzoor[ra] was in good health, by the grace of Allah Almighty.

After having a meal at eleven o’clock in the morning, Huzoor[ra] spoke for an hour.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that although there was an instruction in the following hadith about a specific matter: َّ ّ َ ُ ۤ َ َ ْ َ َ َّ َّ َ َ َ ْ ُ ‫الش‬ ‫الا ل ِيبلِ ِغ‬ ‫ام ٍع‬ ِ ‫اهد الغائِب ف ُرب ُم َبل ٍغ أ ْوعى ِمن َس‬ ِ Continued on next page >>

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

[“Surely, it is the duty of those who are present to inform those who are absent because it is quite possible that a person who receives information indirectly may understand it better than present audience”], an in-depth study of this [hadith] would make it clear that it was a general instruction.

Therefore, the Companionsra [of the Holy Prophetsa] followed it to the letter and conveyed to the others even the smallest and minutest of matters that came out of the blessed mouth of the Holy Prophetsa.

For example, once, the Holy Prophetsa was

looking for pieces of gourd in broth, and a Companionra narrated this in a hadith.

Huzoor[ra] said, “When I read such a hadith, it has a dual effect on me. On the one hand, the memory of the Holy Prophetsa is recalled and his image is formed in my mind and thus, my heart feels the spiritual effect of the Holy Prophetsa. On the other hand, I get to know about the high admiration that the narrator had for the Holy Prophetsa and then I fall in love with him too.”

It has been observed in the ahadith that the same matter has been narrated by different narrators. Sometimes the words are

Atfal and Nasirat of Kababir take part in summer camp

the same but their effect on various people is different in diverse situations. For instance, if it is instructed to offer prayers, then in some cases it is said for unity, sometimes for [drawing attention] towards nearness [of God] and other times for the love [of God].

Hence, advice is given at certain times in view of different situations and therefore the effect is also diverse.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said that the minds of the Companions[ra] were extraordinary. It was as if they used to sit in the assembly of the Holy Prophetsa with copies and pencils. Today’s people could

not preserve even a quarter [of what the Companionsra did]. This was the outcome of the current [system of] education.

Thereafter, Huzoor[ra] went to the mosque for Jumuah prayer. […]

The letters written to Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] should be sent through the postmaster of Srinagar, Kashmir. There is no need to write any other postal address.

Humbly yours, Syed Mahmood, Asnoor.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 25 and 29 August 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

Ahmadis preach message of Islam to public and churches in South Australia Atif Ahmed Zahid Missionary, Australia

Imaduddin Al-Misri Missionary, Kababir

Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Kababir was able to organise engaging activities for the attendees of the summer camp held for Atfal and Nasirat on 3 August 2021, at Mahmood Mosque, Kababir, Haifa.

The summer camp and classes started on 29 June 2021, in order to take advantage of the time available for children due to their summer vacations and to use it in teaching them the Holy Quran, Salat and basic religious knowledge. So far, 15 classes have been held.

The classes were held on Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday of every week under the supervision of Shamsuddin Sahib, Missionary-in-Charge Kababir.

The activities were held in order to revise the information the children studied in a fun way and in order to increase their sense of belonging to the mosque.

The event started with a recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by an Arabic qaseedah of the Promised Messiahas.

The event included several games and activities that were selected to suit different ages in order to make everyone take part, and included physical and mental activities.

The teachers consisted of khuddam for the atfal and Lajna members for the nasirat.

All the participants were happy with the programme and benefited.

A khadim, Muran Khattab Sahib said: “The event was so good. I was happy to see the children excited to participate in the games. It is nice to see the children eager to participate in religious activities. I also like the fact that the activities and games were selected carefully to suit different ages in order to make all the kids take part, this way all the children took part without exception.”

The attendance was 61 in total, which included 26 Atfal, 26 Nasirat and nine teachers.

On 15 August 2021, 10 members of Jamaate-Ahmadiyya Adelaide South gathered at the Noor Mosque at 5 am and offered Tahajud prayer.

Following the prayer, Secretary Tabligh, Mirza Saleem Shaukat Sahib gave some instructions regarding Covid-19 protocols.

Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib, a missionary, then gave some advice to the members on various matters related to tabligh and led a silent prayer, and thus the journey for preaching the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat in three regional towns began.

The group arrived at Snowtown, a town approximately 200 km away from Adelaide, to set up a Quran exhibition and bookstall in a local market of the town. This was our second tabligh trip to this town, and by the grace of Allah the Almighty, we were able to catch up with our tabligh contacts and spread the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat to many new individuals. A previous report of our visit to Snowtown was published in Al Hakam: (www.alhakam.org/ahmadis-shareislam-in-remote-australia-quran-exhibitionat-snowtown-market/) According to the plan, seven of the Jamaat members left the exhibition and bookstall for Wandearah, a small town 62 km north of Snowtown. Its total population is 186. Members of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya visited a Uniting Church there.

Whilst there, a Sunday church service was going on, and Atif Ahmed Zahid Sahib was invited to introduce the Jamaat and our message.

After the formal service, the local church leaders requested us to join them for some refreshments, where members spoke about our message of “Love for all, hatred for none”, and our mission to break barriers and build bridges. We presented them with a copy of the Holy Quran along with the books, World Crisis and the Pathway to

Peace and The Philosophy of The Teachings of Islam.

Some members of the Church asked various questions about Islam and were very excited to hold the copy of the Holy Quran.

It was a unique experience for members of the Church as this was the first time that any Muslim community had visited them.

The secretary of the Church was so impressed with the peaceful message of Islam Ahmadiyyat that she invited us to hold an exhibition and bookstall in the church soon. In this way, Allah the Almighty provided new opportunities of tabligh for us, alhamdulillah.

Following the church visit, the seven members travelled to a third town, Crystal Brook, and carried out a street campaign to further spread the message of Islam Ahmadiyyat and were able to distribute 1,500 pamphlets.

Despite a long day of travelling, visiting different towns, street campaigns and a Quran exhibition, the members stayed persistent and did not let their spirits go down.

During the whole trip, three copies of the Holy Quran and 10 Jamaat books were distributed among different people.

Furthermore, a total of 1,600 pamphlets were also distributed.

This was not only a successful tabligh event but also a great experience for the young members, who were able to enjoy themselves and socialise and learn from their peers and elders.

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AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

100 Years Ago...

Meetings with esteemed persons in London Al Fazl, 25 August 1921

Hazrat Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sayalra (1887-1960) This is the last report [by me] about Darul-Tabligh [mission house], London, which I am presenting as a gift to the readers of Al Fazl because I am returning to India via Mecca with the permission of Hazrat Amirul Momineen [Khalifatul Masih IIra].

Three Ahmadis are leaving London for Hajj. Brother Shamshad Ali Khan ICS, Brother Usman Al-Mahdi Fisher (Barrister) and this humble one. Friends are requested to pray for the success of our journey and that may Allah the Almighty forgive us our shortcomings and accept our Hajj-eBaitullah [pilgrimage to the House of Allah, Ka‘bah] and may our future be better than our past.

In the days of this report, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, we had the opportunity to preach to some esteemed persons.

We met the Turkish Consul at London, Rashid Pasha, through his son, Yamni Bey.

“

He is a very old-fashioned Turk and has a special interest in Sufism. We talked about the Promised Messiahas and the Ahmadiyya Jamaat for two hours. He agreed with most of the things and invited me, Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib and Mr Usman AlMahdi, to dinner. After the meal, we had a discussion about Ahmadiyyat and Islam for five hours. Rashid Pasha and his son, Shafiq Bey left with a positive impression by the grace of God. We hope that through the blessings of Allah, the door to the tabligh of Islam Ahmadiyyat in Turkey will open through them.

In the said days, I met a famous English writer and columnist who was very surprised to hear accounts of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat and said, “Please write for me a brief history of the Promised Messiah[as] and also write about what the Ahmadiyya Jamaat is doing nowadays, so that I can write articles in the American and UK newspapers on this subject.” Thus, at his request, I wrote some notes for him within a day. This friend will probably visit India with the Prince of

Wales, and he also intends to visit Qadian on that tour.

I also met an English writer, Mr Headley, in a lecture. The lecturer was a Brahmin.

The lecture was very remarkable but very difficult. After the lecture, people asked questions so that more light be shed on the subject but the lecturer went even deeper.

Mr Headley was one of those who was trying his best to understand. I had an idea when I saw his interest and wonder and so I invited him to the mosque. He arrived on Sunday morning and we talked for two hours. At the end, he expressed interest in coming again and enquiring about the accounts of the Promised Messiahas and especially about the matter of divine revelation.

Mr Headley said, “I love India and Indians and I have been trying to understand Indian affairs for two years, but I had not fully grasped it. However, everything has become crystal clear after two hours of conversation with you. After further research, I will present these points

again and again to the people of England through my books and writings.” It is quite possible that this friend will soon convert to Ahmadiyyat.

The country of Nigeria is divided into two parts, northern and southern [Nigeria]. The south is mostly populated by native Africans. Sixty per cent of them are Muslims, twenty per cent are Christians and twenty per cent are idolaters. This is the region where our Maulvi Abdur Rahim Sahib Nayyar is preaching and Allah the Almighty has given us significant victory there. This is the situation in the south.

All of the north belongs to Muslims. Its inhabitants are half Arab and half African.

They are very kind and straightforward people. It was not long before the northern region, known to the Arabs as Najriah (‫)��ريہ‬, which was a great Islamic empire, was conquered by English traders in around 1895 and annexed to Britain. Now, its chiefs run the country under British rule, just as the Rajas of India do. One of its chiefs, named Kashino arrived in London while journeying to perform Hajj. I met him and presented some books as gifts. Their educated people speak Arabic, so I talked to him in Arabic. He was accompanied by an imam who can speak and write very good Arabic. They promised to meet me in Mecca.

Maulvi Mubarak Ali Sahib was also with me in the first meeting. Today, again, Maulvi Sahib has gone to meet them according to their wish. I did not have much time as I am [preparing] to leave, so I could not go [with Maulvi Sahib].

[From, Fateh Muhammad Sayal. 15 July 1921] (Translated by Al Hakam from the original in the 25 August 1921 issue of Al Fazl)

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 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.

— Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa Address in ladies’ session of Jalsa Salana UK 2021

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

Responding to Allegations

The Bible and the truthfulness of the Promised Messiah Part V

M Adam Ahmad Al Hakam Christian opponents raise another allegation against Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas that he was, God forbid, a false Messiah because he was not accepted by all the people of his hometown, Qadian, India.

It is a universal fact that every prophet of God is bitterly opposed and rejected by many in his hometown. Prophet Jesusas was not accepted by many and persecuted by his own countrymen. The Holy Prophetsa was strongly opposed and denied by a lot of people in his hometown. Likewise, all the prophets of God faced opposition and rejection by their fellow countrymen and in some cases, even their friends and family members did not accept them.

Hence, the non-acceptance of the Promised Messiahas by some people of Qaidan is proof of his truthfulness and had the Christians thoroughly studied the Bible, their sacred book, they would not have raised this objection.

There are many references of the Bible which substantiate the truth of the Promised Messiahas in this regard. For example, Jesus says: “He [Jesus] added, ‘Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown.’”

(Luke 4:24) At another place, the Bible says: “And they were deeply offended and refused to believe in him. Then Jesus told them, ‘A prophet is honoured everywhere except in his own hometown and among his own family.’” (Mathew 13:57) The Promised Messiahas said: “God Almighty likened Qadian to Damascus and also said in His revelation: ُْ ُ َْ ُ ‫اخ ِر َج ِم ْنہ الی ِزیْد ْو َن‬ [“There have been created in it [Qadian] people who possess the qualities of Yazid.”

(Tadhkirah, p. 230)] “This resemblance is due to those disbelievers and wicked people who live in this town because this town is full of people who do not remember death. They are engaged in worldly deceptions and tricks day and night. If the administration of the British government does not come as a hindrance [between them], their hearts are ready to commit any kind of atrocity.

“There are some among them who even deny the existence of God and do not consider anything to be haram [unlawful].

“I see their hearts that if they find an opportunity to commit adultery or unjust murder, not only is it permissible for them,

“It has been conveyed to me that

by Damascus, therefore, is meant the place which possesses this well-known characteristic of Damascus. By specifying Damascus as the place of the appearance of the Messiah, Allah the Almighty has indicated that by the [word] Messiah, it is not meant the first Messiah to whom the Gospel was revealed, but it refers to someone from among the Muslims who, in his spiritual aspect, would resemble the Messiah [Jesus] and also Imam Husain, for Damascus is the capital of Yazid and is the centre of the Yazidis from which proceeded thousands of tyrannical commands. […]

“God Almighty, therefore, mentioned Damascus specifically for the purpose of indicating that whereas Damascus was the source of such tyrannical commands and was the city of such hard-hearted and darkminded people, now a city like Damascus will become the headquarters for spreading justice and faith, for most Prophets have appeared in towns whose people were wrongdoers and yet God has been converting the accursed places into homes of blessings.”

(Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp.

134-36; Tadhkirah pp. 229-30) Moreover, the Bible also sheds light on the fact that prophets are generally persecuted and opposed by people. It says: “Brothers, as an example of patience in affliction, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. See how blessed we consider those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord.” (James 5:10-11) Hence, after all the opposition and nonacceptance in his hometown, “the outcome from the Lord” was that the Promised Messiahas and his Jamaat prevailed. Now, the acceptance of the Promised Messiahas and his followers continues to spread across the globe. These blessings of Allah the Almighty on the Promised Messiahas and his community as a result of showing forbearance and perseverance in the worst of times will expand and the majority of the world will eventually accept the truth.

(To be continued...)

but all these things are worthy of praise.

“To them, I may be worse than the rest of the world, but I have no regret. I am reminded of the words of my spiritual brother, Jesus, that a prophet is honoured everywhere except in his own hometown. I am expressing the truth that if these people would have been present in the time of Imam Husain, I think they would have gone one step further than Yazid and Shimr, and if they had been present in the age of Jesus, they would have left Judas Iscariot behind in their machinations.” (Izala-e-Auham, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 3, pp. 167-68) In fact, it was a prophecy of Jesus which is recorded in the Bible that just as other prophets, the Promised Messiahas would also be opposed and rejected by his people.

Hence, the Bible states: “But first, the son of man [Messiah] must suffer terribly and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the son of man.” (Luke 17:25) In another book of the Bible, it is stated: “I [Jesus] tell you [disciples] that Elijah has already come, and they did

not recognise him, but have done to him whatever they wished. In the same way, the son of man [Messiah] will suffer at their hands.’” (Mathew, 17:11-12) Regarding how the Promised Messiahas and his followers were to be treated, the Bible says: “For I will give you [followers of the Promised Messiah] speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. You will be betrayed even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you will be put to death. And you will be hated by everyone because of my name. Yet not even a hair of your head will perish. By your patient endurance you will gain your souls.” (Luke 21: 15-19) The Promised Messiahas said: “Sahih Muslim relates that the Messiah would descend near the white minaret in the east of Damascus […] It has been disclosed to me by Allah that the interpretation of Damascus in this context is a town the dwellers of which have the temper of Yazid and the habits and thoughts of the wretched Yazid. […]

Coverage of Jalsa UK 2021 in Sri Lankan media A Abdul Aziz Sri Lanka Correspondent

A leading website of Sri Lanka, lankaweb. com has published three reports about Jalsa Salana UK 2021.

The first report was published on 6 August 2021, titled British Muslims Come Together For First Time Since Covid Restrictions at UK’s Largest Islamic Convention.

The second report was published on 8 August 2021, titled Ahmadiyya Khalifa delivers a faith-inspiring address from the Ahmadi Ladies marquee at UK Convention 2021.

The third report was published on 13 August 2021, titled More Than 125,000 People Join The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

17

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 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) Advertisements in papers In addition to the articles and reports, paid advertisements of the Ahmadia Movement, Bureau of Moslem Information, weekly lectures and school of Oriental Languages were inserted from time to time in several dailies, weeklies, monthlies and annual publications. [For example]: Virgin birth Almost all the laws of nature have their exceptions and special phenomena. There are rules within rules and no one can claim to know all of them. There was a time in the history of the planet when there was no form of manifestation of life on earth.

Whence came the first forms of life! From the word of God, Who has all power to generate. There are two laws of creation at least. The male and female principle and law of parthenogenesis or production by a virgin. In zoology, a parthenogenetic female produces its kind for one or more generations without ordinary sexual intercourse. And such in some women, there have been many born of virgin recorded in

the sacred histories of different religions.

This system prevails not only in men and animals, but even in the vegetable kingdom.

Among birds, hens are seen laying out eggs without having been with a rooster.

A man is not good or bad, holy or profane on account of the way he is born. Man is responsible for his actions and not for the things out of his control. We are not sinners because we were born of sinful parents.

Every child is born sinless and a natural birth. Even illegitimate children are as good as others, as the sin lies with the parents and not with the child. It is not the conception or birth that makes one divine a devilish.

All the men including Prophet Jesus[as] and Muhammad[sa] gradually awakened to their consciousness, in whatever way their birth was.

Prophets are of two kinds: (1) Those who bring a code of life like Moses[as] and Muhammad[sa].

(2) Those who do not bring a new [divine] law but follow, support and fulfill the previous one, such were Jesus[as] and Ahmad[as].

As regards prophethood, they are all raised by God so we do not make any difference in them. All must be believed

and respected. But as regards their works, Muhammad[sa] having been the perfect example in all phases of life in poverty and richness, as a subject and as a ruler, as a priest and as a statesman, as a son and as a father, as a bachelor and as a husband, as a business man and as a commander of forces, therefore, he is the greatest of all – (Allah’s blessings be upon him and all the prophets).

Lock up churches As reported in The New York World of 28 February 1921, two clergymen, Alfred W Martin and LJ Kopaid, pleaded from their pulpits for the locking up of churches.

“All the people of the earth have sought to find God, but the way of each and every one has failed. The way of Jews has failed.

The way of Christians has failed. The way of the Catholic has failed. The way of the Protestant has failed. They have failed and failed ignobly.”

Certainly, they have failed. The future hope of the world now lies in the spiritual powers granted by Allah to the new dispensation of Islam in the Ahmadia Universal Brotherhood.

Help! Help!

Religious propaganda against Islam and Muslim nations in this country require a strong defence by publishing and free distribution of Islamic pamphlets and leaflets in millions all over the country. I cannot do all I want to do and I ought to do for want of funds. May Allah inspire some good hearts to help me. (Editor [The Moslem Sunrise]) A liberal soul All the Moslems generally and Mr Muhammad Karoub specially very highly appreciate the help rendered by the contractor and builder, Mr Theodore H Degenhardt of 13738 Woodward Avenue, Highland Park, in the building work of the mosque. Mr Degenhardt has taken great interest in and worked very hard for the mosque without taking any remunerations for the work done by him, as he considered it his sacred duty to assist in the building of the sacred temple of Islam. We thank him and hope and pray that God the Almighty will grant him reward for this.

Continued on next page >>

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM << Continued from previous page

From Detroit Daily News, 5 June 1921 Moslems celebrate feast of Id-ul-Fitr Moslems of Detroit will observe Tuesday as the first day of Id-ul-Fitr, which continues three days and is one of the most solemn festivals of Mohammedanism. A parade at 1pm from 74 Victor avenue, to the Moslem mosque at 242 Victor avenue led by Mufti Muhammad Sadiq, Moslem sheikh, will be part of the picturesque ceremonies at the festival opening. The line of the march will be on Victor and Woodward avenues and John R street, in the vicinity of the newly dedicated mosque, constructed by Mohammad Karoub, wealthy Highland Park real estate man.

Id-ul-Fitr is a period of rejoicing among Moslems, when all Moslems are bidden to assemble for prayer and listen to the teachings from the Koran. The prayer ritual is short, chiefly consisting of silent players led by the imam, or prayer leader. A sermon

by Mufti Sadiq follows the prayer. A quaint custom of hand clasping is observed during the dispersal of the congregation. The remainder of the opening festival day is spent in feasting and merry-making.

At 5am, Tuesday services will be held

in the completed part of the new mosque.

A feast will follow the services. The feast is to be provided by Mr Karoub, the builder of the mosque.

The festival is sometimes called Id-iRamzan, the fasting festival, or Id- Saghir, the lesser festival. The Moslem devout contribute money for charitable work on the festival day.

Mufti Muhammad came to Detroit several months ago to organize in the local Moslem community a congregation of the Ahmadia movement, which has as its leader, the Prophet Ahmad[as] of Qadian, hailed as the Promised Messiah, Mahdi and holy Reformer. The present head of the movement is Hazrat Mahmud. The Mufti comes from India as a missionary.

From Detroit Free Press of 8 June 1921 Mohammedanism had its day in Highland Park, Tuesday. From early in the morning when several hundred of the faithful knelt in prayer.

The parade was the outstanding feature.

The half hour of prayer was conducted by Dr Mufti Mohammad Sadiq, and this was followed by a sermon by Hussien Karoub.

Prohibition Resolutions favoring prohibition were rejected by the Anglican Christian Synod in Australia. During the debate Rev Walker said: “Prohibition is anti-Christian and the idea of American cranks.”

We sympathize with Rev Walker as with the gospels in his hands containing the miracle of Jesus turning water into wine to make the people enjoy drinking, he could not vote for prohibition. Prohibition really originates with Islam whose book contains an express commandment against drinking. […]

Death-like fainting Corpse for 14 hours, pastor comes to life – Death certificate issued and burial plans made when Swiss revives Geneva; 20 March [1921]: A case of a man’s heart ceasing to beat for 14 hours and then resuming work is reported from Berue, where pastor of that city, Rev Baudenbacher, after being officially declared dead, suddenly awoke.

Rev Baudenbacher, aged 50, and suffering from heart trouble of long standing, fell senseless [on] Friday. His physician issued

a death certificate, arrangements were made for the funeral and Saturday’s newspapers published eulogies of him. The pastor awoke after 14 hours, surprised to find his bedroom filled with flowers, wreaths, disconsolate relations and friends. He said weakly: “My call has not yet come.”

The funeral has been postponed indefinitely, as the doctor said, the clergyman might live many years. (Detroit Free Press, 21 March 1921) Many occurrences like this, read every now and then in the papers, solve well the problem of Jesus’ revivication after the apparent death on the cross. (Editor [The Moslem Sunrise]) […]

Divorce The chamber of deputies in Peru approved a law which would legalize divorces in that country. The church authorities are bitterly opposing the bill. But the senate may make divorce lawful despite church. Divorce laws in the Christian religion are not so practicable as they are in Islam. The western world is, in many practical things, leaving Christianity behind and advancing towards lslam. Nineteen hundred divorces were granted in Chicago in two months, January and February.

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

Answers to questions on Islam Ahmadiyyat, given

by Hazrat Amirul Momineen, Khalifatul Masih V

Visit: www.alhakam.org/answers

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AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021

Friday Sermon 30 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 the life of Hazrat Umarra were being narrated and also the conquests that took place during his era. With regard to the conquest of Madain [Ctesiphon], Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmad Sahibra writes in Life & Character of the Seal of the Prophets regarding a prophecy which the Holy Prophetsa made having been informed by Allah the Almighty. Referring to this, he writes: “While the ditch was being dug, a stone which simply refused to break was excavated. The state of the Companions was that due to three days of continuous starvation, they felt faint. Unable to succeed

in this task, they came to the Holy Prophetsa and submitted, ‘There is one stone which knows no breaking.’

“At the time, the Holy Prophetsa had also tied a stone on his stomach due to hunger, but he immediately went there upon their request and lifting an axe, struck the stone, in the name of Allah. When iron hit the stone, a spark flew, upon which the Holy Prophetsa loudly said, ‘God is the Greatest!’

Then he said, ‘I have been granted the keys of the kingdom of Syria. By God, at this time, I am beholding the red-stone palaces of Syria.’ His strike had somewhat crushed a portion of the stone. The Holy Prophetsa

wielded the axe a second time in the name of Allah, which caused a spark again, upon which the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘God is the Greatest!’ Then he said, ‘This time, I have been granted the keys of Persia, and I am witnessing the white palaces of Madain.’

Now, the rock had been broken to a large degree. The Holy Prophetsa wielded the axe yet a third time, which resulted in another spark and the Holy Prophetsa said, ‘God is the Greatest!’ Then he said, ‘Now, I have been endowed the keys of Yemen, and by God, I am being shown the gates of San‘a at this time.’ Finally, the rock was broken completely.

“In another narration, it is related that on every occasion, the Holy Prophetsa would loudly proclaim the greatness of God and after the Companions would enquire, he would relate his visions. After this temporary hindrance had been removed, the Companions engaged in their work once again.” That is, after breaking the rock, they began digging the trench again. “These were visions of the Holy Prophetsa. In other words, during this time of affliction, Allah the Exalted created a spirit of hope and delight amongst the Companions by showing the Holy Prophetsa visions of the future victories and prosperity of the Muslims.

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM

“However, apparently at the time, the circumstances were of such difficulty and hardship that upon hearing these promises, the hypocrites of Medina mocked the Muslims saying, ‘They do not even possess the strength to step out of their own homes and are dreaming of the kingdoms of Caesar and Chosroes.’ However, in the estimation of God, all of these bounties had been decreed for the Muslims. Therefore, these promises were fulfilled at their respective times. Some were fulfilled in the last days of the Holy Prophetsa, while most were fulfilled in the era of his Khulafa’, and thus, became a source of increasing the Muslims in faith and gratitude.” (Sirat Khatamun-Nabiyyin, Hazrat Mirza Bashir Ahmadra, pp. 577-578)

The promise of the conquest of Madain was fulfilled at the hands of Hazrat Saadra during the caliphate of Hazrat Umarra. The Holy Prophetsa was shown that Madain would be conquered and this was fulfilled during the era of Hazrat Umarra. After conquering Qadisiyyah, the Muslim army went on to conquer Babylon, an ancient city of modern-day Iraq. After conquering Babylon, they reached a historical city by the name Kutha. This is situated in the surroundings of Babylon.

Furthermore, Kutha was that very place where Nimrod imprisoned Prophet Abrahamas and the prison was still intact at that time. When Hazrat Saadra reached the place and saw the prison, he recited the following verse of the Holy Quran:

َّ َ ۡ َ َ ُ َ ُ ُ َّ َ ۡ َ ۡ ‫اس‬ ِ ‫ِﺗلﻚ ا��ﻳام نﺪا ِولﻬا ﺑ�� الﻨ‬

“… such days We cause to alternate among men that they may be admonished …” (Surah Al-e-Imran, Ch.3: V.141) Advancing from Kutha, they reached a place called Bahrseer. This is the name of that part of Madain – a city of Iraq – which is located at the western bank of the Tigris River. Chosroes’ hunting lion was kept in

this place. When the army of Hazrat Saad approached, they unleashed the lion loose on them and it pounced on them with a ferocious roar. The brother of Hazrat Saadra, Hashim bin Abi Waqqas, was the chief of the vanguard of the army. He struck the lion with such force that it was killed instantly.

Following this, the battle of Madain ensued.

Madain is also a part of Iraq and is located at a short distance from Baghdad, towards the southern bank of the Tigris river. What is the reason for naming this place Madain? Many cities were established here, one after another and as such, the Arabs started calling the place Madain, i.e. a group of cities. Madain was the seat of the throne of the Chosroes and home to his white palaces. The Tigris River was located between the Muslims and the people of Madain and the Persians had destroyed all the bridges crossing the river.

In Tarikh al-Tabari, it is written that Hazrat Saad searched for boats in order to cross the river. However, he realised that the Persians had already taken control of the boats. Hazrat Saad wished for the Muslims to cross the river, but out of compassion for the Muslims, he did not order them to do so. Subsequently, some villagers told them how to cross the river and showed them that if they go from a certain place, they will be able to cross it easily. However, Hazrat Saad did not take up this suggestion either. In the meantime, the river overflowed.

One night, he was shown a dream that the horses of the Muslims entered the water and crossed the river, even though it was overflown. In order to fulfil this dream, Hazrat Saadra made a firm resolve to cross the river and said to the army: “O Muslims!

The enemy has taken the river as its refuge.

Come and let us swim across it!”

Having said this, he led his horse into the water. The soldiers of Hazrat Saadra

followed their leader and led their horses into the water as well and the Muslim army crossed the river. When the opposing army witnessed this scene, they started screaming out of fear and retreated saying:

!��‫د�ی وان آ��! د�ی وان آ‬

“Demons are coming! Demons are coming!”

The Muslims advanced and captured the city and also the palaces of Chosroes.

Chosroes had already relocated his family members prior to the Muslims entering the city. As such, the Muslims easily captured the city. In this manner, the prophecy of the Holy Prophetsa was fulfilled, which was vouchsafed to him on the occasion of the Battle of Ahzab [Confederates]; when he was digging the ditch, he struck the rock with his pickaxe and said that he was shown the white palaces of Madain falling.

Seeing the deserted state of these palaces, Hazrat Saadra recited the following verses of Surah al-Dukhan:

ُ َ َ َ َ َ َ َّ ْ ُ ُ َّ ۡ ُ ُ َّ ّٰ َ ۡ ۡ ُ َ َ ۡ َ ‫ام � ِ�ﻳْ ٍﻢ ّو � ْع َﻤ ٍﺔ �انوْا فِ ْی َﻬا‬ ٍ ‫ﻛﻢ ﺗر�وا ِمن جﻨ ٍﺖ و عیو ٍن و زرو ٍع و مﻘ‬ َ َ ٰۡ َ َ ٰ َ ْ ٰ ٰ ً ‫ف ِﻜ ِﻬ� َ� ﻛﺬل ِﻚ � َو ا ۡو َرﺛﻨ َﻬا ﻗوۡما ا� ِ�ﻳۡ َن‬

“How many were the gardens and the springs that they left behind! And the cornfields and the noble places! And the comforts wherein they took delight!

Thus [it was destined to be]. And We made another people inherit these things.” (Surah al-Dukhan, Ch.44: V.26-29)

Hazrat Saadra ordered for the royal treasure and jewels to be gathered in one place. In this treasure were memorials of kings – which numbered in the thousands – among which were coats of mail, swords, daggers and royal garments. There was also a golden horse, which had a silver saddle on it, rubies and emeralds were encrusted in its chest. Likewise, there was a silver camel, on which there was a golden pack saddle and a bridle coated in precious rubies. Among the

spoils of war was a rug which was known as Iranian “Bahar”. Its base was of gold and contained a tree made of silver and its fruit were made from gems. The army collected all of these things, and the Muslim soldiers showed the utmost honesty and integrity [in collecting them]. From this incident one can gauge the level of honesty of the Muslim soldiers. They brought everything they found in exactly the way it was to their commander. Thus, when everything was brought and laid out, the plain was glittering from afar; and having witnessed all of this, Hazrat Saadra remarked in his astonishment, “Those who took nothing of these riches are most certainly honest to the highest degree.”

The distribution of the spoils was carried out as per the custom and the Khumus [one-fifth of the spoils of war] was sent to the Khalifa. The rugs and ancient relics were sent in a manner that was a sight to behold; the Arabs saw the opulence and grandeur of the Persians and also the success and victory of the Muslims. When this was shown to Hazrat Umarra, he was greatly amazed by the honesty and integrity of the army. Hazrat Umarra was also astounded by the level of integrity of the soldiers.

In Medina, there was a man named Muhallim, who was tall and handsome.

Hazrat Umarra ordered that the garments of Nosherwan [King] be taken to Muhallim to wear. These garments were of various conditions. Thus, he was made to wear all the garments one by one. The people were left amazed by the beauty of these garments.

Similarly, the rug by the name of “Bahar” was distributed. (Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, Sirat Amir al-Mu‘minin Umar bin Khattabra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Ma‘rifah, 2007] pp. 413-417) (Shibli Nu‘mani, Al-Faruq [Beirut, Lebanon: Idarah Islamiyah, 2004), pp. 100-103) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2004], p. 388) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah alHamawi, Mu’jam al-Buldan, Vol. 4 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-’Arabi], 553/Vol. 5, p. 88, 89)

Then there is the Battle of Jalula which took place in 16 AH. After the conquest of Madain [Ctesiphon] the Persians gathered in Jalula to begin preparing for battle once more. Upon the instructions of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Saadra sent Hashim bin Utbah with an army of 12,000 to face the Persians. Jalula is a city in Iraq situated on the route between Khorasan and Baghdad.

This is where a battle between the Muslims and the Persians ensued. When the Muslims arrived, they surrounded the city, and this siege lasted for months. Every now and then, the Persians would come out of their fortresses to launch attacks. In this way, 80 battles took place. The Muslims wrote about the victories in Jalula to Hazrat Umarra, mentioning that Hazrat Qa‘qara was encamped in Hulwan. In this letter, permission was requested to pursue the non-Arabs, but Hazrat Umarra denied the request, i.e., permission was not granted to purchase after them. Instead he said, “I want a wall erected between the mountainous region of Sawad (Southern Iraq) and Iran so that neither the Persians come to us, nor we go to their lands. For us, the rural areas of Sawad are sufficient. I prioritise the safety and well-being of the Muslims over attaining spoils of war.” That is, he did not have any desire to collect spoils of war and safeguarding the lives of the Muslims was of greater importance.

21

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021 According to one narration, Hazrat Saadra sent bowls of gold and silver and clothes as part of the spoils of war with Quza‘i bin Amr Duali, and captives with the Abu Mafazzir Aswad.

According to another account, the spoils were sent with Quza‘i and Abu Mufazzir, the details of which were sent with Ziyad bin Abi Sufyan, as he was responsible for the inventory, and he would note it all down in registers. When everything had reached Hazrat Umarra, Ziyad spoke to Hazrat Umarra about all the details of the spoils of war. Hazrat Umarra asked, “Would you stand before the Muslims and relate to them the details which you are telling me?” Ziyad replied, “By God, there is no one in all the lands who I am more fearful of than you, so why would I not be able to speak before others?” Hence, Ziyad stood before the people and described all the details, mentioning all the achievements of the Muslims, the way in which the battles took place, and how the spoils of war were attained. He also mentioned that the Muslims wished to pursue the enemy in their land. Having heard his speech, Hazrat Umarra said that Ziyad was a very eloquent speaker. Ziyad replied, “the achievements of our army is what has made my tongue flow.”

In one narration, it is mentioned that when the spoils were presented before Hazrat Umarra, he said, “This is such a vast amount of spoils of war that no building can contain it all, which is why I wish to distribute it right away.” Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra bin Auf and Abdullah bin Arqam watched over the spoils in the open space of the mosque. The wealth was brought and placed in the open space of the mosque and these two companions kept watch over it.

In the morning, Hazrat Umarra came to the mosque with the people. He removed the cloth from the spoils of war and saw rubies, emeralds and various precious gems. Upon seeing this Hazrat Umarra began to weep.

Hazrat Abdur Rahmanra said to Hazrat Umarra: “O Leader of the Faithful! Why are you crying? By Allah, this is an occasion to be grateful.” Hazrat Umarra replied: “By Allah! The thing that made me cry is that whichever nation is granted these treasures

by Allah, malice and jealousy between them increases.” That is, he was worried that owing to the riches granted to them, it could cause their brotherhood to change into jealousy and malice. “What made me weep was that whichever nation increase in their jealousy of one another, they become embroiled in civil war.” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], pp. 468-471) (Ali Muhammad alSalabi, Sirat Amir al-Mu‘minin Umar bin Khattabra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Ma‘rifah, 2007] pp. 420-421) (Shibli Nu‘mani, Al-Faruq [Beirut, Lebanon: Idarah Islamiyah, 2004), p. 104)

One should ponder and deliberate over this statement; one should seek forgiveness regarding what Hazrat Umarra has stated.

We are witnessing that the more wealth gained by the Muslims, the more it increased them in mutual hatred and jealousy. This is the case whether one looks at the Muslim nations who have an abundance of oil and the same is observed on an individual basis for those who possess other wealth; it is owing to a lack of righteousness.

During the Battle of Madain, the Persian King Yazdegerd left the capital Madain

and travelled with his family and servants to Hulwan. When Yazdegerd learnt of the defeat at Jalula, he left Hulwan and travelled to Rayy and left Khosrow Shanum, a renowned officer with a few military contingents to defend Hulwan. Hazrat Saadra stayed in Jalula and sent Hazrat Qa‘qa towards Hulwan. Qa‘qa reached Qasr-e-Shirin, which is three miles from Hulwan when Khosrow Shanum launched an attack but was defeated and as a result of which Khosrow fled. Qa‘qa reached Hulwan and declared peace for all. The chiefs of surrounding areas came and accepted Jizya and agreed to support Islam. (Shibli Nu‘mani, Al-Faruq [Beirut, Lebanon: Idarah Islamiyah, 2004), p.

106) (Al-Akhbar al-Tiwal, Waq‘at al-Qadisiyyah, p. 183, Maktabah al-Haramain, Urdu Bazar Lahore, 1437 AH)

How did the conquest of Masabzan take place? Regarding this battle, it is mentioned that Hazrat Hashim bin Utbah, who was the commander-in-chief of the army at Jalula, returned to Madain whilst Hazrat Saadra was residing there. They received news that a Persian army under the command of Azeen, son of Hormuzan, was heading towards open plains to confront the Muslims. Hazrat Saadra reported this to Hazrat Umarra. Hazrat Umarra ordered for an army to be sent under the command of Dirrar bin Khattab, with Ibn Hudhail to be sent as an advance guard and Abdullah bin Wahab Rasibi and Mudarib bin Fulana Ijli as commanders of the flanks. The Muslim army left to confront the Iranians and met the enemy near the plains of Masabzan. The battle took place at a place called Handaf and the Iranians were defeated; the Muslims advanced ahead and captured Masabzan.

The residents of Masabzan began fleeing the city, but Dirrar bin Khattab invited them to live in peace within their city. They accepted the invitation and returned to their homes.

(Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, p. 475, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 1987)

Baladhuri has stated a different narration with regard to the conquest of Masabzan; in one narration it is stated that Abu Musa Ash‘ari captured the city on the return from the Battle of Nahavand without fighting.

(Maqalah ‘Tarikh Islam bi ahd Hazrat Umarra, Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, p. 120) (Futuh al-Buldan, Allamah Baladhari, p. 185, Dar al-Kutub alIlmiyyah, Beirut, 2000)

In the accounts regarding the conquest of Khuzestan, it is mentioned that Khuzestan was a province of Persia. Prior to accepting Islam, Hormuzan was the governor of this province. This area and the people residing therein were known as Khuz; i.e. those residing in the mountainous area on the outskirts of Ahvaz, Fars, Basra, Wasit, and Isfahan.

In 14 AH, owing to certain military advantages, Hazrat Umarra decided to open up a small front in Iraq and sent a small army under the command of Utbah bin Ghazwan to this frontier. Initially, Basrah was used as a garrison town for the army. This army not only captured neighbouring enemy lands, but was beneficial in the military campaign in Iraq in that the Persians, who were engaged in bigger battles on the outskirts, were receiving constant news that their comrades were being defeated and were unable to go to assist them. It seems that the main objective of occupying this front and placing an army here was to stop the reinforcements and the aid reaching the Persians and also to stop them from attacking

the Muslims. The commander of this army went to Hijaz in order to perform Hajj and to meet with Hazrat Umarra. In his absence, Hazrat Umarra assigned the command of the army to Hazrat Mughirah bin Shu‘bahra.

Hazrat Mughirah bin Shu‘bah was accused of committing a moral offence, as a result of which Hazrat Umarra deposed him and called him to Medina for an investigation.

Hazrat Umarra appointed Hazrat Abu Musara as the commander of the army in his place. Nonetheless, after investigation it was concluded that the allegation levelled against Hazrat Mughirahra was false.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1987], pp. 442-438) (Sayyid Fadl al-Rahman, Farhang-i-Sirat [Karachi, Pakistan: Zawwar Academy Publications, 2003], p. 116) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi], pp. 259-260)

There are differing opinions as to whether it was in 16 AH or 17 AH that the Muslim army continued to increase its military operations, in which the Muslims captured Ahwaz, a famous city in Khuzestan.

The historian Tabari has mentioned this conquest to have taken place in 17 AH, whereas some other narrations state this year as 16 AH. Regarding this conquest, Tabari has stated that the commander at the time of the conquest was Utbah bin Ghazwan, whereas Baladhuri has mentioned that Ahwaz was conquered prior to the return of Utbah bin Ghazwan and this battle took place under the command of Hazrat Mughirah bin Shu‘bah and Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari. It is mentioned that Hazrat Mughirah conquered Ahwaz; initially the chief of Ahwaz Bahrooz fought against the Muslims, but later formed a treaty. After a short while, Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari was appointed as the commander of the Muslim army covering the area of Basrah instead of Hazrat Mughirah. Bahrooz broke the agreement and rebelled against the Muslim army. Subsequently, Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari set forth against him and after the battle, he captured the city. This took place in 17 AH. During the conquest of Ahwaz, the Muslim army took many prisoners, but under the orders of Hazrat Umarra they were all freed; as no one was to be made into a slave.

In Al-Tabari it is written that the Persians would launch raids against the Muslims using two routes; the two centres used for the raids along these routes were Nehrtira and Manazir. The Muslims captured both of these centres. We find in most instances that from where Muslims were constantly troubled and attacked, later the Muslims attacked these very places and captured them. Baladhuri has written that Abu Musa Ash‘ari captured Nehrtira during the conquest of Ahwaz. After the capture of Ahwaz, he advanced towards the other centre, Manazir, and after laying a siege around the city, an intense battle took place.

During this siege, one day, a brave Muslim by the name of Muhajir bin Ziyad was fasting and with the intention of sacrificing his life for the sake of God Almighty, he headed towards the enemy.

Rabi‘, the brother of Muhajir told Abu Musa – who was the commander of the army – that his brother was entering the battlefield while in a state of fasting. Abu Musa made an announcement that whoever

is fasting should break their fast or not enter the battlefield. When Muhajir heard this announcement, he took a sip of water to break his fast and said that he had done this solely out of obedience to the commander, otherwise he was not thirsty. Saying this, he took his weapons and attacked the enemy and attained martyrdom in this battle. The people of the city severed his head and placed it on the parapet of the palace. The siege became prolonged; perhaps on the instructions of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Abu Musa left one contingent of the army under the command of Muhajir’s brother, Rabi‘, to continue the siege of Manazir and himself left for Sus. Rabi‘ continued fighting and eventually captured the city. Many people were taken captive; however, in light of the instructions of Hazrat Umarra, all the prisoners were released.

Hazrat Abu Musara advanced towards Sus. Initially the people of Sus fought back, but soon after they confined themselves to the city. Eventually when they ran out of food provisions, they laid down their arms.

Regarding the details of the events leading to these conquests, Mir Mahmood Ahmad Sahib has presented his research and analyses in his thesis. He writes: “Tabari and Baladhuri contain many differing viewpoints, and perhaps the reason for these differences is that the Persian chiefs of these areas broke their promises and rebelled. This resulted in the Muslim army having to mobilise for battle once again and the narrations regarding the first conquest became confused with these events.” (Maqalah ‘Tarikh Islam bi ahd Hazrat Umarra, Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp. 124-127) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1987], p. 494) (Futuh al-Buldan, Allamah Baladhari, pp. 225226, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2000)

The campaigns that were launched for a second time were to restore peace.

Nonetheless, this is a point he presented.

Then there was the Battle of Ram Hormuz and Tustar. After the battle of Jalula, the Persian king Yazdegerd, moved from Rayy to Istakhr, a name of a place. He had not yet accepted defeat and began inciting people against the Muslims. He tried his utmost to send military reinforcements to fight against the Muslims in Khuzestan – the area where the conquests being mentioned were taking place.

Another reason why he was fuelling the fire of war in this area was due to the campaigns against the Muslims by the chief of the area Hormuzan. Hormuzan had taken part in the Battle of Qadisiyyah and after defeat, he retreated to his hometown.

He would carry out constant raids against the Muslims. (Maqalah ‘Tarikh Islam bi ahd Hazrat

Umarra, Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, pp.

127-128) (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al‘Ilmiyyah, 2012], p. 473, 494)

After the Muslims captured Jalula, the Persians gathered in Ram Hormuz under the command of Hormuzan. Ram Hormuz was a famous city on the outskirts of Khuzestan.

On the instructions of Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Saadra bin Abi Waqas appointed Nu‘man bin Muqarrin as the commander of the army and sent him from Kufa and also sent Hazrat Abu Musara from Basrah. He stated that when the two armies meet, the commander will be Abu Sabrah bin Ruham.

When Hormuzan learnt of the army of

22 Nu‘man bin Muqarrin, he set out to confront him and a fierce battle ensued. Hormuzan suffered defeat as a result of which he fled to Tustar. Tustar was a large city at a distance of one day’s travel from Khuzestan. Upon arriving here, Hormuzan took refuge in the city. Under the command of Hazrat Abu Sabrah, the Muslim army lay siege of Tustar, which lasted for several months. The Persian forces would repeatedly come out of the fort and launch attacks, but would then retreat back and seal the doors. There were 80 skirmishes during this battle. In the final battle, the Muslims launched a fierce attack. When the Muslims put pressure on the siege, two Persians told the Muslims about the route from where water entered the city and from where they could enter and conquer the city also. Thus, the Muslims managed to enter the city.

In relation to this, Abu Hanifa Dinawari, the author of Akhbar Al-Tiwal has written that the siege laid by the Muslims became prolonged. One night, an honourable man belonging to the city approached Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari and offered to help them take

Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM over the city in exchange for the protection of his family and wealth. And so, Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari granted him protection.

It is written in Futuh Al-Buldan that this particular individual also accepted Islam.

He then asked Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari to send someone with him, so he could inform him as to how the Muslims could enter the fort. Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari sent Ashras bin Auf, who was a member of the Banu Shaiban tribe with him. They both passed along a small stream and entered the city.

This individual then placed a cloak over Ashras bin Auf and told him to walk behind him as if he was his assistant. He led him all around the city and then took him towards the gate of the city where the guards were stood and then led him towards Hormuzan, who was holding a gathering near the entrance of the palace doors. After showing him all of this, he then led him back down the same path they had entered from.

Upon returning, Ashras bin Auf related everything to Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari.

Ashras bin Auf requested Hazrat Abu Musa Ashari to send 200 strong soldiers with him

and he would kill all the guards and would then open the gates of the city for them, through which they could enter the city and join. Hence, Ashras bin Auf, along with his companions, went along the discreet path and entered the city. They killed the gatekeepers and opened the gates of the fort.

Upon hearing the slogans of “Allah is the Greatest”, Hormuzan ran towards his citadel which was inside the city. The Muslims surrounded the citadel.

Hormuzan peered from the top and stated, “I have 100 arrows in my quiver. As long as even a single arrow remains, no one will be able to lay their hand on me. If I am taken captive after this, then indeed this would be an incredible feat.”

“What do you want then?” asked the Muslims in response. Hormuzan stated, “I will lay down my arms on the condition that the decision regarding me shall be made by Hazrat Umarra.”

Following this, Hormuzan laid down his weapons and surrendered. Hazrat Abu Musa Ash‘ari sent Hormuzan to Hazrat Umarra in Medina under the watch of Hazrat Anas bin Malik and Ahnaf bin Qais. As they entered the city of Medina, they put Hormuzan’s silk robe on him which had been embroidered in gold. Despite being a captive, they dressed him in elegant clothing and placed a crown made of jewels upon his head. This was so that Hazrat Umarra and the rest of the Muslims would be able to see him in his true image and also to show that they had captured such a prominent leader. They enquired from the people where Hazrat Umarra was, and were told that he was in the mosque. When they arrived at the mosque, Hazrat Umarra had placed the cloth of his turban under his head and was sleeping.

Hormuzan asked where Hazrat Umarra was and they told him that he was sleeping. At the time, there was no one else apart from Hazrat Umarra in the mosque. Hormuzan asked where Hazrat Umar’sra guards and courtiers were; to which they told him that he did not require any guards nor any courtiers or aides. Upon this, Hormuzan instinctively stated that most certainly this individual seems to be a prophet. The people replied that though he was not a prophet, he followed the way of the prophets.

Owing to this conversation, Hazrat Umarra woke up and then enquired whether he was Hormuzan, and was informed that it was him. Hazrat Umarra carefully observed his attire and then stated, “I seek refuge with Allah from the fire and implore for His help.” The people stated that this was Hormuzan and requested Hazrat Umarra to speak to him. Hazrat Umarra stated, “Certainly not! Not until he takes off his extravagant attire and the ornaments he is wearing.” Subsequently, all his extravagant clothes and jewellery were removed and a conversation with Hormuzan began.

Hazrat Umarra stated, “Have you now witnessed the consequences of your treachery and deceit?” The battle which took place was owing to them breaking their pacts and their deceit. Hormuzan responded, “In the era of Jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior to the advent of Islam], when God was with neither of us, we were victorious over you.

However, now the help of God is with you and thus you are victorious.” This was the response Hormuzan gave to Hazrat Umarra.

Hazrat Umarra stated, “The reason why you were able to overcome us was that in the

era of Jahiliyyah, we were divided, and you were united.” This was another significant factor. Hazrat Umarra then stated, “You repeatedly broke your pacts, thus what excuse do you now have left?”

As I mentioned earlier that the Muslims fought against them because they violated their treaties and they did not desire to live as peaceful neighbours.

Hormuzan replied, “I fear that you will kill me even before I can say anything.”

Hazrat Umarra told him that he need not fear, and so Hormuzan asked for some water. Water was brought in an old bowl and Hormuzan stated that he could not drink from such a bowl, and would rather die thirst. And so, water was given to him in a bowl befitting his status and upon this his hands began to tremble. Hormuzan stated, “I fear that whilst I am drinking water I will be killed.” Hazrat Umarra stated, “Until you do not finish your water, no one will cause you any harm.” Upon hearing this he threw the bowl of water onto the floor. He was very astute, and said if the condition was to drink the water, and because the Muslims are always true to their word, he said he would not drink any water and therefore threw it on the floor. Hazrat Umarra instructed that he should be given more water and that he should not be killed whilst in a state of thirst, as death was the only punishment for his crimes of violating the treaties, causing disorder and evil and instigating wars.

Hormuzan responded, “I am not thirsty but merely wished to be granted protection through this.” Eventually, he revealed the truth. After this, Hormuzan accepted Islam and took up residence in Madinah and he was given an allowance of 2,000. (Ali Muhammad al-Salabi, Sirat Amir al-Mu‘minin Umar bin Khattabra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Ma‘rifah, 2007] pp. 422-425) (Al-Akhbar al-Tiwal, pp. 188-190, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2001) (Futuh al-Buldan, Allamah Baladhari, p. 185, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2000) (Yaqut Ibn Abd Allah al-Hamawi, Mu‘jam al-Buldan, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar Sadir, 1977], 19/Vol. 2, p. 34)

It is written in Iqd al-Farid that when Hormuzan was taken captive and brought to Hazrat Umarra, he invited him to accept Islam but Hormuzan refused. Hazrat Umarra instructed that he should be killed and just as he was about to be killed, he submitted, “O Leader of the Faithful! Grant me some water to drink.” Hazrat Umarra instructed that he be given water. When the bowl of water was placed in his hand, he asked Hazrat Umarra, “Will I remain safeguarded whilst I am drinking this water.” Hazrat Umarra stated, “Yes.” Upon this, Hormuzan threw the bowl of water and stated, “You ought to now fulfil your promise.” Hazrat Umarra stated, “I shall grant you some respite and will assess how you conduct yourself.” When the sword was taken away, Hormuzan declared: ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ُٗ َ ً َ ُ َ​َ َ َ َ ََٗ ‫ َوأ ّن �حَ ّﻤدا ع ْبدہ‬،�ٗ � ‫أﺷ َھد أ ْن لا ِإ� َ� ِإلا الل ُه َو ْحدہ لا � ِ�يْك‬ ُ �ٗ �‫َو َر ُس ْو‬ That is, “I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah and He has no partner and I bear witness that Muhammadsa is His servant and Messenger.”

Hazrat Umarra asked Hormuzan why he did not profess his belief before, to which he replied, “O Leader of the Faithful! I feared lest people think that I became a Muslim due to the fear of the sword when it was held right above my head.”

After this, Hazrat Umarra would consult

23

AL HAKAM | Friday 27 August 2021 Hormuzan whenever there was a campaign to be launched against the Persians and would implement his suggestions. Later, he also became one of the advisors of Hazrat Umarra. (Iqad al-Fareed, Vol. 2, p. 144, Dar Arqam, Beirut, 1999)

There are some who suspected that Hormuzan was involved in the martyrdom of Hazrat Umarra (Maqalah ‘Tarikh Islam bi ahd

Hazrat Umarra, Syed Mir Mahmood Ahmad Nasir Sahib, p. 135); however, Hazrat Musleh-e-

Maudra did not consider this viewpoint to be correct. Whilst expounding upon the verse pertaining to qisas [retribution], Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Once, a Muslim was brought before the Holy Prophetsa, who had killed a disbeliever that had entered into a treaty with the Muslims and was thus a subject of the Muslim government. The Holy Prophetsa ordered the death penalty as his punishment and stated, ‘Among those who fulfil their pledges, I am the most strict in honouring my pledges.’ Hence, this Muslim was given the death penalty because he had killed someone with whom they had entered into a treaty. Similarly, Al-Tabarani has also recorded a narration wherein Hazrat Alira ordered the death penalty for a Muslim who had killed a Dhimmi [non-Muslim living under Muslim rule]. There are some who say that it states in the Hadith: َ ْ ُ ْ َ ‫لا یُق َتل ُمؤ ِم ٌن بِکا ِف ٍر‬ “That is, ‘A believer should not be killed in retribution for killing a disbeliever.’

However, if one reflects over the whole hadith, the entire matter becomes clear. The actual words of the Hadith are: َ ُ ْ َ َ َ ُ َ ‫لا یُق َتل ُم ْو ِم ٌن بِکا ِف ٍر َولا ذ ْوع ْھ ٍد ِف ْی ع ْھ ِد ٖہ‬ َ ُ َ “The second part of the Hadith, ‫َولا ذ ْوع ْھ ٍد‬ َ ‫ ِف ْی ع ْھ ِد ٖہ‬clarifies the meaning, because if we were to take the meaning that a Muslim should not be killed in retribution for killing a disbeliever then we would have َ ُ َ to َ translate the second part as ‫َولا ذ ْوع ْھ ٍد‬ ‫بِکا ِف ٍر‬, that is ‘nor should a [non-Muslim] person who has a pact [with the Muslims] be killed in retribution for killing a disbeliever.’ However, no one can accept this [interpretation].

“Thus, by ‘disbeliever’ here it means those disbelievers who have taken up arms against the Muslims, i.e. those who are fighting against the Muslims and not ordinary disbelievers. That is why it was stated [in the hadith] that nor should a Dhimmi disbeliever be killed in retribution for a disbeliever who is actively fighting [against the Muslims].

“Now, let us observe the practice of the Companions as they would also give the death penalty for a non-Muslim who had committed a killing. In Al-Tabari, Qumazban bin Hormuzan relates the incident of his father’s death as follows: “‘Hormuzan was a Persian leader and was a Magian by faith. He was suspected to be involved in the killing of Hazrat Umarra. Subsequently, without carrying out any investigation and owing to his intense emotions, Ubaidullah bin Umar killed Hormuzan. The people of Persia had developed acquaintances with each other because, as is the case, when one travels to another land, their ethnicity becomes even more distinct. One day, Feroz, who perpetrated the killing of Hazrat Umarra met my father and he had a dagger with him at the time which had been sharpened from

both sides. My father took hold of the dagger and asked him, “What do you do with this dagger?” (Since this was a land where there was peace, therefore there was no need for such a weapon). Upon this, he stated that he used it for guiding and pulling the camels along. Whilst they were both talking to each other, someone happened to see them. Later, when Hazrat Umarra was martyred, the individual [who had seen them together] claimed that he had personally witnessed Hormuzan handing over the dagger to Feroz.

Upon this, Ubaidullah bin Umar, who was the youngest son of Hazrat Umarra, killed my father. When Hazrat Uthmanra became the Khalifah, he called me and handed over Ubaidullah to me. Hazrat Uthmanra stated, “O my son! He is the one who killed your father. Thus, you have a greater right over him than me, so take him and kill him.” And so, I took him and headed out of the city.

On the way, whoever we would encounter would come along with us. None of them challenged my decision, instead all they would do was to request me to let him go. I addressed all the Muslims there and stated, “Do I have the right to kill him?” Everyone replied in the affirmative that this was my right and then they began to reproach Ubaidullah for the wrong he had committed.

Then, I asked, “Do you have the right to free him from me?” They all responded saying, “No! Certainly not.” And again, they began to reproach Ubaidullah for he had killed my father without any evidence. Upon this, I left him for the sake of God and those people.’”

After receiving many pleas and appeals, and after the answers to his questions, he says that he left the matter for the sake of Allah and the people. “‘Out of their happiness, the Muslims raised me up on their shoulders, and by God, I reached my home on top of people’s heads and shoulders as they did not even let my feet touch the ground.’ This narration shows that it was the practice of the Companionsra they would give a Muslim who killed a nonMuslim the death penalty as well. It is also proven that no matter the method used, such a person would be killed. Similarly, it is also proven that a murderer could only be detained and given the death penalty by the state.’”

Although in this case he had become a Muslim, even if it is a non-Muslim, from all that which has been mentioned above, the killer of a non-Muslim would be treated in the same manner as the killer of a Muslim, especially in a case where there was a treaty.

“This also shows that a murderer should be apprehended and punished by the state and no individual can carry this out on their own accord. It is evident from this narration that Ubaidullah bin Umar was apprehended

by Hazrat Uthmanra and it was he who turned him over to Hormuzan’s son. It was not an heir of Hormuzan’s who launched a case against him or apprehended him.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra continues: “Here, it is necessary to address whether a murderer should be handed over to the heirs of the one who has been murdered in order to be punished, as was done by Hazrat Uthmanra, or should the state see to the punishment itself? It should be remembered that this is a subsidiary matter and Islam has left it to be determined according to the needs of the time. The country can adopt whatever it deems most effective based on its society and conditions. There is no doubt

that these two methods are only beneficial under specific circumstances.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, pp. 359-361)

These accounts are ongoing and inshaAllah, I will continue to narrate them in future sermons. At present, I wish to mention some deceased members after which I will also lead their funeral prayers in absentia.

The first mention is of respected Professor Syeda Naseem Saeed Sahiba, wife of Muhammad Saeed Sahib, and daughter of Hazrat Al-Haj Hafiz Doctor Syed Shafee Sahib, a researcher from Delhi. She passed away recently at the age of 88 in Pakistan.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانٓا ِالی ِہ ر‬

Her father was Hazrat al-Haj Hafiz Doctor Syed Shafee Ahmad Sahibra, a researcher from Delhi. He authored many books and was an excellent debater, researcher and a reputable journalist. He published 16 newspapers from Delhi.

Hazrat Shafee Syed Ahmad Sahibra pledged allegiance to the Promised Messiahas at the age of 12. He was from the progeny of the sub-continents renowned Sufi poet Khawaja Mir Dard. He was thus related to Hazrat Mir Nasir Nawabra. Hazrat Syed Shafee Ahmad Sahibra was the nephew of Hazrat Amma Jaanra.

Syeda Sahiba was married in 1957 to respected Muhammad Saeed Ahmad Sahib, an engineer from Lahore Chaoni.

Her daughter, Khalida Sahiba says, “Whilst settling the marriage of my parents, my maternal grandmother kept the condition of righteousness at the forefront. She only looked at the fact that at the age of 22 or 23, this young man was the qaid of a Jamaat regarding which Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra had said was inactive. But new life was breathed into it and the credit for this goes to their Qaid Muhammad Saeed Sahib and his four or five helpers. Then, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra mentioned about his service to humanity that during the recent flooding, he carried out extraordinary work and stated that he is worthy of praise. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra spoke highly of Naseem Saeed Sahiba’s husband and it was on this basis that Naseem Saeed Sahiba’s mother gave her daughter’s hand in marriage to him.

Naseem Saeed Sahiba is survived by four sons and two daughters. Her services to the faith began in 1954 when she started working with Syeda Choti Apa. These services continued until 2015, spanning approximately 61 years. Since Saeed Sahib was in the army and he would be transferred from time to time, she too would accompany him to different cities, where she would have the opportunity to serve [the jamaats there].

She too was learned and well-educated. She has about 20 publications which include stories of prophets, and she has also written various books about esteemed personalities.

Her daughter, Hamidah Ghafoor Mannan says: “My mother was devout, she led by example, and was an embodiment of sincerity and loyalty, devotion and sacrifice, love and compassion, and humility. I always saw her praying with great fervour. She was regular in offering the Tahajud [pre-dawn voluntary] prayers, voluntary prayers, and obligatory prayers.”

From the time of the Second Khalifara till now, she kept a personal relationship with four Khulafa and she had the opportunity of [serving] the Community as well. She was

not able to meet me here, but she would express her sentiments through letters. Her children have also written this, and I myself have seen the extraordinary sentiments in her letters when I would receive them. It was not merely words; rather, it could practically be seen that she had a sincere and loyal connection to Khilafat. May Allah Almighty enable her children to maintain this bond [with khilafat].

Her eldest son, Khalid Saeed Sahib says: “The main thing she told us was having a connection with Allah and that our relationship with Him should always be as if Allah is like a friend before us. We should inculcate true love for the Holy Prophetsa in our hearts. She did this herself and taught her children to do the same. She had a strong spiritual connection with the Promised Messiahas herself, and instilled this within her children. She had a strong bond with Khilafat, to which she showed obedience herself and taught us to do the same. She was always ready to serve the Community.

From a young age, she instilled the habit of prayer and to always act upon the Islamic teachings. She served humanity at all times and would say that we should create ease for others. She gave special attention to financial sacrifices and taught us that we ought to tend to our household expenses after having made financial sacrifices. She recited the Holy Quran daily and enjoined us to do the same. Keeping good relations with relatives and maintaining a connection with all relatives, rich or poor, was a salient attribute of hers and she would advise us to do the same. She was ever-ready to call people unto Allah. She constantly advised us to offer the Tahajud prayers. She taught us to increase our knowledge and would tell us to always smile and not to wish harm on anyone. The qualities of hospitality and honouring guests was a distinct quality of hers. May Allah Almighty grant her with forgiveness, bestow His mercy and elevate her station. May Allah enable her children to carry on these virtues.

The next mention is of Daud Sulaiman Butt Sahib of Germany, who passed away at the age of 46 due to cancer.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانٓا ِالی ِہ ر‬

Ahmadiyyat was introduced to his family through his great grandfather, Hazrat Abdul Hakeem Butt Sahib who was a Companion of the Promised Messiahas. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and two sons. His wife, Samira Daud Sahiba says, “He was always ready to serve the Community and would strive to render his services as much as he could. He truly gave precedence to his faith over worldly pursuits.” Everyone who knew him says that he always had a smile on his face. He was at the forefront of giving alms and charity and he was always ready to serve [the Jamaat]. In Germany, he used to perform hifazat-e-khas duty, and his team members have written that he worked with great joy and carried his duty out with great diligence. Another one of his qualities was that before starting anything, he would first recite the Holy Quran. I have also witnessed that he always performed his duty in an excellent manner. May Allah the Almighty grant patience to his family and enable his children to carry on his virtuous qualities.

The next mention is of Zahida Parveen Sahiba, wife of Ghulam Mustafa Awan Dhapai Sahib from the district of Sialkot.

She passed away at the age of 61.

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Friday 27 August 2021 | AL HAKAM َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانٓا ِالی ِہ ر‬

Her daughter Hibbatul Kaleem Sahiba, wife of our Missionary Jameel Tabassum Sahib in Bashkortostan, Russia, says, “By the grace of Allah, my mother was an Ahmadi by birth and was a Musia.” Ahmadiyyat was introduced to her family through her parents’ grandfather Dada Dewan Bakhsh Sahib Awan. She says, “Ever since I can remember, I have never seen her miss the Tahajjud prayer, and she always enjoined her children to have profound love for the Community and Khilafat-e-Ahmadiyyat.”

She is survived by a son and four daughters.

Three of her sons-in-law are life-devotees and two of her daughters who are married to missionaries were abroad with their husbands and could not be with their mother in her final moments. May Allah Almighty bestow His forgiveness and mercy upon the deceased. May He enable her children to carry on her virtuous qualities.

The next mention is of Rana Abdul Waheed Sahib from London, who was the son of Chaudhary Abdul Hai Sahib, from subdivision of Jaranwala, Faisalabad district. He passed away on 26 June due to a heart attack. َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا ل ِل ِہ و ِانٓا ِالی ِہ ر‬ By the grace of Allah the Almighty, he was a musi. He worked with great devotion under Ansarullah [elders’ auxiliary organisation]. He also served as secretary ziafat [Hospitality] and secretary mal [Finance] for the Fazl Mosque [area]. He was a very hard worker and served with great joy. May Allah Almighty bestow him with forgiveness and mercy and grant his children and family patience and steadfastness.

The next mention is of Al-Haj Mir Muhammad Ali Sahib, former national president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Bangladesh. He passed away at the age of 84.

َ ْ َ َّ َ ّٰ َّ ‫اج ُعوْ َن‬ ِ ‫ِانا لِل ِہ و ِانٓا ِالی ِہ ر‬

He served in various capacities at the local and national level. From 1997 to 2003 he served as the national president of Bangladesh. Later, he served as secretary rishta nata and secretary tabligh [propagation]. From 2013 until his last days, he served as the president of the Jamaat in Dhaka. During his time as national president, the Jamaat in Bangladesh made great progress, especially in terms of acquiring properties and construction of buildings for the Jamaat. The central mission house was also built during his tenure, along with various mosques. He was pious, sincere, faithful, regular in tahajjud prayers, kind, devoted and was at the forefront of presenting financial sacrifices. He took great care of the poor and was a very helpful person. He was devoted to Khilafat and was an active servant of the Community. He is survived by two sons and a daughter.

May Allah Almighty grant His forgiveness and mercy. May He enable his children to carry on his virtuous qualities.

As I mentioned, after the [Friday] prayer, I will offer the funeral prayer in absentia for all the deceased members.

(Original Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 20 August 2021, pp. 5-10.

Translated by The Review of Religions.)

Books of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud

ra

available in English

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra wrote so extensively that his writings are still being compiled to this day. Although every effort has been made to introduce all the books of Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra that are available in English, it is possible that some may have inadvertently been missed. Nonetheless, a major part of his written works accessible in English have been listed in this article. www.alhakam.org/books-of-hazrat-musleh-e-maud-available-in-english/

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