Al Hakam - 1 April 2022

From the Markaz Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches first Kurdish language website of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

The environmental costs of war and Islam’s solution

The Islamic Economic System: Origins of the Arabian economy – Part I

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Islam Today What is the Quranic source of the concept of a promised messiah of the Latter Days?

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THE WEEKLY

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www.alhakam.org AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022 | Issue CCXI Ahmadiyya Archive & Research Centre (ARC), 22 Deer Park Road, London, SW19 3TL, UK info@alhakam.org | ISSN 2754-7396

“Every moment and every day that dawns, brings with it the grace of Allah” Members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V

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

A prayer in the night of Ramadan

َ ُ َ ّٰ َ ُ َ َ َ ُ َ ّٰ ‫أﺑُو ﻫ َﺮيْ َﺮة َر ِﺿ َﻰ الل ُه ع ْﻨﻪ ﻗﺎل � ِ� ْﻌﺖ َر ُس ْول الل ِه‬ ٰ َّ َ ‫اللّ ُه َ�ﻠ َ ْﻴﻪ َو َسﻠ َّ َﻢ ي َ ُﻘ ْو ُل � َ� َﻣ َﻀ‬ ‫ﺎن‬ ‫ﺻﻠﻰ‬ ِ ِ َّ َ َ َ ُ ْ ‫ﺎﻣ ُﻪ إيْ َمﺎﻧًﺎ َو‬ َ َ‫" َﻣ ْﻦ ﻗ‬ ‫اح ِ� َﺴﺎﺑًﺎ ﻏ�ِ َ� ل ُه َﻣﺎ ﺗﻘد َم‬ ِ َْ "‫ِﻣ ْﻦ ذﻧ ِب ِﻪ‬ Hazrat Abu Hurairahra narrates, “I heard Allah’s Messengersa saying regarding Ramadan, ‘Whoever prays at night in it [the month of Ramadan] out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.’”

(Sahih Bukhari, Kitab Salat al-Tarawih, Hadith 2008)

Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, In His Own Words

The face of a blessed person and one who is evil

Baitul Nasr, Oslo, Norway

On 27 March 2022, members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway, were given the opportunity to meet Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, Head of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, in a virtual mulaqat.

The mulaqat commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran followed by

its Urdu translation by Attaul Wadud Matin Sahib. Then, Sultan Naseer Ahmad Sahib had the opportunity to present a hadith and its Urdu translation. Syed Suhail Ahmad Sahib presented an extract from Noah’s Ark, a book written by the Promised Messiahas.

Thereafter, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa asked Yuneeb Sarwar Sahib, Naib Sadr what

the programme was. He replied that the khuddam had some questions they wished to ask Huzooraa.

Waheed Qureshi Sahib was first to ask a question. He asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how one could remain humble and avoid arrogance.

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And so, I declare once again that you ought not to view my words with disdain and scorn, for mockery can lead one to disbelief. On the contrary, one ought to possess a sense of respect and fear for the signs of Allah the Almighty. Any wise person can provide a thousand responses to such allegations. Do the faces of people not possess signs by which we can distinguish between and recognise a blessed man and one who is evil, or a moral and immoral person? It is narrated in relation to the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah Continued on page 2

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

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َ ُ ُ ُ َ َ ُ ّ َ ُّ َ � ٰ َ َ ۡ ُ ُ ّ َ َ‫الص َیام ك َما ك ِتﺐ‬ ۡ ۡ َ ِ ‫يايها ال ِذين امنوا ك ِتﺐ علیكم‬ َ‫َع�َي الَّذيۡ َن م ۡن َق ۡب ِل ُك ۡم ل َ َع َّل ُك ۡم تَ َّتقُوۡن‬ ِ ِ “O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”

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

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be upon him, that a person saw him and said: “This is not the face of a liar.”

Now what sign was present on the face of liars which was not to be found on the face of the Holy Prophetsa? There was a distinction on his face that a person of insight could perceive. Who can be so foolish and ignorant that they are unable to distinguish between the face of a

righteous and evil person? In the case of a believer, their face and every limb is a source of distinction for them and establishes that they are godly people.

So if the “mark of prophethood” on the back of the Holy Prophetsa possessed some similar distinction, do tell me, why this would be so far-fetched? Anything is possible.

(Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas, Malfuzat, Vol. 2, p. 6)

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Huzooraa said that one had to instil humility within themselves. Huzooraa said that he had mentioned in his recent Friday Sermon that when a person deemed themselves to be a great person and began to think that they could do no wrong and everyone else was beneath them, and that they were most knowledgeable, that was when a person succumbed to arrogance.

Huzooraa explained, “It should always be remembered that Allah the Exalted does not like arrogance.”

Huzooraa said that if one believed in Allah and had firm faith in Him and remembered that Allah disliked arrogance and desired that man reformed himself, then arrogance would be avoided at all cost by such a person.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa quoted the following couplet from an Urdu poem of the Promised Messiahas:

� ‫��ل ی‬ � ‫�� � � ی‬ ‫ا� ےس اےنپ ی‬ ‫ی‬ � ‫��ی � ا� ےس د� � دارا��ل‬

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

[“Consider yourself lower than everyone else. Perhaps this will help you enter the court of the Lord, God.”] Huzooraa then explained: “One must consider oneself inferior to all. One must adopt humility. This is the way to please Allah the Almighty. If one keeps in mind that ‘I have to please Allah’, then arrogance cannot enter [one’s heart].”

Nabeel Qamar Sahib, quoted an excerpt from Revelation, Rationality, Knowledge and Truth and asked Huzooraa a question regarding revelation and how one could explain it to atheists or scientists.

Hearing his question and the passage he quoted, Huzooraa said that it seemed as

though Nabeel Qamar Sahib had only read that much of the book and not the complete book; to which Nabeel Qamar Sahib replied that he had started but had not yet completed it. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “If you read the entire [book], you will find your answer.”

Huzooraa explained that even scientists were inspired and received hidden insights from God. He said that Hazrat Musleh-eMaudra had written an article on this very subject. Prophets received revelation from God and were taught spiritual knowledge directly from Allah. However, scientists also received hidden insights from Allah regarding secular matters. Huzooraa said that this article’s English translation was available in The Review of Religions’ December issue of 2021. Huzooraa additionally said that this argument could be used to convince others.

Huzooraa further explained that some scientists would think over a matter for some time and then suddenly receive some insight and a solution to the issue they had pondered over.

Basil Mahmud Sahib said that during his medical duties, he was unable to offer salat on time and had to combine prayers. He asked if, in this way, his prayers would be accepted by Allah.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that there was no issue with combining prayers a bit later if one did not have the time to offer them on time due to an emergency. However, Huzooraa advised that he could take his prayer mat with him and if he was able to find time during the day, then he could offer his salat. And if at any time he was called due to an emergency, he could break his salat and offer it when he found the time to do so. Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said, “It is permissible to break

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

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Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa during the virtual meeting with Khuddam from Norway

the prayer to save human life.”

Huzooraa further said that it was not permissible to combine all prayers as a precautionary measure beforehand, thinking that one may not find the time during the day to offer them.

Jasim Quddus Sahib asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa that if one’s parents imposed upon their child to study a certain subject or pursue a particular occupation, whilst the child did not want to and had their own inclination to a certain field of study, whether it was permissible for the child to choose their own preferred path.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa stated that it was better for one to choose their own field of study to which they were inclined.

Huzooraa said that if one’s parents desired for their child to become a doctor, but the child said that they wanted to become a lawyer, engineer, economist, or pursue a field like this which the child’s mind had a tendency towards, then one should choose that. Huzooraa said that whenever someone asked him what profession they should go into, outlining their options, he would reply by saying, “Choose that [subject or field of study] which you are most interested in.”

Sikandar Ayyaz Sahib stated that in the previous class with the Atfal of Norway, his son had a question that he was unable to ask. He said that he would now present his son’s question before Huzooraa. His son, 7, had asked why it was not permissible to go inside the Holy Ka‘bah in Mecca.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated that these days, the doors of the Holy Ka‘bah had been closed for a reason. He said that during the time of the Holy Prophetsa, people would go inside to worship Allah and “so too would the Holy Prophet.” Huzooraa added that the doors to the Holy Ka‘bah might have been closed as an administrative measure. It was said, Huzooraa stated, that there was so much rush to even touch the Black Stone that some would get trampled over in the

process.

Huzooraa added that the door was closed as an administrative measure and that “there is no prohibition in the Shariah [with regard to this matter.]”

Sarim Quddus Sahib asked Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa how he used to serve the Jamaat when he was a khadim. Huzooraa replied, “In the same manner that you [all] do.” Huzooraa further said that he would act according to what his superiors instructed.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa stated, “I have served as a zaeem, and I have served as a muntazim atfal. I have served as a nazim in the Muqami Majlis of Rabwah. I have served in the markaz as a mohtamim. So, I used to work according to what our officers used to instruct […]”.

Huzooraa said, “You all should try to work with sincerity, employing all your potential, abilities and whatever power Allah has given you and do as much work as you can for the Majlis. Alongside this, make efforts to become regular in your prayers, and pray to Allah Almighty to grant you the opportunity to help you to work properly.

Ask Allah for help and work with sincerity; therein lie the blessings.”

Suhaib Qamar Sahib asked Huzooraa what one could do to help with the propagation of Islam Ahmadiyyat.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa explained that the first thing one had to do was to pray, “Offer the five daily prayers and pray to Allah.” Huzooraa said that one should pray that Allah shows us the dominance of Islam Ahmadiyyat in our lifetime and that we may also be a part of it. Then, Huzooraa said, for this, one also had to acquire religious knowledge. Huzooraa added that one had to read and recite the Holy Quran to acquire religious knowledge and then also study the books of the Promised Messiahas in which he had provided the interpretation of the Holy Quran and hadith.

Huzooraa said that the knowledge gained

Try to read the Holy Quran; and not only read the text of the Holy Quran in Arabic, but also the translation of the Holy Quran. And whatever you find in the Holy Quran – there are so many commandments, 700 or more commandments as the Promised Messiahas has said – follow those commandments.

should then be incorporated into one’s life.

One’s practice ought to be in accordance with the teachings of Islam. One’s actions and words ought to be the same. Huzooraa said that it was our duty to preach the teachings of Islam to people, and then it was the domain of Allah to bless it and to bring people to it.

Ayyan Ahmad Sahib asked Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa how one could avoid the pitfalls of social media in the current day and age.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa answered by saying that “determination” was the way one could save themselves from the pitfalls of social media. Huzooraa explained that there was also good usage of social media.

One ought to make use of the good and disregard the bad. Huzooraa explained that there were many Jamaat websites from which one could learn religious knowledge.

Huzooraa emphasised that one ought to be determined and focus on the good sites whereby one could learn and gain more religious knowledge.

Salman Ayyaz Khan Sahib asked Huzooraa why sinners were not punished much in this world and why was it that good people went through many trials in this world. He asked what the wisdom was behind good people facing more trials in

this world.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that Allah the Almighty punished sinners in this world and would punish some in there Hereafter. For a believer, “this world is a world of trials,” Huzooraa remarked. In the next world, Huzooraa said, Allah would punish those who sinned, and those who did good deeds would be granted Paradise.

The Promised Messiahas had stated that the prophets of Allah faced many trials in this world. Huzooraa gave the example of prophets and said that the Holy Prophetsa also faced many hardships. In the same way, Huzooraa said, “Whenever believers go through hardships, He [Allah] rewards them in the next life,” and some were given the reward of their pious deeds in this life.

“Allah the Almighty has blessed us with innumerable blessings in this world, if one ponders”.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa beautifully said, “If a person ponders, every moment and every day that dawns, brings with it the grace of Allah Almighty.”

It was wrong to say that only noble men went through hardships in this world and that the mischievous men got what they desired.

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Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Adeel Anwar Sahib said that there were many ethical challenges in the medical profession such as euthanasia. He said that in the majority of European countries, euthanasia was illegal. He asked what one should do if a situation arose where a person asked to die, in a country that had legalised euthanasia. How should an Ahmadi doctor act in such a situation?

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa said that if, as a doctor, one was required by the law to act upon it and the doctor had no say in it, then it was permissible. Huzooraa said, “You can also tell your co-worker that ‘you may take this case as I try to avoid such things. […] If you can avoid it, well and good. Ask any of your colleagues to take such a case”.

Muhammad Faiq Sahib, who had recently moved to Norway from Pakistan, asked Huzooraa how one could train their children in today’s society and enable them to walk on the right path.

Huzooraa explained that parents had to present a good example before their children. If the parents offered salat and recited the Holy Quran, then it would be a good example for children. Huzooraa stated that it was important for the father and children to have a bond and not that the father only remained occupied in his work.

Children should feel as if they could talk to their parents. In this way, Huzooraa said, parents would be able to do their children’s tarbiyat well. Huzooraa said that it was important for parents to give their attention to children.

Ali Raza Sahib asked Huzooraa what one could do to remain content in life in a world of pandemics, wars and social unrest.

Huzooraa explained: “For this, Allah the Exalted says that ‘you [should] follow Me. You [should] follow whatever I say. You [should] always keep Me in your mind and always remember Me. Always discharge your duties towards Me.’ [Discharge] your obligation towards Allah the Exalted, that is worship him five times daily. And try to read the Holy Quran; and not only read the text of the Holy Quran in Arabic, but also the translation of the Holy Quran. And whatever you find in the Holy Quran – there are so many commandments, 700 or more commandments as the Promised Messiahas has said – follow those commandments.

“So, this is the only way we can keep ourselves happy. If you always remember Allah the Exalted and follow whatever He has required from us. […] Allah has said in the Holy Quran:

Norway Khuddam reflect on meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih V Tahir Khan Norway Correspondent

On 27 March 2022, 148 members of Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Norway had the blessed opportunity to meet Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa through a virtual mulaqat.

The impressions of some participants are as follows.

Asif Humayun Sahib said: “I felt like we were with Huzooraa in the same room, alhamdulillah. Huzooraa gave answers to the questions in a great way.”

Muneeb Malik Sahib commented: “It was a very informative meeting and quite nice to see Huzooraa. It was incomparable to anything ever experienced before.”

Hans Børge Pedersen Sahib said: “I feel positive emotions following the answers from Huzooraa. They were good answers.”

Zeeshan Ahmed Qureshi Sahib said: “I felt a little more attached to the Jamaat and the desire to participate [in Jamaat activities] was felt greater than ever before.”

Ahmad Zafar Butt Sahib commented:

Khuddam from Norway in virtual meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa

“I learned so much about the Ahmadiyya Community’s efforts to establish peace”

ُ​ُْ ْ َ ّٰ ْ َ ‫ألَا ِب ِذك ِر الل ِه تط َم ِئ ُّن القلوب‬

“That is, the remembrance of Allah is the only way that can satisfy your hearts.

If you are offering your five daily prayers, praying to Allah the Exalted, reading the Holy Quran, finding the commandments given in the Holy Quran, and trying to act upon them, then you will be happy, and these worldly things will not affect you.”

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa then asked how many khuddam were seated in the hall.

Yuneeb Sarwar Sahib said that there were 148 khuddam present.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa then conveyed his salaam to all the khuddam and the meeting came to a close.

(Report prepared by Al Hakam)

“It was really an emotional mulaqat with Huzooraa. The answers from Huzooraa were very informative and easy to understand. I wish this event took place more regularly.”

Yasir Malik Sahib commented: “I felt extremely happy that after such a long period, we finally had a meeting with Huzooraa and got the opportunity to talk to him. I hope that we can continue to meet Huzooraa like this in the near future.”

Khizer Ahmed Sahib said: “By the grace of Allah the Almighty, I have been blessed with the opportunity to sit in the presence of my beloved Huzooraa during this meeting.

Words cannot describe my emotions after seeing my beloved Imam.

I learnt so much from the hour that I had with him which felt as if he was only talking to me in a hall filled with 148 other khuddam.

Huzoor’s guidance on important and complicated subjects such as Huzoor’s guidance on important and complicated subjects such as revelation was truly inspiring.”

Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk of the General Assembly, at Baitur Rahman Mosque

Arshad Mehmood Khan Secretary Ishaat Glasgow

On 2 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland welcomed Rt Hon Lord Wallace of Tankerness QC, Moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, and Rev Dr George Whyte, Principal Clerk

of the General Assembly, at its regional headquarters in Baitur Rahman Mosque.

This meeting was an ongoing effort of the moderator, Lord Wallace of working with other faith groups across Scotland in building a cohesive interfaith community.

The Moderator of the Church of Scotland is also a member of the British House of Lords

and has served as the Deputy First Minister of Scotland between 1999-2005.

The distinguished guests were received by the regional president, Muhammad Ahsan Ahmad Sahib.

After a tour of the mosque, we presented an introduction to the charitable work undertaken by the Jamaat and the efforts of Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad, Khalifatul Masih Vaa, in establishing world peace.

The Holy Quran with English translation was also presented to Lord Wallace, the Moderator of the Church of Scotland.

This visit followed an earlier visit by a delegation of Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Scotland to Lord Wallace’s official residence last November.

Following this visit, Lord Wallace tweeted: “Many thanks for the warmth of your welcome and your hospitality. I valued the opportunity to learn more about Ahmaddiyyan beliefs and not least the abiding concern to pursue peace.”

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

From the Markaz

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih launches first Kurdish language website of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

During his Friday Sermon on 25 March 2022, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa announced the launch of a new website of the Jamaat in the Kurdish language: IslamAhmadiyya.krd.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa said: “This [website] is also a means of tabligh in spreading the message of the Promised Messiahas to the corners of the earth.”

Dr Ismail Muhammad Sahib is overlooking the website and a team from the Kurdish Jamaat will assist him.

Huzooraa said that for the first time, those who spoke Kurdish could read about the truth of the Ahmadiyya Jamaat in their own language. The website will cover various Kurdish dialects.

The website will have an array of areas including books of the Promised Messiahas, books of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra and other Jamaat books. The Friday Sermons of Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa will also be uploaded. Another feature is the worldwide Jamaat news in Kurdish.

Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa launched the website after delivering the Friday Sermon and leading the Friday Prayer on 25 March 2022.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa launching the first Kurdish language website of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat

14 Annual Abdus Salam Science Fair Awards th

Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent On 6 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada successfully held the 14th Annual Abdus Salam Science Fair, reported National Secretary Talim, Dr Hameed Mirza Sahib.

This event is held to promote science among high school students who are encouraged to create and submit scientific projects. Due to ongoing Covid-19 restrictions, the Science Fair was held virtually. All students were requested to upload 5-minutes videos of their project to Science Fair website. A total of 108 project videos were received.

All received projects were divided into the following major groups: Girls – Grade 5-8 Boys – Grade 5-8

Girls – Grade 9-12 Boys – Grade 9-12 There were two phases of the judgment.

In the first phase, the received videos in each major group were divided into sub-groups of 10 and judged. The top three projects from each sub-groups were selected and then consolidated to represent their respective major group.

Finally, these projects were forwarded to three judges for the final phase of judgment process for each major group. These judges then selected the top five projects for each major group. Prizes were awarded to the top three positions, while consolation prizes were given to the remaining two positions.

This year, a number of dignitaries sent recorded video messages for the ceremony. Prominent among them were Right Honorable Mr Justin Trudeau, Prime

Minister of Canada (written message), Honorable Anthony Rota, Speaker of the Federal Parliament of Canada, Honorable Heather Stefanson, Premier of Province of Manitoba, Honorable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Education, Province of Alberta.

In addition, messages from numerous Members of Federal Parliament of Canada, Members of Provincial Parliament of Ontario, and City Mayors from across Canada were presented before the start of the live program.

The live award ceremony was presided over by Amir Jamaat Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib. The event commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran with English translation, followed by introductory remarks by the Coordinator Abdus Salam Science Fair, Dr Amir Minhas Khan Sahib.

National Secretary Talim, Dr Hameed

Mirza Sahib announced the name of winners in each group. After each name, relevant submitted video of the project was displayed.

Many notable figures of the Canadian science scene were also present and shared their appreciation of the Science Fair.

Prominent among them were former Canadian astronaut, Marc Garneau, and Professor Dr Eric Rivard, Professor of Chemistry, University of Alberta.

After this, Mujeeb Ijaz Sahib from USA, an expert in electrochemical energy storage, addressed the audience and appreciated efforts of all students who entered their projects.

Then, former astronaut, Marc Garneau, Mujeeb Ijaz Sahib, and Professor Eric answered students’ questions.

After that, Amir Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Canada, Lal Khan Malik Sahib addressed and congratulated all participants, organisers and judges whose contribution made this event possible.

At the end, the National Secretary Talim thanked all the participants and the organisers. The programme concluded with a silent prayer led by Amir Jamaat Canada.

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Islam What is the Quranic source today

concept of a promised mess the Latter Days?

In his monumental work, Haqiqatul-Wahi (The Philosophy of Divine Revelation), the Promised Messiahas writes: “To say that there is no mention of the Promised Messiah in the Holy Quran is totally wrong. Actually, Allah the Exalted has declared in the Holy Quran that the great mischief is the mischief involving the worship of Isa and has warned that the earth and the heavens may well-nigh burst asunder due to it. Concerning the same time period, the Holy Quran has prophesied the occurrence of the plague, earthquakes, and other calamities, and explicitly announced that the various terrible catastrophes that would appear in the heavens and the earth during the Latter Days would be the chastisement for the worship of Isa. And then, on the other hand, it is laid down in the Holy Quran that:

َ َ َّ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما كنا ُم َع ِذ ِبي َن َحتی ن ۡب َعﺚ َر ُسوْلًا‬

“[i.e., ‘We never punish until We have sent a Messenger’ (Ch.17: V.16)] “This verse, therefore, manifestly proves that the Holy Quran prophesies about the Promised Messiah. Anyone who reads the Holy Quran with diligence and integrity will realise that in the Latter Days, when most parts of the earth will be demolished and turned upside down on account of terrible calamities, the pandemic plague will break out, and death will reign supreme on every front, it is essential that a Messenger [of God] should come as Allah the Exalted says:

َ َ َّ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما كنا ُم َع ِذ ِبي َن َحتی ن ۡب َعﺚ َر ُسوْلًا‬

“Meaning, ‘We never punish people unless we first send a Messenger.’ Thus, as is borne out by events in the past, when even minor chastisements were preceded by the coming of Prophets, how then is it possible that at the time of this most terrible chastisement – which is the chastisement of the Latter Days and which shall envelope the entire earth, and about which all the Prophets had warned – a Messenger of God should not appear? This would amount to an outright negation of the Word of God. Hence, this Messenger is none other than the Promised Messiah.

Since the cause of these chastisements, without the least doubt, is the mischief of Christianity, so was it but necessary that a Messenger – appropriate to the situation

created by the mischief rife in the world – should appear with the purpose of putting an end to the said mischief. This is why this Messenger is called the Promised Messiah. This proves that the Holy Quran does mention the Promised Messiah and this is exactly what we had wanted to establish.

“Anyone can appreciate that if – according to the Holy Quran – at the time of the great Christian mischief, the coming of a punishment was necessary, then the coming of the Promised Messiah was also necessary. And it is clear that the coming of this chastisement during the peak of Christianity’s mischief is proven from the Holy Quran. Thus, the coming of the Promised Messiah is also proven from the Holy Quran. Similarly, it is generally proven from the Holy Quran that Allah the Exalted says that when We decide to visit a people with chastisement, We permit their hearts to become filled with sinfulness and immorality and, as a result,

they exceed all limits of indulgence in their carnal desires and shamelessness. It is then that divine chastisement overtakes them. It is obvious that these matters, too, have reached a climax in Europe, thereby inviting chastisement which, in its own right, requires the [simultaneous] presence of a Messenger of Allah – and the same is the Promised Messiah. Thus, it is indeed surprising that these people should allege that the Holy Quran makes no mention of the Promised Messiah. Furthermore, this Quranic verse:

َ َ َّ َ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ ‫ين ِمن ق ۡب ِل ِه ۡم‬ ‫كما استخلف ال ِذ‬

“[i.e., ‘As He made Successors from among those who were before them’ (Ch.24: V.56)] also requires that in the fourteenth century, one like Isa [Jesus] should make his appearance in the ummah, quite like Hazrat Isa, who appeared fourteen centuries after Musa [Moses], so that a similarity should be maintained between the beginning and the end of both

orders.

“Furthermore, the following verse of the Holy Quran also contains this prophecy:

َ َ ُ َ َّ َ ۡ ‫َو ِإ ْن ِّم ْن � ۡريَ ٍة ِإلا ن ۡح ُن ُم ۡه ِلكوْ َها ق ۡب َل يَوۡ ِم ال ِق ٰی َم ِة أ ۡو‬ ً ‫ُم َع ّذبُوْ َها َع َذ ًابا َشد‬ ‫يدا‬ ِ ِ

“Meaning, ‘There is not a town but We shall destroy it before the Day of Resurrection or punish it with a severe punishment.’ This means that a terrible chastisement shall descend upon the world in the Latter Days. While on the other hand, God says:

َ َ َّ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما كنا ُم َع ِذ ِبي َن َحتی ن ۡب َعﺚ َر ُسوْلًا‬

“[‘We never punish until We have sent a Messenger.’]

“This also shows that a Messenger will appear in the Latter Days, and he it is who will be the Promised Messiah. And this same prophecy is contained in Surah alFatihah, for God Almighty has designated َ ّ َّ the Christians as ‫‘ – الضٓال ِين‬those who have

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

of the siah of

gone astray’. This contains the indication that although hundreds of religious groups exist in the world who have gone astray, the Christians shall transgress all limits to the extent that they alone will stand out as the misguided ones. And when the misguidance of a people becomes extreme and they do not desist from committing sins, it is the established practice of Allah that such a people are overtaken by divine chastisement. Thus, from this too it becomes necessary that the Promised Messiah must appear; that is, in keeping with the requirement of the verse:

َ َ َّ ْ ّ َّ ُ ‫َو َما كنا ُم َع ِذ ِبي َن َحتی ن ۡب َعﺚ َر ُسوْلًا‬

“[‘We never punish until We have sent a Messenger’]”. (Haqiqatul-Wahi [English], pp. 625-628) In addition to this, the sayings of the Promised Messiahas as uttered at various times and occasions have been collected in the series Malfuzat. Therein, it is reported that on 20 January 1901, the Promised Messiahas said on this very subject: “There are four chapters in the Holy Quran which are recited often, and they contain mention of the Promised Messiah and his community. Firstly, there is Surah Fatihah, which is recited in every unit (rak‘ah) of the formal Prayer. This chapter contains proof in support of my claim, as shall be established in this commentary.

Secondly, there is Surah al-Jumu‘ah which contains the following verse in respect of the Promised Messiah and his community:

َ ۡ ‫َو ٰاخ ِريْ َن ِمن ُه ۡم‬

“‘And among others from among them.’ This surah is recited every Friday.

Thirdly, there is Surah al-Kahf, the recitation of which the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has emphasised. The first and last 10 verses of this chapter speak of the Antichrist. Fourthly, the last chapter of the Holy Quran, in which the Antichrist has been given the name khannas (the evil whisperer); this is the same word which has also been used for the Antichrist in the Hebrew Torah, i.e. Nahash (‫)שָׁח ָנ‬. In the same manner, there is extensive mention in other instances throughout the Holy Quran as well.” (Malfuzat [English], Vol. 3, pp. 99-100)

7

Both fasting and Salat are forms of worship

“

Both fasting and Salat are forms of worship. The fast affects the body powerfully, and Salat affects

the soul powerfully. Salat generates a condition of burning and melting of the heart, and is, therefore, a higher form of worship than fasting. The latter fosters the capacity for visions.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 7, pp. 378-379)

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

8

100 Years Ago...

Memorable mosque in Jalandhar Cantonment from time of the Promised Messiah Al Fazl, 23 March 1922

Mehar Muhammad Khan Former Assistant Editor Al Fazl

One day, during the stay in Jalandhar Cantonment, I was very happy to know that there was a mosque in Saddar Bazaar in which the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, once stayed and offered prayers.

In order to get more details and information in this regard, we went to a friend whose name is Mian Ji Abdur Rahman Sahib. He teaches young boys in Saddar Bazaar. When enquired, he said: “It was in the summer season of 1893 or 1894 that Hazrat Mirza Sahib[as] visited [the mosque] in the afternoon. There were 10 to 12 other men with him as well. He rested in this mosque for a while and then offered prayer. Thereafter, he met a man, Sikandar Bakhsh (a watchmaker), and then returned to Jalandhar.”

Mian Ji Abdur Rahman Sahib said: “I was the imam of this mosque in those days and I used to teach boys in it, so I got the opportunity to get niaz [a blessed gift] from Hazrat Mirza Sahib[as]. On that day, Hazrat Mirza Sahib[as] had a bandage on his elbow because of a pustule. I requested him

for permission to prepare a poultice [for his wound]. He gave me permission and I made a poultice, applied it to the elbow of Hazrat Sahib[as] and bandaged it.”

The said friend, who considers himself one of the older servants of the Promised Messiahas and believes that great blessings showered upon him by the blessed prayers of the Promised Messiahas, related this brief narration about the mosque.

We offered Asr prayer in congregation in this mosque with the sole intention that the Promised Messiah, on whom be peace, had placed his blessed feet in this mosque.

Although its present shape is not the same as that described by Mian [Ji Abdur Rahman] Sahib at the time of the visit of the Promised Messiahas, in order to make it easier and more convenient for the interested friends to locate it, its current layout and full address are being given below: This mosque [pictured] is located in Saddar Bazaar, Mohalla No. 12, Jalandhar Cantonment, and is known as Kashmirion Wali Masjid.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 23 March 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

God’s Creation

Map of the Saddar Bazaar mosque in Jalandhar wherein the Promised Messiahas stayed in 1893 or 1894

Ansar Mehmood Norway

God’s tiny creatures are everywhere, on all the lands and in the air, Everywhere you look there’s proof, of God’s creation and His Truth.

Various creatures in a wide array, are on this earth and on display.

Placed by God for all men to see, while pointing hearts to eternity.

Every cloud is differently shaped; Every plume has its own beauty; Every sand is of size unlike the next; No two leaves are equally green.

Every grain is similar and yet, dissimilar; Every creature is so ideally made; Every man differs in many aspects; Even cloned individuals aren’t alike.

Every river has a changing course; Every colour looks so beautiful; Every seed is a miniature tree!

No two mountains are of equal height!

Every beast has a brain appropriate; Every being is well-proportioned; Every man has talents different; They are placed by God’s hand, as evidence to help all understand, That all of creation is of The Lord, and it is a truth, not to be ignored.

As all will stand before The Creator, but do all accept Him as Saviour?

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

This Week in History 1-7 April 3 April 2016: An Ahmadi soldier, Shaukat Ghani Sahib of Kashmir was martyred while on duty in the Pasni area of Balochistan province.

He was 21 years old. While speaking about this martyrdom, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “Muslim clerics allege that Ahmadis are enemies of their homeland; however, it is Shaukat Ghani Sahib of President of Republic of Benin meeting with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa now Ahmadis Kashmir who are being martyred and 1 April 2004: Huzooraa was attended a dinner to which the offer sacrifices.” (Al Fazl, 29 April on his first tour of Africa as elders of the city were also invited. 2016, p. 9) Khalifatul Masih. During his visit (Al Fazl, 8 April 2004, p. 2) to Burkina Faso, Hazrat Khalifatul 4 April 2004: During his 2004 Masih Vaa travelled from the 3 April 2004: During his visit to visit to Africa, Hazrat Khalifatul capital, Ouagadougou, to the Burkina Faso, Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa travelled by plane from country’s second-largest city, Masih Vaa travelled from Bobo Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso to Bobo-Dioulasso, a journey of 365 Dioulasso to the capital, Benin International Cotonou kilometres. Bobo-Dioulasso has a Ouagadougou. In addition to Airport. This was a very historic Muslim Ahmadiyya radio station Ahmadis, the country’s minister of moment as, for the very first with a range of up to 50 km. (Al health had the privilege of meeting time, the Khalifatul Masih set foot Fazl, 8 April 2004, p. 2) Huzooraa. Huzooraa inaugurated in Benin. On this occasion, the 1 April 2010: Three Ahmadi businessmen were shot dead in Pakistan’s famous industrial city of Faisalabad. The martyrs – Sheikh Ashraf Pervez Sahib, 60, Sheikh Masood Javed Sahib, 57, and his son Sheikh Masood Javed Sahib, 24 years old – were on their way home after closing their shop at night when they were ambushed by opponents of the Jamaat. (Al Fazl, 15 April 2010, p. 1) 2 April 2004: During his visit to Burkina Faso, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa delivered the Friday Sermon at Bobo-Dioulasso, inspected the Ahmadiyya hospital and the radio station. He also

a hospital built by the Jamaat in Ouagadougou.

3 April 2013: On this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa addressed a reception marking the opening of the Baitur Rahman Mosque, Valencia, Spain.

In this address, whilst expounding upon the true teachings of Islam, Huzooraa said: “This Mosque has been built to serve as a place of brotherliness and unity. Whoever comes here with pious intentions, be it a Muslim or a non-Muslim, will have the doors of the Mosque always open for him or her.”

Sultan of Agadis of neighbouring Niger was also present with his delegation to welcome Huzooraa.

(Al Fazl, 16 April 2004, p. 2) 5 April 2004: While in Benin, on this date, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa travelled 55 kilometres from Porto-Novo and visited the Calavibased jamaat. More than 1,700 people from 17 different regions had travelled for hundreds of kilometres to meet Huzooraa.

Later that evening, Huzooraa laid the foundation stone of the Portonovo Mosque. At night, he met with Ahmadi doctors to review services and hospitals in Africa. (Al Fazl, 16 April 2004, p. 2)

5 April 2010: This date’s issue of Al Fazl published Huzoor’saa message sent on the occasion of the 91st Consultative Council (Shura) of Jamaat-eAhmadiyya Pakistan, in which Huzooraa said:

‫ ئ امجتع ےک ےئل ہکلب کلم یک السیتم‬،‫ہن رصف اےنپ ےئل‬ ‫ےک ےئل یھب ی‬ ‫داع� ی‬ ‫رک� آج اس کلم یک اقب یھب‬ ‫ادمح�ی وں یک داعؤں ےس واہتسب ےہ‬ “Pray not only for yourself and for the Jamaat, but also for the security of the country [Pakistan].

Today, the survival of this country is also dependent on the prayers of Ahmadis.”

6 April 2004: During his visit to Benin, Hazrat Amirul Momineenaa travelled a long way to the north of the country to meet with Ahmadis. Huzooraa also met with the King of Allada. He then met the King of Dassa, and then travelled about 200 km and reached Parakou, the third-largest city in the country. In addition to the greeters, the first Ahmadi of Niger welcomed Huzooraa in an emotional embrace. Mulaqats with Ahmadis continued till late at night. (Al Fazl, 16, April 2004, p. 3) 7 April 2017: Hazrat Khalifatul Masihaa, in his Friday Sermon, mentioned the ongoing atrocities against Ahmadis in Algeria and Pakistan, and said that the Promised Messiahas once said that no matter how fiercely falsehood opposed the truth, the absolute truth would always reign supreme.

Huzooraa stated that wherever Ahmadis faced opposition, opportunities arose to further introduce the Jamaat to the world.

(Al Fazl, 28 April 2017, p. 5)

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

10

The Islamic Economic System: Origins of the Arabian economy – Part I administrative supremacy of the state as well as provides funds for socio-economic projects.

Life at Medina

Masjid al-Nabawi, the mosque initially built by the Holy Prophetsa and his Companionsra in the city of Medina. Upon the Holy Prophet’ssa arrival in Medina, after migrating from Mecca, the first task was the construction of this mosque Fazal Masood Malik and Farhan Khokhar Canada

The Arabian Peninsula The sixth century CE witnessed wars that directly affected the Arabian Peninsula.

They brought about the fall of Himyar in the South, weakening the Persian and Byzantium empires in the North and this political instability favoured Mecca.

The oases surrounding Mecca paled compared to the quantity of water available in Medina, an agricultural city about 400 kilometres north of Mecca. However, Mecca soon grew into a city at the crossroads of several critical trade routes and a water filling station. Another factor that helped Mecca grow was the unassuming camel.

Around 500 BC, camel breeding started emerging as a profitable trade in Arabia.

Perhaps owing to the efficient utilisation of water by a camel, it became a very profitable partner in trading (Judges 6:35). Seven centuries later, in 137 CE, the short-lived Palmyrenes imposed taxes on products brought to their territory using wheeled carts. This tax helped flourish their long-distance trading position and, in the process, Mecca, being the watering station in a merciless desert, became a thriving trading city. (Richard Bulliet, The Camel and the Wheel) While the people of Mecca supported the trade between Nabateans, Palmyrenes and finally the Byzantium empires, they were not trading partners. Out of necessity, however, they dealt with local trade, which, together with its status as an idol worship centre, gave rise to the fortunes of Meccan traders. In these oasis settlements, the Bedouin came to trade milk, clarified butter, wool, hides and skins from their flocks for grains, dates, oil, clothing, wine and other items.

At the time of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, Mecca was Western Arabia’s most prosperous town. In addition to being a hub of the region’s lucrative trade routes, it was also a pagan sanctuary. Mecca had become a vital link between Byzantium and India in the preceding centuries. (Daniel Lerner, Passing of Traditional Society, p. 405) Islamic Economy is based on the Holy Quran. And the Holy Quran tells us that the life of the Holy Prophetsa reflects the Holy Quran (Surah al-Najm, Ch.53: V.2-4) – a fact that is further supported by the testimony of his wife, Hazrat Aishara. When asked about the character of the Holy Prophetsa, she enquired, “Have you not read the Quran?” to which the enquirer replied, “Of course.”

Hazrat Aishara responded, “Undoubtedly, the character of the Prophetsa of Allah was the Quran.” (Sahih Muslim)

Life at Mecca The Holy Prophetsa was in his early teens when the Battles of Fijar (the sacrilegious) took place. They were so named because they took place during the pre-Islamic holy months, violating the societal norm. Shortly after the battles were over, a momentous event took place that speaks volumes about the character of this noble Prophetsa.

When peace was restored after these wars, people felt the need to restore confidence in the Meccan market – an effort that is reflected in the current world as well.

The Holy Prophetsa facilitated the formation of a confederacy that would look after the rights of the weak and ensure contracts were honoured (Ibn Saad’s Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Vol. 1, Parts 1.32.2, 1.33.1, 1.33.2, 1.33.3). This confederacy became known as Hilf al-Fudul. The oath that he took in his youth held merit until his last breath, even when the markets were fully established under the teachings of the Holy Quran.

The trustworthiness and honesty of the Holy Prophetsa were witnessed and held in esteem by all the tribes that existed in Mecca before Islam. One such trader was Hazrat Khadijara, an independent woman with an entrepreneurial spirit who worked tirelessly towards building her merchant business.

She did not travel with her trade caravans. Instead, she employed agents who would trade on her behalf for a commission.

In 595 CE, she employed Muhammadsa, who was a young man of 25 years at the time and who had already earned a reputation as a trustworthy tradesman. His reputation led Hazrat Khadijara to offer him double her usual commission. She was rewarded well for her trust when Muhammadsa brought back twice as much profit as was expected.

(Ibn Saad’s Kitab al-Tabaqat al-Kabir, Vol. 1, Parts 1.34.2-1.35.2).

Impressed by his honesty and integrity, she sent for his hand in marriage, which the young merchant duly accepted. Hazrat Khadijara became the first wife of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa and is a shining example for all Muslims till the end of time.

By the time the Holy Prophetsa received his first revelation in 610 CE, he had about two decades of commercial experience behind him. While the next 13 years in Mecca are devoid of significant economic activity that involved him and his followers, it was during this tenure that the ethical fibre of social and economic dealings formed.

It was during the Meccan period that the instruction to observe charity was given (Surah al-Dhariyat, Ch.51: V.20, Surah alMa‘arij, Ch.70: V.25-26), but Zakat as an institution did not evolve (from the Quranic perspective) till 2 AH (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.268-69).

Understanding the teachings of Zakat is crucial to understanding the building blocks of the Islamic economy. As a source of revenue for the state, it maintains the

After the migration of the Holy Prophetsa to Medina, the first Islamic state was established. The state is significant because it established the mosque as an institution and founded markets on ethical norms.

There existed no formal political state in the Arabian Peninsula at the time. The Prophetsa thus became the first political leader, elected democratically, who established a multireligious and multi-cultural state in Medina.

It was a welfare state that addressed the needs of all its citizens, be they Muslims, Jews, Christians or of no faith. This event occurred in 1 AH (622 CE).

With the establishment of a state, the foundations of the Islamic economic teachings started to solidify. The emphasis on charity and almsgiving was established during the Meccan period. Still, there was no central body to collect and distribute the funds. In Medina, a complete framework of a functional economic system emerged.

This system included economic components dealing with ownership and consumption, production, distribution, social security, economic development, public finance and the Bayt al-Maal.

In 1 AH (622 CE) Medina, numerous markets existed with no cohesion or central rule to mitigate their behaviour.

The Constitution of Medina sought a peaceful coexistence and played a vital role in establishing market stability. While the Muslims were still trying to establish themselves, they were forced into a battle.

On route to the battlefield, the economic condition of Muslims was so precarious that the Holy Prophetsa had to pray, “O Allah, these people are on foot, give them to ride upon. O Allah, these people are naked, give them clothes. O Allah, these people are hungry, feed them to the fill.” (Abu Daud) Another hardship factor faced by the Muslims was that of industry. While Mecca’s economy was a trade economy, Medina was an agrarian society.

Perhaps the most significant first step towards establishing a prosperous state was ensuring political, social and economic stability. The path towards the development of the Constitution of Medina was proof for all parties involved that peace can be sought through consultation. It was this respect that contributed to the development of a central authority.

The state that evolved was mindful of its citizens regardless of their religious and cultural beliefs. It was a welfare state that looked after the needs of its citizens and, at the same time, built alliances with the neighbouring tribes. Despite the constant threat from Mecca, this stability was crucial in the establishment of a thriving economy.

Continued on next page >>

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

11

Adopt taqwa and continuously progress in it

“

God Almighty sent the Promised Messiahas for our

reformation, for the propagation of the Holy Quran and for drawing our attention towards acting on its teachings and also to reveal the paths for us to follow. Furthermore, he has granted us the opportunity to accept him. Thus, it is a huge responsibility upon us Ahmadis that we understand the essence of fasting and try to attain its true objective during the month of Ramadan; which is to adopt taqwa and continuously progress in it.”

<< Continued from previous page

Islam encourages the establishment of a free market with high ethical standards; a market free of external pressure and based on moral values, thus creating the conditions needed to create a prosperous life for its citizens, a stable society and fulfilling the spiritual aspect of its consumers. (Surah al-Nisa, Ch.4: V.30) A few centuries later, Imam al-Ghazalirh noted, “Let the souk [market] of this world below do no injury to the souks of the Hereafter, and the souks of the Hereafter are the mosques.”

The Holy Prophetsa, being an excellent merchant, understood the workings of the market. His emphasis on a free market was such that while drought was devastating the community in Mecca, he advocated against price-fixing: “The Musa‘ir [He who sets prices] is Allah.” (Tirmidhi) While this principle advocates freemarket capitalism, it falls under a strict ethical injunction of the Holy Quran: “And give full measure when you measure, and weigh with a right balance; that is best and most commendable in the end.” (Surah Bani Isra‘il, Ch.17: V.36) Further, the prohibition of hoarding and interest encourages investment that binds all parties to work towards the success of the venture. It essentially creates conditions for the proper functioning of a competitive market as an instrument of economic progress and social equity.

In the following articles, we discuss the ethics of the Islamic Economy, the institution of bait-ul-maal (treasury), the sources of revenue in early Islam and the distribution methods.

(To be continued...)

- Friday Sermon, 18 May 2018

MKA Greece event on importance of prayer

International Women’s Day event Syed Mukarram Nazeer Canada Correspondent

Khuddam of Greece Jamaat during tarbiyat seminar

Zeeshan Nadeem Greece Correspondent

On 13 March 2022, Majlis Khuddamul-Ahmadiyya Greece was able to hold a Tarbiyat Seminar on the topic of “Importance of prayers and our responsibilities”.

The seminar was presided over by Aqeel Ahmad Bhatti Sahib, Sadr MKA Greece, which commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran with its Urdu translation.

Mushtaq Ahmed Sahib, Qaid Maal

of Majlis Ansarullah Greece, delivered a speech on “The importance of prayers and our responsibilities”. This was followed by a short speech by the National President of Jamaat Greece, Atta-ul-Naseer Sahib. The event concluded with a silent prayer.

The seminar was attended by 10 khuddam and three ansar in the mosque, while 10 khuddam joined online through Zoom and WhatsApp from Thessaloniki, Poros, Oropos and Athens. The total attendance was 23.

Madiha Majoka Sahiba, Secretary Ishaat Lajna Imaillah Bradford reports that Lajna Imaillah Bradford celebrated international women’s day by displaying efforts and achievements of women and to dissipate myths and misconceptions.

It was a perfect opportunity for us to spread awareness about the status of women in Islam and their rights. Hence, displays were set up at three local libraries.

In addition to the said displays, Islamic literature and books were also available for the visitors.

The displays also touched upon women’s rights and equality in Islam to clear the misconception regarding the supposed lack of freedom for women in Islam.

By the grace of Allah, we received many positives responses from the library staff and were told that many visitors enjoyed the display.

Alhamdulillah, the displays are still up, longer than originally planned, and catching attention of around 150 people per day.

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Tawakkul – Trusting Allah’s plan Adila Yacoob Medical Student, Trinidad & Tobago

The Arabic word tawakkul is a known verbal noun that is a derivative of the Arabic root ‫( وكل‬w-k-l). Tawakkul is within the Arabic language but with an Islamic concept of having trust in Allah; to have complete reliance on Allah and Allah alone.

The first thing to learn is that in all walks of life, we ought to always believe that Allah is the Best of Planners and sufficient for us. Ahmadi Muslims around the world are personified by the phrase “Allaisallahu bi kafin abdahu”, which simply asks, “Is Allah not sufficient for us?”

Trusting in Allah was such an astounding quality of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa that he was even defined by it; a title given to him by Allah was “al-Mutawakkil” (Sahih al-Bukhari) which translates to “The one who depends on Allah”, and coincidentally one out of the 99 names of Allah is also AlWakeel, which means “The One Who can be trusted”.

One of the many incidents which enable us to learn how to observe tawakkul at its finest is the time when Hazrat Abrahamas arrived in Mecca with his wife Hazrat Hajirahas (Hagar) and their son, who was a baby, Hazrat Ishmaelas, and he was instructed by Allah to leave both of them alone in the desert.

Initially, Hazrat Hajirahas was quite hesitant to stay alone in the desert (especially without any worldly provisions or protection), but when she realised that it was Allah’s command, she placed her complete trust in Allah and confidently settled to stay alone.

Before his departure, Hazrat Abrahamas left a little food, including dates, but very soon these small provisions were depleted.

Subsequently, Ishmaelas started feeling

thirsty. Seeing this, his mother desperately started seeking water in the area. In this desperation to find water in the middle of the Arabian desert, she first climbed the closest hill Safa to have a look at the surrounding region. When she did not see anything, she ran towards Marwa to look around to find someone or some source of water. She ran back and forth between both the hills for a total of seven times in the blazing heat before returning to her son.

When she couldn’t find anything, panicstricken and worried, Hazrat Hajirahas pleaded to Allah to save her son’s life.

Among the toughest of sounds to the ears of a mother is the cry of her child. Thus, she kept running between the two mountains over and over again until Allah Himself intervened.

This is when Allah answered her prayers and water began to flow from beneath where Hazrat Ishmaelas lay. She drank the holy water and gave it to her son, thereby saving his life. She also dug a well around the water source, which today is known as the Well of Zamzam.

This incident surrounding Safa and Marwa is a clear depiction of Hazrat Hajirah’s commitment to her son in such harsh circumstances and her unswerving devotion and faith in Allah. Pilgrims going to Hajj or Umrah remember this story and run forth and back between Safa and Marwa to commemorate Hajirah’s belief in Allah.

From this event, we see steadfastness and trust in the plan and the decree of Allah.

It is so profound that Allah preserved the name and story of Hazrat Hajirahas, Hazrat Abrahamas and Hazrat Ishmaelas in the Holy Quran.

To all readers of Al Hakam, we continue to pray and ask Allah that He makes us from among those who have tawakkul – complete trust – in Him.

Quest for global unity and questions of hope for future in Leicester peace conference Ibrahim Bonsu President Jamaat Leicester

On 5 March 2022, Jamaat-e-Ahmadiyya Leicester held its annual Peace Conference on Zoom. The theme for this year’s Peace Conference was, “Quest for Global Unity, is there any Hope?”

A theme that needs no further explanation looking at the precarious state of world affairs which is drawing mankind closer to the brink of a world war.

With about 75 participating through Zoom accounts, it was estimated to have been watched by over 200 people.

The main guest speakers for the event included the Assistant City Mayor for Leicester Councillor Rita Patel, and representing Leicestershire Police Force, Sergeant Yusuf Nagdi.

The main speaker for the event was the regional missionary, Zartashat Latif Sahib. The host of the event was Syed Adil Sahib, Secretary External Affairs of Jamaat Leicester.

The event commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran with its English translation, followed by a welcome address by me.

An introductory video about Jamaat-

e-Ahmadiyya and the efforts of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa for world peace was relayed to the audience.

The first guest speaker, Councillor Rita Patel commended the Jamaat on its inspiring works of serving humanity, but at the same time reminded all participants to reflect on the legacy they wished to leave behind for their future generation if enough was not done to curb the growing uncertainties, inequalities and dangers that lay ahead as far as the unity and peace of mankind were concerned.

Following that, the second guest speaker in the person of Police Sergeant Yusuf Nagdi

(recruitment officer for the Leicestershire Police force) drew the attention of participants to the need to build trust and confidence between all communities and the policing force in order to foster a peaceful atmosphere in the society. That meant all parties needed to promote tolerance and build upon the many commonalities that bring us together than the little that divide us.

This was followed by a short video compilation of Huzoor’s addresses at various peace symposia.

Then, Zartashat Latif Sahib addressed and reminded the audience about the strength that exists in unity.

A vote of thanks was delivered by the regional President Midlands, Syed Imtiaz Sahib, and Zartashat Latif Sahib then led everyone in a silent prayer.

Many positive comments were received after the event. The assistant city mayor sent her gratitude for being invited to the peace conference stating it gave her the opportunity to learn much more about the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community.

13

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

100 Daily diary of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II: Years Comprehensiveness of the Holy Quran, need Ago...

for a mujaddid, consultation on the gift for the Prince of Wales, and advice to missionaries Al Fazl, 20 March 1922

Knuckle cracking Hazrat Khalifatul Masih II[ra] said: “The practice of cracking knuckles causes damage and affects mental strength.

It is very common in our country, so much so that some people even get nervous if they don’t crack their fingers. However, if I am even massaging my hands, I take full care that I may not pop my fingers.”

Hafiz Jamal Ahmad Sahib asked if cracking other joints like that of back, etc., could also cause damage.

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The fact of the matter is that any unnatural movement causes harm, because one small movement utilises millions of particles in the human body.”

Mesmerism Addressing Shahzada Abdul Majeed Sahib, Huzoor[ra] said, “You must have learned mesmerism.” Shahzada Sahib replied in the affirmative. Huzoor[ra] said, “The source of the power of attraction is mostly in the hands.” Shahzada Sahib said, “In fact, most of it is found in the fingertips.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “It is for this reason that the people who aimlessly move their hands lose a lot of their mental strength.”

A friend said that pehalwani [a kind of wrestling] would also be harmful then.

Huzoor[ra] said, “If there is such a movement that the brain properly senses it, then it is evenly distributed throughout the whole body and it causes no harm. However, people who get into the habit of moving their hands or feet in vain are at a disadvantage.

That is why it is said that mesmerism should be learned from a teacher because if the movement of the hands becomes too much, it begins to affect the power of the mind.”

The comprehensiveness of the Holy Quran Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “When Christians went to Iceland, which is a cold country, they began to tell people that Hell would be composed of sulphur, fire and darkness. The people of Iceland started dancing and jumping when they heard this news and said that it would be great. Now, Christians there say that it would be very cold in Hell.

“The Holy Quran on the other hand has given a comprehensive statement in this regard [as it also mentions the punishment of extreme cold in Hell]. The sermoniser

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra seated with guests

[of Islam] will himself understand what is appropriate to say in a particular place [of the world].”

Need for a mujaddid [reformer] Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “There is a need for a mujaddid [reformer] in every age because they elucidate what is necessary to be explained in that age. This thing is found in the sufis [saints]. For example, if you look at the books of Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi, it is clear that he discussed issues according to the need of our time.

“All the exegetists and scholars with َّ َ ۡ َ ُ regard to the verse, ‫“[ القی الش ۡی ٰط ُن فِ ۡۤی ا ۡمن َِّیت ِٖہ‬Satan put obstacles in the way of what he (Prophet) sought after” (Surah al-Hajj, Ch.22: V.53)], have gone so far as to say that a certain incident must have happened. (That is, [the scholars have referred to] the hadith of ‫القاء‬ [that God forbid, Satan put words in the mouth] of the Holy Prophetsa when he was reciting the Holy Quran.) However, Sheikh Muhyiddin Ibn al-Arabi states, ‘After all,

[the exegetists and scholars] should realise who they are talking about. The said verse simply means that when a prophet desires to do something [good], Satan tries to prevent the prophet from fulfilling that desire of his, but God fulfills the desire of the prophet by removing the obstacles of the satan.’”

Differences between the books of scholars and sufis Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “If the commentaries of the socalled scholars [of the time] are observed according to the present requirements, then most of them would be deemed null and void and only a few pages will be accepted.

On the other hand, if we look at the books of sufis, all of them will be considered useful.

In light of the current needs, only a few lines would have to be removed [from them] and those too would only need a change in their writing style.

“Syed Abdul Qadir Jilani in his book, Futuh Al-Ghaib, emphasised a lot on the

issue of taqdir [divine decree].”

21 January 1922 The manuscript of the treatise, A Present to His Royal Highness Today, there were many external friends who offered Fajr prayer in Masjid Mubarak.

Since Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] was to read out the manuscript of his treatise, A Present [to His Royal Highness], the Prince of Wales, many friends also offered prayer on the upper floor [of the mosque]. After the prayer, all friends gathered inside the mosque and Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said, “Please expand the sitting circle and those friends who wish to present a proposal may come forward.”

The following friends were then asked to come forward: Maulvi Syed Sarwar Shah Sahib, Hafiz Roshan Ali Sahib, Maulvi Sher Ali Sahib, Continued on next page >>

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

14 << Continued from previous page

Mian Bashir Ahmad Sahib, Sheikh Abdul Rahman Sahib (Misri), Maulvi Muhammad Ismail Sahib, Mir Muhammad Ishaq Sahib, Maulvi Fazluddin Sahib, Qazi Akmal Sahib, (but Qazi Akmal Sahib was unable to attend due to illness), and Qazi Amir Hussain Sahib.

After this, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih said: “Those who preach abroad should also come forward because they understand their nature. On this, Chaudhry Fateh Muhammad Sahib and Qazi Abdullah Sahib came forward in that circle.”

Before reading out the manuscript, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih [IIra] said: “I thought that it would be a short treatise, but it has gone on to be 80 pages long.”

When all the friends got together, Huzoor[ra] started reading the manuscript.

Name of the gift When [Huzoorra] completed the reading of the treatise, there was a question about its name. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “I think it should be named Tuhfatul Muluk, Part II. The first part of Tuhfatul Muluk was for the Muslim rulers and this part is for the Christians.

“To present this gift, a beautiful and precious casket of silver should be prepared and the total number of those who contributed to its publishing should also be written on it in silver.

“This gift should be sent to the newspapers abroad and our missionaries should meet with the lords etc. over there and present this gift to them as well.

“Previously, there was no short book of this kind for Europe. On the last day [of the completion of this treatise], I wrote late into the night, and did not even eat. I have heard that one writes well on an empty stomach.”

Huzoor[ra] smilingly said: “It is said that a hungry lion fights well.”

“In fact, this treatise was written in two to three days. Six pages were written after the Jalsa [Salana Qadian]. Now, I have completed writing it in two to three days.

On one of the days, tragedy struck and I had a severe headache. The signs of fever began to appear and I put down my pen. I thought that I would not be able to write the treatise.

I put my head on a pillow and then offered prayer while sitting; then I saw a few lines were empty [on the page I was writing on]. I said to myself, ‘Let’s fill these lines somehow.’

When I started writing, the subject of the treatise opened upon me and the headache disappeared. At first, I couldn’t understand where that subject would lead to. Now, it seems that my mind was turned to what has been written and drawn towards it.”

In this treatise, where the types of miracles of the Promised Messiahas are mentioned, regarding them Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “The people of our Jamaat should pay attention to them. If they ponder over the different kinds of miracles of the Promised Messiahas, they will see millions of miracles.”

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] said: “A revelation of the Promised Messiahas has come to my knowledge, [that is], ‘After 25 February.’ This revelation is probably related to this gift and thus fulfilled.”

Fasting while sick or on a journey can be sinful

“

It is an act of taqwa

to follow the leniencies mentioned in the Holy Quran.

God has granted permission to those who are sick or on a journey to fast on other days, which is why one must also act upon this commandment.

I have read that many great men held the view that if one is to fast during sickness or on a journey, then this is disobedience [to God] because the purpose [of fasting] is to please Allah and not oneself. Obedience to Allah is to follow all the commandments and not apply one’s own notation to it.”

(Malfuzat, Vol. 5, p. 67)

23 January 1922 After the Fajr prayers, Sheikh Fazlur Rahman Sahib was to leave for Nigeria for tabligh [preaching]. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih wrote instructions on his notebook with his blessed pen and gave some verbal guidelines as well. Thereafter, Huzoor[ra] prayed for a long time by first taking his [Sheikh Fazlur Rahman Sahib’s] hand in his hand and then raising his own hands.

Advice to a missionary Hazrat Khalifatul Masih[ra] gave the following advice verbally: 1. Try to learn the language of the country [you are going to] because without it you cannot carry out tabligh [preaching].

2. Treat the people you preach to with great love and affection, and organise them under a proper administration. For example, different people should be appointed to look after them. Arrangements should also be made for offering prayers on regular basis.

3. The [African] nations show great respect to their chiefs, so when dealing with them, nothing should be said that they feel bad about. Moreover, when you advise them, do it separately, so that they do not feel humiliated. However, try to separately convince both the groups involved that their religious leader will be the one who has been

appointed by us.

4. Due to lack of education, they cannot understand the subtle details right now. For example, if [they are told that] the rewards in Paradise would be such that the prayers would take the form of fruits, [they would not be able to understand it]. Thus, it will be enough to tell them that Hell is a place where man goes because of disobedience to Allah and where there is severe torment. On the other hand, Paradise is a place where man who obeys the commands of Allah and His Messenger is rewarded with great solace and comforts. However, this does not mean that they should not be given proper education at all, but that they should be gradually imparted knowledge after they understand the primary matters.

5. One should never sit idle. We should always be active and do some exercise, such as walking at least. It has a lot to do with the soul. The prophets never remain idle.

6. When doing your work, never think that people will do your tasks. Don’t look at anyone else [that they will do your work].

However, if another person does something with the intention that he will be rewarded for doing that good deed, then you should also consider his intentions.

7. Be very careful regarding your morals.

Improve your morals as much as possible.

When dealing with the authorities, you

should show proper respect and also inform them about the reality of your teachings.

They have some matters in their hands, so one should not tease them on trivial matters.

8. Then, this idea nowadays is particularly present among the people you will be preaching to that the world despises and hates them, so treat them with love and don’t let them feel [despised]. Moreover, make them realise that the reason the world hates them is because of its unfaithfulness.

Therefore, they should not hate the said nations, but only consider their religion to be insignificant. These days, there is so much passion in them [Africans] that they want to take control of the whole world and inhabit it with their people. The said zeal reminds me of a hadith which says that an African will attack Mecca, so it may well mean that [they would occupy the whole world].

9. Always observe austerity in your actions, dress, food and drink. The habit of being grateful [to God] is developed in man through simplicity and after showing gratefulness, you get great blessings. A person who is not accustomed to frugality, even if he is granted huge bounties, will still say that it was his right to get more of them.

Therefore, true gratitude never comes from the heart of the one who is not austere.

(Translated by Al Hakam from the original Urdu in the 20 March 1922 issue of Al Fazl)

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022

The environmental costs of war and Islam’s solution Lubna Junaid Environmental Science student, Suriname

War always results in the same thing: Destruction.

In the aftermath of war, the focus lies on the loss of human life, the destruction of property and the great financial burden.

The silent victim of war, however, is the environment. One has to wonder what price the environment has paid as a result of modern warfare and what the effects of this destruction are on mankind. From the contamination of land and the destruction of forests to the plunder of natural resources and the collapse of management systems, the environmental consequences of war are often widespread and devastating.

The environmental impact of wars begins even before the war itself. Building and sustaining military forces consume vast quantities of resources. These might be common metals or rare earth elements, water or hydrocarbons. Military vehicles, aircraft, vessels, buildings and infrastructure all require energy, often oil with low energy efficiency.

The CO2 emissions of the largest militaries are greater than many of the world’s countries combined. The US Department of Defense is the world’s single largest institutional consumer of oil – and as a result, one of the world’s top greenhouse gas emitters.

The environmental impact of conflicts themselves varies. Some international armed conflicts may be brief but highly destructive. Some civil wars may last for decades but be fought at low intensity.

Among the first and most vulnerable targets of attack in a military campaign are the enemy’s roads, bridges, utilities and other infrastructure. While these don’t form part of the natural environment, the destruction of wastewater treatment plants, for example, severely degrades regional water quality.

High-intensity conflicts require

and consume vast quantities of fuel, leading to massive CO2 emissions and contributing to climate change. Large scale vehicle movements can lead to widespread physical damage to sensitive landscapes and geodiversity, as can the intensive use of explosive ordnance.

The use of explosive weapons in urban areas creates vast quantities of debris and rubble, which can cause air and soil pollution. Pollution can also be caused by damage to light industry and environmentally sensitive infrastructure such as water treatment plants.

As of yet, no toll of war was quite as great as that suffered during World War Two. The environmental effects of this war were seen across the globe, from forest fires in the United States to severe sand storms in North Africa.

In 1945, nuclear weapons were applied to kill for the first time, in Japan. The first impact of the atomic bombings was a blinding light, accompanied by a giant wave of heat. Dry flammable materials caught fire, and all men and animals within half a kilometre from the explosion sites died instantly. The blasts caused air pollution from dust particles and radioactive debris flying around, and from the fires burning everywhere. Many plants and animals were killed in the blast or died later from radioactive precipitation. Agricultural production was damaged. Radioactive sand clogged wells used for drinking water, thereby causing a drinking water problem that could not be solved for a long time.

During the first Gulf War, Iraq was bombed with hundreds of tons of missiles containing depleted uranium. Studies show an increase in cancer rates in Iraq, which has been linked to the shells used by the militaries. The radiation from these weapons has poisoned the soil and water in the area, possibly making the environment carcinogenic.

In October 2001, the United States

attacked Afghanistan as a starting chapter of the ‘war on terrorism’. During the war, extensive damage was done to the environment and many people suffered health effects from weapons applied to destroy enemy targets. It is estimated that 10,000 villages and their surrounding environments were destroyed. Safe drinking water declined because of the destruction of water infrastructure and resulting leaks, bacterial contamination and water theft.

Rivers and groundwater were contaminated by poorly constructed landfills located near the sources.

Bombs threaten much of the country’s wildlife. One of the world’s important migratory thoroughfares leads through Afghanistan. The number of birds now flying this route has dropped by 85%.

Pollution from the application of explosives entered the air, soil and water. One example is cyclonite, a toxic substance that may cause cancer. Numerous landmines left behind in Afghan soils still cause the deaths of men, women and children today.

Additionally, when warfare causes the mass movement of people, the resulting impacts on the environment can be catastrophic. Human displacement causes large environmental footprints, particularly where they are unplanned or lack essential services, like water, sanitation and waste management. Refugees turn to the environment to fulfil their basic needs.

Widespread deforestation, unchecked hunting, soil erosion and contamination of land and water by human waste occur when thousands of humans are forced to settle in a new area.

During the Rwandan civil conflict in 1994, a National Park in the country was opened to almost three-quarters of a million refugees; as a result of this refugee influx, local populations of animals like the roan antelope and the eland became extinct.

Tones of wood were removed from the park every day for two years to build shelters, feed cooking fires and created charcoal for sale. By the time the conflict ended over a hundred square km of the forest had been damaged.

Another basic need common to displacement camps and urban areas experiencing conflict is waste management.

Systems often break down during conflict leading to increased rates of waste dumping and burning, improper management and less waste segregation. Waste management systems are just one element of environmental governance that may collapse during conflicts. Local environmental laws and regulations may be ignored and local and national administrations may lose their capacity to monitor, assess or respond to environmental problems.

Islam regards war as a disliked and destructive activity. The Holy Quran describes war as a conflagration and declares

that it is God’s purpose to put out such a conflagration whenever it erupts, meaning that when war becomes inevitable it should be so waged as to cause the least possible amount of damage to life and property.

Fighting is permissible only to repel or halt aggression. But even in the course of such fighting, Muslims are not permitted any transgression, as the Quran instructs:

َّ ّٰ َُ ُ َُ َ ُ َ ّٰ َ ‫َوقا ِتلوۡا فِ ۡی َس ِب ۡی ِل الل ِه ال ِذيۡ َن يقا ِتلوۡنك ۡم َولَا ت ۡع َت ُد ۡوا � ِا ّن الل َه‬ ۡ ُ ‫لَا يُ ِح ّﺐ ال ُم ۡع َت ِديۡ َن‬

“And fight in the cause of Allah against those who fight against you, but do not transgress. Surely, Allah loves not the transgressors.” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.191) When Muslims were compelled to defend themselves, they were bound by strict instructions given by the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa; these rules of engagement during a war were not limited to protecting only humans but went even further. The Holy Prophetsa instructed that during any battle, no trees were to be felled, no crops were to be destroyed and no animals were to be killed. Nor was any inhabited place to be ruined. Civilians and non-combatants were not to be harmed either.

This guidance was given as a result of the beautiful teachings of the Holy Quran.

In direct contradiction to these teachings, in today’s world, we find indiscriminate firing and bombardment regularly occurring in war. We find that well-populated towns and cities are being targeted, resultantly killing innocent civilians, destroying homes and dismantling essential infrastructure.

Neither is the environment spared, with trees and crops being destroyed.

The threats of war are waged differently in our age, and its widespread environmental impacts last far longer than known before. Modern chemical, biological and nuclear warfare has the potential to wreak unprecedented environmental havoc.

In a press statement concerning the RussiaUkraine war, the Imam of our age, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: “For many years, I have warned the major powers of the world that they must heed the lessons from history, particularly in relation to the two catastrophic and devastating world wars that took place in the 20th Century. […] Unquestionably, the consequences of any escalation will be horrific and destructive in the extreme.

And so, it is the critical need of the hour that every possible effort is made to avoid further warfare and violence.” (24 February 2022, www.pressahmadiyya.com/pressreleases/2022/02/statement-of-world-headof-the-ahmadiyya-muslim-communityregarding-russia-ukraine-crisis/) May Allah the Almighty protect us from the rising global catastrophes and may true and lasting peace in the world prevail.

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

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Friday Sermon 4 March 2022 Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakrra After reciting the tashahhud, ta‘awuz and Surah al-Fatihah, Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Vaa said: With regard to the details of the election of Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra Khilafat, it has been recorded in Tarikh al-Tabari that on this occasion, Hazrat Hubbabra bin al-Mundhir stood up and said: “O people of the Ansar! Keep this matter in your hands as these people are currently under your care”, referring to the Muhajirin.

“No one will have the courage to oppose you and people will not disagree with your opinion. You are honourable, affluent, in the majority, strong, mighty and experienced warriors, courageous and brave. People have turned towards you in order to see what you do. Do not disagree at this moment as your [difference of] opinion will create disorder among you and your matter will be turned against you. Hence, if these people”, i.e. the Muhajirin of the Quraish, “reject what you have just heard then there will be one leader from among us and one leader from among them.”

Upon this, Hazrat Umarra said, “This is impossible! Two swords cannot be combined in one sheath. By Allah! Arabs will never agree to elect you as the leader, while their Prophetsa is from a different tribe than yours. However, the Arabs will have no objection to entrusting their matters to those among whom prophethood was established, nor [would they object] that their leaders should be elected from them. Furthermore, if any Arab rejects the leadership in this case, then we will be justified and have the right to oppose him. Who will oppose us regarding the leadership of Muhammadsa?

We are the very friends and family of the Holy Prophetsa. None but the foolish, a sinner and the one who throws himself into destruction will oppose this proposition.”

Hubbabra bin al-Mundhir said, “O people of the Ansar! Settle this matter among yourselves and do not at all agree with this person and his companions. They wish to devour your share as well and if they reject your proposition then drive them out of your areas and take control of all matters, because, by God, you are most deserving and worthy of this leadership. Your swords have made everyone obedient to this religion; all those who would otherwise not have obeyed. I take the responsibility of settling this entire matter on my shoulders, as I am experienced therein and also competent. By God! If you so desire then I will correct and settle this matter.”

Hazrat Umarra said, “If you do this then Allah will destroy you!” Hazrat Hubbabra replied, “It will, in fact, be you who will be

his allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and told the people to also swear allegiance, which they then did. (Al-Sunan al-Kubra li al-Nasa‘i, Kitab Wafat al-Nabisa, Hadith 7119, Vol. 4, p. 264, Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 1991)

After Hazrat Umarra, Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra bin al-Jarrah and Hazrat Bashirra bin Sad pledged their allegiance, and in this manner all of the Ansar pledged allegiance.

(Al-Kamil fi al-Tarikh, Vol. 2, p. 193, Dar-ul-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2003) (Ali bin Burhan al-Din alHalabi, Al-Sirah al-Halabiyyah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 506)

In Islamic literature, this pledge is also known as the “Bai‘at Saqifah” or “Bai‘at Khassah”. (Tarikh al-Khulafa al-Rashidin, Vol. 3, p.

367, 22, Dar al-Nafa‘is, Beirut, 2011)

It is mentioned in some narrations that Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah did not pledge his allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, whereas in other narrations it is evident that he pledged allegiance alongside all the Ansar.

It is recorded in Tarikh al-Tabari that all the people pledged their allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra one after another, and Hazrat Saadra bin Ubadah also pledged allegiance.

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Sanat Ihda Asharah, Dhikr al-Khabar ‘amma Jara baina al-Muhajirin wa al-Ansar… [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 266)

destroyed!”

At this moment, Hazrat Abu Ubaidahra said, “O congregation of Ansar! You are the pioneers in helping and assisting the religion. It should not be the case that you now become the first ones to alter and change it.”

Upon this, Bashirra bin Saad said, “O congregation of Ansar! The sole objective of the opportunity we received of fighting the idolaters and serving the religion of Islam in its early stages was to acquire the pleasure of our Creator and it was done in obedience to our Messengersa of Allah. It does not befit us to make ourselves superior to others and we do not desire any worldly benefit from this.

This is merely a favour of Allah the Almighty upon us. Hearken! The Holy Prophetsa was most certainly from among the Quraish and as such, his tribe is more deserving and worthy of this leadership. I swear by God and proclaim that I will not dispute with them regarding this matter! Fear Allah and do not oppose them and do not dispute with them in relation to this matter!” (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1987], p. 243)

Another narration of the speech of

Hazrat Umarra is recorded in Sunan alKubra li al-Nasa‘i that when the Ansar said in the courtyard of the Banu Sa‘idah that there should be one leader from among each party, Hazrat Umarra replied – as was previously mentioned – that there could not be two swords in one sheath as they would not fare well if it were so. Hazrat Umarra then took the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and said, “Who is it that possesses these three qualities:

َ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ُ ُ‫إ ۡذ يَق‬ ‫ول ل ِٰص ِح ِب ِہۦ لَا ت� َ� ۡن إِ ّن الل َه َم َعنا‬ ِ

That is, “When he (the Holy Prophetsa) said to his companion, ‘Grieve not, for Allah is with us’, who was the companion?” He then said:

َۡ ُ ۡ ِ‫إِذ ه َما فِي الغار‬

“‘When they were both in the cave,’ who were these two?”

Hazrat Umarra continued:

َ ّٰ َ ۡ َ ‫لَا ت� َ� ۡن ِإ ّن الل َه َم َعنا‬

“‘Do not grieve, for Allah is with us’; who was it that was beside the Holy Prophetsa?

Who was He with aside from Hazrat Abu Bakrra?” Saying this, Hazrat Umarra pledged

Whilst mentioning the Khilafat that followed after the Holy Prophetsa, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Observe how Khilafat was established after the Holy Prophetsa, and how wonderfully so. After his demise, Hazrat Abu Bakrra became the Khalifa. At the time, the Ansar desired for there to be a caliph from among them and one from among the Muhajirin. Having heard this, Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Hazrat Umarra and some other companions immediately made their way to where the Ansar had gathered. He said, ‘It is wrong for there to be two caliphs and that Islam would not progress through division.

There will only be one caliph. If you create division there will be disorder, your honour will be lost and the Arabs will tear you apart, so do not do this.’

“Some of the Ansar began presenting some arguments to him. Hazrat Umarra narrates, ‘I assumed that Hazrat Abu Bakrra did not possess the ability to deliver a speech, and so I should speak to the Ansar.

However, when Hazrat Abu Bakrra addressed them he presented all the points I had in mind.’ Hazrat Umarra continues, ‘In fact, he presented even more points. Seeing this, I thought to myself that today, this elderly gentleman has surpassed me.’ In the end,

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AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022 the grace of Allah was such that people from among the Ansar themselves stood up and proclaimed that whatever Hazrat Abu Bakrra had said was correct and that the Arabs would obey none other than the Meccans.

One Ansari passionately said, ‘O my people, Allah the Almighty sent His Messengersa to this nation. His kin drove him out of his city and we gave him a place in our homes, then as a result of this Allah Almighty granted us honour. We, of Medina, were without repute and lowly, but due to the Messengersa, we gained honour and repute. Hence, we should deem all of this sufficient for us and not become desirous for more, lest it harms us.’

“Hazrat Abu Bakrra then said, ‘It is vital to establish a Caliphate, so elect who you please as the Caliph, I myself have no desire to become the Caliph.’ Hazrat Abu Bakrra further said, ‘This is Abu Ubaidahra bin alJarrah, he was granted the title of “Custodian of the Ummah” by the Holy Prophetsa, so you may pledge your allegiance to him. There is also Umarra who is an unsheathed sword of Islam, so you may pledge allegiance to him.’ Hazrat Umarra said, ‘Abu Bakrra, that is enough, give your hand and accept our pledge of allegiance.’ Allah the Almighty instilled this courage in the heart of Hazrat Abu Bakrra and he accepted their pledge of allegiance.” (Majlis Khuddam-ul-Ahmadiyya Markaziyyah ke Salanah Ijtema 1956 mein Khitabat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 25, pp. 402-403)

In reference to the pledge of allegiance at Saqifah Banu Sa‘idah, it is further reported that the demise of the Holy Prophetsa took place on a Monday. The people began pledging allegiance at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra. The remainder of that Monday, and on the morning of Tuesday, the collective bai‘at took place in the mosque.

Hazrat Anasra bin Malik reports: “The day after the (initial) bai‘at took place at Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was seated in the mosque when Hazrat Umarra stood to speak prior to him.

He praised and glorified Allah, and then said, ‘O People, yesterday I said something to you’”, i.e. that the Holy Prophetsa had not passed away, “‘which is not mentioned in Allah’s book anywhere, nor did the Holy Prophetsa disclose this to me. However, I believed that the Holy Prophetsa would watch over us.’”

The narrator continues, “Hazrat Umarra said, ‘I thought that we would pass away before the Holy Prophetsa and that he would be the last of us. Undoubtedly, Allah the Almighty has left you such a thing [the Holy Quran] through which he guided the Holy Prophetsa, and if you are resolute in adhering to it, then Allah the Almighty will also guide you as just He guided the Holy Prophetsa.

Allah the Almighty has now entrusted your matters to a man who is the best among you, and who was the companion of the Holy Prophetsa; it was he about whom it was said:

َۡ ُ ۡ َۡۡ َ ِ‫ثانِيَ اثني ِن ِإذ ه َما فِي الغار‬

“‘“i.e. he was one among the two, when they were in the cave”. Therefore, hearken and pledge allegiance to him.’ And thus, following this, the people pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra delivered an address on the day that the collective bai‘at took place. After praising and glorifying Allah, he stated: “O People! Surely, I have been appointed

Photo courtesy of Suhaib Ahmad

as a guardian over you, but I am not the best among you. If I perform good works, then cooperate with me, and if I stray, then set me right. Upholding the truth is a trust, and falsehood is a breach of that trust. In my view, the weak among you are strong until I am able to afford them their rights from others. And the strong among you are weak in my sight until I am able to secure from them the rights of others – God willing. A nation that abandons jihad (struggle) for the sake of Allah is disgraced by Him, and a nation in which wrongdoings become prevalent is stricken with strife by Allah Himself. If I am obedient to Allah and His Messengersa, then follow me in obedience.

However, if I am disobedient to Allah and His messengersa, then it is not compulsory for you to be obedient to me. Now, stand for prayer. May Allah have mercy on you all.”

(Ibn Kathir, Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah, Vol. 6, Sanah 11 AH, Khilafat Abi Bakrra [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar alKutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2001] pp. 298-299)

There are many narrations regarding Hazrat Ali’sra pledge of allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra. In Tarikh al-Tabari, Habib bin Abi Thabit narrates: “Hazrat Alira was in his home when a person came to him and said, ‘Hazrat Abu Bakrra is now taking the pledge of allegiance.’

Hazrat Alira was wearing a simple robe at the time. In that state, where he was not wearing any extra garments nor his mantle, he hurried to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and pledged allegiance to him for fear in case he was delayed. He then sat beside Hazrat Abu Bakrra, after which he sent for his garments and dressed himself. He remained seated in the gathering around Hazrat Abu Bakrra.”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Hadith al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 257)

The narrations regarding Hazrat Ali’sra pledge of allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra vary; some narrations suggest that Hazrat Alira did not pledge allegiance for six months, and pledged allegiance after the demise of Hazrat Fatimahra, while other

narrations suggest that Hazrat Alira was inclined to pledge allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra immediately.

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudrira narrates: “After Hazrat Abu Bakrra had taken the pledge of allegiance from the Muhajirin and Ansar, he stood at the pulpit and looked to the people and noticed that Hazrat Alira was not among them. Hazrat Abu Bakrra enquired about the whereabouts of Hazrat Alira. Some people among the Ansar brought Hazrat Alira. Hazrat Abu Bakrra [addressed him] and said, ‘O cousin and son-in-law to the Messengersa of Allah, do you wish to break the strength of the Muslims?’ Hazrat Alira replied, ‘O Khalifa of the Messengersa of Allah, do not deal strictly with me in this matter.’ Following this, he pledged allegiance to him.” (Al-Salabi, Sirat Amir al-Mu’minin Ali bin Abi Talib Shaksiyyatuh wa Asruh [Beirut, Lebanon: Sar al-Ma’rifah, 2006], p. 119) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Sirah alNabawiyyah, Dhikr I‘tiraf Saad bin Ubadah bi Sihhat ma Qalah al-Siddiq Yaum al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 693)

Allamah Ibn Kathir states: “Hazrat Alira bin Abi Talib pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra on the first or second day after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, and this is the truth. The reason being is that Hazrat Alira never abandoned Hazrat Abu Bakrra, nor did he refrain from praying behind him.” (Ibn Kathir, Al-Sirah al-

Nabawiyyah, Dhikr I‘tiraf Saad bin Ubadah bi Sihhat ma Qalah al-Siddiq Yaum al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 694)

The Promised Messiahas states: “Hazrat Ali, may Allah honour him, was initially somewhat hesitant in pledging allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra; however, when he reached home, only Allah knows what crossed his mind. He did not even wear his turban and instead wore a simple cap and came to pledge allegiance. He later asked for his turban to be brought. It seems that perhaps a thought crossed his mind that it would be a grave sin to abstain [from pledging allegiance] and this is why he left in such haste that he did not even tie

his turban and instead came with a cap to pledge allegiance and asked for his turban to be brought later.” (Malfuzat, Vol. 10, p. 183) Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Look to Hazrat Abu Bakrra and observe that he was just an ordinary merchant in Mecca. If the Holy Prophetsa was not raised as a prophet and the history of Mecca was still recorded, all that would be said about Hazrat Abu Bakrra is that he was a noble and honest Arab merchant. However, for his devotion to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, he attained a rank that granted him respect and reverence around the entire world.

When the Holy Prophetsa passed away and when the Muslims elected Hazrat Abu Bakrra as their caliph and king, this news spread to Mecca. A large gathering had formed in which the father of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, Abu Quhafah, was also present. When he heard that the people had pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakrra, he could not come to terms with it. In astonishment, he asked the news bearer about which Abu Bakr he was referring to. He replied, ‘None other than your son, Abu Bakr.’ He began to site the names of every Arab tribe and asked, ‘Have they also pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr?’ And when he was told that everyone had unanimously chosen Hazrat Abu Bakrra to be their caliph and leader, then Abu Quhafah could not help but to remark:

َ​َ ُ َْ َ َ َ َُ َ ّ ٰ َّ ٰ َّ َ ُ ْ َ ‫أش َهد أ ْن لا ِإل َه ِإلا الل ُه َو ْحده لا ش ِريْـك ل ُه َوأش َهد أ ّن‬ ُ ُ​ُ َ ً َ ُ ‫محَ ّمدا ع ْبـده َو َر ُس ْول ُه‬

“That is, ‘I bear witness that there is none worthy of worship except Allah the Almighty and that the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa is His servant and messenger.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra continues: “This was despite the fact that Hazrat Abu Quhafahra was already a Muslim and had pledged allegiance to the Holy Prophetsa.

The reason he recited the declaration of faith and reaffirmed the prophethood of the Holy Prophetsa was because the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakrra was a stark realisation

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

18 and he understood this to be a substantial proof of the truthfulness of Islam. [He said], ‘Otherwise, my son was not someone under whom all of Arabia could have united.’”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 6, pp. 205-206)

Whilst mentioning this on another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Ponder over the condition of Hazrat Abu Bakrra prior to his acceptance of Islam.

His father was still alive when he became the Khalifa and someone congratulated him that Abu Bakrra had become the Khalifa.

Upon this, he asked, ‘Which Abu Bakr?’ to which he replied, ‘Your son’. Even then he was not convinced and said it was probably someone else. However, when he was informed that indeed it was Abu Bakrra, he proclaimed, ‘Allah is the Greatest! How lofty is the grandeur of Muhammadsa in that the son of Abu Quhafah has been accepted by the Arabs as their leader!’ Thus, Abu Bakrra possessed no worldly rank, but he attained such honour owing to his subservience to the Holy Prophetsa that even today hundreds of thousands of people are proud to associate themselves with him.” (Khitab Jalsa Salana 17 March 1919, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 4, p. 425)

Hazrat Khalifatul Masih Ira states: “Let it be known that Allah the Almighty does not remain indebted to anyone. In fact, however much one gives in the way of God, He grants hundreds of thousands of times more in return. Look at the example of Abu Bakrra, he left a simple dwelling in Mecca, but God Almighty valued that so much that in return, he granted him authority to reign over an entire kingdom.” (Haqaiq-ul-Furqan,

Vol. 1, p. 244)

There is a dream of the Holy Prophetsa with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra Khilafat.

It has been narrated by Hazrat Abdullahra bin Umar that the Holy Prophetsa stated: “I was shown in a dream that I was standing beside a well, and I used the bucket that was hanging there to draw water out.

In the meantime, Abu Bakrra came and he drew one or two buckets of water in such a manner that it seemed as if he had done so with great difficulty due to weakness, but that Allah would cover up his weakness and forgive him. Then, Umarra bin Khattab arrived and the bucket became larger, and I never saw such a mighty person as Umar who could perform such a monumental task. He drew so much water that everyone was satiated and then went back to their own dwellings.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Fada‘il Ashab al-Nabisa, Bab Manaqib ‘Umar bin a-Khattabra, Hadith 3682)

There is a dream of Hazrat Abu Bakrra as well. It is narrated that Hazrat Abu Bakrra once saw in a dream that he was wearing a garment made from a Yemeni cloth; however, it had two stains on the chest area.

Hazrat Abu Bakrra related this dream before the Holy Prophetsa and the Holy Prophetsa stated, “The Yemeni garment means that you will be granted a good progeny and the two stains mean leadership for a period of two years, in other words you will be the leader of the Muslims for two years.” (Kanz-ul-Ummal,

Vol. 3, p. 253, Kitab al-Khilafah ma‘a al-Imarah, Hadith 14111, Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, Beirut, 2004)

There are some details with regard to Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra allowance being fixed after he was appointed as the Khalifa.

After becoming the Khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra came to Medina. Upon assessing his responsibilities, he realised that he would not be able to properly deal with the affairs

of the people if he was still engaged in his trade business. Hence, it was essential for him to be completely free from all other tasks in order to remain completely focused [on the affairs of the people], but at the same time, he also had to provide for his household. And so, he left his trade business and would take some funds daily from the bait-ul-maal [treasury] in order to cover his and his family’s expenses. A yearly allowance of 6,000 dirhams was approved to be taken from the Bait-ul-Maal for his personal expenses. (Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 2, Sanah 13 AH [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 1987], p. 354)

This was sufficient enough to cover his and his family’s needs. However, as the time of his demise drew near, Hazrat Abu Bakrra instructed his family members that the money he had taken from the bait-ulmaal should be returned in its entirety. He instructed that such and such land of his should be sold and whatever he had taken from the wealth of the Muslims till that day ought to be repaid from the sale of that land. After the demise of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, when Hazrat Umarra became the Khalifa, he received the money [from that land] and upon this he began to cry and said, “O Abu Bakr Siddiqra! You have left a huge burden of responsibility upon the successor after you.”

(Muhammad Husain Haikal, Hazrat Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqra [Book Corner, Jhelum], p. 122)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra states: “Hazrat Abu Bakrra was the leader of the entire Muslim world, but what did he receive? Despite having complete control over the public funds, he never took any of it for himself. Although Hazrat Abu Bakrra was a very successful merchant, since he had the habit that whatever wealth he received he would immediately spend it in the way of God Almighty, therefore it so happened that upon the demise of the Holy Prophetsa when he became the Khalifa, he did not have any money in cash at the time. The very next day after becoming the Khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakrra took a small bag of clothes and left in order to sell it. Hazrat Umarra happened to meet him on the way and enquired what he was doing. Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied that after all he had to do something in order to eat; if he did not sell those clothes, how would he provide for himself. Hazrat Umarra stated that this would not be plausible, because if he spent his time selling clothes, who would fulfil the responsibilities of the Caliph? Hazrat Abu Bakrra replied, ‘If I do not do this, how will I survive?’ Hazrat Umarra said that he should take some allowance from the bait-ul-maal. Hazrat Abu Bakrra stated that he could not bear to take anything from the bait-ul-maal because he had no right over it. Hazrat Umarra stated that when the Holy Quran had permitted that the funds of the bait-ul-maal could be spent on those who served their faith then why could he not take it. And so, an allowance was fixed for Hazrat Abu Bakrra from the bait-ul-maal. The amount that was fixed was just sufficient enough to cover the expense for food and clothes.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, p. 468.)

Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra era of Khilafat was the shortest amongst all the Khulafae-Rashidin and spanned approximately two and a quarter years. Despite spanning such a short era, it is considered as one of the most significant and golden periods of Khilafat-e-Rashida. This is because Hazrat

Abu Bakrra had to face the greatest danger and trials, and in turn, owing to God Almighty’s extraordinary help, support and blessings, within a short period of time, Hazrat Abu Bakr’sra remarkable bravery, courage, sagacity and wisdom eliminated the precarious and dangerous circumstances and all the fears were transformed into peace. He crushed the unruly and rebellious people in a way that the leadership in the form of Khilafat, which appeared to be passing through a turbulent period, was established on firm foundations.

The dangerous circumstances and difficulties which Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra had to face have been mentioned by Umm al-Muminin, Hazrat Aishara. Whilst mentioning this, the Promised Messiahas states: “It has been narrated by Hazrat Aishara, ‘When my father was appointed as Khalifa and Allah granted him leadership, right from the outset of his Khilafat he observed the upsurge of disorder from every direction, the efforts of the false claimants to prophethood and the rebellion of the hypocrites and apostates. The number of calamities he had to face were such that if they were to befall upon a mountain it would cause it to immediately crush and crumble to the ground. However, he was granted patience like that of the prophets and eventually Allah the Almighty bestowed His succour and the false claimants to prophethood and apostates were killed. The disorders and dangers were put to an end, the situation was resolved and the institution of Khilafat was firmly established. Allah the Almighty saved the believers from the calamity, transformed their state of fear into peace, established for them their religion, He established the entire land upon the truth and utterly humiliated those who sought to create disorder. Allah fulfilled His promise and granted support to His servant, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra and destroyed the leaders of the rebellion and their idols. The hearts of the disbelievers were completely overawed and they ultimately repented. This indeed was the promise of Allah, Who is the AllPowerful and Most Truthful. Thus, ponder how all the characteristics and hallmarks of Khilafat were fulfilled in the person of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra.’” (Sirr al-Khilafah [translated], pp. 49-50, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 8, p. 335)

Right from the outset of his Khilafat, Hazrat Abu Bakrra had to face the following five trials.

1. The grief of the Holy Prophet’ssa demise.

2. The election of Khilafat and the fear and danger of disorder and division emerging amongst the Muslim ummah.

3. The matter relating to the departure of Usama’sra army.

4. Those who called themselves Muslims and yet refused to pay the Zakat and planned to attack Medina. In history, this is known as “the disorder of those who refused to pay the Zakat.”

5. The disorder of the apostates, i.e. by those rebellious people who openly declared to create disorder and initiate war. Among them were also those who falsely claimed prophethood.

The details of how Allah the Almighty granted success to Hazrat Abu Bakrra in order to completely eliminate these precarious circumstances, calamities and disorder will be mentioned further on.

However, a detailed extract of the “The Just Arbiter”, the Promised Messiahas, will be presented in which the Promised Messiahas has mentioned the similarities between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and the first successor of Prophet Mosesas, Joshua, son of Nun, and also the difficulties and challenges faced by Hazrat Abu Bakrra and the victory and success he was granted. The Promised Messiahas writes: “The verse whereby the resemblance between the successors of the Mosaic dispensation and the successors of the Holy Prophetsa has been categorically and emphatically declared as follows:

َّ َ ۡ ُ ْ ُ َ ٰ َ َّ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ ّٰ ْ‫نك ۡم َو َعم ُلوا‬ ‫الص ِل ٰح ِت ل َ َي ۡس َتخ ِلفن ُه ۡم‬ ‫وعد الله ال ِذين امنوا ِم‬ َِ ۡ ‫في الۡأَ ۡرض َك َما‬ ۡ‫ين ِمن َق ۡب ِلهم‬ َ ‫اس َت ۡخ َل َف الّ ِذ‬ ِ ِ ِ

“That is, ‘Allah has promised to those among you who believe and do good works that He will surely, make them Successors in the earth, as He made Successors from among those who were before them.’ [Ch.24: V.56] “When we ponder over the word that signifies resemblance and thus makes it incumbent for there to be similarities between the successors of the Holy Prophetsa and the successors of Prophet Mosesas, we must accept that Hazrat Abu Bakrra was to establish the first foundation of this similarity and the final similarity was to be demonstrated by the Messiah, who was the last Khalifa of the Holy Prophetsa.

“The similitude of Hazrat Abu Bakrra, who was the first Khalifa, is like that of Joshua, son of Nun. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, God chose him for the station of Khilafat and He breathed in him a spirit of wisdom more than He did to anyone else. To the extent that all doubts and difficulties that could have arisen in the time of the Seal of the Caliphs [i.e. the Promised Messiah], regarding the false belief that Jesus [son of Mary] was alive, had been removed by Hazrat Abu Bakrra with the utmost clarity. The companions unanimously accepted that all previous prophets had passed away and not a single one of them believed otherwise. In fact, all the companions obeyed Hazrat Abu Bakrra in all matters, just like the Israelites obeyed Joshua, son of Nun, after the death of Mosesas. God provided succour and help to Moses and Joshua, just as he supported the Holy Prophetsa and Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra after him.”

“Yashu” son of Nun and “Yusha” son of Nun are the names of the same person.

(Qamus al-Kitab, p. 1144, Under the word “Yusha”)

The Promised Messiahas further states: “In reality, just as He did with Joshua, son of Nun, God Almighty blessed Hazrat Abu Bakrra so much so that no enemy could challenge him. Similarly, the unfinished matter of Usama’sra army, which was similar to the tasks that remained unfinished in the time of Mosesas, was fulfilled by Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

“There is another extraordinary similarity between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Joshua, and that is when Mosesas passed away, the first person Allah the Almighty informed, by means of revelation, was Joshua. This was to save the Jews from falling into doubt or error with regard to the death of Mosesas, as has been mentioned in the opening chapter of the book of Joshuaas [in the Old Testament]. In the same manner,

19

AL HAKAM | Friday 1 April 2022 the first person to accept wholeheartedly that the Holy Prophetsa had passed away was Hazrat Abu Bakrra. He kissed the blessed body of the Holy Prophetsa and said, ‘You were pure in this life and even after death you remain pure.’ Then, before a large gathering, he removed all those doubts with regard to the Holy Prophetsa being alive that had persisted in the mind of some companions, by reciting a verse of the Holy Quran. At the same time, he uprooted the belief held by certain people – owing to not pondering over the sayings of the Holy Prophetsa – that the Messiahas [son of Mary] was alive. Just as Joshuaas, destroyed the enemies of the faith who spread falsehood and disorder, in the same way, many mischief-makers and false claimants of prophethood were killed at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

“Prophet Mosesas died in such a precarious time when the Israelites had not yet attained victory against the Canaanites, and were yet to accomplish many feats. All the while the cries of the enemies grew even more prominent after the death of Mosesas which created an even more perilous situation. Likewise, a dangerous period followed the demise of the Holy Prophetsa.

Many tribes in Arabia abandoned their faith, some refused to pay the Zakat and many false claimants to prophethood rose up.

Such perilous time required a strong, brave and valiant Khalifa, who had unwavering faith and determination, and thus Hazrat Abu Bakrra was appointed the Khalifa.

And as soon as he was appointed as the Khalifa, he had to face many great sorrows and hardship, as explained by the saying of Hazrat Aishara that ‘owing to dissension and rebellion, some tribes rose up as did certain false claimants to prophethood. They did this at a time when my father had been appointed as the Khalifa after the demise of the Holy Prophetsa. So many trials and sorrows befell him, that had they descended upon a mountain, it would have broken into pieces and fallen to the ground.’ However, it is the law of nature that whenever a Khalifa is appointed after the demise of a prophet, a spirit is breathed into them, which instils them with bravery, courage, resolve, wisdom and a strong heart; just like Allah the Almighty says to Joshua son of Nun in the Book of Joshua, chapter 1, verse 6, ‘Be strong and of good courage.’ That is to say that since Mosesas had passed away, now he must stand strong. The same was revealed upon the heart of Hazrat Abu Bakrra not as an injunction of the Sharia, but as a divine decree. The equivalence and similarity in the incidents make it seem as though Abu Bakr bin Abi Quhafah and Joshua, son of Nun are the same person. The similarity of their successorship has become established with the utmost clarity. When looking at the similarities between two established communities, it is natural to look at the first person or the last person. Usually, people do not consider it necessary to look at the similarities during the middle period of both communities, which requires more careful investigation and research. Instead, it is based on the first and last. For this reason, the similarities between Joshua and Hazrat Abu Bakrra – who were the first Caliphs of their respective communities – and also the similarities between Jesus, son of Mary, and the Promised Messiah of this Ummah – who were the last caliphs of their respective communities, have become manifest with

full clarity. For example, the resemblance between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Joshua is so striking that it is as if they are one person, like two pieces of the same gemstone.

Thus, after the demise of Mosesas, all of the Israelites hearkened to the call of Joshua and none from among them quarrelled in this matter and instead obeyed him, so too did this incident take place in the time of Hazrat Abu Bakrra. Despite shedding tears at the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, everyone wholeheartedly accepted the Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakrra.

“Thus, from every aspect, the similarity of Joshuaas with Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiqra can be proven. God supported Joshuaas with His divine succour, as he would support Mosesas. In the same manner, God blessed the work of Hazrat Abu Bakrra for all the companions to see, and his prestige grew just as it does in the case of prophets. Having been imbued with power and might from God Almighty, Hazrat Abu Bakrra destroyed the false claimants of prophethood and those who tried to create disorder. This was so the companions, may Allah be pleased with them, understand that Allah is with Abu Bakrra, just as he was with the Holy Prophetsa.

“Another remarkable similarity between Hazrat Abu Bakrra and Joshuaas, son of Nun is that after the demise of Prophet Mosesas, Joshua had to cross a dangerous river called the Jordan River, along with his army. The river was turbulent and to cross it seemed impossible. However, if they were not able to cross this dangerous river, it was plausible that the Israelites would perish at the hands of their enemies. Thus, after the demise of Prophet Mosesas, this was the first perilous situation faced by Joshuaas in his ministry.

During this trial, God Almighty saved Joshuaas, son of Nun and his army through the power of His miracle and caused the river to dry up, which enabled them to cross over easily. The reason it dried was due to the ebb and flow of the river or then an extraordinary miracle. Nonetheless, this is how God saved the Israelites from this danger and from perishing at the hands of the enemy. After the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, the rightful caliph – Abu Bakrra – and the companions, who numbered more than 100,000 faced a similar grave situation, in fact, it was even more dangerous; that was in the form of a fierce rebellion which swept throughout the land. It was certain that those Arab Bedouins, regarding whom Allah the Almighty had said:

ْ ُ ُ َّ ُ َّ َ َ ُ َ ۡ َ ۡ َ َ َ َ َ َْ ُ ُ ‫امنا ۖ قل ل ۡم ت ۡؤ ِمنوا َولٰ ِك ْن قولوٓا أ ۡسل ۡمنا َول َ ّما‬ ‫قال ِت الأعراب ء‬ ۡ‫يَ ۡد ُخل الۡإ ٰيم ُن في ُق ُلوب ُكم‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

would show dissent, so that this prophecy would be fulfilled.”

The translation of the verse is: “The Arabs of the desert say, ‘We believe.’ Say, ‘You have not believed yet, but rather say, ‘We have submitted’, for true belief has not yet entered into your hearts.’”

Nonetheless, the Promised Messiahas continues: “This is exactly what transpired and they all became apostates. Some of them refused to pay the Zakat and some claimed to be prophets and several hundreds of thousands of wretched individuals rallied behind them.

The force of the enemies grew so much that the number of the companions was no match in comparison. A fierce storm of

opposition swept throughout the land. This scenario was far more dangerous than the one faced by Joshuaas, son of Nun. After the demise of Mosesas, Joshuaas was embroiled in a grave trial, whereby they faced a tempestuous river and had no boats with which to cross it; all the while the threat of the enemy lingered around them. Similarly, Hazrat Abu Bakrra was faced with the trial of the demise of the Holy Prophetsa, as well as a storm of opposition from the rebelling Arab tribes. A second trial – which was in the form of false claimants of prophethood – gave strength to the first trial. This trial was not anything less than the trial faced

by Joshuaas, son of Nun, but in fact was much more dangerous. Thus, the Word of God gave strength to Joshuaas, wherein He stated, ‘the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’, and, ‘Be strong and brave.

Do not be discouraged.’ This gave strength to Joshuaas and filled him with resolve and faith, the like of which develops when one is reassured by God. Likewise, Hazrat Abu Bakrra drew strength from God when faced with a storm of rebellion. Anyone who is familiar with this period of Islamic history can concur that the trial faced by Hazrat Abu Bakrra was so grave, that were it not for the Hand of God beside Abu Bakrra, and if Islam was not a religion sent by God and if Abu Bakrra was not the true Caliph, then on that day, Islam would have been annihilated.

So, as was the case with Prophet Joshuaas, Hazrat Abu Bakrra also drew strength from God’s pure word, because God Almighty had previously foretold of this trial in the Holy Quran. Thus, whosoever deliberates over the following verse, will become certain beyond any doubt that this trial had already been mentioned in the Holy Quran; and that prophecy was:

ٰ َّ ْ ُ َ َ ۡ ُ ْ ُ َ َ َ َّ ُ ّٰ َ َ َ ‫الص ٰـ ِل َح ِت‬ ‫وعد الله ال ِذين ءامنوا ِمنكم وع ِملوا‬ ۡ ‫ل َ َي ۡس َت ۡخ ِل َف َّن ُه ۡم في الۡأَ ۡرض َك َما‬ ۡ‫ين ِمن َق ۡب ِلهم‬ َ ‫اس َت ۡخ َل َف الَّ ِذ‬ ِ ِ َ ِ َّ َ​َّ ّ َ َ​َ ‫َول َ ُي َم ِكن ّن ل َ ُه ۡم ِدين ُه ُم ال ِذي ۡارتض ٰى ل َ ُه ۡم َول َ ُي َب ِّدلَن ُهم ِّم ۢن بَ ۡع ِد‬ َ َ ُ ُۡ َ َ ُ َُۡ ًَۡۡ َۡ َ​َ ‫ون بِي ش ۡيـًٔا ۚ َو َمن كف َر بَ ۡع َد‬ ‫خوفِ ِهم أمنا ۚ يعبدوننِي لا يش ِرك‬ َ‫ٰذل َِك َفأ ُ ْول َ ٰٓـئ َك ُه ُم ال ۡ ٰفسقُوْن‬ ِ ِ

“Meaning that ‘Allah has promised the pious believers that he would make them successors in the earth, similar to the successors He made in the past and would appoint vicegerents in this ummah, like he appointed vicegerents after Prophet Mosesas.’”

The Promised Messiahas has himself written this explanatory translation.

The Promised Messiahas further says: “’He would appoint vicegerents in this ummah, like he appointed vicegerents after Prophet Mosesas and he would establish for them their religion, (i.e. Islam) which He has chosen for them, He would reinforce this religion and give them in exchange security and peace after their fear. They will worship Me, and they will not associate anything with Me’. Deliberate over this verse which clearly states that there will be a period of fear wherein peace would fade away. However, God will transform this period of fear into a period of peace and security. Thus, this period of fear fell upon Joshuaas, son of Nun, and just as the Word of God assured him, in the same way, the Word of God assured Hazrat Abu Bakrra.” (Tohfah Golarwiyyah, Ruhani Khazain, Vol. 17, pp. 183-189)

The details of the remaining five aspects will be explained in the future, insha-Allah.

Pray for the current state of conflict in the world. The situation continues to become increasingly perilous and now even threats of atomic warfare are being made. As I have mentioned previously on many occasions, this will have horrendous consequences which the future generations will have to endure. It is only Allah Who can guide these people.

Recite a lot of durood [invoking salutations upon the Holy Prophetsa] these days and also istighfar [seeking forgiveness].

May Allah the Almighty forgive us of our sins and grant wisdom and understanding to the leaders of the world.

On one occasion, the Promised Messiahas particularly drew the attention of the Jamaat towards reciting the following prayer:

ُّ َ َ​َ َ ‫الدن ۡ َيا َح َس َن ًة َوفي الۡأٓخ َِر ِة َح َس َن ًة َوقِ َنا َع َذ‬ ‫اب‬ ‫َر ّبنٓا َءا ِتنا فِي‬ َِ ّ ِ‫النار‬

The Promised Messiahas stated that one should recite this whilst standing after the ruku [bowing in Salat]. (Malfuzat, Vol. 1, p.

9) There is a great need these days to extensively recite this prayer. May Allah the Almighty grant us the bounties and also protect everyone from all forms of punishment of the fire.

I will also lead a funeral prayer inabsentia today of respected Abu Al-Farj AlHusni Sahib of Syria, who passed away on 13 February at the age of 90.

َ ‫إنَّا ل ِ ّٰل ِه َوإنَّٓا إل َ ۡي ِه ٰرج ُع‬ ‫ون‬ ِ ِ ِ ِ

[“Surely, to Allah we belong and to Him shall we return.”]

His father, respected Muhammad Al-Husni Sahib was among the pioneer Ahmadis [in Syria]. He accepted Ahmadiyyat through the [preaching] efforts of Maulana Jalaluddin Shams Sahib. Abu Al-Farj Al-Husni Sahib was the nephew of the first amir of the Syrian jamaat, respected Munir Al-Husni Sahib and also served as the naib amir during his time in office and afterwards as well.

He was born in 1933; he was positively influenced by the virtues, piety and academic discussions with his uncle, Munir Al-Husni Sahib as he would often sit in his company.

He was 15 years old when, one day, he was moved to tears upon hearing the recitation of the Holy Quran on the radio. He went to his uncle and said that he wished to learn more about Allah. He gave him a book of the Promised Messiahas, and when he read it, a great transformation came about within him and he went to his uncle saying that he wished to pledge allegiance.

He had the good fortune of meeting three Caliphs; he was blessed with the opportunity of meeting Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra in 1955 when Hazrat Muslehe-Maudra visited Damascus and he also had the opportunity of serving as part of Huzoor’sra security. Then, in 1972, he had the opportunity of travelling to Pakistan and spending a few months in the company of Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIIrh in Rabwah, during which time he was able to learn Urdu and attain in-depth knowledge regarding the Jamaat. In the same year, he was able to travel from Pakistan to Qadian. In 1986 he travelled to England on the occasion of Jalsa Salana and had the honour of an audience with Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh. Then in 2017, he was able to attend Jalsa Salana

Friday 1 April 2022 | AL HAKAM

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The Holy Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said:

“

Fear Allah wherever you are, do good deeds even if you have done bad deeds – the former would wipe out the latter – and behave decently towards people.”

((Jami‘ at-Tirmidhi at-Tirmidhi,, Kitab-ul-Birr)

Qadian once again and also delivered a brief address in Arabic during the Jalsa.

The deceased was virtuous, pious, sincere and an elder whose actions were in accordance with his words. He did not have any children and his wife is not an Ahmadi.

The sadr [president] of the Syrian jamaat says: “I accompanied him in 2017 on a visit to Qadian. He was quite weak, yet the degree of his passion was such that it seemed as if he was not walking; rather, it was as if he was soaring in the air.” Initially, he was reluctant to go because of his illness, but when I told him that he should visit, he said that now that the Khalifa had given an order, or said that he should go, then there was no need to worry. Allah the Almighty bestowed His blessings and both he and his wife were cured of their illness and weakness. Thus, by the grace of Allah the Almighty, he travelled to Qadian; in fact, he was also able to climb to the top of Minaratul Masih. It is said that he climbed to the top faster than the youths who were there, despite the fact that he had previously experienced difficulty in walking.

Mousallam Aldroubi Sahib, who is a doctor, writes: “I, as are others, am witness to the fact that the deceased was a friend of Allah and

from among the devotees of Syria. He was a renowned tradesman in Damascus. He was exemplary and well-known. He was very wise and intelligent. He was regular in offering Tahajjud [voluntary pre-dawn] prayers. He experienced true dreams, many of which were fulfilled, including those pertaining to the various hardships and struggles faced by Syria. When various missionaries travelled to Syria in order to study Arabic he would treat them very respectfully, firstly because they had been sent by the Khalifa and secondly because they had dedicated their lives for the sake of propagating the message of Islam.”

Husam Al-Naqeeb Sahib, the former sadr of Syria who currently resides in Turkey, writes: “The deceased possessed many excellent qualities, the foremost of which was his love for the Promised Messiahas and his Khulafa.

I will never forget my trip to Qadian with him, a trip in which every aspect was a miracle. I remained with him throughout our visit to Qadian, and he would constantly pray, ‘O God, bestow the Khalifa with Your help and support and bestow your blessings in his life and everything he does.’” He further writes, “Whenever someone was mentioning a directive from the Khalifa in

a gathering, he would not allow anyone else to speak so that he could hear, understand and derive benefit from the directive in its entirety.”

He was extremely selfless. It did not please him to hear others complimenting him; rather, he would admonish them saying to leave such things, because Allah and His community are all that matter and that they should speak about the Jamaat instead. He always studied the books of the Promised Messiahas. Aside from the last few years of his life when he was extremely weak, he never stopped studying Jamaat literature. He had a special attachment to Tafsir-e-Kabir by Hazrat Musleh-e-Maudra.

Whenever someone asked him about the commentary of a verse in the Holy Quran, he would present the explanation given in Tafsir-e-Kabir.

His nephew, Muhammad Ammar AlMiski Sahib who lives here in the UK says: “I was 14 years old when I used to go with him to offer the Friday prayer. While returning home with him, I would ask him questions about things pertaining to the Jamaat along the way and he would answer in great detail. Jamaat literature was not available in Syria, and so the deceased played a huge role in imparting Jamaat

knowledge to its members. He had learned to read Urdu while visiting Rabwah and would bring Urdu books back with him in order to read and understand them. He would then translate them into Arabic so he could help explain them to members of the Jamaat.”

The deceased was selfless and never desired any official post but preferred to always remain a servant of the faith. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IVrh wished to appoint him as the amir; however, he [Al-Husni Sahib] said that people might assert that the office of amir had become an inherited post based on lineage and thus requested for someone else to be appointed, and he would fully cooperate with whoever it was. Thereafter he cooperated with an amir who was younger than him and was in fact exemplary in his cooperation.

May Allah the Almighty grant the deceased forgiveness, elevate his station and accept all his prayers in favour of his wife and enable her to accept Ahmadiyyat. After the prayers, I will offer his funeral prayer inabsentia.

(Official Urdu transcript published in Al Fazl International, 25 March 2022, pp. 5-10. Translated

by The Review of Religions.)

Editor: Qaasid Muin Ahmad | Design & Layout: Jalees Ahmad | Sub-Editorial: Ataul Fatir Tahir, Aqeel Ahmed Kang | News: Ata-ul-Haye Nasir | © Al Hakam 2022